THE LAST JUDGMENT PREVIEW.

PREVIEW OF THE LAST JUDGMENT. 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. 

And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 

Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’

Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ 

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’

Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’

He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’

And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (Matthew 25: 31 - 46). 

Our Gospel for today is a preview of the Last Judgment. St Augustine teaches us a simple formula to prepare for the Last Judgment:

"If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well."

Prayer, along with fasting and almsgiving are the three pillars of the Christian life.

It is during Lent that you see the power of prayer. An ancient maxim of the Church says: Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi. Which means: The law of prayer is the law of faith and the law of living. You live as you pray. You will die and judged as you live.

St Teresa of Kolkata teaches that Prayer strengthens our Faith. 

Prayer is the Activator of Power. Prayer pushes desire to action. 

Does God reward those who pray, fast and give alms during Lent? Read for yourself:

"For he says:

“In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 

Brethren, Lent is the Acceptable Time for favors and graces. 

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12: 2).

Apart from prayer, how do we go about acquiring  graces during Lent? 

Daily PRAYER AND Daily WORD OF GOD HAVE POWER TO TRANSFORM THE MIND DURING LENT. 

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."

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 

THE TEMPTATIONS OF JESUS.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil.

He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. 

The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.”

Jesus answered him, 

“It is written, One does not live on bread alone.” 

Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant.

The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.”

Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written:

You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”

Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him,

“If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written:

He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”

Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” When the devil had finished ­every temptation, he departed from him for a time..” (Luke 4: 1 - 13).

Sunday 9th March 2025, First Sunday in Lent. 

The Church presents us the Temptation of Jesus in the Desert according to St Luke in the first Sunday in Lent. 

Nobody can go through life without multiple desert experiences. Jesus was severely tempted after 40 days of rigorous fasting and prayer. He was tempted to abandon the path His Father marked out for His mission for a grandiose scheme of the Devil.

Jesus ate nothing during the 40 days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, One does not live on bread alone.”

If you do not know your IDENTITY IN CHRIST, you will be an easy prey for the Devil. He will suggest to you your "true identity" and then sell you a fake ID Card to be carried all the time.  What if your area of weakness is money (bread). The devil might suggest that you are born to be a millionaire, own fine houses and beautiful cars and clothes, etc. Do not be deceived. The word of God in the Scriptures reveal our TRUE IDENTITY. Armed with this truth, you can strike back at the Devil. Here are a few Scriptures about money:

#1 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." (Matthew 6: 19 - 21).

#2 "Keep your lives free from love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never leave you, I will never abandon you'" (Hebrews 13:5).

#3 "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

#4 Man does not live on money alone.  Man is created to live on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  (Cf Matthew 4 : 4).

Jesus defeated Satan by quoting the Scriptures. Can we afford to do less? Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ, says St Jerome.

"The Eucharist is heaven on earth; the Eucharist is My Church on earth already assumed into heaven. Heaven is wheresoever the words of consecration have been pronounced over the bread and wine in the holy oblation, for there I am present, even as I am present in the glory of My Ascension, adored by the angels, praised by all the saints, held in the divine gaze of My Father, and burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Believe this and you will find heaven on earth, while waiting and hoping to see My Face in glory."  (IN SINU JESU, May 29, 2014 Ascension Thursday). 

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

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN OF GOD.

FEAST OF ST JOHN OF GOD, RELIGIOUS FOUNDER. 

A TAX COLLECTOR NAMED LEVI. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. 

"Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. 

"The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 

"Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” (Luke 5: 27 - 32).

Saturday 8th March 2025. Saturday After Easter in the Season of Lent. is the feast of St John of God. 

St John of God lived between  (1495 - 1550). He was born Portuguese. He worked and died in Spain. A prodigal of some sort in his younger days. Once he was converted at the age of 40, everything changed. He became fired up with ministry to the poor and the sick. John was a man of many talents and at various times became a farmer, soldier and merchant.

I knew St John of God as a pamphleteer because at the time I first read his biography, I used pamphlets for evangelization. He became my patron saint and is still one of my patron saints.

St John of God is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, booksellers, pamphleteers.

“Come and be one of my disciples!”  So Levi left everything, sprang up, and went with him." (TLB Translation). 

The TLB Translation catches the enthusiasm of Levi better known as Matthew. If you have been waiting for a call, or an opportunity to open up for a long time, you understand Matthew's reaction. 

A vocation is a sacred call made by God to predestined souls. Usually, the soul would have a premonition that he is born for more. Like Abraham Lincoln. He is in a subdued mood of restlessness till the Teacher shows up. A Chinese proverb says: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears."

Jesus' sudden appearance at Matthew's Tax Office was not an accident. It was Divine Providence. Matthew, the Tax Collector became the Chronicler of the early Church. He was not perfect. None of the Twelve Apostles was perfect. Perfection took a long time in coming to many of the first disciples of Jesus. It came through following Jesus every day and watching Him and doing what Jesus did. 

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

PERPETUAL FELICITY. WHAT GOD JOINED TOGETHER...

FEAST OF SAINTS PERPETUA AND FELICITY VIRGINS AND MARTYRS. 

WHY FAST? 

THE GOSPEL:

"The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?”

"Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9: 14 - 15).

Friday 7th March 2025, Friday After Ash Wednesday in the Season of Lent is the feast of two young martyrs from North Africa: Saints Perpetua and Felicity. (+ 203). 

Perpetua was a mother of a young child and Felicity was pregnant.

Perpetua and Felicity triumphed over their butchers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Cf Revelation 12: 11).

The type of fasting that pleases God.

This is the fasting that God wants. 

The Holy Scriptures today speak of fasting. The catechesis of Jesus and Isaiah converge in the question: What is the fasting that pleases God? 

The magesterium of the Church has taught from the very beginning that Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving are the three pillars of the Christian faith. Specifically, the Corporal and the Spiritual Works of Mercy covers everything that is required:

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY

1. Feed the hungry

2. Give drink to the thirsty

3. Clothe the naked

4. Shelter the homeless

5. Visit the sick

6. Visit the imprisoned

7. Bury the dead

SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY

1. Instruct the ignorant

2. Counsel the doubtful

3. Admonish sinners

4. Bear wrongs patiently

5. Forgive offences willingly

6. Comfort the afflicted

7. Pray for the living and the dead

Do this and you will be blessed. 

St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.

 Litany of St. Joseph

St. Joseph

Renowned offspring of David,

Light of Patriarchs,

Spouse of the Mother of God,

Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster father of the Son of God

Diligent protector of Christ

Head of the Holy Family

Joseph most just

Joseph most chaste

Joseph most prudent

Joseph most strong

Joseph most obedient

Joseph most faithful

Mirror of patience

Lover of poverty

Model of artisans

Glory of home life, etc... 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

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

 

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

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