Thursday, March 06, 2025
Wednesday, March 05, 2025
EMBRACING YOUR COMFORTS AND CROSSES THIS LENT IS CHOOSING LIFE.
CHOOSE LIFE TODAY.
"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.
"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Luke 9: 22 - 25).
Thursday March 6, 2025 is Thursday after Ash Wednesday.
"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must take up his cross daily and follow Me.
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9: 22)
At the beginning of Lent 2025, we hear Jesus speaking of the absolute necessity, the inevitability of His suffering. Why is the Spirit giving us this Scripture now? Consider these reasons:
#1. Are you fully aware of the power of the cross and the necessity of your own suffering?
#2. No following of Christ without suffering. Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ. (Pope Benedict XVI).
#3. The Son of Man must suffer before His glorification. (Luke 24: 26). What is a divine necessity for Jesus is true for us.
There are 37 Doctors of the Church, great men and women who clarified our doctrine of faith and showed us by example how to live the Christian life. They all suffered either physical, emotional and spiritual pains. Everyone of them know something about the comforts and crosses of Gospel. But each one of them accomplished their destiny in spite of their terrible sufferings.
SUMMARY:
The 40 Days of Lent is 40 Days to get us ready for Easter. For life!
Our suffering is blessing in disguise. No cross, no crown.
So at the beginning of Lent 2025, the mystery and contradiction of the cross is set before us to grapple with.
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1
Tuesday, March 04, 2025
ASH WEDNESDAY. FIRST DAY OF THE HOLY SEASON OF LENT 2025 .
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ASH WEDNESDAY - FIRST DAY OF LENT.
THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.
"When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (Matthew 6: 1 - 16, 16 - 18).
Wednesday March 5th, Ash Wednesday 2025. The First Day of Lent.
"Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return."
Welcome to Ash Wednesday 2025, the beginning of the holy Season of Lent. Let us reflect on four key messages from today's Ash Wednesday Scripture Readings.
#1. "Yet even now—oracle of the Lord—return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment." (Joel 2: 12 - 13).
#2. " A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me." (Psalm 51: 12 - 13).
#3. "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5: 20).
#4. "When you give alms..." (Matthew 6: 2).
“When you pray ... " (Matthew 6: 5).
"But when you fast..."
..(Matthew 6: 6).
Conclusion: Lent is about Metanoia, Conversion. Lent is about turning back to God through almsgiving, fasting and prayer. Lent is about evangelization through being ambassador for Christ.
Finally, Lent is about emerging at Easter with a holy, steadfast and new spirit.
The 40 day period of Lent is God's gift to us to become New Creation.
St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1
Monday, March 03, 2025
THE FEAST OF ST CASIMIR, PATRON SAINT OF POLAND.
FEAST OF ST CASIMIR OF POLAND.
A HUNDRED FOLD REWARD PLUS PERSECUTIONS.
THE GOOD NEWS:
"Peter began to say to Jesus,
"We have given up everything and followed you."
"Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.
"But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first." (Mark 10: 28 - 31).
Tuesday 4th March 2025 in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Casimir (1458 - 1484).
St Casimir was the son of King Casimir IV of Poland and Lithuania. St Casimir stayed away from the scandals of court life. His siblings, the princes and princesses were not interested in religion. The faith and piety of St Casimir shone out in the court environment. Casimir had a great devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Casimir is the patron saint of Poland.
What is the promise of Jesus to those who have sacrificed the comfort of family, country and property to follow Him and spread the Good News?
Jesus promises that they will "receive a hundred times more now in this present age:
houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
This is a huge promise! This is like a million times return on investment!
Please read this too:
All these goodies and bonuses will come with:
"persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."
Are you dismayed that the promises are spoiled by the guaranteed persecutions?
You should not be. Here is why?
1. The full truth of the Gospel is that our Leader Jesus Christ suffered much before He took possession of His Kingdom and the precious promises of the Kingdom of God.
2. To compare the persecution with the guaranteed promises is like comparing a mosquito bite to an amputation without anasthesia.
3. The full truth of the Gospel is that comforts. The crosses are always mixed. No cross, no crown. No trials, no triumph. Understand and accept the Gospel and you will be strong to cope with the sacrifices and enjoy the promises.
4. Think of all the saints of the Church. The youngest we celebrate here is St Maria Goretti. She was twelve years. The oldest is St Alphonsus Liguori. He was 91 years. All the saints heard and believed the promises of Jesus Christ.
St Joseph whom we honor in March heard the promises too. He accepted them as truth. He is today enjoying everlasting life.
St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1
Sunday, March 02, 2025
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU LACK?
YOU LACK ONE THING.
Monday 3rd March 2025, is the feast of St Katharine Drexel (1858 - 1955), Virgin and Foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
She was a generous philanthropist. Katharine was a wealthy heiress from the rich and famous family of the Philadelphia society. She realized that it profits her nothing to gain the whole world and put her eternal destiny in jeopardy.
Drexel listened to the Call of Jesus Christ to teach the message of the Gospel and bring the Eucharist to African-American and Native American people in the South of the United States. In 1915, Katharine founded the Xavier University in New Orleans. At her death in 1955, over 500 of her sisters were teaching in 63 schools.
"As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
"You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
"Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
"At that statement his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
"Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the kingdom of God!"
"The disciples were amazed at his words.
"So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
"They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
"Jesus looked at them and said,
"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God." (Mark 10: 17 - 27).
Jesus looked with love at the rich young man who came to Him for advice and Jesus said to him: “You are lacking in one thing."
What is the One Thing holding you back from fully embracing Jesus?
Money, job, possessions, comfort? Letting go that one thing is your path to fulfillment and genuine happiness.
Here is what the Rich Young man needed to know from Wisdom 7: 7 - 11).
"I prayed, and prudence was given me;
I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;
because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.
Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,
and I chose to have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.
Yet all good things together came to me in her company,
and countless riches at her hands."
Jesus Christ who is consummate richness became poor so that we may become rich and enjoy genuine wealth.
All good things will come to me in the company of Jesus.
At the root of the young man's negative response is: insecurity, lack of faith and lack of wisdom.
The young man is a man of Doing. "I have done all the commandments since my youth."
Faith is believing and not doing. Example: "I believe that God will help me to enter into Eternal life." I cannot do my way into eternal life.
It is a sad and tragic response we hear from the young man.
The many possessions of the man have now possessed him and made him a slave. We see this situation too often in life.
The Lord Jesus provides a solution in Matthew 6: 33.
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6: 33 NLT).
THE ONE THING WE LACK IS THE VERY ONE THING WE NEED. WE NEED COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD.
"The Lord became my Protector. He brought me out to a place of freedom; He saved me because He delighted in me." (Cf Psalm 18: 19-20)
"The riches of My kingdom are for all whom I have redeemed with My own Blood, but it pleases Me to bestow them through My Mother, the Queen and Mediatrix who stood at the foot of My Cross, offering Me and offering herself with Me. Today she reigns with Me in paradise. All that I won for souls from My Father on the altar of the Cross, with My Mother at My side, I will now pour out on souls through her Heart and through her hands." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, January 8, 2008).
St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.
“Dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen”
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1
"As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up,
knelt down before him, and asked him,
"Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?
No one is good but God alone.
"You know the commandments: You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
you shall not defraud;
honor your father and your mother."
He replied and said to him,
"Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
"Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing.
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor
and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."
"At that statement his face fell,
and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
"Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
"How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the kingdom of God!"
"The disciples were amazed at his words.
"So Jesus again said to them in reply,
"Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."
"They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves,
"Then who can be saved?"
"Jesus looked at them and said,
"For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God." (Mark 10: 17 - 27).
Jesus looked with love at the rich young man who came to Him for advice and Jesus said to him: “You are lacking in one thing."
What is the One Thing holding you back from fully embracing Jesus?
Money, job, possessions, comfort? Letting go that one thing is your path to fulfillment and genuine happiness.
Here is what the Rich Young man needed to know from Wisdom 7: 7 - 11).
"I prayed, and prudence was given me;
I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepter and throne,
and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her,
nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;
because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand,
and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.
Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,
and I chose to have her rather than the light,
because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.
Yet all good things together came to me in her company,
and countless riches at her hands."
Jesus Christ who is consummate richness became poor so that we may become rich and enjoy genuine wealth.
All good things will come to me in the company of Jesus.
At the root of the young man's negative response is: insecurity, lack of faith and lack of wisdom.
The young man is a man of Doing. "I have done all the commandments since my youth."
Faith is believing and not doing. Example: "I believe that God will help me to enter into Eternal life." I cannot do my way into eternal life.
It is a sad and tragic response we hear from the young man.
The many possessions of the man have now possessed him and made him a slave. We see this situation too often in life.
The Lord Jesus provides a solution in Matthew 6: 33.
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6: 33 NLT).
THE ONE THING WE LACK IS THE VERY ONE THING WE NEED. WE NEED COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD.
"The Lord became my Protector. He brought me out to a place of freedom; He saved me because He delighted in me." (Cf Psalm 18: 19-20)
"The riches of My kingdom are for all whom I have redeemed with My own Blood, but it pleases Me to bestow them through My Mother, the Queen and Mediatrix who stood at the foot of My Cross, offering Me and offering herself with Me. Today she reigns with Me in paradise. All that I won for souls from My Father on the altar of the Cross, with My Mother at My side, I will now pour out on souls through her Heart and through her hands." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, January 8, 2008).
St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.
“Dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen”
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1
Saturday, March 01, 2025
A BLIND PERSON CANNOT GUIDE A BLIND PERSON.
A BLIND PERSON CANNOT GUIDE A BLIND PERSON.
"Jesus told his disciples a parable, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?
No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye?
You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.
“A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.
For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.
A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 39 - 45).
Whom did Jesus call the blind in today's Gospel?
"Let them alone; they are blind guides. If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15: 14).
Do you know any Pharisees in your community?
"I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings." (Hosea 6: 6).
When a blind judge guides another blind judge, will not the two judges fall into the ditch? Jesus defines His mission thus:
"I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me." (John 18: 37).
We all have tendencies to pharasaical attitude by being overbearing in our scrutiny and criticism of other people.
Use the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Lent 2025 to erode the inclination to criticism, complaining and condemnation of our neighbors. No criticism. No complaints. No condemn. Say: NO CCC when tempted to say or think of anything negative of another person.
"Many priests do not have a real and practical faith in My Eucharistic presence. Do they not know that the Eucharist encloses within itself all the merits of My Passion? Let them recover the faith of their childhood. Let them come to find Me there where I am waiting for them and I, for My part, shall work miracles of grace and holiness in them." (IN SINU JESU Monday, October 29, 2007).
St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.
The Church considers St Joseph the greatest Saint after the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joseph is so fittingly named the Patron of the Universal Church. Remember that he was the Guardian of Jesus and in his intercessory role, you can believe that Jesus will deny nothing to Joseph.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1
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