Die Once & Live Forever

        The martyrs die for Christ, but we can always die in Christ. In either case, the subjects die once and will live forever! 

How People Talk

        It's interesting that those who do not know God talk as if they know everything, while those who know God talk as if they do not know anything but God.

We Are like Computers

        I just had some viruses or malware removed from my computer. I was told by one technician that if I didn't do anything, the computer most likely would head toward a crash. The sounds very much like a sinner and what could happen to him. Sins are like viruses and a sinner is infected with them. For him, the loss of eternal life is that big crash.  

The Movie "For Greater Glory"

        I did go see the movie For Greater Glory yesterday with some friends. To be objective about it ~ let's say that I am not even a Catholic ~ I'd say that the film was well made, quite dramatic, and has some very moving moments. Above all, it tells the story objectively, showing violence committed by both sides, and did get the point across. Out of 5 stars, I would rate it 3.5 to 4 stars. Don't pay too much attention to the less favorable reviews that have appeared in a number big city newspapers ~ those critics tend to nitpick from the point of view of a film school instructor, but the many imperfections are not likely to bother the average audience. When our group watched it, we were kept awake for the entire 147 minutes and got quite emotionally exhausted. Overall, it tells a memorable story.    

God, Our Standard

        God is the only standard against which all of us are to be measured. On our own, any standards we set up will only be temporary, relative, and possibly unreliable or even misguided. If you believe that we should have only one standard, then we have no choice but to follow God. The world is in chaos and disorder because the Lord is not held up as its standard. Without God's example as revealed through Christ, we'll never know what the greatest love and true humility are.  

Goal of a Christian:

To draw all to the love of Christ.         

From Have-Nots to Haves

        I have been thinking about what Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 4.25 (also in Matthew): "To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." The first part is true. Anyone who has received much from the Lord will want more from him because what he has received is good. The Lord then generously gives him even more...it goes on continuously like that. The second part is the flip side of the first, but there is hope for the have-nots too, for the Lord also said that the last would be first and the first would be last. All the one who has not has to do is to start asking the Lord to become one who has.    

Sacrament Most Holy

        At Mass today again, as I received the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I experience the greatest possible intimacy with Jesus ~ a "union" not possible with another human being nor by any other means. It is the perfect fusion between God and man on earth. No wonder the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament Most Holy.

Media Bias Against Church

        The liberal media in this country are very much biased against the Catholic Church. It's nothing new that the good guys always get picked on. The media cover up the truths by not telling them, but Jesus assured us that even the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against his church (Matthew 16:18). Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Reading 1 from Romans 12, we heard read: "Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them." Indeed, what's going on will only strengthen the Church, for to suffer and fight for Christ's sake is both a joy and a blessing. Let's pray for the media just as hard as we pray for the Church.

       (If you have the film For Greater Glory currently showing in a nearby theater, go see it. It's the account of Mexico's fight for religious liberty against government persecution.)     

How Should I Pray?

        I suffered a shoulder injury (bothersome, but not painful). I've been praying for healing. But after several months, I still could feel it. So what should I do? 

        (1) I know that nothing is impossible with God. If I do stop praying, it has to be because I want to let God decide whether he wants to heal me or not.
        (2) In Scripture, Jesus also said that our persistence can weary the Lord to the point that he would just give in and let us have our way. In other words, he encouraged us to pray.  

          (3) I've decided to continue praying for recovery; but regardless of what happens, I am going to remain peaceful. Praying is talking to the Lord ~ always good for the soul. So it's going to be persistent praying without anxiety. 

How to Love

        Just one simple lesson: Let God love you first and always.

Two Contrasting Existences

        When we are born into this world, it's as if we are dropped into a jungle. The lost souls are the ones who have no idea why they are here. They see only the trees and not the forest of which the trees are a part. They are attracted by the beauties they find in the forest and don't think much about getting out of the forest because they don't know how.

        On the other hand, the ones who know Jesus well have all the answers to their existence. They see the entire picture, the whole forest and what's beyond. They are not lured by the local attractions after knowing where they are heading. That's why they live joyfully with peace in their hearts ~ they have been found by God.

Do You Deny Jesus?

        Peter denied knowing Jesus three times and the Lord asked him later "Do you love me?" three times. Anytime we are ashamed of letting others know that we follow Jesus, we are guilty of denying him too. In fact, committing any sin against God is to deny that Jesus is our Lord. If he asks you the same question he asked Peter, how are you going to answer him?  

Believing in God the Right Way

        If Jesus is truly the Son of God and our Savior, then we must believe in him wholeheartedly, asking no questions, making no more analyses of him, no more lofty discussions about him, and believing with our hearts instead of with our minds. In other words, we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). I believe in this way and everything turns out most beautifully. This is my simple testimony.  

A Joyful Sinner

        As I received the Lord this morning in the Holy Eucharist, I trembled because I was a most wretched sinner before him, and I felt an even greater need for his mercy. This urges me to surrender to him even more to seek a perfect union. Joy at last!

Body and Soul Distinct

        We must realize that the soul and the body are two distinct entities. While being united on earth, they often affect the other. For example, an unhappy soul can impair the health of the body and conversely, a body of ill health can dampen one's spirits and causes him to neglect the soul. To be aware that they are distinct from each other helps us to keep them healthy separately so that the condition of one may not impede the progress of the other. We do our best to take care of the temporary body while it lasts and we make sure that the imperishable soul progresses smoothly in its own journey.  

Rich in Jesus

        2 Corinthians 8.9, today's Gospel Acclamation at Mass: "Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich." I could have quoted this in my first post today. This is what makes the Lord so lovable ~ his complete lack of self-glory. He even became one of us. I am rich for having such a beautiful friend. Thank you again, Jesus.

Most Important to God and Us

        Do you know what is most important to both God and us? 

        Answer: !sluos ruo fo noitavlas ehT