Inspired by Pope Francis

        Pope Francis' humble acts have been refreshing and inspiring. To follow his example, we should also once in a while step out of our comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary for the glory of God. This should spice up our spiritual journey.

It's My Ego!

        I've said in the past that I don't think of myself as either a liberal or a conservative ~ I only care about if I am following Jesus or not. (Actually, Jesus was quite a radical in his time.) I must admit that before I knew Jesus, I was quite liberal in my views. I never seriously considered if abortion is right or wrong ~ the right for a woman to do whatever she wants with her body sounded fine to me. Divorce was OK too ~ if one can't get along with his or her spouse, why not try again with someone else? Reflecting back, I see that it was my own ego that lead me to form my "naive" views ~ I wanted to "liberate" everyone! Was I willing to carry any cross myself? No! It was after knowing God personally that I began to see how my ego had blinded me from knowing God and from ever considering seriously if my choice was right or wrong ~ definitely not good old days for me.

To Be Completely Free

        Communion experience. The Lord made me see clearly that the ego imprisons us. And God cannot dwell in one who still wishes to remain in his own prison. When you leave the ego and let God completely fill you, you become completely free.   

Blazing for God's Glory

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 12, Jesus said at the beginning to his disciples, "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" To me, this is the fire that's going to purify us to make us fit for his kingdom. This is the fire the soul desperately needs to be renewed and transformed. The burning may be painful, but ultimately sweet. Lord, set us all ablaze for your great glory!

God, Everlasting & Our Answer

      Scientists have been trying hard to figure out how the universe got started. Here's my simple consideration of all the possibilities.

       (1) There was absolutely nothing, not even the space the universe exists in, then the universe came into being. Something coming into existence from nothingness ~ this is only possible if God had been there. (2) Space has always been in existence and the stuff the universe is made of came into being later. Mind you, even if space is all empty and invisible to us, it is something that is a reality. Again, it points to the existence of God, the creator. (3) The stuff the universe is made of has always existed. In that case, there wasn't a beginning to speak of. This would be totally beyond the understanding of man, but becomes completely logical if you believe that God has always existed. 

        When the Lord gave his name as I AM in the Scriptures, he revealed his everlasting existence. And he became the logical answer to all our questions.

Ego, Our Real Enemy

        Disasters are either caused by nature or man. I scan the news online today and can state without exception that all the man-caused turmoils, disorders, chaos, and tragedies can be traced to the presence of man's ego. Ego blocks out humility, endangering the soul. Jesus is characterized by the total lack of ego. One cannot love perfectly nor experience peace as long as his ego lives. In today's Gospel reading at Mass from Luke 12, Jesus told his disciples that he had not come to establish peace, but rather division ~ division as a result of the existence of egos. Jesus got killed for that same reason. Since the existence of egos is a reality, we who follow the Lord can expect to face division and consequently bear many crosses. To make our journey easier, we must first get rid of our own egos.     

God Seeking Union

        During Liturgy of the Eucharist at morning Mass, again the Lord transformed the bread and wine into his own body and blood. When I received the Holy Eucharist, I sensed the most intimate bond God was forming with me whom he loves ~ he is the one seeking union with me! Let's always say yes to him.

Union Unique & Supernatural

        In union with God, one becomes Christlike. It's impossible to achieve such union with another human being. Marriage unites a man and a woman, but the two are still basically different individuals. Only God can transform us to be like him. Therefore, union with God is unique and supernatural.

The Everlasting Soul

        I might have caught something, so I haven't been feeling too energetic. Earlier today I lied in bed to rest a little bit. I looked out the window and saw the tall trees and the blue sky. I saw everything in the world passing ~ the trees, the blue sky, the clouds, etc. Passing to me means no more, and I saw that we are not really passing. We grow old and die, but our soul exists forever! In fact, I can't think of anything God has created for this world that has an everlasting soul. That being the case, our major concern should be to make sure that we end up with everlasting happiness.

Going Home to God

        Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. At Mass the Lord made me see simply that we all came from him and we would only have peace when we are with him. God has created us out of love and neither he nor us can be happy if we don't return to him. He has already shown us the way to home through Christ. Personally, I am looking forward to the happiest event of my life ~ my reunion with the Heavenly Father (and see the Blessed Mother in person).

Universal Emptiness

        The world looks bustling and busy, but I see emptiness in the hearts of people all around. Facebook has over a billion members. In today's news, a study has shown that many Facebook users are lonely people and they feel even worse each time after using it. People keep busy just to forget or cover up their emptiness; they drift through life. Not being concerned about not knowing where they are heading is sad. Not knowing that Christ can completely fill their emptiness and change their lives is tragic.

Our Only Vocation

        Normally, a Catholic is expected to discern if he or she is called to the religious vocation or the vocation of marriage. But there is really only one vocation ~ that of following Christ, the vocation of loving your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. All other vocations are merely subdivisions. 

Be Grateful for Everything

         We go through life with many disappointments, unhappy about this or that, wishing things to be different. First of all, this world is not perfect; we are not meant to live in this sinful place forever. Secondly, God wants the best for us. If every single thing that happens to us is exactly what we've wanted, we would be so spoiled and not think about God anymore. What we experience is exactly what's needed for us to learn, to find God, and to grow spiritually ~ it cannot possibly get worse anymore. So let's be grateful for what God has given us.

       A footnote. Of course, you could ask about those who are truly in dire misery. I believe that if they know God, they would agree with my understanding. This is why we need to evangelize the world, starting with those close to us.

Of Jesus Forever

        On July 17, I mentioned that signs of glaucoma had been detected in my right eye. Today I had my eye pressure checked ~ it had come down into a safe range. Anyway, I ask myself: "What if I do go blind?" Answer: "I'll be OK, since I already have Jesus." It follows that I can lose my sight, hearing, touch, etc., and still be OK. Then, what if I lose my mind? Answer: "No Problem ~ Jesus will always have his clear mind." Conclusion: Once you have Jesus, you are securely his forever.     

Spiritual Progression in Christ

        Being aware of one's own sinful state > repenting before God > reconciling with God > experiencing his love > starting to fall in love with God > increasing yearning for him > surrendering fully to him > union achieved > enjoying God every moment in peace and freedom > (life in heaven)         

           Any progression that leads one away from God forever is unthinkable!

The Perfect Moment

        If you acknowledge that you are a sinner, and desire to be transformed, this is the perfect moment to let God step in to fulfill your desire.

To See the Beauty of God

        Remain meek and humble and you'll discover the beauty of God.        

To Be like Christ

        Communion experience. After I received the Holy Eucharist, I heard myself asking myself, "How dare you not want to be like Christ the Lord?" Again, I saw to be meek and humble being the key to imitating him. Here, to want to be like Jesus is not prompted by pride, but by humility!