*Prevalent Spirit of the Antichrist

        Recently, one TV show host accused Christians of being delusional in thinking that God speaks to their hearts, while another TV commentator belittled church, family, the police, the military, and the national anthem. My great sorrow for them prevents me from laughing at their ignorance and self-importance. These hardened hearts exhibited their total lack of humility. 1 John 4.3: Every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus does not belong to God. This is the spirit of the antichrist that, as you heard, is to come, but in fact is already in the world. Today it has spread wide over our world more than ever, bringing us ever closer to our last hour.

Extraordinary Status

        Communion experience. Christ now dwells in me. I am no longer an alien sinner, for the Lord has made me part of him. 

**Last Reminder Reinforced

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 16.19-31, Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus told to the Pharisees bolsters the reminder of my last post. Both the rich man and poor Lazarus died. Lazarus was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham, while the rich man descended to the netherworld where he remained in torment. The parable makes it clear that there is heaven and there is hell, and a great chasm exists between the two abodes preventing anyone from crossing from one side to the other. Furthermore, the parable reveals that the only way to avoid ending up in the place of torment is to believe that it exists and repent now before you die. God has been telling us this all along and we need to listen to him.

***Critically Important Reminder*

        In driving a car, the worst that could ever happen to you is a head-on collision. Therefore, avoid it at any cost. In your next life, the worst and absolutely most miserable thing that could ever happen to you is eternal separation from God the Father who has lovingly created you. Therefore, make sure that this will never happen to you at all costs by knowing that God loves you and believing in him with all your heart. This is my most loving advice to all.

God Most Delightful!

        Communion delight. I experienced God as my absolute delight, ending this month on a high note!

*First Duty to God

        Get to know him as much as possible so that we may be one with him. Then we can serve him according to his will effectively. 

**Master and Servant Are One!

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 20, Jesus said to the Twelve disciples, "The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many." We are so blessed to have our Master serving us! The amazing God of Christ is both our Lord and our Servant – rejoice! 

*Holiness Most Attractive

        Communion experience. I am a sinner and no other sinner can possibly save me. In receiving the Lord, I have the Most Holy One entering me to save me. God loves me, but it is his holiness that draws a sinner like me to him.

**Power of Our Free Will*

        God gave us the free will to test our faith. The faithful choose wisely and gain eternal life. The faithless choose foolishly and lose life altogether.

*Soul Over Body and Mind*

        Christ came to save our souls. Therefore, do not worry about losing your body or your mind; but by all means safeguard your soul!

**Union With God, His Desire

        God is more than just being within our reach; he ardently wishes that we enter to dwell in his house! God is more than merely being accessible; he yearns to take up residence in our hearts! This makes intimate union with him possible when we yield to him. This is the endearing God of Christ!

Are You in Trouble?

        If you you do not want God in your life and wish to manage everything by yourself, then you are running away from him or believe falsely that you know more than God. Either way, you are in trouble. My advice to you is that you seriously search your heart to understand the cause and ponder upon the consequences of your decision. This is being honest with yourself. It is a good idea to face yourself first before you face God.

Beyond Our Comprehension

        Communion experience. Our omnipotent and omniscient God is way beyond our comprehension. For example, how much he loves us is more than we can possibly fathom with our finite mind. In receiving the Lord today in the Holy Eucharist, obviously he entered me physically, but by faith I knew that spiritual union also took place, even though it was beyond my comprehension. 

A Reason to Rejoice

        We can repent to God of our sins at practically any time as long as we are alive.  

At Peace in God

        Communion experience. I have settled accounts with my Lord, so everything else doesn't matter anymore.

**Yes, Love Your Enemies*

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 5, Jesus spoke of love of enemies. He said to his disciples, "You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father." If you find it hard to love your enemies, let me put aside for a moment that it was Jesus' command and ask you what you would gain from not forgiving your enemies. I can't think of anything good. In fact, I see that hate begets hate and not forgiving our enemies will only be destructive to ourselves. If you can't come up with anything either, then you must accept the Lord's counsel. Know that God is not our enemy, but loving our enemies is loving God! 

Fair Treatment in the End

        Sin not only stains our soul, it also clouds our judgment, causing confusion. People are made to think that God is not always fair to us. We forget that there is life after death. You could say that life is unfair if we die and no longer exist, as some have a lot more of everything than others while on earth. Then again, if we all become nothing sooner or later, what's point of talking about being fair or unfair in our brief existence? Because the soul lives on forever, we can be sure that after God judges us, we'll see that everyone will have received fair treatment.  

Don't Be Lukewarm!

        Revelation 3.16: Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. God does not like us to be lukewarm. A lukewarm Christian is one who takes God only half-seriously. Picture him hanging off the edge of a cliff – he risks falling all the way down. Achieve union with God will put you on solid ground, for now you are with(in) him wherever he is.

*Breaking Down Barriers

        The amazing love of our Lord God is such that it can absolutely unite any two people anywhere in the world in him that they become adopted children of the same Father. Music also has the power of breaking down barriers among us so that we might live in peace on earth. Christopher O'Riley, an American classical pianist, has featured brilliant young musicians on his weekly hosted program From the Top on National Public Program for many years. Here he has six talented young immigrant musicians who came from various countries playing his composition This Land/Our Land together. It is beautiful when people can get along with each other happily. The most beautiful world, of course, would be one in which all people of the world are in union with God as one.

 

Our Foremost Mission Is . . .

to save souls through God's love, for this was the mission of Christ when he came to us, still is today, and will be until his Second Coming.       

Turning Away From Sins

        From today's first reading, Ezekiel 18.21-28: When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed, he shall surely live. It is clear that stating out, no matter how virtuous or wicked we are, turning away from all our sins is what matters. And the superior way of vanquishing all sins is to seek refuge in the Lord, for where sanctity prevails, evil cannot not exist.

*Our Dumbest Mistake Is . . .

trying to run away or hide from God, much like trying to forget that we shall die one day. We look extra foolish for running away from One who actually loves us and wishes to save us from death. The wise recognize that there is absolutely no escape from an all-knowing God.       

*God Our Perfect Example

        Jesus said that no one has greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends, and he did just that to show how much he loves us. He teaches us to be meek and humble, and he was the most meek and humble man himself. He wants us to always forgive others, and he asked the Father to forgive even those who crucified him from the cross. Follow the perfect example of our Lord and we'll be perfect.

Eternal Life Settled

        Communion experience. I was aware that I was consuming Christ, the son of the Living God, who is God. This not only made my day, it settled my eternal destiny!

God Forever Personal

        When I was sick in the hospital, the doctors did all they could do for me, and my family members just waited – it was God who was truly there with me. In reality, God is the only one who can be with us at all times. After I die, unless I rebel again him, I'll have him again with me always. Therefore, hold onto the Lord who will always be there for you and is all you need to have.

Clearing Our Way to God

        Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." It is the "denying yourself" that trips us up. If we can get past that first part, the rest of the way becomes smooth sailing. Again, we are our own greatest obstacle in journeying toward God. Surrender our free will to God is our only way out.

Direct Revelation From the Father

        Today's is Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 16, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father." If you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of living God likewise, then the heavenly Father has revealed this to you also – you've been chosen!

Happy, Happier, Happiest

        Happy is the one who knows what the Lord's mission for him is. Happier is the one who puts his trust in the Lord and strives to fulfill his mission. Happiest still is he who attains union with God to let the Lord do all things through him to accomplish his mission. 

**How to Vanquish Our Enemies

        Today's entrance antiphon contains part of Psalms 25.2: Let not our enemies exult over us, David prayed. As long as evil exists, we will have enemies. In fact, our worst enemies are ourselves. Thus, the way to vanquish our enemies is to submit ourselves totally to the Lord God first, then all our other enemies will no longer be able to defeat us, for we are now on God's side.

Feasting the Soul

        Communion experience. Receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist can be likened to attending a heavenly banquet for the soul.

***Mankind's Greatest Challenge Is . . .

is not to land on Mars, solve the energy problem of or wipe out poverty in the world, or anything like that. Rather, it is to submit ourselves to God, our creator and loving Father. This tests our obedience or rebelliousness, and the result will determine our eternal destination. 

*Maximizing Help From God

        As sinners, to sin is easy – much like water running downhill on its own. But to become holy, we would need God's help – as simple as that. And it is in union with God that you receive maximum help, as you and God are now one.

**Getting Into Heaven Is Easier!

        Here is a fun video to watch. There are many such videos showing dominoes falling on YouTube. I have chosen this shorter one here and think you'll enjoy watching it. It is quite spectacular in its own way. It shows me that humans are clever, ingenious, and fun loving. I know that designs and detailed plans all had to be worked out in advance, but I am most impressed by those who must have spent hours or days to do the testing and then set up the tiles precisely where they should be. Afterwards, the show was over in just minutes. For me, getting into heaven is easier – I trust in the Lord and he does all the rest for me. Besides, the "show" never ends. 

***Process of Union With God

        Seeking union with God is a gradual process. We were born with the self-preservation instinct and are wary of anyone who should take control of us. Of course, the Lord God is not anyone, but we do sense that he'd be more powerful than any other being. Therefore, surrendering yourself to him is not an attractive thought. Normally, in seeking his help, we start to yield to him somewhat and discover that he could indeed change us internally. This experience which always excites and amazes us can continue until we begin to realize that God is not out to control us, but to free us! The key is not to stop now, but to push on actively instead. Then in time you are able to abandon yourself totally to the Lord God and experience peace and freedom in joy. You have now been completely lifted out of your self-imposed misery! 

*God Plans for Forever

        God exists forever and our soul will too. The Lord God does not want to solve our problems temporarily and leave us alone – he who loves us wants to save us for all eternity, since he is eternal himself. Understanding this should help us appreciate what he has already done for us.

Most Perfect Friend

        Communion experience. In life, we have the opportunity to befriend a wide range of people from those we find almost impossible to get along with to those we instantly click with. Christ is special. Once you get to know him well, you will find that he is the perfect friend you can have the deepest meaningful relationship with, for he is trustworthy and understanding, let alone the fact he is also your God and Savior.  

Becoming Heaven Bound

       Lent is the time to give up what we shouldn't be attached to. If you can give up anything, good or bad, for the sake of Christ, you are on your way to heaven.

Our Hope Is Here!

        In today's Gospel reading from Luke 5, Levi, a tax collector gave a banquet for Jesus in his house, a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained about Jesus' eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus said to them, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners." We are all sinners, so Jesus has come to call you and me. That means that our hope is here! Let us prepare a banquet in our heart to welcome Jesus, our Savior.

Know When to Turn to Christ

        If you are not with Christ yet, but at the same time you cannot tell him that he is a total fake and dismiss him from your mind altogether, the Lord is still calling and waiting for you. It's time to turn to him to start your new life with him that will lead you to eternal happiness.

Best Free-Will Offering!

        Communion experience. As I joined the queue to receive the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, I readied myself to offer him both my heart and my soul to him. 

Ultimate Relationship With God

        Union with God is the most intimate relationship you can possibly have with the Lord, for in union you and he become one, and you get to know him most intimately. 

Power of God's Holiness

        Know that the Lord is holy and let his awesome holiness dispel all the impurities from you.

Living for Christ Is All About . . .

letting the Lord condition your heart, pointing to seeking union with him.

Living With Joy

        This is today's Gospel reading from Matthew 9: The disciples of John approached Jesus said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." My thoughts are that now we have the Lord with us always, we should rejoice at all times. For those in union with the Lord, he even dwells within them happily. Indeed, Christian life is permeated with Christ our pure joy.

How to Hear the Lord

        To hear the Lord speaking to you, make sure that your heart is unruffled, content in him, and desirous of hearing his voice, for a disturbed heart with even minute intruding sinful thoughts can block your hearing.

***It's the Lord Speaking

        Today's Gospel reading consists of just three verses from Luke 9: Jesus said to his disciples: "The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised." Then he said to all, "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" 

        The Lord here spoke definitively as God. He knew exactly what he was going to happen to him, laid down the precise conditions of discipleship for us to save ourselves, and asked the most poignant question that should make us realize that there is life after death. Listen to him.

Amazing Lord

        Communion experience. Christ died for all, so he belongs to all . He died for me too, so he is also mine alone. He is the only being we can all belong to, possess, love, and easily share with others and rejoice together in. A most amazing Lord.

Ash Wednesday Joy

        As I walked up the aisle to receive ashes to be placed on my head, I was deeply moved, realizing that I was made by the Lord, belong to him, and am on my way returning to him. 

To Be Rewarded Openly or in Secret

        In today's Gospel reading from Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. He let it be known that if we perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them, we have received our reward. But if we do them all in secret, the Father who sees them in secret will repay us. It shows again that any reward a hypocrite receives is short-lived and that our ego is our great enemy.

Lenten Giving

        This is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The Lord invites you to give all of yourself to him, for he loves you so much that he wants all of you to himself. During this season we are supposed to fast, be penitent, and give up things to which we are attached in preparation for Easter, so why not give all of yourself to him?