THE TINY MUSTARD SEED AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

THE TINY MUSTARD SEED AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

What is the Kingdom of God like?

"Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?

To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.

When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?

It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” (Luke 13: 18 - 21).

Tuesday, 27th October 2026 in the 30th Week in Ordinary Time.

“What is the Kingdom of God like?"

The Kingdom of God can be compared to many things.

You can compare it to the yeast that leavens dough, or to a fishing net that catches all types of fish.

The Kingdom of God has been compared to a wedding feast.

What is your favorite comparison of the Kingdom of God?

My favorite comparison is this:

"It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.

When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

This is what happens when the tiny mustard seed is planted in your soul.

It grows and gives birth to your awareness of the Person of the Holy Spirit. Then of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The seed continue to grow and develop branches.

Awareness of the Church and the Sacraments.

Now you know Holy Scriptures, Rosary and so forth.

Now the tiny seed planted by the Lord Jesus Christ is becoming a bush, ready to welcome birds of the sky.

The seed, the

Word of God is planted in your heart when you were baptized.

You cultivate and nourish the Seed daily through daily prayers, reading and studying the word of God, daily examination of conscience, frequent Confession, and spiritual reading.

Prayer is the key and efficient cause of blessings.

October is the Holy Rosary Month.

"The whole purpose of the Rosary is to lead to this deep experience of Our Lady, who together with Jesus breathes the Spirit into us."  Thomas Keating).

The Great Month of October ends in a few days. If you have been faithful, be prepared for a rich harvest.  The Rosary can be compared to the tiny mustard seed that the Holy Spirit planted in our heart this October. If we nourish this tiny mustard seed and allow it to grow, what will it become in 10 years, 20 years or 30 years?

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

WOMAN, YOU ARE SET FREE.

WOMAN, YOU ARE SET FREE FROM YOUR INFIRMITY. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath.

"And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit;

she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect.

"When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said,

“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.”

He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God.

"But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply,

“There are six days when work should be done.

Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.”

"The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites!

Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering?

This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?”

"When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him. (Luke 13: 10 - 17).

Monday 26th October 2026 in the 30th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel of today, we see a selfish leader of the synagogue thinking like man.

Making your interests paramount in every situation is thinking like man.

This is Selfishness.  A fake politician thinks and acts, "I think of whatever concerns me as top priority."

But for Jesus, "This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?”(Luke 13: 16).

This is Why the Savior and Redeemer came. To set us free from the shackles of Satan.

And the Sabbath Day is the best day for the work of healing and restoration.

"The Sabbath is made for man and not man for the Sabbath.

Prayer is the key and efficient cause of blessings.

Pray always. Pray everywhere. Pray for everything.

If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well. (St Augustine).

If you pray more, you sin less. If you pray less, you sin more. (Anonymous Priest).

October is the Holy Rosary Month.

“The Rosary is the scourge of the devil” (Pope Adrian VI).

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. The Great Month of October ends in a couple of days. Are you ready to count your blessings?

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT.

LOVE YOUR GOD. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR. 

“You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. 

You shall not wrong any widow or orphan." (Exodus 22: 20).

Sunday 25th October 2026, 30th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel for this Sunday from Matthew 22: 34 - 40, the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest.

 Jesus went beyond their narrow standard in His answer: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 

This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40).

The first Reading today is from Exodus 22: 20 - 26. 

We read of the magna carta of love of neighbor: the poor, the weak, the sick, the homeless, the hungry. All these are represented by the immigrants, orphans and widows. 

God commands: Do not oppress or molest them. To oppress or molest them is to break all the laws in the Decalogue.

If we consider this law oppressive, then God reminds us:

 "You were once aliens residing in the land of Egypt." Right?

 What is the incontestable reason for pardoning someone who has offended you? 

You were forgiven a debt of $500,000.

Our Father in Heaven, increase our faith, hope and love.

Make us love the immigrants, the orphans and widows as You command us,

so that we may merit what you promise.

October is the Holy Rosary Month.

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

• (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST ANTHONY MARY CLARET. MISSIONARY BISHOP.

THE FEAST OF ST ANTHONY MARY CLARET. MISSIONARY BISHOP. 

 

WHEN THE FIG TREE IS BARREN. 

"And Jesus told them this parable: 

“There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ 

"He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13: 1 - 9).

Saturday 24th October 2026 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony Mary CLARET. 

 (1807 - 1870).

 Spanish missionary and Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba. He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).

St Anthony Mary Claret was no stranger to the type of cruelty inflicted on the poor and marginalized people in most countries of the world. 

Saint Anthony Mary Claret (1807–1870) was a Spanish missionary, archbishop, writer, and founder whose life was devoted to bringing souls to Christ. 

Born in Sallent, Spain, he worked as a weaver before answering God’s call to the priesthood.

 Ordained in 1835, he preached throughout Catalonia and the Canary Islands, encouraging repentance, prayer, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In 1849, he founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, known as the Claretians. As Archbishop of Santiago de Cuba, he promoted education, renewed parish life, and served the poor, persevering despite opposition and an assassination attempt.

Recalled to Spain in 1857, he became confessor to Queen Isabella II while continuing his preaching and publishing apostolate. His love for the Eucharist and Mary sustained his tireless ministry.

He fought for the rights of these people in Cuba and at the end of his life, he wrote: “I have fulfilled my mission, I have preached the Gospel, I have kept holy poverty.”

He died in exile in France on October 24, 1870. Canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950, he remains an inspiring example of missionary courage. His feast day is October 24.

Our key Scripture is the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. This is an allegory for the People of Israel. The People of Israel is the Vineyard of the Lord. The Vineyard of the Lord is the Church. 

God wants a good return on His investment in Israel, in the Church and in you and me. 

How do we bear much fruit in the Church, which is the seed of the Kingdom of God on earth?

We remain in Jesus.  What is the principle of productivity in the Church?  We abide in Christ.  How do we abide in Christ? 

We live in Jesus through His word, the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is a holy exchange of gift. Through it, Jesus shares with us His divine life. Another word for God's divine life in us is sanctifying grace.

Our fruitfulness depends therefore on this dynamic relationship with Christ living inside us.

"Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord;

whoever remains in me will bear much fruit."  (John 15: 14, 15).

Fruitfulness is not addiction to activity.  It is believing God. It is knowing the will of God for you and doing it. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. He will accomplish the work.

"I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live." (Ezekiel 33: 11).

"I am the source of all fruitfulness in the vineyard that is My Church. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Come to Me, then. Remain with Me. Act for Me, guided by My Holy Spirit, and return to Me with thanksgiving. This is the secret of a priestly life that will be pleasing to Me, will build up My Church, and will glorify My Father." (IN SINU JESU page 103).

October is the Holy Rosary Month. 

 

“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN CAPISTRANO, OFM. PRIEST AND MISSIONARY.

FEAST OF ST JOHN CAPISTRANO, OFM.

READ THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

 STARK AND CLEAR SIGNS OF THE TIMES. 

"Jesus said to the crowds,

“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain —and so it does;

and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is. 

"You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; ­

otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison.

I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Luke 12: 54 - 59).

Friday 23rd October 2026 in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John CAPISTRANO, OFM.

St John Capistrano was an Italian Franciscan Priest.

St John was a successful lawyer before he became a Franciscan priest. He brought his natural gifts as a lawyer into his preaching ministry and brought about great revivals in various countries of Eastern Europe.

St John Capistrano was one of the few clerics in history who led an army into battle. He did so to defend Europe against the menacing advances of the Turks and died a few years later.

In the Gospel of today, we learn of the necessity of interpreting intelligently the signs of the times. 

What are the Signs of the Times today? Consider a few of these:

1. Divisions in the Body of Christ. 

2. Fragmentation of the Catholic Church into conservatives and liberals. 

3. Denial of Climate change. 

4. Effects of Climate change especially in Europe and everywhere.

4. War in Ukraine. 

5. War in the Holy Land. 

5. Rise in migration and refugees worldwide. 

6. Global fear of economic recession.

7. Deep anxiety about election outcomes. 

Jesus says to us today: "You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"

Authentic signs of the times come from the mind of Christ. To know the mind of Christ is a gift of prophecy.

St Paul urges Christians: 

"Pray for the higher gifts. Pray for the gift of prophecy." (Cf 1 Corinthians 14: 1).

This injunction is for everyone. We must ask the Lord Jesus to give us this gift here and now and without delay lest we perish.

Then we must abide in Christ Jesus through:

1. Abiding daily in His word. 

2. Abiding In fervent prayer. 

3. Abiding in the Communion of the Saints through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the Saints. 

King David consulted Architophel because he knew the signs of the times. (Cf 1 Chronicles 12: 32).

Emperors consulted St Jerome, the Scripture guru in Rome because St Jerome was able to interpret the signs of the times for them. 

What can we do about these signs of the times we identified above?

First, understand that these signs are clear and present dangers. 

If you are in litigation and you decide that the outcome will not be favorable to you, you sue for peace. "If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison." 

Wise counsel from Jesus. 

Let us hurry to do something about these grim signs of the times. 

If you hear His voice today, harden not your hearts. Do not say: I have tomorrow. I will make peace with God tomorrow.  "You fool, this night, you face your Judge. 

October is the Holy Rosary Month. 

“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).

The Holy Rosary has divine power to demolish strongholds. Use it. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN PAUL II. SUPREME PONTIFF.

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN PAUL II. PONTIFF.

A Baptism I must be baptized.

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!

"There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?

No, I tell you, but rather division.

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;

a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:  49 - 53).

Thursday October 22nd in the 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Paul II, Supreme Pontiff.

St John Paul II lived from 1920 to 2005. He was Polish and the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years.

John Paul was beatified on May 1st, 2011 and canonized April 27, 2014.

Pope Francis performed both liturgies.

John Paul was an accomplished writer.

He traveled all over the world to promote understanding between nations and between different cultures and religions.

Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Regan contributed to the peaceful dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

John Paul II wrote many important encyclicals. His enduring legacy is the Catechism of the Catholic Church which he promulgated in 1992.

Some people think that the Gospel of today from Luke 12: 49 - 53 is a hyperbole, that is, great exaggeration. Do you think so? Then look at a Crucifix. Is Jesus nailed to the Cross wearing a crown of thorns a hyperbole?

Jesus proclaimed: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" Jesus said in another passage that the purpose of His life is to proclaim the truth. If you belong to the truth, you will listen to His voice, He further said. If you do not belong to the truth, you will oppose Him.

Falsehood always opposes the truth. Cain murdered Abel. Esau hated his brother Jacob and would have killed him if he had the opportunity. The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. Judas, intimate companion of Jesus betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. This tug of War still plays out relentlessly in families everywhere.

Do not be afraid of those who oppose you because you have responded to the call of Jesus. Be rather afraid of failing to acknowledge Jesus before men.

Jesus wants us to love our families and friends but never make idols of them.

Do you remember how David slew Goliath? Now see what weapons God has given us for the inevitable struggle of the present time:

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 4 - 5).

Our God is a consuming fire!

October is the Holy Rosary Month.

Three Quotes from Pope John Paul II on the Holy Rosary.

1.  His personal testimony:

“The Rosary is my favourite prayer. A marvellous prayer! Marvellous in its simplicity and its depth.”

— St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 2, recalling his words of October 29, 1978.

2. Its essential purpose:

“To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ.”

— St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.

3. Its Christ-centered heart

“The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer.”

— St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae.

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

BE FAITHFUL AND PRUDENT OVER GOD'S BUSINESS.

THE FAITHFUL AND PRUDENT SERVANT.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples: 

“Be sure of this:

if the master of the house had known the hour

when the thief was coming,

he would not have let his house be broken into.

You also must be prepared,

for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Then Peter said,

“Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”

And the Lord replied,

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward

whom the master will put in charge of his servants

to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?

Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so.

Truly, I say to you, he will put him

in charge of all his property.

But if that servant says to himself,

‘My master is delayed in coming,’

and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants,

to eat and drink and get drunk,

then that servant’s master will come

on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour

and will punish the servant severely

and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

That servant who knew his master’s will

but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will

shall be beaten severely;

and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will

but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating

shall be beaten only lightly. 

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,

and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12: 39 - 48).

My friend, has God given you much in life? To answer the question truthfully and comprehensively, consider the following areas of your life:

1. Family.

2. Health.

3. Money.

4. Job.

5. Tools.

6. Food.

7. Future.

When I did a similar reflection several years ago, I was astonished.

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

When I read the above, I knew I was in trouble.

God is merciful. I threw myself into the merciful love of God. That was many years ago.

Today I commit myself to make up for lost time and ground.

Everyday, I engage myself to grow to know Jesus more through:

1. Daily Prayer.

2. Daily Bible Verse.

3. Communion.

4. Confession.

5. Daily Examination of conscience.

6. Daily Spiritual Reading.

7. Sharing my faith through Blogs.

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

Lord Jesus, I trust in Your merciful love. I cling tightly to this love. I surrender myself completely to You. Take care of everything Your way according to Your Plan for my life.

What do you do if you can not negotiate your final moment or place of transition from this world?

Pray always. Pray everywhere. Pray for everything.

Read the word of God every day.

Receive the Eucharist as often as you can.

Jesus Christ, the Leader of our Faith has bestowed a lot to His Church.

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

"You did the right thing in coming to Me with your feelings of aloneness. I am here for you, and you, you are here for Me, only for Me, and for no other. Do you think that I will not honour the sacrifice you made in coming to live here for Me, with Me, close to Me by day and by night? Understand just a little the sorrow of My Eucharistic Heart that is utterly forsaken in countless tabernacles all over the world. Why do I multiply My glorious presence in so real and miraculous a way, if not to be close to the souls whom I love with a burning passion and with a consummate tenderness? And I am left alone. Often I am forgotten from one week to the next or, worse yet, I am treated like a thing, like a commodity kept in reserve in case of need. This was not My intention in instituting this Sacrament of My redeeming love." (IN SINU JESU, Sunday, October 19, 2008 Saint Paul of the Cross).

October is the Month the Church honors the Most Holy Rosary.

“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!” (St. Padre Pio).

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October.

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST PAUL OF THE CROSS. PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

FEAST OF ST PAUL OF THE CROSS. PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

How to wait for the big Moment.

"Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning,

and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast,

so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks.

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes;

truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table,

and he will come and serve them.

If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants!" (Luke 12: 35 - 38).

Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 in the 29th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Paul of the Cross. (1694 - 1775).

St Paul of the Cross was Italian, priest, Mystic and Founder of the Passionists.

The charism of St Paul of the Cross is a profound understanding of the mystery of the Cross and translating this understanding into a plan of life.

The Passionists founded by St Paul of the Cross were noted and still noted for preaching and retreat ministry. I have been blessed to attend a Parish Mission preached by a Passionist Priest.

Today's reflection invites us to consider: How to wait for the big moment.

Everyone on earth is waiting for something. Some are kicking, waiting to be born, others are in excruciating pain waiting to die. Christians are waiting for the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ.

Whatever you may be waiting for, Jesus gives us infallible rule on how to wait successfully for anything.

"Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of Man." (Luke 21: 36).

You must be vigilant at all times and use prayer as a means to maintain your vigilance.

In His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned the three disciples who accompanied Him to the Garden that unless they are awake and pray, they will be unable to resist the temptation of the devil. We know what happened.

Maybe you are waiting for God to fulfill a promise to you.

Is there an infallible rule to follow so that you do not miss your promise? Abraham and Sarah, Hannah, David teach us how to wait in an active mode.

The servant who waits like this is "ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks." That servant is praised by his boss:

"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 

 And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants." (Luke 12: 37 - 38).

He who is faithful in little things will be faithful in great things.

If you have mastered the principle of waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast, then you may be sure that you you can wait for the Return of Jesus.

We are still in October when it pays big to honor Mary the Virgin with a Rosary every day.

"The Rosary is a long chain that links heaven and earth." – St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN DE BREBEUF AND ISAAC JOQUES & COMPANION MARTYRS.

MEMORIAL OF ISAAC JOQUES & JOHN DE BROBEUF & CO MARTYRS. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”

"He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”

Then he 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 the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Luke 12: 13 - 21).

Monday 19 October 2026, 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the North American Martyrs: John de Brebeuf (1593 - 1649, Isaac Jogues (1607 - 1646) and Companion Martyrs.

All of them were French and all of the Society of Jesus. They were 8 in all, 6 priests and 2 lay brothers. They labored day and night under harsh conditions with almost the certainty of martyrdom to bring Jesus Christ to the Native Americans.

In faith these martyrs believed Jesus that He came to found an everlasting Kingdom of peace, joy and happiness for ever and ever. It is God's will for all people to be saved.

These Brethren in religion lost their lives in bringing this message to Native Americans.

Our key Scripture for today is the Parable of the self congratulatory words of the foolish rich man whose land produced abundant harvest.

He did not give thanks to God. He did not share his bounty with the poor.

He received a jolting message from God who is our Divine Providence:

"You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?" (Luke 12: 20).

From the beginning of salvation history, God has taught man to trust in Him for all his needs. Below are a few relevant Scriptures on this:

#1. Gather the manna you need for one day.  The next day, "I the Lord Your God will supply fresh manna for the new day." (Cf Exodus 16: 21 - 35).

Hoarding is idolatry. Deal with the cause of this insecurity with prayer.

#2. "Give us today the food we need."  (Matthew 6: 11).

God who is our Providence knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

#3.  "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  (Matthew 6 : 34).

God says: My Name is: I AM. My Name is not I WAS. My Name is not I WILL BE.

Learn from God's Name that He is always Emmanuel, God with us always. He is in control everywhere, in everything and always.

Do not be fooled by what you consider accidents or coincidences.

Jesus promises that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His holiness, God who knows what we need and when we need it will never fail to provide adequately for us.

Do not allow wealth to be a snare for you.  Rather make your wealth the trusting of God's promises.

God wants His faithful promises to be our protection and armor in every situation. (Cf Psalm 94: 4). Not even a single one of God's promises has failed.

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

“Those who say the Rosary frequently and fervently will gradually grow in grace and holiness and will enjoy the special protection of Our Lady and the abiding friendship of God.”

-Bishop Hugh Boyle.

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

PAY TAX OR NOT PAY TAX.

PAY TAX OR NOT PAY TAX?

THE GOODNEWS:
"The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.

"They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying,

“Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

And you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion, for you do not regard a person’s status. 

"Tell us, then, what is your opinion:

Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?”

"Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites?

"Show me the coin that pays the census tax.”

Then they handed him the Roman coin.

"He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?”
They replied, “Caesar’s.” 

"At that he said to them,

“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Matthew 22: 15 - 21).

Sunday 18th October 2026, 29th Week in Ordinary Time is Mission Sunday 2026. 
The Church world-wide celebrates Mission Sunday today.

This year marks its 100th anniversary, with the theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV: “One in Christ, united in mission.”

It is a day for Catholics worldwide to unite in prayer and financial support for the Church’s missionary work.


The Gospel for today reminds us of the existence of two kingdoms living side by side.

There is the Kingdom of God whose seed on earth is the Church.

There is also the kingdom of Caesar with its goals and methods often contrary to the mission of the Church. 

The Pharisees ask Jesus whether they should pay tax to the government or not.

Where should our loyalty be?


Jesus used the trick question to teach us a vital lesson.

Yes we owe the government lawful taxes. 

But as for the kingdom of God, we owe God our adoration, prayers, Sunday worship, tithes, obedience to His commandments, and the commandments of the Church, etc. 

If we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, everything will fall into place:
The taxes to Caesar, our daily bread and all we need will be guaranteed, Jesus promises. (Cf Matthew 6: 33). 


Mission Sunday celebrates the truth that the Church exists to evangelize.

The Church is missionary in its deepest nature. 

How missionary are you in your thoughts and prayers?

St Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower never stepped out of her convent, yet she is the patron saint of missionaries.

How? She carried the mission fields and work in her thoughts and prayers.

She taught that prayers could be a vital contribution to the mission.

We all can pray for the missions.
We all can make some financial contributions from time to time towards mission work. 

Be missionary. 


The Church honors the Holy Rosary in October.

“Say the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world.”
(Our Lady of Fatima, 1917). 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1