Faith Dispels Fear

        The Gospel reading at Mass, Matthew 6.24-34, is a great one. Again, it's exactly what I needed to hear today. When Jesus told his disciples not to worry about life, I understood that he doesn't want us to worry about anything in this life, that is, he doesn't want us to worry, period. He's really telling us to have faith in him. Where faith is, fear can not exist. 

All About Judgment

        An excerpt from today's Reading 2 at Mass from 1 Corinthians 4: It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. I needed to hear these words today. I don't want to judge anyone nor be concerned about others judging me; I trust only in the Lord's judgment of me.

How to Leave This World?

        Here are two examples with completely different focii to help you decide: (1) I want to leave my mark on the world and want the world to always remember me. (2) I want to reconcile with everyone, be completely detached from all worldly things and sufficiently pure to go home to my Father without trepidation.     

One to Hold Onto

        Reading the news today, I am greatly saddened by the horrible things happening all around the world. At the same time, I feel the love of those close and devoted to me. But good or bad, everything is passing. Whatever is good I cannot hold onto because I am passing myself. It becomes crystal clear that only God is forever and never changing, and he is the one we should hold onto.           

Feeling Secure in God

        Communion time thought. If I am God's, who can harm me? (Echoing Romans 8.31.)

Reality Check

        This is our generation. When we are young, we don't think about death and believe that we can solve all our own problems. We are confident or even cocky, but that's because we are ignorant and shortsighted. Reconciliation with God remains unsettled and hidden in our conscience. As we age or have a crisis in life, we finally begin to feel it gnawing at us. God, the ultimate reality, can never be wished away. 

How to Gain Wisdom

        The first reading at daily Mass has been coming from James. This Epistle is full of wise counsels which the Apostle must have learned from the Lord. We can also gain divine wisdom by listening to God and stop thinking on our own.  

Going Deep into God

        Life is our testing ground to see if we can make heaven after we die. It is also a time for those who choose God to prepare themselves for going there. In the meantime, how do we deal with all the problems we face on earth? We can pray to God, but problems don't usually vanish instantly like magic. I see only one way: to go even deeper into the Lord, making him truly our rock and refuge. Any other way without him will be lost effort. God may not promise us happiness in this world (as he told St. Bernadette through our Holy Mother), but he'll definitely give us the strength and courage to endure any trials and tribulations and keep us safe from all evil if we dwell in him.    

Surrender to Freedom

        Our own life is normally the most important thing to us, followed by our family and last, my material possessions. Therefore, if we can hand our own life over to God, then everything else will follow. That's why surrender to God brings so much freedom. 

Amazing Mysteries

        Today Wednesday I recited the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. I felt that the Sorrowful Mysteries were the most amazing of all the Mysteries of the Rosary, because they could not be taken for granted ~ Jesus actually underwent suffering and death to redeem us. His love truly shines forth as we meditate upon these mysteries. 

God Is Hope

        Today's Communion experience. I, a sinner, actually received the Sinless One ~ I was filled with hope.

Love Through and Through

        Communion experience. It was the Lord who entered me. This was no mere encounter; it was union! It was consistent with his giving of self. It marked the culmination in drawing us into his love ~ no more reverting to my former ways.

Ego Must Go

        In today's Gospel reading from Mark 9, Jesus said to the Twelve, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." The Lord made it clear that ego has no place in anyone who wishes to follow him.

Freedoms in Union

        When you are in union with God, your will and God's will are in perfect harmony; therefore, you are free to do whatever you want. Today's Response to Psalm 55: Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you. When you are in union with God, you automatically throw all your cares on the Lord. Today's Gospel Acclamation (Galatians 6.14): May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. When you are in union with God, you can boast all you want.

How to Receive the Lord?

        Communion experience. The Most Holy One, the Perfect One, entered me. How should I respond? What an opportunity to welcome him, to tell him that I adore him, worship him, love him, and want to belong to him forever! What a perfect time to let go in him, offering my heart and all to him! As much as possible, I enjoyed the greatest intimacy with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! It's truly "there is nothing I lack."

Jesus Completes Our Life

        Liken a life unfulfilled to a picture puzzle with an important piece missing, then Jesus is that missing piece. Naturally, to complete the puzzle you must fit that piece into the empty spot. Likewise, you must seek union with Christ to live a completely fulfilled life. 

God's Intention Revealed

        Before Mass began this morning, the Lord let me see that we human beings have been created with the potential of being good, that is, holy. Then he must have intended that we be holy.

Reward of Surrender to God

        One of the rewards you receive after surrendering to the Lord is the discovery of his great beauty.