LEARN TRUSTING IN DIVINE PROVIDENCE FROM THESE WIDOWS.

THE WIDOWS SUNDAY. 

"He [Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.

Many rich people put in large sums.

A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.

Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 

For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”  (Mark 12: 38 - 44).

Sunday 10th November 2024 in the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time.

Our Scriptures, the Widow's Mite and the first Reading from the first Book of Kings teach us lessons on trusting God's Providence and Protection with all our heart. It also teaches us how to make an acceptable gift to God.

Before you give, know that God owns everything and needs absolutely nothing.

Giving to God actually is a test of how much you trust God.

Then consider all that God has given to you: life, health, family, job, food, etc.

Then respond to what your heart tells you to give to God knowing that you can not out do God in generosity.

To summarize the lessons of today:

1. The widow does not think that offering her obligatory tithe to God will impoverish her. 

2. She understands that God's gracious and sufficient grace is enough for her. 

3. She knows that tomorrow belongs to God. 

4. This is not her first time of trusting God and receiving all she needs. 

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me." (Psalm 23:1 - 2).

"So much time and energy is wasted in futile worrying and in endless discussions about what is needed and how to go about getting it. Simply present your needs to Me with a trusting heart and I will show you that I am a lavish provider for those who let Me take charge of their needs. The obstinate desire to control all things and to obtain by purely human means the things necessary to My work is an affront both to My merciful love and to My infinite generosity. Has this not been My message all through sacred history: “Trust Me, and you shall see wonders”?  (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, February 3, 2009). 

November is the Month dedicated to praying for the Poor Souls in Purgatory. 

"If during life, we have been kind to the suffering souls in purgatory, God will see that help be not denied us after death.” (St Paul of the Cross).

Remember the Poor Souls in Purgatory daily in your prayers.

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

WE HONOR TODAY THE MOTHER CHURCH OF CHRISTIANITY.

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LATERAN BASILICA. 

"Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 

"He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said,

“Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” 

"His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me.

"At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?”

"Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”

"The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?”

"But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had ­spoken." (John 2: 13 - 22).

Saturday 9th November 2024 in the 31st Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The Church of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome. The Lateran has been known as the "Mother and head of all churches of Rome and the world."

Why is this an important feast? In the Gospel of today,  Jesus expressed outrage at the way the holy Temple was desecrated. “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” 

It is therefore appropriate to reflect on the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica the theme of the sanctity of the Place of Abode of God. Every Catholic Church is consecrated to be holy and equipped with the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament. Below are a few reasons why today's feast is very important.

#1 The Church is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The destiny of the Church is prophesied in the Entrance Antiphon for today: 

"I saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband." (Cf Revelation 21: 2).

#2 The Lateran Basilica is the Church of the Pope, Successor St Peter and Universal  Pastor of the flock of Jesus Christ.

#3 This feast is celebrated worldwide and makes the faithful remember these important truths of our salvation. Especially the truth that the Church is Catholic, that is, universal.

#4 It is God's desire to dwell with us. "Behold God’s dwelling with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself with them will be their God."  (Cf Revelation 21: 3 Entrance Antiphon).  The physical church is a symbol of this mystery.

As we celebrate this feast with joy, we remember that we are the chosen and living stones that form  the eternal Temple of the Most Holy God.

Let us pray especially today for the growth of the Church, for the unity of all Christians, for many vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, missionaries, catechists and evangelists and of course for the Holy Father Pope Francis.

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“One of the holiest works,

one of the best exercises of piety, which we can practice in this world, is to offer sacrifices, alms and prayer

for the dead.” (St John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church). 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

THE THREE LAST THINGS: DEATH, JUDGMENT, HEAVEN OR HELL.

PREPARE A FULL ACCOUNT OF YOUR STEWARDSHIP.

"Jesus said to his disciples,

“A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.

"He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’

"The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’

"He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ 

"Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ 

"And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.” (Luke 16: 1 - 8).

Friday 8th November 2024 in the 31st Week of Ordinary Time. 

Our key Scripture for today is from Luke 16: 1 - 8. It deals with the question of rendering account for the stewardship of assets. Jesus is here making an allegory for the Last Judgment. 

Every steward knows that once or twice a year, he renders account of his stewardship to his master in terms of profit and loss. After our death, we will render an account of the stewardship of our gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure to the Eternal and Merciful Judge, Jesus.

At our birth, we received gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure. How have you invested your gifts? What are the returns on the investments?

 If you show profits, you will hear  "Welcome" and be promoted to eternal life. If you do not report profits, you will hear "Depart from Me..."

This life is short. Even if you live to 100, it is still a short life especially compared to eternity. It is the duty of Religion to remind everyone of this truth. Do not put all your eggs in the one basket of money and material prosperity.

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

"The souls in Purgatory repay the prayers that we say for them.”

“When we pray for the souls in Purgatory we will always get something back.” (St Padre Pio). 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

COME AND REJOICE WITH ME.

REJOICE WITH ME. 

"1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.2 And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." 

3 So he told them this parable: 4 "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? 

5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.'

 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

 8 "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.'

10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15: 1 - 10).

Thursday 7th November 2024, 31st Week in Ordinary Time.

In our key Scripture from the famous Luke's Chapter 15, Jesus exclaims joyfully "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." 

Thank You Jesus for the lesson You have taught me in this parable. You have taught me the power of One. You have also reminded me of the power of the mustard seed. Help me to follow Your example My Good Shepherd. 

"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." 

If one sinner who repents and returns to the fold makes Heaven rejoice, imagine the joy of Heaven over ten sinners who repent. There is power in evangelization. Resolve to do your part. 

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“ SACRED Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come. EUCHARISTIC Heart of Jesus, increase in us faith, hope and charity. HEART of Jesus, burning with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee. O DIVINE Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, free the holy souls in Purgatory." (Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

THE WISDOM OF FIRST COUNTING THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP.

COUNT THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP BEFORE YOU COMMIT YOURSELF. 

Jesus weighed the cost of Discipleship carefully in the Garden of Gethsemane in an intense struggle of prayer with His Father the night before He died. As God, He knew what he was going to face. Our salvation and eternal life meant so much to Him. He said Yes to His Father. "I will do it!" 

"Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them,

“If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

 Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’

"Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms.

"In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14: 25 - 33).

Wednesday 6th November 2024 in the 31st Week of Ordinary Time. 

When you embark on a new project: building a home, a new career, moving to a new city, volunteering for a new ministry, etc. Rule #1 is sit down and count the cost. This will save you embarrassment and mockery from friends, family and neighbors. "This fellow started something he is unable to complete. He is foolish." 

Jesus is speaking to His disciples here. Count the cost of Discipleship before you decide to follow Me. 

To make good decisions, we need wisdom. Wisdom is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Solomon asked for wisdom rather than wealth, health and power. God answered him: "Here and now, I give you what you ask for." God added: And for what you did not ask for, I grant them to you in abundance! (Cf 1 Kings 3: 1 - 15).

The greatest wisdom is to know the shortcut to peace and prosperity in life. Jesus gives this in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all the rest will be given you." (Matthew 6: 33). 

If you are unwilling to renounce all your possessions and seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, not only will you not enjoy being a disciple of Jesus Christ but you will be like the man who started a building he can never complete. 

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“If only you knew with what great longing these holy souls yearn for relief from their suffering. Ingratitude has never entered Heaven.” – (St. Margaret Mary). 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

DO NOT DESPISE YOUR INVITATION TO THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF THE LAMB.

I WANT MY HOUSE TO BE FULL. 

"One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”

"He replied to him, “A man gave a great dinner to which he invited many. 

"When the time for the dinner came, he dispatched his servant to say to those invited, ‘Come, everything is now ready.’

"But one by one, they all began to excuse themselves.

"The first said to him, ‘I have purchased a field and must go to examine it; I ask you, consider me excused.’

"And another said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen and am on my way to evaluate them; I ask you, consider me excused.’ 

"And another said, ‘I have just married a woman, and therefore I cannot come.’ 

"The servant went and reported this to his master.

"Then the master of the house in a rage commanded his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor and the crippled, the blind and the lame.’

"The servant reported, ‘Sir, your orders have been carried out and still there is room.’

"The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled. For, I tell you, none of those men who were invited will taste my dinner." (Luke 14: 15 - 24).

Tuesday November 5th 2024 in the 31st Week of Ordinary Time.

The context of today's parable is the enthusiastic statement of a fellow dinner guest with Jesus:

"One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the Kingdom of God.”

Dining in the Kingdom of God is the summit of blessings. It is the ultimate aspiration. 

The Marriage feast of the Lamb is the mother of all feasts. 

"Blessed are you who are invited to the Supper of the Lord." 

"I want My House to be full." Jesus said. 

Why will anyone in his right mind turn down such an invitation? 

The answer is that there is something akin to insanity with regard to pride and sin. When the Prodigal Son came back to his senses, he wondered why he ever did what he did. Ran away from the gorgeous home of his loving father to live like a scum of the earth for a number of years. 

The Church is the seed of the Kingdom of God on earth. The Eucharist is the Marriage feast of the Lamb on this side of Heaven. 

If you have been avoiding the Eucharist, forget your foolish pride and ask the gracious Lord to rescue you from "the highways and hedgerows" before it is too late. 

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“I saw my guardian angel, who ordered me to follow him. In a moment I was in a misty place full of fire in which there was a great crowd of suffering souls. They were praying fervently, but to no avail, for themselves; only we can come to their aid. The flames, which were burning them, did not touch me at all. My guardian angel did not leave me for an instant. I asked these souls what their greatest suffering was. They answered me in one voice that their greatest torment was longing for God.” (St. Maria Faustina Kowalski). 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

MEMORIAL OF ST CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP.

MEMORIAL OF ST CHARLES BORROMEO, BISHOP. 

"On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.

"He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 

"Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you and because of their inability to repay you. 

For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:12 - 14).

Monday November 4th the 31st Week in Ordinary TIME is the Memorial of St Charles Borromeo, Bishop. (1538 - 1584).

St Charles Borromeo was Cardinal and Archbishop of the famous See of Milan, the See of St Ambrose. Borromeo was born into wealth and splendor but was not possessed by his wealth and patrimony.

St Charles Borromeo was one of the architects of the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. A great reformer, he worked hard for the implementation of the decrees of the Council. He established seminaries and had catechisms produced. 

Thanksgiving Day is weeks away. It marks the beginning of the holiday season. Parties, dinners and invitations to family, friends and colleagues are being planned. 

Jesus looks forward to dinner invitations since it gives Him a teaching opportunity to meet the kind of crowd He did not reach on daily basis.  Here Jesus gives a difficult lesson to the aristocratic group gathered for the dinner and frankly to us as well.

Who do you plan to invite to your home this Thanksgiving, Christmas and parties? What are your motives behind your guest list?

"Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind," advises Jesus.

Why this group?

"Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you."

Jesus challenges our self-centeredness. Why are humans so self centered? Even little children act always in a quid pro quo manner.  They give to only those who give them something. Jesus set a new standard in the Kingdom.  Act like your Heavenly Father, who is lavishly generous to All His children, Jesus admonishes.

"All you who are thirsty, come to the water!

You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost!"  (Isaiah 55: 1).

Jesus offers the Bread of life free of charge.

Be generous to the poor and the disadvantaged this holiday season. 

"There is no problem or difficulty that cannot be solved or resolved by faithful persevering recourse to My Mother’s most holy Rosary. The Rosary is My Mother’s gift to the poor and to the simple, to the little ones who alone are capable of hearing the Gospel in all its purity and of responding to it with a generous heart. It is to such as these—the childlike and the weak, the poor and the trusting—that the Rosary is given. It is to such as these that the Rosary belongs." (IN SINU JESU).

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“The fire of Purgatory is the same as the fire of Hell; the difference between them is that the fire of Purgatory is not everlasting." (St John Vianney). 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html