Get Close First

        When you see Jesus, you admire him from a distance. He inspires you and you resolve to be a better person. But this won't do you any good unless you get close to him first. To progress, run to him instead and try to get inside of him so that you may get to know him. Just like watching a flying plane in the sky won't get you on that plane, you must go buy a ticket and make a reservation first. 

Again, Jesus Is Joy

        Luke 5.33-39 was today's reading at Mass. The intent of the parable in the second half of the reading wasn't that clear to me, but I learned from the first half that with Jesus, it's all joy, for he is always new! We should celebrate and rejoice when he is with us. To be in union with him is to ensure that he is with you. 

Our Proper Focus

        Today being Friday, I prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary this morning and thought of the agony Jesus experienced, the physical and mental sufferings he underwent, the insults and jeers he received, and the excruciating pain he felt on the cross ~ such sorrows were quite unbearable to meditate upon. Then the Lord made me see that all these things he willingly undertook out of love for us and this love perfectly balanced his sufferings. The work of our salvation is now accomplished and it's time for us to focus upon God's love to make his work fruitful.  

Tragic Time

        The tragic story of today are the millions of migrants fleeing from the wars raging in the Mideast. These people are migrating to various foreign countries to seek refuge. Along the way, thousands and thousands have perished. May God have mercy on their souls. I do believe God can right everything now if we all believe in and follow him. If we don't, then he'll have no choice but to right everything at the end, which will be a lot worse for many of us. Repent and return to God is always our calling, never more urgent than today. Our not hearing this calling is as tragic as the migrant story, or even more so.

Jesus as Light

        Communion experience. I saw Jesus as the light, expunging all darkness in me and illuminating my mind.

How the Lord Affects Us

        Today is the Memorial of St. Gregory the Great. In the Gospel reading from Luke 5, Simon and his partners in their boats had worked hard all night and caught nothing, but Jesus with them asked Simon to go lower their nets in deep water and they caught such a  great number of fish that their nets were tearing. Astonishment seized all and Simon fell at the knees of Jesus and said, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." After seeing the wonder of Jesus, he was awed and became humble. This is how the Lord affects us. Today the wonder I experienced was again how Jesus instituted the Eucharist. Even though I did not see anything like fish being pulled out of water, I knew from the Lord's words that the bread and wine offered became his body and blood, and whoever receives them will have eternal life. I was equally awed and humbled.

Qualified to Judge

        Only he who knows the heart is qualified to judge.

Going All the Way

        Looking back on your life, you'll see a continuous series of the things you did and things that befell you. This is saying that anyone's life is a series of happenings and events. We all shall die one day, so the important question is whether we move closer to God spiritually through life. To increase our chances of being saved, we must at least make sure that we do not remain stagnant spiritually. Then why not just seek union with God now to secure your eternal life and moot the question how we should live our lives? I say, if you want to go all the way, you might as well do it the fast way. 

Serving the Wrong Master

        Today's societies are money-centered. The goal of almost everyone is to become rich, so they make money off each other and love is forgotten. In an ideal God-centered society, love would be our only motive. If we would just let love override our money-making decisions, we would have a much more peaceful world to live in. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Let's listen to him. 

Going After Jesus

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 4 at Mass, we heard that Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law who was afflicted with a severe fever and cured all those brought to him who were sick with various diseases. At daybreak the next day, the crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. This is the Lord I also want to follow and to be with, forever. In my case, I am aware that it's his drawing that makes me want to go after him.

Awesome Holiness

        I don't dare look at God the Father, not because he is severe and might punish me, but because I am totally awed by his holiness. Nevertheless, I know that one day he will pick me up and press me against him and I'll be only aware of his love.

Endearing Love

        The Father watches over us; the Son befriends us as our way, our truth, and our life; and the Holy Spirit prepares and guides us along our journey home ~ this is how God endears himself to us.

Undiscriminating Love

        As I was praying the 3rd decade of the Holy Rosary on the Descent of the Holy Spirit, I realized that God loves us all with no discrimination and the Holy Spirit will descend upon anyone who is receptive and yearns for him. The Holy Spirit cleanses and purifies us, preparing us for dwelling in the Lord, and anything in accordance with his will becomes possible with us.

On Patience

        Earlier today I thought of the many things to be done, some more important than others, but nothing was that important. What if I die today, right? Anyhow, I thought to myself: how nice it would be to get them all done. Then immediately I realized that I was trying to play god again by wanting it my way. The right thing to do is to let go and do each thing one at a time at the appropriate time without any anxiety. Yes, patience is a virtue and a sign of holiness.

Sole Occupation

        Communion experience. I let Jesus capture my heart and everything else was forgotten.

Fighting Temptation

        In the Lord's Prayer, we ask the Father not to lead us into temptation because temptation can directly lead us to sin seriously. It is like quicksand which can sink us fast if we do not take drastic action fast. I know people who are aware that they should not be in a certain situation, but feel completely helpless in getting out of it because they are already in the grip of temptation. Since all temptations start with a thought, the big advantage of being in union with God is that you are able to discern a sinful thought immediately, drop it from your mind, and turn to Jesus, thus nipping it in the bud and preserving your inner peace.     

Suffering Alleviated

        When you suffer physically, mentally, or spiritually, think of Jesus and Mary who had gone through everything! Then you will be comforted and find strength in bearing your sufferings.

Warning to the World

        The whole trouble with the world is that we want to be gods against God. John the Baptist, after testifying to Jesus said, "He must increase; I must decrease," and we are doing just the opposite! Consider the God/god ratio. For the perfect, that value should be infinity; but for the godless, it's now zero or near zero. The world must wake up or face condemnation that will make us wish that we had never been born.  

Finding the Center

         As a Catholic, you attend weekly Mass, go to confession regularly, get involved with parish ministries, etc., hoping that you'd be drawn closer to Christ. After you get to know the Lord intimately and fall in love with him, he becomes your center and all. Now you attend Mass, go to confession, participate in ministries, etc., spontaneously because he has drawn you close to him. 

*Power of God

        As I was praying the first decade of the Rosary on the Glorious Mystery Resurrection this morning, the Lord made me see his power. Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven ~ all this happened supernaturally without any effort on God's part. By contrast, for example, human scientists have worked hard for decades to find a cure for cancer and are still unfruitful. When God wills something, it's done. Let there be light and there was light. I know that he can heal my sprained wrist instantly now if he so wishes. When we repent and ask him to take away our sins, it's done. When we surrender and desire union with him, it's done. When we believe and beg him to grant us eternal life, it's done. Follow the will of the Lord to let him accomplish what he wills.

We Need God

        I have a simple, straight mind. I see that we live in an imperfect world with every person a sinner, my family and myself included. Therefore, we need God to save us. Period. 

Most Special Relationship

        The most meaningful, satisfying, fulfilling, uplifting, life-changing, private intimate relationship one could possibly have in this life is union with God. You know that you are God's most special creature.

Afraid to Die?

          If you are afraid to face death, know what your reason(s) could be to help you overcome that fear. Here are some possible reasons: (1) Being afraid of God's judgment, (2) not willing to leave your loved ones, (3) not willing to leave your material possessions, (4) not willing to give up your way of life, (5) being worried about going to hell, (6) not knowing what's on the other side.

        None of these reasons are valid since they are all removable with your cooperation with God.

How to Be Beautiful

        If you want to look beautiful before others, that may be impossible. Then why should you care? Be holy and you'll be beautiful before God. Remember that we are ugly only if we sin.

Resting in God

        Communion experience. I rested in the peace of my Lord and saw clearly that we are to do our utmost to love and obey him and not worry about the fulfillment of our own wishes. To rest in him means just that'

More Lessons Learned

        Today is Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist. The Gospel reading from Mark 6 tells that after Herod had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, he still feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and even liked to listen to him speak. At this point, it looked as if John was not in any danger. Then Herodias, who harbored a grudge against John, had an opportunity (with her daughter' help) to get John beheaded. This was certainly a turn of events, although now we see that it was all in God's plan. This made me see that life is unpredictable. Take driving the car. I dare say that every driver gets into an accident at least once in his or her life. The last time my small truck was totaled, it was because someone who had lost his way abruptly switched from the far right lane to the far left one across my path. And I remember one early, dark morning as I was making a left turn, I was almost hit by a car I didn't see because its headlights were not turned on. I have now learned to drive with vigilance, patience, and even humility. The lessons apply to living the spiritual life as well : We are to be vigilant and humble, and rely upon God.    

Feeling Greatly Blessed

        Communion experience. I felt so fortunate, lucky, blessed that I'd gotten to know Christ, my Lord and God. He truly changed my life by raising me to live in him and with him. The best was still to come. I am just so happy and grateful. God is to be praised!   

Serious Business

        In the Gospel reading from Matthew 25, we heard the parable of the ten virgins. The clear lesson here is that we must take God seriously or we can miss the boat and be locked out of his kingdom forever. Taking God casually is not any better than not believing in him. We must attempt to give our all to God, for he has given his all to us.  

Be Strong Now

        Yesterday was the memorial of St. Monica and today, that of St. Augustine, her son. In the Gospel acclamation Luke 21.36, Jesus said, "Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man." This is the strength we need to stand before the Lord at judgment time. But we are standing before him right now, the only difference being that he is not judging us yet. So, why not live assuming that he is judging us and we don't have to be concerned about being judged later?       

Cause of Our Problems

        Because of the recent horrible killing of two journalists of a TV station in Virginia by an unhappy former employee, the subject of gun control surfaced again. Stricter gun control can help, but won't solve the problem. Even if we dispossess all of our guns, criminals can still find ways of harming others. The cause of so many crimes is that we have abandoned God ~ this is absolutely correct. Yet today, no one, all politicians included, has the courage to say this. They are all concerned about being politically correct rather than listen to God. Trying to solve our problems while excluding God is trying to be god themselves ~ they are already doomed for failure.

Our Role Today

        The population of the world is around 7.3 billion, so each one of us is just one of 7,300,000,000 people. In this secular, chaotic, disordered world, what good can we do? I see clearly that the role of each one of us is to keep the word of Christ, follow him and be holy, never letting all the problems we face get us down, because if everyone serves God, there will be peace. 

In Heaven on Earth.

        Communion experience. Wherever Jesus is, heaven will be. My body is on earth, but when I receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, our heart is already in heaven, and my soul will follow later.

Path to God

        Gospel acclamation at Mass, 1 John 2.5: Whoever keeps the word of God, the love of God is truly perfected in him. It's in keeping the word of God that we keep our path straight. See life as a journey to God and a crooked path will not take you there.

Get Searched and stripped

        Today's response to Psalm 139 at Mass: You have searched me and you know me, Lord. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 23, Jesus continued to denounce the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. Before God, we are all naked and transparent. Let the Lord search us for him to strip us of any part that's fake and filthy so that we may live blamelessly.  

Call to Arms

        If you follow the news, you would know the Ashley Madison story. This is a Canada-based online dating service that promotes adultery. God has given us the ten commandments and here's a website openly urging you to violate one of them. Hackers have now stolen all of its customer data and threatened to make them public. So far the site membership includes 39 million people in 53 countries! Some users have reported receiving extortion emails asking for money. Yesterday two persons associated with the leak of customer details were reported to have taken their lives. We see sins perpetuating sins, causing vast numbers of people to be snared by the devil. Sinners have lost their fear of God and now serve money alone. It's time for all Christians to rise, pray extra hard, and become saints. Our mission is to overcome evil for the glory of God. 

Being Raised

        Communion experience. I let myself go in the Lord for him to lift me up to hold in his hands. It was like being raised from the dead. In fact, repenting to God and getting all our sins forgiven is a form of resurrection. So is surrendering to God to attain union with him. The Lord is the only one who can raise us to whatever height he wishes.    

The Passive Way

        We know that we should love God more. The common practice is to make a firm resolution aimed at achieving that goal, but this rarely makes things easy. The right way is to open yourself up to God so that he may enter to transform you. Again, the secret is to spare your own effort and let God do the work.   

Gospel Not Old News

        Today's Gospel acclamation at Mass, based upon Hebrews 4.12: The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the the heart. It is a big mistake to overlook the Gospel, thinking that it's outdated news. On the contrary, the Gospel remains new and fresh since God remains so forever. 

Avoiding Light

        Communion thought. Jesus is all joy, yet many avoid him because, still in darkness, they are afraid to be seen in light.

Unbelieving Generations

        In the Old Testament, prophets came before Jesus and many did not believe in them and even killed some of them. Then Jesus, the Son of God, himself came and was not treated any better. What's going to happen to all these unbelieving generations, ours included? The answer, not pleasant, can be found in some of the parables Jesus told. 

The Heart Hears

        When you know the Lord, you hear him speak in your heart ~ more expedient and reliable than email.

Communion Intimacy

        Communion experience. Communion is truly union with God on earth; the intimacy with God can only be topped by what we'll experience in heaven. It's straight entering God's bosom. I heard him say, "You are mine and will be with me one day." I knew then that whatever I said he heard me.

Communion Goal

        Before Communion, the Lord made me see that to receive him is to be willing to do his will. 

Time to Stop Hiding

        In today's Gospel reading from John 6 at Mass, the Twelve were with Jesus and Peter said to his master, "We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God." If you are not so convinced yet because you've been avoiding facing the Lord, then I recommend that you take a good, long look at yourself in a mirror because hiding from God is basically hiding from yourself. 

Testing Your Love

        If you really love someone, you would gladly do whatever to please the person. Now, if that person were God, why should it be any different?

To Be Born Again

        Today is the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sitting in front of me at Mass was a family with many children. I saw the littles ones especially beautiful because they were still quite pure and whatever sins they had committed must most likely be spontaneous and not premeditated ones. The fact is that most children who grow up in our societies gradually become selfish, hypocritical, and even evil individuals. If sins are poisons, then all adults need to be detoxified. Seeking union with God is the exact process of restoring the genuine human soul. We need to be reborn in Christ again so that we can be like the pure littles ones we once were.

Spiritual Truth

        On its own, man will surely lose its destiny; but in God, man will have life forever. 

Most Special Relationship

        Communion time thoughts. Since we are so very special to God (see my last post), it's only right that we relate to him in the most special way. We become his sons and daughters. We call on him anytime for help and guidance, and trust in him with all our heart. We partake of his body and blood at Holy Communion. Then we surrender to him and become one with him ~ how more special can you possibly get? Now, rejoice that we possess our most special Lord!  

How Special We Are

        We may not think about this much, but we were created in the image of God and he came down from heaven to become one of us through the Incarnation of Jesus, his Son, to die and redeem us. All this shows how special, important, and valuable we are to him. Rejoice, all you who are favored and loved by our God the Father!   

Smart Christian

        A good Christian is a very smart person, for he is not disturbed by all the chaos around him; maintains his inner peace, for he knows that God is with him; forgives everyone; can let all material things go; feels light and free; and a lot more. A good Christian is a good person to envy.