Die Once & Live Forever

        The martyrs die for Christ, but we can always die in Christ. In either case, the subjects die once and will live forever! 

How People Talk

        It's interesting that those who do not know God talk as if they know everything, while those who know God talk as if they do not know anything but God.

We Are like Computers

        I just had some viruses or malware removed from my computer. I was told by one technician that if I didn't do anything, the computer most likely would head toward a crash. The sounds very much like a sinner and what could happen to him. Sins are like viruses and a sinner is infected with them. For him, the loss of eternal life is that big crash.  

The Movie "For Greater Glory"

        I did go see the movie For Greater Glory yesterday with some friends. To be objective about it ~ let's say that I am not even a Catholic ~ I'd say that the film was well made, quite dramatic, and has some very moving moments. Above all, it tells the story objectively, showing violence committed by both sides, and did get the point across. Out of 5 stars, I would rate it 3.5 to 4 stars. Don't pay too much attention to the less favorable reviews that have appeared in a number big city newspapers ~ those critics tend to nitpick from the point of view of a film school instructor, but the many imperfections are not likely to bother the average audience. When our group watched it, we were kept awake for the entire 147 minutes and got quite emotionally exhausted. Overall, it tells a memorable story.    

God, Our Standard

        God is the only standard against which all of us are to be measured. On our own, any standards we set up will only be temporary, relative, and possibly unreliable or even misguided. If you believe that we should have only one standard, then we have no choice but to follow God. The world is in chaos and disorder because the Lord is not held up as its standard. Without God's example as revealed through Christ, we'll never know what the greatest love and true humility are.  

Goal of a Christian:

To draw all to the love of Christ.         

From Have-Nots to Haves

        I have been thinking about what Jesus said to his disciples in Mark 4.25 (also in Matthew): "To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away." The first part is true. Anyone who has received much from the Lord will want more from him because what he has received is good. The Lord then generously gives him even more...it goes on continuously like that. The second part is the flip side of the first, but there is hope for the have-nots too, for the Lord also said that the last would be first and the first would be last. All the one who has not has to do is to start asking the Lord to become one who has.    

Sacrament Most Holy

        At Mass today again, as I received the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I experience the greatest possible intimacy with Jesus ~ a "union" not possible with another human being nor by any other means. It is the perfect fusion between God and man on earth. No wonder the Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament Most Holy.

Media Bias Against Church

        The liberal media in this country are very much biased against the Catholic Church. It's nothing new that the good guys always get picked on. The media cover up the truths by not telling them, but Jesus assured us that even the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against his church (Matthew 16:18). Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In Reading 1 from Romans 12, we heard read: "Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them." Indeed, what's going on will only strengthen the Church, for to suffer and fight for Christ's sake is both a joy and a blessing. Let's pray for the media just as hard as we pray for the Church.

       (If you have the film For Greater Glory currently showing in a nearby theater, go see it. It's the account of Mexico's fight for religious liberty against government persecution.)     

How Should I Pray?

        I suffered a shoulder injury (bothersome, but not painful). I've been praying for healing. But after several months, I still could feel it. So what should I do? 

        (1) I know that nothing is impossible with God. If I do stop praying, it has to be because I want to let God decide whether he wants to heal me or not.
        (2) In Scripture, Jesus also said that our persistence can weary the Lord to the point that he would just give in and let us have our way. In other words, he encouraged us to pray.  

          (3) I've decided to continue praying for recovery; but regardless of what happens, I am going to remain peaceful. Praying is talking to the Lord ~ always good for the soul. So it's going to be persistent praying without anxiety. 

How to Love

        Just one simple lesson: Let God love you first and always.

Two Contrasting Existences

        When we are born into this world, it's as if we are dropped into a jungle. The lost souls are the ones who have no idea why they are here. They see only the trees and not the forest of which the trees are a part. They are attracted by the beauties they find in the forest and don't think much about getting out of the forest because they don't know how.

        On the other hand, the ones who know Jesus well have all the answers to their existence. They see the entire picture, the whole forest and what's beyond. They are not lured by the local attractions after knowing where they are heading. That's why they live joyfully with peace in their hearts ~ they have been found by God.

Do You Deny Jesus?

        Peter denied knowing Jesus three times and the Lord asked him later "Do you love me?" three times. Anytime we are ashamed of letting others know that we follow Jesus, we are guilty of denying him too. In fact, committing any sin against God is to deny that Jesus is our Lord. If he asks you the same question he asked Peter, how are you going to answer him?  

Believing in God the Right Way

        If Jesus is truly the Son of God and our Savior, then we must believe in him wholeheartedly, asking no questions, making no more analyses of him, no more lofty discussions about him, and believing with our hearts instead of with our minds. In other words, we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3). I believe in this way and everything turns out most beautifully. This is my simple testimony.  

A Joyful Sinner

        As I received the Lord this morning in the Holy Eucharist, I trembled because I was a most wretched sinner before him, and I felt an even greater need for his mercy. This urges me to surrender to him even more to seek a perfect union. Joy at last!

Body and Soul Distinct

        We must realize that the soul and the body are two distinct entities. While being united on earth, they often affect the other. For example, an unhappy soul can impair the health of the body and conversely, a body of ill health can dampen one's spirits and causes him to neglect the soul. To be aware that they are distinct from each other helps us to keep them healthy separately so that the condition of one may not impede the progress of the other. We do our best to take care of the temporary body while it lasts and we make sure that the imperishable soul progresses smoothly in its own journey.  

Rich in Jesus

        2 Corinthians 8.9, today's Gospel Acclamation at Mass: "Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich." I could have quoted this in my first post today. This is what makes the Lord so lovable ~ his complete lack of self-glory. He even became one of us. I am rich for having such a beautiful friend. Thank you again, Jesus.

Most Important to God and Us

        Do you know what is most important to both God and us? 

        Answer: !sluos ruo fo noitavlas ehT    

Why I Love God

        On my way to Mass this morning, I saw that I love my God for the unique combination of his mighty power and perfect humility. The mighty power makes me want to worship him and the total absence of pride makes me love him. I can never have any of his power, but I can imitate his humility ~ this makes it possible for me to achieve union with him. Thank you, Jesus. 

Elated by Love

        During Communion time, I realized that I was not just loved by God ~ I was loved by him with the greatest possible love! I was elated! 

The Holy Spirit Liberates Us

        The Holy Spirit draws and conquers through sheer love. To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to experience the greatest liberation! If my walk through life had felt heavy once, you could say that the Holy Spirit has made me relatively weightless now. Pentecost time is the time to submit ourselves further to the Holy Spirit for even greater liberation.

The Holy Spirit Restores Us

        Today is glorious Pentecost Sunday. The same Holy Spirit whom the disciples received from Jesus when he breathed on them at Pentecost dwells in us who follow the Lord today. The Spirit renews us, but I see it also as a restoration. Man first fell from God's grace, then Jesus came to redeem us, clearing the way for our return to God. The Holy Spirit then makes us holy, restoring us to a status fit for us to enter heaven. 

No Minding Others

        I went to morning Mass and saw the cars of those who had already arrived in the parking lot. By now, I pretty much know the owners by their car. No soon had the images of some of the owners floated into my mind than minor facts associated with them surfaced too. For example, one person appeared overweight; another didn't seem to be too friendly, etc. Then I realized that basically, I mind these things, even if slightly, and the danger is that all these opinions and feelings can bring me closer to judging people. 

        At Mass, the Gospel confirmed my thoughts. The reading came from John 21. After Jesus signified to Peter the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God, Peter asked Jesus what would happen to John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Jesus answered, "What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me." Indeed, our job is to follow the Lord and let all our thoughts, words, and deeds flow from that. Certainly, minding the trivial facts about others should not be of our concern. When we see someone, we see only the Lord in that person ~ here is a great aid to preserving inner peace.

Love Most Powerful

        Today is the Memorial of St. Philip Neri. The Entrance verse at Mass, Romans 5.5, reads: "The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia." I say amen to that and rejoice in it. Words can not express the joy of having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and how good it feels to have the love of God pouring into our hearts! Of course, I am seeing things as an insider, who has already believed. All I can say is that if you are still on the outside or not quite in yet, you'll totally understand my feelings once you cross over. Everything the love of God touches turns joyful. 

Love's Demand

        Today's Gospel from John 21: Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him and Peter answered the Lord each time that he loved him. Upon hearing each answer, the Lord asked Peter to do something ~ the requests were "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," and "Feed my sheep" in that order. It just makes me think that if we genuinely love Jesus, we must continuously do something for him to show that we love him. The proof of love is in the doing of the deed.  

Praying to God Within

        Before morning Mass started today, I prayed and felt that the Lord was sitting on a throne in my heart, so I prayed to him within. I loved it because I felt that we shared the same conscience and I did pray his will. 

Man's Secular Enjoyment

        Today's early morning wasn't so clear as yesterday, but the sky with clouds in various hues still looked beautiful ~ indeed, God has given us much natural beauty for enjoyment. Now, man has concocted its own potion for enjoyment. Unfortunately, much of it does not inspire; the creations are here only to provide material comfort and fun or entertainment on the secular level. I can't help feeling sorry that any baby born into this world will have to fight an uphill spiritual battle all the way.  

Death Made Perfectly Clear

        There is an award-winning documentary examining death and how anxiety about dying drives human behavior out there. I am so happy that Jesus has shown us that there is eternal life, that death is no longer an unknown, and that death has no power over us who follow Jesus. If I have any anxiety about dying, it's my anxiety to meet the Lord. 

Knowing You're Loved

        I am loved by God. I am also loved by all the angles and saints in heaven. On earth I am loved by every single brother and sister truly in Christ. I wouldn't be surprised that the total number exceeds one hundred million. In reality, every person is loved by God. It's knowing Christ that has made me aware that I am loved by God and all the others. 

God's Chosen Gift

        In today's Gospel reading from John 17 at morning Mass, Jesus prayed earnestly to the Father that all believers may be one in him and the Father. He made it clear that we believers are the Father's gift to him. Regarding us as a gift to him, Jesus must be so pleased with and appreciative of us. Knowing that we have been chosen by the Father to be worthy as a gift to the Son, we should be pleased with ourselves and appreciative of the Father's love for us. It's love and appreciation all around.        

Road to God Is Clear

        The early morning sky was beautifully clear with not a cloud in sight. And the Lord made me see that the road to him for us is also clear without his placing any obstacle in the way. He is eagerly waiting for us at his end. If we accept and believe in Christ, we are saved, for he said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The only thing that prevents us from reaching God is our own unwillingness to get going.     

Jesus Our Intercessor

        In today's Gospel reading at Mass from John 17, we learn that Jesus interceded for all those whom the Father had given him. He prayed that they might be one, protected and guarded them so that no one was lost. I just feel good that I am totally secure under his wing and am grateful that he cares for us so much. He makes my day every day. 

Thoughts Affecting Inner Peace

        Since God knows all our thoughts and he is the source of our peace, any impure, sinful, or inappropriate thought we have directly affects our inner peace ~ we are just made that way. When our thoughts are all pure, we are at peace, and we and God are one. At the other extreme, there are those who do not hear the gospel  or do not want to know Christ ~ they have succumbed to the world and their thoughts can't be further away from God. Happy and blessed are those who are pure in their thoughts and have peace in their hearts.

Transforming Power

        At Mass today, when the priest was consecrating of the bread and the wine in the Eucharist, I saw that the changing of the elements of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ is indeed a miracle and that through receiving the Holy Eucharist, we receive power to transform ourselves. This awareness gave me tremendous support. 

State of the Union

        Here "Union" refers to union with God. In that state, God fills all of us and we become so happy and content that we no longer seek anything else for ourselves. God is all one needs.

Holy Spirit, Abode of Peace

        With Pentecost coming up next Sunday, my thoughts turn to the Holy Spirit. The Father wants us to stop all inner struggling on our own and rest in the Holy Spirit so that we may enjoy perfect peace. Let's fulfill Jesus' wish for us to have peace. 

On Wishful Thinking

        Wishful thinking is basically ego-prompted ~ you imagine things turning out well to feed your ego. One the other hand, when you imagine things going bad, you start to worry because you realize that things may go against your wish. In any case, one free of ego does not imagine things in one way or another. The entire focus is on following the Lord single-mindedly. Jesus is our perfect example. When he was on earth, he did not imagine nor worry about things ~ he was the most realistic person. Wishful thinking indicates the presence of ego and the lack of inner peace.  

God's Gentle Love

        At today's Mass, Reading 1 from Acts 20 tells us that Paul laid his hands on twelve men in Ephesus and they received the Holy Spirit. We who have been baptized in Christ already have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The Holy Spirit has mighty power, yet he is most gentle. To receive power from him, we must first surrender ourselves to him and pray sincerely. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is surrendering to God. The fear or uneasiness people feel in surrendering to God all comes from within, for the Holy Spirit could not have given it to them. Knowing how gentle the Holy Spirit is should put our mind at ease when we surrender to God.

Union Most Intimate

        Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. During Communion, I felt the sweet intimacy of union with the Lord. The closest possible union between two human beings is for them to be soul mates with both in union with the Lord, but another human being can never touch or penetrate my inner soul as God can. Union with God with the aid of the Holy Eucharist is to become God's soul mate and unite with him at the most fundamental level, returning to our creator who loves us.

What God Knows

        There are so many scandals out there being revealed in the public media. Those who got caught are in trouble with the law now. But, of course, even if they were not caught, they're in trouble with God already. Some people think that if they can hire a good lawyer to beat the court, then they are home free ~ they forget that being free is not being free of guilt, for only God removes sins. What we think or what the court thinks is not that important compared to what God knows! 

What's Your Joy?

        Yesterday I did not have the chance to do any posting because I was away in another city, attending a university commencement for a relative's graduation. Most of the over 4,000 graduates were jubilant. Families and friends carrying flowers and balloons were everywhere. After the ceremony, there was the posing for pictures around campus. Dinners, banquets, and parties had been planned for the rest of the day. It was a big day for the graduates and the joy was palpable. But then I saw that this joy stemming from a temporary relief would be short-lived. I didn't believe that many of the graduates would be able to find a good job today as this relative of mine hadn't yet. Joy is similar to faith in this way ~ it is long-lasting only if it's deeply grounded in something solid and firm. The joy of God is in that category.       

Joyful Boast

        I have called upon the name of Jesus thousands of times. Yesterday it dawned on me that I had been calling God by his first name! God and I are on an intimate first-name basis ~ something I can joyfully boast about. 

To Be Free Is To...

(1) live to please God alone,

(2) not care about your own reputation (what others think of you),  

(3) not be concerned about how your prayers are going to be answered,

(4) rejoice when someone else loves the Lord more than you do,

(5) never look down on someone who might not be as advanced as you spiritually,

(6) ...

        Actually, (1) is all I need to have put down as it covers the rest.

True or False

        Yesterday's Gospel Acclamation at Mass was John 16.28: "I came from the Father and have come into the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." Read it one more time. To the believer, what Jesus had said was absolutely true. To the nonbeliever, Jesus must be a false prophet or someone "demential" ~ no way around it! The Lord always challenges us (for our good).     

It All Has to Do with Love

        Since our love is not perfect, we can be pushed to the limit and stop loving, thereby loosing our inner peace and freedom. Just look at our own world. By contrast, God's love is perfect, making him holy and infinitely patient. He then remains free forever and is the source of all peace.

Three-Way Love

        As disciples of Jesus, we are to be the light of the world. Our light is to let all others see that God loves them and that we love God. We love God because he loves us. We love others because we love God ~ his love for all is demonstrated through our love for him.

Joy with Jesus

        In today's Gospel reading at Mass from John 16, Jesus knew that he's going to the Father in a little while and he told his disciples that they would weep and mourn, but their grief would turn into joy. When that happens, they would no longer remember the grief. 

        I can recall my own past sufferings and pains, both physical and mental; but since I am enjoying the Lord so much now, I don't ever think about those days anymore (no regret either). "When you are in love, the whole world looks beautiful" ~ it has that kind of effect. With Jesus, joy always wins out. Looking ahead, we see eternal life awaiting us in heaven and all present sorrows will be forgotten ~ so why not start "forgetting" them right now?           

Timely Questions for All

         For the nonbeliever: How much time do you have left in your life?

       For the believer: How much do you love the Lord? (Are you willing to surrender to him to seek union with him?) 

Union Most Satisfying

        In the state of union with God, one has no more desire to see apparitions or witness miracles because he already has the Lord in him, satisfying all his desires.

Total Occupation with God

        When you are in union with the Lord, figuratively you don't see, hear, or feel yourself anymore ~ you see, hear, and feel only him.