Weeping Time

        Today is Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion. Reading 2 came from Philippians 2. Paul writes: Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. It is pitiful that the world remains as if in a coma, oblivious to what God had undergone for the sake of saving us! Even as Christians, many if us live more or less a self-centered life. The Lenten season is a good time to weep for the whole world, preparing ourselves to be awakened and rejuvenated by the joy of Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

**Learning From Abraham

        In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by asking him to offer up his only son Issac as a burnt offering. Abraham obeyed. He built an altar, put wood on it, and bound Issac and put him on top of the wood on the altar. After Abraham reached out for his knife and was about to slaughter Issac, the Lord stopped him for not withholding his son from him. Now, many of us have children who have abandoned their faith in God and we parents are praying hard for them. Abraham's example should teach us to offer up our children to God also and trust that the Lord will save all of them in the end.   

***Getting to the Soul

        Today's Communion experience. We physically and mentally feel things in this world. When I receive Christ, he affects me both physically and mentally. Then John 4.24: God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth. Therefore, the Lord affects our soul on the spiritual level, working in the background, as it were. When I believe and submit myself to the Lord, he heals my soul and draws me into union with him, and this is revealed to the heart first. Through physical and mental means, let the Lord get to your soul to make it whole and perfect.

The Enthusiastic Christian

        Communion thoughts. God wants to give us all the blessings we need for our spiritual growth. As receivers, we should be the like the receiver in a football game, grab the ball, hold onto it, and head straight for the goal to score. This is how enthusiastic we should be about God's gifts. 

Hardened-Heart Danger

        In today's Gospel reading from John 10, the Jews tried to stone Jesus for blasphemy, for their hearts were so hardened that even all the good miraculous works they witnessed meant nothing to them. A hardened heart is a foolish one, while an open heart, a wise one. Being open-hearted does not risk losing your heart; it simply lets you discern right from wrong. If what you observe is truly false, you can always reject it. On the other hand, a hardened heart is a closed, judgmental heart, already set to dismiss what might be the truth. It becomes a danger to one's own soul.  

*God's Love Revealed to All

        Reading the Psalms, I realize that the psalmists truly loved the Lord, for they knew that he loved and was merciful to them. I now see that the coming of Christ into the world revealed to us that God not only loved the Jews, but also all the non-Jews as well.

**Christ Our Ever-Shining Light

        Everything of the world fades away. Citing one example, the vast number of PhD theses written by past brilliant scholars are now all stored away practically forgotten in college libraries. Well-known historical figures no longer seem so prominent as they were once. Christ is the only light that shall shine forever brightly before us, being the light that can dispel all darkness and transform us also into beings of light.  

Self-Giving Time

        Communion experience. Today's Communion antiphon, Romans 8.32: God did not spare his own Son, but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Yes, God has given us all things. Communion time is the perfect time to once again give ourselves to God with thanksgiving.

**Two Ways of Approaching God*

        (1) Believer A prays hard and persistently; he asks but never abandons himself much to God. (2) By contrast, believer B yields and opens up his heart completely to God, not asking for much of anything. Which believer do you think will receive the most benefit? (Hint: The Lord seeks your abandonment and trust more than anything else.)

**Insuppressible Joy!*

        Once you have tasted Christ the Lord himself, you will want to shout as loud as you can to let the whole world know what a great joy he is! The Spirit of the Lord may be gentle, but let him kindle your heart and he will fill your heart with joy that's insuppressible! And the soul goes on a continuous joyride (not recklessly though).

**Day of Greatest Joy

        Today's entrance antiphon, Hebrews 9.15: Christ is mediator of a new covenant so that by means of his death, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. When we inherit something, it's not because we have earned it; we receive it because of our special relationship with the benefactor. When you respond to the call the heavenly Father, you become an adopted son or daughter of his, an heir! Thus, one day you will inherit all he has to give you. That will be a day of your greatest joy. Just thinking about it should expunge all the blues from your heart.

**Playing Chess With God

       I see everyone of us playing chess with God. God has already made his move and is waiting you to move against him. But in this game, after you move God simply retreats, for he has already decided to let you capture him to win. So make your move now before the time set runs out.

Personal Private Universe

        Communion experience. Let the Lord dwell within you and he creates a personal universe for you to live in, enjoying your union with him in great intimacy. 

*One True Freedom

        In today's Gospel reading from John 8, 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." "Freedom" sounds like a beautiful word, but not all freedoms are good. For example, freedom of speech invariably leads to disorder and freedom to chose abortion is purely evil. All these freedoms enslave us, for they allow us to sin. Therefore, the only freedom that truly sets us free is freedom from sin. Let Jesus take our sins away and we are free. Remain as one with him and we continue to remain free.

Overview of the Spiritual Warfare

        Some thoughts following the last post on the life-or-death situation we are in. The spiritual war goes on between God and Satan, but we are really engaged in a war with ourselves. One part of us tells us to follow God and the other part, to follow ourselves – this is the fundamental struggle that goes on within us. Although God will overcome the evil one in the end, the outcome of our personal battle directly affects God's success. To not help the Lord who is on our side is to help his enemy who is also our enemy.

*In a Life-or-Death Situation

      A dear friend's brother just passed away. He was a most devout Catholic to his last day, but none of his children today has any faith. It shows how divided our world is, how evil has infiltrated the world. Be aware that we are right in the middle of a fierce and ferocious warfare! Every single one of us is in the battlefield. If we do not choose God to fight against evil, we shall surely die. There is not a moment to waste. 

*Holy Communion to Be Cherished*

        Communion thoughts. There are life experiences we always remember and cherish. Receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist should be such an experience. After the Lord has personally entered to be consumed by you, how can you possibly walk right out of Church after Mass and instantly revert yourself to the same old you? You have passed up the most intimate prayer time you can spend with the Lord! Let every Communion draw you closer to union with him to make you more perfect and beautiful. Take the Lord seriously so that he may take you seriously.

**Three Stages of Spiritual Life

        (1) You do not know God. (2) You find Christ and believe in him. (3) You submit yourself to himself totally and attain union with him. 

       You are saved when you reach stage 2, but I do believe that when you advance to stage 3, you definitely reduce or possibly eliminate your time in purgatory. 

*Horrible State to Avoid

        In today's Gospel reading from John 8, Jesus said to the Jews, "If you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." "To die in one's sins" is a horrible thought! Sins are abhorrent to God, so to be in sin is to get repelled by God. Therefore, be sure to have the Lord cleanse you of your sins at all times, for you do not know the time of your death.

*Letting God Draw Us

        John 12.32: Jesus says, "When I am lifted up from the earth; I will draw everyone to myself." Because Jesus loves us, he wants to draw everyone to him. Certainly he would want to draw us all the way to be one with him, for the Lord is always thorough, committed, total, and complete. Let him draw you and you will also receive a bonus, eternal life in heaven.

Captured by God

        Communion experience. I felt uplifted and fulfilled, for the Lord had captured my heart.

Amazing and Inspiring

        Most amazing is how much the Most High God loves us. Most inspiring is how humble he is.

Knowing God 101

        St. Paul was a persecutor of early Christians before Jesus made him an apostle to the Gentles, and his calling came rather dramatically. For most of us, the calling is gentle and subtler. If we do not wish to turn to God, we just don't get to know him. But if we are sincere in wishing to know him, he never fails to reveal himself to us. Many converts came to know God after they pray "Lord, if you really exist, reveal yourself to me." Know that God is ever ready and eager to become one with you, so open your heart wide and he is yours!

Christ the Big Difference

        Humans beings can be loving and kind, but it is undeniable that they are also inclined to do evil to each other. Precisely why our world is so messed up. No doubt that without God, a lost world is doomed. Fortunately, we have the light of Christ, showing us the way to eternal life. This is  the hope the world needs. Now, those who believe in him will be saved forever. There is nothing else that can make such a big difference to us! 

**Healing of the Soul

        When we are physically ill and pray for healing, God may choose to heal us instantly, take his time, or leave us alone. In the last instance, we may recover naturally, remain ill, or even worsen. At any rate, God knows what's best for us. But when we are spiritually ill and pray for healing of the soul, the Lord does not delay. If you repent your sins, the cleansing is instant. Before receiving the Lord in the Holy Eucharist, all Catholics respond 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." If you truly believe, your soul shall be healed! The soul is our Father's utmost concern. It's healing is so much more urgent than healing of the body. It would be good to have both a healthy body and a clean soul, but always pray for healing of the soul first. 

*To Truly Please God

        If you truly wish to please God the Father, you would want all the souls, including the worst sinners in the world and your own worst enemies, whom he all loves, to be saved. Naturally, you would want to forgive everyone and not to judge anyone anymore. Seek union with God to make your will his will.

*Satisfied Is the One Who . . .

knows the mission God has given him. His life is now complete.  

Shortsighted or Foresightful

        If you think that your career in the world is most important to you, you are being extremely shortsighted. If you consider your spiritual life to be most important, you do not lack foresight. 

*Why God Is Indispensable

        I want to say again that only God can fundamentally change us. That is, only he can make us holy. Therefore, we absolutely need him to get into heaven.

Same Division Today

        In today's Gospel reading from John 7, people discuss about the origins of the Messiah, and there is disagreement among them, and among the Pharisees too, causing divisions. Today we are still like that. We either talk about Jesus a lot or actually listening to him; we are either close-minded or open-minded to his words. We are shaping up to be goats or sheep!

**Letting Evil Make Us Holy

        When you read or watch the news daily, it is easy to be saddened by all the bad things that happen around us. Natural disasters and accidents due to human error do occur, but most bad things are caused by sin, when humans inflict evil upon fellow brothers and sisters. Anyway, we feel frustrated when we see no way of helping the victim(s) in any way. I do suggest that besides praying for them, see each bad happening as an opportunity for us to become more obedient to the Lord God. Our desire to grow holier should please him and help making amends for the sins of the world. 

*From Atheism through Occult to Faith*

        The video on the Shroud of Turin by Russ Breault lead me to read more about him. Here is his most interesting and captivating conversion story. It confirms my belief that if you really want to know Christ, he will come to you! A video worth watching. 

*Shroud of Turin

        Russ Breault has studied the Shroud of Turin for over 25 years. Here is one of his shorter presentations on this burial cloth. You'll hear some amazing facts as well as some of Mr. Breault's personal insights.

**Greatest Tragedy and Foolishness

        Jesus is the only one who can unify all of us and give us eternal life as well, yet the world continues to ignore him – heading toward self-condemnation.

**Left vs Right

        I have said before that I do not ask myself if I am a conservative or a liberal – I do not think that way. I just go by what Christ has shown me. Today, it's more accurate to say that we have basically the left versus the right in America. In today's Gospel readings from John 7, the Jews were trying to arrest and kill Jesus. This reminds of what the left is doing today. Leftists are good at calling names, spreading lies, and accusing the right without facts. They are most concerned about controlling the populace so that they might hold onto power. The left has no regard for the unborn nor religious freedom. It fits the fascist mold. Hypocrisy and double standard come to my mind. The right is far from being perfect, but it's closer to being right. Follow Christ always to discern right from wrong.

**Prayer Simplified

        Since the Lord dwells in my heart, fully knowing and understanding all my wishes and desires, I only need to pray "Have mercy on me" and he will respond to all my petitions. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy now makes more sense to me. 

*Most Private Moment

        Communion experience. It was the most private moment of my life with just my Lord dwelling within my heart.        

God Recognized as Father

        Today the Lord particularly made me see the Father-son or Father-daughter relationship between him and us. It does help to see that God is truly our Father and we are his children, obedient or rebellious. We are one family. Journeying toward the Father on earth is our growing-up process. We can get corrected, disciplined, or even punished if we misbehave, but everything the Father does to us is motivated by an undying love to get us to be one with him for all eternity! Understand this and we shall remain within the family. Now we can rejoice as Paul writes in Philippians 4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: Rejoice!

God Most Personal

        Communion thoughts. The Lord created us, knows everything about us, loves us, desires to be in union with us and lead us to eternal joy. We should rejoice that the one who can be so personal to us is our God and Father!

*Ever-Present Challenge

        There is a great challenge we must deal with. Jesus has come and said, "I am the resurrection and the the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live." Elsewhere in the Gospels we can find similar statements promising eternal life. What God has promised is as solid as a rock and do not go away. Therefore, if you are aware of any such promise, you must deal with it's challenge ASAP, for the promise expires the moment you die.

Feasting the Soul

        Communion experience. Absolute feast for the soul!

Slow Learners Are We

        The Lord God is forever beautiful. It just take us time to realize that, little by little. Again, it is us who do not catch on quickly.

*Trusting in God's Help

        In today's Gospel reading from John 4, after Jesus had arrived in Galilee, a royal official asked him to go to Capernaum to heal his son who was ill and near death. Jesus said to him, "You may go; your son will live." Later the official realized that it was exactly at the time when Jesus said, "Your son will live" that the boy began to recover. You see, the Lord constantly works for our good in the background. He never gets in our way; it is us who block him from helping us. Therefore, trust in him and let him do what he loves to do the most, helping us. 

Heaven on Earth

        God absolutely has the power to make us all one. In fact, it is his most ardent desire that we be in union with him. The link needed is our consent. Imagine that we all belong to one loving Father and in perfect spiritual communion with each other – this would be heaven on earth!

**God, Our Life-Changing Joy

        Communion experience. There is such great joy and profound satisfaction in telling others about Christ the Savior. For he is the one who can truly make us selfless and set us free. Such is the power of God! When God becomes your, joy, you can't wait to ascend to him.

*Dear Atheists:

        Atheists accuse Christians of inventing their God because they need a crutch to lean on. This accusation is so ridiculous that it only shows their total ignorance of God (I am just expressing myself, not meaning to restate the obvious). The need for a crutch may be right, as I did feel the empty void in my life, but how could we Christians possibly invent God? It surely beats me! I suppose we could come up with a fictitious god to fool ourselves. In that case, we probably wouldn't feel particularly great. I must compliment the atheists for believing that we Christians are capable of all coming and working together to come up with the awesome, fantastic God we know, who has a Son named Jesus who came from heaven to us 2.000 years ago, performed miracles, and died for us to save us . . . I could go on and on. Oh yeah, we also invented the Church with all her teachings too! The fact is that when I searched for God, he came into my life and my heart – I didn't even have to hallucinate or imagine anything in my head. Well, to each his own. We'll all find out after we die. But I suppose if you are an theist, you believe that you would become nothing after death. I guess that is not bad if it turns out that you were right. What if you were wrong? I am not going to tell you. You atheists certainly do not have high expectations. All I ask is that you do not attack us, who are actually on your side, praying hard for you. 

***Heart for God

        Let the Lord condition you heart, not your mind. To touch anyone's heart, you must speak from your heart, for the mind remains neither hot nor cold, while the heart can be set ablaze by the Holy Spirit. Only the heart can yearn for the Lord. Give your heart to God so that when you evangelize, people will hear his voice and not yours.

Learning About the Lord

       Today we had Mass celebrating the "Second Scrutiny" for the RCIA candidates. The first 41 verses of John 9 comprised the Gospel reading about the man born blind. Here is what I learned. (1) Jesus said to his disciples that the man was born blind was not because he or his parents sinned, but was so that the works of God might be made visible through him. And Jesus made the man see. Conclusion: Many things happen just so that we might witness the glory of God. (2) Some of the Pharisees could not believe that Jesus was from God. The Jews asked the parents of the healed man and then the man himself repeatedly and still could not believe in his healing. Observation: Those who have no humility do not see the truth. (3) Jesus found the man healed who now believed in him, and said to all around, "I came into the world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind." Some of the Pharisees there said to him, "Surely we are not also blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains. Observation: Cool, profound response by Jesus.

          My final belief: Jesus is no ordinary man; he came through as the most amazing God in every way.

***To Experience Total Freedom

        When you do God's will only, you experience total freedom, for you and God are one and whatever you want to do is exactly what he wants you to do. The freedom you experience comes from knowing that everything you do is OK with God. You may argue that if you only do God's will, there will be so many things you won't be allowed to do, how can you then experience more freedom? I'll just say that if you follow you own will, there will be so many things you won't even consider doing, so you are no better off. Either way, there is an infinite number of things we can do. But in following your own will, sooner or later you'll end up doing things that make you feel guilty and lose your peace. Now you are no longer free. Basically, it's your choice. You can do any number of things for God and feel peace or any number of things for yourself and worry about losing peace. God did give us a conscience!

Catholics Are Christians

        Another note for Catholics. Some Catholics think of Protestants as Christians, forgetting that they are the first (original) Christians before the Bible even existed. Catholic means universal, which is appropriate for naming the Church. Unfortunately, popular use of the word "Christian" by Protestants has caused confusion.