A Catholic could do everything with love for God, thus storing up treasures in heaven, or keep on sinning, never thinking about going to confession. There can be no two paths more divergent.
Monday, May 30, 2016
No Entitlement
Almost everyone in today's world feels that he is entitled to receive whatever benefits within his reach. The Christian thinks differently. A Christian realizes that all things beneficial come from God, and if he receives some of them, it's not because he deserves them but because God is generous. When we only accept what comes freely from God, we are free.
Proof That Jesus Is Truth
When I believe in every word Jesus says, he makes me see and understand everything. That is, there is no contradiction in him ~ he makes complete sense to me.
God Provides Meaning
On this Memorial Day, we commemorate the dead members of the armed forces of all the wars. I am thinking that when we sing our national anthem and pledge our allegiance to our country, what does that really mean? What if we live under a government that's totally oppressive or in a society whose members are all secular and morally corrupt? Wouldn't pledging allegiance in such circumstances seem rather foolish? How can one express loyalty to anything he is not proud of? Governments come and go, regimes rise and fall, but God alone remains constant and trustworthy. My observation is that pledging allegiance to God is always appropriate and meaningful. Leaving him out of the picture and we miss the true meaning of life.
Certainty vs. Nebulousness
This morning at Mass, I just knew that, anchored solidly to the triune God, I couldn't possibly go wrong. With God, everything is certain. Without him, all become nebulous.
Why I Love Mary
- She is the mother of our beloved Lord.
- She is the greatest and most beautiful among all the saints.
- From the cross, Jesus made her our mother.
- She prays for us always, leading us to her Son.
- She is the gentlest and most loving of all the mothers.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Treasures in Heaven
Jesus said in Matthew 6, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal." Every time we do God's will with love, we build up treasures in heaven, and whatever is there remains with God forever. It's like you are already buying up properties up there, and that's where you'll settle after this life.
Communion Leads to Union
How Far or Close Is God?
If you are deeply immersed in the world, you wouldn't even know that God exists. But for anyone who is in union with Christ, God dwells within his or her heart. How far or close God is depends entirely upon you.
*Wake Up, World!
Today's headline: 'Mass rape' video on social media shocks Brazil. This involves 36 men suspected of raping a teen age girl of 16. Why should that concern us? The great saints are acutely aware of their sins and are determined not to offend God in the slightest. On the contrary, today most people live only for their own pleasure, following their own desires, and still think that they are OK. People in this category place their soul in great danger and will be in for a rude awakening one day. They who offend God seriously have muddied their conscience, not aware that their souls are in far worse shape than they realize. If bad news shocks you, it's time to go holy before it's too late.
*What Delights God the Most
God delights in all his creations, but most of all, he delights in those of us, his children, who do his will.
Reciprocating God's Love
God loves us unconditionally. The best way for us to love him back is to follow his will. The only way to achieve that is to seek and attain union with God first.
Awesome Responsibility
I have posted many times: it all boils down to "It's between you and God." Since God does not change, it further boils down to "It's all up to you." That is, you alone are responsible for your destiny!
*How Not to Turn God Off
In today's Gospel reading from Mark 11, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders asked Jesus by what authority was he doing all the things. Jesus asked them a question and said, "Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things." They did not know the answer. Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things." What I learned here is that we must soften our hearts before approaching the Lord, for by his nature, he can not be open to anyone who approaches him without humility.
Yours for the Asking
Since God's love for you is infinite and his riches inexhaustible. Be confident that he will give you whatever you need for achieving union with him if you ask for it.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Contentment in Christ
People in general wish that they were more like someone else or have what others possess. They may feel inferior (or superior) to others. Knowing Jesus changes all that, for he and you take delight in each other and nothing can affect your contentment anymore. The peace of Christ now reigns in your heart.
A Less Obvious Sin
In today's Gospel reading from Mark 11, Jesus said to his disciples, "When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions." Normally, if I have knowingly committed a sin, I would repent and ask the Lord to forgive me. Now, if someone trespasses against me, I would hold a grievance against the person, believing that he is the sinner. Jesus makes it clear here that if I do not forgive that person, I too sin. This is good to know and remember.
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