*Maximizing Help From God

        As sinners, to sin is easy – much like water running downhill on its own. But to become holy, we would need God's help – as simple as that. And it is in union with God that you receive maximum help, as you and God are now one.

**Getting Into Heaven Is Easier!

        Here is a fun video to watch. There are many such videos showing dominoes falling on YouTube. I have chosen this shorter one here and think you'll enjoy watching it. It is quite spectacular in its own way. It shows me that humans are clever, ingenious, and fun loving. I know that designs and detailed plans all had to be worked out in advance, but I am most impressed by those who must have spent hours or days to do the testing and then set up the tiles precisely where they should be. Afterwards, the show was over in just minutes. For me, getting into heaven is easier – I trust in the Lord and he does all the rest for me. Besides, the "show" never ends. 

***Process of Union With God

        Seeking union with God is a gradual process. We were born with the self-preservation instinct and are wary of anyone who should take control of us. Of course, the Lord God is not anyone, but we do sense that he'd be more powerful than any other being. Therefore, surrendering yourself to him is not an attractive thought. Normally, in seeking his help, we start to yield to him somewhat and discover that he could indeed change us internally. This experience which always excites and amazes us can continue until we begin to realize that God is not out to control us, but to free us! The key is not to stop now, but to push on actively instead. Then in time you are able to abandon yourself totally to the Lord God and experience peace and freedom in joy. You have now been completely lifted out of your self-imposed misery! 

*God Plans for Forever

        God exists forever and our soul will too. The Lord God does not want to solve our problems temporarily and leave us alone – he who loves us wants to save us for all eternity, since he is eternal himself. Understanding this should help us appreciate what he has already done for us.

Most Perfect Friend

        Communion experience. In life, we have the opportunity to befriend a wide range of people from those we find almost impossible to get along with to those we instantly click with. Christ is special. Once you get to know him well, you will find that he is the perfect friend you can have the deepest meaningful relationship with, for he is trustworthy and understanding, let alone the fact he is also your God and Savior.  

Becoming Heaven Bound

       Lent is the time to give up what we shouldn't be attached to. If you can give up anything, good or bad, for the sake of Christ, you are on your way to heaven.

Our Hope Is Here!

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 5, Levi, a tax collector gave a banquet for Jesus in his house, a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained about Jesus' eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus said to them, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners." We are all sinners, so Jesus has come to call you and me. That means that our hope is here! Let us prepare a banquet in our heart to welcome Jesus, our Savior.

Know When to Turn to Christ

        If you are not with Christ yet, but at the same time you cannot tell him that he is a total fake and dismiss him from your mind altogether, the Lord is still calling and waiting for you. It's time to turn to him to start your new life with him that will lead you to eternal happiness.

Best Free-Will Offering!

        Communion experience. As I joined the queue to receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I readied myself to offer him both my heart and my soul to him. 

Ultimate Relationship With God

        Union with God is the most intimate relationship you can possibly have with the Lord, for in union you and he become one, and you get to know him most intimately. 

Power of God's Holiness

        Know that the Lord is holy and let his awesome holiness dispel all the impurities from you.

Living for Christ Is All About . . .

letting the Lord condition your heart, pointing to seeking union with him.

Living With Joy

        This is today's Gospel reading from Matthew 9: The disciples of John approached Jesus said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." My thoughts are that now we have the Lord with us always, we should rejoice at all times. For those in union with the Lord, he even dwells within them happily. Indeed, Christian life is permeated with Christ our pure joy.

How to Hear the Lord

        To hear the Lord speaking to you, make sure that your heart is unruffled, content in him, and desirous of hearing his voice, for a disturbed heart with even minute intruding sinful thoughts can block your hearing.

***It's the Lord Speaking

        Today's Gospel reading consists of just three verses from Luke 9: Jesus said to his disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised." Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" 

        The Lord here spoke definitively as God. He knew exactly what he was going to happen to him, laid down the precise conditions of discipleship for us to save ourselves, and asked the most poignant question that should make us realize that there is life after death. Listen to him.

Amazing Lord

        Communion experience. Christ died for all, so he belongs to all . He died for me too, so he is also mine alone. He is the only being we can all belong to, possess, love, and easily share with others and rejoice together in. A most amazing Lord.

Ash Wednesday Joy

        As I walked up the aisle to receive ashes to be placed on my head, I was deeply moved, realizing that I was made by the Lord, belong to him, and am on my way returning to him. 

To Be Rewarded Openly or in Secret

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. He let it be known that if we perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them, we have received our reward. But if we do them all in secret, the Father who sees them in secret will repay us. It shows again that any reward a hypocrite receives is short-lived and that our ego is our great enemy.