Wednesday, April 30, 2014

A thrilling life


People would think that only a life exposed to worldliness is full of events that can thrill the heart or mind of man.  But nothing may be further from the truth.  The lives of the Saints were presumably full of God-inspired thrills and happiness even if they preferred lives of humble obscurity.  They lived not to show off sanctity or holiness, but mainly to do their duties in the circumstances God placed them.  Yet such lives dedicated to the love of God and the fellow-men and women were not bereft of thrills and happy moments that make life interesting and colorful.

Yes, a life of goodness and love also comes gifted by God with those gifts of the spirit and occasions of great happiness that can surely satisfy the natural desires of the heart, since God who is the source of all happiness would not deprive His true servants of their own fair share of joys, happiness and glory.  Though, of course, the main assurance of the Saints that contents their hearts’ desires is the assurance of a place in God’s heavenly kingdom.

“What will it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his soul in the end?” (Mt. 8:36).


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

A loving God


When we observe the world around us, we know there must have been a loving God who created the good things around us.  In fact, He, the God Almighty has disposed that the powerful and mighty on this earth should not abuse of their power, so He has provided that the powers of the mighty ones in our world are also counter-balanced by other potent ones, so they may not abuse of their powers. 

            So there is indeed some kind of balance in our world so one may not abuse of his/her natural talents or abilities to take advantage over other less powerful people.

            So indeed how true the principle enunciated by Jesus: “Whatsoever you wish men to do to you, do you also unto them” (Mt. 7:12).

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Easter Message

Our reasons for celebrating Christ’s Resurrection are indeed numerous since they are connected with our own salvation, as Jesus died to save us from our sins.  He died in atonement for our sins, it is true.  But He asks us to reform our lives as stated in the gospel of Mark: “Reform your lives and believe in the gospel” (Mk. 1:15).

            So the work of salvation is like a constant battle so as not to be overcome by our own weaknesses and imperfections but rather achieve the perfection of the new man reformed by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It’s truly a lifetime labor and effort since the Devil is there to tempt us constantly as that is his firm desire—to bring more souls to perdition in Hell.  Let’s bear that in mind that the work of saving our souls is a lifetime job as the devil never rests in his work of bringing souls to damnation in Hell.  St . Peter gives us an important advice of always being watchful and vigilant.  “Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat.  Stand up to him, strong in faith and in the knowledge that your brothers all over the world are suffering the same things.  You will have to suffer only for a little while: the God of all grace who called you to eternal glory in Christ will see that all is well again: he will confirm, strengthen and support you.  His power lasts forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pt. 5:8).

            The Devil uses different ways to tempt human beings such as through bad pictures, bad companions or false literature.  We need God’s help and grace for this continual battle of good versus evil.