Our Foremost Mission Is . . .

to save souls through God's love, for this was the mission of Christ when he came to us, still is today, and will be until his Second Coming.       

Turning Away From Sins

        From today's first reading, Ezekiel 18.21-28: When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed, he shall surely live. It is clear that stating out, no matter how virtuous or wicked we are, turning away from all our sins is what matters. And the superior way of vanquishing all sins is to seek refuge in the Lord, for where sanctity prevails, evil cannot not exist.

*Our Dumbest Mistake Is . . .

trying to run away or hide from God, much like trying to forget that we shall die one day. We look extra foolish for running away from One who actually loves us and wishes to save us from death. The wise recognize that there is absolutely no escape from an all-knowing God.       

*God Our Perfect Example

        Jesus said that no one has greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends, and he did just that to show how much he loves us. He teaches us to be meek and humble, and he was the most meek and humble man himself. He wants us to always forgive others, and he asked the Father to forgive even those who crucified him from the cross. Follow the perfect example of our Lord and we'll be perfect.

Eternal Life Settled

        Communion experience. I was aware that I was consuming Christ, the son of the Living God, who is God. This not only made my day, it settled my eternal destiny!

God Forever Personal

        When I was sick in the hospital, the doctors did all they could do for me, and my family members just waited – it was God who was truly there with me. In reality, God is the only one who can be with us at all times. After I die, unless I rebel again him, I'll have him again with me always. Therefore, hold onto the Lord who will always be there for you and is all you need to have.

Clearing Our Way to God

        Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." It is the "denying yourself" that trips us up. If we can get past that first part, the rest of the way becomes smooth sailing. Again, we are our own greatest obstacle in journeying toward God. Surrender our free will to God is our only way out.

Direct Revelation From the Father

        Today's is Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 16, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father." If you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of living God likewise, then the heavenly Father has revealed this to you also – you've been chosen!

Happy, Happier, Happiest

        Happy is the one who knows what the Lord's mission for him is. Happier is the one who puts his trust in the Lord and strives to fulfill his mission. Happiest still is he who attains union with God to let the Lord do all things through him to accomplish his mission. 

**How to Vanquish Our Enemies

        Today's entrance antiphon contains part of Psalms 25.2: Let not our enemies exult over us, David prayed. As long as evil exists, we will have enemies. In fact, our worst enemies are ourselves. Thus, the way to vanquish our enemies is to submit ourselves totally to the Lord God first, then all our other enemies will no longer be able to defeat us, for we are now on God's side.

Feasting the Soul

        Communion experience. Receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist can be likened to attending a heavenly banquet for the soul.

***Mankind's Greatest Challenge Is . . .

is not to land on Mars, solve the energy problem of or wipe out poverty in the world, or anything like that. Rather, it is to submit ourselves to God, our creator and loving Father. This tests our obedience or rebelliousness, and the result will determine our eternal destination. 

*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.