"Let Go and Let God"

In John 6:40 Jesus declared, "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." Overcome your fears and let God through the Holy Spirit mold you and rule your life. Be happy as you trust in Jesus, follow his teachings and God will bless your life abundantly. And in 1 Corinthians 5:16-17, the Holy Spirit in Saint Paul tells us, “Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”




In John 8:12, Jesus spoke again to the people saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Make a difference in this world by helping others know Jesus in you and see the light ... Let your light shine brightly now!





And in Matthew 6:33, Jesus said, " Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Live with true peace, see and feel the blessings and fulfillment that come upon your life when you do what is good for others as compared when you judge and cause pain in others which can bring so much stress, conflict and even illness in your life."





To Our Youth and The Weary, "Hope and Trust in God and Be Generous"

Herewith is a related inspirational message from the letter of St. Paul to the young Timothy (1Timothy 6:17-19), which states, “Command those who are rich in the present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Shroud of Turin - Burial Cloth of Jesus Christ, Resurrection Signs and NDE's

(A fitting image for a spiritual mystery commentary)

The discovery of the Shroud of Turin has made it possible for us to relate this Shroud to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the only Begotten Son of God, which many did not believe.

One expert,  Professor Paolo Di Lazzaro, nevertheless, believes that the cloth producing a 'negative' form (as in a picture) showing the whole image on the shroud resulted from Christ's 'resurrection' and the enormous light that helped produce the image. 

While researchers were able to reproduce a similar image on a smaller piece of fabric comparable to the shroud material, it would be impossible for now, according to Di Lazzaro, even with our given high-tech laser improvisations, to color the entire image as it would "need 14,000 lasers."

Another expert, on the other hand, Professor Luigi Garlaschelli, known to have been funded by an Italian association of atheists and agnostics, has shown how he was able to reproduce an image similar to the Shroud of Turin.  He, however, fell short in explaining how it could be possible for someone in the middle ages produce such an amazing image, unpainted, dyed or stained, so sophisticatedly three dimensional, with such accuracy and subtleties seen on the actual image that was far from the "grotesque" image formed on Garlaschelli's sample.

As you watch the video below, more scientists have participated in the study of the Shroud of Turin and they have seen many amazing findings on the material, with many believing that the amount of light that may have produced the image so enormous that the Shroud image on the material was miraculous formed, a natural phenomenon in itself with no trace of man-made elements as to question the authenticity of the created or produced image from the light.

Experts who believed in its authenticity, have mentioned before of pollens and plant particles present on the shroud which are identified with those around Palestine and Jerusalem or where Jesus was buried; although, there were those seen indigenous of Europe too, perhaps, as a result of "transfer contamination."

While we may have honest scientist around the globe in search of greater truth in God, it is so unfortunate that some scientists have to do what is uncalled for just to support their claims and theories as against the truth.  Their being able to do this shows how people can be tempted to do anything just to achieve their goal of discrediting others that their theories may stand better at the expense of the truth, worse if it is for material gain or fame or simply "vanity" (as Al Pacino portraying the devil's role in the movie "The Devil's Advocate" expresses it in the final scene, "Vanity, that's my favorite," lol), for alas, it is so sad how some people, for fame and money, may be tempted to do anything as the expense of truth and love of others.

It may interest you to note that to date, the Vatican has been very careful not to have confirmed as of yet the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin as that of Jesus Christ himself, although it supports further studies on this amazing phenomenon about the Shroud as it leans towards what has been written in the scriptures about Jesus Christ's crucifixion.

In 1 John 5:10-12, St. John proclaims, "Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.  Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.  And this is the testimony:  God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life;  he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."  

And all related studies are greatly encouraged as we are all for the truth.

Just as the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Manopello veil (believed to be used by Veronica to wipe the face of Jesus) are now under similar scrutiny.  And because of all these, more and more converts and believers are seen acknowledging and reconfirming their faith as answered prayers, blessings and miracles come into this life.

The incorruptible bodies of saints as featured in the book "The Incorruptibles" (a study of the incorruption of bodies of various Catholic saints and beati) by Joan Caroll Cruz, are miracles of God's power and love for us.

They were God's chosen people who have lived a life turning their love for Jesus through love of others (neighbors) - a clear manifestation of  Jesus' power over life and death and the glorification of God through His only Begotten Son.

Nonetheless, still, many scientists, atheists and agnostics believe in Darwin's theory of evolution as against creation despite of Darwin's own admission that no conclusive links to date can, however, support his theory that we evolved from the apes and that other animals have evolved from inferior forms into more improved or superior species.

God wants us to be truthful as He has given us the Ten Commandments where you find the 8th commandment as, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor",  as He also wants us to avoid selfishness and pride.  Jesus made this clear in the 8 Beatitudes during his sermon at the mount with thousands of people gathered to listen to him and who were all miraculously fed out of a few loaves of bread and fish.

He wants us to practice humility as he states, in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth", and to be pure in our intentions as he says, in Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God"

Has it not been clear to us that one who becomes selfish and proud of wrong or evil doings without repentance may bring him more stress and trouble in life?

Sooner or later, will these not catch up with him and make his life more miserable and worse, losing his honor and dignity lest he may see enlightenment to repent and renew in his life?  Will having a hardened heart with so much pride in oneself not lead to self pity and hopelessness?  Will this not make his life void and less meaningful?

In John 3:16, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

What is 80, 90 to 100 years of living compared to eternity?  Is it not worth to follow God's commandments and Jesus Christ's teachings where many have seen great miracles of healing in their life because of faith?

Why are there verified accounts of "near death experiences" or NDE's where one recalls his/her spirit getting out of his body and explains later after going back in it what was happening very vividly around the room and adjacent rooms he was in as his body was supposed to be brain dead and/or clinically dead?

This baffles scientists and have no clear explanation for it.  And some scientists have accepted the power of prayer. Is this not a clear proof that our conscious spirit lives when our body dies

Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, as in Ephesians 1:4(echoed from similar messages in Isaiah 49:16 and Jeremiah 1:5). And those who believe and do what God teaches will be blessed.

We should not lose heart but try to win the unbelievers that they may see the light and be healed. As Jesus has said to his apostles(Matthew 13:14-15), “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah,


          “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving;   For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts  and turn, and I would heal them.”

How true that many miracles happen around us yet we refuse to see.  Many more are healed in Jesus' name, yet we close our eyes. As Jesus said to the doubting Thomas, in John 20:29, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

What will then be our reward if we fulfill our given mission? Is it not everlasting life with Him, our Creator, in heaven? Whence, we fail, it would be eternal damnation in hell. And what do we do to succeed in this? Is it not to follow God’s laws and commandments?

Proverbs 15:9-10 puts it, “The Lord detests the way of the wicked but he loves those who pursue righteousness. Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.”

And as in Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

It is only through opening our heart and soul to God, in awe of His wonderful creation from here on earth to the whole universe, that we will fully understand His wisdom, power and love for us. His presence and being is beyond logic and beyond imagination as He is truly everlasting, magnificent, omnipotent and almighty... the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

And it is our constant prayers and communication with Him, in Christ our Lord and Savior, that we are able to connect by His grace through faith, as we may feel His majesty, might and power in everything that we may do.





Subscribe in a reader

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Billionaires Urge the Rich - 'Donate Your Money'

Some famous billionaires in the US have urged the rich to donate their money to charity with the end in view of, perhaps, creating a bandwagon effect for this worthy cause.

If this would persuade more rich people globally, it could spell the beginning of a realization being one with God and in Christ's teachings of deep concern "for the poor".

We only live a short life here on earth and it is a noble duty for the rich to help our brethren who are in dire need of being rescued from severe poverty.  Nobody can bring ones wealth after death anyway. 

And death comes like a thief in the night, it comes when we least expect it.  In Revelation (a message from Jesus Christ of his second coming made known to gospel writer, St. John, through an angel) 16:15, Christ's message is, "Behold, I come like a thief!  Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."  We have to be ready and prepared when our time for reckoning comes.

And it is in Christ's teachings that states in Matthew 19:24, "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And further in the eight beatitudes Jesus tells his disciples, in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

To follow Christ, we have to give up everything, as he told his disciples in Matthew 16:24-28, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.  What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?  Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.  I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." 

With so many catastrophes happening worldwide in alarming succession causing death, destruction and hunger to many such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, terrorism and suicide bombings, hunger and the BP oil spill that not even man's advance "high-tech" know how can solve to date, it is appaling to see all these in this decade with the threat of global warming.  Do these not make us wonder and think that our awesome God must be sending us a message or signs that make us rethink of our very direction in life to veer us from material things that lead us to temptation, greed or lust and focus our efforts instead in promoting peace and love for others especially for the less fortunate in our "short God-given life" here on earth?

Read further on our link and get the details of this new and interesting development.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2012136709_billionaires17.html


Subscribe in a reader

Friday, June 11, 2010

Awesome 1min 41sec YouTube Must View and Pass it On

A "must view" video that all may be guided.  All in 1 minute and 41seconds and it amazingly reveals the "truth".

Tamara Lowe raps to share the light.



Thanks to our contributor, Marvelous Mike Bird, through email.  Godspeed.


Subscribe in a reader

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Commentary on - Almost 600 Couples Renew Marriage Vows in DC - Give Advice For Long Unions

In the Catholic faith, marriage is "forever," as we become one with God in spirit, even after this life of love in Him. 

It is the sacred bonding of man and woman together as one with God, as husband and wife in one flesh.

Marriage is a life long decision and commitment not only to your spouse along with your growing family, but a commitment with God as well and it becomes a great responsibility to keep it in God's guidance.
 
To help make this decision before the actual marriage vows, the church requires couples to attend a series of seminars to ensure that both parties are ready for a lasting relationship in a sacred covenant with God and in a "community of love for life." 


But still, no seminar or the vows can guarantee to a successful marriage.

Temptations, conflict of opinions and directions, pride, lack of forgiveness and misunderstandings may come along the way and it is the test of time, and due adherence to your faith and in Christ Jesus, that will see whose relationship would really last.

And in a recent church event in Washington D.C. which saw almost 600 couples renew their marriage vows, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl has said, "Because of the power of love, it is possible to move from 'me' to 'we'.  Love never fails.  We may.  But Love never fails."

On a related note, let this blogger share with you the following powerful verses from the bible as guide.

'Rules for Christian Households' in Collossians 3:18-21, under the New Testament of the Holy Bible, states:

     "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
     Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
     Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
     Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."


And in Proverbs ("The book of wisdom"), we pray to be enlightened:

    16:5   - "The Lord detests all the proud of heart; Be sure of this; They will not go unpunished."
    16:6   - "Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the Lord a man avoids evil."
    16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."
    16:24 - "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

    18:13 - "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and shame."
    18:16 - "A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great."
    18:20 - "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled, with the harvest from his lips he is                    satisfied." 

    19:11 - "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense."

     21:9 -  "Better to live in a corner of a roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife."
     21:17 - "He who loves pleasure will become poor;  whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich."
     21:19 - "Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill tempered wife."      
    
Read further on our related post on "Christ's Teachings Seen on 90:10 Principle," on controlling our reactions for a better relationship with others.


Subscribe in a reader

Catholics Denounce Slated 'Documentary' on Pope by Homosexual Activist

For this blogger, prayers can heal and can lead to guidance under the Holy Spirit.  He prays that all may be enlightened of the importance of following the commandments of God as enumerated in the Ten Commandments and in the teachings of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. 

Let us be reminded also of what Christ has said in Matthew 6:24, in the New Testament of the Holy Bible,  "No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and Money(Mammon)."  In our life, the "free will" that God has given us gives us the right to choose between good and evil.  The path of light as against the path of darkness.

Homosexuality is a choice as self discipline is a choice (Click here our link on different Christian beliefs and practices on "homosexuality" and on another link for different topics on homosexuality under the Catholic faith).  So with temper, pride and attitude.  It is us to decide what path to choose.  To follow our faith or our (worldly) pleasure.  To avoid lust and other related sexual acts or not.  To better distinguish our needs from our wants.  And to know our boundaries, our limits, when to stop because we are already going against the commandments of God and Christ's teachings of love of God and fellowmen.

In 1 John 3:7-10, St. John writes, under the topic Children of God, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray.  He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.  He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.  No one who is born of God will continue to sin, bacause God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.  This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are.  Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother." 

And may we not forget that the kind of love Jesus teaches us comes with great responsibility.  It goes with the question, "what will be the long term effect of this love that I give?"  Is it the "truth" and will it lead to true peace and oneness with God, or will it lead to more temptations, sin, evil, wrongdoings, illness or more death and destruction.

And only when our faith, heart and spirit accepts that this life is a gift from God, temporarily lent to us for others, and a stepping stone to the afterlife, shall we be able to truly understand our true purpose in life here on earth. In every action and decision that we do, therefore, let us remind ourselves of our responsibility to love, care, be forgiving and be compassionate of others.

Reflecting on what Christ has said in one of his last words for those who crucified him,  in Luke, 23:34, he said in all humility and kindness,  "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  

And pray that our actions and our words further guide us to the "truth and the light of life" in Jesus, and assertively unfaltering in standing up for God's words and commandments in every step of the way, that others, too, may see the light.

As in John 14:6, Jesus said to his disciples, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  And further in John 3:16, Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Defending the Pope as the symbol of our faith and Christ's teachings gives us the power to spread God's words especially those who persecute him as in our CNA post link below.

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholics-denounce-slated-documentary-on-pope-by-homosexual-activist/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+catholicnewsagency%2Fdailynews+%28CNA+Daily+News%29

Subscribe in a reader