REJOICE BECAUSE OF THE POWER OF JESUS IN YOU.

EVEN THE DEMONS ARE SUBJECT TO US.

THE GOSPEL:
"At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.

He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.

Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.

Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.

Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment.

Do not move about from one house to another.

Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ [Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’

Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”

Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like ­lightning from the sky.

Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10: 1 - 2, 17 - 20).

Sunday July 6th in the 14th Week in Ordinary Time.

The jubilant disciples fresh from their practice teaching declared to Jesus: "The demons are subject to us because of your name."

This is what impressed most the student missionaries. Do you believe in demons?

Today, belief in demonic spirits seems to have gone out of fashion. Note that the heart of our faith are truths revealed by Sacred Scripture, embedded in Sacred Tradition and confirmed by the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium. So this truth about demonic spirits cannot be in fashion or out of fashion.

Here is what the Holy Church teaches about demons:
"Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan. Their choice against God is definitive. They try to associate man in their revolt against God." (CCC 414).

Rebellion, disobedience are characteristics of the evil one and its minions. Another universal character trait of the devil is falsehood, lies and distractions. The devil is is incapable of telling the truth.

Every Christian by virtue of his Baptism is anointed and empowered to subjugate  demons in the Name of Jesus. How do we come to this power? Faith. Faith comes by hearing, hearing the word of Christ. The more you hear the word, the more it makes an impression on your mind until one day, it reaches the critical mass and you find that you have come to believe what you have been hearing. At this point, you are ready to act.

Act in trust and confidence and you will rejoice that the demons are subject to you in the Name of Jesus.

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

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

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 SAINTS ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL AND ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA.

FEAST OF SAINTS ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL & ANTHONY MARY ZACCARIA.

“Although the voice is Jacob’s, the hands are Esau’s.” (Genesis 27: 22).

THE WORD OF GOD:
"When Isaac was so old that his eyesight had failed him, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “Son!” “Yes, father!” he replied.

Isaac then said, “As you can see, I am so old that I may now die at any time. Take your gear, therefore—your quiver and bow—and go out into the country to hunt some game for me. With your catch prepare an appetizing dish for me, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my special blessing before I die.”

Rebekah had been listening while Isaac was speaking to his son Esau. So, when Esau went out into the country to hunt some game for his father, Rebekah [then] took the best clothes of her older son Esau that she had in the house, and gave them to her younger son Jacob to wear; and with the skins of the kids she covered up his hands and the hairless parts of his neck. Then she handed her son Jacob the appetizing dish and the bread she had prepared.

Bringing them to his father, Jacob said, “Father!” “Yes?” replied Isaac. “Which of my sons are you?” Jacob answered his father: “I am Esau, your first-born. I did as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your special blessing.”

But Isaac asked, “How did you succeed so quickly, son?” He answered, “The Lord, your God, let things turn out well with me.”

Isaac then said to Jacob, “Come closer, son, that I may feel you, to learn whether you really are my son Esau or not.”

So Jacob moved up closer to his father. When Isaac felt him, he said, “Although the voice is Jacob’s, the hands are Esau’s.” (He failed to identify him because his hands were hairy, like those of his brother Esau; so in the end he gave him his blessing.)

Again he asked Jacob, “Are you really my son Esau?” “Certainly,” Jacob replied.

Then Isaac said, “Serve me your game, son, that I may eat of it and then give you my blessing.” Jacob served it to him, and Isaac ate; he brought him wine, and he drank. Finally his father Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer, son, and kiss me.” As Jacob went up and kissed him, Isaac smelled the fragrance of his clothes. With that, he blessed him saying,

“Ah, the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field that the Lord has blessed!

“May God give to you of the dew of the heavens And of the fertility of the earth abundance of grain and wine.

“Let peoples serve you, and nations pay you homage; Be master of your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you.” (Genesis 27: 1 - 5, 15 - 29).

Saturday July 5th in the 13th week in Ordinary Time is the feast St Elizabeth of Portugal.

Also known as Elizabeth of Aragon. (1271 - 1336). Elizabeth married King Denis of Portugal when she was very young. Only 12 years. She set an example of Christian charity in the court and was the peace-maker between her husband and the children. After her husband died, Elizabeth became a Franciscan tertiary.

Today is also the feast of St Anthony Mary Zeccaria.

St. Anthony Zaccaria (1502-1539) was Italian from Cremona in Lombardy. 

He became a successful medical doctor at the age of 22. Unsatisfied with worldly success, he became a priest. He continued to care for the sick and comfort the dying. In Milan, he co-founded women’s religious order and then a congregation of priests called the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (the Barnabites). Anthony reinvented a three-day exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Forty Hours Devotion.  St Anthony Zaccaria died in 1539 at the age of 37.

Our key Scripture this Saturday is from Genesis 27: 1 - 29). We explore the great mystery of Divine Providence. And specifically the mystery of the Call, the Choice and the Anointing by the Sovereign God.

Why does God call Jacob instead of Esau? David instead of one of his brothers? Judas Iscariot instead of Benjamin? Why did God chose Israel for His own People instead of Egypt? This is a great mystery of Divine Providence.

"For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel as his treasured possession." (Psalm 135: 4).
This Divine Purpose cannot be started more clearly than this.

God’s choice comes with blessings:

"May God give to you of the dew of the heavens and of the fertility of the earth abundance of grain and wine." (Genesis 27: 28).

Through the great mystery and gift of Baptism, we are all called, chosen and anointed as priest, prince and prophet.

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

"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.

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

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 CHOICE, CALL AND ANOINTING OF ST MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST.

THE CALL OF MATTHEW, THE EVANGELIST.

THE GOODNEWS:
"As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

"The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9: 9 - 13).

Friday 4th July 2025 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time is the Independence Anniversary in the United States of America.

The Gospel today penned by the Evangelist Matthew deals with the Choice, the Call and the Anointing of Matthew.

Jesus encountered Matthew in his Tax Office. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."
Why did Matthew respond to the Call of Jesus at once?

Matthew earned his leaving in an occupation where daily temptation is irresistible. He was aware that the people despised him.
Matthew's heart had yearned for a change of job and a change of life for a long time. St Augustine teaches that every true desire is a prayer crying out to God. God Himself plants every good desire in our hearts.

Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."
This Call and Response was not an accident. It was pure Divine Providence.

A man named Matthew was called by Jesus to follow Him. The man left everything: job, money, house and property and friends and followed the stranger named Jesus. Matthew was not a saint when Jesus called him. But Jesus did not come to call saints.  Paul the Apostle describes his own calling thus:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 1: 12 - 14).

Matthew could have written the above words.

Jesus delights in sinners because sinners give Him the opportunity to show off His mercy. Why did Jesus institute the Most Holy Eucharist? Jesus delights in mercy. Why did our Lord and Redeemer Institute the Sacrament of Reconciliation? To embrace sinners in His merciful love. Why did Jesus institute the
Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion, the Divine Mercy Devotion? Jesus delights in mercy. Mercy may well be the last covenant with mankind.

Matthew accepted the call of Jesus with generosity and then lived in a manner worthy of the call he received.  He used his old skill as a tax recorder to become an evangelist and penned the Gospel that bears his name.

The call of Matthew is a story of mercy. The unfathomable mercy of God.  “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
(Matthew 9: 12 - 13).

Have you received any mercies from Jesus lately? Do you know the ABC of Mercy?
+ A. Ask for mercy.
+ B. Be merciful.
+ C. Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

"Make it your first care to find the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33).

"The kingdom of God is present in all its fullness, though in a hidden manner, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. He who seeks out My Eucharistic presence is seeking the kingdom of God. He who approaches Me in the Sacrament of My love will find the kingdom and therein all that he desires according to My Spirit. Come first to Me in the Sacrament of My love. Let this become the supernatural instinct of your soul: always to come to Me, always to seek My Eucharistic Face."  (IN SINU JESU, Monday, August 25, 2008).

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

"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." (From the Litany of the Precious Blood).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

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

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN JULY.

July 4th, 2025 is First Friday in July.

St Margaret Mary Alacoque received the vision where Jesus Our Lord promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.

In the 7th month of the year, July 2025, we look at Promise #7.

#7.  "Tepid souls shall become fervent."

What is tepid?  Tepid is defined as lukewarm, slightly warm, unenthusiastic, apathetic, half-hearted.

Listen to what Jesus says about such persons:
"Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth."  (Revelations 3: 16).

Are you lukewarm with regards to Jesus, to spiritual things? You can regain your fire through devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

"We should, every morning, place our sufferings, prayers and labors in the pierced Heart of Jesus; there everything will be purified and perfected." (Author of "Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus").

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart devotional prayers and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE.

FEAST OF ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE.

THE GOSPEL:
"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).

Thursday July 3rd 2025 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, we do 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 alive 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.

"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." (From the Litany of the Precious Blood).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

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

JESUS EXPELLED THE DEMONS.

JESUS ENCOUNTERS THE DEMONIAC FACE TO FACE.

THE GOSPEL:
"When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.

They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”

Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.

The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”

And he said to them, “Go then!”

They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned.

The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district." (Matthew 8: 28 - 34).

Wednesday 2nd July in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the dramatic encounter of Jesus with the Demoniacs, we see how easy it is for Jesus to heal the Demoniac. Just one word. Remember the healing of the Ten Lepers, the Blind Man Bartimaeus, the Raising of Lazarus to life. Just One Word to effect the miracle. This is because Jesus is God. All things are possible for God. All things are simple for God.

The narratives of miracles in the Gospel are not for our entertainment but to excite our faith and courage us to come to Jesus and ask for miracle.

Whatever is your need: health, job, money, food, peace, come to Jesus with confident faith and He will grant your request. If it is necessary for you to wait a week, a month, a year or many years for the answer, wait for Jesus. Wait with faith and courage.

“Go home to your family and ­announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” This is the divine command of Jesus. What is the result?

"Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed."

 Mark the Evangelist wrote in his version of the narrative of the Demoniac.

The Demoniac did not go to school or seminary before he started evangelizing.

He "began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed."

Testimonies convert people and strengthen the faith of many.

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

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal 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." (From the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ).

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

FEAST OF ST JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM. MISSIONARY PRIEST.

JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM. MISSIONARY.

WHY IS YOUR FAITH SO LITTLE?

THE GOSPEL:
"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 1ST 2025 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.

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 a 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 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.

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