***Call to Believe***

        Many prominent scientists and notable individuals have studied the Shroud of Turin for decades, concluding that no human could have created the image and that the man on the cloth was a crucified person whose suffering matches the biblical description of Jesus. Recently, scientists have found the DNA on the Shroud to be unexplainable. Yet, some still think it might be just an anomaly. It seems some people never come to believe, no matter how overwhelming the evidence may be. For me, the moment I saw the image on the Shroud many years ago, I just knew that it was the Lord, and I believed!

***Pure Joy

        Communion time experience: To be in union with Christ is pure joy!

*****We Are Loved by God!*****

        Today's Gospel reading from Luke 15, the Parable of the Lost Son, beautifully illustrates how deeply our heavenly Father loves each one of us. You'd need to have a heart of stone not to be moved by it. It's incredible that we are loved so much, and when we return to him, all of heaven rejoices! 

**Cherishing the Lord**

        Communion experience: I deeply enjoy the Lord and his love.

**Another Simple Realization**

        If I don't do anything about my sin, it will destroy my soul!

**Simple Realization*

        The Lord is infinite, almighty, and holy, while I am finite, lowly, and a sinner; therefore, my place is to obey and follow him totally.

***Our Only Chance Now***

          This morning we heard the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke 16. After the poor man Lazarus died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, "Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames." Abraham replied, "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing." He said, "Then I beg you, father, send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment." But Abraham replied, "They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them." He said, "Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent." Then Abraham said, "If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead."

       We have a poignant exchange here. Today we have Jesus the Lord among us. He is the only one who can save anyone who listens to him. It's strictly between each of us and the Lord: it is now or never!

**The Only Trustworthy One**

        We have from today's First reading, Jeremiah 17: A curse on those who trust in mortals; a blessing on those who trust in the Lord God.  It is true that we can never trust in any mortal fully, but we can trust in the Lord God unreservedly, for he takes care of us for all eternity.

**Resurrection Experience**

        Communion experience. The definition of resurrection is the act of rising from the dead. Without Christ, I was spiritually dead. When I received the Lord I believe in, I was saved and granted eternal life—a spiritual resurrection now, prior to my final resurrection.

***Recipe for Peace**

        If you want to have peace, don't look for it outside of you. Instead, let go of your ego so that you may trust in God fully.

**"Jesus Is Our Lord and Savior" Made Clear**

         In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 20, Jesus predicted his own Passion and Resurrection to his disciples. Then he said to them, "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." His purpose was also made clear; all has come to pass. This leaves no doubt that he is our Lord and Savior.

**Manifestation of God's Love**

         Communion experience: When we love God, his love for us turns into mercy.

**Proper Behavior in God's Presence*

         Since the Lord is ever-present, we must always remain humble.

**Not Practicing What You Preach**

        In today's Gospel reading rom Matthew 23, Jesus denounced the scribes and the Pharisees for not practicing what they preach. As long as our ego still exists, we are not as good as we sound. Sometimes it's better for us to listen than to preach. Anyway, preaching should be motivated by the Holy Spirit, not your ego. 

**How We Need God*

        If you feel good after repenting of your sins to God, it clearly shows that you did sin and God can take away your sins. For this reason alone, we need God.

**Bang-Up Job**

        Communion experience—the Lord entered and banished all my sins forever!

****Sinners' Concern****

        We are all born with a conscience, meaning it is impossible for us to ignore that we are sinners. When we do things that steal our peace of mind and cause us to hide, it shows we have sinned. If we don't address this, we are sure to face eternal death. The good news is that if we confess our sins to God and ask him to take them away, we are saved forever.

**Cause for Great Joy**

        Today I realize that no matter how imperfect I am, Christ will always be with me. Being abandoned or lost is impossible now; I am all set for eternity!