The man who is rich and a fool.

"I WILL TEAR DOWN MY BARNS AND BUILD LARGER ONES." "O RICH FOOL. THIS NIGHT, YOU SHALL DIE."

“Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

"Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”   (Luke 12: 13....21).

Sunday July 31st of the 18th week of Ordinary Time.

The Gospel today shows us where prosperity becomes a risk for everlasting life. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. Man's prosperity is Satan's opportunity.
A perfect example of this in very recent history are Poland and Ireland. Two countries that were proud to be called Catholic. Both countries registered Sunday Mass attendance over 80%. Then both countries were invaded almost simultaneously by western economic imperialism. Both countries succumbed to the lies of Satan. To make a long story short, Catholic Mass and devotional practices were abandoned. Vocations plummeted. Promised worldly prosperity, gone with the wind.

The Scriptures invite us in the words of the 2nd Reading from Colossians 3 to seek what is above where Christ is. In the 1st Reading from Ecclesiastes, we hear that all things are vanity. God indeed has created man for Himself and made his heart restless until it rests in God Himself.

"How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 3).

In today's Gospel, when the Rich Fool discovers that his business has succeeded beyond his wildest expectations, his instinct is not to donate to the local charities. "I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods." Many Church Fathers commenting on this parable see the consequences of unbridled materialism.

The Scriptures teach that "Man does not live on bread alone" and points to the impossibity of a man trying to drag a camel through the tiny gate of the city. Fool! This very night your soul will be demanded of you.

The Eucharist kills the temptation to greed and materialism.
"I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will not hunger and whoever believes in me will not thirst." (John 6: 35).

7. 31. We close the page to July, the month we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

MY WORK IS TO BEAR TESTIMONY TO THE PERSON WHO IS THE TRUTH, THE WAY AND LIFE. WITH MY EXECUTION, I HAVE NOW CONCLUDED THE WORK OF MY LIFE. YOU TOO MUST FIND AND FINISH THE WORK OF YOUR LIFE. JB.

"Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

"Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.

"But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

"The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus." (Matthew 14: 1 - 12).

Saturday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Chrysologus. (406 - 450). Italian. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St Peter Chrysologus was the Bishop of Ravenna. At a time when the Church was faced with the scourge of the Monophysite Heresy. (They taught that Jesus Christ is only God and not a Man). St Peter defended the two natures in Jesus Christ: Human nature and Divine nature. His theological teaching and preaching are characterized by exceptional clarity. Peter came down to us from history as a great homilist and his theological work on the nature of the Incarnation and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history has lasting value.

In the Gospel of today, John the Baptist becomes the first casualty of the ministry of Jesus Christ. John's whole life and ministry is to be the Voice of Jesus, to prepare the way for the Way. And finally to pay the supreme price of Discipleship.

Jesus preached openly on the cost of discipleship. My kingdom is not of this world. The best of my rewards will not be in this world, Jesus teaches.

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10: 28). The disciples of Jesus might have thought of this as a hyperbole. Now John the Baptist has been beheaded.  What may follow?

"The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” Jesus said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” (Luke 9: 22).

"Happy those who are persecuted
in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10).
Lord, grant us the grace to accept all the persecutions You send to us.

7.30. Honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ this July. Only one day left.

"Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Lord Jesus, I believe in the Resurrection of the dead.

"ACTION AND CONTEMPLATION ARE VERY CLOSE COMPANIONS; THEY LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE HOUSE ON EQUAL TERMS. MARTHA AND MARY ARE SISTERS." (ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX).

"Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.

"Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him,

“Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 19 - 27).

"I have promised, I will do it, says the Lord."

Friday 29th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

“This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  (John 11: 4)

Our adversity is always an opportunity for God to be glorified.  Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead and the sisters sent word to Jesus about it.   Jesus said to Martha:  “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”   (John 11:  40).  And Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11: 43). And then commanded:  “Untie him and let him go.” (John 11: 44).

The faith of Martha in the Resurrection amazes me. “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 27).
The whole equation of our Christian religion hinges on faith. God called Abraham and made a great promise to him. He responded in obedience of faith. God announced the Incarnation to Mary. She too responded in obedience of faith. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a list of Who is Who in the Bible. The common thing among all of them is Faith. They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith. If you do not have faith, you are simply not in the game. You have to do everything to get faith, to increase faith and to use and enjoy your faith.

Are you bound and "tied hand and feet" by Unbelief?  If God can raise Lazarus from the grave after four days, He certainly can restore your marriage, health, finances, job, etc.
Faith is saying YES to God so that He will do what He promises to do.

"I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD."  (Psalm 30: 5 - 6 RM)

How strong is your faith? What are you doing on daily basis to increase your faith?

A few examples:
#1 Daily Prayer.
#2 Daily Word of God.
#3 Daily Examination of Conscience.
Faithfulness to the above will launch you far.

7. 29. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

You are the Clay. I Your Maker, I AM the POTTER.

"BUT NOW, O LORD, YOU ARE OUR FATHER; WE ARE THE CLAY, AND YOU ARE THE POTTER; WE ARE ALL THE WORK OF YOUR HAND." (ISAIAH 64: 8).

"Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done?—oracle of the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel." (Jeremiah 18: 6).

Of course, O Lord my God.  You can do with me as you please.  You are the Potter.  I am the clay.  "Let it be done to me according to Your will."  (Luke 1: 38)

God challenged the arrogant and independent minded Israelites with the reminder that their destiny is squarely in His hands.  Think about it: Aren't you happy that your destiny is in God's hands? I am.

"Whenever the vessel of clay he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making another vessel of whatever sort he pleased." (Jeremiah 18: 4).

You recognize that God is the potter.  God knows the plan He has for you and me.  He says under oath (oracle of the Lord) that this plan for our welfare is excellent.   (Jeremiah 29: 11).

Consider this:
"If that which God Himself chooses for you does not content you, from whom do you expect to obtain what you desire?.... Do you know better than God?" (Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ).

We are clay in the potter's hands and our attitude should be  like a weaned child in its mother’s arms. (Cf Psalm 131: 2).

" So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10).

These are some of the clay vessels which were transformed by the Master Potter:
Moses
Jeremiah
St Paul
St Francis of Assisi
St Louis Marie de Montfort

7. 28. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!"

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

What is the Pearl of the Great Value?

I HAVE SOUGHT THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE FOR MOST OF MY LIFE. I HAVE FOUND JESUS CHRIST WHOM MY HEART LOVES. I CLING TIGHTLY TO HIS LOVE COME WHAT MAY. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” (Matthew 13: 44 - 46).

Wednesday 27th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture is about the importance of finding the hidden treasure. Jesus talks constantly about the Kingdom of God. His golden rule is:  Make the Kingdom of God your first priority. 

Consider this question:

What is there about the kingdom of God and the idea of the hiding of very important things? 

Jesus led a hidden life for 30 years. The Blessed Virgin Mary led almost her entire life of about 60 years hidden from the public.

 

Great saints are protected from the prying eyes of the world by hiding them when they are alive. The whole monastic tradition thrive on the idea of hidden life. 

In summary, great things like diamonds are formed in a hidden state. The narrow, hidden way finds the kingdom.

Are you searching for a great treasure?  Faith, love, meaning, peace, contentment?

Jesus Christ is the Pearl of great price.  What must we give up in order to acquire in the fullest sense this priceless treasure when we find it?

"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."  (Matthew 19: 29). 

Here are some who heard the promise, believed it and searched and found the great treasure:

St Mary Magdalene: Found the Great Pearl and thereafter got attached to the Pearl.

St Ignatius Loyola: Loved the Pearl passionately and abandoned everything and followed the Pearl everywhere.

St Thomas More:  Gave his life happily for the Pearl.

St Teresa of Kolkata:  Traveled the whole world spreading message about the Pearl.

St Paul the Apostle says:

"More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ"  (Philippians 3: 8). 

When you find the Pearl of Great Price, all these things will be added to you: peace and genuine prosperity, contentment and fulfillment in life.

7. 27. In July, we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. The Blood that was shed for our salvation. Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus by pleading the Precious Blood over all priests especially those in most need of the mercy of Jesus Christ. 

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.

Feast of St Joachim and Anne, the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Grandparents of Jesus.

SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, THE PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND THE GRANDPARENTS OF JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD AND MERCY FROM GOD THEIR SAVIOR. (CF PSALM 24: 5).

“Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  (Matthew 13: 36 - 43).

Tuesday 26th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Church says about Anne and Joachim:

"It was in the house of Joachim and Anne that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, devotion to Anne and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always shown toward our Blessed Mother. We, too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christain formation." (Roman Missal).

"I came to you today as the little grandchild of Joachim and Anna. Tell Me that you are happy to have Me in this house, and invite Me to rule over your heart and in your life." (IN SINU JESU page 239).

The disciples asks Jesus to explain the Parable of the weeds in the field. Why did the disciples ask for an explanation of this miracle? First because they sense it is very important in understanding how things work in the Kingdom. Secondly, the action of the Owner of the field is counterintuitive. No wise farmer should have made that decision.

Note the seven elements of the Parable:
1. “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man"
2.  The field is the world
3.  The good seed the children of the kingdom.
4. The weeds are the children of the evil one.
5. The enemy who sows them is the devil.
6. The harvest is the end of the age.
7. The harvesters are angels.

This Parable reflects the state of the Church today. While we are asleep, the enemy sneaks into the field and sowed lies, falsehood and misinformation. Through this, the Devil sets Bishop against Bishop, priest against priest, nuns against nuns. Lay man against lay woman. The clear teaching of Jesus Christ becomes muddled. The casualty is Evangelization. A House divided cannot stand.

This is why the wisdom of God instructs:

"No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.... My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways."

The wisdom of God tempers the impatience of men in dealing with the evil in the world:
"Trust Me with the timing of ALL THINGS." (Cf IN SINU JESU). To confirm this truth, the Alpha and Omega, the Faithful and True Witness says in the Book of Revelations:

"But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelations 21: 8 CEV).

SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, THE PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND THE GRANDPARENTS OF JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD AND MERCY FROM GOD THEIR SAVIOR. (CF PSALM 24: 5).

“Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  (Matthew 13: 36 - 43).

Tuesday 26th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Church says about Anne and Joachim:

"It was in the house of Joachim and Anne that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, devotion to Anne and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always shown toward our Blessed Mother. We, too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christain formation." (Roman Missal).

"I came to you today as the little grandchild of Joachim and Anna. Tell Me that you are happy to have Me in this house, and invite Me to rule over your heart and in your life." (IN SINU JESU page 239).

The disciples asks Jesus to explain the Parable of the weeds in the field. Why did the disciples ask for an explanation of this miracle? First because they sense it is very important in understanding how things work in the Kingdom. Secondly, the action of the Owner of the field is counterintuitive. No wise farmer should have made that decision.

Note the seven elements of the Parable:
1. “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man"
2.  The field is the world
3.  The good seed the children of the kingdom.
4. The weeds are the children of the evil one.
5. The enemy who sows them is the devil.
6. The harvest is the end of the age.
7. The harvesters are angels.

This Parable reflects the state of the Church today. While we are asleep, the enemy sneaks into the field and sowed lies, falsehood and misinformation. Through this, the Devil sets Bishop against Bishop, priest against priest, nuns against nuns. Lay man against lay woman. The clear teaching of Jesus Christ becomes muddled. The casualty is Evangelization. A House divided cannot stand.

This is why the wisdom of God instructs:

"No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.... My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways."

The wisdom of God tempers the impatience of men in dealing with the evil in the world:
"Trust Me with the timing of ALL THINGS." (Cf IN SINU JESU). To confirm this truth, the Alpha and Omega, the Faithful and True Witness says in the Book of Revelations:

"But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelations 21: 8 CEV).

The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God on earth. (Cf CCC 567). It is the Plan and Wisdom of God that the Wheat and the Weed should coexist in the Church till the end of time. The Church will always be a messy institution. This may be one of the great mysteries in religion that St writes about. 

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16: 18).

7. 26. We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

Take and drink. This is My Blood poured out for you... The Blood of the New Covenant.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

 
"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16: 18).

7. 26. We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

Take and drink. This is My Blood poured out for you... The Blood of the New Covenant.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St James, Apostle.

"FOR THE ONE WHO DOES NOT PRACTICE MERCY WILL HAVE HIS JUDGMENT WITHOUT MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT." (JAMES 2: 13).

"The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”  (Matthew 20: 20.... 28).

Monday July 25th 2022 of the 17th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St James, Apostle.

James and John are sons of Zebedee, both fishermen. They left their nets and followed Jesus when He called them from their fishing occupation. Peter, James and John belong to the inner circle of the group of Apostles.

James was known as the Elder or Greater to differentiate him from his fellow Apostle called James. James was one of the Apostles with Peter and John who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
James was condemned to death under King Agrippa I and beheaded around 44 AD.

James is the patron saint of Spain, Philippines, Guatemala, etc. He is also the patron saint of pharmacists, tanners, others.
In the West of Spain is Santiago de Compostela, a worldwide pilgrimage site where St James is venerated.

In the today's Gospel, to the request of Salome, the Mother of James and John that Jesus makes James Prime Minister and John Foreign Minister in His kingdom, Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” I like the fact that Salome understands that the word of God is a Command. It accomplishes everything it is sent to. 

Often we do not know what we ask  from God. But to the credit of James and John, they indicated that they were ready to die for Jesus. James was beheaded by King Aggrippa in 44 AD.

7. 25. July is the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ Month.

“I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.”  ( St Ignatius of Antioch).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

God likes the person who asks for big things and asks with persistence.

"YOU PAY GOD A COMPLIMENT BY ASKING GREAT THINGS OF HIM."  (ST TERESA OF AVILA).

I LOVE THIS QUOTE FROM MY PATRON SAINT, ST TERESA OF AVILA. TRUE AND COMFORTING. REMEMBER: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE FOR GOD. ALL THINGS ARE EASY FOR GOD. GOD WANTS US TO ASK AND ASK BIG.

"He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

"Father, hallowed be your name,
 your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

"And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,  for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’  I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?  Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?  If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11: 1 - 13).

Sunday July 24th of the 17th week of Ordinary Time. Luke gives us Jesus' delightful teaching on prayer. Let us recap the main points:

#1 Each day, ask the Father for what to eat.
#2 Always remember to ask for forgiveness for your sins. He who says he has no sin is a liar.
#3 The Father is committed to forgiving  all our sins. You must likewise forgive your neighbor.
#4 Pray with perseverance. Ask and keep asking.
#5 Believe me if I tell you this: The best thing to pray for is the Holy Spirit.

Ask for the Holy Spirit and keep asking for Him.
"If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11: 13).

"Prayer is an indispensable condition for being able to obey God's commandments. "[We] ought always to pray and not lose heart." (CCC 2098). This is a teaching we can use.

"On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:
you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple." (Psalm 138: 1 - 2)

7.23.  We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.
“How long are you going to be deaf to His call?
Or are you going to lose your soul,
which Jesus Christ bought at the price of His Precious Blood?”
(St John Francis Régis, SJ).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

St Bridget of Sweden, Mother, Wife and Founder.

THE FOOLISHNESS OF GOD IS GREATER THAN THE WISDOM OF MAN. SOW THE WIND AND REPEAP THE WHIRLWIND.

"Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”  (Matthew 13: 24 - 30).

Saturday 23rd July of the 16th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bridget of Sweden. (1303 - 1373). Housewife, mother of 4 boys and 4 girls. One of the girls, St Catherine of Sweden is a canonized saint. Bridget persuaded her husband to become a Franciscan Tertiary with her. When the husband died, St Bridget moved to Rome where she founded the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer. St Bridget meditated long on the suffering and death of Jesus. God revealed to her the secrets of heaven. St Bridget is a mystic and authored books on ascetical and mystical theology. She is the patron saint of Sweden and co-patron saint of Europe.

Why did Jesus forbid the servants from pulling up the weeds before the harvest time in the Gospel of today? "No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them."

What we see as the foolishness of God is wiser than all the wisdom of mankind put together. Here is an example of God's wisdom below:

"But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelations 21: 8 CEV).

The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God on earth. (Cf CCC 567). It is the Plan of God that the Wheat and the Weed should coexist in the Church till the end of time.

Jesus asks us:
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" (Matthew 7: 3).

7. 23. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

"O precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price paid for the redemption of sinful mankind. O Divine Blood, drink and laver of our souls, standing between us and the Father pleading mercy, Have mercy on us."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Mary Magdalene, the Apostle to the Apostles.

MARY MAGDALENE WEPT BEFORE THE EMPTY TOMB. SHE LINGERED THERE WHEN EVERYONE LEFT. LINGER BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT TABERNACLE AND YOU WILL BE REWARDED.

"On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”
Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her. (John 20: 1 - 2, 11 - 18).

Friday 22nd July 2022 of 16th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Mary Magdalene. Jewish. One of the handfull of women who followed Jesus as He tramped everywhere preaching the Gospel. These women took care of the welfare of Jesus and His Apostles from their purse. But Mary Magdalene was unique and exceptional among these ladies. Jesus healed her of demonic possession and Mary could not forget this favor all her life.

Mary Magdalene trekked the Via Dolorosa with the other Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus. Both women stood under the Cross and watched Jesus die slowly. While the Blessed Virgin Mary did not hurry to the tomb on Easter Sunday because she heard and believed what her Son said about "rising from the dead on the third day," Mary of Magdala hurried to the tomb. She became the first human being to see the Risen Jesus. This is how St Mary Magdalene became the "Apostle to the Apostles."

"Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her." (John 20: 17 - 18).

Mary Magdalene loved Jesus with a pure love that comes from the depth of gratitude for what Jesus did for her. If but we know 1% of what Jesus is doing for us every day, our love for Him will astonish us. St Mary Magdalene will be delighted with the desire and prayer of St Ignatius Loyola:
+ To know the Heart of Jesus intimately.
+ To love Jesus passionately.
+ To follow Jesus everywhere.
O that this will be our prayer and desire too!

"With Me and from Me you have nothing to fear. I am here, in the Sacrament of My love, to be your comfort, your peace, your light, your refreshment, and your joy. Know this! Take it to heart. Believe it and act upon it. If souls believed this of Me, nothing would be able to keep them from seeking Me out in the Sacrament of My love and from remaining in My presence." (IN SINU JESU).

7. 22. “You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!”  (St Maximilian Kolbe).

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Lawrence Brindisi, OFM, Priest and Doctor of the Church.

"GOD IS LOVE AND ALL HIS OPERATIONS PROCEED FROM LOVE..." (ST LAWRENCE BRINDISI, OFM.) That is, ALL HIS OPERATIONS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE AFFECTING EVERY ASPECT OF OUR LIVES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE WORLD.

"The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

"You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” (Matthew 13: 10 - 17).

Thursday July 21st 2022 is the Feast of St Lawrence Brindisi, OFM. (1559 - 1613). Priest and Doctor of the Church. Italian. He belonged to the Capuchin Order of the Franciscan family. Lawrence is an extraordinary man who used well the lavish gifts God bestowed on him. The Church remembers him for his profound knowledge and love for Sacred Scripture, the Holy Spirit, Prayer and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A propos Sacred Scriptures, Lawrence says:
“The Word of the Lord is a light for the mind and a fire for the will, so that man may know and love God.… It is a weapon against a heart stubbornly entrenched in vice. It is a sword against the flesh, the world, and the devil, to destroy every sin.”

In our Gospel for today, Jesus  says: “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich."

Lawrence became an authority in the sacred Word and was recognized all over Europe during his time and became a Doctor of the Church.

What is the knowledge of the Kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of? It is not book knowledge. If it is book knowledge, the Blessed Virgin Mary would not have been Mother and Teacher in the Church. Saints Anthony of Padua, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Therese of the Child Jesus and so many other doctors of the Church would never have been doctors of the Church. The Doctors of the Church were taught by the Holy Spirit.

One of the greatest mysteries of the Kingdom of God is the mystery of God's unfathomable mercy.

"Lord, your mercy reaches to heaven; your fidelity, to the clouds."
"How precious is your mercy, O God!" (Psalm 36: 6, 8).

The Blessed Virgin Mary has a profound knowledge of this mystery.  She is childlike and a little one.
"And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior....
“And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him."  (Luke 1: 46 - 50).

Other Little Ones who have knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God are: Saints Catherine of Siena, Therese of the Child Jesus, Lawrence Brindisi, Maria Faustina, Teresa of Avila, Mother St Teresa of Kolkata, etc.

7. 21. "Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world."  (Divine Mercy Rosary).

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The seed in good soil yields abundant harvest.

"STORE UP IN YOUR MINDS, THE LORD'S WORDS WHICH YOU RECEIVE, THROUGH YOUR EARS, FOR THE WORD OF THE LORD, IS THE NOURISHMENT OF THE MIND... BE CAREFUL THAT THE SEED RECEIVED THROUGH YOUR EARS, REMAIN IN YOUR HEART." (ST POPE GREGORY THE GREAT).

"On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13: 1 - 13).

Wednesday 20th July 2022 of the 16th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Apollinaris. Bishop and Martyr. Syrian. Died 79 AD in Ravenna, Italy where he was Bishop. Two things are fascinating about our saint:
#1 The Apostle Peter himself ordained him a Bishop.
#2 St Apollinaris had an extraordinary gift of healing. The pagan Roman priests were so jealous of him that they persuaded Emperor Claudius to put him to death.

St Apollinaris stored up the word of God in his heart and mind and it made him exceedingly fruitful in his ministry.

The seed in today's Parable is the word of God.  When it falls into a rich soil, it produces rich harvest.  What is a rich soil?  A rich soil is a soul that has been prepared and conditioned to receive the word of God. 

The means for preparing the soul to receive the word of God are daily prayer, the sacraments, study of the word of God and a desire for God.  When the soul is prepared, it becomes like a watered garden.  It becomes expectant and receptive.  So when it hears the word of God (Rhema), it is ready for it.  It recognizes its opportunity when the word is proclaimed because it has been expecting it.  When the word of God is received with faith, it germinates, grows and yields rich harvest.

"The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit."  (Matthew 13: 22).

Only rich soil can bear rich fruit and yield a harvest of 100, 60 or 30 fold. How much fruit do you desire to produce?

"I am present to you when you open the Scriptures and I want to enlighten you and instruct you. When you read My word, seek My Heart. When you read the Scriptures, seek My Face. You will find My Heart hidden in My word like the treasure hidden in the field, and you will discover My Face shining through the text and illuminating the eyes of your soul." (IN SINU JESU).

7. 2. Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal me.

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

We love You O Father of mercies and God of ALL comfort.

AS IN THE DAYS WHEN YOU LED US OUT OF EGYPT, SHOW US YOUR WONDERFUL SIGNS AGAIN O LORD OUR GOD AND FATHER!

"Who is a God like you, who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever, but instead delights in mercy, and will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our iniquities?
You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins." (Micah 7: 18 - 19).

You will cast into the depths of the sea all our Sins and ALL our Impediments. (Cf Micah 7: 19).

Tuesday 19th July 2022 of the  16th Week of Ordinary Time.

Our first Reading from Micah is for me one of the most sweet passages in the Bible. Who can forget this phrase? You will cast into the depths of the sea all our Sins and ALL our Impediments. (Cf Micah 7: 19).

GOD DELIGHTS IN MERCY.

No one is like God when it comes to mercy. His record on mercy is everywhere in the Scriptures.
The ABC of Mercy summarizes this for us:

A. Ask for Mercy.
B. Be merciful.
C. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

7. 19.  Most Precious Blood of Jesus, have mercy on us.
"But for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, we will have to carry our own sin and be crushed by it." (Father Albert Lauer of Presentation Ministries).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Faith does not consist in seeing great signs.

FAITH DOES NOT CONSIST IN SEEING GREAT SIGNS BUT IN RECOGNIZING THE WORD AND AUTHORITY OF GOD.

"Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”  (Matthew 12: 38 - 42).

Monday, July 18th of the 16th Week of Ordinary Time.

I like the clear and authoritative words of Jesus to the Scribes and Pharisees. This is a paraphrase of the message:

You are looking for a big sign from Me before you believe that I AM the Messiah. Let Me tell you:
God is looking for genuine faith like He saw in Abraham and David, Mary, Jairus, the woman with the issue of blood.
The people of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah. They recognized the word of God when they heard it. They did not ask for a sign as a condition for repentance.
If you cannot be led to repentance when your pastor preach the word of God, you are not serious.

The Church is the authentic sign of the existence and presence of God in the world today.
During the consistory of November 24, 2007, Pope Benedict said that the gathering of Bishops and people from every part of the world is a sign of the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. It is also a sign that God is with the Church. Such a gathering is not possible by human means.

Stop the spirit of Unbelief. Repent and believe the Good News.

7. 18. ASK THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST TO CLEANSE YOU AND EXPEL THE SPIRIT OF UNBELIEF.  DO THIS FOR THE REST OF JULY.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Martha you worry too much.

"DO NOT HAVE ANY ANXIETY ABOUT THE FUTURE. LEAVE EVERYTHING IN GOD'S HANDS. FOR HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU." (ST JOHN BAPTISTE DE LA SALLE).

Martha, why are you so anxious and distracted?

"Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”  (Luke 10: 38  -  42).

Sunday July 17th of the 16th Week of Ordinary Time.

Martha and Mary are sisters and live in the same house. Their differences in outlook gives Jesus a teaching opportunity to address a problem that is endemic in our society today. Our lives are distracted by too many gadgets, information overload, mindless multitasking and many other things.

Jesus says to Martha and us:
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

What is the better part that Mary has chosen? Mary chose to honor their Guest. Mary chose the will of God for her at this moment.

When you choose the will of God for you here and now instead of your own will, you have chosen the better part. The will of God is always the better part. In God's will is our peace. Our Shalom!

How do we know the will of God? It is not complicated at all. The easiest way is to ask God. "Lord what will You have me do?" God is our Father who wants the very best for His children. He can never deceive us. He promises us to ask and we shall receive.

God speaks to us in Sacred Scripture. Scripture is the very word of God. As you sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary each day to listen to Scripture, little by little you begin to know "the better part" for you in everything. This is what Scripture calls wisdom. Wisdom is the gift of choosing what God wants you to choose in every given situation.

About four months ago, I started saying this prayer at the beginning of the day and then several times during the day: "Most Holy Spirit, I surrender to You my time and all my activities this day. Take control of everything."

This simple prayer has increased my peace and serenity. When I catch myself hurrying or anxious, I say the prayer. It has worked for me every time.

7. 17. We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

“You heard me, only Friend whom I love. To ravish my heart, you became man.You shed your blood, what a supreme mystery!”  (St Therese de Lisieux).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

"WHOEVER DIES INVESTED WITH THIS SCAPULAR SHALL BE PRESERVED FROM THE ETERNAL FLAMES. IT IS A SIGN OF SALVATION, A SURE SAFEGUARD IN DANGER, A PLEDGE OF PEACE AND OF MY SPECIAL PROTECTION UNTIL THE END OF THE AGES." (OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL).

Some years ago, a friend of mine in the RCIA Ministry gave me a Brown Scapula. I hung it on the wall in my Prayer Area. On the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel a couple of years ago, I was inspired to put on that Brown Scapula. It was on my neck day and night. A few months ago, it fell apart from constant use. I prayed to Our Lady on inspiration on how to replace it. The prayer was answered immediately. Do not neglect Sacramentals.

Jesus is The Chosen Servant.
"When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known.  This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12: 14 - 21).

Saturday of the 15th week of Ordinary Time is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

My Servant shall not brawl or shout in the street.

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles." (Matthew 12: 18).

What words do we associate with Mount Carmel? The Prophet Elijah, the Carmelite Order, St. Simon Stock.

On July 16, 1251 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock, the Superior General of the Carmelites in England and gave him the brown scapula. Mary promised her protection to all those who wear the scapula. This is the origin of the devotion of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Brown Scapula. The brown scapula is one of the numerous sacramentals of the Church.

Isaiah tells us that our Gospel of today applies to Jesus the Messiah. Jesus makes a tactical withdrawal from Galilee in order to avoid head on collision with the Pharisees who had decided that Jesus must die. Huge crowd followed Him. He healed all those who were sick. Isaiah affirms the healing ministry of Jesus the Messiah whose mission is to make man whole in body, mind and soul.

Although Jesus did not brawl or shout during His public ministry, nor did anyone hear His voice in the street, He was nevertheless tried as a public criminal and suffered the death reserved for the worst criminal. What does this tell us about the plan of our salvation?

Have you not understood that just as the Son of Man must suffer before His victory and triumph, so must we suffer and accept some suffering in our life.
Do you not remember all the miracles performed by Jesus to prove that He is truly God?  How about all His miraculous interventions in our life?

Let us give thanks to God with a shout!

7.16. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

“Blood of Christ, inebriate (intoxicate) me.”  (St Ignatius of Loyola).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Bonaventure, OFM. The Seraphic Doctor.

"IN ALL YOUR DEEDS AND WORDS YOU SHOULD LOOK UPON THIS JESUS AS YOUR MODEL." (ST BONAVENTURE, OFM).

"Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (Matthew 12: 1 - 8).

Friday 15th July 2022, 15th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bonaventure (1221 - 1274). Italian. Franciscan, Bishop, Cardinal and Doctor of the Church. Bonaventure is known as the Seraphic Doctor because of his mastery of mystical theology. He became friends with St Thomas Aquinas, another doctor of the Church in the University of Paris. St Bonaventure who succeeded St Francis of Assisi as the Superior General of the Franciscans wrote the first thorough biography of the great saint.

St Bonaventure, a great man of God by all standards was a very meek and humble man. Although Superior General of the Franciscans for 17 years, Cardinal of the Church, eminent Theologian and Professor of Theology at the University of Paris and later to become one of the 37 Doctors of the Church, Bonaventure is childlike in character.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus reminded the Pharisees of God’s purpose for the Sabbath.

"Remember the sabbath day—keep it holy." (Exodus 20: 8).

The command to set apart the Sabbath is very important as seen from the way it is treated in Sacred Scriptures. It is the exaggerated concern for the obligation and sanctity of the Sabbath Rest that gave rise to hundreds of minutiae rules concerning the basic command to keep holy the Lord's Day.

Throughout the Christian history, the Magisterium of the Church has not only expounded on the sacred character of the Sabbath but has taught that the Sabbath was instituted for the enjoyment of the People of God. It is a day of worship of God. A day of rest for the whole family from the hustle and bustle involved in making a living. It is a day to enjoy the parks, watch Christian movies. It is a day to visit the sick in the hospital.

The Sabbath Rest is Rehearsal for Eternal life. One day, there will be no work. By obeying the law of the Sabbath, you build up your faith in this promise of God. God plans to redeem man and creation from the present servitude to work.

It is more enjoyable to keep holy the Lord's Day than to do anything unlawful on the Sabbath Rest.

"With compassion, Christ declares the sabbath for doing good rather than harm, for saving life rather than killing. The sabbath is the day of the Lord of mercies and a day to honor God. "The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath."  (CCC 2173).

Rejoice in God's generous provision of the Sunday Rest and use it to grow in spiritual and human maturity.

7. 15. We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

“O my Most Sweet Jesus, O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep Thy priests in the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where no one can hurt them. Keep their anointed hands unsullied, which daily handle Thy Sacred Body. Keep pure the lips which are reddened with Thy Precious Blood. Keep pure and unworldly their hearts which are sealed with the sublime token of Thy glorious priesthood. Cause them to grow in love and loyalty to Thee and protect them from the contamination of the world. With their power of transforming bread and wine, give them the power of transforming hearts. Bless their work with rich fruit and grant them one day the crown of eternal life. Amen.”  (St Teresa of Avila).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Kateri Tekakwita, Virgin and Lay Religious.

"WHO WILL TEACH ME WHAT IS MOST PLEASING TO GOD, THAT I MAY DO IT." (ST KATERI TEKAKWITA, LILY OF THE MOHAWKS).

Your yoke is tailor-made to fit you alone.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11: 28 - 30).

Thursday July 14th of the 15th week in Ordinary Time. The Church commemorates the life of St Kateri Tekakwita and  St Camillus de Lellis.

#1. St Kateri Tekakwita (1656 - 1680). Born near New York. Daughter of a Mohawk chief. Kateri died at the age of 24. She had great devotion to the Eucharist and Jesus Crucified. She is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" and is the patron saint of ecologists, environmentalists, and Native Americans.

#2.  St Camillus de Lellis.  (1550 -1614). Italian. Priest. Camillus gave his life to Jesus after a troubled youth. He worked in Giacomo Hospital. While working here, he heard the call from God to found an order dedicated to the care of the sick. God gave St Camillus a special love for the sick. He founded the Order of the Camellians and improved the treatment and care of hospital patients.

The short Gospel for today fits St Kateri as hand in glove. God in His merciful and powerful Providence chooses the weak to accomplish great things. Kateri became a shining star for the Indigenous People of the Mohawk nation in North America.

What are your personal yokes and burdens today?

How many people today find the yoke of marriage unbearable? Or their daily employment intolerable? Think about the burden of debt or financial insecurity? Will this century turn out to be the century with the highest suicide rate among the youth?

Christ Jesus seems to proclaim in the short Gospel of today: "Listen to me! O that you will listen to Me! I have a solution to your dilemma. The Good News is that what you call unbearable yoke and burden are tailor-made to fit you alone. The burden is truly light and the yoke is easy, believe Me."

Four simple steps to turn around your unbearable yoke and transform it into a goldmine:

#1. Embrace God’s gracious will every moment of your life. Don't try to change God or His loving Providence and Plan for your life.
#2. Enjoy the Presence of Jesus in the Sacrament of the Present Moment. Jesus is Emmanuel, the God who is always with us.
#3. Learn to offer continuously a Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving. Thank God always even for what you see as little favors.
#4. Learn the power of Sweet Surrender. Letting Go and letting God is very powerful.

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." (Revelation 3: 20).

"I am glorified when you honor my saints." Lord Jesus remember us who delight in honoring your saints.

"This is why it so grieves Me" , said Jesus to a mystic, "that churches are locked and that I am left for days on end alone in the tabernacle. I would draw souls to My open Heart, I would have them experience what it is to abide in the radiance of My Eucharistic Face, I would give Myself in intimate friendship to souls drawn to Me in the Sacrament of My love, but you priests, shepherds of souls, have forgotten that keeping open your churches is integral to your sacred ministry." (IN SINU JESU page 54).

7. 14. We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

“Upon receiving Holy Communion, the Adorable Blood of Jesus Christ really flows in our veins and His Flesh is really blended with ours.” (St John Vianney).

Daily Bible Verse @ 
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The Feast of St Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor.

"LOVE AND PRACTICE SIMPLICITY AND HUMILITY AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE OPINION OF THE WORLD, BECAUSE IF THE WORLD HAD NOTHING TO SAY AGAINST US, WE WOULD NOT BE REAL SERVANTS OF GOD." (St Padre Pio).

"At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will." (Matthew 11: 25 - 26).

Wednesday 13th July 2022,  of 15th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Henry II. (973 - 1024). German. Crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1014 by Pope Benedict VIII as Emperor Henry II. He was a powerful man of the world, a man of war and international politics. He became a saint.  It shows that anyone can become a saint. Henry used his wealth and power to promote the Kingdom of God by supporting missionary work. In spite of his cares of the earthly Roman Empire, his gaze was on Heaven, the eternal Kingdom.

In our Gospel of today, there is a note of joy in the voice of Jesus as He talked about the secret of how the gracious and mysterious will of the Father works. We know that Abba Father has a tender love or preferential options for the widow, orphans and migrants. This is an Old Testament teaching. Jesus added another class of people to the preferential group: the "Childlike."

Who are the Childlike?

God in His merciful and powerful Providence chooses the weak to accomplish great things. He chose Mary, the 14 year old Virgin of Nazareth to be the Mother of the Son. He chose Saints Catherine of Siena and Therese, the Little Flower and revealed to them the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. He called and chose St Maria Faustina and revealed to her the secrets of the Divine Mercy.

The childlike therefore are people like the above mentioned saints but also these old and tried warriors: Moses, David, Elijah, Paul, Mother Teresa, Sister Angelica. God makes known His inner life and His ways to them. God who does not ration His Holy Spirit wants to make the same gift of the Holy Spirit to all His children.

"It is the little and the poor who come to Me in the Sacrament of My love and who console My Heart by their presence to Me. It has always been so. The proud and the worldly have no time for Me, because I am hidden, because I am poor, because I am silent, in the Sacrament of My love. But those who are themselves humble and poor are drawn to the humility and the poverty of My Eucharistic presence. I welcome them. I take comfort in their presence, and I recognize them as those blessed of My Father to whom belongs already the Kingdom of Heaven." (IN SINU JESU page 229).

7. 13. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who by the Holy Ghost offered himself unspotted unto God, cleanse our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God?”  (Hebrews 9:14).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Sin of Unbelief is dangerous.

"SINCE NO MAN IS EXCLUDED FROM CALLING UPON GOD, THE GATE OF SALVATION IS OPEN TO ALL. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO HINDER US FROM ENTERING, BUT OUR OWN UNBELIEF." (JOHN CALVIN).

"Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes." (Matthew 11: 20.... 24).

Tuesday 12th July 2022, of the 15th Week of Ordinary Time.

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus taught that those who have received more are expected to give back more.  They are expected to produce more fruits. They should make more saints and send out more missionaries. Chorazin and Bethsaida received more of Jesus teaching and miracles. But both cities were obstinate when it comes to belief and repentance. Their hardness of heart is caused by UNBELIEF.

Why was Jesus stern in His reproach of Chorazin and Bethsaida?
The citizens of both cities locked up their hearts in unbelief. They were very cynical brood of vipers. Unbelief is very dangerous. Look around the society today and see for yourself what unbelief can produce. Where there is unbelief, there will be no repentance.  It may well be the Sin of Unbelief that make some Christian theologians like St Augustine postulate a belief in predestination. Without repentance one cannot be saved. Unbelievers have no time for repentance. For example,
robbers who are caught red-handed on camera have sworn that they are innocent. This is the result of Unbelief. By their fruits you will know them.

Brethren, we are Chorazin. We are Bethsaida. Let us come before Jesus in humility and have our sins washed away in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The merciful love of Jesus is waiting to give us a new mind and a new heart.

"If souls understood what treasures of love are freely given to those who approach Me in the Sacrament of My love, My churches would be filled day and night, and unable to contain the multitudes drawn to them. But the Evil One has schemed and plotted to cover the mystery of My presence with a dark veil of neglect, of irreverence, of forgetfulness, and of unbelief. He has obscured the mystery of My real presence, and so My faithful, beginning with My priests, have walked away from Me, one after the other, even as they did when first I spoke plainly of Myself as the living Bread come down from heaven to give life to the world." (IN SINU JESU page 226).

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

7. 12. July = The Most Precious Blood of Jesus Month.

“I adore You, O Precious Blood of Jesus, flower of creation, fruit of virginity, ineffable instrument of the Holy Spirit, and I rejoice at the thought that You came from the drop of virginal blood on which eternal Love impressed its movement; You were assumed by the Word and deified in His person. I am overcome with emotion when I think of Your passing from the Blessed Virgin’s heart into the heart of the Word, and, being vivified by the breath of the Divinity, becoming adorable because You became the Blood of God.”  (St Albert the Great).

Daily Bible Verse @  SeekFirstcommunity.com