God Expects Our Perfection

        Most teachings we learn from the world are self-centered without consideration of God's will. In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus wants to us to do better by going beyond what we have heard that it was said. In fact, he wants us to be perfect. His ways are based upon love exclusively. Because our love is not great enough, our ways fall short of what he wishes. Now that we know his teachings, we know how we should live to be perfect before God. Since we cannot become perfect by ourselves, here is a calling for us to put our trust in God completely.

To Hear the Lord's Voice

        In today's first reading from 1 Kings, when Elijah went on the mountain to wait for the Lord to pass by, there was a strong and heavy wind, followed by an earthquake, and then a fire, but Elijah did not find the Lord in any of them. Finally, he heard a light silent sound through which the voice of the Lord came. To hear the Lord speak to us, we must get away from the constant bustle and hustle of the world at times to acquire some quietude for ourselves. Believe me, if you truly want to hear his voice, you will hear it in your heart. Get in touch with him first and eventually, you'll be ready to ask him to come to dwell within you. Life without our loving God is not worth living.

How to Possess God

        Communion experience. Jesus is the life. Possess him and you have eternal life. And the best way to possess him is to let him possess you by surrendering yourself to him.

*Facing the Inevitable Wisely

        We face judgment by God after we die or at the time of Jesus' second coming. Therefore, it is wise to live as if today is your last day on earth or the day of his coming.

Finder of Lost Articles

        Today is the memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, venerated as the Patron Saint of lost articles. In my past, I have lost things many times. After praying for his help, I always recover what I've lost, sometimes in an unexpected way. I ask the saint to intercede for my other intentions too.

Fulfillment Time

        Communion experience. I received my Lord and my God and we became one; I was completely filled and fulfilled, lacking nothing.

Cause of Inner Peace

        You'll have true inner peace only after you know that God has chosen you to return to him to dwell in his house forever.   

Focusing Upon Eternity

        Jesus said, "What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" My similar question: "What profit is there for one to indulge in some temporary sinful pleasures on earth and lose his chance to enjoy eternal peace and joy in heaven?" So be smart.

Dispelling Darkness

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus wants us to be the light of the world. The world is sick, filled with venom and filth, and only the pure light of Christ shines as a refreshing beacon among us. Let us be pure enough to reflect his light to dispel as much darkness around us as we can.

*Avoiding Jesus

        The Gospels tell about so many miracles Jesus performed, including his own Resurrection and Ascension. If you don't believe in them, is it because you don't believe that they ever happened? Without any solid proof, I don't believe anyone would have the guts to so believe, for it amounts to writing off the person Jesus altogether. Most likely, nonbelievers put off facing the reality of Jesus because of the sinful state they're in – further indicating that he is God who will be our judge. 

**Joyful Truth!

        I am thinking about Christianity again today. Since I believe that it is the truth, I am reluctant to call it a religion. If you do consider it to be a religion, then it is a most remarkable one indeed. God turned out to be love and actually sent his Son to earth to die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. This is pretty incredible and has the power to transform our lives to become holy saints – a most beautiful revelation to us from our loving creator. Things all work out, for that's how God has made us. Be amazed and believe, and be amazed even more. The truth is an immense joy!  

Setting Our Own Destiny

        Jesus and the Father are in each other. Jesus is the Son of God the Father, and they are one. You know Jesus and you know God. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, why do we dismiss Jesus because he came to us 2,000 years ago? Time does not alter the truth, since the truth remain true forever. Today as in the days of Christ, those who do not believe in him choose not to believe in him, not because he is not our Lord and Savior. By our choice, we set our own destiny. I wish I could say bon voyage to all.

Letting Faith Bring Us Peace

        When those in our family lose their faith in God, we feel the heavy burden on our hearts, compelling us to pray for them. If we have deep faith in God, we should realize that they are in God's hands; and therefore, we should detach ourselves from them and focus upon God alone. In Luke 1, Jesus sends 72 disciples in pairs to every town and place he intends to visit – to proclaim that the kingdom of God is at hand. Whatever town they enter that welcomes them, they are to eat and drink what's offered to them. Whatever town they enter that does not receive them, they are to leave and even shake off the dust that clings to their feet. This shows clearly that we are to do our part and leave the outcome to God. Remain meek and humble and trust that God will lighten our burden, and we'll find rest (Matthew 11.29).

*God's Ways and Thoughts

          In today's Gospel reading from Mark 3, Jesus spoke to the big crowd that gathered around him. His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. But he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" Looking around at those seated in a circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." That was a radical saying. It's the Lord revealing his ways and his thoughts. 

**The Best Good News for Us

        There has been a number of suicides of well-known personalities in the news. How I wish I had the opportunity to let them know that God loved them so much that he had died for them so that they might live forever! This has to be the best possible news for all of us ever! One cannot truly appreciate and enjoy life until he knows Christ. 

Setting Our Final Destination

        June 7. An obituary usually gives a biographical sketch of the deceased. How many people learn how much about the deceased really doesn't make any difference to that departed soul anymore. What matters is whether that soul has gone to God or Not. Never forget that we have the power to chart our course after death before we die. 

We Were Created From Scratch

        June 5. Evolution and creation are separate things. It is my personal belief that we could not have evolved from some apelike creatures, since we are the only ones that were made in the image of God. The fact that we can conceive and get to know God is proof for me.

**To See the Splendor of God

        June 5. There are so many magnificent cathedrals, basilicas, and churches built all around the world that draw vast numbers of visitors to admire their history and architecture. But I dare say that there are not many who actually get drawn closer to God afterwards. People built churches to glorify God; unfortunately, they can take the limelight away from him. For those who want to see the splendor of God, you don't even need to go inside a church. Just go to the Lord directly to seek and desire union with him and he'll reveal all his glory to you in person. The focus should always be on the Lord inside or outside any church.