Monday, September 23, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024
THE MEMORIAL OF ST PADRE PIO, PRIEST AND MYSTIC.
MEMORIAL OF ST PADRE PIO, CAPUCHIN PRIEST. MYSTIC AND STIGMATIST.
Believe & Share the Word of God.
"Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.
"For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
"Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 16 - 18).
Monday 23rd September 2024 of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Pio Pietrelchina better known as Padre Pio. (1887 - 1968).
Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchin Priest. A mystic and stigmatist. He was a highly gifted confessor and counseling guru. Padre Pio died in 1968 and was canonized in 2002 by Pope St John Paul II in the lifetime of many people reading this.
Padre Pio entered the Capuchin Monastery at the age of 15. A mere boy, he had little in the way of this world's goods, education or spiritual riches. He soon showed immense appetite for genuine riches or spiritual treasures. And in accordance with the spiritual law laid down by Jesus, Padre Pio grew into a giant.
"To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 18).
“The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9: 22).
Padre Pio knew what it is to suffer. He suffered almost constantly from ill-health throughout his long life. He was maligned by some members of the Church hierarchy and even by his confreres.
In all these sufferings, Padre Pio never doubted for a moment his faith in Divine Providence. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary sustained him in the many crisis of his life. He describes himself as "a priest who prays." St Padre Pio is one of the most popular saints in the Roman calendar.
"PRAYER IS THE BEST WEAPON WE HAVE; IT IS THE KEY TO GOD'S HEART." (ST PADRE PIO).
Pray for the grace of Perseverance especially in Prayer.
"My way is one of gentleness, of mercy, and of compassion. I offer My Cross to souls, but I never impose it, and when a soul begins to say “Yes” to the sweet and terrible exigencies of My love, I fit My Cross to her shoulders, and then help her to carry it step by step, increasing its weight only as that soul grows in love and in the fortitude that comes from the Holy Spirit." (IN SINU JESU, September 23, 2011, Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina).
The word of God is the Light of the Soul. The word of God should be the light of your house.
You are the Salt and the Light of the world. You carry this Light with you wherever you go: work, school, hospital, shopping mall, etc.
The Seed (Jesus) is the word of God.
Believe in the word of God.
Share the word of God.
Practice what you believe.
"To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 18).
In our Baptism, we receive the light of Christ and a variety of supernatural graces. If we show ourselves good managers of this treasure, they grow like a mustard seed. Slowly slowly and steadily. If we neglect these gifts, they shrivel until one day, they die. Look! People do not suddenly stop believing or stop coming to Church. Their faith has been dying slowly long before that mortuary day. What are the signs of dying faith?
#1 Doubts of the truths of faith.
#2 Critical attitude of things of God.
#3 Severe and critical attitude of the Church.
#4 Hostility against sacred Ministers.
#5 Witholding contributions to the Church.
These are just a few. When you notice these signs in family members or friends, you are obligated under the Spiritual Works of Mercy to:
#1 Instruct the ignorant.
#2 Counsel the doubtful.
Do not forget to apply the universal remedy of prayer. St Monica prayed for St Augustine for many years before his conversion. See what St Augustine turned out to be.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
Saturday, September 21, 2024
THE SON OF MAN WILL BE KILLED BY HIS ENEMIES.
BECOME LIKE A LITTLE CHILD.
"Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.”
"But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”
"But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.
"Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
"Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.” (Mark 9: 30 - 37).
Sunday 22nd September 2024 in the 25th Week in Ordinary Time.
Three times on different occasions Jesus shared the critical facts of His coming Passion and Death with His closest friends. Three times the Apostles did not get it. On this occasion, they argued among themselves which of them will be the greatest in the Kingdom of God.
In the second Reading this Sunday from James 3: 16 - 4:3, James explained why our prayers are not answered:
"You ask but do not receive,
because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions."
We see Jesus in our key Scripture for today (Mark 9: 30 - 37) performing His core ministry. We know that Jesus feeds people. Jesus heals the sick. He casts out evil spirits. He raises the dead.
But what is the core ministry of Jesus? It is teaching people about the Kingdom of God. 40 days after His Resurrection, Jesus continues teaching about the Kingdom of God.
The core lesson we see today is the status of a little child in the Kingdom of God. God loves the simplicity and natural trusting heart of a little child. Jesus contrasts the simplicity of the little child to the shameless greed and ambition of the adult person.
Jesus wants us to become like a little child. Many saints especially St Therese of the Child Jesus was able to live out this ideal and on its basis introduced a New Way of holiness. Doing every day little acts of love to her neighbor. Trusting in God's powerful, merciful and at times mysterious Providence to protect and provide for her. St Therese of the Child Jesus is one of the 37 Doctors of the Church.
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to Your Plan.” (Cf Luke 1: 38).
Become a little child.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
Friday, September 20, 2024
THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.
THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.
"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).
Thursday September 21st 2024, 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.
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 sin 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 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).
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
Thursday, September 19, 2024
THE FEAST OF SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAEGON AND PAUL CHOONG HASSAN AND COMPANION MARTYRS.
STS ANDREW KIM TAEGON & PAUL CHOONG HASSAN AND COMPANIONS.
The Women who provided for Jesus.
"Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
"Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources." (Luke 8: 1 - 3).
Friday September 20th 2024 in the 24th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr and Paul Chong Hasang, catechist and 130 Korean martyrs. They all gave their lives to Christ between 1839 and 1867. Among the martyrs were priests and laity and a full representative of the Church in Korea from all backgrounds.
We celebrate today the witness of the martyrs of Korea to the truth that the message of Jesus, of mercy, peace and promise of eternal life can resound in every heart in the world. A Korean traveler in China heard the Good News in that country. He returned home to Korea with tracts of the Catechism. He brought the light of the faith to Korea.
In the Gospel of today, we see that women who benefited from the ministry of Jesus provided for His needs and those of His disciples. They provided for them "out of their means." The widow of Zarephath provided for Elijah out of her meagre resources. God blessed this source and it never dried up till rain was restored.
This incidence is typical of God's arrangement for providing the future disciples of Christ. In the Old Testament, we see many instances of God providing for His servants through people. This principle was established with the levitical priesthood. Elisha, the prophet was likewise provided for by a couple in the course of his work. In the New Testament, we find abundant examples from the works of the Twelve and St Paul.
What are the lessons for us? God makes adequate provisions for the needs of those who preach the gospel. God prefers a situation of weakness and dependence for His servants so that His wisdom and power can triumph through their work. God infact wants His collaborators in the work of salvation to imitate the simplicity of Jesus Christ. He appoints people to supply the needs of His workers.
How do the disciples of Christ today appropriate God's blessings and provisions for their ministry? First, they must be aware of these provisions in the Bible. They must understand what God's word or promise is saying to their particular situation. Disciples of Jesus must believe his word and act on this word. Prayer, trust and obedience activate the power of the word.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
THE FEAST OF ST JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR.
FEAST OF ST JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR.
"A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
"Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee.
Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself,
“If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”
"Jesus said to him in reply,
“Simon, I have something to say to you.”
“Tell me, teacher,” he said.
“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty.
Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both.
Which of them will love him more?”
"Simon said in reply,
“The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.”
He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
"Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon,
“Do you see this woman?
When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.
You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.
So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love.
"But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
"The others at table said to themselves,
“Who is this who even forgives sins?”
"But he said to the woman,
“Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7: 36 - 50).
Thursday September 19th 2024 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Januarius, Bishop and Martyr.
St Januarius was martyred about 305. He was Italian. He was Bishop and Martyr and was killed under Emperor Diocletian.
His dried blood liquifies miraculously several times a year. Even science and agnostics are confounded by this miracle. Jesus our Savior still presents believers more than sufficient proofs like the liquification of the the blood of Januarius to strengthen their faith.
"Saved by faith!
"You faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7: 50)
Jesus said these words to the woman described as a "sinful woman" in Luke 7: 36 – 50. This woman's faith in Jesus brought her not only forgiveness of her many sins but spiritual healing as well. Faith is to accept God's word as true. Which word of God do I need to accept as true here and now?
My sins are forgiven.
God is my Father.
God's mighty and merciful providence is guiding, protecting and providing for me every moment of my life.
Lord Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
LOVE IS ALWAYS PATIENCE.
LOVE IS PATIENT.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7).
WHAT IS LOVE?
Our key Scripture for today is from St Paul's famous theme of love. (1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7). Since Love is the center and heart of the Christian faith, 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7 is one of the best Scripture for the examination of conscience before Confession. It covers almost every sin.
Meditate on this prayerfully often and you will experience peace of conscience.
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
Sunday, September 15, 2024
THE MEMORIAL OF SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN, MARTYRS.
FEAST OF SAINTS CORNELIUS, POPE & CYPRIAN, BISHOP, MARTYRS.
The Amazing Faith of the Roman Centurion.
"When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum.
"A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him.
"When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave.
"They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.”
"And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.
".... For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
"When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
"When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health." (Luke 7: 1 - 10).
Monday September 16th 2024 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time.
Do you remember where you hear our key Scripture for today?
"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed."
Of course at the Mass before Holy Communion. These are the extraordinary affirmation of faith of the Centurion that astonished Jesus. These words are part of the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist used worldwide.
When Jesus heard the centurion say this, He was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health."
Faith is the key to everything in life. Without faith, you waste your time attending Holy Mass every day, saying hundreds of Rosaries, going on pilgrimages every year.
One atom of faith move mountains. Faith makes you understand that the mighty, merciful and often mysterious designs, plans, purposes and providence is sovereingn and paramount in every situation.
Faith makes you humble.
The two easy ways to obtain strong faith are:
Study the word of God until you are saturated with all the instances of the manifestations of great faith, viz: Abraham, Jacob, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Mary, Joseph, Peter, James and John and Paul. The Gospel of today is a good example.
Ask God in sincere and unrelenting prayer for the gift of Faith: "Father, give me faith or kill me. I can no longer live without faith. I am tired of this dull life without faith."
Battle God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for the gift of faith. You will win.
Monday 16th September 2024 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Cornelius (Pope and Martyr) and Cyprian (Bishop and Martyr).
Pope Cornelius was martyred under Emperor Gallus in 253. St Cyprian, a Bishop from Carthage (modern Tunisia) was martyred in 258 under Emperor Valerian.
The two saints we honor today were acquainted with one another. They lived under one of the most severe persecutions of the Church. Tens of thousands were martyred. Rome was determined to stamp out once and for all Christianity in the empire.
Many Christians did not have the courage to face martyrdom. So they denied Jesus in order to preserve their lives. When the violent persecution abated, those Christians who denied Jesus wanted to be received back into the Church. Some Bishops said Yes. Other Bishops refused them a second chance. The controversy nearly split the Church asunder.
Pope Cornelius wanted the Christians who apostasized to confess their sins and do appropriate penance and be allowed to rejoin the Church. Many Bishops opposed him.
St Cyprian from the powerful African Church in Carthage came to his support. Their side won and schism was prevented.
In the Prayer over the Gifts for this Mass, the Church affirmed that the Eucharist gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian the courage to offer their lives for Christ. The same Eucharist can keep us faithful in all our trials, the Church prays. If you can receive the Eucharist more than once a week and do not do so, how can you justify your abstinence from such a Gift? It is simply ridiculous.
[Receive, we pray, O Lord, the offerings of your people in honor of the passion of your holy Martyrs Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, and may the gifts that gave them courage under persecution make us, too, steadfast in all trials.Through Christ our Lord.]
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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
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