**God Frees Us from the World

         Communion experience. The Lord sets me free again, making me detached from all the things of the the world and ready to leave for him.

**Fundamental, Perpetual Battle*

        Every conflict we witness in the world is a battle between Good and Evil. Just look at our two political parties: One party basically does what would benefit itself the most, and the other, what would benefit the people of this country the most. It all comes down to if you are with God or not, for only God can make us selfless and truly care for others.

**Exactly the One We Need the Most*

        Hebrews 13:8 from today's first reading: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Psalm 27:1a, today's psalm response: The Lord is my light and my salvation. So Jesus is trustworthy, makes us see the truth, and can save us from sin. 

***Reward of Standing by Christ**

        Today's Communion antiphon from Luke 22, what Jesus said to the Apostles at the last Supper: It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. Wow, stand by him and our reward will be great in heaven! Count me in, Lord.

**Accepting Christ Matters**

        In today's Gospel readings from Mark 6, Jesus sent the Twelve out to preach repentance. He said to them, “Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” I see here the Lord is telling us that welcoming him or listening to him really matters!

***Requisites for Following Christ*

        Once you have decided to follow Christ, you must carry it out single-mindedly without ever looking back. And you should also seek to attain union with him so that you may be as holy as possible, for every sin you commit along the way can deter you from having a smooth journey. 

*****True Wisdom*****

        What makes us truly wise? A very high IQ? A vast amount of knowledge about the world? Talent on a genius level? Acumen in achieving great success in politics or business? Knowing how to live the most healthy life or make great scientific discoveries? So far, the answer is none of the above. To me, you'd be truly wise if you just let Christ free you from all sins so that you'll shortly enjoy living your eternal life in heaven!

**Sweet Discipline

        Today's first reading antiphon from Hebrews 12: The Lord disciplines those he loves. God's discipline is to be welcomed, for it sets us straight and invigorates us spiritually, making us stronger and happier.

***Being with God Matters*

        Today is the Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr. You might wonder how martyrdom can help God when you are already dead. Basically, we help God by doing his will. Saints who have already died and are now with the Lord in heaven still pray that God's will be done here on earth. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a Carmelite num and my model saint, died at age 24. Her autobiography, Story of a Soul, was published just a year after her death. So far millions and millions of copies of it have been sold worldwide in dozens of languages. Her message has surely drawn numerous souls to Christ and the Church. The Lord can always use us whether we are still alive now or not as long as we are with him.

**Most Privileged Moment**

        Communion experience. The Lord came; I was waiting for him and got invited. 

***Wake-Up Warning Advice*****

        In today's Gospel reading from Mark 5, a woman afflicted with a severe hemorrhage came up behind Jesus in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
        When we face Jesus, we'll have no choice but to tell the whole truth. So start being truthful to him now, for we won't be able to tell a different story when wen face him at judgment time.

*****Great Secret of Winning the Race*****

        In today's first reading from Hebrews 12, Paul addresses all to persevere in running the race that lies before them. Yes, following Christ is like running a race to triumph at the end. It sounds like hard work, but if you totally let the Lord carry you, it becomes effortless!

***Perfect Communication***

        The Lord knows each of us perfectly, so when he speaks to us in union with him, it's exactly what we need to know. You may say that the message is tailor-made for us, and I rejoice in that. 

***Communion Time Feeling

        A day with Christ is a day in heaven, while a day without Christ is definitely a day outside of heaven. 

***Following Christ Is . . .

continuous pure joy.         

****Living Above the Genius Level

        Here's a video that's a compilation of eight past "CBS Sunday Morning" stories featuring some brilliant and remarkable prodigies and talented individuals. It's almost 43 minutes long, but I think you probably would enjoying watching it. I suppose that most of us wouldn't mind being gifted in some special way. Here are some of my thoughts. If you use your amazing talent just to earn fame or riches, or just to feel good yourself, not realizing that it all came from God, then your achievement is not really on any lofty level. On the other hand, talented or not, anyone who loves and serves Christ faithfully and humbly is truly operating on a level way above all the other levels. Then if you were one of those remarkable geniuses and love and live for the Lord with all your heart, that would be absolutely fantastic!
         

**Stubborn Generation**

        In Matthew 9, when Jesus saw the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Today, the people, Christians included, are not that different. Again, only Christ can fundamentally change us. Without getting him involved, yon can talk, complain, cry, and advise all you want and the problem remains. It is tragic that people do not surrender themselves to the Lord to seek direct help from him. If they have no desire to change themselves first, they remain troubled and abandoned like lost sheep. 

**Critical Realization**

        It is God's will that we all come to realize that Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords. When that happens, there'll be heaven on earth. And it's up to each of us to arrive at this realization and become heaven bound.