THE GREAT FEAST OF AN APOSTLE - ST BARTHOLOMEW. APOSTLE AND MARTYR.

THE FEAST OF ST BARTHOLOMEW. APOSTLE & MARTYR.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Philip found Nathanael and told him,

“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets,

Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

But Nathanael said to him,

“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

"Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,

“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.”

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

"Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?

You will see greater things than this.”

And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 45 - 51).

Monday 24th August 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr.

St Bartholomew also known as Nathanael in the Gospel is one of the Twelve Apostles.

Tradition says that St Bartholomew worked in India and Armenia where he was martyred. 

The people of Armenia claim St Bartholomew as the Founder of the Armenian Church.

Here is the amazing faith of Philip in Jesus who had just launched His public ministry:

“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

Philip believes that Jesus is the Messiah.

When Philip told his friend Bartholomew that they found Jesus, he said:  “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

But Philip, a great evangelist said to Bartholomew,

“Come and see.”

Both Philip and Bartholomew spent some friendly time with Jesus that afternoon and both became His disciples.

The interaction with Jesus closed the sale. And Bartholomew declared: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Who is Jesus planning to draw near Him through you?

Be open and ready to share your faith anywhere, anytime, always.

Be a Philip. Introduce somebody to Jesus today. Share your faith.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

 St. Bartholomew preached the Gospel faithfully unto death. Marian devotion fills the soul with apostolic zeal to spread the truth of Christ.

​Prayer: Holy Spirit, grant me apostolic courage to bear witness to Jesus in all I do.

​

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

YOU ARE THE CHRIST.

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? 

"Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

"They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

"Simon Peter said in reply,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

"Jesus said to him in reply,

 “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

 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. 

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

 Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

"Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ." (Matthew 16: 13 - 20).

Sunday August 23rd 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Who is Jesus Christ to me? 

Since I interact with Jesus every day in Prayer, Word of God, in the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Examination of Conscience, Spiritual Reading and Ministry, shame on me if I am unable to say who Jesus Christ is to me. 

Here is my answer to the question You ask O Jesus. 

You are my Lord and my God.

 You are my Savior and my Redeemer. 

You are my best Friend and constant Companion. 

You are Emmanuel who is always with me, in me and for me. 

Our Gospel of today is key to understanding  Ecclesia, Assembly, Church (all meaning the same thing) that Jesus Christ has set up. 

Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered for the 12:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Jesus said to Peter in reply,

 “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

 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. 

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. 

Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; 

and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  (Cf Matthew 16: 13 - 20).

Jesus builds His Church on the rock of Peter's Confession. 

A Church that is defined as:

+ The People of God. 

+ The Body of Christ. 

+ The Temple of the Holy Spirit. 

A Church which manifests these characteristics:

#1. Pillar and Foundation of truth. 

#2. Always under attack by the Enemy. 

#2a. Victorious and Invincible. 

#3. Missionary and Catholic. 

#4. Infallibility in doctrine by Peter and his successors. 

#5. Hierarchy and sacred priesthood. 

#6. The Church of the Eucharist. 

Do you love the Church? 

 Saint Augustine writes, “We, therefore, receive the Holy Spirit if we love the Church, if we are joined together by charity, if we make the Catholic name and faith our joy.

 Believe it, brethren, to the extent that one loves the Church, to that extent he has the Holy Spirit within him”.

"Yes, here I was speaking of the Eucharist, the gift of My abiding presence to My Bride, the Church, and this until the end of time. Not one soul who belongs to Me is left friendless in this world so long as the Church continues to do what I commanded on the night before I suffered, in memory of Me. The Most Holy Eucharist is not only My Sacrifice offered to the Father, although in a bloodless manner; it is not only the sustenance of souls, nourishing them with My very Body and Blood; it is also the Sacrament of My divine friendship, the pledge of My burning desire to remain close to all who seek Me, to all who need Me, to all who would spend time in My company." IN SINU JESU page 54)

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY.

THE GOODNEWS:

You have one Teacher and Master: Jesus.

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.

For they preach but they do not practice.

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.

All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.

Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ.

The greatest among you must be your servant.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 1 - 12).

Saturday 22nd August 2026 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary.  (Octave of the Solemnity of the Assumption).

Why the Feast of the Queenship of Mary?

#1.  The Father gave us the Mother of His Son Jesus to be our Mother from the Cross. (Cf the Collect of this Feast).

#2. Mary is the Mother of Christ the King and therefore the Queen Mother. (Bathsheba the mother of Solomon was recognized as Queen mother).

#3.  In the Church's liturgical prayers from ancient times, Mary has been hailed as Hail holy Queen, Queen of Peace, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of all Saints, etc. (See the Litany of Loretto).

The Church applies here the ancient maxim: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi.  This means that the Law of Prayer becomes the Law of Faith.

Whatever the Church prays in her Liturgy is automatically the faith of the Church. Whatever is bound on earth by its prayer becomes bound in heaven.

#4.  The 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary celebrates the Coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth.

The fruit of this mystery is to grow in faith in the powerful intercession of Mary.

In order words, Jesus Christ our Lord and King crowned His Mother Queen  so that we can approach her with confidence with all our needs.

The world today is desperately in need of the mercy of God and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is the main reason for the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Knock in Ireland, etc.

Mary encourages Christians to pray especially the Holy Rosary.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

THE Queenship of Mary – Sovereign of PEACE.

Christ is King, and Mary stands at His right hand as Queen Mother. Her reign is one of peace, mercy, and divine order.

​Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, reign in my heart and bring peace to the world.

Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

"St. Bernard asks, Why does the Church name Mary Queen of Mercy? and answers, Because we believe that she opens the depths of the mercy of God, to whom she will, when she will, and as she will; so that not even the vilest sinner is lost, if Mary protects him."

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X. SUPREME PONTIFF.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X.

“When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,

and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking,

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

"Jesus said to him,

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it:

You shall love your ­neighbor as yourself.

The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40)."

Friday August 21st in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Pius X, Supreme Pontiff.

St. Pius X (1835–1914)

St. Pius X, born Giuseppe Sarto to a poor family in Riese, Italy, carried the simplicity of his origins into every stage of his priesthood.

Parish priest, bishop, Patriarch of Venice, and finally Pope from 1903 until his death, he was a shepherd marked by humility, doctrinal clarity, and fatherly love for ordinary Catholics.

His own testament expressed the pattern of his life: “I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor.”

Called the “Pope of the Eucharist,” Pius X worked to restore frequent—even daily Holy Communion to the faithful who approached with a sincere and devout intention.
He also encouraged children to receive Jesus at the age of reason, rather than delaying their First Communion for years.

In a turbulent age, he defended the integrity of Catholic faith, renewed sacred music and catechesis, and called the Church to find her strength again at the altar.
He died in 1914, burdened by the outbreak of the First World War. St. Pius X reminds us that holiness is not grandeur, but a heart made humble, clear, and Eucharistic before Christ.

Two memorable quotes from St Pius X :

1. “To renew all things in Christ.”
—Pope St. Pius X.
This is his great papal motto.

2. “I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor.”
—St. Pius X

In answer to the question of a Pharisee scholar as to the greatest commandment in the Book in our Gospel of today, Jesus answered with a short punchy line.

Love God and love neighbor always, everywhere and in everything.

Sounds a bit intimidating and impossible.

If God asks us to do this, then consider it possible. For God will never ask us to do what is impossible.

For God "all things are possible." All things are easy for God.

In the first Reading (Ezekiel 37: 1 - 14), the Lord says: "I will put my spirit in you that you may come to life." (Ezekiel 37: 14).

Yes, the Holy Spirit in us makes it possible for us to love God and neighbor.
In Baptism, we receive the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit. The very first of the twelve fruits of the Spirit is love.
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life.

Without the Holy Spirit we are like the dried bones in the valley of Ezekiel's vision in our first Reading.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Liberty to always choose the best. And the best is love.

For the Christian, love of God and love of neighbor is the way of life. It is the beginning of eternal life here and all the way to eternity.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX. ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD. ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

The Invited Guests refused to come. Very sad!

THE GOODNEWS :
"Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying,

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

"He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

"A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’

"Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.

The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

"The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

"Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.

Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’

"The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

"But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.

The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’

"But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants,

‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’

Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22: 1 - 14). 

Thursday 20th August 2026 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Bernard. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

Bernard of Clairvaux lived between 1090 and 1153.

He was French. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

St Bernard was a Cistercian monk who is well known in the history of the Church. A man of great zeal for the Church. A renowned theologian and orator. He represented the Pope as an ambassador for the Crusade.

Among peers, he was a towering giant. Both intellectually and spiritually.
Bernard was immensely learned, holy, cultivated, gentle, and a great teacher and a highly effective preacher.

Last but not the least, Bernard was a great Marian devotee who gave us the Memorare.

I remember Bernard best because of the Memorare Prayer that he left the Church.
The Memorare is one of the most popular prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary recited by many Catholics daily. (Remember O Most Blessed Virgin Mary that never was it known. ..).

St Bernard was a great miracle worker who brought relief to thousands through his intercessions.

Bernard suffered from stomach cancer most of his life and died in 1153 at the age of 63.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

Look to the Star, Call Upon Mary. St. - Bernard of Clairvaux.

St. Bernard reminds us: "If the winds of temptation arise, look to the Star, call upon Mary!" She is our guide across life's stormy seas.

​Prayer:
Star of the Sea, guide my soul safely to the harbor of Christ's peace.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

MY GOOD SHEPHERD IS JESUS.

FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

Beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul. 

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

With your rod and your staff

that give me courage. 

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. 

"Only goodness and kindness will follow me

all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

for years to come." (Psalm 23).

Wednesday August 19th in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Eudes. (1601 - 1680).

St John Eudes was a French priest and a gifted preacher.

John took a private vow of chastity at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest at 25. He became a great and talented preacher of the Gospel and an eminent evangelist. St John Eudes had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

He founded the Society of Jesus and Mary (Eudists). 

He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge for ex prostitutes. 

He was declared by Pope Leo XIII as “father, doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”

There is abundance of good food and sweet wine in the Scriptures of today:

1. Ezekiel 34: 1 - 11.

2. Psalm 23: Responsorial. 

3. Matthew 20: 1 - 16.

Because of the abundance of current favors the Lord has shown me, I feel moved to shout with David: THE LORD IS MY GOOD SHEPHERD! 

In the great teaching of Isaiah we read:

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope [WAIT] in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint."  (Isaiah 40: 30-31).

I place my hopes in my Good Shepherd for provision and protection, He has not disappointed me. 

The Eucharist is the Sacrament of hope.  It is the fulfillment of a promise.  "I shall be with you ALWAYS." 

Those who wait on the Lord for fulfillment of prayer should be constant at the Eucharist to strengthen their hope. 

As prayer strengthens faith, so the Eucharist strengthens hope. 

The real, true, bodily, personal Presence of Our Eucharistic Lord is absolute proof of His never-ending and never-changing love for me.

O Lord I trust in You. All my hope is in You! 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE EYE OF A NEEDLE.

THE EYE OF A NEEDLE. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

 “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

"When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,

 “Who then can be saved?” 

"Jesus looked at them and said, 

“For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 

"Then Peter said to him in reply,

 “We have given up everything and followed you.

 What will there be for us?”

"Jesus said to them,

 “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,

 judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"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.

 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Matthew 19: 23 - 30).

Tuesday the 20th of August 2026 in the  18th week in Ordinary Time. 

“Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26).

Tuesday 18th August 2026, in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 19: 23 - 30), Jesus uttered a revelation and a prophecy found all over Sacred Scripture which is foundational to the life of faith. A few examples:

#1. For God all things are possible. (Jesus).

#2. for nothing will be impossible for God.” Angel Gabriel to Mary. (Luke 1: 37).

#3. "The Lord turned to him [Gideon] and said, “Go with the strength you have and save Israel from the power of Midian. It is I who send you.” (Judges 6: 14). 

What is the take away from today's Scripture?

 A lesson in God's pervasive power and sovereignty.

 God's Divine Providence is mighty and merciful but also mysterious.

When God gives you a job to do, the one thing you want to hear is: "I am with you."

If God is with you, the mission is accomplished.

 Therefore look for the signs of the Presence of the Emmanuel in: joy, peace, tranquility and confidence. 

This is the internal testimony of the Presence of Emmanuel who has chosen, called and anointed you for service.

Mary responded to such a moment thus: 

"Be it done to me according to Your word."

St Paul responded:

"Therefore, since we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion." (2 Corinthians 4: 1 AMPC)

"Give Me the first place in your heart and in your life, and I will provide for you in every circumstance. I will not allow you or those with whom you share this life to want for anything. My providence is wholly at the disposal of My merciful love. Trust then in My merciful love and you will see the wonders that I will accomplish for you." (IN SINU JESU page 100).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

 Living in the Shadow of the Holy Spirit. 

​The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation.

 When we abide in her heart, we dwell under that same divine shadow of grace.

​Prayer:

 Come, Holy Spirit, and abide within me as You abided in the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE RICH YOUNG MAN FORGOT THAT WEALTH AND RICHES BELONG TO GOD.

DO NOT FORGET GOD. 

"A young man approached Jesus and said,

 

“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 

"He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good.

 If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

"He asked him, “Which ones?”

 And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; 

you shall not commit adultery;

 you shall not steal;

 you shall not bear false witness;

 honor your father and your mother;

 and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

"The young man said to him,

 “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 

"Jesus said to him, 

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." (Matthew 19: 16 - 22). 

Monday 17th August 2026 IN the 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 19: 16 - 22, Jesus gave a wealthy young man an evangelical counsel:

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions."

The rich young man did not realize that his wealth has become an obstacle to his fulfillment. Instead of being the master of his wealth, he is now possessed by his wealth. He built his security on material prosperity: stock market, gold and silver, bit coins, real estate and liquid cash. 

That is where everyone wants to be in life he must have thought to himself. 

What a shock he had when he heard Jesus pronounce the evangelical  counsel. 

God's response to this pervasive materialism in the society today is in Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21, and the Responsorial Psalm for today. (Psalm 18). 

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth." 

Have we forgotten God because of dollars and bit coins? 

It seems as if the world has forgotten the Savior who died for us.

 Very few are thinking of following Him and even these few have not recognized Him as the Pearl of the greatest Price. 

The Lord's complaint continues below:

"You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you. You forgot the God who gave you birth.

When the Lord saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters."

Who dares blame God if He is full of loathing for His children? 

“I will hide my face from them,” he said, and see what will then become of them.

What a fickle race they are,

sons with no loyalty in them!” 

“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.” (Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21). 

The rich young man of today's Gospel desires eternal life but loves the present material tangible world more.

 This world cannot produce the peace he hungers for. The anti-dote to his sadness is laid out clearly by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Come follow me and make my Kingdom your first priority and its kind of holiness. I promise you that you will have everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Immaculate Heart and the Mercy of Christ. 

​Mary is the Mother of Mercy because she brought forth Jesus, the incarnation of Divine Mercy itself.

​Prayer: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me through the intercession of Your Holy Mother.

Mary did not forget the God who made her. She said boldly" "Behold I am the maid servant of the Lord." 

Mary associated herself closely with the Mission and Passion of her Son Jesus.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." May the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary triumph in our lives. Amen. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

WOMAN THY FAITH IS GREAT.

And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour." (Matthew 15: 21 - 28).

Sunday 16th August 2026 in 20th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, we reflect on the audacious faith of the Cananite Woman and its implications for our desires for miraculous healing. 

Jesus was deeply moved by the faith of the Cananite woman.

 Jesus complimented her and then happily granted her request. 

Is this the first time Jesus is impressed by the faith of someone seeking for a miraculous healing? 

Not at all! 

Jesus praised the faith of the Woman 

GREAT IS THY FAITH WOMAN! 

THE GOODNEWS :

"At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, 

“Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

"But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her.

"Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”

"He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

"But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”

"He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 

"She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.

Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”

"And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour." (Matthew 15: 21 - 28).

Sunday 16th August 2026 in 20th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, we reflect on the audacious faith of the Cananite Woman and its implications for our desires for miraculous healing. 

Jesus was deeply moved by the faith of the Cananite woman.

 Jesus complimented her and then happily granted her request. 

Is this the first time Jesus is impressed by the faith of someone seeking for a miraculous healing? 

Not at all! 

Jesus praised the faith of the Woman with the Issue of blood. 

He praised the faith of the  Roman Centurion. 

Other instances where Jesus mentioned the faith of the Seeker of a miraculous healing with compliments are:

 “your faith has saved you” or “your faith has made you well”—are:

The woman with the hemorrhage: healed after touching Jesus’ cloak; “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48. 

Two blind men near Capernaum: after they confess belief in his power, Jesus heals them, saying, “According to your faith be done to you.” Matthew 9:27–31.

Blind Bartimaeus: seeking sight, he hears, “Go your way; your faith has made you well,” and immediately receives his sight. Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43.

The grateful Samaritan leper: while ten are cleansed, the one who returns in thanksgiving is told,

 “Your faith has made you well” (or “saved you”). Luke 17:11–19.

The paralytic lowered through the roof: Jesus sees the faith of the group bringing him, forgives the man’s sins, and heals him. Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26.

The father of the demon-afflicted boy: his “I believe; help my unbelief” is not praise in the same direct formula, but Jesus responds to the father’s plea and frees the child. Mark 9:14–29.

My brothers and sisters, Jesus still responds to faith today. 

Boost your faith through Prayer and constant reading of the word of God. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

“We have in heaven the heart of a Mother, the Virgin, our Mother, who at the foot of the cross suffered as much as possible for a human creature, understands our trouble.” (St Jerome).

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY THE VIRGIN.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY THE VIRGIN. 

Happy Feast of your Assumption into Heaven O Blessed Mary Our Virgin Mother! 

"Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man.

 For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order:

"Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; 

then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father,

 

 

When he has destroyed every sovereign­ty and every authority and power. 

"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 

The enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet." (1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 27)

Saturday 15th August 2026 in the  19th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Just as in  the Transfiguration of Jesus, Mary's Son confirms our hope of transformation at the general Resurrection, the Assumption of Mary reveals our hope and destiny.

In heaven, there is a hierarchy of merits. There is also a "proper order" (Order of glory) in the resurrection of the body:

1st. Christ

2nd. Mary

3rd. Then at the end of time, everyone who belongs to Christ.

It is God's plan and wisdom that Mary will be raised body and soul into heaven before the general resurrection of the body. 

This is an ancient belief of the Church. 

The Church made this teaching a doctrine of faith on 1st November 1950. 

Pope Pius XII in an Apostolic Constitution defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.  

With the Papal Apostolic Authority, 

As it is bound on earth, so it is in heaven.

The Assumption of Mary fulfilled one of the prayer intentions of Jesus in the Last Supper:

"Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me,

 because you loved me before the foundation of the world." (John 17: 24).

Mary the Virgin is primus inter pares, that is first among equals in the order of privileges.  Mary our Mother goes before us. Where she is, there shall we the children be.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10