FEAST OF ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE.

ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE. 

"Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”

"But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

"Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them.

" Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 

"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 

"Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 

"Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20: 24 - 29).

Wednesday July 3rd 2023 in the 13th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Thomas, Apostle and Martyr. 

Thomas was a Missionary and died a martyr. Christians remember Thomas as the "doubting Thomas."

What is the error of Thomas?

Thomas refused to believe after he heard from Peter and the other Apostles that Jesus is risen from the dead. He heard the witness of Mary Magdalene who was the first to see the Risen Jesus. Thomas still refused to believe. Against reason, he refused to believe the testimony of faithful, true and credible witnesses.

In the plan of salvation, God wills that we believe the witness of faithful, true and credible persons. Jesus Christ cannot appear to 7 Billion people individually and preach the Good News to each.

There are just a few things in life we can see and touch and prove to our own satisfaction. Vast majority of things we believe because someone we trust tells us so. 

We believe our parents, teachers and friends on many things. Some believe whatever their doctor tells them but will not believe their Bishop.

Disbelief, unbelief, unreasonable doubt are crippling mental states. Can you believe that there are folks among us today who deny the Holocaust? Victims of these barbarism are still live among us.

"Satan hates those who, resisting his lies, have remained close to Me, adoring Me in the Sacrament of My love, and consoling My Heart that is so afflicted by the ingratitude of men and their lack of faith in the mystery of love that is My real Eucharistic presence." (IN SINU JESU).

Jesus told Thomas, "Stop doubting and believe.”  (John 20: 27).  

This command was all that Thomas needed to make him a super believer.  Jesus too can command our doubts, fears and worries to disappear.  Let us ask Him:

Lord Jesus, command that we no longer be faithless but strong believers in You and Your mission.   Say but a word Jesus and our doubts will be gone. Amen.

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

 The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

EXERCISE YOUR LITTLE FAITH AND IT WILL GROW!

WHY IS YOUR FAITH SO LITTLE? 

"As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep.

"They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

"He said to them, “Why are you ­terrified, O you of little faith?”

"Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.

"The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” (Matthew 8: 23 - 27).

Tuesday July 2nd 2024 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Consider the reproach of Jesus about the little faith of His disciples in these words: 'WHY IS YOUR FAITH SO LITTLE?' 

If you are asked: Why is your faith so little? What would you answer? 

My answer will probably be:

I have not learned sufficiently the difference a strong faith will make in my life. Yes this is the big Reason! 

The second reason is this:

You do not exercise the small faith you have. Yes this is also true. Whatever you exercises grows and becomes stronger. 

Lord Jesus, You show us in today's Gospel that it is Your Will that we have strong faith. Grant us light to see the difference a strong faith will make in our life. Show us little ways we can exercise our faith every day. 

Folks, the ball is now in our court. Jesus Christ promises to answer our prayers. Say the above prayers several times a day and watch what will happen. 

I must stop walking by sight or feeling but by words of Christ. 

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM.

FEAST OF ST JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM. 

"When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore.

"A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

"Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8: 18 - 22).

Monday July 1st 2024 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Junipero Serra, OFM. (1713 - 1784). 

St Junipero was a Spanish Franciscan Priest who evangelized Mexico and California and firmly established the Church in these regions.

Junipero arrived in the New World and sought good and not evil for the people of this region. He fought for the cause of justice for the native people of the area.

This Franciscan priest evangelized Mexico and California and firmly established the Church in these regions.

To reflect on the Cost of Discipleship in the abstract may be very frightening. Think of it in the context of the total mission of Jesus Christ and the 2000 plus years of the Church. Jesus lived this life of Mission and set the example. He invited and commissioned the Twelve Apostles. Then He chose millions of saints across the centuries to follow Him. Missionary priests, religious, lay people continue to answer the call.

Our Saint of today, St Junipero Serra, OFM is a great example. Pray for us St Junipero Serra.

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

JULY DEVOTION TO THE PRECIOUS BODY OF JESUS CHRIST.

DEVOTION TO THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.. 

HONOR JESUS CHRIST OUR ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST AND THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS. 

JULY: MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

"They conquered the Devil by the Blood of the Lamb."

In the Blood of the Lamb." (Mary, IN SINU JESU). 

"Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ, and let us know that it is precious to his Father because it was poured out for our salvation and it brought the grace of repentance to all the world." (St Clement I to the Corinthians). 

Prayer:

O precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price paid for the redemption of sinful mankind. O Divine Blood, drink and laver of our souls, standing between us and the Father pleading mercy.

With all my heart I adore You, sweet Lord, and offer reparation for the insults, outrages and ingratitude, which You continuously receive from human beings, especially those who dare blaspheme the Divine Blood You shed for us.

Bless this Blood of Infinite value. Bless the fire of Jesus’ Love who shed it to the last drop for us. Where would I be if not for this Divine Blood that redeemed me? Indeed, Lord, I have drawn it from You to the last drop. What love! Thank You for this saving balm!

May every heart, every tongue, now and forever, praise and thank this priceless balm, this saving Blood, this fountain of crimson Mercy welling up from the fountain of infinite Love. Amen

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LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

 

Jesus, hear us.

Jesus, graciously hear us.

 

God, the Father of Heaven,

Have mercy on us.

God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,

Have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit,

Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, 

Have mercy on us.

 

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness.

Save us.

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, victor over demons,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,

Save us.

 

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

 

You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood.

And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

 

Let us pray, - Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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