The Holy Eucharist makes it possible for us to establish the most intimate relationship with God, which is union with God. This is a nearly perfect relationship because God is perfect love and we are not yet perfect. Nevertheless, it is the highest attainment of the human soul.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Our Safe Haven
Never bow to evil ~ that is, never let evil cause you to sin. In today's reading of Psalm 18 at Mass, the psalmist calls upon the Lord in his distress, exclaiming "My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of may salvation, my stronghold!" If we remain in God, we are safe from our enemies and no evil can possibly touch us.
Consequences of Consequence
(1) If you do not stop sinning, you risk hearing the Lord say, "I never knew you" after you die.
(2) Make yourself god and you lose the only living God.
(3) Have your way now and you won't have any say later.
(4) Choose to receive all your rewards in this life and there won't be any left for you in the next.
(5) Aim to gain the whole world now and risk losing your soul for ever.
(6) Reject Christ now and he'll reject you later.
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Be Humble and Mighty
After hearing the Gospel (John 8.51-59), read at morning Mass, I came to realize that our God is mighty because he is humble. Among humans too, the humble are mightier than the proud, for they have God as their rock and refuge while the proud have only themselves to rely upon. Besides, Jesus has said, "The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23.11-12.)
Faith Unlimited
Jesus has come and revealed how much God loves us and wants to save us. Whether he came 2000 years ago or two million years ago, or is actually with us today is immaterial, for faith is timeless. A limited faith is no faith at all. It is this kind of unlimited faith that makes life worth living, for the reward will be great when you finally face the Lord.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
To Be Strong in God
The Lord made me see today that being strong is not being puffed-up, feeling that you can conquer anything coming your way. Rather, being strong in God is to remain calm, not being upset by anything. You place your trust in God and focus upon him alone. It's only when you get bothered that you become weak.
Obedience of a True Servant
Communion time thoughts. If we are with Christ, then we have no choice but to obey him in all things, for this marks being a true servant of the Lord. If you haven't always been obedient, let the Holy Eucharist be your game-changer.
The Cure the World Needs
Today we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord at morning Mass. The readings advised us to do the will of God. In the Gospel reading from Luke 1, the angel Gabriel came to Mary to announce her conception of Christ. Before the angel departed, Mary's final response was: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Disobedience to God is precisely what has made our world so disordered. Only obedience to him can restore our sanity (and lead us to sanctity).
Mutual Knowing
In John 10.27, Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they know me." I feel that the Lord and I know each other so well that I only need to call out "Jesus" and he already knew what's on my mind and in my heart. This trust simplifies the relationship. What Jesus said in the next verse completely solidifies that relationship: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand." Imagine!
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Viewing Life Right
If you view your life as a journey of wandering off on your own, then admit it ~ your are lost. Life makes sense and becomes meaningful only if you see it as a journey to God.
The Missing Puzzle Piece
Communion experience. I saw Jesus as the perfect missing piece that completed the puzzle of my life.
Time to Ask for Help
John 12.32 is today's Communion antiphon: When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself. If the Resurrection of Jesus does not draw you to him, then you urgently need to go to him directly for help.
Dying Right in Sinful State
In today's Gospel reading from John 8, Jesus said to the Pharisees that they would die in their sins for belonging to the world and not believing in him. It is chilling to hear the words "dying in your sins." We must make sure that we shall die in our sins forgiven!
Truth Summarized
Today's Gospel acclamation at Mass: The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.
No Seasons in Heaven
Spring officially began four days ago. Trees and other plants have turned fresh green, the dreary winter-scape already fading from memory. And after a rainfall, the clear blue sky is always a welcome sight. We go through seasons and cycles in this life. Then I realize that there will be no seasonal changes or life cycles in heaven ~ we just enjoy bliss perpetually in God.
How We Need God!
So many so often forget that they are finite and need God. The realization comes when their security, status quo, or life are threatened, and learn that they are not invincible and being your own little god is useless. This is a wake-up call. The bottom line is that we cannot escape from God and survive. It's either the Lord or eternal banishment.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Our Only Calling
Communion experience. No matter what happens, we simply go deeper and deeper into the Lord ~ this is our only calling: to be one with him.
How the Lord Spoke to Me
It came to me that I should pray hard for God's mercy on the whole world and myself. During this Lent, I have been persecuted by an enemy and began to feel a tiny fraction of what the Lord must have felt as he underwent his agonies prior to his Crucifixion. Everything I heard at today's Mass was most edifying.
First, the entrance antiphon, Psalm 56.2, read: Have mercy on me, O God, for people assail me; they fight me all day long and oppose me.
In the first reading that followed from Daniel 13, we heard how two wicked, old judges falsely testified against Susanna and sentenced her to death and Daniel was able to unearth the truth and convict the two of perjury and save Susanna.
Next, the response to Psalm 23 was familiar: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
Now, the Gospel acclamation, based upon Ezekiel 33,11: I take not pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live.
Finally, the Gospel reading from John 8 was about the woman caught in adultery. When the scribes and the Pharisees, testing Jesus, asked him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" Jesus said to them, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." In response, they went away one by one. Then Jesus asked the women, "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more." In fact, today's Communion antiphon was made up from these last two verses: Have no one condemned you, woman? No one, Lord. Neither shall I condemn you. From now on, sin no more. This is the powerful mercy of our God ~ beautiful beyond words!
After hearing all this, it's as if the Lord had spoken to me personally. I was right in knowing that I should pray for God's mercy in my case.
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