IS HE NOT THE CADRPENTER?

IS HE NOT THE CADRPENTER? 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, 

accompanied by his disciples. 

When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,

and many who heard him were astonished. 

They said, “Where did this man get all this? 

What kind of wisdom has been given him? 

What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 

Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,

and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? 

And are not his sisters here with us?” 

And they took offense at him. 

Jesus said to them,

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place

and among his own kin and in his own house.” 

So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,

apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.

He was amazed at their lack of faith." (Mark 6: 1 - 6). 

Wednesday February 4th in the 4th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Imagine yourself a native of Nazareth. An age mate of Jesus of Nazareth. You knew Him as the village carpenter for over 15 years.

 A bachelor. Nice and polite. Suddenly his carpentry shop was closed.

 Where is Jesus, the Village carpenter?

 One person says they heard he is in Carpanaum. In Naphtali. Sometimes even in Jerusalem. 

What was he doing? 

Teaching people from the Torah. Healing the sick. Casting out evil spirit. 

Then one Sunday, the Man Jesus appears himself in the village Synagogue.

 As is the custom,Jesus was invited to share a word with the congregation. 

How do you react to the wisdom, teaching authority and mastery displayed by Jesus before your eyes?

 Then people started talking about miracles and strange powers of Jesus they have heard of. 

The people in the Synagogue on this occasion were mean-spirited. 

Jesus paid them back in their own coin.

 He performed very few miracles there. 

Familiarity breeds contempt. Beware of this. 

The Church honors the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the Month of February. 

THE PRAYER OF Protection Of A Family:

"Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this dwelling,

and drive far from it all snares of the enemy;

let Thy holy Angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace;

and let Thy blessing be always upon us.

O Virgin Mary, Mother of Orphans and Refuge of the Sinful, cover us with thy mantle.

St. Joseph, Patron of a Happy Death, guard our slumber.

Lord Jesus, be our light in the darkness.

 "Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. For Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth."

For Devotional prayer and prayer intentions to the Holy Family, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-holy-family-devotion.html 

 

THE FEAST OF SAINTS BLAISE AND ANSGAR.

THE FEAST OF ST BLAISE, BISHOP AND MARTYR AND ST ANSGAR, BISHOP. 

THE POWER OF FAITH. 

Fear is useless. All you need is Faith. 

THE GOSPEL:

"When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. 

"One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward.

 Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying,

 “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.”

 He went off with him and a large crowd followed him.

"There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. 

She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had.

 Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. 

She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. 

She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.”

"Immediately her flow of blood dried up. 

She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked,

 “Who has touched my clothes?”

 But his disciples said to him, 

“You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?”

 And he looked around to see who had done it.

"The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. 

She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.

 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

"While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said,

 “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” 

"Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official,

 “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”

"He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James.

"When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them,

 “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.”

 And they ridiculed him.

"Then he put them all out.

 He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. 

He took the child by the hand and said to her,

 “Talitha koum,”

 which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” 

The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.

 At that they were utterly astounded. 

He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat." (Mark 5: 21 - 43).

Tuesday February 3rd in the 4th Week in Ordinary Time is THE FEAST OF SAINTS Blaise (+ 316). Armenian. Martyred under Emperor Licinius. Blaise is known for his cures of throat ailments.

St Ansgar: (801 - 865). French. Worked in Germany, Denmark and Sweden. Known as the Apostle of the North for his great success in evangelizing these nations.

BLAISE BISHOP AND MARTYR AND ANSGAR, BISHOP. 

The Gospel today from Mark 5: 21 - 43 confirms our belief in the power of faith to heal and move the mountains of human illness, ignorance and poverty. 

Do you believe this? 

Those who exercise this innate faith

 can help human beings to get victory and healing over the mountains of sicknesses, poverty and ignorance that crush the human spirit. 

If you have tiny pressure, your faith will be tiny. Big pressure creates big faith.

 You will be motivated like this woman afflicted with hemorrhage to travel far and wide in search of Jesus. 

This woman had squandered her money on specialist physicians without getting better. 

At last, at an opportune moment (the hour of Divine Providence), a friend suggested she seeks out a Jewish Rabbi who is reputed to be a healer.

 The lady heard this recommendation and accepted the message. 

By faith the woman afflicted with hemorrhage, traveled to Israel where she caught up with Jesus.

 She sneaked behind Jesus, touched the hem of the garment of Jesus and was healed instantly.

 Jesus was so impressed that He praised her faith. 

By faith, Jairus the synagogue official sought out Jesus to heal his daughter who was at the point of death. 

By faith Jairus believed Jesus when he was told:“Do not be afraid; just have faith.” 

Jesus followed Jairus to his house and uttered Talitha Kumi over the little girl and raised her from the dead. 

It is by faith that all heroes of Israel listed in Hebrews 11, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, Daniel, Judith, Esther, etc were able to perform incredible exploits. 

You too can heal yourself and others through faith. 

Faith comes from hearing. Hearing the word of God which is truth.

 Read and meditate on God's word every day. 

The Church honors the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the Month of February. 

"May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character. Let us learn from Nazareth that the formation received at home is gentle and irreplaceable. Let us learn the prime importance of the role of the family in the social order." (Pope St Paul VI). 

For Devotional prayer and prayer intentions to the Holy Family, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-holy-family-devotion.html 

THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD.

THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD. 

"When the days were completed for their purification

according to the law of Moses,

Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

just as it is written in the law of the Lord,

Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,

and to offer the sacrifice of

a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,

in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.

This man was righteous and devout,

awaiting the consolation of Israel,

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

that he should not see death

before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 

He came in the Spirit into the temple;

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus

to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,

he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

    “Now, Master, you may let your servant go 

        in peace, according to your word,

    for my eyes have seen your salvation,

        which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:

    a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

        and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,

“Behold, this child is destined

for the fall and rise of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be contradicted

-and you yourself a sword will pierce-

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna,

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was advanced in years,

having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple,

but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time,

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child

to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;

and the favor of God was upon him." (Luke 2: 22 - 40).

In the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, we have a new opportunity to encounter Jesus anew as the great Light of the World. 

Monday 2nd February 2026 in the 4th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord. 

Forty days after the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Mary and Joseph presented Him in the Temple in obedience of faith. 

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the holy Prophet Simeon and the Prophetess Anna appeared in the Temple in obedience of faith to bear witness to the faithfulness of God to His promise. 

Brethren, in the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord, let us renew our faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar so that we can experience the  transformative encounter with Jesus who is very eager to embrace us with His merciful love. 

The story of the Presentation of the Lord should be a familiar one to us especially if we say the Rosary. 

We reflect on the Mystery of the Presentation in the 4th Joyful Mystery. Forty days after the Birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph presented the Infant Jesus to His Father in the Temple in accordance with the Law. They did so with turtle doves which is the obligatory offering of the Poor. 

I am struck by the providential presence of Simeon and Anna, the Prophetess. 

When I say the 4th Joyful Mystery, I pray for the grace to grow in Trust, Obedience and Surrender. 

The Church dedicates February to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a way to contemplate the hidden life at Nazareth and to present their home as the model and “school of virtue” for every Christian

 family,

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-holy-family-devotion.html

 

THE PROMISES YOU CAN COUNT UPON.

THE BLESSED ARE YOU PROMISES.


"When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 

He began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven." (Matthew 5: 1 - 12).

We know that the public ministry of Jesus comprises principally three departments: Teaching, Healing and Feeding people.

In the Gospel of today famously called the Beatitudes or translated literally "How to be happy in the Kingdom of God", we understand why Jesus is called Rabbi. Rabbi refers to a person that has demonstrated authority to teach religious knowledge.

Consider this words of Jesus:
"I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly" (Cf John 10: 10)

The Beatitudes are about Abundant Living.

How do you come to this happy state?

The answer is in the Golden Verse: Matthew 6: 33.

"Make the Kingdom of God and its way of righteousness your first priority and God will take care of all your needs."

This is my personal understanding of the Golden Verse.

The 8 Beatitudes are therefore shining light on our path to the promised happiness of the Kingdom of God on earth.

The Catholic Church honors the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph throughout the Month of February.

The Church dedicates February to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a way to contemplate the hidden life at Nazareth and to present their home as the model and “school of virtue” for every Christian family,


For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-holy-family-devotion.html

MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN BOSCO, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN BOSCO. PRIEST AND FOUNDER. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, 

"Let us go across to the other side." 

And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was.

 And other boats were with him. 

 And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 

 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion;

 and they woke him and said to him, 

"Teacher, do you not care if we perish?" 

 And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" 

And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

  He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?" 

 And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?" (Mark 4: 35 - 41).

Saturday 31 January 2026 in the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Bosco (1815 - 1888), Italian Priest.

John Bosco is called the "Apostle of Youth." He was a great educator and father to the young. He founded the Salesian School to educate boys and girls.

St John Bosco is the patron saint of apprentices, young people and Catholic publishers and editors. 

A few memorable quotes from St John Bosco:

“Act today in such a way that you need not blush tomorrow.”

 “Do not put off till tomorrow the good you can do today. You may not have a tomorrow.”

 “Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul.”

 “Your mortification should be your diligence in doing your duties and in putting up with the annoyances of others.” 

Now to the Gospel of today. 

“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” This is the apparently exasperated rebuke of the disciples by Jesus.  The disciples had seen signs and wonders performed by Jesus. Yet, they are easily shaken by every new crisis. 

Were are the storms in your life today? Family, Health, Finances, Job, Property or Tools?  Or have you nothing to worry about but your future?

All storms are sanctioned by God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. Because the storms are sanctified or ordered by God, they are blessings and more often than not blessings in disguise.

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials,

for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  (James 1: 2 - 4)

James tells us above that trials test our faith in order to produce perseverance. Without perseverance, we can never succeed. 

Storm times are testing times.  Where do you place your trust? Who is your security? Who is the first person you call upon to help you?

"My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers.

O Most High, when I am afraid,

in you I place my trust.

I praise the word of God;

I trust in God, I do not fear.

What can mere flesh do to me?"  (Psalm 56: 3 - 5)

The whole of Sacred Scripture teaches one lesson:  Love God with all your heart and put Him first in everything.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.

Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  (Matthew 6: 33 -34)

When we put God and His interests first in our affairs, we experience a state that can be described as "No fear, No Worry, No Doubt."   Because Jesus Himself has promised that:

"Fear is useless; what is needed is trust."  (Luke 8: 50, Mark 5: 36)

As we open our hearts and minds to the word of God with confident trust, we experience the power of faith to rule and calm the furious storms that arise in our lives.

"Do not fear: I am with you;

do not be anxious: I am your God.

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  (Isaiah 41: 10).

"They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them, he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled." (Psalm 107).

God works silent miracles all the time for us. Show appreciation like the sailors. God is very pleased by our gratitude.

"They rejoiced that they were calmed, and he brought them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his kindness and his wondrous deeds to the children of men." (Psalm 107).

Such lessons from the Scriptures build up our faith. Don't miss them.

WE HONOR THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS IN JANUARY. TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY OF JANUARY. I WILL MISS JANUARY. 

"Every time I pronounce the Name of Jesus, it seems to me that my heart is rekindled with a new fire of love and my soul is filled with a singular sweetness." (St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J.). 

 

 "The Name of Jesus is a name of life, of salvation, and of joy. It is a name that strengthens the heart and gives light to the mind." (St. Peter Canisius, S.J.). 

 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  of Jesus, click the link below 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE GREAT MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

THE PARABLE OF THE MUSTARD SEED. 

"He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground 

 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how.

 The earth produces of itself first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head.

  But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle because the harvest has come.”

 He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it?

 It is like a mustard seed,

 which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,

  yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs

 and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it;

 he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. (Mark 4: 26 - 34).

Friday January 30, 2026 in the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time. 

Jesus compares the growth of the kingdom of God, that is, the reign of God to that of a tiny mustard seed. 

The Kingdom of God is a mystery.

 The life inside the tiny mustard seed is a mystery.

 The tiny spermatozoon is packed with a DNA that is a mystery.

Do not despise the small beginning. Do not thrash the Church and its mysteries because you do not understand them.

The mystery of faith calls for only one response: Belief. 

When you believe, you stand the chance that you can understand.

 Belief always comes first.

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom to mere children." (Matthew 11: 25).

Accept the Kingdom of God like a little child.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

 Pope Benedict XVI:

“The name of Jesus, the person of Jesus, the face of Jesus, is the means by which God the Father blesses us with every blessing in the heavens, keeps and protects us, shines his face upon us, fills us with grace and favor, looks upon us with tender love and grants us peace.”

 Pope Francis (quoting St Peter Faber, applied in his homily on the Name of Jesus:

“Let us never seek in this life to be tied to any name but that of Jesus.” 

For the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

SHINE YOUR LITTLE LIGHT.

SHINE YOUR LITTLE LIGHT. 

"I will shine my little light.

"Jesus said to his disciples,

“Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket

or under a bed,

and not to be placed on a lampstand?

For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; 

nothing is secret except to come to light.

Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.”

He also told them, “Take care what you hear.

The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, 

and still more will be given to you.

To the one who has, more will be given; 

from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Mark  4: 21 - 25).

In Baptism, we receive the light of Christ. 

 As we participate in the Sacraments and the life of the Church, the little light we receive in Baptism grows. 

 Where do you place this light?  In the lampstand or in the closet?

To hide your is futile.  Like a barren fig tree, you will be found out.

"For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light."  (Mark 4: 22).

It is more exciting to share the light you have.  Imagine the people who are desperate for it here and now.

 But you may say: I don't know what to say.  

You have the Holy Spirit. Ask Him.

 Do you have the desire? If not, ask the Holy Spirit. 

 Jesus makes two promises with regard to your engagement with His word:

#1.  "The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you." 

#2.  "To the one who has, more will be given."

And a warning:

"From the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”  (Mark 4: 24 - 25).

Friends, just shine your light and it will grow. 

Most people can share messages through their phones.  Why don't you share the word of God?

"A lamp to my feet is your word,

a light to my path."  (Psalm 119:105).

Jesus invites us to "approach with a sincere heart and in absolute trust" to participate in the work of Evangelization. (Cf Hebrews 10: 22)

His promise is trustworthy."

 JANUARY 

 "Every time I pronounce the Name of Jesus, it seems to me that my heart is rekindled with a new fire of love and my soul is filled with a singular sweetness." (St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J.). 

 

 "The Name of Jesus is a name of life, of salvation, and of joy. It is a name that strengthens the heart and gives light to the mind." (St. Peter Canisius, S.J.). 

 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  of Jesus, click the link below 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

MEMORIAL OF ST THOMAS AQUINAS, OP. PRIEST and DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST THOMAS AQUINAS, OP. PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.






THE GOSPEL:
"On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea.

A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down.

And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land.


"And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,


“Hear this! A sower went out to sow. 

And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,

and the birds came and ate it up.


"Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil.

It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep.

And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots



Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain.


"And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit.

It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables.

He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you.

But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that


they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.”


"Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable?

Then how will you understand any of the ­parables?


"The sower sows the word.

These are the ones on the path where the word is sown.

As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them.


"And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy.

But they have no roots; they last only for a time.

Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

Those sown among thorns are another sort.

They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit


" But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.” (Mark 4: 1 - 20).


Wednesday January 28th in the 3rd WEEK in Ordinary Time.

. 

"The sower sows the word."

Jesus says as He explained the Parable of the Sower to the Twelve and those who were with them.


What is the word? The word here could mean teaching, advice, counsel, commandments, etc.


The word can also mean the various circumstances of daily living that present challenges to our comforts.


God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence governs all things. God speaks to us through various circumstances of our day.

Some of these circumstances are pleasant and others are afflictive.

These beneficent and afflictive circumstances are different words of God to us. How do we handle them?

When you are challenged with difficulties of daily living that make you weary of the word or the promises of God, what do you do?

Pray to Jesus.
Remember the Promise: "It is I. Do not be afraid.."

Allow the power of the word of God to lift the cloud that hangs over you,

Friends, have trust in prayer. Have trust in the word of God.



THE CHURCH HONORS THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS IN JANUARY.

There is power in wielding the Holy Name of Jesus. The early Church continually preached of its saving power. (Cf CCC).


For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS.

FEAST OF ST ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS. 

"The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him.

"A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.”

"But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?”

"And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3: 31 - 35)."

Tuesday January 27th 2026 in the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Angela Merici. (1474 - 1540), Virgin.  Italian.

St Angela Merici founded the Ursuline Order, the first women teaching order in the Church. 

St Angela believed that the formation and education of Christian women is society's greatest investment.

Convinced of this truth, St. Angela Merici founded the Company of St. Ursula,  [Ursulines] a secular institute devoted to educating young women to be Christian wives, mothers, teachers, and catechists.

 The Ursulines are flourishing today in their teaching ministry.

In the Gospel of today from Mark 3: 31 - 35, we discover the truth about the pecking order in the Kingdom of God. Who is Who and why? 

"And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” 

Why is the Blessed Virgin Mary Primus Inter Pares (First Among Equals) in the Kingdom of God? 

You now know the reason. 

The Virgin of Nazareth heard the Word of God and received it totally. 

Receive the word of God with all your heart and mind and soul and live the word of God and you too will be happy and great. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

"The name of Jesus is light, and food, and medicine. It is light, when it is preached to us; it is food, when we think upon it; it is the medicine that soothes our pains when we invoke it… For when I pronounce this name, I bring before my mind the man, who, by excellence, is meek and humble of heart, benign, sober, chaste, merciful, and filled with everything that is good and holy, nay, who is the very God almighty—whose example heals me, and whose assistance strengthens me. I say all this, when I say Jesus." (St Bernard of Clairvaux).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, BISHOPS.

FEAST OF SAINTS TIMOTHY AND TITUS,  Bishops. 

THE GOSPEL:

"The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, 

“He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and

“By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, 

“How can Satan drive out Satan?

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

And if a house is divided against itself, 

that house will not be able to stand.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, 

he cannot stand; 

that is the end of him.

But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property 

unless he first ties up the strong man.

Then he can plunder his house. 

Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies 

that people utter will be forgiven them.

But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit 

will never have forgiveness, 

but is guilty of an everlasting sin.”

For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mark 3: 22 - 30). 

Monday 26th January 2026, in the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus.

 Timothy (+ 97). Born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father.

 He was ordained by St Paul as Bishop of Ephesus. 

He was a disciple of Paul and traveled with Paul in some of his missionary journeys.

Titus (+ 96 or 107). Ordained Bishop of Crete by St Paul.

 Both Timothy and Titus had very difficult churches to oversee in Ephesus and Crete respectively.

In our Gospel message today, the Scribes insane with envy about the apostolic successes of the ministry of Jesus lashed out like a boxer that has lost control and strikes out everywhere. 

Jesus ever cool answered them methodically. 

"How can Satan drive out Satan?

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

And if a house is divided against itself, 

that house will not be able to stand.

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, 

he cannot stand; 

that is the end of him.

But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property 

unless he first ties up the strong man.

Then he can plunder his house."

My brothers and sisters, are you impressed by Jesus' wisdom and performance? 

Jesus promised that you and I can do the same if we trust in the Holy Spirit living in us. 

We have seen proofs of this from the performances of St Stephen, Saints Peter and John before the Sanhedrin. 

Thank You Abba Father for the Gift of the Most Precious Spirit. May we never doubt that He will do in us according to Your Promises. Amen! 

We are still in January, the month the Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus. 

St. Peter Canisius, S.J.

 "The Name of Jesus is a name of life, of salvation, and of joy. It is a name that strengthens the heart and gives light to the mind."

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J.

 "Every time I pronounce the Name of Jesus, it seems to me that my heart is rekindled with a new fire of love and my soul is filled with a singular sweetness."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  of Jesus, click the link below 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

 

THE CALL OF THE APOSTLES AND THE BEGINNING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH.

THE CALL OF THE FIRST OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

JESUS CALLS PETER, ANDREW, JAMES AND JOHN.

"When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,

he withdrew to Galilee.

He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,

in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet

might be fulfilled:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,

Galilee of the Gentiles,

the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,

on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death

light has arisen.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,

Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,

casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

He said to them,

“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

At once they left their nets and followed him.

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,

James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.

He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father

and followed him.

He went around all of Galilee,

teaching in their synagogues,

 proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom,

and curing every disease and illness among the people." (Matthew 4: 12 - 23).

The Call of Simon, Andrew, James and John is significant because it marks the definitive step in laying down the foundation for the Seed of the Kingdom of God on earth, which is the Church of the living God.

Every Kingdom requires Personnel, Laws and Structures.

Jesus is creating a Church that will propagate His Mission and Policy throughout the world to the end of the ages.

Jesus chose simple, uneducated fishermen to be the Officers of this Kingdom. This Kingdom is the Work of God. Its manner of operating will be different from earthly kingdoms.

We gain entrance into this Kingdom through Baptism.

Our Bishops are tte successors of the Apostles.

We grew and take root in the Kingdom through participating in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux:

 "The Name of Jesus is not only light, but also food; it is likewise oil, without which all the food of the soul is dry; it is salt, unseasoned by which, whatever is presented to us is insipid; finally, it is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, rejoicing in the heart."

 St. Bernardino of Siena:

 "The Name of Jesus is the glory of preachers, because the shining splendor of that Name causes His word to be proclaimed and heard. This Name is the brightness of believers, the strength of the doers, and the help of those who suffer."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  of Jesus, click the link below 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1