has to be success in surrendering himself to God, since it brings him into union with God. This can also be considered the greatest breakthrough because it's the breakthrough to spiritual freedom.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Easy Ascent to Heaven
People can get unbelievably attached to their pets, guns, cars, hobbies, sport events, TV shows, pop idols . . . that they virtually become slaves. This is spiritually unhealthy, to say the least. The healthy way is to enjoy, but not be attached to them. If you ever pray the Our Father, focus upon the meaning of "Thy will be done." If there is something you can't possibly give up ever, then you'll have trouble when the time comes for you to leave the world. Just remember that the more earthly baggage you carry, the harder will it be for you to leave. A beautiful sight to the Lord is the ascent of a free, weightless spirit toward him.
Easy Journey
Communion experience. The Lord of heaven came to me in person. He came to take away my sins, dwell within me, and show me his love. I only needed to walk toward the altar to receive him.
Grateful for Purgatory
I know a lot of Christian denominations do not believe in purgatory. They believe that once you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, you are saved forever. This is rather simplistic thinking. If it were true, there is no incentive for us to grow holy anymore. Then, as sinners how many of us are pure enough to get into heaven? Would a great sinner enter as easily as a saint? Remember that in Matthew 7.21, Jesus said, "Not everyone who says 'Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven." I am not a theologian, but I see the existence of purgatory as a sign of God's great mercy. This is how heaven-bound sinners get purified. Naturally, the purification process depends upon your sinful state. Without purgatory, heaven would be a sparsely populated place; with it, many are saved. (Check the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a full explanation.)
Our Greatest Danger
Matthew 5.17-19 was today's Gospel reading at morning Mass. What the Lord said was earthshaking. To me, Jesus as God always spoke the truth, and truth does not go away ~ it gets fulfilled. Since the people of the world is paying little attention to the messages of Christ the Lord, the greatest danger they face now is not possibly another world war or some horrendous natural disaster, but the loss of their souls for all eternity.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Most Beautiful Relationship
Part of today's Entrance Antiphon at Mass from Psalm 17 read: Guard me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. I see the amazing relationship between God and any of us who belong to him. We are so small and limited, yet we are the apple of his eye, and he loves us. When we love him back, we have the union of the puny and finite with the holy, immortal, and mightiest. This is truly an incredibly beautiful thing!
On Forgiving Others Again
In today's Gospel reading at Mass from Matthew 18, Jesus told Peter to forgive his brother who sinned against him not just seven times, but seventy-seven times. I used to wonder if I should forgive an enemy who's unremorseful. The answer now is clearly yes. This teaching of the Lord is consistent with his teaching about judging not and loving your enemies. Holding a grudge against someone is like keeping poison in your heart ~ guess who's being poisoned. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant that followed in the Gospel reading, Jesus made it clear that God would not forgive us if we did not forgive others for the same sin. If we want God to forgive us always, we have no choice but to forgive others always. After all, it's only what God, not any other human being, does to us that counts.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Asking for God's Help
If I believe that God is my only help, then of course he is going to help me whenever I need his help! This is exactly what Jesus had said, "Ask and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7.7).
Union Coming into Focus
Today's response to Psalms 42 and 43 at Mass reads: Athirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God? In reading the Psalms, I am amazed at how King David and the other psalmists were passionate about and intimate with the Lord they believed in so much ~ the longing, the begging, the praising. It seems that with our advantage of knowing Christ, we should truly be able to develop an even closer relationship with God. I see Union with God coming into focus.
Are We Any Better?
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 4 at morning Mass, Jesus, like the prophets before him, was not accepted in his own native place. The people in the synagogue were furious at what he said, drove him out of town and were ready to hurl him headlong over the brow of the hill on which their town had been built. I thought of the many of us who are not necessarily angry at the Lord, but nevertheless are lukewarm or just do not care much about him ~ are they any better than those in the synagogue in his native place?
God Our Only...
Jesus is the only one we can fully trust. He is our only hope. He alone is our true rock and refuge. He is the only one who fully understands our plight and can save me from eternal damnation. He is the only one who can bring peace to our world if only we follow him. He is the only one who is infinitely merciful. He is the only one with the greatest possible love for us. He is the only one worth our adoration and praise. He is the only one who can transform us into holy saints. He is the only God Incarnate. He is our greatest treasure and miracle!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Story of a Jewish Catholic
I record The Journey Home programs hosted by Marcus Grodi on EWTN. This morning I enjoyed watching Dr. Robin Pierucci, a Jewish Convert, telling her interesting, beautiful story.
(You might also enjoy watching Rosalind Moss on The Journey Home I posted in 2013: http://journeyofimperfectsaint.blogspot.com/2013/08/mother-miriam.html.)
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Deep Journey
Communion experience. It was a deep journey into the interior of the Lord in a short time.
Powerful Acts and Words
I attended 5 p.m. Vigil Mass today. The Gospel reading from John 2 is powerful. Jesus drove those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the money changers all out of the temple area. To those who sold doves he said, "Stop making my Father's house a marketplace." His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. Then the Jews asked him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up." He was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this.
Welcoming Trial
This morning in the church vestibule, for the first time I read this saying attributed to St. Augustine under the title "Trials and Suffering" taped on the CD and book rack. It reads: "Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial." I agree with everything here and the last sentence truly taught me. We can take advantage of trial by drawing ourselves closer to God. Through trial, we find out how strong our faith is and how much we trust in the Lord.
Most Beautiful Father
Today's Gospel reading at Mass contained the Parable of the Lost Son, Luke 15.11-32. Like the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, this parable is also on my must-read list because it tells of the love of our Father for us so beautifully. You have to be insane or idiotic not to embrace such a loving Father! (Pardon my honest expression.)
Take Your Shower
To be steeped in sin is like wallowing in mud. You may feel the pleasure, but you know that you are filthy. To have God forgive you and take away your sins is like getting washed in a nice, hot shower ~ you feel clean and invigorated afterwards. Know when to take your shower.
Making Yourself Happy
There are two ways to make yourself happy, one true and one false. The true way is to make others happy, and you'll feel good about it. The false way is to ignore others' feelings to get your way, and you'll never taste inner peace.
*God's Judgment
The Lord's judgment will always be just and remain the same. If you commit a more serious sin, it doesn't mean that he'll judge you more harshly. One thing that really works on our side: God's mercy ~ if we repent, our sins are forgiven. In conclusion, it's up to us to set the judgment we are going to receive at the end.
Friday, March 6, 2015
What's Good Will Be Well
Sometimes I wondered what's going to happen to the good people who do not know Christ and those who do not seem to get a fair shake in life, whom the world might brand as losers. After rereading Jesus' Beatitudes (Matthew 5.3-12) today, I knew that God would bless and take care of them.
Banishing Fear of Death
Once you see that life is continuous and living the right life in God enables you to glide smoothly from this life into the next, all fear of death is gone.
Connecting with God
Today being the first Friday of the month, there was Eucharistic Adoration at the church after Mass. I adored the Lord who entered me earlier and realized that the only way to connect with him already within me was to surrender myself to him.
No Turning Back
Today's Communion experience. My life is complete, fulfilled. Now I can go to the Father in peace, leaving everything behind to collect my treasures in heaven.
More Appropriate Question
When something bad happens to you, it's easy to question God why it should happen, especially if you believe that you've been a pretty good person. I can understand that. But the more appropriate question to ask is one for ourselves, not God: "Why do we offend the Lord who is holy?" That is: "Why do we make bad things happen to him?" After all, it is sin that causes almost all of our problems.
Beauty of Christianity
It strikes me today that Christianity is beautiful because it allows God who is love to envelop you so that you vanish in him for him to dwell in you.
Pressing Time
As you scan the shocking news headlines everyday, you can't help sensing that there is no time more pressing than now to choose God. Among all the bad news, Christ alone brings the good news, hope, and promise for a certainty. If you don't feel the urgency, you are living in a dream world.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Getting Things Done
Communion time thoughts. The priest offered the congregation the Lamb of God and we all responded by saying "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." I believe that when the Lord says the word or just wills, it's done. Be good, obedient, and faithful children and we can get the Father to say the right word to get a lot of things done.
Being Fair in Praying
The drug problem will persist if you only go after the dealers and not change the habits of the addicts. If you desire peace in the world, go beyond praying for those you love and pray for your enemies and all the evildoers too. This is applying offense and defense at the same time. Besides, we must be fair to all whom our Father loves.
Precious Conscience
If you possess a clear conscience, consider yourself most fortunate and blessed, for it is more precious than all the riches of the world.
Love and Life
If you have Love for God, then you have Life. These two L's are inextricably linked together.
Are You Listening?
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 8.19-31, we heard the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. This parable should be on everyone's must-read list, as the crystal-clear messages it carries are of paramount importance. Here's what Abraham said to the rich man suffering in the netherworld and asking for some relief from his torment, "My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus 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 who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours." The Jews had Moses and the prophets, but those who did not listen to them ended up in the place of torment. Now we have Jesus, the Son of God, shall we not listen to him either?
Judging as an Indicator
Jesus teaches us not to judge others. You can easily see those who judge and criticize others harshly are the ones who do not know the Lord well, whereas humility, obedience, and forgiveness mark the great saints of the Church.
The Gospel Test
Read the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, assuming that Jesus was not God. I don't think you would be able to finish reading them, for it make no sense for an ordinary human to say and do what Jesus did as recorded. Read the books again, this time believing that he was the the Son of God, or God, then everything comes together and no puzzle is to left to solve.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
See It Right
First, realize that you cannot find true happiness in this life messed up by sin ~ this should preempt all your disappointments. Next, know that this life is not only imperfect, but also quickly passing. These realizations should help you see the need for a loving and dependable God. By living for him, you live for eternal happiness, not just for your rather brief, ordinary-to-miserable sojourn on earth.
Compelling Ave Maria
In my list of Good Sites, Blogs, Web Pages..., you'll find 4 Ave Maria music videos. The music is beautiful in each of them, but the one that moves me to tears every time I watch it is the one by Lorenc. I thought I would point this out. Loving God can be so beautiful!
Our Mission
Jesus is the light. Without him, there'll be only darkness. If we follow him, we must let his light shine as brightly as possible. This is our duty, our responsibility, our life goal, our mission. It's do-or-die. Why? Because it's liberating and a great joy!
*We Are Human
Anytime I experience mental agony, I tend to think that my trust in God must be weak. Today I realized that when Jesus underwent his Agony in the garden of Gethsemane, he certainly did not lack trust in the Father ~ he suffered simply because he was human. This came as a great consolation to me.
God's Purpose for Us
Communion experience. I felt so fortunate that I was present at the consecration of the bread and wine when these elements were transformed into the body and blood of the Lord ~ he transformed himself so that we might be transformed to be like him. This was clearly his intention when he created us in his image.
Jesus Has Few Friends
There's this story about St. Teresa of Avila. Once, when she was traveling to one of her convents, her carriage tipped in crossing a torrential stream and she fell into the muddy water, injuring her leg. Soaked and hurt, she cried to God, "Lord, if this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few!" Humor aside, the Lord still has few friends today. In our present secular societies, people look up to pop stars, rock musicians, sports heroes, those who have glamour, wealth, and/or power. Mother Teresa was inspiring, but how many of us wanted to be like her? The humble, meek, and self-giving image of Christ just does not appeal to the world anymore. Timid Christians ashamed of him are legion. What is certain is that if we ignore the Lord, he will ignore us in the end too. The worst thing you can possibly hear said to us is "I do not know you" from the one who loved us the most (Matthew 25.12, Luke 13.27).
Changing Perspective
Sometimes I wonder what I have done for Christ. It seems that I haven't succeeded in bringing many people to him or done anything extraordinary for his glory. Then it dawns on me that I am again seeing things from my perspective, while the Lord only wants me to be holy so that I might be saved, and not be so concerned about what I have accomplished in his name.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Cause of Uneasiness
The more one feels uneasy upon hearing the name of Jesus, the more that person needs to surrender himself to the Lord for mercy.
Fundamental Truth
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The last part I italicized is a truth in itself. Since Jesus is the truth, knowing him solves the puzzle of life. I now know where I came from, why I am here, and what my final destination is going to be. Through Jesus, I now belong to God, my creator and Father. In other words, I am now free!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Reading God's Mind
In today's Gospel reading from Luke 6 at morning Mass, the first thing Jesus said to his disciples was: Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. All the teachings Jesus gave us told us what he, God, is like. His desire was for us to be like him. The reason could only be love.
Be a Contrarian
An investor in stocks is called a contrarian if he buys when everyone else is selling and sells when everyone else is buying. Often he ends up making more money than many regular investors. Here's how to be a contrarian Christian.
The more things go against you, the more you put your trust in God. The more your enemies attack you, the more you seek refuge in God and pray for their conversion. The more you undergo suffering, the deeper you enter God for strength and consolation. The more you run into problems, the more you welcome the challenge. Moreover, be determined not ever to let evil defeat you, not ever to let any sin of yours be the cause of your death ~ die only for the glory and love of God.
Breaking Free of the Maddening World
The world seems to have locked itself in a perpetual vicious cycle with almost every nation and everyone wanting to do things its or his way, resulting in waging all forms of wars against each other ad infinitum. The only way to break free of this madness is to let Jesus (not any god who's not all love) save us. Here, saving us means making us not of the world, thereby getting us ready for heaven after this life. There is no other way, for there is only one true God.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Concentrated Living
To learn to play a piano piece, you learn faster if you take on a small number of measures each time. Trying to swallow the whole piece at once always results in longer overall learning time. It works the same way in living the spiritual life. The truth is that we can only live in the present moment because the past is gone and the future is not here yet. Therefore, focus upon serving God, overcoming sufferings, putting your trust in God, and so on, every present moment you live. Projecting into the future can only weaken your present concentration. If you see or rest in God, you are seeing or resting in him now.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Love, Our Answer
Since God is love, love is the solution to all our problems. Like Jesus we must love everyone, including our enemies, and love the cross sent our way. Let the love of God set us ablaze so that we may shine brilliantly in the world.
Wasting Time
Communion time thought. Doing anything not for the sake of Christ, dying included, is a waste of time.
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