****One-Two of the Spiritual Warrior

        Two most important things we urgently need to do in these days of end times. (1) Pray unceasingly. (2) Be holy. The two are to go hand in hand to be effective. Abandon yourself in God and it's easily accomplished.

**Looking at Life Again*

         Here's another view. We are on earth now. Time is ticking away, while we continue sinning. Soon life will be over and we face the Lord. The first thing he's going to look into is how much we lived for ourselves and how much for him, while we're on earth. Then it's all over. All this may sound rather gloomy, but I am truly being realistic. I am being far-sighted and wise too.

*Understanding the Crucifix

        I went to Mass at the Mt. St. Joseph Chapel this morning and again saw the large crucifix hanging on the wall behind the altar. If you don't know the Lord, you would see one hanging helplessly on a cross. But if you know him and know why he willingly gave himself up, you'd see him full of glory and strength, and most of all, his love for us. Finally, he rose from the dead and triumphed over sin and evil! 

***Ego Our Spiritual Enemy

        Ego can be a huge burden on our soul, as pride is the worst enemy of spiritual growth. Starve it every chance you get. You can not soar to God if you are weighed down by your ego.

****Best Gift for the Lord

        Communion experience. I receive the greatest gift from God, the Lord himself. So what can I give to him in return? Since everything I have came from him, including myself, all I can give him is my obedience. And he is pleased with this. The Lord doesn't ask for much and is easy to please.

****Christians Don't Die!

        For the Christian, death is not becoming nothing or falling asleep forever or entering into some unknown. Instead, it's awakening to a new life in God, becoming more alive than ever to live the blissful life in paradise with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christians now live on forever with their Lord, Jesus Christ! Get ready while you still have time.

**Heeding God's Calling

        If you hate your sins, then God is calling you. It's time to totally turn to him. The following video message can help.        

**One Wish Before Death

       We usually have something we'd like to do as much as possible before we die. It can be traveling, collecting stamps, woodworking, volunteer work, etc. Having resumed attending daily Mass, I'd like to receive Christ in the Holy Eucharist as often as possible before I die, for I realize that this Holy Sacrament is the most precious gift the Lord has given us to help us attain union with him.

****Secret of Rapid Spiritual Progress****

          Back in the 1970s when I was active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, I was amazed how fast I progressed spiritually when God did the work for you. Years later, God seemed to withdraw from me to let me stand more on my own feet. Eventually, I realized that he's actually calling me to surrender myself to him even more on the contrary, for the more you submit yourself to him, the more he is free to do the work for you! This is the whole secret.

***Best Way of Knowing God***

         Go straight to Christ with total abandonment, not seeking signs, miracles or any affirmation. When the Lord sees such single-minded faith, he'll reveal himself to you quickly. This is the safest and most expedient way of knowing God. 

*****Fulfillment of All Desire*****

        Communion experience. I went limp. Who can possibly resist God's love? I became his and he, mine. I have all I desire. End of quest. 

***The Happiest Sound***

         That's the sound of the breaking of the consecrated host at Mass. You hear it and know that the Lord is ready to share himself with you. He's going to enter you, heal you, and become one with you. Joy without end!

**Choosing Light over Darkness (Smart Move)

         In today's Gospel reading from John 3, the Apostle wrote, ". . . the light [Christ] came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed." If you did something you're afraid to let anyone know, then you have sinned. That's why confession is such a good solution. Happy is the one who is free to tell the Lord everything he has done! This is also a smart move, for the Lord already knows everything.

**Letting Christ Change Everything

        I feel sorry for many older people who have nothing happy to share with others. They talk mostly about their minor ailments and sound so miserable. I wish they would know that Christ can change everything! He can completely change our outlook, give us the brightest hope and the greatest joy, and even heal us! At the moment, I can only pray for them, knowing that nothing is impossible for God. 

**Christ, Cause of Division

        Jesus said that he had come to cause division (Matthew 19, Luke 12). This is true. I've seen members of non-Christian families actually getting along with each other better than those of Christian families. In the latter, we often have non-believing and believing members going separate ways. This shows that Christ is no ordinary subject; he is either true God or false. The fact that he makes many people feel strongly for him and others strongly against him shows that he matters. Satan seeks to destroy the family, so any family that's undivided in Christ becomes a stronghold against any attacks from the evil one.

**Unending Love Real

        I rejoice today in God's unending love for me and everyone else. You can only dream of something like that, but it's real! So I rejoice. 

***Intoxicating Power of the Holy Spirit

        I love the Holy Spirit. I especially love to have him zap me, shake me up, and take full control of me. Then all my fears vanish. Having been totally refreshed, I now feel secure and content.

***Our Best Trip Ever!

         In today's Gospel account from John 3, Jesus said to Nicodemus, "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man." Jesus must be the only man on earth who had come down from heaven. For this alone, he is to be trusted. The best news is that he came down from heaven so that we can go up there one day. This will have to be the most exciting trip we'll ever take. Hallelujah!