THE FEAST OF ST VINCENT FERRER, OP.

FEAST OF ST VINCENT FERRER, OP 

THE GOSPEL:

"Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the ­village where David lived?” So a ­division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to ­arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”

Then each went to his own house" (John 7: 40 - 53). 

Saturday 5th April 2025  in the 4th Week in Lent.

Today is the Feast of St Vincent Ferrer, OP. (1357 - 1419). A Spanish Dominican. Versed deeply in Holy Scriptures and Theology, he can be discribed as a super preacher. 

His powerful preaching stemmed the erosion of faith in Europe during one of the most contentious periods in Church history. The period of the pope and anti-pope, the Avignon Captivity was right in this period. 

Vincent preached in Italy, France, Spain and Germany. St Vincent Ferrer died on April 5th 1419 at the age of 62.

As Jesus embarked in His public ministry, dissension and division followed Him everywhere. No surprise at all because Simeon prophesied this to Mary and Joseph in the Temple during the Presentation of Jesus.

"Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted." (Luke 2: 34).

Like the Prophet Jeremiah, Jesus "knew their plot because the Lord informed me; at that time you, O Lord, showed me their doings." (Cf Jeremiah11:18-20). 

"So a division occurred in the crowd because of him [Jesus]." (John 7: 43).

Jesus was born to be a sign of contradiction. This is true while he was walking the muddy terrain of Galilee as it is today, 2000 years after He ascended into Heaven. Let us consider the cause of dissensions about Jesus today:

#1. The First is Ignorance: The dissenters in the days of Jesus could have easily learned that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and not in Nazareth. They did not care to find out. "Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ." (St Jerome).

#2. Today, people can look at the religious terrain in Christianity and ask: Did Jesus truly found 60,000 churches?  The multiplicity of churches is a great cause of scandal and dissension. 

#3. Some claim that the doctrine of Jesus is too harsh and restrictive. Why can't people destroy babies in the womb if they choose to or marry whoever  they wish? For example. 

#4. Who is this Jesus to tell us how to live our lives?

“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted," proclaims prophecy. The Day of reckoning is coming. It came for the Jews in 70 AD. It will come for everyone sooner than later.

"O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge;

save me from all my pursuers and rescue me, lest I become like the lion’s prey, to be torn to pieces, with no one to rescue me." (Cf Psalm 7).

THE CHURCH HONORS THE EUCHARIST IN APRIL. 

"282. How is Christ present in the 

Eucharist?

 Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist in 

a unique and incomparable way. He is 

present in a true, real and substantial way, 

with his Body and his Blood, with his Soul 

and his Divinity. In the Eucharist, 

therefore, there is present in a 

sacramental way, that is, under the 

Eucharistic species of bread and wine, 

Christ whole and entire, God and Man."

My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink says the Lord. 

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1