THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES.

THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL. APOSTLES.

THE GOODNEWS:
"When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

"They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.

” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

"Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

"Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 - 19).

Sunday June 29, 2025 is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Apostles.

This great feast has been celebrated for Peter and Paul together from the earliest days of the Church. And today, it has precedence over Sunday. Who are Saints Peter and Paul and why are they regarded as special foundation of the Church?

Peter and Paul are recognized as the principal pillars of the Church. We declare in the Creed: "I believe in the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church."

The one only Church founded by Jesus Christ on Pentecost Sunday is built on the foundation of the Apostles. Hence every Bishop in the Church enjoys legitimacy through Apostolic Succession from the original Twelve Apostles.

Scripture teaches that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. (Cf Ephesians 2: 20). Peter and Paul are joint managing directors of the institution, which is called the Church.

"You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."  (Matthew 16: 18)

Paul got his mandate to be an Apostle directly from Jesus.

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin.  For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."  (Galatians 1: 11 - 12).

Peter and Paul were called to be friends and companions of Jesus before anything else.

"I ask you only to be My friend and to live at every moment in the grace of My divine friendship. All the rest follows. Perfection is the fruit of friendship with Me, not a precondition for it. You, and many souls like you, are confused about this. My friendship is not earned, it is not something acquired by measuring up to the standards of perfection that you have set for yourself. My friendship is pure gift." (IN SINU JESU).

Peter and Paul are the ones who, living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood; they drank the chalice of the LORD and became the friends of God. (Cf Entrance Antiphon).

The Catholic and Apostolic Church honors the 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

MEMORIAL OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.

MEMORIAL OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.

"Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.

After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”

And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.." (Luke 2: 41 - 51).

Saturday 28th June 2025, in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time is the Saturday after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church honors the Immaculate Heart of Mary today.

You recognize the Gospel of today as the subject of the 5th Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary.

Why this feast? The Church in her wisdom and discernment instituted this feast to encourage us to have great confidence in approaching the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary for all our spiritual and material needs.

By placing the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary back to back, we know by filial instinct that both Hearts are not in competition.

It is the will of God that She who is filled with grace and who the Lord God is with in a preeminent manner will play a significant role in salvation history. We do well to approach her constantly to be free from the chain and deceits of Satan.

For the naive and ignorant who imagine that to honor Mary is to depreciate the honor of Jesus, please consider this: Can you fail to honor the ambassador representing the President because of the foolish thought that honoring the ambassador might diminish the President's prestige? If you do this, be ready to taste the wrath of the President.

Mary, the holy handmaid of the Lord does not seek honor for  herself. She is in no way in competition with her Lord who has done great things for her.

The Holy Spirit prophesied that all generations will call Mary blessed.
During her 65 years or so on earth, her life was hidden in Christ Jesus. But now that she is assumed into heaven, all generations call her Blessed every day. How?

 Billions of Hail Marys said every day to honor Mary. Universities, Cathedrals, Institutes all over the world are named after the humble Virgin of Nazareth. Her patronages are countless.

"IN THE END, MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL TRIUMPH!" Said Mary to a mystic.

AMEN. Dearest AND FAIREST OF MOTHERS. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH! AND WE TRUST IN THE TRIUMPH OF YOUR IMMACULATE HEART.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Two Hearts. One pulse!

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

"O 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).

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 SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS.

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"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." (Luke 15: 3 - 7).

FRIDAY JUNE 27TH 2025 IS THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 

In our key Scripture from the famous Luke's Chapter 15, Jesus exclaims Joyfully in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." (Luke 15: 9).

Thank You Jesus for the lesson You teach us in this parable. You teach us the value of the power of One.

Politicians know how important the power of one is in elections. You have also reminded us of the power of the mustard seed. Everything starts small. Help us to follow Your example our 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 in Heaven of ten sinners who repent. There is power in evangelization. Resolve to do your part. 

JUNE IS THE MONTH THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH HONORS THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 

Today, Friday June 27th is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Honor Jesus on the Feast of the Sacred Heart with Mass and Holy Communion. 

“ 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).

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 JOSEMARIA D'ESCRIVA. FOUNDER OF OPUS DEI.

BUILD YOUR HOUSE ON ROCK

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were ­astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes." (Matthew 7: 21 - 29).

THURSDAY June 26th 2025 in the 12th Week Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Josemaria Escriva. 

(1902 - 1976).

St Josemaria D'Escriva is the founder of the Opus Dei, a religious society whose members include men and women, married and single and priests. Opus Dei is unique in many ways among the community of consecrated men and women.

Opus Dei believes that it is God's will that people find their path to holiness no matter what their occupation is, viz: doctor, garbage collector, senator, office cleaner, professor, student, etc. The impact of Opus Dei and its spirituality in the modern Church is significant. They operate in some 80 countries in the world.

St Josemaria is a saint of our time. He died in 1976 and was canonized in 2002 by Pope St John Paul II.

Our key Scripture instructs us to build our lives on rock. That Rock is Jesus. If we do not build on Him, we build on sand.

Any architect, building contractor, surveyor would hail the above divine word as absolute truth and common sense.  

To build your life on rock, you need Wisdom. Wisdom is the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us make good choices and decisions.

Wisdom deals with Choices - this or that? To build the foundation of your family home on rock or try to save money and compromise the foundation with inferior material is a choice. 

True wisdom lies in hearing and doing the word of God, the will of God, the command of God. How do we become wise?

How do good and godly choices become a habit?

#1. Pray for Wisdom every day. You will surely get it.

#2. Read and ponder the word of God daily. It is the source and foundation of Wisdom.

#3. Practice daily examination of conscience. You will see where you have been wise and foolish in the course of the day. You resolve to act appropriately in the future.

Wisdom is listed as the first of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Ask for the Promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit. Ask and you receive Him immediately.

WORDS OF WISDOM:

"It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes." (Psalm 118:  8 - 9).

"A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.”  (Isaiah 26:  3).

"Trust in the LORD forever!

For the LORD is an eternal Rock."  (Isaiah 26: 4).

When you build your life on the Rock that is Jesus, your life will be safe, solid and secure. 

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call him while he is near." (Isaiah 55: 6).

That means Today. You are not guaranteed Tomorrow. 

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."  

(Matthew 7: 21).

God does not deceive any person and He cannot be deceived. Don't even try it!

"Trust Me with all the events of your life. I will not abandon you. You are Mine and I will not forsake you. The decisions of men are all in My hands. Nothing will befall you that I do not permit. I will give you My grace to accept the changing circumstances of your life. It is I who am behind all that happens to you. Nothing escapes My wisdom; nothing escapes My love; nothing escapes My omnipotence. Trust Me, and be at peace. I bless you with all the love of My Sacred Heart. Do not be afraid. Tell Me again and again that you trust in My merciful love for you." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 ).

JUNE IS THE MONTH THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH HONORS THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS. 

Friday June 27th 2025 is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Honor Jesus on the Feast of the Sacred Heart with Mass and Holy Communion. 

"The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary 

[THE LORD REMEMBERS HIS COVENANT FOREVER]. 

"I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. [MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU. FOR TODAY]. 

I will give peace in their families.

I will console them in all their troubles.

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

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

A GOOD TREE CANNOT BEAR ROTTEN FRUIT.

A GOOD TREE CANNOT BEAR BAD FRUIT.  

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.

"By their fruits you will know them.

"Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

"Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit.

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7: 15 - 20).

Wednesday 25th June 2025 in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time.

The false prophets may dress and talk like the genuine one. But ask which Way of life they promote? The Broadway in all likelihood. Follow the Narrow Way as Jesus taught.

Our Lord and Teacher says that" "You will know them by their fruits."

Sometimes fruits take long in coming but they surely come. Look at religious people who abused children under their care. For some of them, the bitter fruits take decades to show but they come.

By contrast, the good fruits produced by good teachers and prophets are formed by the Holy Spirit and show up in the lives of good Christians. They are :

1. Charity   🍏

2. Joy        🍊

3. Peace     🍐

4. Patience 🍓

5. Kindness 🍍

6. Goodness 🥝

7. Generosity 🍉

8. Gentleness 🍎

9. Faithfulness 🍋

10. Modesty     🍠

11. Self-control 🌰

12. Chastity       🥔

The most destructive fruits of the false teachers and prophets are:

"Immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts and orgies." (Galatians 5: 19 - 21).

Beware of such teachers and prophets. You are warned. If you are uncertain of how to discern their fruits, ask a seasoned and approved pastor or teacher in your Church.

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

Friday June 27th is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion. 

"O 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).

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 SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

"When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. 

"Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 

"When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”

"But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”

"So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.

"Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

"Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

"The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel." (Luke 1: 57 - 66, 80).

Tuesday June 24th 2025 is the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. 

How many Birthdays are celebrated in the Church's 365 days Liturgical Calendar? Only Three:

1. Christmas, Birthday of Christ the Lord - 25th December.

2. Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 8th September.

3. Birthday of St. John the Baptist - 24th June.

This indicates that John the Baptist is a significant persona in salvation history.

Who is St John the Baptist? 

Let us sketch a profile of St John the Baptist:

+ He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.

+ His name is John: "God is gracious."

+ He was sanctified in his mother's womb. He kicked his mother hard in the womb with excitement when Mary visited Elizabeth.

+ John was chosen by the Father to be forerunner of Jesus Christ and to prepare His way.

+ John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.

+ His humility is supreme. He said: "He [Jesus] must increase. I must decrease." And he allowed his disciples to switch allegiance and follow Jesus.

+ John gave his life for Jesus. He was a great martyr for Jesus. 

+ St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. 

+ Without compromise, John fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah. 

+ Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.

+ What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many.

+ John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly. 

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

DO NOT CRITICIZE. DO NOT COMPLAIN. DO NOT CONDEMN ANYONE.

NO CRITICIZE. NO COMPLAIN. NO CONDEMN.

THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.

Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?

How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?

You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”  (Matthew 7: 1 - 5).

Monday, June 23rd 2025 in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time. 

What is Jesus teaching us in the Gospel for today? You may call it: Lesson in - No Complain, No Criticize, No Condemn.

If you can deal with complaining in your life,  you can eliminate temptation to criticize and condemn people indiscriminately.

If you find that you must reprove a sinful behavior, pray to discern whether the task of gentle and fraternal correction is part of your gifts.

If you must correct the offender, pray for the grace of wisdom and counseling.

All these prayers can be made in seconds. "HOLY SPIRIT GIVE ME WISDOM AND COUNSEL TO HANDLE THIS SITUATION."

One way I deal with the fatal character flaw in me of complaining, criticizing and condemning people is using the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

St Philip Neri who is a renowned confessor and spiritual director teaches that frequent and good Confessions is one of the best ways to acquire humility. Think about it: Isn't pride the cause of our complaining, criticizing and condemning other people?

SOMETIME AGO, I ATTENDED THE 25TH EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN A BIG METROPOLIS. I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A VITAL AND INTIMATE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, THE EUCHARIST AND THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

JUNE IS THE MONTH THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH HONORS THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS.

Friday June 27th is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Honor Jesus on the Feast of the Sacred Heart with Mass and Holy Communion.

"Once, on the Feast of St. John the Apostle, Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary and made known to her that the devotion to His Sacred Heart was, as it were, the last effort of His love to save mankind. He said that by this devotion He desired to annihilate the dominion of sin in the hearts of men and to establish in its place the dominion of love. In no way is this twofold purpose accomplished more perfectly than by the frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion."  (DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS).

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