Hello! Disappointment can make people defensive. As a result, we must find a way to channel it. The beginning of today's gospel describes Judas leaving the Last Supper while Jesus and the rest of the disciples remain. What was the cause? Judas is frustrated because Jesus knew what he would do next. According to Matthew's gospel, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, which troubled Judas. Feeling desperate, Judas departs from the Last Supper! While the gospel begins with personal selfishness, disconnection, and betrayal, it concludes with the latter apostles' love, faithfulness, and unity only because of Jesus' commandment.
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers! We learn and mimic our mother's characteristics at a very early stage of life, one of which is her voice. Research shows that babies might begin to hear their mom's voice around 23 to 26 weeks in the mother's womb. Thus, this development helps the infants distinguish between their mother's voices and the voices of others shortly after birth. From the mysterious ways of life, we believe that God has instilled in them the instinct that they could communicate with their children to great lengths that she brings us to life and subsistence.
In today's first reading, the Acts of the Apostles illustrates a scenario where the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem aggrieved the first apostles. While preaching and healing in the essence of Jesus' love and power, the Jewish leaders warn them not to do good deeds in the name of Jesus. How so? The religious leaders fear that the name of Jesus could reincite public attention regarding the execution they inflicted on Him. Indeed, the name of the Jewish man they once tried to eradicate vexed their memories!
It was a joyful Easter Sunday, and I hope you will experience the spirit of the Risen Christ every day! On Easter Sunday, as I was driving along the 60 freeway, I saw the parks were filled with people and their families camping and picnicking together. Their gatherings shared various aspects of life, supporting each other. We must recognize that the good influence of a collective system is intense. Whenever a group of people gathers together in a spirit of collaboration for the common good of others, the outcome is enormous.
Happy Easter to you! For some people or customs, they will only purchase new clothes and dress up on Easter Sunday. These people tend to wear brightly colored outfits for the first time on Easter Sunday, not because they are affluent or to show off to others. Instead, they are wearing brightly colored costumes for the first time on Easter Sunday to symbolize that Easter brings a new beginning, hope, peace, and life. What are other joyful practices and beliefs on Easter Sunday and Season?
The history of crucifixion dates back about five hundred years before Christ when King Darius I of Persia used the method to punish political rivals in Babylon. Later, the Greek Empire crucified Jews who refused to accept Greek culture. The Romans adopted crucifixion to punish pirates and enemies of Rome. By this time, crucifixion was meant to inflict the maximum amount of suffering on the victim's body and spirit and humiliate them publicly so no one would challenge Roman authority.
In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. invites you to join us in transforming awareness into action by participating in a special nine-day Novena for Protecting and Healing from Abuse, April 22-30. For more information and to join the Novena on April 22, please visit https://lacatholics.org/united-together/.
Our brains allow us to interpret the complexity of our surroundings and connect with them on an emotional level. In fact, we instinctively run away if we perceive a dangerous situation, like a wild beast attacking; a tsunami wave is coming, or even hearing frightening sounds. However, we respond differently when we hear a welcoming voice, joyous laughter, or see a friend waving hello to greet us.
The parable of Jesus stands out in Luke's gospel because of its rich facts and is deeply personal. Readers of all ages can easily relate to the characters within the family unit. Thus, we may identify with the prodigal son, the elder brother, or the father's grief and joy. Nonetheless, the motif of the parable is to underscore the characters of the son and the father and invite us to look into our relationship with the spiritual Father and fellow humans.
It is hard to accept and apologize for mistakes and sins to others and God! The words of apology we express to others echo our inner dissonance and are unpleasant. In addition, when we apologize, we assume to offer the recipients the power to choose. Can you imagine if a wife says to her husband: "I am so sorry I should not have said or done that to you and your family." Nevertheless, what do we stockpile when we refuse to say those words?
According to news reporters, about two million Ukrainians have left their homelands for neighboring countries in the wake of the Russian invasion. The images of Ukrainian children and women scrambling in the buses and trains' stations, hoping to find buses and trains that could take them out of the invasion forces, are heartbreaking. Overnight, the Ukrainians lost their homes and loved ones through separation. The stories of such Exodus can constantly inundate with bitterness, grief, distress, and loss in the days to come.
Sometimes, we may wish we could have known the package of our entire lives! As we journey through life, we get caught up in the challenges and unexpected realities; we pause, relive, and wonder about the feelings and memories of the past. Thus, our memories can guide us in what we are becoming in the future, for better or worse.
Have you ever wondered where plants and trees get their food? Those cultivating them in your gardens may know that plants' foods come from sunlight, water, and air. Thus, plants and trees use the leaves to absorb light energy, then the energy is used to change water, light, and carbon dioxide into food. This process is called photosynthesis. All in all, plants and trees must go through these processes.
Nelson Mandela was the president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. However, his presidency did not come easy. Before becoming president, he led the movement to end South African apartheid, was arrested, and spent over 27 years in prison. He was released from prison on February 11, 1990. Once the power, authority, and prestige to lead the country rested upon him, he could have ordered to capture and torture those who treated him wrong—to make sure they would suffer as much as he did. Mandela did not choose that pathway. Instead, he chose prosperity, happiness, and a promising future for his people and country!
I am sure that you are familiar with the pull-down kitchen faucet. Some sinks have a short hose with a detachable spray head to reach further. However, regular taps are situated higher than the sink. When a pot fills up with water, it is placed lower than the faucet. If the pot is placed higher than the faucet, it cannot be filled.
What thoughts we hold in the morning will shape our entire day! The idea of the relationship between mind and body leads us to the concept of the "Placebo Effect." That is, our beliefs and expectations influence the results. For instance, if you think that you could contribute your time and work to meet your team's goal, you are more likely to have incredibly productive outcomes with your team's work. Whereas, if you do not believe that you can engage with them, you are more likely to struggle with each project.
Throughout societies, the laws and rules are updated or changed over time in response to human development and social changes. However, no such thing can apply to the law of gravity. For instance, if we toss an apple up into the air, it will fall to the ground without another force needed. Whether we like it or not, no one can alter the behavior of the earth.
Many of us are familiar with thermostats, especially during the winter. Its function is to control room temperature throughout the house. When the inside temperature is too cold, the thermostat knobs change to the heating so the room will warm up. When the temperature reaches the set level, its switch will turn the heating off. Without using the thermostat, the interior room temperature will be uninhibited, and lack of air circulation for the inhabitants.
When people fall in love with each other, they emulate the other’s character. Alternatively, we would do the same when we admire someone. We might emulate their boldness, cleverness, frankness, truthfulness, or other attributes. Somehow our mind attracts the person’s traits, manifested in ourselves, inwardly and outwardly. Those characteristics gradually become part of who we are without realizing it!