THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT.

STAY AWAKE! 

"O Father, in your Truth (that is to say, in your Son, humbled, needy and homeless) you have humbled me. He was humbled in the womb of the Virgin, needy in the manger of the sheep, and homeless on the wood of the Cross. Nothing so humbles the proud sinner as the humility of Jesus Christ’s humanity.”  (St. Anthony of Padua).

"Jesus said to his disciples: 

“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 

In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. 

They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. 

So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.

 Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left.

 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. 

Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.

 Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into.

 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Matthew 24: 37 - 44).

Sunday 30th November 2025 is the First Sunday of Advent.

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What is Advent?

Advent is a period of waiting and expectation for a big event.

 Advent is the Season we wait for the Coming of the Lord.

  We wait for two Comings of Jesus:  The first Coming of Jesus as a poor child born in a Manger in Bethlehem.  This has happened. We celebrate the feast every year at Christmas.

The second Coming is His Coming in majesty at the end of the ages to judge the world. 

When Jesus comes again in glory and majesty and we who watch for that day may inherit the great promise

in which now we dare to hope, teaches the Church.

How do we wait? "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13: 33).

In order to be fully awake and take full advantage of all the blessings that God has prepared for us this Advent, we need an Advent Plan.

Your Advent may just be more of your daily devotions:

Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Adoration, Penance, etc.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap."

Lord Jesus, we are Your people and Your inheritance. Save us in Your mercy.

Wishing our friends a grace-filled and prosperous Advent.

Today is the last day of November. 

Remember the Poor Souls in PURGATORY. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

BE VIGILANT. PRAY AT ALL TIMES.

BE VIGILANT. PRAY AT ALL TIMES. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. 

For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth.

 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21 : 34 - 36).

Saturday November 29th in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. 

We honor the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday.

What are your plans for Advent?

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap."  (Luke 21: 34).

Today is the last day before Advent, the beginning of the New Year of the Church.  

What is the above Scripture saying to me?

Be careful not to spend the next four weeks before Christmas like the Unredeemed.

 Parties, shopping, games, etc.  If you do, you will miss out on a lot of graces that Jesus Christ has prepared for you this Advent.

You ask: What should I do?

"Be vigilant that you may have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent." (Luke 21: 34 - 36).

"Be vigilant" means: Be alert and watchful through prayer, worship, songs and praises like someone waiting for the arrival of a very important guest.

In God's loving and merciful Providence, He ordained that Prayer, Fasting and Almsgivig are means to overcome the stubborn inclination of the flesh to sinful habits. 

"Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22: 20).

“These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.”  (Revelation 22: 6 - 7).

This maxim of St Augustine seems  appropriate here:

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

Get a good Advent Plan. Happy Advent friends. 

"The riches of My kingdom are for all whom I have redeemed with My own Blood, but it pleases Me to bestow them through My Mother, the Queen and Mediatrix who stood at the foot of My Cross, offering Me and offering herself with Me. Today she reigns with Me in paradise. All that I won for souls from My Father on the altar of the Cross, with My Mother at My side, I will now pour out on souls through her Heart and through her hands. This, too, is the secret of a fruitful priesthood. In every priestly act and in all of life, place your hands in the hands of My Mother and your heart in her Heart." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, January 8, 2008).

The Church prays for the Holy Souls in PURGATORY in November. 

Do not neglect your loved ones. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

PAY ATTENTION TO MY WORDS.

MY WORDS WILL NOT PASS AWAY.

"Jesus told his disciples a parable.

“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees.

When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near;

in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21: 29 - 33).

Friday 28th November in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture instructs us to know the Times and the Seasons. That is, tap into God's mighty and merciful Providence in the government of the world to give your life peace and serenity.

God's Divine Providence is God's plan, design or purpose for governing the world He created. Divine Providence and Divine Mercy are intertwined. God's Divine Providence plans. His Divine Mercy executes the plan with mercy.

Jesus concluded the Parable of the Fig Tree in today's Gospel by asserting this great proclamation on the Word of God.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

The Church remembers the suffering souls in Purgatory through prayers and sacrifices.

John Paul II in a 1999 general audience, said that “purgatory” refers to the process of purification for those who die in the love of God but are not yet completely imbued with that love, so that every attachment to evil and every deformity of spirit is removed before full union with God."

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

LET US THANK THE LORD FOR HIS BLESSINGS.

GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: 

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. 

Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled.

 Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. 

They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; 

and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, 

and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 

People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 

But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:  20 - 28).

Thursday November 27th in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Today is Thanksgiving Day in America. 

"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? The chalice of salvation I will raise, and I will call on the name of the Lord." (Psalm  116:12-13). 

"Sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts, always thanking God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus." (Ephesians 5:19 - 20). 

"I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth." (Psalm 138 :1). 

America is God’s own country. God has blessed America mightily. Not for a few people. But for the many. Everyone wants to come to America. Everyone wants to enjoy God's blessings and benevolence to America and thank our most loving God and Father. There must be a legal path for this. Immigration reform! Subito! 

Are you a thankful person? 

Everything we have: country, family, health, money, job, food, friends, every possession from the smallest to the largest is a gift from God. 

How do we render thanks for the gifts we enjoy? 

Do you know the source of your gifts? Do you know that God expects us to render thanks? 

"A sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me." (Psalm 50: 23).

This means that God is most delighted if you honor Him with the Sacrifice of the Mass (Eucharist = Thanksgiving). 

On Thanksgiving Day, let us lift our hearts and minds to God in praise and thanksgiving:

"Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite; as we come before you on Thanksgiving Day with gratitude for your kindness, open our hearts to have concern for every man, woman, and child, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever." (Collect, Thanksgiving Mass).

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“For the souls in purgatory there is great joy as well as pain as they know for certain they are bound for Heaven!” ~ St. Catherine of Genoa. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

PRAY OFTEN FOR PERSEVERANCE.

BY YOUR PERSEVERANCE YOU WILL Survive. 

"Jesus said to the crowd:

 “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. 

It will lead to your giving testimony.

 Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 

You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. 

By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21: 12 - 19).

Wednesday 26th November in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our key Scripture is from Luke 21: 12 - 19. We have here, one of the most powerful and comforting promises Jesus made to His followers.

Soon after the experience of Pentecost, Peter and John confirmed the truth in their encounter with the Sanhedrin (the Supreme Court of Israel). 

Other Apostles including Stephen and Paul confirmed the reliability of this promise of Jesus in their ministry. 

St Catherine of Alexandria during her trial before Emperor Maxentius was aided by this promise. Her brilliant defense of the Faith threw the Emperor into a murderous rage and he condemned Catherine to death.

This promise has blessed me on a number of occasions. Hence I call the Holy Spirit the Voice that speaks in Court.

Martyrdom is the badge of honor for Christians.

 Tertulian, the 2nd century African theologian stated that "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity."

Blessed are you if you persevere under persecution, your salvation is secured. (Cf Luke 21: 19).

"God's faithful promises are my armor and protection." (Cf Psalm 91: 4).

The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. 

"One of the holiest works, one of the best exercises of piety, which we can practice in this world, is to offer sacrifices, alms and prayer for the dead.” (St John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church. 

Do not neglect your loved ones. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

THE FEAST OF ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.

FEAST OF ST CATHERINE OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.

"While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,

Jesus said, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”

He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’

Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” (Luke 21: 5 - 11).

Tuesday 25th November 2025  in the 34th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Catherine of Alexandria. (+ 310). 

Virgin and Martyr. African.

St Catherine of Alexandria was well educated and articulate.  No surprise about this because she was from the upper class of society in Alexandria, one of the foremost center of learning and culture at that time.

She was courageous and fearless. 

She defended the Christian faith before Emperor Maxentius.

The Emperor was taken aback at the erudition and courage of the young Catherine.

He flew into a rage and condemned Catherine to death.

St. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, lawyers and preachers.

Where does the power, eloquence, wisdom of St Catherine of Alexandria come from? We don't have to look far.

"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute." (Luke 21: 14 - 15).

In our Gospel for today, Jerusalem glistened and appeared very beautiful as the disciples of Jesus feasted their eyes on Israel's capital city.

Remember Christ's  warning in today's Gospel. “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

For the disciples of Jesus, this prophecy must have sounded difficult to believe. Jerusalem looked too good and too beautiful to believe it could stand forever.

Think of it. Rome was destroyed. Berlin was leveled to the ground. Moscow was burnt down by Napoleon.

Gaza is being destroyed brick by brick. Ukraine and Russia are competing to see who will be the first to destroy the other.

The prophecy in the Gospel of today is specific to Jerusalem. Jerusalem met its nemesis in 70 AD when Emperor Vespatian and his son Titus executed God's judgment on Jerusalem. Regard Jerusalem as a type.

What is the meaning of the prophecy for us today? 

Do not despise the word of God.

Watch rather the signs of the End Times. The End may be near.

 Watch and pray that you may not succumb to vile temptations.

The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones.

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

THE MEMORIAL OF ST ANDREW DUNG-LAC AND HIS COMPANION MARTYRS.

MEMORIAL OF ST ANDREW DUNG-LAC, PRIEST AND MARTYR AND COMPANIONS. 

"When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. 

He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; 

for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” (Luke 21 : 1 - 4).

Monday 24th November 2025 in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. The last Week in Church Calendar is the Memorial of St Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and his companion martyrs.

St Andrew, a Vietnamese priest was martyred in 1839 along with 117 others, 96 of whom were Vietnamese. 

The rest of his companions were foreign missionaries. 

Has any other religion suffered the same experience of martyrdom in modern history as the Christian faith?

Why do Christians embrace martyrdom? 

Jesus Christ, Prince of Martyrs did not resist His martyrdom.

 Nor did St John the Baptist or any Christian martyr. 

Christians know that death is not the end of their life. 

We believe in the Resurrection.

 Jesus Christ defeated death by dying on the Cross. His word is true.

Our key Scripture, popularly called the Widow's Mite  teaches us lessons on how to give to God.

Before you give, know that God owns everything and needs absolutely nothing.

Giving to God actually is a test of how much you trust God. Then consider all that God has given to you: life, health, family, job, food, etc.

Respond to what your heart tells you to give knowing that you can not out do God in generosity.

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me." (Psalm 23:1 - 2).

"So much time and energy is wasted in futile worrying and in endless discussions about what is needed and how to go about getting it. Simply present your needs to Me with a trusting heart and I will show you that I am a lavish provider for those who let Me take charge of their needs. The obstinate desire to control all things and to obtain by purely human means the things necessary to My work is an affront both to My merciful love and to My infinite generosity. Has this not been My message all through sacred history: “Trust Me, and you shall see wonders”?  (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, February 3, 2009). 

The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. 

Do not neglect your loved ones. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html