Our Safe Haven

        Never bow to evil ~ that is, never let evil cause you to sin. In today's reading of Psalm 18 at Mass, the psalmist calls upon the Lord in his distress, exclaiming "My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, the horn of may salvation, my stronghold!" If we remain in God, we are safe from our enemies and no evil can possibly touch us. 

Consequences of Consequence

(1) If you do not stop sinning, you risk hearing the Lord say, "I never knew you" after you die. 

(2) Make yourself god and you lose the only living God.  

(3) Have your way now and you won't have any say later.

(4) Choose to receive all your rewards in this life and there won't be any left for you in the next.

(5) Aim to gain the whole world now and risk losing your soul for ever.

(6) Reject Christ now and he'll reject you later.

Be Humble and Mighty

        After hearing the Gospel (John 8.51-59), read at morning Mass, I came to realize that our God is mighty because he is humble. Among humans too, the humble are mightier than the proud, for they have God as their rock and refuge while the proud have only themselves to rely upon. Besides, Jesus has said, "The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23.11-12.)

Faith Unlimited

        Jesus has come and revealed how much God loves us and wants to save us. Whether he came 2000 years ago or two million years ago, or is actually with us today is immaterial, for faith is timeless. A limited faith is no faith at all. It is this kind of unlimited faith that makes life worth living, for the reward will be great when you finally face the Lord.

To Be Strong in God

        The Lord made me see today that being strong is not being puffed-up, feeling that you can conquer anything coming your way. Rather, being strong in God is to remain calm, not being upset by anything. You place your trust in God and focus upon him alone. It's only when you get bothered that you become weak.

Obedience of a True Servant

        Communion time thoughts. If we are with Christ, then we have no choice but to obey him in all things, for this marks being a true servant of the Lord. If you haven't always been obedient, let the Holy Eucharist be your game-changer.

The Cure the World Needs

        Today we celebrated the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord at morning Mass. The readings advised us to do the will of God. In the Gospel reading from Luke 1, the angel Gabriel came to Mary to announce her conception of Christ. Before the angel departed, Mary's final response was: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Disobedience to God is precisely what has made our world so disordered. Only obedience to him can restore our sanity (and lead us to sanctity).

Mutual Knowing

        In John 10.27, Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they know me." I feel that the Lord and I know each other so well that I only need to call out "Jesus" and he already knew what's on my mind and in my heart. This trust simplifies the relationship. What Jesus said in the next verse completely solidifies that relationship: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand." Imagine!

Viewing Life Right

        If you view your life as a journey of wandering off on your own, then admit it ~ your are lost. Life makes sense and becomes meaningful only if you see it as a journey to God.  

The Missing Puzzle Piece

        Communion experience. I saw Jesus as the perfect missing piece that completed the puzzle of my life.

Time to Ask for Help

        John 12.32 is today's Communion antiphon: When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all to myself. If the Resurrection of Jesus does not draw you to him, then you urgently need to go to him directly for help.

Dying Right in Sinful State

        In today's Gospel reading from John 8, Jesus said to the Pharisees that they would die in their sins for belonging to the world and not believing in him. It is chilling to hear the words "dying in your sins." We must make sure that we shall die in our sins forgiven! 

Truth Summarized

        Today's Gospel acclamation at Mass: The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.

No Seasons in Heaven

        Spring officially began four days ago. Trees and other plants have turned fresh green, the dreary winter-scape already fading from memory. And after a rainfall, the clear blue sky is always a welcome sight. We go through seasons and cycles in this life. Then I realize that there will be no seasonal changes or life cycles in heaven ~ we just enjoy bliss perpetually in God.

How We Need God!

        So many so often forget that they are finite and need God. The realization comes when their security, status quo, or life are threatened, and learn that they are not invincible and being your own little god is useless. This is a wake-up call. The bottom line is that we cannot escape from God and survive. It's either the Lord or eternal banishment.

Our Only Calling

        Communion experience. No matter what happens, we simply go deeper and deeper into the Lord ~ this is our only calling: to be one with him.

How the Lord Spoke to Me

        It came to me that I should pray hard for God's mercy on the whole world and myself. During this Lent, I have been persecuted by an enemy and began to feel a tiny fraction of what the Lord must have felt as he underwent his agonies prior to his Crucifixion. Everything I heard at today's Mass was most edifying. 

        First, the entrance antiphon, Psalm 56.2, read: Have mercy on me, O God, for people assail me; they fight me all day long and oppose me. 

        In the first reading that followed from Daniel 13, we heard how two wicked, old judges falsely testified against Susanna and sentenced her to death and Daniel was able to unearth the truth and convict the two of perjury and save Susanna. 

       Next, the response to Psalm 23 was familiar: Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side. 

        Now, the Gospel acclamation, based upon Ezekiel 33,11: I take not pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live. 

        Finally, the Gospel reading from John 8 was about the woman caught in adultery. When the scribes and the Pharisees, testing Jesus, asked him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" Jesus said to them, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." In response, they went away one by one. Then Jesus asked the women, "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one, sir." Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more." In fact, today's Communion antiphon was made up from these last two verses: Have no one condemned you, woman? No one, Lord. Neither shall I condemn you. From now on, sin no more. This is the powerful mercy of our God ~ beautiful beyond words! 

        After hearing all this, it's as if the Lord had spoken to me personally. I was right in knowing that I should pray for God's mercy in my case. 

Communion of Saints

        When I arrived at church for morning Mass a bit early today, only half a dozen or so parishioners were already present. Eventually, attendance grew to about 40. Among them, many had been humble and faithful servants of the Lord for a long time. I did not know all of them well, but it didn't matter. What I knew was that we were already one in Christ and one day we'd all be with the Lord in heaven. This is Communion of Saints. 

Amazing Intimacy

        After being a Catholic for over half a century, I am still amazed at how intimately I can get to know God. This is the Lord who has saved and renewed me; feeds me himself daily at Mass and dwells within me. It's a relationship only he can produce via his Son Jesus. There is no other religion through which you can get this close to God. Personally, I do not even consider Catholicism a religion because it's simply the truth.    

The Worst & Best in Us

        In both today's Reading 1 and Responsorial Psalm at morning Mass, we heard about the wicked and the just. Two people can appear to be equally OK, then in a test, one shows his worst and the other, his best. The wicked one might attack others with malice, while the just one seeks strength to endure and forgive in God. Naturally, the Lord already knows the hearts, so it would be wise for the wicked one to change his heart before he dies. 

On Seeking a Sign

        Sometimes I wish the Lord would make me feel something after I prayed to him. Then I remember he said (in Matthew) that only an evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign ~ so I know I should just remain faithful and not expect anything special from him. (Of course, should he decide to surprise me, that would be fine too.)

Complete Helplessness

        Today's Communion experience during the celebration I mentioned in the last post. I felt my complete helplessness without the Lord and total dependence upon him. 

Birth of Jesus Within Us

        Today I attended a special celebration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph at the local Mount St. Joseph Seminary. The Gospel reading at Mass from Matthew 1 tells how the birth of Jesus came about. I saw our spiritual transformation as the birth of the Lord in us. When he is born in us, we are born again too. Our new creature goes with the new Lord. And we should take care of the Lord in us as if he were a new born baby.  

Why us?

        Jesus came down from heaven to become precisely one of us because we are God's favorites and need salvation.  

The Christian Outlook

        For the Christian, it's the final victory that counts. Knowing that the Father has chosen you to return to him to be with him forever completely changes your outlook on life. Setbacks, sufferings, persecutions . . . all these things no longer affect you seriously. As long as there is God, the Christian sees hope ahead.

Inspired by Pianists

        I watch talented classical pianists performing on YouTube. With no technical difficulties and thorough knowledge of the composition, they are able to concentrate fully upon expressing the music when they play. What you hear is very beautiful. They are good examples for us to follow as Christians. By surrendering to and remaining in union with God, we can fully express the love of our God beautifully for all to enjoy. 

Sins as Firecrackers

        I see sins as firecrackers. People carelessly and rampantly set them off for their own pleasure everywhere. They alarm, injure, maim, or even kill others. The only one who can defuse them for good is the Lord our God.   

Life or Condemnation

        In today's Gospel reading, John 5.17-30, at Mass, Jesus makes it clear that we shall have either life or condemnation. This is such a critically important message that not listening to it could make the eternal difference! Because of it, we who believe in the Lord are obliged to spread the gospel to as many as possible.   

God Incredible

        It's overwhelming to think about how Jesus suffered so excruciatingly for us from the Last Supper to his Crucifixion. It's even more overwhelming to realize that God ever had the intention of sacrificing his only Son for our salvation! Our God is most incredible.  

Choices of Life

        Life comes down to two choices: (1) To be holy for God and (2) to seek happiness on your own in the world. 

Union with Perfection

       Yesterday's Communion experience. (I am posting it today because yesterday the modem broke down and I could not get online.) Receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist was receiving Perfection into me. 

Our Clear Role

         In Luke 5.1-11, Simon Peter and his fishing partners had worked hard all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, he obeyed when Jesus asked him to put out into deep water and lower the nets. And they caught such a great number of fish that their nets started tearing. I particularly like what Simon Peter did after he saw this ~ he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man" ~ for astonishment and fear had seized him and all those with him. Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men." When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

          This reading brings me great consolation. It shows that the Lord knows us and everything that's going to happen to us. Our role is to trust and follow him faithfully.  

Back to the Basics

        In everything that happens to you in life, good or bad, see the opportunity to examine your personal relationship with God, improve it, and move on.

Mercy Requires Surrender

        In the first part of the Mass, we always ask God to have mercy on us in preparation for the Liturgy of the Word to begin. In praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, we repeatedly recite "Have mercy on us." It seems that if we truly mean it, we must surrender ourselves to God, for how can we ask for mercy if we don't even wish to submit ourselves to him?  

Your Enemy Is Your Brother

         The Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son (Luke 15.11-32) is teaching me to see how we are to love our enemies. In case you are unfamiliar with the story, here's a quick going-over. A father has two sons. The younger one, the lost one, took all the money, left home and squandered it all. He is left with no hope but to return to his father to admit his wrongdoing and beg for mercy. The father was elated that his son has returned and celebrates the occasion with him. The older son finds out and is angry that he's been faithful to the father all along, but never been treated like this by him. The father says to him, "My son, you are with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found."

        Since we are all children of God, I see my enemy as my brother. Even if I do not like him, I must pray for his conversion to please God the Father. Wishing God to inflict harm on him is obviously out of the question. If I remain with God the Father, everything his is mine and that surely would include protection from all my enemies.

Great Consolation

        Communion experience. The Communion hymn was I Am the Bread of Life. The lyrics of the song are based upon Jesus' Bread-of-Life Discourse from John 6, with Jesus promising eternal life to whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood. The song is beautiful! Receiving the Holy Eucharist, the living bread from heaven, was indeed one great consolation. 

Draw Your Line

        All the sins are connected in the sense that they are all sins and committing small oness can lead to committing bigger ones. Therefore, we need to draw a clear demarcation line between living in sin and being holy and choose the side we want to be on. 

A Tall Oder

        Life should be cleaned up, and lived effectively and with purpose. Since our time on earth is limited, all the more we need to be watchful. Sinning is the worst way of squandering away time. Not only do we need to remain pure, but also be fruitful for God. It sounds like a tall order, but all is within reach when you become one with the Lord.   

Heart-to-Heart with God

        God looks at the hearts. The centurion asked Jesus to say the word to heal his paralyzed servant and he was healed. The woman who touched the tassel on Jesus' cloak was cured of her hemorrhages. Jesus saw the faith in their hearts; what each of them did was merely an act through which they revealed their faith. When we pray to the Lord, the prayer is our act and he reads our messages from our heart just as clearly. Of course, the Sacred Heart of Jesus feels for us at all times. We read in the Gospels how often he was moved with pity for the crowds. He even wept at the death of Lazarus before raising him. How he deeply loves us is unquestionable. What I see is that to move the Lord's heart, we must communicate with him from the depths of our heart. This is truly heart-to-heart with God.

Easy Lesson We Don't Get

        In today's Gospel reading at Mass from Luke 18, we heard the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Jesus concluded, "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." The truth is clear. To exalt oneself is play god, and there is only one God, so you are doomed to fail. On the other hand, to humble oneself is to submit yourself to God and he will honor you for it.  

Applying Simple Logic

        In mathematics, if A > B and B > C, then A > C. Simple logic makes this obvious. Then we can say that if you love God and God loves all his children, then you should love all your brothers and sisters. Again by simple logic, if you hate someone, you do not truly love God yet.

Dying Is of No Concern

        Some folks care about how they are going to die. My wish is that I shall go with a clear mind. Then I see that the much more important concern is how we live our present life. If we intend to do the will of God always, how we die, like everything else, becomes inconsequential.   

God Our Savior

        In praying the Our Father, we ask the Lord to forgive our trespasses. Do you ever think about that? We all sin ~ should we just ignore it and let bygones be bygones? What about our troubled conscience? The fact that Jesus can take away our sins has to be a great piece of news! Here God provides us with a way out, a way to be made clean and free of guilt. His whole intent: to save us for all eternity.

Christian Living

       Jesus said to his disciples, "Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.'" If God wants you to give up or do something, say yes. To think up all kinds of reasons or excuses to avoid following him is being untruthful. Christian living is rigorous, not wishy-washy.          

Getting Intimate with God

        In mathematics, if A is a subset of B, and B is a subset of A, then A = B. Jesus is in the Father and the Father in him (John 14.11), so the Son and the Father are one. Union with God is, to be more precise, being one with God. Now God is a space infinitely larger than mine, how can we fit within each other? Physically, that would be impossible; but spiritually, it's no problem. When I surrender to God, I become entirely his and I am in him. At the same time, he enters my heart and we become one. Receiving the Holy Eucharist seals the deal, you could say. By the way, the Holy Eucharist had been the greatest aid in bringing me to this state. True, God is everywhere around us, but to bring him into your heart you have to open the door, to invite him in. There is no other way of getting more intimate with God in this life!

Fear of God Analyzed

        We are afraid of God only because we have not been good children, so the fear stems from fear for ourselves. As long as we remain so, surrendering to the Father will not happen. Thorough repentance is in order. Once you realize that God is all love and embrace his love, all fears will vanish. 

In Most Fortunate Position

        How happy and grateful I am to know Christ the Lord. I have no more fear of death. I am in his secure hands and going home to God the Father who awaits me. I don't need to hope for anything, for I already have God. Time is passing fast, but nothing in the world can hold me back, for everything down here is passing too. Sure, I still suffer at times, but suffering for Christ's sake only draws me closer to him. So many things I still don't understand, but that's OK because God has all the answers with him. 

Face the Truth

        Without God, whatever happiness you can find in this life is only temporary, never satisfying to the soul. You don't need God to realize this. With Christ, you will receive joy in the present life and infinitely more in the next for all eternity. 

Cause of Peace

        Communion experience. I treasured the deep rest I felt in Christ after receiving him. As human beings, we relate to both God and fellow humans. A bad relationship with the former invariably results in bad relationships with the latter. Even though we cannot solve all others' problems, a good relationship with God enables us to relate to them with love. My relationship with God was the cause of my Communion peace.

*Living by Faith

        Sometimes we think that if God were around and we see and hear them, it would be so much easier for us to listen to him and do what he tells us to do. Then I see that in Jesus' time, the twelve Apostles were the only ones with the Lord most of the time in his last years, and they still got into trouble and Judas didn't even listen to him. It is by faith that we are to live! It is being aware that God is present and knows everything about you and everything affecting you that counts, whether you actually see or hear him.