PROPHECIES OF THE VISITATION OF MARY TO ELIZABETH.

MARY IS THE BLESSED ONE BECAUSE OF HER FAITH. 

"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

"And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

"He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home." (Luke 1: 39 - 56).

Saturday May 31st 2025 in the 6th Week in the Season of Easter.

The Church celebrates today the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.

Please note the following salient points from today's Gospel.

1. Elizabeth did not text Mary to inform her of her condition. How did Mary know? By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

2. Mary set out at once to visit Elizabeth. Most of the friends of God react at once to the inspiration of God.

3. Again under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth uttered words of prophecy. "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?" 

4. St John the Baptist, chosen and called to make the way of the Lord jumped with joy in her mother's womb. 

5. Last but not the least, Mary proclaimed the beautiful prophetic Magnificat. 

Brethren, this is what caught my attention:

"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

The Virgin Mary is great and blessed because of her extraordinary faith. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  Today is the last day of May. Every June, the Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Be ready for an exciting month of June. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

YOUR SORROWS WILL TURN INTO JOY!

JOY AFTER SORROWS. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"

"When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 

"So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

"On that day you will not question me about anything.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” (John 16: 20 - 23).

Friday 30th May 2025 in the 6th Week in the Easter Season. 

In the Gospel of today, we encounter Jesus and His disciples still huddled together in the Upper Room celebrating His last Supper.

Jesus is departing from His disciples who would no longer be able to encounter Him in the familiar manner they had been accustomed. St Pope Leo the Great, in his catechesis on the Ascension, teaches that it is the will of God that after the Ascension, the disciples of Jesus will now recognize and encounter Him through the Holy Sacraments. In the Sacraments, Jesus remains for us and with us in a visible sacramental form. 

In the Last Supper, Jesus used all types of promises to encourage and reasure His disciples.

They must wait patiently for the fruition of their work as a pregnant woman understands that she must wait patiently for the baby to be ready or the farmer wait for the crops to mature for harvest.

The last promise of Jesus on this occasion is breathtaking. 

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

The promises and teachings of Jesus on Prayer, on Asking is substantial. 

1. Prayer is a vital necessity. 

2. Pray with expectant faith. 

When you understand the truth of the above principles, you will come to experience the truth that Prayer is the Activator of Power. Welcome the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the God in us Who prompts us to pray for something at the very time God is ready to make that gift to us. 

I will share here two experiences about Prayer. 

I can only experience the joy of childbirth by analogy since I am not a woman. I can say that the joy of answered prayer is the most intense joy I have been blessed with. I have experienced the joy of answered prayers a couple of times in my life. 

The second thing I want to state about prayer is that most of the important things and cherished experiences I have enjoyed in life have come through Prayer. 

The Holy Spirit Novena starts tomorrow, Friday May 30th. Make the most of it and you will laugh for joy! 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

IF YOU PREPARE YOURSELF, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE BIG GIFT.

PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. 

He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16: 12 - 15). 

Wednesday 28th May 2025, 6th Week in the Easter Season.

Have you noticed that the theme of the Holy Spirit has dominated the Last Supper Discourse these past few days? No accident! The Church is telling us that the Great Feast of Pentecost, the Birthday of Holy Mother Church is very near.

Today Jesus reveals that "When he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth." 

Now what does the Spirit of truth do? The opposite of truth is falsehood, lies, deception, lack of integrity. Is there a spirit of falsehood? Absolutely. His name is Satan, Devil, Liar, Father of Lies, the Accuser of the brethren. Master of fake news. Murderer. 

The greatest threat of the world today is not nuclear bomb or Any Virus. The greatest threat to civilization is falsehood, lies and deception. Falsehood and lies are so pervasive in the world today. God gave us the Internet for work, leisure, evangelization and source of information. The Internet barely 30 years in existence has been perverted by the spirit of greed for money and immorality. Satan and his cohorts want to dominate the Internet 100 %. This is why the mission of the Holy Spirit is so important today. 

 The contrepoint to this demonic threat is the Holy Spirit. We have this consolation of the Scriptures:

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." (John 1: 5 NLT).

PREPARE TO RECEIVE ALL YOU CAN RECEIVE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE BIG GIFT THAT THE FATHER DOES NOT RATION. YOU RECEIVE IN DIRECT PROPORTION TO THE CONTAINER YOU BRING. BIG CONTAINER = BIG GIFT. SMALL CONTAINER = SMALL GIFT. 

HOW MUCH YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT IS UPTO YOU. 

Pentecost Novena 2025 starts Friday May 30th all over the world. Do not miss the opportunity to be filled with the Holy Spirit on PENTECOST Sunday, June 8th. Remember: The Holy Spirit is the biggest Gift of the Father. This is a Gift you ask for and you receive immediately. No delay. No rationing. 

How do we receive more of the Holy Spirit? 

We receive in direct proportion to our desires and preparedness. 

A student receives knowledge from a lecture in direct proportion to his desire to learn and acquire knowledge and his preparation for the lecture.

Our desire is for the Holy Spirit is enhanced by focus on the object of the desire and focused prayer and repetition.  Eg:  The Novena of the Holy spirit. 

"Always the Blessed Virgin asks me for the prayer of the Rosary, the prayer that binds all her children to her immaculate and maternal Heart. The Blessed Virgin asks all her priest sons to take up again the Rosary, to pray it often, with attention and love. It is by the humble prayer of the Rosary that priests will be delivered from the temptations that harry them." (IN SINU JESU).

“The Magnificat is Our Lady’s Prayer of thanks. She can help us to love Jesus best; she is the one who can show us the shortest way to Jesus. Mary was the one whose intercession led Jesus to work the first miracle. ‘They have no wine,’ she said to Jesus. ‘Do whatever he tells you,’ she said to the servants."  (Mother St Teresa of Kolkata). 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1  

THE FEAST OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY.

FEAST OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP AND MISSIONARY. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. 

But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 

And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.” (John 16: 5 - 11). 

Tuesday 27th May 2025, in the 6th Week in Easter is the feast of St Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop and Missionary. (+ 604). 

St Augustine of Canterbury was an Italian Benedictine monk sent by Pope St Gregory the Great to evangelize the Anglo-Saxon people who conquered England and dominated the original Celtic population, who embraced Christianity centuries earlier.

St Augustine baptized Ethelbert, the Anglo-Saxon king and the people followed their king into the Church. St Augustine made Canterbury his Episcopal See and became the first Primate of all England.

Who is the Holy Spirit? The Lord Jesus calls Him here The Spirit of truth.  He is "the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby)." (AMPC Version).

Why is the Holy Spirit sent after the Ascension of Jesus? He is sent to take up permanent residence in the disciple. As the Spirit of power, He will empower the disciple to fulfill the Mission of Jesus Christ and witness to the Lord. The Holy Spirit continues the ministry of Jesus today through the Body of Christ.

Jesus also promised that the Holy Spirit "will guide you [Church] to all truth." This is a very important detail that has divided the Body of Christ. St John the Evangelist writes in the conclusion of his Gospel:

"It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." (John 21: 24 - 25).

The Holy Spirit reveals to the Church through the written and oral sources the truth that concerns Jesus and the Church. All the truth necessary for salvation. The FULLNESS of TRUTH. 

An example of this is the stability of doctrine that characterized the early Church up to the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and continues till today 2025. Only the Holy Spirit could have guaranteed this phenomenon:

One People, One Faith, One Shepherd, Worldwide. We see the evidence of this during the funeral of Pope Francis and the inauguration of the Papacy of Pope Leo XIV. 

"I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth."

WHAT IS OUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST? WHO ARE WE IN CHRIST JESUS?

WE ARE THE BAPTIZED, THE CONFIRMED AND THE EUCHARISTIC PEOPLE. WE ARE THE SUNDAY PEOPLE, THE EASTER PEOPLE. WE ARE PRIEST, PRINCE & PROPHET.

THIS IS OUR IDENTITY. THIS IS WHO WE ARE.

“The Magnificat is Our Lady’s Prayer of thanks. She can help us to love Jesus best; she is the one who can show us the shortest way to Jesus. Mary was the one whose intercession led Jesus to work the first miracle. ‘They have no wine,’ she said to Jesus. ‘Do whatever he tells you,’ she said to the servants."  (Mother St Teresa of Kolkata). 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1  

WE SALUTE ST PHILIP NERI, THE APOSTLE OF JOY.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST PHILIP NERI, PRIEST. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.” (John 15: 26 - 16: 4).

Monday May 26th in the 6th Week in the Easter Season is the Memorial of St Philip Neri, Priest.   (1515 - 1595), Italian Priest.

St Philip Neri was an extraordinary priest filled with the Holy Spirit and ecstatic joy. 

He founded the Congregation of the Oratory, the same religious community that gave the Church St John Henry Newman. St Philip Neri converted thousands through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

He was a great catechist and spiritual director. He was noted for his joyful and cheerful disposition which attracted thousands to him.

One of my favorite quotes from Philip is:

"One of the very best means of obtaining humility is sincere and frequent confession."

"And you also will testify..." Jesus predicted about you and me in today's Gospel. 

What does this mean for you and for me? Testify is another word for witness which comes from the Greek word MARTYR. Jesus is saying that in small ways and big ways, we shall be martyrs for Him every day. 

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

Do not be frightened of being a martyr for Jesus in your work, home, church and public places. This is why Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will help us to bear witness to Him. Without the Holy Spirit, no one can be a martyr for Jesus. 

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT? 

HE IS THE THIRD PERSON OF THE BLESSED TRINITY. HE IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH. THE LORD AND GIVER OF ABUNDANT LIFE. HE IS OUR ADVOCATE. THE VOICE THAT SPEAKS IN COURT FOR US. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE GREAT FRIEND THAT IS CLOSER TO US THAN OUR GARMENT. 

Example of those who witnessed to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit after Pentecost:

Peter, Paul, John, Stephen, Barnabas, James. These saints are mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles.

In today's first Reading from Acts 16: 11 - 16, a wealthy business woman of Philippi named Lydia witnessed to Jesus after she was baptized by St Paul.

The Cross and Martyrdom are intrinsic to the very essence of Christianity. "It was ordained that the Christ should suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory." (Luke 24: 46, 26). So must we. 

“The Magnificat is Our Lady’s Prayer of thanks. She can help us to love Jesus best; she is the one who can show us the shortest way to Jesus. Mary was the one whose intercession led Jesus to work the first miracle. ‘They have no wine,’ she said to Jesus. ‘Do whatever he tells you,’ she said to the servants."  (Mother St Teresa of Kolkata). 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1  

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE TOP PRIZE.

THE ADVOCATE WILL TEACH YOU EVERYTHING. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 

You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”(John 14: 23 - 29).

Sunday 25th May 2025, 6th Week of the Easter Season.

Our Savior in the Farewell Discourse continues to reveal to His chosen friends the dynamics of the the Kingdom of God that He is entrusting to them. The Church is the seed of the Kingdom on earth.

The Holy Spirit, the Big Gift of the Father is the Spirit of truth. He will lead and guide the Church to all truth and preserve the integrity of the teachings of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit will be our Advocate and constant Helper. The one condition for receiving this free Gift is: "If you love me you will keep my commandments," says Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is the Author of Abundant life. 

WHAT IS ABUNDANT LIFE? 

I DON'T NEED MUCH MONEY TO LIVE WELL. I DON'T NEED MANY TOOLS & POSSESSIONS TO LIVE WELL. I DON'T NEED MUCH VARIETY OF FOOD TO LIVE WELL. 

WHAT I NEED IN ABUNDANCE IS MUCH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST. FAITH THAT BELIEVES THAT JESUS LIVES IN ME HERE AND NOW IN THE SACRAMENT OF THE PRESENT MOMENT. THIS IS ABUNDANT LIFE. 

Pentecost Sunday is June 8th, 2025. Novena to prepare to receive this special Gift of the Holy Spirit starts on Friday May 30th . I am excited.

The perpetual virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been believed and honored by the Church from the beginning of the Apostolic Age to this day. St Augustine describes it like this: Mary is virgin at birth. She remains virgin all her life. She is virgin forever. 

The Church honors her in the Litany of Loretto with these words:

Virgin most prudent

Virgin most venerable

Virgin most renowned

Virgin most powerful

Virgin most merciful

Virgin most faithful

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

DO NOT BE TERRIFIED OF PERSECUTION.

NO SLAVE IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER.  

"Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. 

"If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. 

"Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’

"If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.” (John 15: 18 - 21).

Saturday May 24th in the 5th Week in the Easter Season.

In the Gospel of today, Jesus utters a truth which is still absolutely authentic today:

NO SLAVE IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER.  

Before God we are all slaves. We are slaves because our limited freedom and capacity depend entirely on God. (Cf John 15: 5).

The Scripture further says: everything you have comes from God. Why do you boost? (Cf 1 Corinthians 4:7).

Brothers and sisters, do you know that this world is very hostile to God? The world is ready to trample the slaves of God under foot. Be real. Be authentic. Do not love this world and all that it parades as ultimate pleasure and goodies. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

THE FEAST OF ST RITA OF CASCIA.

THE FEAST OF ST RITA OF CASCIA, AUGUSTIAN NUN. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.” (John 15: 9 - 11).

Thursday May 22nd 2025 in the 5th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St Rita of Cascia.  (1381 - 1457), Augustinian nun. Rita was able to stop a vendetta between the relations of her murdered husband and the murderers. That was a feat in those days. Rita subsequently entered an Augustunian convent where she spent 40 years in contemplation, austerities and service to the poor and sick.

St Rita of Cascia is known as the patron saint of desperate and impossible situations. 

 "If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love." (Cf John 15: 9 - 11).

It is not possible to divorce the love of Jesus from keeping His Commandments. What are these Commandments?

The Ten Commandments, 

the Commandments of the Church.

All the statutes in Sacred Scripture.

Let us not fool yourselves. All the Commandments are important. Every one of them will be accounted for in the last judgment.

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

MY FATHER WANTS YOU TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT.

IF YOU WANT TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT, REMAIN IN ME. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. 

"You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you.

"Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. 

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.

"Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” (John 15: 1 - 8).

Wednesday May 21st 2025 in the 5th Week in the Easter Season. 

IF YOU WANT TO BEAR MUCH FRUIT, REMAIN IN ME. Says Jesus. 

Every Christian wants to bear some fruit. Some desire to bear 30%, others 60% and yet others 100%. 

You can not bear any fruit if you do not remain in Jesus. How do you remain in Jesus so that you can bear much fruit like the Pros of our faith? 

We learn from examples. Who are the Pros of our faith who bore 100% fruit. Consider some of these saints and then we look at how they lived to become highly productive in the Vineyard of the Lord. 

Saints Peter and Paul, John, Benedict, Dominic, Ignatius Loyola, Therese of the Child Jesus, Catherine of Siena, St John Paul II, and many more. 

They abided or remained in Jesus through the daily consumption of His word. It is said that St Anthony of Padua could quote the entire Bible. He is not the only Pro that achieved this feat. 

Why is the word of God very important if you want to be very productive in the Kingdom of God? 

To quote St Ambrose of Milan, a Pro in his own right, "Know the Heart of God from the word of God."

The word of God is primus inter pares (first among equals), to become a Pro, you need a plan of life that consists of 7 branches:

1. Word of God.

2. Eucharist.

3. Prayer.

4. Reconciliation.

5. Examination of Conscience.

6. Spiritual Reading.

7. Faith-sharing or Ministry.

Saints do all the above on daily basis.

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

"The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."

- (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

THE FEAST OF ST BERNADINE OF SIENA, OFM.

FEAST OF ST BERNADINE OF SIENA, OFM

MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. 

"Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

"You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. 

"I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me." (John 14: 27 - 31).

Tuesday May 20th, 2025 in the 5th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St Bernardine of Siena, OFM. 

 (1380 - 1444). Italian Franciscan Priest. St Bernardine had a great charism for preaching. During his relatively short life, he was able to evangelize all Italy. Below is a snippet from his biography.

"When other priests consulted him for advice, Bernardine gave them a simple rule: “In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory. Direct all you do purely to his honor. Persevere in brotherly charity, and practice first all that you desire to teach others.”

Bernardine came down to us in history for his special love for the holy name of Jesus.

Here is a great quote from St Bernardine on the name of Jesus:

“The name of Jesus, is in fact,

the great foundation of the faith

that turns people into children of God.

The Catholic Faith indeed,

consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as light of the soul, gate of life and foundation of eternal salvation.”

Our key Scripture for today proclaims:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you."

Jesus gives a special peace, the Shalom to His disciples and to us the present day disciples. This is the Peace of Christ. It is radically different from the peace of the world. The world claims peace when there is no war, when the stock market and the economy are good. When the family is not at each other's throat. Everyone is in good health. This like Pax Romana, the imposed peace of the Roman empire on conquered people. Peace through strength. 

What is the peace that Jesus Christ gives us? What is His special type of peace? In one word, it is opposite the Pax Romana, the peace of this world. 

Examples of the Peace of Christ:

The martyrs felt immense joy and peace at the moment of their execution. Christians rejoice in suffering.

Paul and Barnabas in the first Reading of today strengthened the spirits of the disciples [at Derbe] and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Cf Acts 14: 19 - 28).

Peace is a special gift of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit takes residence in your heart, He brings the peace of Christ. 

The Holy Spirit brings also love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness and other sweet gifts. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

"The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."

- (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH US EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW FOR OUR MISSION.

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH YOU EVERYTHING. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 

"Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

"Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14: 21 - 26).

Jesus said in the Gospel of today: "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14: 21 - 26). 

The Holy spirit is the Lord and Giver of life. He is our best Teacher. If we are docile to the Holy Spirit, He will manifest Himself to us as “All that we need.“ He who has Supreme Wisdom living in him does not need a Master's degree. 

Let us prepare for the Solemnity of Pentecost with fervent desire. 

The Holy Spirit was certainly very active in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

"The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."

- (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1