Proud to be a Ninong!

Last 27th of November, I was invited to be the Ninong of our eldest brother’s son, Russell at St.Rose of Lima Parish at Teresa, Rizal. My brother’s wife was not originally catholic by birth so they were married in civil. Inspite of this, I was glad that they still chose their son to be baptized in the Catholic Church.  

Krenz Russell B. Santos was my grandson's(inaanak) name. He a healthy and lovable kid but we can't deny that he is fond of crying. I wasn't sure if he was shocked by the number of unfamiliar crowds on his special day.

(Picture Takings after the Christening)

After the celebration we immediately went to Carissa in their house and continue the celebration. There are quite many visitors who arrived. some where relatives of both sides and mostly were their neighborhoods. 

Though I missed the Installation for Knights of Columbus First Degree, I was very, very blessed still to attend and become the Ninong of my second Inaanak. This also means that I am no longer a teen. Just Kidding. :D 

"Ibigang Maya"

Review: The Sign of Four

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: The Sword of Summer

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: A Study in Scarlet

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very fascinating 1st novel of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. . . The first meeting of Dr. Watson and Sherlock and perhaps the start of their destined journey as partners as they solve the mystery of the the ring, the blood, the mormon groups and the puzzling word of vengeance.

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The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's never been a bad start for Hawkins to start this novel. She's great! It reflects on how she wrote this book. it's incredibly amazing. this book is worth the read indeed

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Day 333: Simplicity

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Life can appear to be complicated at times and so can we.  But the truth is that we need to cut through the complexities of life and realize that, from the perspective and Will of God, life is simple.  It’s simple in that all we need to do is say “Yes” to Him every day, surrendering all to Him and trusting Him every step of the way.  We must be diligent in responding to His promptings and grace, but we do not have to enter into the entire complicated world, figure it out and solve it.  This is too much and is far better done by God.  Seek to be a simple soul who trusts in the perfect wisdom of God and He will sort life out for you (See Diary #1617).

Do you find that your life appears complicated at times?  Reflect upon this question and if the answer is “Yes” it’s probably because you are trying to do more than God is asking and to solve questions that He already knows the answers to.  Turn to Him, today, as a simple trusting soul.  Be ready and willing to respond to anything He communicates to you and do it with passion and diligence, but do not worry about all the apparent complexities of life.  The Lord understands them well and will navigate you through their confusion.

Lord, I pray that I may become a simple soul.  I choose to follow this path led by absolute trust in You and Your wisdom.  You know all things, dear Lord, and You will guide me every step of the way through the apparent complexities of life if I let You.  I do believe this dear Lord.  Help me believe it with all my soul.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 332: Never Grow Weary of the Cross

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

The Lord speaks much about sufferings to Saint Faustina.  She suffered much through humiliations and through physical illness.  And Jesus never tired of reminding her that her sufferings take on great power when united to His Cross.  This message must never be forgotten.  Though suffering may not be a “happy” topic, it is a joyous one when properly understood.  When you realize that your sufferings can act as an instrument of the Mercy of God in the world, you will not hesitate to embrace them and to unite them to Christ.  Never doubt this sacred instrument of God’s Mercy (See Diary #1612).

Sufferings and the talk of sufferings can be wearisome, but only when they are not united to the Cross of our Lord. When they are united to His Cross, the burden becomes light.   Reflect upon whether you understand this and live it.  If you are living it you will find that your sufferings are no longer a heavy burden, they become a joy.  Though it is hard to arrive at this level of surrender, it is your calling and the reward awaits.

Lord, may I never grow weary of offering You every pain and suffering I endure.  When serious hardships come my way, help me to give them to You.  When small discomforts come my way, help me to give them to You.  I unite all things to Your glorious Cross, dear Lord, and trust in Your unfathomable power to transform them.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I bought this book on a booksale where I always spend most of my time when I planned to visit the supermarket. I always love Christmas because it gives me a very great feeling of love and peace. I immediately grab this book because I know there is really great on this.

The story is about Tom Langdon who is a war correspondent who's planning to arrive for Los Angeles throiugh a train from which he was banned because of a certain misunderstanding on the security airport. He needs to meet her girlfriend on time but blessing will always come from times that we least expected it. And so it happens.

He met different people and personalities on the train and have met the time to cross her ex-girlfriend unexpectedly. He taught his love for her were embraced by the long years upon after she left him instantly. But destiny will always to persons who were destined for each other. But the question is how will he fight for her if he was still committed to his present.

A very nice classic holiday book for everyone. Sir Baldacci indulged me in the story of hope,love and sacrifice.

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Day 331: Nothing Beyond Your Strength

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

It’s important to know that the Lord will never allow you to carry a cross that is beyond your strength.  Do you believe this?  If you do, it should help you to set your eyes on the road ahead and plunge forward doing the Will of God.  If struggles come your way, even if they are great, know with certainty that the Lord is with you, carrying you if needed, through everything you face in life.  Nothing can keep you from His Mercy and His perfect Will if you keep your eyes on Him (See Diary #1607).

Reflect upon the path that you believe the Lord has set before you.  What obstacles do you perceive to be too great to overcome?  Whatever it is, you must face them with confidence and absolute trust in our Lord.  As painful as some things may be, nothing is beyond the Mercy of God. He will transform the rough path before you into a smooth road if you let Him.

Lord, I do believe that You are always with me, leading me and protecting me.  When I face some hardship in life, help me to see it as an opportunity to rely more on Your grace.  I know that I can do all things You call me to, dear Lord.  I commit to walking the road You have laid out for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 330: Praying for Others

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Do not underestimate the power of your prayers.  The greater your trust in the Mercy of God, the more powerful will your prayers be for those who need them.  The Lord knows all things and He knows who needs what.  But He wants to dispense His grace in union with those who ask for it.  Your prayers for others are the most powerful way that you can bring the Mercy of God into this world (See Diary #1603).

Do you pray for others?  If not, resolve to do so.  Your prayer may be for a specific need or a struggle that another is enduring.  But we should always leave the specific result to the Mercy of God.  Offering others to God and trusting that He knows the best outcome for any situation pleases our Lord and wins an abundance of grace for those in need.

Lord, I offer You, this day, all who are troubled and burdened.  I offer You the sinner, the confused, the ill, the imprisoned, the weak of faith, the strong of faith, the religious, the laity and all Your priests.  Lord, have Mercy on Your people, especially upon those in most need.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 329: Confessing with Delight

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Why do you fear Confession?  This glorious Sacrament is offered to you from the tender Heart of our Lord.  Through this glorious gift Jesus lifts the burdens you carry so that you can more fully share in His Mercy.  If you understood this, there would be no hesitation in running to Confession on a regular basis.  You would desire it not because it reveals your misery, but because it heals it and removes it forever (See Diary #1602).

Try to spend time looking at your attitude toward the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  If you see hesitancy within you, examine the reason.  Is it fear of facing your sin?  Is it fear of facing the priest?  Fear should never be a factor.  Let go of any fear you have by putting your eyes on the end result.  That end result is freedom and union with God.  This is a Mercy you need and will never regret receiving.

Lord, please free me from the fear of this glorious Sacrament.  Help me to see my sins honestly but only as I also gaze upon Your infinite Mercy.  Give my heart a burning desire for this Mercy and a longing for the freedom it brings.  I love You, dear Lord.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 328: Heaven

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Heaven invites us into a life of glory and fulfillment that is beyond what we could ever comprehend.  Not even in Heaven will we fully comprehend the glorious mystery of God and His Mercy.  From Heaven, the saints, radiant with glory and grace, look down upon us with love, seeking to lavish us with the Mercy of God.  Seek Heaven as your primary and ultimate goal in life.  Do all things with this goal in mind and the treasure you will build up for all eternity will be more abundant than you could ever hope for (See Diary #1592).

Do you think about Heaven as your one true desire in life?  Every act of love offered here on Earth will be remembered and exalted in Heaven.  Everything we do on Earth should be but a preparation for the glorious day of our passing from this world into our eternal home.  Ponder your desires and if the glories of Heaven is not front and center, be aware of that fact, redirect your focus and seek to place your eyes on this ultimate prize.  As you look at the beauty and splendor of Heaven, the Lord will draw you to it with a burning desire.

Lord, please flood my heart with the joyful delight of Heaven.  Help me to keep my eyes on this goal and to do all in this life as a preparation for that sweet encounter.  I love You, dear Lord, and have great hope in the day of our perfect union.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 327: The Hidden Presence of God

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

God is hiding.  But why?  He hides under the veil of secrecy and silence so that we will diligently seek Him.  He does not choose to compete with the distractions of the world since He wants you to choose Him as your one desire.  Desire to seek Him, hidden in your heart, hidden in the holy Sacraments, hidden in the silence and hidden in the people whom you encounter throughout your day.  The Lord is there, waiting for you to discover His Heart filled with unfathomable Mercy.  Seek Him with all your might (See Diary #1591).

Ponder the hidden presence of God today.  Be aware of the fact that the presence of God is all around you, constantly calling to you and inviting you into His Heart.  If you allow yourself to become disinterested or distracted by the world, you will never discover how close He is.  Reflect upon His hidden presence and do not hesitate to seek Him today.

Lord, I love You but at times I fail to live that love fully.  I become so very distracted by things that mean little in the end.  Help me to regain my focus and to seek You with all my heart.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 326: Waiting on the Lord

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

One common struggle many people have is that of impatience.  We tend to want what we want when we want it.  In our fast-paced society we are used to instant everything.  A full meal can be reheated within minutes, text messages can be sent worldwide in seconds, news travels the moment it happens, and for many people almost anything they could ever want or need is generally only a short drive from their homes at the nearest superstore.  All of this fosters a tendency to want what we want when we want it.  But the Lord does not work this way.  He has His own timing which is always in accord with His perfect wisdom.  Very often we can experience a temptation to do what we think is in the best interest of the truth and to do it now.  But sometimes God chooses to wait before He acts.  When He acts, His ways become clear and convincing and His wisdom is unmistakable (See Diary #1587).

Reflect upon your desire to do great things for God or to speak the truth in one situation or another.  Is your impulse from the Lord or is it your own impatience prompting you?  This is an important question to reflect upon because God’s Truth can only come forth at His command, in His time.  If we try to push the Hand of God we will be doing so on our own.  Yes, God will use even our misguided or impatient works for His glory, but our plans done in our way will never accomplish the glorious works of God as He can only accomplish them.  Reflect upon your patience with the Will of God and make an act of surrender this day.  Your trust and surrender will open the doors of Mercy in accord with the perfect Will of God.

Lord, I surrender to You and Your perfect Will.  Give me patience so that I may set aside my own ideas and plans, submitting only to You.  May I learn to wait on You, dear Lord, and act only as You command.  I love You, my God.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 325: Relying on the Saints

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Imagine the soul who has lived a life filled with complete abandonment to God.  They achieved the heights of holiness and were not deterred by earthly distractions.  Throughout their life they sought to serve our Lord and to be a continual instrument of Mercy for others.  Many people were saved on account of their sanctity and their total devotion to the Will of God.  Now imagine that holy soul entering into the glories of Heaven.  What a profound experience of absolute joy!  Nothing could be more glorious than that moment.  But once in Heaven, is it conceivable that this holy soul will forget about those on Earth?  Is it possible that the people who were loved and served so deeply would disappear from their minds as a result of being in Heaven?  Most certainly not.  In fact, once in Heaven, the holy souls who lived on Earth are even more consumed with a desire to spread the Mercy of God.  Seek out these saints.  Seek their intercession, ask for their inspiration, follow their example and know that you have a myriad of holy men and women seeking to serve you from the glories of Heaven (See Diary #1582).

Ponder the saints this day.  Especially ponder their burning love for you and their desire that all people receive the Mercy of God.  God uses them from Heaven and continually sends them to distribute His grace.  Open your heart to these holy men and women and they will pour forth the Mercy of God into your life.

Oh, holy saints of God!  How glorious you are in your Heavenly splendor!  I thank you for your love and service on Earth and now I call upon your intercession from Heaven.  Please pray for me and for all people that we may imitate your holiness while on Earth and obtain the glory in which you now share.  Saints of God, pray for us.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 324: That Longed-for Moment

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

What do you long for in life?  If you could pick one thing that you desire above all else what would it be?  Would it be death?  Probably not.  Surprisingly, the greatest saint would probably desire death over anything else in life.  Not an early death or a death of their own choosing; rather, they would see death as the gateway to their true home and anticipate the joy of that encounter with much hope.  This may not be something you normally think about but it’s worth doing so.  When a person has Heaven as their greatest desire it means, in part, that they have come to such a point in life that the things of this world do not matter to them.  They long for Heaven and to be with God eternally.  This does not undermine their love for family and friends.  This love is eternal and will remain with them in Heaven to an even greater degree.  The key to this desire is the realization that Heaven will be so glorious and fulfilling that there is much excitement about obtaining it.  This may not be your normal way of thinking about death but it is worth pondering and examining your earthly desires in the light of this ultimate goal (See Diary #1573).

Spend time today pondering death.  But do so in a new way.  Look at it not as an end to your life; rather, see it as the beginning of a new and glorious life of perfect fulfillment.  Reflecting upon death does not mean you wish for it to come soon.  We should only desire to obtain Heaven in accord with God’s timing.  But, nonetheless, we should desire it and desire it with all our soul.  In fact, keeping our eyes on this ultimate prize will help us walk through the hardships we endure here and now.

Lord, of all the many desires and goals I have in life I pray that I may desire Heaven above all else.  Please free me from the foolish desires of this life and set my heart solely on You.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 323: Your Unique Mission

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

God gives to each person a unique mission.  Some are called to very public lives; others are called to quiet and simple lives.  Some are called to use their minds in powerful ways; others are called to use their hearts in special ways, but each person has a unique mission from God.  What is your mission?  Seeking to know what the Lord asks of you is essential to your journey of holiness and, therefore, happiness.  When fully embraced, this mission will bring abundant fulfillment to your life because of one simple fact: every mission is a mission of Mercy.  The struggle many people have is that they embark on selfish endeavors in life, failing to commit all their energies to the work of the Lord.  The Lord wants you to work day and night on His mission.  This is not too much to ask.  In fact, it’s what you were made for and the only way to obtain what you truly desire.  His mission will certainly include moments of fun and rest, work and struggle, laughter and tears.  It will also require a complete death to yourself.  But it’s worth it!  Seek the mission God has given you and embrace it with all your heart.  If you do, the Mercy of God will pour forth through your life (SeeDiary #1567).

Reflect, today, upon this simple question: What is my mission in life?  It may come to you slowly, over time, taking twists and turns as you go.  But never stop seeking to serve our Lord and His perfect plan.  This plan will become the delight of your soul.  Ponder it and if you are on the wrong path, correct your direction in life.

Lord, I thank You for calling me to a blessed and unique mission in life.  I choose, this day, that which You have given to me.  I promise to say “Yes” to You throughout my life and to never tire of fulfilling Your Will.  I love You, Lord.  Help me to love You with my life.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The inventor of clock, Dor was given a chance to redeem himself for the things and people he lost for questioning the greatest gift God bestowed on men- Time. He was sent to the present time to teach two person the the very essence of the thing he meditated upon. On his journey with Sarah, a girl who wants too little time for feeling unloved and unappreciated and Victor, a man who tried to evade death, Dor realized that in yearning for all the things that he lost, he forgot the things that he still have.

I unhesitantly rated this great book of Albom because aside from its story, it made me realizes too that the reason why God limits everyone's time limited is that to make every moment precious- not nursing the past but rather unwrapping the Present- the valuable gift we most of the times took for granted..

Complaining on something will never do any good. It will only eat the appropriate time we should be starting and rising from the recent fall. Everyday, look for something that will make us good and better than who we were yesterday...Godbless us all.

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Life of Pi by Yann Martel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I rated this book with 5-star after realizing something very important in life that I have just found after some mystified moments upon finishing the book. At first I thought I will just finish the book just to say that I've read it but after closing the cover page of the book I even asked the same question Pi gave to the two japanese officials, "Which story do you prefer?" And like how the japanese officials and Yann Martel in the movie chose his version of the story with the Bengal Tiger and the orangutan and the hyena and zebra so as I. And afterwards Pi added, "so as with God"...

This maybe a little philosophical and theologically explained that I tried to digest for some moments of silence. Its message is hidden but the answer will always be upon us. Upon you.

Pi practiced hindu,catholicism and islam.Each of them have its own theological perspective and ideologies that contradicts each one. But this book makes me realized that it is us who make our own way to make our religion be different from the others and upon nursing them ensing up with which who religion is true. It is like two person looking for the one side of the coin and the one with the other side. The one looking t the head may tell that it is the true face of the coin while the other may argue that his is the right picture but they didnt realize that they are looking at what they are arguing- a coin. Same as with God, we manage to debate on who is the real God but we forget to see that it is still the same God who we are worahipping. the creator, the savior and the loving of all. If that religion can make you whole and pleasing to God be good at it. No argument.

Lastly this book seems not just only the Life of Pi but it coukd the the Life of Yours...

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Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very interesting tales of Peculiar's folklore and adventure suitable for bed time storues. I can imagine how headmistress Miss Peregrine is reading all of this to her children. Another interesting book of Riggs. Good job po.

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Library of Souls by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the best book series I've ever read so far.. I've tried other series but ended up only until the second or the first part. But this book is really amazing. I just can't imagine how Riggs was able to come up with this marvelous work. It's peculiarly awesome. It's a masterpiece.
The story is really satisfying and enjoying. I will miss the adventure of Jacob, Emma, Miss Peregrine and the whole peculiardom. Thumbs up to Riggs.

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Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is really amazing... It was filled with really wide imagination which will come to the point that you will just exclaimed, "What the?" Just try to buy the last book the next time i go to the bookstore for I can't wait to see how Jacob will smashed the whole wights through his newly discovered talents which is....oh-oh try to catch that in this book....

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Day 322: The Obstacle of Pride

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

The Lord, in His abundant Mercy, comes to you day and night and joyfully enters your soul when it is open to Him.  Even the greatest struggles do not deter our Lord from coming to you.  But one thing, especially, keeps our Lord away.  And that is pride.  Pride is the mother of all sins and, simply put, is selfishness.  It’s a way of turning in on yourself as your primary concern.  The problem with this is that you were made, by God, for the purpose of giving yourself away.  It’s in your very nature to become a gift to others.  And only in giving of yourself to God and to others do you discover who you are and, in that act, you become who you were made to be.  So pride, in its attempt to become self-concerned, actually has the effect of destroying you.  Pride leaves you with yourself and allows no room for another, not even God (See Diary #1563).

Reflect upon the sin of pride today.  Here is an examination for this sin: Pride is an untrue opinion of ourselves, an untrue idea of what we are not.  Have I a superior attitude in thinking, or speaking or acting? Am I snobbish?  Have I offensive, haughty ways of acting or carrying myself?  Do I hold myself above others? Do I demand recognition?  Do I desire to be always first? Am I ready to accept advice? Am I in any sense a “bully” or inclined to be “bossy”?  Do I speak ill of others?  Have I lied about others?  Do I make known the faults of others?  Is there anyone to whom I have not spoken for a long time?  Am I prone to argue and be offensive in my arguments? Am I self-conscious?  Am I sensitive?  Am I easily wounded?  Reflect honestly on these sins today and seek freedom from them.

Lord, please free me from the self-centeredness that comes from pride.  May I seek the good of others with all humility and sincerity.  Free me from this sin, dear Lord, and help me to give myself away to You and to others, for in giving of myself I know I will find myself.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 321: The Seraphic Soul

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Everyone is called to holiness and in that holiness is able to obtain complete happiness.  But God always chooses some for a special mission of holiness, a higher form of holiness.  These souls could be called “Seraphic Souls.”  The classic example is to compare two glasses of water.  One is large and one is small.  They are both filled to the brim so they are both full.  But one contains more water.  So it is with holiness.  Some are given a special calling to reach a greater height.  All people are to be “full” of the Holy Spirit and, thus, obtain perfect happiness.  But some are invited higher in a unique way.  This is similar to the Nine Choirs of Angels.  The Seraphim are of the highest order and have as their sole purpose the worship and adoration of God.  The Guardian Angels are of the lowest order and have as their primary duty the service of man.  Each celestial being is perfectly happy and rejoices in the unique calling of each (See Diary #1556).

Reflect, today, upon this glorious ordering of holiness for angels and for humanity.  At first, it may not seem fair that some are given a special calling to holiness and even a special sharing in the sufferings of Christ.  We must all ponder this truth and rejoice in it.  And as for those seraphic souls in the world, and those given a special call to share in Christ’s sufferings, we should seek them out and seek the wisdom and grace that flows from their lives.  God has a good reason for such ordering; it’s our duty to embrace it with joy and to benefit from their blessed vocation.

Lord, I thank you for Your perfect wisdom in ordering the holiness of both angels and humanity.  Help me to always seek out those seraphic souls, the special saints, who have reached a glorious level of holiness.  Thank You for their witness and thank You for their freely embraced suffering.  May the world be continually blessed by their lives.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 320: A Zealous Heart

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

One of the easiest things you can do in life is be lazy.  Imagine if you had no responsibilities, had all the wealth you could ever want and could spend your days in luxury and relaxation.  This would foster a very lazy heart and it would also foster a very sad heart.  Rest is good, but excessive rest can turn into laziness and laziness ultimately becomes very boring.  This fact reveals the opposite truth also.  Namely, a zealous heart is one that finds great excitement in the activities of the day.  Though some may become obsessed with work, becoming a “workaholic,” an appropriate balance of rest and work produces the virtue of a zealous heart.  Are you zealous?  There are many things one can be zealous about in life, and not all of them good or within the Will of God.  But zeal for the salvation of souls, and the bringing forth of the Kingdom of God is a zeal we must all strive to foster.  In fact, our Lord wants you to have this as the highest priority in life.  As you grow in holiness and closeness to our Lord, He will send you forth cultivating the Earth with His Mercy.  Doing this with great zeal wins many souls for the Kingdom and produces abundant joy in your heart (See Diary #1548).

Do you struggle with a lazy heart or a zealous one?  If lazy, look at the effects of this in your life.  The boredom and dissatisfaction you experience is a direct result.  If, however, you are zealous and diligent in life, what is it you are zealous for?  Reflect upon this honestly today and seek to grow in a burning zeal for the building up of the Kingdom of God.

Lord, I offer to You all my work and my talents.  Use them for Your glory.  Help me to have true zeal for Your Kingdom and to work tirelessly for Your glory.  Jesus, I desire to be an instrument of Your perfect Mercy in the world.  Use me as You will.  Jesus, I trust in You.

"Desperado"

Day 319: Dealing with Loneliness

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

Loneliness is a deep suffering that many endure.  One reason it is so painful is that the lonely person obviously suffers alone with few people, if any, to help ease their hurt.  If this were not the case, they would not be lonely.  Interestingly, even those who are surrounded by others all day every day can be lonely.  Even the most popular and outgoing person in the community can sometimes struggle with great loneliness.  This may not be easily noticed because they often “wear a mask” covering the loneliness they experience.  Loneliness is real and comes as a result of one particularly deep need we all have.  And this is the need to be known by another.  We want to be known and understood.  We need people who will listen to us, care, understand and love us at our deepest core.  Simply being popular or being surrounded by many people does not meet this need since the “popular” person may not truly have revealed what is inside to anyone.  The best answer to loneliness is the intimate presence of God in your life.  An authentic and deeply personal relationship with your Lord enables you to be at peace, knowing that God knows you, understands you and loves you.  This gift also opens the door for you to find people to whom you can share your joys and struggles.  Seek intimacy with the Lord.  This is the greatest help to a lonely heart (See Diary #1542).

Be honest today and ponder the question of loneliness in your own life.  No matter if you are the life of the party or a quiet bystander, loneliness can affect everyone.  Reflect, also, upon the fact that intimacy with our Lord is the primary cure.  Look at your relationship with Him and open your heart to His love.

Lord, I invite You into my heart.  Come dwell there and reveal Your tender love.  Help me to understand that You know and love me through and through.  I give my heart to You, dear Lord.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 318: Indifference and Forgetfulness

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

If you were married and you were regularly indifferent to your spouse, this would be a problem.  Indifference means there is a lack of sincere care for the good of the other.  Forgetfulness is a symptom of indifference in that when one cares little, it’s easy to forget.  For example, if you forgot an important anniversary in your marriage this could be a sign of either a very poor memory or an uncaring and indifferent heart.  If it is the latter, this brings much hurt to that relationship.  One reason this brings much hurt is that the cause of the hurt is subtle.  If one were to actively do something hurtful, it’s easier to point it out.  Indifference is a passive action in that something is missing.  But this passive action can be just as hurtful, if not more hurtful, than a more obvious action.  So it is with God.  When we are passively indifferent to Him and His Mercy, and when we “forget” to turn to Him day and night, we are bringing much pain to His Sacred Heart (See Diary #1537).

Examine your conscience today and try to honestly identify any struggle you have with indifference.  It may not be manifestly clear to you.  You may not even realize this is a sin and the cause of much hurt to others.  But this form of neglect causes deep wounds over time.  Try to make an honest examen and if you realize that this is your sin, do not hesitate to do something about it.  Renew your care for those whom God has put in your life, and especially renew your caring heart toward God and the Mercy He wishes to bestow.  If you are indifferent to the Mercy of God, this wounds His Heart and does even more damage to you over time.

Lord, I desire to care to the greatest degree.  Help me to be continually aware of others in my life and to anticipate their needs, lavishing love upon them.  Help me to also be continually aware of Your Mercy and to never be indifferent to this most sacred gift.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 317: Passing Judgment

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

It is very easy to pass judgment on another, but it is very difficult to withhold judgment.  Why is that so?  Why might you find yourself easily passing judgment on others when you truly do not know their heart?  There certainly can be many reasons for this sin; one of them is that some people do not even know themselves well enough to judge their own conscience.  When this is the case, the person will be in no position to try to judge another.  Judging another often comes from a heart that has little interior knowledge, understanding or personal insight.  They feel this disorder within and project it out on others.  This is helpful to understand for two reasons.  First, if you tend to judge, stop and look into your heart.  There is a very good chance that you do not know who you are, what your sins are, or how God sees your soul.  Second, if you become the object of another’s judgment, do not be offended.  Instead, use it as an opportunity to have a holy sympathy for them.  Chances are that their judgment of you is a sign of their own interior confusion.  This should evoke compassion toward them, not judgment in return (See Diary #1528).

Reflect today upon these two experiences of judgment.  First reflect upon whether you judge and why.  Also spend time reflecting upon the way you react when others judge you.  Seek the truth in both of these experiences and surrender your own judgments and your experience of others’ judgments to the Mercy of God.

Lord, please free me from having a judgmental heart.  You and You alone probe the minds and hearts of all Your children.  Give me insight into my own soul so that I may continually examine my life in the light of Your Truth, and give me a heart of mercy that I may love others with the Mercy of Your Divine Heart.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Day 316: The Burning Flame of Love

(A Daily Reflection on Divine Mercy)

There are many images we use to describe the Love of God.  One such image is a “Burning Flame of Love.”  This is seen in the spiritual classic, “Living Flame of Love,” written by St. John of the Cross:

O living flame of love

That tenderly wounds my soul

In its deepest center! Since

Now you are not oppressive,

Now consummate! if it be your will:

Tear through the veil of this sweet encounter!

Why do we speak of God and His love as a fire burning within us?  This is a powerful image worth spending much time meditating on.  A flame does many things.  It brings light, it purifies, it consumes, it emits heat and energy, it draws us close, it is ever changing and ever new, and so much more.  God’s love must become not only a spark or a flame within you, it must become a raging fire of love, consuming your soul and producing, in its place, the radiance and divine presence of God (See Diary #1523).

Reflect, today, upon this image of the Love of God.  Meditate upon this all-consuming fire raging within you.  What are the effects of such a living flame?  What does it do to your life?  What will others notice when this flame is blazing?  Ponder this holy image and invite the Living Flame of Love to consume you from within.

Lord, come to me and consume me with the burning fire of Your Love.  Purify every sin and transform me into the light of Your grace and Mercy for all to see.  You are a powerful Flame ever burning yet never harming.  You renew me and radiate Your presence from within.  I love You, dear Lord.  Set me on fire with Your sweet Love.  Jesus, I trust in You.