Be Ready for the Lord

        Before Mass started this morning, I thought that I must always be ready for the Lord to participate in Mass, to pray to him, or to serve him in whatever way.  In today's Entrance, we read, "I am the Savior of all people, say the Lord.  Whatever their troubles, I will answer their cry, and I will always be their Lord."  So the Lord is always ready for us.  It behooves us to be ready for him for things to happen.  (Note: To be ready is to be willing to approach the Lord.) 

Joy of Growing Old

        I don't think that most people are happy as they age.  They are not sure where they are headed ~ perhaps they are uneasy about death.  One common desire is to enjoy life as much as possible while there's still time.  This seems like a form of escape.  For believers of Christ, growing old should be cause for joy.  For sure, you'll be leaving behind all the miseries of the world, but this shouldn't be any consolation because the miseries still remain after your departure.  The prime joy of growing old is knowing that you'll soon be seeing the loving Lord face to face, who is good at wiping away every tear from your eyes.

Our Own Gates

        Jesus said (John 10.9): "I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture."  In a way we are a bunch of gates too.  Through our gate God can enter to save us, or we can choose to close our gate to keep God out and remain in the desert. 

God's Power

        I went to vigil Mass earlier today.  During the homily, I was overcome by the tremendous power of God.  I realized that his power was so overwhelming because it is love, which is the Lord himself.  Love is indeed the most powerful force in the entire universe.  If everyone will just accept it, the world can be transformed in an instant.  Believe me, God is that powerful force.  May he be praised forever!         

Start Detaching Yourself

        There are many mail-order catalogs as well as TV commercials selling  clever, useful products that you normally don't really need.  I had bought some in the past and they always got tucked away in the end and I never missed them.  Our worldly attachments are somewhat like those products, so start detaching yourself from them.  A recent example for me was the termination of one magazine subscription.  Reading the publication did provide enjoyment, but the information was definitely not something needed for me to live on.  One more detachment and life gets uncluttered a bit more.  Our goal should be to drop all things that can possibly encroach upon our intimacy with God.   

God Depends upon Us!

        This thought should wake us up. 

      In our world today, most people do not know God, do not want to believe in him, or even reject him.  So, it's up to us to show the world that God is alive and God is love!      

Holy Eucharist Most Intimate

        As St. Augustine pointed out, our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.  It's also true that we are not content until we achieve full union with God.  As I receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist this morning at Mass,  it was a most intimate moment, giving me a foretaste of full union.

Choosing How to Suffer

        Life is all about fighting a spiritual battle.  As in any battle, casualties and sufferings are unavoidable.  How you want to suffer depends upon which side you're on.  If you're on the side of the enemy of God, your suffering may not be great, but you risk eternal separation from God after this life.  If you are on the side of God fighting for his glory, you may suffer a lot, but all sufferings will be short-lived and your joy will be great in heaven.  Make your choice.           

All Need God's Mercy!

        We usually just pray for ourselves, our nation and government, our soldiers, our families and friends, our own church, etc.  But let's not "limit God's mercy"!  The Lord made it clear that we should always forgive others and love our enemies, so let's also pray for everyone else in the world: the hungry, the starving, the poor, and also the terrorists, the suicide bombers, all enemies fighting against us, those who have committed horrendous crimes, not just their innocent victims.  Note that the ones we normally neglect to pray for are those who need God's mercy the most.  So pray for all the souls indiscriminately, both living and deceased.  Then ask all the angels and saints to intercede for us too.  We need to storm heaven to convert the whole world for Christ!

On Suffering for God

        Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.  We know how Mary must have suffered when she witnessed the Passion of her own Son.  As Simeon predicted, she should be pierced by a sword (Luke 2:35).  This was indeed her martyrdom. 

        For those of us who do not know the love of God yet, intense sufferings can be crushing, bringing on despair ~ this is sad.  But for those who gladly offer up their sufferings to God for his glory, there is always a sweetness to it.  The joy of Christ's Resurrection fills us with hope, capable of overriding all our sorrows.

Obedience to Death

        In today's second reading from Philippians 2, Paul talks about how Jesus humbled himself, becoming obedient to death.  This is a model for us.  Obeying the Lord for us should be nonnegotiable.  Whether we succeed or not due to human frailty, obedience to death nevertheless should be our aim.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

        Today is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.  A dead person hanging from a cross is normally a scary, macabre sight.  The priest mentioned this morning at Mass that he and a Jewish friend attended a Catholic wedding and it's the first time for his friend to be inside a Catholic church.  When the friend saw the big crucifix hung over the altar, he became quite uncomfortable.  Of course, we Catholics see the crucifix as something beautiful to behold, for it reminds us of God's love for us.  The Holy Cross is to be exalted because through it God manifested his glory. 

Jesus, Make Us Holy

        Everything about the Lord Jesus is holy.  Let him touch you to make you holy too. 

God's Inner Beauty

        Go deep into God and you'll discover his profound inner beauty that moves and stirs the soul.

Learning from Blogging

        This is post #1,000.  If someone had told me a year ago that I would hit this number, I would have responded with a loud "No Way!"  Mind you, it's not writing about anything; it's writing about God's love only!  It seemed that the line "God's love is infinite" would have said it all.

        Here's what I have learned:

        (1) God alone knows how things will work out.  We are to live faithfully one moment at a time.  All useless projections are a waste of time.

        (2) I don't know what I'll post next.  God can keep me going or stop giving me any more thoughts ~ this should not concern me.  I am to let go in all things.

        (3) What good does this blog do is also up to the Lord.  I only do what he wants me to do at this point.

        (4) Blogging has benefited me personally; it has brought me a lot closer to God.

Chosen to Bear Fruit

        Today's Communion verse is John 15:16.  "You have not chosen me; I have chosen you.  Go and bear fruit that will last."  Looking back, even though I searched for God, I see that it's still God who initiated the search.  He had his eyes on me all along.  He chooses us so that we can bear fruit for his glory.  This is the purpose, the goal, and the fulfillment of our life. 

How to Get Exalted

        Another beautiful paradox.  The more we humble ourselves, the more we get exalted by God.  To be humble is to hide in God.  Then, of course, the more we remain hidden, the more he notices our presence in him.  To get his loving attention this way is to be exalted by him.    

Everything About Jesus Is...

sweet and fragrant.  When you receive him in the Holy Eucharist, you become like him.

Trust Defined

        During prayer before morning Mass today, I asked Jesus if I was being selfish when I trusted in him, dumped all my problems on him, and just sat back to enjoy his peace.  Then I realized that my trusting in God does not mean that I am no longer concerned about others with their problems and sufferings; it's that I no longer worry or get depressed over them because God has stepped in to unburden me.  So to trust is to let God take over, freeing me from holding the problems in my own hands.  Peace is merely the result of that trust and there is nothing selfish about enjoying that peace.     

God the Light

        Light is a substance we can sense and measure, whereas darkness is a void, a concept.  We are aware of darkness only when light is absent.  In the same way, we are aware of evil only when God, being our light, is absent.  Therefore, immerse yourself in God the Light and no evil will "materialize" in you. 

We Are Part of God

        In an online interview, one classical pianist pointed out that music is part of his life.  Of course, this is true in every serious musician's case.  Then I thought of us who are Christians that God should be a part of our life.  And it's even better to be aware that we are part of God and then live that part.

Most Beautiful Prayers

        These are the ones inspired by the Holy Spirit.  You pray in total harmony with his will.  You feel the union with him during prayer.

About the Christian Faith

        The Christian faith is such that the deeper it gets, the more beautiful it becomes.

To Be Serious or Hypocritical?

        Today's Gospel reading from Luke 6 prompts me to ask how serious we are in following the Lord.  Jesus asked his disciples, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I command?"  He wanted them to listen to his words and act on them ~ this is likened to building a house with a solid foundation laid on rock.  Otherwise, it's like building a house without a foundation, which can easily collapse and be destroyed.  It's being either a serious Christian or a hypocritical one? 

No Anxiety for Christians

        Anxiety has no place in the life of a Christian, for a Christian is not to do what he wants to do, but to do God's will.  He is not even supposed to be anxious about doing God's will, for he must wait until it's clear to him.  That's why patience is regarded as a sign of holiness.

From Nothing to Something

        A corollary to the last post.  If you think that you are somebody, then here's the bad (and hopefully good) news for you: We are nothing until God makes something out of us.

Thoughts on Life

        We're born into this world, live an unknown number of years, and then leave the world.  We didn't bring anything with us when we came and won't be able to take anything with us when we leave; we're just passing through.  While we are in the world, we depend upon everything that comes from God to survive ~ we are basically "nothing."  But we can become something, in fact, something truly beautiful, if we'll just let God come into our lives to transform us.  All we need to do is to remain open and God will do the work.  It just seems such a natural thing for us to do.

Mary's Birthday Thoughts

        Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The more I read about Mary, the more I realize her special sanctity and the important role she assumed in the history of salvation.  She is the greatest among all saints.  Her sorrow at the death of Jesus exceeded what any of us could ever possibly experience.  Because of her supreme humility, God exalted her to be Queen of Heaven.  I am so blessed to have her as my ally, mother, intercessor and partner in doing God's will.  Praised be to the glorious Holy Trinity.  

Unique Features of Catholicism

        Today I am again thinking about some of the unique, outstanding features of Catholicism, my faith.  The whole truth was directly revealed to us by God from above through Christ, not founded by anyone from down below.   It's been handed down through unbroken apostolic succession, not to be modified, changed, or corrected by anyone outside the Church afterwards.

"Surrender" Review

        I've talked about surrender to God a lot.  Here are some more thoughts.  The word "surrender" is not a pleasant one, especially to most men.  Of course, you don't want to surrender to an evil dictator or a mean boss, but surrendering to God is entirely different.  It is basically going home, returning to the one who made you, reconciling with the Father who has always loved you, receiving his love and achieving freedom.  It is what we should for do for eternal happiness.  Nothing can ever be more fulfilling than union with God, initiated by surrender to God.

Don't "Punish" the Lord

        I've known Catholics who left the Church because a priest was not sensitive to a parishioner's needs or advised without showing sufficient love.  This is most fortunate.  We should concentrate on Jesus alone.  Do not be disturbed by anyone, priest or lay Catholic, who does not reflect the light of the Lord.  We should never loosen our hold on Christ.  Bad Catholics do not equate bad Jesus.  It's unfair to "punish" the Lord for the sins of his followers.  When you are no longer bothered by others' misdeeds and have learned to forgive, you'll have peace, still keeping your faith in and love for Christ intact.

"Do You Love Me?"

        Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" and Peter answered "Yes."  And Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."  He asked Peter a second time and Peter said yes again.  And Jesus said, "Tend my sheep."  After the third time with the same question and answer, Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."  I am sure that the Lord asks each of us the same question at one time or another, even though we might not be attentive at the time.  If our answer is also "Yes," I could just hear the Lord follow with the natural request "Surrender to me."  

On Longing for God

        Communion verses from Psalm 41 today: "Like a deer that longs for running stream, my soul longs for you, my God.  My soul is thirsting for the living God."  God is so sweet and beautiful that he becomes the love of our soul.  This is both a comment and stating a reality.  

Inevitability Demands Action

        The word that came to my mind just before Mass was "inevitability."  All of us will inevitably die one day.  There will inevitably be judgement for each of us.  God will inevitably triumph at the end.  If you believe likewise, then there is no point in delaying your surrender to God.  Doing it now to get the most out of your life.        

More Sad News

        It's so sad to read in the news that as many as 750,000 people could die in Somalia as the drought worsens in the coming months.  This makes me feel that all the comfort we have really doesn't mean much anymore ~ it's not to be attached to.  Only serving God matters.  Please pray urgently for these children of God's. 

Nations at God's Mercy Too

        I was shocked to read recently the news that the our own government conducted experiments in Guatemala of STD (sexually transmitted disease) during the 1940s.  The number of infected people could be as high as 2,500.  One US report released showed that 1.300 Guatemalans were infected without their knowledge to study the effects of penicillin, with a view to applying the results on US troops stationed around the world.  There's enough evidence to conclude that Guatemalan authorities collaborated at the time of the tests.  Can you believe that some 1,300 prisoners, psychiatric, and sex workers were deliberately injected with syphilis, gonorrhea, or chancroid bacteria into the eyes, the central nervous system, and male genitals?  The Nazis experimented with typhus and malaria on prisoners of war, using Poles, Russians, and Jews.  Were we any better?  At least since these experiments came to light last year, President Obama had apologized to his Guatemalan counterpart.  Nations, like us individuals, must also be holy to avoid condemnation by God.     

What the World Lacks

        I stumbled upon a blogsite of an internationally known artist.  He's not a Catholic and he criticized the Holy Father for beatifying Pope John Paul II too soon.  And many of his followers chimed in, with less kind opinions ~ one didn't think that John Paul II was a good enough man.  Another said that he finally realized that God gave him a brain and he's going to use it and went on expressing his negative view.  I am glad that he had such a revelation, but I don't recall Jesus telling us to use the brain to think freely of whatever we want to say ~ I just remember that Jesus wanted us to believe in him like a little child.

        My thoughts are that there are many out there who are intelligent, intellectual, and eloquent.  And they see themselves as the norm and are quick to express their unfavorable opinions on others.  To put it bluntly, they lack humility.  Jesus wants us to examine ourselves first before finding fault with others.  It's the humble who get to know God.  Once you know him, you feel free in his presence and become free yourself.  The wise and the proud of the world just don't understand something this simple.

Following the Truth

        Since Jesus is the way and the truth and the light, we who belong to him are then children of the way and the truth and the light.  We know our way to the Lord, we know how he loves us and has worked out the plan of salvation for us, and we now live in his light, being guided and kept safe from all evil.  Without Jesus, mankind would be lost and living in darkness.    

Huge Claim by Jesus

        Today's Alleluia verse is John 14.6: "I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me."  (In the Gospel reading from Luke 6 that follows, Jesus makes it clear to the Pharisees that he is also the lord of the sabbath.)  You don't have to read that statement a second time to realize that it's a huge claim ~ you either have to take it or leave it, no middle ground possible.  To me, this is the Lord of all speaking the truth with love without the slightest arrogance, as is consistent with all he'd said and done his whole life.

Joy of Nonexistence

        Let God pervade the whole of you, then you are no longer aware of your own existence but God.  This leads to freedom and to joy.   

Be Fit to Receive the Lord

        To me this morning's Gospel reading from Luke 5 was all about "fitting."  When Jesus (the bridegroom) was still with his disciples, it's fitting for them to eat and drink.  New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins, not old ones.  Likewise, to receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, we must be sufficiently clean and pure on the inside.   

Huge Message About Jesus

        Today's first reading at Mass was taken from Colossians.  Some excerpts: "All things were created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.  For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the Blood of his cross through him."  The Holy Spirit must have revealed all this to Paul. 

        We can either accept or reject Paul's claim, but must not ignore it.  If we accept it, then we must follow up by preparing ourselves for it.

Most Joyful Calling

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 5, Jesus instructed Peter to lower the fishing nets after Peter and his partners had worked hard all night and caught nothing.  Peter obeyed and they caught enough fish to fully fill two boats.  So astonished, Peter fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."  Peter was awed by the superiority of Jesus.  What he said deeply moves me.  If we also have such a realization, then know that God is calling you  to him.  The proper thing to say now would be "Come to me, Lord, for I am a sinful man who needs you."

        By the way, after the big catch, Jesus said to Peter, "Do not be afraid; from now on, you will be catching men."  Then Peter and his partners brought the boats to the shore, left everything (I suppose that included the fish too) and followed Jesus.  What a beautiful lesson and story! 

        The most joyful thing you can ever hear is the Lord calling you.  It's not just hearing his sweet voice; it's knowing that this is Love letting you know that he loves you!    

God Alone Serves Justice

        I saw or read in the news how people get great satisfaction and feel that justice is served when criminals  are caught and sentenced to death.  Does this have anything to do with getting even or seeking revenge?  What if the criminal executed, like the thief crucified next to Jesus, goes to heaven and you own present spiritual state in this world really isn't in any great shape ~ how do you feel now?  What I want to say is that Jesus made it clear to us that we are not to judge others and that God will judge us as we judge them.  True justice is served by God alone in the end.  Our work in this life is to forgive. 

God Is Infinite

        With a finite mind, I just could not see how there can be infinity.  Is the universe infinite in its size?  We've been told that the earth is around 4.5 billion years old and how the big bang started even before then, but when was the real beginning?  Maybe there is no beginning nor end because time has always been around. 

        Now, once you believe that God is infinite in every way, you no longer question infinity.  To question infinity is to question God.  To have a finite God is no better than having no God at all.  What's even more amazing is that our God is our Father and his love and mercy for us are also infinite.  Otherwise, all of us, who are sinners, would be doomed.  The Father wants to save us in the best way possible.  To reject infinity is to reject yourself.   

Missing Boy Jesus Explained

        From Luke, we learned that Joseph and Mary discovered that the boy Jesus was missing after journeying a whole day on their return from the feast of Passover held in Jerusalem.  I always wondered how that could have happened until I read the revelations to Mary of Agreda as recorded in The Mystical City of God.  In those days, the separation of men and women among the pilgrims during their return homeward was customary and the children were taken in charge either by the men or the women.  So it happened that both Mary and Joseph separately supposed that Jesus was with the other parent.  There are more details given in the book.  At any rate, I believe that there's always an explanation for what may seem inconsistent or unlikely to happen outwardly in the Gospels.  I remember one person rejected Christianity because he didn't see how Jesus could call himself both Son of God and Son of Man at the same time.  I believe that all things were clear to the Gospel writers, so there's no reason for them to give extra explanations.  

We Are "Gifted"

        Thought received today after Mass: Everything is a gift from God and the greatest gift of them all is Christ himself.

Best Way to Live

        The best way to live is to die in Christ and then live for him.       

All Authority and Power is God's

         In today's Gospel reading from Luke 4, people were astonished at the teaching of Jesus because he spoke with authority.  They were also amazed that with power and authority Jesus commanded unclean spirits.  In the Gospels, we read how the scribes and Pharisees repeatedly tested Jesus, trying to trip him; never once did they succeed.  The all-knowing Lord had all the answers.  He even read people's minds and hearts.  All proofs that he is God.  Yes, he was put to death, but that's what he had willed.  We do go against his will, but that's because he had given us the free will and we misuse it.  All authority and power is his.  Banish all thoughts that we can rebel and come out on top.  Total obedience is the way to go. 

God Our Perfect Answer

        "Do not reply upon anything that's limited, unstable, and transient."  This statement should be sensible to all.  So we should put our trust in something that's infinite, constant, and eternal.  What do you know ~ God turns out to be the only answer!  And Jesus came into the world and made God intimate and personal to us ~ how much better can it get?