True Love is Faithful to the End
Acts 3:1-10/ Gal 1:11-20/ Jn 21:15-19
Love, they say, makes the world go round. But what is it? Those warm, mushy feelings that well up inside us? Those tears that flow when we watch our first communicants walk up the aisle in the little white suits and dresses? No, those moments are charming, but they’re not love. They’re sentimentality, which comes and goes faster than we’d care to admit.
Love has a different shape. It’s a determined desiring of the best for the other, and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to make the best happen. In sum, true love, by definition, is faithful and has no limits.
In today’s gospel, Jesus — in the time after His resurrection — asks Peter three times whether he loves Him. The repeated question was an echo of the three times that Peter had denied even knowing Jesus. How those questions must have seared his heart!
But those three questions are for us too! They’re probing the seriousness of our commitment to the Lord. It’s highly unlikely that any of us will be called to witness to our faith by martyrdom. But every one of us is called to witness our love for Jesus daily by being true to the mission He’s given us.
-Errol Tangco
Karma
Ask
Best Friend
That search for my best friend. That deep need for a friend who will always be there, who will always want to chill with you, who will always call you up, and you always call up. Who never lies to you, who always believes that you deserve the truth, who doesn’t pressure you into betraying your values and what is right, who wants you to grow even if it hurts, who pushes you to succeed, who pushes you to win. Who isn’t afraid to lovingly correct you, who’s patient with you even when you’re hard to love. Who knows when you just need an ear to listen to, and always talks to you like nothing ever changed.
That search for my best friend who’ll be with me everyday and always wants to know if I’m doing okay, who appreciates who I am, and who will always be there for me unconditionally and enjoy my company genuinely.
I found Him.
Jesus is my best friend. And I’m certain He’ll teach me how to be a good friend.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” -John 15:12-15
Reason
"The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe." -D.L. Moody
"A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it." -Rabindranath Tagore
"My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? If the whole show was bad and senseless from A to Z, so to speak, why did I, who was supposed to be part of the show, find myself in such violent reaction against it? A man feels wet when he falls into water, because man is not a water animal: fish would not feel wet. Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too-for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my fancies. Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist-in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless-I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality-namely my idea of justice-was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be a word without meaning." -C.S. Lewis
The Cellphone vs. The Scriptures
"I wonder what would happen if we treated our scriptures like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we spent an hour or more using it every day?
What if we used it to receive messages?
What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?
What if we gave it to other kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled? What if we used it in case of an emergency?
This is something to make you go….”Hmmm..Dude.. where is my scriptures?”
Unlike our cell phones:
One Plan does fit all.
Unlimited usage. No roaming charges.
You always have reception.
You can use it in the mountains and in a tunnel.
It’s free with no hidden costs,
AND you don’t ever have to worry your scriptures being disconnected because CHRIST has already paid the bill!"
-via Matthew Furtado
Student
I see that you’re tired. I tell you, drop your books and rest for a while. Why worry too much about the fight? Smile. Be confident. All you have to do is to prepare well and be in school. Then against the hundred questions that tried to destroy you, there I’ll stand and rescue you. Passing the course requires not only Me nor only you, but rather Me and you. Just do your best and I’ll take care of the rest.
Your Teacher,
Jesus.
-Anonymous
Choice
The big choice, God leaves to us." -Max Lucado
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you." -John 15:16
"When something bad happens you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you." -Anonymous
"Sex, drugs, liquor, food, etc. Just because you get to choose your master doesn't mean you aren't a slave." -Lecrae
Clothes
That’s what logic says.
But love won’t let me.
Something unique about that sweater makes me keep it. What is unusual about it? For one thing, it has no label. Nowhere on the garment will you find a tag that reads, “Made in Taiwan,” or “Wash in Cold Water.” It has no tag because it wasn’t made in a factory. It has no label because it wasn’t produced on an assembly line. It isn’t the product of a nameless employee earning a living. It’s the creation of a devoted mother expressing her love.
That sweater is unique. One of a kind. It can’t be replaced. Each strand was chosen with care. Each thread was selected with affection.
And though the sweater has lost all of its use, it has lost none of its value. It is valuable not because of its function, but because of its maker.
That must have been what the psalmist had in mind when he wrote, “you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
Think on those words. Your were knitted together. You aren’t an accident. You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Craftsman."
-Max Lucado
Eros & Agape
Eros is “being in love” and even though it is a good and noble feeling, like all feelings it will come and it will go. That is why we shouldn’t base our relationships on Eros but instead base it on the more mature and deeper love: Agape. Agape is not only the feeling of love but the will to love. Just because you cease to be “in love” does not mean that you cease “to love.” There is a fine line between feeling in love and choosing to love.
"Agape
Even if they lied. Even if they said they would never leave you. Even if they ignored you. Even if they annoy you. Even if they treat you like crap. Even if they betrayed you…
Love them anyway.
Love them anyway. because the greatest sign of love is to love someone even when it’s hard. loving someone when it’s easy isn’t very difficult. anyone can do that. But loving someone who is difficult to love… requires so much patience, kindness, respect, courage, wisdom…. and that is what makes you a better and stronger person.That is what makes you different. because when you overcome all those obstacles for the sake of someone else? What better way to show love than to love when you don’t want to? Because hating someone is so much easier. Pointing out someone’s flaws is so much easier. Because being angry, jealous or hateful towards someone who’s hurt you is so much easier than loving them instead.
“agape” is a rare word in Greek that refers to the kind of love that doesn’t serve itself, but extends itself for the sake of another.
so, my resolution for 2011?
love the unlovable. agape." -Lanie Valencia
Cleanse
Did I love her with dirt in her mouth? Absolutely. Was she any less of my daughter with dirt in her mouth? Of course not. Was I going to allow her to keep the dirt in her mouth? No way. I loved her right where she was, but I refused to leave her there. I carried her over to the water fountain and washed out her mouth. Why? Because I love her.
God does the same for us. He holds us over the fountain. “Spit out the dirt, honey,” our Father urges. “I’ve got something better for you.” And so he cleanses us of filth; immorality, dishonesty, prejudice, bitterness, greed. We don’t enjoy the cleansing; sometimes we even opt for the dirt over the ice cream. “I can eat dirt if I want to!” we pout and proclaim. Which is true—we can. But if we do, the loss is ours. God has a better offer." -Max Lucado
Confession
1420-1421
1426
Christ, the physician of our soul and body, instituted these sacraments because the new life that he gives us in the sacraments of Christian initiation can be weakened and even lost because of sin. Therefore, Christ willed that his Church should continue his work of healing and salvation by means of these two sacraments.
296. What is the name of this sacrament?
1422-1424
It is called the sacrament of Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation, the sacrament of Forgiveness, the sacrament of Confession, and the sacrament of Conversion.
297. Why is there a sacrament of Reconciliation after Baptism?
1425-1426
1484
Since the new life of grace received in Baptism does not abolish the weakness of human nature nor the inclination to sin (that is, concupiscence), Christ instituted this sacrament for the conversion of the baptized who have been separated from him by sin.
298. When did he institute this sacrament?
1485
The risen Lord instituted this sacrament on the evening of Easter when he showed himself to his apostles and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (John 20:22-23).
299. Do the baptized have need of conversion?
1427-1429
The call of Christ to conversion continues to resound in the lives of the baptized. Conversion is a continuing obligation for the whole Church. She is holy but includes sinners in her midst.
300. What is interior penance?
1430-1433
1490
It is the movement of a “contrite heart” (Psalm 51:19) drawn by divine grace to respond to the merciful love of God. This entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed, a firm purpose not to sin again in the future and trust in the help of God. It is nourished by hope in divine mercy.
301. What forms does penance take in the Christian life?
1434-1439
Penance can be expressed in many and various ways but above all in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These and many other forms of penance can be practiced in the daily life of a Christian, particularly during the time of Lent and on the penitential day of Friday.
302. What are the essential elements of the sacrament of Reconciliation?
1440-1449
The essential elements are two: the acts of the penitent who comes to repentance through the action of the Holy Spirit, and the absolution of the priest who in the name of Christ grants forgiveness and determines the ways of making satisfaction.
303. What are the acts of the penitent?
1450-1460
1487-1492
They are: a careful examination of conscience; contrition (or repentance), which is perfect when it is motivated by love of God and imperfect if it rests on other motives and which includes the determination not to sin again; confession, which consists in the telling of one’s sins to the priest; and satisfaction or the carrying out of certain acts of penance which the confessor imposes upon the penitent to repair the damage caused by sin.
304. Which sins must be confessed?
1456
All grave sins not yet confessed, which a careful examination of conscience brings to mind, must be brought to the sacrament of Penance. The confession of serious sins is the only ordinary way to obtain forgiveness.
305. When is a person obliged to confess mortal sins?
1457
Each of the faithful who has reached the age of discretion is bound to confess his or her mortal sins at least once a year and always before receiving Holy Communion.
306. Why can venial sins also be the object of sacramental confession?
1458
The confession of venial sins is strongly recommended by the Church, even if this is not strictly necessary, because it helps us to form a correct conscience and to fight against evil tendencies. It allows us to be healed by Christ and to progress in the life of the Spirit.
307. Who is the minister of this sacrament?
1461-1466
1495
Christ has entrusted the ministry of Reconciliation to his apostles, to the bishops who are their successors and to the priests who are the collaborators of the bishops, all of whom become thereby instruments of the mercy and justice of God. They exercise their power of forgiving sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
308. To whom is the absolution of some sins reserved?
1463
The absolution of certain particularly grave sins (like those punished by excommunication) is reserved to the Apostolic See or to the local bishop or to priests who are authorized by them. Any priest, however, can absolve a person who is in danger of death from any sin and excommunication.
309. Is a confessor bound to secrecy?
1467
Given the delicacy and greatness of this ministry and the respect due to people every confessor, without any exception and under very severe penalties, is bound to maintain “the sacramental seal” which means absolute secrecy about the sins revealed to him in confession.
310. What are the effects of this sacrament?
1468-1470
1496
The effects of the sacrament of Penance are: reconciliation with God and therefore the forgiveness of sins; reconciliation with the Church; recovery, if it has been lost, of the state of grace; remission of the eternal punishment merited by mortal sins, and remission, at least in part, of the temporal punishment which is the consequence of sin; peace, serenity of conscience and spiritual consolation; and an increase of spiritual strength for the struggle of Christian living.
311. Can this sacrament be celebrated in some cases with a general confession and general absolution?
1480-1484
In cases of serious necessity (as in imminent danger of death) recourse may be had to a communal celebration of Reconciliation with general confession and general absolution, as long as the norms of the Church are observed and there is the intention of individually confessing one’s grave sins in due time.
312. What are indulgences?
1471-1479
1498
Indulgences are the remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven. The faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains the indulgence under prescribed conditions for either himself or the departed. Indulgences are granted through the ministry of the Church which, as the dispenser of the grace of redemption, distributes the treasury of the merits of Christ and the Saints.
The Seed of Choice
[Genesis 2:4 - 3:24]
He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground….
All were silent as the Creator reached in Himself and removed something yet unseen. “It’s called ‘choice’. The seed of choice.”
Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.
An angel spoke, “But what if he…”
“What if he chooses not to love?” the Creator finished. “Come, I will show you.”
Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow…
The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Never had he seen anything like these… The angel stood speechless as they passed through the centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties…
The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until He stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then He could smell the hay that would surround Him…
“Wouldn’t it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn’t it be easier to not give the choice?”
“It would,” the Creator spoke slowly. “But to remove the choice is to remove the love.”
They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within Him. He had died for the creation before He had made him. God’s form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger move. And an eye opened.
But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped.
Perhaps it was the wind who said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:
“It looks like…it appears so much like…it is Him!”
The angel wasn’t speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside—at the soul.
“It’s eternal!” gasped another.
Within man, God had placed a divine seed. A seed of His Self. The God of might had created earth’s mightiest. The Creator had created, not a creature, but another creator. And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.
Now it’s our choice.
(From In The Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado)
Expectations
"I don't think it matters if the people you put first puts you second. The fact that you are put in their life, and they're put into yours is a blessing. And when you grow to have no expectation, and you're still friends... love just grew in your relationship. Why ask for more? If you're hurt its your fault for having so much expectation in the first place." -Alo Galedo
"Put your expectations on God, not on people." -Joyce Meyer
"Do you feel a need for affirmation? Does your self-esteem need attention? You don't need to drop names or show off. You need only to pause at the base of the cross and be reminded of this: The Maker of the stars would rather die for you and than live without you. And that is a fact. So if you need to brag, brag about that." -Max Lucado
"Why is it that when PEOPLE let us down we're so quick to turn our backs on God? People will choose to walk out of our lives, boyfriends and girlfriends will come and go, bestfriends will sometimes become enemies…and in some cases even family will turn their backs on you when you need them most…but its truly amazing to know that GOD never never will. “….Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). Forsake means to quit or leave entirely; abandon;desert. God is never going to abandon us, NEVER! He is the only constant in this crazy thing called life. It took me too long to come to that understanding. It was my belief that people, money, and material things could take His place..and was I ever wrong. There is absolutely nothing comparable to GOD’s love. He cant be replaced, substituted, or duplicated. Don’t ever punish GOD for other peoples failures. He is the ONLY one that can and will be there for you always.
“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” -Psalm 118:8
-Adriana Maravilla
"Is your love selfless or selfish? Selfish love demands something in return. Love, acceptance, kindness, concern- something. It gives, therefore it wants to get. Selfish love is always thinking, “What’s in it for me?” And it’s always asking, “Why should I love you when you won’t love me back?” But selfish love isn’t really love at all, because true love thinks nothing of itself but focuses on loving others in order to serve them and Christ, who is our example of selfless love. Unconditional love is something we all want as human beings. We want to be loved no matter what we do, but how often are we willing to return love the same way? We make demands and set rules on our love, but true love doesn’t make demands. It is given freely and abundantly. The only rule when it comes to giving love is that love for a human can never come before our love for Him. Our love should never try to replace the Holy Spirit but should flow from his presence. How many times do you give kindness and then scream when you get anger in return? How many times do you give advice and then complain when it isn’t followed? Do you resent it when you give return? The love you give to others should never be conditional on what you get back but should come from knowing the man above who first loved you. You should be compelled by his love, not the response from other people. You should be defined by his love, not the actions of others. When your focus is not getting but giving, then your love will grow, and through that all other virtues will flow.
Spread Love because EVERYONE deserves it." -sspreadlove
"Expectation is the root of all heartache." -William Shakespeare
