YOU ARE THE MUSTARD SEED!

THE REIGN OF GOD GROWING SILENTLY IN OUR SOUL. 

"Jesus said to the crowds:

“This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

"He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.

"But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 

With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private." (Mark 4: 26 - 34).

Sunday 16th June 2024 in 11th Week in Ordinary Time.

Jesus compares the growth of the kingdom of God, that is, the reign of God to that of a tiny mustard seed. 

The seed is like the word of God. Christ Jesus is the Sower. At the point of a great need in my life, Jesus sneaked in quietly and sowed the mustard seed of His word in my heart. This is the very word Jesus sowed. 

“Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the Lord will win for you today. For these Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14: 13 - 14).

The word was a promise and it was fulfilled to the letter.  I was deeply impressed and opened my life to the Farmer, Jesus. Not long after this experience, the Sower sowed many seeds in my heart. One seed grew up to overshadow all other plants in the garden of my heart:

"Seek First the kingdom of God and His holiness and all your needs shall be met." (Matthew 6: 33).

Jesus the Sower watered the seed every day through a program of daily Prayer, the Word of God, Eucharist, Penance, Spiritual Reading and Faith-Sharing that He prescribed for me as a Farmer and Doctor. Through the power of grace, the mustard seed continues to grow. 

Brothers and sisters, you are a Mustard Seed. Do not be afraid. Trust Jesus the Farmer. He will not hurt you. He created you and knows intimately who you are, what you need and the purpose of your life on earth. His merciful love will always surround you with the most tender care.

The Kingdom of God is a mystery. The life inside the tiny mustard seed is a mystery. The tiny spermatozoon is packed with a DNA that is a mystery.

Do not despise the small beginning. Do not thrash the Church and its mysteries because you do not understand them.

The mystery of faith calls for only one response: Belief. When you believe, you stand the chance that you can understand. Belief always comes first.

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom to mere children." (Matthew 11: 25).

Accept the Kingdom of God like a little child.

The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE CHOICE. THE CALL. THE ANOINTING OF ELISHA THE PROPHET.

THE CHOICE AND CALL OF ELISHA THE PROPHET.  

"Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth.

"Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” 

"Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?”

"Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant." (I Kings 19: 19 - 21).

Saturday June 15th 2024 in the 10th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our key Scripture comes from the first Reading: (I Kings 19: 19 - 21). The theme is the Choice and the Call of Elisha the Prophet. 

"And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was." (Cf Hebrews 5: 4). 

The Prophet or Priest must be chosen and called by God. You do not step into this ministry on your own initiative. 

Once you are chosen and called, then God anoints you for the ministry. This means that God trains and equips you for effective service. 

How does this concern you and me? The Kingdom of God has many services and many servants are required. Every human being is created with his unique time, talent and treasure. This is for ministry. 

With the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are all encouraged to discern our Calling as Elisha did in our key Scripture for today. 

The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

WAIT FOR THE LORD WITH COURAGE!

WAIT FOR THE LORD WITH COURAGE! 

Our word for today: Psalm 27

"I long to see your face, O Lord.

"Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me.

"Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks. 

"Your presence, O Lord, I seek.

"Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant.

"You are my helper: cast me not off. 

"I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living.

"Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27).

Friday June 14th 2024 in the 10th Week in Ordinary Time.

Where and how do we get the courage and discipline to wait for the Lord if your lot is a long recovery from an illness, waiting for life partner when your biological time is not slowing down? Think of a number of scenarios where you can do nothing but wait.

My healing word for today comes from Psalm 27:

"Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord."

Some people may dismiss the idea of waiting for the Lord's time as folly. But being cynical will not save anyone from one of those moments in life that come to everyone. Listen to this ancient wisdom:

"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change. Grant me the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference." 

Repeating this prayer again and again during one of those tough moments of life has brought me wisdom and peace. 

Jesus says IN SINU JESU:

“TRUST ME WITH THE TIMING OF ALL THINGS.”

When you are in one of those cross roads of life the Sacred Heart of Jesus is waiting longingly for you. 

The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST ANTHONY OF PADUA, OFM DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

Feast of St Anthony of Padua, OFM & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink, while Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, crouched down to the earth, and put his head between his knees.

“Climb up and look out to sea,” he directed his servant, who went up and looked, but reported, “There is nothing.”

"Seven times he said, “Go, look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”

"Elijah said, “Go and say to Ahab, ‘Harness up and leave the mountain before the rain stops you.’” In a trice the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. Ahab mounted his chariot and made for Jezreel.

"But the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, who girded up his clothing and ran before Ahab as far as the approaches to Jezreel." (1 Kings 18: 41 - 46).

Thursday 13th June 2024 of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony of Padua. (1195 to 1231)

Priest and Doctor of the Church. St Anthony of Padua was a Franciscan friar who was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith and was never discouraged by setbacks in the ministry the Lord entrusted him. His preaching ministry took him from North Africa to Italy and France. He is known as the Evangelical Doctor because he based all his teaching and preaching on the Gospel. Anthony was reputed to have memorized the entire Bible. 

St Anthony is renowned also as a ready helper in difficult cases. Some years ago, Microsoft seized one of my Internet properties. I did everything to get it back but no success. Then I had the inspiration to pray to St Anthony of Padua and within a few hours I got back the asset. St Anthony is called the Hammer of Heretics. 

Our reflection on God’s word today is from the first Reading (I Kings 18: 41 - 46).

What is the consoling truth  in this message? 

"Seven times he said, “Go, look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”

One of the greatest mistakes with regard to Prayer is to ask God for a favor once and turn away if the request is not granted immediately. 

In Gethsemane, Jesus Christ the Son of God prayed THREE TIMES. IT WAS AFTER THE THIRD TIME HE ROSE FROM PRAYER ASSURED THAT THE FATHER HAS HEARD HIS PRAYER. 

THE Woman that confronted the Unjust Judge in Luke 18, asked for justice several times before she got it. Jesus our Teacher in Prayer praised her. 

Elijah the Prophet knew very well this principle of Prayer when he said to his servant:

“Go, look again!” And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”

This is the word I need to hear today as I struggle with God over a big favor. 

The Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. 

Four of the twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Christians who honor His Sacred Heart are:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.   

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE GOD THAT ANSWERS PRAYER IS MY GOD.

THIS WORD IS FOR ME. 

"Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope.

"Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;

I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you.” R/

"They multiply their Sorrows who court other gods.

"Blood libations to them I will not pour out, nor will I take their names upon my lips. R/

"O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.

"I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. R/

"You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence,

• 

the delights at your right hand forever." (Psalm 16).

Wednesday June 12th 2024 in 10th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Psalm 16, the Responsorial Psalm for the Mass of today: is exactly the word I need to hear today. The God who answers by fire is my God. That is to say that the God who answers Prayer is my God. I am tired of false gods who are impotent and cannot and do not answer prayers.

If you kiss the rings of these false gods, listen carefully, this message is for you:

You multiply your Sorrows when you court any gods like money, power or pleasure. 

You may pour blood libations to them. I have learned my lesson. I will never do that again. I will never even mention their names again. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is my allotted portion. My destiny is in His hands and that is why it is very safe, secure and solid. 

• 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, show me the path to life. Show me the fullness of joys in Your Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. 

The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST BARNABAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR.

FEAST OF ST BARNABAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR. 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 

"Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5: 13 - 16).

Tuesday 11th June 2024, 10th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of the Apostle Barnabas (+ 61).

St Barnabas, a Jew from Cyprus is profiled in Sacred Scripture as: "a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith." You won't find many Bible characters profiled with similar language. What else do we know about St Barnabas?

He was a levite. He discipled Paul the Apostle and mentored John Mark. He was generous in using all his time, talent and treasure in serving the Lord. 

He was a prophet, teacher and evangelist. Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus under the reign of Emperor Nero in 61 AD. Although Barnabas was not one of the original 12 Apostles, Barnabas like Paul had been assigned the title Apostle since ancient times.

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul [Paul] for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13: 2).

The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Evangelization and Mission commissioned the first Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas.

Are you looking for the meaning of Jesus' word in today's Gospel: You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world? Look no further than the man Barnabas. I love Barnabas. He is one of my patron saints. 

The Church prays on the Feast of St Barnabas :

"O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to convert the nations, grant that the Gospel of Christ, which he strenuously preached, may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son." Amen.

The Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

 Morning Offering Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

"O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I offer you through the Immaculate Heart of Mary all my prayers and desires, all my sufferings, delays, disappointments and obstacles; all my time, talent and treasure, all my fears, worries and doubts as well as all my weaknesses.  I offer all these on all the altars in the world where the Eucharist is celebrated today and on every Altar where Your Eucharistic Face is present.  I offer them for the remission of my sins, for my family and [Mention the specific intention] and for the Holy Father Pope Francis.  Amen."

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1