Friday, December 20, 2024
Thursday, December 19, 2024
ACCEPT THE HELP OF GOD. ASK FOR A SIGN.
ASK ME OF ANY SIGN YOU WISH.
"The Lord spoke to Ahaz:
“Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
“But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!”
“Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary men, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7: 10 - 14).
Our faith grows when we hear the promise of God and believe it.
A couple of weeks before Advent, God asked me to pay attention to four signs He worked in my life in the past ten years. I wrote down the four signs and posted it near my workstation where I can see it easily and always. The more I look at the signs, the more I realized that God had done remarkable miracles for me. I had neglected to take them seriously. Signs in the Gospel of St John means miracles. Signs like traffic signs point to something. [Cf Jeremiah 29:11].
"The Lord spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the Lord, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky!
But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the Lord!” (Cf Isaiah 7: 10 - 14).
Ahaz heard the word of God and instead of rejoicing in faith, he behaved in unbelief.
Ahaz was facing a monumental military showdown with the kings of Israel and Syria. Only God can save him and his nation. Yet he refused to believe in God. He was not persuaded by a faithful and trustworthy Prophet as Isaiah. All that Ahaz would have said is: "Lord save us from the Syrians and the King of Israel." But Ahaz had no faith in God.
God nonetheless gave a sign bigger that antbody could imagine.
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel." ( Cf Isaiah 7: 10 - 14).
Today, I understand the Pre-Advent signs that the Lord asked me to pay special attention to. It says to me: "I the Lord your God gave you those four signs. Nothing is impossible for me to do for you. All things are easy for me. In the fullness of time you will see."
Thank You Father, I get the message.
"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
ELIZABETH WENT INTO SECLUSION AFTER THE CONCEPTION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
THE UNBELIEF OF ZACHARIAH, THE PRIEST.
"In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
"Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.
"Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.
"Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.
"But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.
Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
"He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
"He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”
"Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”
"And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”
"Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.
"Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home.
"After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.” (Luke 1: 5 - 25).
Thursday 19th December of the 3rd Week of Advent.
In yesterday's Gospel Reading, we saw the operations of God's sovereign Providence in the choice of Mary and Joseph whose entire lives could be described as a Predestination.
Today, we see Elizabeth and Zachariah, her husband who are also destined by divine Providence to be key players in the team of forerunners of the Messiah.
Zachariah brought a serious problem of Unbelief to the Call. Zachariah was old and Elizabeth was also old. This is a considerable impediment in the way of human beings. In the first Reading from Judges, the parents of Samson saw that all things are possible for God and all things are easy for God to do.
In the new dispensation, in order to enjoy the promised blessings, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, you need faith and plenty of patience.
Like Elizabeth, you will be severely tested in the school of Waiting before you can say:
"After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”
Happy Advent!
"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
MARY AND JOSEPH WERE DESTINED FOR THEIR ROLES IN SALVATION HISTORY.
THE PREDESTINATION OF JOSEPH AND MARY.
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
"When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
"She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
"Which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus." (Matthew 1: 18 - 25).
Wednesday December 18th, 3rd Week of Advent. Weekday (O Adonai).
The Gospel of today on how the Birth of Jesus came about is a familiar one. This Gospel reveals the Predestination of Mary and Joseph. The roles that Mary and Joseph played in salvation history were not arbitrary. Every step, every moment was predestined according to God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. There are no accidents in life or in the world. Everything is Providence.
Our lives too are governed by the same sovereign Design, Plan, Purpose and Providence of the all-powerful and loving God who prefers to be called Father.
During the remaining days of the Advent Season and throughout the Christmas Season, reflect often on God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence directing you step by step and moment by moment. It sounds too good to be true. Brethren, it is the Absolute Truth! The all good and faithful Providence of God is directing your steps to your final destination, Heaven! Every step, every detour in this Plan is according to His Plan.
"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
Monday, December 16, 2024
THE FAMILY LINE OF THE SON OF MAN - JESUS THE CHRIST.
THE GENEALOGY OF JESUS CHRIST.
For the Evangelist St Matthew, Jesus Christ is the Son of David and and is truly the Messiah promised by God.
"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.
David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations." (Matthew 1: 1 - 2 & 15 - 16).
Tuesday 17th December 2024 of the 3rd Week of Advent. From 17th December, we are one week to the Eve of Christmas Day. The Church starts singing the O - Antiphons.
Pay attention to the readings at Mass.
Do you consider the Genealogy of Jesus Christ boring? Not when you understand the purpose for its inclusion in Sacred Scriptures. The Holy Spirit, the Author of the Sacred Text does not waste words as human authors do. Here are a few reasons for the Genealogy or Family History of Jesus Christ:
#1 Jesus Christ is truly God and truly Man. He descended from the lines of Abraham and David.
#2 His human family is not perfect (like His Church is not perfect). It contains saints and sinners. Jesus was not ashamed of His family nor was He ever tempted to deny them.
#3 His family lineage was planned by God from the foundation of the ages. So do not be scandalized by what you see. Same story with your family line.
#4 By the time Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, gone were the days of the great patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and great kings like David and Solomon. What we have are common folks like Joseph and Mary. God has a plan that will lead us to the humble stable in Bethlehem where Jesus will be born, the King of the Jews. He will be born the poor son of the Virgin of Nazareth.
The Genealogy teaches us that God is merciful and faithful. God did not choose the best and filtered humanity. He chose whom He pleases, a mixed bag.
"God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure." (Ephesians I: 5 NLT)
God had decreed that the Redeemer will come out of real humanity.
“The deliverer will come out of Zion, he will turn away godlessness from Jacob;
and this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (Romans 11: 26 - 27).
"In respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarchs. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11: 28 - 29).
Again: "The gift and the call of God are irrevocable." Amen!
The Church teaches that it will arrive at its perfection in the Escathon, the End of the age. As we make our pilgrimage towards our home, the Church labors to grow in the fullness of truth and charity. Each life committed to Christ hastens the Second Coming.
"O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!"
Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!
"Such a man was Saint Joseph. He was the living image of My Father, and he was chosen by My Father to be a father to Me in My sacred humanity. Let My priests go to Saint Joseph. He will obtain for them this priceless gift of spiritual fatherhood, and he will guide them in the delicate and difficult work of being true fathers to souls." (IN SINU JESU, Friday, November 15, 2013).
Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
Sunday, December 15, 2024
ALL AUTHORITY COMES FROM GOD.
WHO GAVE YOU THE AUTHORITY TO ACT LIKE THIS?
“When Jesus had come into the temple area,
the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him
as he was teaching and said,
“By what authority are you doing these things?
And who gave you this authority?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me,
then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John’s baptism from?
Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”
"They discussed this among themselves and said,
“If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us,
‘Then why did you not believe him?’
But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd,
for they all regard John as a prophet.”
So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”
He himself said to them,
“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Matthew 21: 23 - 27).
Monday 16th of December of the 3rd week of Advent.
A confrontation between the chief priests and elders with Jesus over Authority is the chance to reflect on the nature of authority.
Consider the following facts:
The kingdom that Jesus came to set up has some commonalities with earthly kingdoms. For example :
1. Kingship.
2. Realm/domain
3. Government and administration.
4. Laws
5. Citizens
When Jesus threw out the money changers from the Temple, the recognized authorities of the Temple questioned naturally His authority for the action.
"Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” By this question, Jesus points the chief priests and elders the existence of a different type of authority. Moral authority.
In the trial of the Apostles Peter and John before the Sanhedrin, we see the Rabbi Teacher Gamaliel allude to a different authority:
"So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him." (Acts 5: 38 - 39).
God is the source of all authority on earth. Examples: Parental authority, military and government authority all come from God.
Jesus being God has inherent authority.
The Kingdom of God is already here and now. The Church is the seed of that Kingdom.
Where does the Pope get his authority? Not from the barrels of the gun as some dictators believe. Stalin quipped: "How many military divisions does the Pope have?"
Jesus answered the question of Pontius Pilate:
"My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place."
Jesus also told Pilate that his authority to judge and condemn Jesus came from God.
The question for us is:
Does King Jesus reign over your heart and mind and finances? If not, Advent is the Season of grace to place your life under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
Saturday, December 14, 2024
REJOICE! REJOICE SUNDAY!
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS.
"Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! (Cf Zephaniah 3: 14... 18).
Sunday 15th December 2024 of the 3rd Week of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. What is Gaudete? Gaudete means Rejoice!
Why be so joyful this 3rd Sunday of Advent?
The Holy Spirit who assigns the Scriptures in the Lectionary urges us to rejoice and be glad. Christmas is near! The Savior and Redeemer is kicking furiously to be born.
I will not interfere with any exposition of this Sunday's Scriptures. Read it slowly for yourself. Savor the word of God. Remember the word of God is Divine Command. Remember too that we know the Heart of God from the word of God. This word accomplishes what it says. As you understand and obey it and rejoice, joy will fill your heart and you will become aware of many reasons to be joyful. Here are my four reasons to be joyful this Gaudate Sunday:
#1. "Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation." (Cf Isaiah 12). Responsorial Psalm.
#2. "Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4: 4 - 7).
#3. "Alleluia, alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. Alleluia, alleluia." (Alleluia Verse).
#4. “What should we do?” He [John the Baptist] said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” (Cf Luke 3: 10.... 18).
"Whenever you want to intercede with Me for another, it is enough for you to make your prayer as it comes to you through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knowing that I will hear you and that My Heart is, at every moment, open to your supplications. I am more attentive in listening to your prayers than you could ever be in making them. Trust in Me. Believe in My tender and faithful love for you. I am your Friend, and I have chosen you to be the friend of My Eucharistic Heart. Why then would I not listen to your prayers and, in My infinite wisdom and merciful love, respond to them as I see fit?" (IN SINU JESU, December 13, 2009 Gaudete Sunday).
Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
Friday, December 13, 2024
ST JOHN OF THE CROSS. PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
THE MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
“As they were coming down from the mountain,
the disciples asked Jesus,
"Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
He said in reply, "Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come,
and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.
"So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands."
"Then the disciples understood
that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist."
(Matthew 17: 19a, 10 - 13).
Saturday 14th December 2024 of the 2nd Week of Advent is the feast of St John of the Cross. (1542 - 1591).
Spanish priest, mystic and Doctor of the Church. Called Doctor of Mystical theology because of the depth of his understanding and writings on mysticism. St John of the Cross was co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites with St Teresa of Avila, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. St John of the Cross was the author of the classic: "The Dark Night of a Soul."
Elijah the great prophet came back in the person of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord, to make straight His paths and people did not recognize the hour or the opportunity. Although he appeared like a fire whose words were as a flaming furnace, yet people took little notice. The noise in the world was too loud and impenetrable for the message of salvation.
This is Advent, less than ten days to Christmas. Arise from your sleep. Do not allow Christmas shopping and any other frenzied activities to obscure the true meaning of the Season.
The Lord is surely coming in splendor to visit His people. Prepare to welcome Him.
"Mary was conceived without original sin. This grace and privilege are fitting in view of the birth and death of her Son Jesus Christ, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity.
"O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You."
For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/novena-to-immaculate-conception.html
THE 31 DAY NOVENA TO THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Link:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/12/31-day-novena-to-immaculate-conception.html?m=1
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