Today you will be with me in Paradise

I was enlightened by Father at Mass last weekend, celebrating the feast of Christ the King. He re-countered the scene at Calgary where Jesus was crucified on the cross, with two others to his left and right.

The repentant sinner said to Jesus,"Remember me when you come into your Kingdom." To that Jesus replied with the words,"Today you will be with me in Paradise." Father reminded us that we need Jesus to enter into His Kingdom, to enter into Paradise. Without Jesus, we will not be able to step into Heaven.

These were very simple words but it has such deep meaning. I always knew that we needed Jesus but today it was no longer head knowledge but a great yearning to know Jesus even more, to recognise a King who showed us the way by dying on the cross to save us.

Help me know you more and more each day Lord Jesus and I look forward to being in Paradise with you.

Be generous

I have always struggled with generosity, money in particular. All our financial commitments seem to creep up on us ever so often, and with increasing amounts every time. Inflation would appropriately describe this phenomenon.

Just last Sunday at Mass, the Archbishop appealed through the parish for the annual Christmas donations for charities that are supported by the archdiocese. I found myself wringing to God about my current situation and telling him that I should be at the receiving end of the donations myself... But then it dawned on me that there are many many people much worse off than me. At least I still have a roof above my head, and food on the table.

I wondered to myself what would I resort to if I were in their situation? I could not begin to comprehend... I started to sympathise with them and try to look beyond my situation to find within myself to give generously to this appeal. I hope that my small contribution would go a long way for those that need it most.

Dear Lord, help me give what I can and play my part in bringing Jesus to those who cannot look beyond their situation to see Him.

I have a plan for you

Have you ever looked at your friends around you and feel happy that they are doing well? Then look at yourself and wonder if you will get there? It is certainly not a very good place to be.

Every so often I find myself directionless and seeking for the path that God has prepared for me, not knowing what that path might be... I can really identify with the song "Help me find it" by Sidewalk Prophets. Not knowing is a very painful experience but the total surrender to God's revelation in His time takes such great faith and trust that right now I'm not sure I have a fraction of.

Today at mass, we were approached to bring up the bread and wine for the offertory. I was pleasantly surprised, that we of all the people in church were chosen. I have always felt that it is a great honour to offer up the bread and wine during mass. Today, as we held the offertory in our hands, walking down the church aisle, I felt that I was offering up myself as well to the Lord. I sense God telling me that He has a plan for me, that I should not worry but believe.

Thank you Lord for the beautiful encounter at Mass. May I be surprised by you everyday.

Be compassionate

Recently, I followed-up on an application I submitted some time ago with expectant faith that my skills set and experience would at least secure me an interview. Imagine the spectrum of emotions when I received a negative reply. I was downcast and asked myself why this was happening.

I was upset with myself that I could not do anything to improve the situation. I decided to request for feedback on my unsuccessful result without expecting anything positive. Once again, God has other intentions. I was surprised to receive a prompt reply with a promise to give me feedback the coming week. It was a genuine typed written message without a hint of those response template you usually receive. This person, whom I have never met, has shown me compassion through his very simple gesture.

He has shown me the face of Jesus, compassionate to all, even to tax collectors who were labelled sinners. The question I ask myself is, "Am I able to be compassionate to myself?". I have been very hard on myself lately and this is a timely reminder to be compassionate, especially to me.

Thank you for showing me the way Lord, and please continue to strengthen me in my trials and allow me to be compassionate.