YOU ARE MY SON AND NOT A BASTARD.

GOD SPEAKS TO ME AS SON. 

"Brothers and sisters, You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:

“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; 

for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;

 he scourges every son he ­acknowledges.

”Endure your trials as “discipline”;

 God treats you as sons.

 For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?

 At the time, all ­discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, 

yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.

 Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed." (Hebrews12:5-7, 11-13). 

 Sunday 24th August in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time.

I heard the above Scripture in a 9 am Sunday Mass for the first time on August 20, in the same 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

I was mourning my fall from grace after tumbling down the mountain top of corporate ladder to the dark hole in the valley. 

I never imagined that misfortune can be engineered by God to serve our higher purpose. Welcome to the Divine Providence. 

When I got home from Mass that day,  I was happy and delighted to read again  this glorious message of Abba Father to me, the once prodigal son:

"Endure your trials as “discipline”;

 "God treats you as his sons. 

For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 

At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it."

My response to Abba Father is best expressed in: Psalm 103, one of my favourite Psalms and Scriptures:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;

and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him,

For he knows how we are formed;

he remembers that we are dust.

"But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him,

And his justice toward children’s children among those who keep his covenant." (Psalm 103).

Now consider this question brethren: Where would I be today if not for the residue of grace I received at Baptism? 

By faith I recognized at once that the Reading from Hebrews that Sunday morning was for me. God was speaking to me. By faith I knew that God is merciful and kind. 

You too my friends, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by Him; 

for whom the Lord loves, He disciplines; He scourges every son and daughter He acknowledges.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

I received Abba Father's shattering message on August 20th, in the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Was Mary praying for me? 

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

FEAST OF ST ROSE OF LIMA, VIRGIN AND RELIGIOUS.

FEAST OF ST ROSE OF LIMA, Virgin and Religious. 

"Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

 “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their ­example.

 For they preach but they do not practice.

 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on ­people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.

 All their works are performed to be seen.

 They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’

 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’

 You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

 Call no one on earth your father;

 you have but one Father in heaven.

 Do not be called ‘Master’;

 you have but one master, the Christ.

 The greatest among you must be your servant.

 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 1 - 12).

Saturday August 23rd 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Rose of Lima in Peru. 

(1586 - 1617).  Virgin and a Dominican tertiary. 

Rose admired St Catherine of Siena from her youth and was deeply inspired by this Doctor of the Church who was a Dominican tertiary. 

 Rose of Lima became a Dominican tertiary and a model of penitence, prayer and simplicity. 

St Rose of Lima was canonized less than 50 years after her death in 1671.

 She became the first native born saint in the Americas.

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus upbraided the scribes and the Pharisees. Why? 

They teach correct Doctrine but leave the practice of what they teach to their followers.

Who are the equivalent of the scribes and Pharisees today?

They are the Bishops and Abbots who received teaching authority directly from Christ. 

They have helpers in priests, theologians and catechists.

Church Father and Doctor of the Church St John Chrysostom teaches that the Bishops and their assistants must be respected because they hold apostolic office no matter their failings.

We may think that a Bishop is in error with regard to one doctrine or the other. But who are we to criticize him when his Boss says:

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16).

All things work together for good for those who love  God. (Cf Romans 8: 28). God's sovereign and mysterious Providence governs all things. 

God makes everything beautiful in the fullness of time. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3: 11).

Trust in the merciful, mighty and mysterious Plan of God.

We all will be judged on the Last Day by our obedience and humility.

Jesus concludes His teaching for today with these words:

"The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 11 - 12).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 

HAPPY FEAST DAY O MARY OUR QUEEN! 👑❤️🌹

"When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, 

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. 

The second is like it: 

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40).

Friday 22nd August 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the   Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Why the Feast of the Queenship of Mary? 

The Father gave us the Mother of His Son Jesus to be our Mother from the Cross. (Cf the Collect of this Feast).

Mary is the Mother of Christ the King and therefore the Queen Mother.

 (Bathsheba the mother of Solomon was recognized as Queen mother). 

In the Church's liturgical prayers from ancient times, Mary has been hailed as Hail holy Queen, Queen of Peace, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of all Saints, etc. (See the Litany of Loretto).

 The Church applies here the ancient maxim: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi.  This means that the Law of Prayer becomes the Law of Faith.

 Whatever the Church prays in her Liturgy is automatically the faith of the Church.

 Whatever is bound on earth by its prayer becomes bound in heaven. 

The 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary celebrates the Coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth.

 The fruit of this mystery is to grow in faith in the powerful intercession of Mary.

 In order words, Jesus Christ our Lord and King crowned His Mother Queen  so that we can approach her with confidence with all our needs. 

The world today is desperately in need of the mercy of God and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(Remember the ABC of Mercy? ASK FOR MERCY. BE MERCIFUL. COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY). 

 This is the main reason for the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Knock in Ireland, etc. Mary encourages Christians to pray especially the Holy Rosary. 

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 22: 34 - 40, the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus went beyond their narrow standard in His answer:  

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.

  And the second is like it: 

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 37 - 40).

How do you love God? 

How do you love your neighbor? 

A little while ago, I will find it difficult to answer the above questions. But then I came across this Scripture from St Paul which helped me to answer the question. 

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." (CF 2 Corinthians 5:. 14 - 15). 

I interpret the passage thus:

I am impelled/compelled to love God back because I have seen how much He loves me. 

Just like saying to a friend or neighbor: You visited me when I was sick and brought me comfort. Now that you are sick, I will visit you and bring you comfort. 

And we say to God: Because I have come to know and believe how much You love me and do good to me always, I commit myself to do whatever pleases You and this includes loving my neighbor as myself. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10 

MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X, PONTIFF.

MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X, PONTIFF. 

DO NOT DESPISE THE INVITATION OF JESUS TO YOU TO THE EUCHARIST.

GOSPEL:

"Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, 

“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

"A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited:

 “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’

 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 

The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

"The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 

Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.

"Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 

The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

"But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.

 He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’

 But he was reduced to silence. 

Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 

Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22: 1 - 14).

Thursday 21st August 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Pius X, Pontiff.

The Church and the world owe St Pius X a great deal for these innovations that we take for granted today:

 Frequent Holy Communion,

 renewed emphasis on the Catechism,

 children receiving Holy Communion from an early age.

 Reform of seminaries. 

 For his work on the Eucharist, he is called the Pope of the Eucharist.

He defended stoutly the integrity of the Catholic faith against modernist heresies.

 His papal motto: "To restore all things in Christ" became truly his magnificent obsession. 

“I was born poor, I lived poor, I die poor” was his final word. He died brokenhearted because he could not avert the First World War that started in 1914.

Famous Quote:

"Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven." (Pope St Pius X). 

Our Gospel of today is the Parable of the Wedding Feast.

 Remember that the Church is the seed of the Kingdom of God on earth. 

 Remember too that the wedding feast here is an analogy for the Eucharist and the King here is Jesus.

The King cries out: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast." (Matthew 22: 4).

A heart-felt invitation is issued to the friends of the King.  

See what happens:

"Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.  The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them."  (Matthew 22: 5 - 6).

Not only did many of the invited guests reject the invitation contemptuously but to add grave insult to injury, some guests mistreated the messengers and killed them. 

The chosen and invited guests have proved themselves very unworthy of the great honor done to them.

Sunday is the day Christians are asked to leave work and worldly past times and come and worship the Lord. 

 How sad it is to read that less than 30% accept the invitation to keep sacred the Sabbath Day. 

What is going on?

"I have created you for My love, and My love alone can satisfy the desires of your heart. Enter, then, the wound in My side and, penetrating even into My Heart, drink deeply of the springs of love that will refresh and delight your soul and wash you in preparation for the wedding of your soul with Me, for I am the Bridegroom of your soul, your Saviour from all that would defile you, and your God who is love and mercy now and unto the ages of ages." (IN SINU JESU page 162)

"Many are invited, but few are chosen.”  (Matthew 22: 14).

Lord Jesus, may we be among the ones who are chosen.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

The harvest is abundant but where are the workers?

THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD IS THE CHURCH WHERE THERE IS NO UNEMPLOYMENT.  YOU TOO, GO TO THE VINEYARD.

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus told his disciples this parable: 

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

 After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.

 Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off.

 And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.

 Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’

 They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’

 When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 

‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’

 When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

 So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.

 And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,

 ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ 

He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

 Take what is yours and go. 

What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? 

Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?

 Are you envious because I am generous?’ 

Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20: 1 - 16).

Wednesday 20th August 2025 in the  20th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153). French. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

St Bernard was a Cistercian monk who is well known in the history of the Church. 

 A man of great zeal for the Church. A renowned theologian and orator. He represented the Pope as an ambassador for the Crusade. 

Among peers, he was a towering giant, both intellectually and spiritually. He was immensely learned, holy, cultivated, gentle, a great teacher and a highly effective preacher.

 Last but not the least, he was a great Marian devotee who gave us the Memorare.

I remember Bernard best because of the Memorare Prayer that he left the Church. The Memorare is one of the most popular prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary recited by many Catholics daily. (Remember O Most Blessed Virgin Mary that never was it known. ..).

St Bernard was a great miracle worker who brought relief to thousands through his intercessions.

 Bernard suffered from stomach cancer most of his life and died in 1153 at the age of 63.

The Memorare Prayer: (Attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux).

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me."

Amen.

"WE SHALL GROW TO RESEMBLE WHAT WE LOVE."  (ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH).

In our Gospel today, the owner of the vineyard needs laborers for his vineyard.

 Hour after hour, he hires men from the labor market for his vineyard.

 Even at 5 pm, an hour to the end of the work day, he said to a few men he found at the labor center, "Why have you been standing here idle all day? You go into my vineyard too.”

The Church on earth is the seed of the Kingdom of God.

 In this Kingdom, there is no unemploymen.

 

There is work for everyone in the Vineyard.

 The Owner of the Vineyard is an equal opportunity Employer.

 He will be fair and generous. But do not be surprised and bitter if every worker is paid the same. Why were the late workers paid first?

God's mighty and merciful Providence can be very mysterious to us.

"The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.”  The Church is the vineyard of the Lord. (Isaiah 5: 7).

At the end of the parable, the Master asked the disgruntled workers:

"What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?" (Matthew 20: 14 - 15).

Since the Parable of the Vineyard is an allegory for the Church today, we may wonder:

Look at the harvest! Where are the workers?

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 37 - 38).

"I am the source of all fruitfulness in the vineyard that is My Church. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Come to Me, then. Remain with Me. Act for Me, guided by My Holy Spirit, and return to Me with thanksgiving. This is the secret of a priestly life that will be pleasing to Me, will build up My Church, and will glorify My Father." (IN SINU JESU page 103).

"May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us." (Ephesians 1: 17, 18).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

 “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, 

“Who then can be saved?”

 Jesus looked at them and said,

 “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are ­possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, 

“We have given up ­everything and followed you. What will there be for us?”

 Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me,

 in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,

 judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, 

and will inherit eternal life.

 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Matthew 19: 23 - 30).

Tuesday August 19th 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Eudes, Priest and Founder. 

St John Eudes lived between 1601 and 1680.

St John Eudes was a French priest and a gifted preacher.

 John took a private vow of chastity at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest at 25.  He became a great and talented preacher of the Gospel and an eminent evangelist. St John Eudes had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 He founded the Society of Jesus and Mary (Eudists).  He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge for ex prostitutes. He was declared by Pope Leo XIII as “father, doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”

The rich young man who wanted eternal life and at the same time clung to all his material possessions was told to get rid of them and come and follow Jesus.

 That was too much for him. He walked away from the Pearl of great Price very sad.

In our Scripture for today, Jesus warns about the dangers of unbridled desire to be rich. To put it starkly, just as power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, so does wealth corrupts and extreme riches corrupt extremely.

 For proof of this, James 5:1-3 warns:

 "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you..."

St Paul warns: "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." (1 Timothy 6: 9).

Do not despise the wisdom of the Scriptures on the lure of money. Some play lottery to get rich quick.  "Why do you play the lottery, my friend?" You may be surprised to receive an answer like this: "When I win millions of dollars, I will distribute half to the poor and use the balance to build homeless shelters." An ex taxi driver told me about some of his cabby friends who actually won millions from lottery. They all became homeless in a few years.

God knows what we need and when we need it. 

This is why Jesus gave us the shortcut to the good life in this great promise:

 "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and the rest will be given to you."

God who is so faithful and true has never failed in his promises.

“Who then can be saved?”

 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26).

 Sacred Scripture which is the foundation and pillar of truth in our life in Christ has a lot to say on this:

#1. For God all things are possible. (Jesus). 

#2. for nothing will be impossible for God.” Angel Gabriel to Mary. (Luke 1: 37).

#3. "The Lord turned to him [Gideon] and said, “Go with the strength you have and save Israel from the power of Midian. It is I who send you.” (Judges 6: 14). Angel to Gideon. First Reading today. 

What is the take away from today's Scripture? 

A lesson in God's pervasive power and sovereignty. God's Divine Providence is mighty, concrete and immediate. It is always merciful but could be mysterious for those who lack the eyes of faith. 

When God gives you a job to do, the one thing you want to hear is:  "I am with you."

If God is with you, the mission is accomplished. Therefore look for the signs of the Presence of Emmanuel in: joy, peace, tranquility and confidence. This is the internal testimony of the Presence of God who has chosen, called and anointed you for service. 

Mary responded to such a moment thus: "Be it done to me according to Your word." 

St Paul responded: 

"Therefore, since we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion." (2 Corinthians 4: 1 AMPC) 

Jesus promises:

"Give Me the first place in your heart and in your life, and I will provide for you in every circumstance. I will not allow you or those with whom you share this life to want for anything. My providence is wholly at the disposal of My merciful love. Trust then in My merciful love and you will see the wonders that I will accomplish for you." (IN SINU JESU page 100).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

FOLLOW ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU GENUINE RICHES.

THE SAD RICH YOUNG MAN. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"A young man approached Jesus and said, 

“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 

"He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good.

 If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

"He asked him, “Which ones?”

 And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; 

you shall not steal; 

you shall not bear false witness; 

honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

"The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed.

 What do I still lack?” 

"Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.

 Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." (Matthew 19: 16 - 22).

Monday 18th August 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time. 

The rich young man of today's Gospel desires eternal life but loves the present material tangible world more.

 This world cannot produce the peace he hungers for.

 The anti-dote to his sadness is laid out clearly by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Come follow me and make my Kingdom your first priority and its kind of holiness. I promise you that you will have everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10