Missing the Boat

        Communion thought. Not knowing Jesus is missing the boat that happens to be paradise.

For God Alone

        In today's reading from Luke 6 at Mass, Jesus taught about love of enemies and not judging others. I realized how far and removed our world is from his teaching. What should we do? I believe that the faithful ones should always respond to God alone, to live for him only. Following him and we will know how to respond to the world.

God Is a "Gentleman"

        I had wished that God would convert everyone the way he converted Paul (Acts 9.1-9). I thought that if God applied force, people would buckle. People somehow got the idea that the Lord knocked Paul off his horse. Rereading Act 9 shows that Jesus asked Paul "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" almost pleadingly. It shows me that God is always gentle with us because he loves us. He treats us truly like we are his children.

Most Pressing Question

        Do you know where your soul will go after you die? Once you can answer yes, you don't need to be concerned about having no answer for any other questions.

Strongest Bond

        Nothing whatsoever can possibly separate us from God's love for us. I rejoice that because of this, the strongest bond is formed between all those who love God. Not only I belong to God, I also belong in the company of the Holy Mother, all the saints, and all my brothers and sisters who love the Lord on earth. I am overjoyed.

In-Heaven Feeling

        Communion experience. On earth, when a man and a woman fall deeply in love with each other, they feel heavenly. Today after receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist, I literally felt that I was in heaven.

Brokenheartedness Healed

        In Luke 4.18, today's entrance antiphon at Mass, Jesus read from Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me and sent me to preach the good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted." The word "brokenhearted" hit me because Jesus has already healed my heart so that it cannot be broken anymore. Of course, I still can feel sorrow or disappointment, but I will never feel despondent or dispirited, for deep down in my heart, the peace of Christ has settled.

Opposing Tendencies in Us

        In each of us, there is the tendency to sin and the tendency to do good. In one who does not know God, the tendency to sin usually dominates the tendency to be good. For one who has attained perfect union with God, not only the reverse is true, the tendency to sin is also completely purged. 

Truth of What Jesus Said

        In John 4.13-14, Jesus said, "Whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The Lord has completely quenched my thirst, filling me to the brim. The intoxicating joy I receive from the Holy Spirit does feel like a spring welling up within me. In John 8.12, Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Yes, Jesus makes me see everything clearly, the way to be washed clean by his blood and the way to return to the Father in heaven. In John 14.6, Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." The way, yes ~ it is through him that we go to God. The truth, again yes, because he is God. The life ~ he is eternal life, the source of life, and through him we gain access to eternal life! The Lord spoke only truth.

The Cause of Unhappiness

        It is sin, our sin. Think about it.       

Loving Without Limits

      Today is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blesses Virgin Mary. Communion time thoughts. It is amazing how much you can fall in love with God! How so? It must be because God is love. This love is pure love, upon which love is defined, not the kind the world knows. This love enables us to love others and makes the human soul beautiful. Infinite love deserves our falling in love with God without limits.        

The Happy One

        Quite often I learned something about a person that I never would have expected. I suppose many have a dark side to them. Happy is the one who always dwells in the light of Christ, having absolutely nothing to hide, and keeps his inner peace.

How to Expect Life

        If you expect life to be rosy at all times, you will certainly be disappointed numerous times. To be realistic, expect life to be full of ups and downs and face them one at a time, placing all your trust in God. Then there will be less disappointments and a lot more pleasant surprises. Again, this is getting out of God's way.

Why No Quick Healing?

        If we pray to God for a physical healing and nothing happens, what are the possible reasons? We certainly can rule out that God did not hear us, God is unable to heal us, and God does not care. I also do not believe that God meant to punish us. Teaching us, yes. The possible reason could be that our faith is weak, not that we are sinners. The most likely reason is that it's not the right time for our healing, for he wants to build us up spiritually.

First Step to Holiness

        Let God find fault with us, since knowing our faults is the first step to becoming holy.

On Listening to God

        As I have said, when we speak to God, he is all ears; he listens to us alone. Therefore, when he speaks to our heart, we should also listen to him attentively. It's to be heart-to-heart always. Otherwise, we are not yet his sheep, as Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10.27).

A Double-Barreled Approach

        When I ask God to shield me from all evil, I want him to use a double-barreled approach ~ protect me from evil and keep me from doing evil myself.

Finally, Some Happy News

        Thousands and thousands migrants were trying to reach Austria and Germany which were willing to take them, but Hungary blocked them from traveling by train; so they started walking the 100 miles from Budapest to the Austrian border. Now a convoy of private cars have crossed from Austria to Hungary to help collecting stranded migrants. The happy news today is that hundreds of migrants, mostly from Syria, have arrived at Munich train station to applause after boarding trains in Austria. There were cheers from a large group of Germans who had come to welcome them, with many handing out sweets and water. Watching the video on BBC News, I was quite overwhelmed to see the happy, smiling faces on these newly arrived refugees. It's the truth that if you make someone happy, you'll be happy too.

Shame on Our Government . . .

(1) for not treating our veterans right ~ they lay their lives on the line to defend our freedom and can't even get decent medical treatment after they get home and (2) for not doing anything to help the Christians in Iraq who are being persecuted and facing genocide.

Conversion

        Communion experience. I saw myself on my own as a most imperfect creature, weak, timid, often confused, and most of all, prone to sin. Then Jesus came along, opened my eyes, ears, and most of all, my heart, and healed all my infirmities. I was made anew in him by him. It's been a most exhilarating experience!

Playing God

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 6, Jesus made it clear that the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. It's equally true that any law should be meant for the wicked and not for the righteous (1 Timothy 1.9). Unfortunately, our Supreme Court has legalized both abortion and gay marriage. Obviously, not all of the nine justices on the court know God. A glaring case of playing God themselves.

Planning for Eternity

        As long as things exist, eternity exists because a thing just does not appear from nothing and vanish into nothing. Even nothing is something missing ~ if everything in the universe disappears, the space left behind still exists. When I came into the world, the world was already here. When I leave, it continues to exist. Things come and go, but eternity is a reality. It follows that God must be a reality too. In fact, he is the only logical explanation for all that exists. Had absolutely nothing existed, I wouldn't be here now to talk about it. The only alternative would be that we have God existing for all eternity. The wise one is the one who makes sure that he will have life for all eternity as the soul is eternal.        

What Life Is All About

        We are to be holy so that we can save as many souls as possible for the glory of God.

Making God Number One

        Never avoid God in any way and he will be number one in your life.

When You're With God

        Communion experience. I was alone in God, with God ~ an exclusive, private, and most treasurable moment. When you are with God, he is all yours and you are his only audience!

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'