Monday, October 28, 2024
Sunday, October 27, 2024
THE GREAT FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES.
FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES.
The Choice and the Call of the Twelve.
"Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.
"When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
"Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor." (Luke 6: 12 - 16).
Monday 28th October 2024 of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Simon and Jude. They are among the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus in today's Gospel. "Tradition has it that they preached in Mesopotamia and Persia and there were martyred." (Roman Missal).
St Jude is a very popular Saint. He is the patron saint of lost and impossible causes.
Jesus called the 12 after a night spent in prayer to His heavenly Father.
He chose twelve men who had been with Him from the Baptism of John. He chose them to become the pillar and foundation of the truth, the Church. (1 Timothy 3: 15).
Jesus built His worldwide Church on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets. Each year, we celebrate the glory of Saints Simon and Jude and the other Apostles.
Why do we not celebrate the glory of Caesar, King Henry VIII, Napoleon, Churchill or Stalin?
The message of the Apostles still goes out throughout the world.
It is the mind of Christ that the Church He founded be built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets.
What are the characteristics of this Church by which she can be recognized all over the world?
There are four marks. We profess every Sunday in the Apostles' Creed that the Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. What do these words mean?
#1 One: One faith, one Baptism, one Shepherd.
#2 Holy: The Holy Spirit that indwells the Church is the source of her holiness. The Holy Spirit continually cleanses the Bride of Christ from defilements.
In every Liturgy of the Mass, the Church confesses her sins as individuals and as a family.
#3 Catholic: Universal. Found in all the countries of the United Nations and every other place of human habitation.
I watched the closing Mass of the Synod led by Pope Francis in Rome on television on this Sunday 30th Week in Ordinary Time. There were Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Laity from all over the world.
This is an amazing testimony that the Catholic Church is the true Church founded by Jesus Christ.
#4 Apostolic: Every Bishop is directly traceable to the original 12 Apostles who were constituted in today's Gospel. Many Bishops would have their lines run through Saints Simon and Jude, our saints of today.
"Simon and Jude are the holy men whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory." (Cf Entrance Antiphon).
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
"As for you, dear son of mine, persevere in praying to me. Hold fast to my Rosary and beware of every ploy of the Evil One to separate you from it. My Rosary is your safeguard and your weapon in the fight against the forces of evil. At the same time, for you it is a remedy and a comfort. Do you not see how the Rosary has stabilized you? Do you not experience its healing and all its benefits? Pray my Rosary and teach others to do the same." (IN SINU JESU).
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
Saturday, October 26, 2024
THE INCREDIBLE FAITH AND COURAGE OF BARTIMAEUS.
THE INCREDIBLE FAITH AND COURAGE OF BARTIMAEUS.
"As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,
“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”
"Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
"He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
"Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”
"The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
"Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
"Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.” (Mark 10: 46 - 52).
St Mark the Evangelist identified the Blind Man in the story as Bartimaeus.
What a truly beautiful story. Won't you like to have the faith and courage of Bartimaeus? His tenacity, singleness of purpose in pursuing his goal?
The cry of Bartimaeus:
“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” is a most powerful prayer. PRAYER IS THE ACTIVATOR OF POWER.
Bartimaeus fired the bullet, it struck the Heart of Jesus.
Our pains and trials could be the setting for the powerful and merciful intervention of the Providence of God to elevate our faith and bring us the kind of healing we need and the accomplishment of God's Plan in our lives.
"Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God." (Cf Mark 10: 46 - 52).
Jesus chose and called Bartimaeus to be a disciple. Jesus’ meeting and healing of Bartimaeus today was not an accident. It was divine appointment. Divine Providence.
Jesus was delighted with the faith of Bartimaeus. Jesus saw the faith of Bartimaeus in action.
"Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God." (Mark 10: 46 - 52).
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“The Holy Rosary is the best artillery against demons and their followers.”“You see the wonderful results I have had in preaching the Holy Rosary." (St Dominic, OP).
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
Friday, October 25, 2024
WHEN THE VINEYARD IS BARREN.
WHEN THE FIG TREE IS BARREN.
"And Jesus told them this parable:
“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’
"He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13: 1... 9).
Saturday 26th October 2024 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time.
Our key Scripture is the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. This is an allegory for the People of Israel. The People of Israel is the Vineyard of the Lord. The Vineyard of the Lord is the Church.
God wants a good return on His investment in Israel, in the Church and in you and me.
How do we bear much fruit in the Church, which is the seed of the Kingdom of God on earth?
We remain in Jesus. What is the principle of productivity in the Church? We abide in Christ. How do we abide in Christ?
We live in Jesus through His word, the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gift. Through it, Jesus shares with us His divine life. Another word for God's divine life in us is sanctifying grace.
Our fruitfulness depends therefore on this dynamic relationship with Christ living inside us.
"Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit." (John 15: 14, 15).
Fruitfulness is not addiction to activity. It is believing God. It is knowing the will of God for you and doing it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will accomplish the work.
"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live." (Ezekiel 33: 11).
"I am the source of all fruitfulness in the vineyard that is My Church. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Come to Me, then. Remain with Me. Act for Me, guided by My Holy Spirit, and return to Me with thanksgiving. This is the secret of a priestly life that will be pleasing to Me, will build up My Church, and will glorify My Father." (IN SINU JESU page 103).
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“Recite your Rosary with faith, with humility, with confidence, and with perseverance.” (Saint Louis de Montfort).
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
Thursday, October 24, 2024
READ THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
STARK AND CLEAR SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
"Jesus said to the crowds,
“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain —and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is.
"You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?
“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Luke 12: 54 - 59).
Friday 25th October 2024 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time.
In the Gospel of today, we learn of the necessity of interpreting intelligently the signs of the times.
What are the Signs of the Times today? Consider a few of these:
1. Divisions in the Body of Christ.
2. Fragmentation of the Catholic Church into conservatives and liberals.
3. Denial of Climate change.
4. Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Wild fires in California.
4. War in Ukraine.
5. War in the Holy Land.
5. Rise in migration and refugees worldwide.
6. Global fear of economic recession.
7. Deep anxiety about election outcomes.
Jesus says to us today: "You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
Authentic signs of the times come from the mind of Christ. To know the mind of Christ is a gift of prophecy. St Paul urges Christians:
"Pray for the higher gifts. Pray for the gift of prophecy." (Cf 1 Corinthians 14: 1).
This injunction is for everyone. We must ask the Lord Jesus to give us this gift here and now and without delay lest we perish. Then we must abide in Christ Jesus through:
1. Abiding daily in His word.
2. Abiding In fervent prayer.
3. Abiding in the Communion of the Saints through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints.
King David consulted Architophel because he knew the signs of the times. (Cf 1 Chronicles 12: 32).
Emperors consulted St Jerome, the Scripture guru in Rome because St Jerome was able to interpret the signs of the times for them.
What can we do about these signs of the times we identified above?
First, understand that these signs are clear and present dangers.
If you are in litigation and you decide that the outcome will not be favorable to you, you sue for peace. "If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison."
Wise counsel from Jesus.
Let us hurry to do something about these grim signs of the times.
If you hear His voice today, harden not your hearts. Do not say: I have tomorrow. I will make peace with God tomorrow. "You fool, this night, you face your Judge.
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).
The Holy Rosary has divine power to demolish strongholds. Use it.
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
THE FEAST OF ST ANTHONY MARY CLARET, MISSIONARY BISHOP AND FOUNDER.
FEAST OF ST ANTHONY MARY CLARET, BISHOP, FOUNDER AND MISSIONARY.
A Baptism I must be baptized. (Jesus).
"Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!
"There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12: 49 - 53).
Thursday 24th October 2024 of the 29th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony Mary Claret (1807 - 1870). Spanish missionary and Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba. He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).
St Anthony Mary Claret was no stranger to the type of cruelty inflicted on the poor and marginalized people in most countries of the world. He fought for the rights of these people in Cuba and at the end of his life, he wrote: “I have fulfilled my mission, I have preached the Gospel, I have kept holy poverty.”
Some people think that the Gospel of today from Luke 12: 49 - 53 is a hyperbole, that is, great exaggeration. Do you think so? Then look at a Crucifix. Is Jesus nailed to the Cross wearing a crown of thorns a hyperbole?
Jesus proclaimed: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" Jesus said in another passage that the purpose of His life is to proclaim the truth. If you belong to the truth, you will listen to His voice. He further said. If you do not belong to the truth, you will oppose Him.
Falsehood always opposes the truth. Cain murdered Abel. Esau hated his brother Jacob and would have killed him if he had the opportunity. The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. Judas, intimate companion of Jesus betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. This tug of War still plays out relentlessly in families everywhere. Do not be afraid of those who oppose you because you have responded to the call of Jesus. Be rather afraid of failing to acknowledge Jesus before men. Jesus wants us to love our families and friends but never make idols of them.
Do you remember how David slew Goliath? Now see what weapons God has given us for the inevitable struggle of the present time:
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 4 - 5).
Our God is a consuming fire!
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
"St. Bernard asks, Why does the Church name Mary Queen of Mercy? and answers, Because we believe that she opens the depths of the mercy of God, to whom she will, when she will, and as she will; so that not even the vilest sinner is lost, if Mary protects him."
The Holy Rosary has divine power to demolish strongholds
Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
ST JOHN CAPISTRANO, OFM. GREAT PREACHER.
FEAST OF ST JOHN OF CAPISTRANO, OFM.
"You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.
"With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation." (CF Isaiah 12: 2 - 3).
I like also the translation below of our key Scripture for today:
"God is my savior; I will trust him and not be afraid.
The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my savior. As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God's people rejoice when he saves them.” (Isaiah 12: 2-3 GNT).
Wednesday 23rd October 2024, 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Capistrano, OFM. (1386 -1456).
St John Capistrano was an Italian Franciscan Priest.
St John was a successful lawyer before he became a Franciscan priest. He brought his natural gifts as a lawyer into his preaching ministry and brought about great revivals in various countries of Eastern Europe.
St John Capistrano was one of the few clerics in history who led an army into battle. He did so to defend Europe against the menacing advances of the Turks and died a few years later.
Our key Scripture for today is from Isaiah 12: 2 - 3. This is one of my favorite Scriptures.
What do you do when you are afraid of bad news? For example: from your doctor, on your finances and investments, job or your children's safety? If you have not prepared ahead of time how to react to such dire threats, you may find yourself in great despair and panic.
St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church and great teacher, advices us to be prepared for anything and everything when we wake up in the morning.
A man of God brought me the gift of our key Scripture when I was in dire circumstances many years ago.
"With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation."
What does "water" symbolize in the Scriptures? I struggled for years to understand the word I believed and claimed. Then I came to understand "water" as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.
What are you thirsting for today? Jesus helped the Samaritan Woman to develop a thirst for the Big Gift of God.
"With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation." (Isaiah 12: 3).
Water is one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. God promises us a big Gift, a wonderful Gift in the Person of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is so unlike anything we know of. This is how Jesus characterizes the Big Gift to the Samaritan Woman:
"Jesus answered and said to her [the Samaritan] “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4: 13 - 14 ).
Every Christian who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit has testified that the Big Gift of God exceeds all expectations. The Holy Spirit is the source of abundant life. Go for the Big Gift. Be fired up by the Holy Spirit.
You too with joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation.
Those who put their trust in the Lord fear no bad news. (Cf Psalm 112: 7)
October is the Holy Rosary Month.
“The Rosary is my favorite prayer. A marvelous prayer!" (St John Paul II).
For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:
https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1
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