Everything we do has consequences, affecting the universe and most of all, ourselves. Know that doing anything selfcenteredly moves us away from God, whereas doing something for God's sake brings us closer to him. These are the only two directions to go. Putting off making the choice is definitely being self-centered.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Bread From Heaven
Communion thoughts. Food on earth may taste good to the mouth, but still upset the stomach. The bread from heaven not only uplifts and refreshes the spirit, but also heals and delights the soul.
A Special Reminder
If your mind is clear, it would be nice to thank the Lord for that when you still can.
Blessed Living
In today's Gospel reading at Mass from Matthew 5, we heard the Sermon on the Mount delivered by Jesus, giving us the beautiful Beatitudes. They guide us in the way of Jesus. He will bless those who acknowledge their need for God, feel sorrow for others, are meek, hunger and thirst for righteousness, are merciful and clean of heart, make peace, and are willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness and for him. Last, he asked all to rejoice and be glad, for their reward would be great in heaven. How can we possibly not rejoice over this good news? I say, get blessed all the way to heaven!
Saturday, January 28, 2017
*Jesus Our Servant
Communion experience. I felt I was like some mud, dirty and full of germs before the Lord. Yet, in spite of my condition, he lovingly cleansed and sterilized me. The scene of the washing of the disciples' feet came to mind (John 13). God humbles himself so that we may be exalted.
Why Jesus Draws Me
Jesus draws me because of his perfection as God and sanctity as man. His unconditional love for us is the perfect manifestation of these two characteristics.
*Our Longevity
Some people live a long life and others die early. It seems that there is no correlation between longevity and how ready we are to die, how saintly or unholy we are, whether we are rich or poor, if we are healthy or sick, or other. Of this much I am sure: God allows those who love him to live long enough to do maximum good in serving him. He retires you after he thinks it's time to reward you.
*Jesus the Restorer
A newborn baby is pure and blameless. Unfortunately, it is born into an impure and sinful world and the child easily ends up as a full-blown adult sinner. I see Jesus as the only one who can make all the corrections to restore us to our initial pristine condition.
*To All Strangers and Aliens
Today is the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas. In the first reading from Hebrews 11, Paul wrote how the descendants of Abraham in seeking a better homeland, a heavenly one, acknowledged themselves to be strangers and aliens on earth. Now, all of us did appear on earth at one time or another, so we are in that sense strangers and aliens here too. Besides, we who follow Christ definitely know that life on earth is just a stopover on our way back to the Father. Happy journey to all strangers and aliens!
Friday, January 27, 2017
Life Is Winning
Today, Vice President Mike Pence became the first sitting vice president to address the March for Life rally in Washington, D.C. Listen to him and cheer!
*Solving Problem the Right Way
I think that we all agree that running away from a problem does not solve it and that only by facing it can we hope to find the solution. The same goes for the problem of running away from God. It's only by facing God that you get to understand and correct it.
*Receiving Life
Communion experience. Certainly, without God, there would be no life. So today, I received Christ the life, the life eternal, the source of all life, the creator of life. What a momentous moment!
*Unique Cross
If you love Jesus and see that some of your most loved ones do not even believe in him, you suffer the agony the Lord experiences himself whenever he sees a chasm existing between him and any of his children. How painful it is to be rejected by your own for whose sins you have died! This is a unique cross that we who love the Lord must bear. Our choice is to remain in sorrow or place our faith and hope even more in the Lord. I chose the latter and was rewarded with joy outweighing sorrow.
God My Rest
There are so many things, unsettled, disturbing, that rattle the peace of our minds. At the start of Mass this morning, I knew I was coming to rest my whole body and soul in God, who alone can provide me with his peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4.7).
*Settling Eternal Destiny First
Right now, a friend of my son is in danger of losing his life at a medical center. One of my church friends just underwent surgery on his leg. I called a cousin of mine in New York and no one answered the phone. The last time it happened not long ago was when she was taken into a hospital for an emergency operation, so I hope that it's not the same thing again this time. Obviously, I am already an old person, but that's not the point. The point I want to make is "Believe in God now!" Put aside planning your dream vacation, buying a new house for your family, finding ways of investing your money to make more money, etc., and settle your eternal destiny first! Don't wait until the last moments of your life – do it when you are still young and healthy! Make the most important decision first before considering any other decisions. Closing pointer: Put God ahead of you to know the way; put yourself ahead of God to be lost.
Thursday, January 26, 2017
*Creator Power
Communion thoughts. Receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist stands as a landmark in my daily journey. It was of great consolation to realize that since the Lord God created me, he surely can correct, reshape, and transform me into a new creature that's pleasing to him. It's the power of the creator at the disposal of his creature!
When Do We Sin?
We sin only when we lose sight of the Lord. (Seek union with God to be in his sight always.)
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