First thoughts this morning while shaving. God is the big star of the universe since he created all of it. He deserves all the recognition and credit. Who are we, such finite creatures, to get in his way? Besides, he loves us to death. Therefore, we should not only let him have his way, but also embrace him with joy and gratitude!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Greatest Truth
To know God is to know love, to be illuminated and fulfilled, and be set free. Without love, we remain in darkness. Our greatest truth is love.
Same Tragedy Today
In today's Gospel reading from John 7 at Mass, the Pharisees did not believe that Jesus was the Christ simply because they were not open-minded and had already formed negative opinions about him. The nonbelievers today are the same. When they believe that they already know the truth as they see it, they shut the door on God.
Off the Hook
Yesterday's Communion experience. After receiving the Holy Eucharist, I heard the Lord saying to my heart, "Do what I want from you, not what you want for yourself" and I felt great freedom.
Power of Love
Throughout the two millennia since Jesus came into the world, many people continue to give up all of themselves to serving him ~ this is the power of God's love.
Leaving the World Easy
Speaking of leaving the world, when we die, we leave everything behind, including our own body. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to start severing our attachments to the things of the world before the inevitable time arrives so as to make our final departure as easy and carefree as possible.
Jesus Makes the Difference
Suppose that I do not know Jesus at all and must leave the world now. I know I would feel unhappy, not because I haven't found God, but because I haven't achieved all my personal goals yet. Since I know the Lord, I can leave this world with peace and joy, not matter what I have done or failed to do, for God can make us anew at any time.
Only You and God
Attributed to Mother Teresa: "In the final analysis, it is between you and God." She is right! Therefore, mind God alone and let nothing else bother you. Aim to please God and let all else go.
Ultimate Reconciliation
During Communion yesterday, I felt it's the perfect time to submit all my wishes, goals, and plans to the will of God to be in perfect harmony with God, thus letting peace continue to reign in my heart.
The Drawing Process
"To everyone who has more, more will be given" (from Matthew 25.29). The process of being drawn into Christ is like that. As one grows closer to Christ, he experiences the same joys and sorrows as the Lord more. The joys naturally draw him even closer to Christ and the sorrows impel him to seek refuge and consolation in him ~ both leading the one to deeper union with God.
To Be Transformed by Christ
Reading and learning about Christ, even from the Gospels, will not transform you. Only a direct encounter with him can make it happen. Therefore, meet him head-on with an open heart and let him influence and shape you.
Peace and Purity
If we do not sin, we shall have inner peace. Conversely, if we have inner peace, we do not wish to sin anymore in order to preserve that peace. Therefore, peace and purity are virtually synonymous. When we achieve unity with God, we gain both.
Zeal for God
To be an effective Christian, one must have zeal for God. This zeal is the fire lit by the love of God in our heart. Two days ago, the entrance antiphon at Mass from Psalm 105 read: Let the heart that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. This is also the zeal that impels us to constantly seek the Lord.
Be Prepared for Life
The last two days I couldn't blog because I lost my internet connection. At the same time, the house phone went dead and the TV reception was gone. We cannot always be certain about what can happen in this life, but we can be certain about our life eternal with God.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Most Beautiful Title
At Mass this morning, "Lamb of God" struck me as a most beautiful title for Jesus who takes away the sin of the world by becoming the sacrificial lamb. The title speaks the love of God for us loud and clear. Praise be to God!
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
On Being Self-Conscious
Another reason people don't feel free is that they are too self-conscious, too aware of what others think of them. Whereas if we are concerned only about pleasing God and not anyone else, we lose our self-consciousness and become free. Remember that God's whole aim is to free us from all bondage so that we may be saved.
To Be like Jesus
When Jesus taught us how to live and behave, he was revealing what he is like to us: how he deals with anger, how he forgives others, how he trusts in the Father, and so on. Therefore, if we obey him in all his teaching, we shall be like him.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Eager to Learn
Once when I was still a young man, I dreamed of becoming a great pianist. So I thought how great it would be if I possessed the talents of all the great pianists of the world. Of course, that was pure foolish and self-centered fantasizing. During Communion today, I had the great desire to learn from the Lord. Then I thought why not ask all the great saints in heaven to teach me too. This time, I was sincere, with no ego involved, and definitely not fantasizing.
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