WHO IS JESUS?

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM?

THE GOODNEWS:

"Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him,

he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”

They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’”

Then he said to them,

“But who do you say that I am?”

Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

"He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9: 18 - 22).

Friday 25th September 2026 in the 25th Week in Ordinary TIME.

"Then Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”

How do you know that you really know who Jesus is?

By demonstrating trust and obedience to Jesus again and again.

Where do you need to trust and obey Jesus?

For many people today in money and health issues.

Jesus said to St Paul: "My grace is sufficient for you. For power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

Jesus told Paul: My Provision and Protection which can never fail will follow you everywhere and will be enough for your needs.

Confident trust in Divine Providence is the great lesson that we need to learn if we want to follow Jesus always and everywhere.

To help us learn and trust in Divine Providence, meditate on the first Reading of today: (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 11).

"There is an appointed time for everything,

and a time for every thing under the heavens.

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.....

He has made everything appropriate to its time,

and has put the timeless into their hearts,

without man’s ever discovering,

from beginning to end, the work which God has done." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 11).

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Consider the Holy Spirit as Consoler- in- Chief: Pray to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, who filled Mary with supernatural endurance and peace.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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

KING HEROD IS ANXIOUS TO SEE JESUS.

HEROD WAS CURIOUS TO SEE JESUS.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying,

“John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying,

“Elijah has appeared”;

still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”

"But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”

And he kept trying to see him.." (Luke 9: 7 - 9).

Thursday September 24th in the 25th week of Ordinary Time.

Those who have desperate needs come to faith much easily than people with no problems.

King Herod heard about the miracles of Jesus and was greatly perplexed.

He did not believe that something supernatural was happening in his backyard. Why?

He felt he had no necessities that Jesus could relieve.

See below people who heard about Jesus and believed. They all have desperate needs:

#1. Syrophoenician woman: The woman heard about Jesus from neighbors or friends and went in search of Jesus. (Mark 7: 26, Matthew 15: 22).

#2. Zacchaeus:  The diminutive and very wealthy Tax collector. Zacchaeus heard about the miracles and teaching of Jesus and cast aside all self respect climbed a sycamore tree to get a good view of Jesus. (Luke 19: 1 - 2 10). The act changed his life.

#3. Bartimaeus: Bartimaeus the blind man heard so much talk about Jesus probably from his family members. He prayed earnestly that Jesus would pass by his way.

His prayer was answered. (Mark 10: 46 - 52).

#4. Father of the Demoniac: The father of the Demoniac heard about Jesus, walked a long way to see Jesus. He believed that where the disciples failed, Jesus will certainly succeed. (Matthew 17: 14 - 20, Mark 9: 14 - 29, Luke 9: 37 - 43).

#5. Jairius: Jarius, the civil servant heard about the miracles of Jesus and hastened to meet Jesus. (Mark 5: 21 - 43, Matthew 9: 18 - 26, Luke 8: 40 - 56).

#6. "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant." (Luke 7: 3 NIV).

All these people heard about Jesus and believed because they had desperate needs and they trusted the people who witnessed to them about Jesus.

The Principle: These people had serious needs. They heard about the miracles of Jesus. They believed. They sought out Jesus. They obtained their miracle. Jesus is still in the business of miracles.

"Herod the Tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”

Herod did nothing and died in his sins.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Our Lady of Mercy /  Our Lady of Ransom: Ask Mary to free your heart from bondage to sin and despair, guiding you toward divine liberty.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 PADRE PIO.

The MEMORIAL OF ST PIO OF PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO). CAPUCHIN PRIEST.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus summoned the Twelve

and gave them power and authority

over all demons

and to cure diseases,

and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God

and to heal the sick.

He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic.

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

And as for those who do not welcome you,

when you leave that town,

shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them."

Then they set out and went from village to village

proclaiming the Good News

and curing diseases everywhere." ( LUKE 9: 3 - 6).

Wednesday 23rd September, 2026 is the feast of St Pio Pietrelchina better known as Padre Pio. (1887 - 1968).

Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchin Priest. A mystic and stigmatist.

He was a highly gifted confessor and counseling guru.

Padre Pio died in 1968 and was canonized in 2002 by Pope St John Paul II in the lifetime of many people reading this.

Padre Pio entered the Capuchin Monastery at the age of 15. A mere boy, he had little in the way of this world's goods, education or spiritual riches.

He soon showed immense appetite for genuine riches or spiritual treasures. And in accordance with the spiritual law laid down by Jesus,

"To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 18).

Padre Pio grew into a spiritual giant.

The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9: 22).

Padre Pio knew what it is to suffer. He suffered almost constantly from ill-health throughout his long life. He was maligned by some members of the Church hierarchy and even by his confreres.

In all these sufferings, Padre Pio never doubted for a moment his faith in Divine Providence.

His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Rosary sustained him in the many crisis of his life.

St Padre Pio described himself as "a priest who prays."

St Padre Pio is one of the most popular saints in the Roman calendar.

"PRAYER IS THE BEST WEAPON WE HAVE; IT IS THE KEY TO GOD'S HEART." (ST PADRE PIO).

Pray for the grace of Perseverance especially in Prayer.

"My way is one of gentleness, of mercy, and of compassion. I offer My Cross to souls, but I never impose it, and when a soul begins to say “Yes” to the sweet and terrible exigencies of My love, I fit My Cross to her shoulders, and then help her to carry it step by step, increasing its weight only as that soul grows in love and in the fortitude that comes from the Holy Spirit." (IN SINU JESU, September 23, 2011, Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina).

"In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Let us reflect for a moment on the  Promise of Resurrection. Meditate on how sorrow is never the final word; the purpose of the Cross is eternal glory.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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

HOW TO BECOME A BROTHER AND SISTER OF JESUS.

THE WORD OF GOD CREATES A NEW FAMILY. 

"The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. 

"He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.”

"He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Luke 8: 19 - 21).

Tuesday 22nd September 2026 in the 25th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In the Gospel of today (Luke 9: 19 - 21), we hear:

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it."

What is the word of God?

#1. The word of God is the written word of God in the Sacred Scriptures.

#2. The word of God is decrees of God through the Sacred Tradition.

#3. The living word of God comes to us through the living and Sacred Magisterium, that is the teaching authority of the Church.

In the Scriptures, the word of God is also called the promise, will, command, precepts, ordinances, law and decrees of God. 

Our Responsorial Psalm for today Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44 (the longest chapter in the Bible) is a beautiful hymn to the wonders of the word of God.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus teaches that those who hear the word of God and observe it belong to a new family. 

A new family where blood is thicker than water. 

Jesus gives power to those who listen to His voice and accepts His teaching the power to become the children of God.

Do we have an example of where the word of God forms close  and tight families?

From the beginning of the Church, this divine teaching of Jesus has been vindicated in the early Christian communities of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. 

Today we have several religious communities, viz: Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, the Poor Clares, etc. 

The members of these communities love and cherish one another and are closely knit as a family more than most flesh and body families in the world.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Reflect on Mary’s unbroken faith when the Apostles fled on Good Friday. She kept the lamp of hope burning for the Church.

 May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.

THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.


THE CALL OF MATTHEW, THE EVANGELIST.

THE GOODNEWS:
"As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

"The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"He heard this and said,

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9: 9 - 13).

Monday September 21st 2026 in the 25th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

The Gospel today penned by the Evangelist Matthew deals with the Choice, the Call and the Anointing of Matthew.

Jesus encountered Matthew in his Tax Office.

He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."


Why did Matthew respond to the Call of Jesus at once?

Matthew earned his leaving in an occupation where daily temptation to amass filthy wealth is irresistible. He was aware that the people despised him.

Matthew's heart had yearned for a change of job and a change of life for a long time.

St Augustine teaches that every true desire is a prayer crying out to God.

God Himself plants every good desire in our hearts.

Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."

This Call and Response was not an accident. It was pure Divine Providence.

A man named Matthew was called by Jesus to follow Him.

The man left everything: job, money, house and property and friends and followed the stranger named Jesus.

Matthew was not a saint when Jesus called him. But Jesus did not come to call saints.

Paul the Apostle describes his own calling thus:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 1: 12 - 14).

Matthew could have written the above words.

Jesus delights in sinners because sinners give Him the opportunity to show off His mercy.

Why did Jesus institute the Most Holy Eucharist? Jesus delights in mercy.

Why did our Lord and Redeemer Institute the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

To embrace sinners in His merciful love. Why did Jesus institute the
Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion, the Divine Mercy Devotion? Jesus delights in mercy. Mercy may well be the last covenant with mankind.

Matthew accepted the call of Jesus with generosity and then lived in a manner worthy of the call he received. 

He used his old skill as a tax recorder to become an evangelist and penned the Gospel that bears his name.

The call of Matthew is a story of mercy. The unfathomable mercy of God.

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”(Matthew 9: 12 - 13).

Have you received any mercies from Jesus lately? Do you know the ABC of Mercy?
+ A. Ask for mercy.
+ B. Be merciful.
+ C. Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

"Make it your first care to find the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33).

"The kingdom of God is present in all its fullness, though in a hidden manner, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. He who seeks out My Eucharistic presence is seeking the kingdom of God. He who approaches Me in the Sacrament of My love will find the kingdom and therein all that he desires according to My Spirit. Come first to Me in the Sacrament of My love. Let this become the supernatural instinct of your soul: always to come to Me, always to seek My Eucharistic Face."  (IN SINU JESU, Monday, August 25, 2008).

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

• September 21 — Feast of St. Matthew: Pray for the conversion of sinners, trusting that Mary’s intercession brings lost souls back to the Light of Christ.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 CHURCH IS THE SEED OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH.

GOD OWNS THE VINEYARD. THE CHURCH IS HIS PROPERTY.

"Jesus told his disciples this parable:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.

"Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them,

‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’

So they went off.

"And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.

"Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them,

‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’

They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them,

‘You too go into my vineyard.’

"When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,

‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’

"When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.

"And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,

‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’

"He said to one of them in reply,

‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?

Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’

"Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20: 1 - 16a).

Sunday 25th Week in Ordinary Time.

Our spiritual food today is the Parable of the Landowner and the Vineyard.

Where is the meat in this Parable?

First, it is easy to tell that the Landowner is God. The Vineyard is the Church.

The Catechism teaches that the Church is the seed of the Kingdom of God in this world.

The Laborers in the Vineyard are you and me.


The Parable teaches us that the Landowner is a just Employer.

He is like a Father to all the laborers.

If we know that our Employer is kind, fair and just, it will be well for us.

Many employees adopt an adversarial posture with regard to their employers. Labor Union attitude.

Unfortunately too, many people fear God and distrust Him.

God wants His children to love Him, not fear Him. Reverence is the right attitude towards God and not sevile fear.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and soul.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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=10http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD.

 ARE YOU A HEARER OR A DOER OF THE WORD?

THE GOODNEWS:

“When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable.

“A sower went out to sow his seed. 

And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. 

Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture.

 Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it.

 And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.”

"After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”." (Luke 8: 5......14).

Saturday 19th September 2026 in  the 24th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of the Feast of St Januarius, Bishop and Martyr. 

St Januarius was martyred about 305. He was Italian. He was Bishop and Martyr and was killed under Emperor Diocletian.

His dried blood liquifies miraculously several times a year. Even science and agnostics are confounded by this miracle. Jesus our Savior still presents believers more than sufficient proofs like the liquification of the the blood of Januarius to strengthen their faith.

Did you guess that the Sower in the Gospel for today (Luke 8: 4 - 15) is Jesus the Farmer? 

The seed is the word of God. One of Jesus numerous names is the Word of God (Cf Revelation 19:13). 

The seed that fell among thorns may be likened to some living today in western societies.

 Unbridled affluence and materialism have eroded the faith of Our Fathers in these countries .

 People hear the Pearl of the Gospel: "Seek first the kingdom of God and holiness of life above every other thing and all your needs shall be met. Stop worrying about tomorrow which you cannot control. Trust firmly in my Divine All Powerful Providence. (Free translation - Cf Matthew 6: 33 - 34). 

We hear the word and prefer to be hearers only and not doers of the word.

Our ever merciful Savior continues to sow the word every day through the Sacred Scriptures, teachings from Sacred Tradition and Magisterium.

 But you too, you are a sower of the word whether you are a teacher, catechist, evangelist, nurse, housewife, politician, gabage collector, etc. Whatever you are or do, the Lord has entrusted you to partner with Him to transform the world today. How do you respond?

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 WOMEN WHO PROVIDED FOR JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES.

THE WOMEN WHO PROVIDED FOR JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

"Accompanying him were the Twelve 

and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,

 Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 

Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,

 Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources." (Luke 8: 1 - 3).

Friday, September 18th in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In the Gospel of today, we see that women who benefited from the ministry of Jesus provided for His needs and those of His disciples. 

They provided for them "out of their means." 

The widow of Zarephath provided for Elijah out of her meagre resources. 

God blessed this source and it never dried up till rain was restored.

This incidence is a foreshadow of God's arrangement for providing the future disciples of Jesus Christ.

 In the Old Testament, we see many instances of God providing for His servants through elected people.

 This principle was established with the levitical priesthood.

 Elisha, the prophet was likewise provided for by a couple in the course of his work.

 In the New Testament, we find abundant examples from the works of the Twelve and St Paul.

What are the lessons for us?

 God makes adequate provisions for the needs of those who preach the gospel. 

God prefers a situation of weakness and dependence for His servants so that His wisdom and power can triumph through their work. 

God infact wants His collaborators in the work of salvation to imitate the simplicity of Jesus Christ. He appoints people to supply the needs of His workers.

How do the disciples of Christ today appropriate God's blessings and provisions for their ministry?

 First, they must be aware of these provisions in the Bible. They must understand what God's word or promise is saying to their particular situation.

 Disciples of Jesus must believe his word and act on this word.  Prayer, trust and obedience activate the power of the word.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Reflect on the Pieta. 

 Ponder Mary receiving the lifeless body of Christ into her arms. Her maternal arms host the true Lamb of God.

Consoling the Sorrowful Mother: Offer acts of reparation for the sins that grieve the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

 May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 FEAST OF ST ROBERT BELLARMINE, SJ. BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE FEAST OF ST ROBERT BELLARMINE. BISHOP & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him,

   and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.

"Now there was a sinful woman in the city

   who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee.

Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,

   she stood behind him at his feet weeping

   and began to bathe his feet with her tears.

Then she wiped them with her hair,

   kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself,

   “If this man were a prophet,

   he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him,

   that she is a sinner.”

"Jesus said to him in reply,

   “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor;

   one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty.

Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both.

Which of them will love him more?”

"Simon said in reply,

   “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.”

He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

"Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon,

   “Do you see this woman?

When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet,

   but she has bathed them with her tears

   and wiped them with her hair.

You did not give me a kiss,

   but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.

You did not anoint my head with oil,

   but she anointed my feet with ointment.

So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven;

   hence, she has shown great love.

"But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

"The others at table said to themselves,

   “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

"But he said to the woman,

   “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7: 36 - 50). 

Thursday 17th September 2026 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Robert Bellarmine of the Society of Jesus. (1542 - 1620). Italian. Bishop, Cardinal, Apologist and Patron Saint of Catechists.

Robert Bellarmine resided in Rome during most of his work life. The poor of Rome came to know him well and called him "the new poor one," reminiscent of St Francis of Assisi, the original poor man of Assisi. Bellarmine shared his table regularly with the poor of the city of Rome.

Bellarmine was the nephew of Pope Marcellus II. St Robert 

Bellarmine was a renowned scholar, a great apologist and contributed immensely to the Council of Trent and the reforms mandated by the Council.

In spite of all these encomiums, Bellarmine could say with Paul:

"By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective."

September 17th is also the feast of St Hildegard of Bingen: (1098 - 1179). German. Benedictine. Virgin and Doctor of the Church.

 The incredibly talented Hildegard wore many hats: Mother superior, theologian, teacher and preacher, scientist, gynecologist, musician, etc.

 St Hildegard is the patron saint of musicians and writers.

"Saved by faith! 

"Your faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7: 50)

Jesus said these words to the woman described as a "sinful woman" in Luke 7: 36 – 50. 

This woman's faith in Jesus brought her not only forgiveness of her many sins but spiritual healing as well. Faith is to accept God's word as true.

 Which word of God do I need to accept as true here and now?

My sins are forgiven.

God is my Father.

God's mighty and merciful providence is guiding, protecting and providing for me every moment of my life.

Lord Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief.

I accept every promise of God in Bible as true.

 God is faithful beyond compare. The Scriptures boost that God remembers His promises for a thousand generations. That is to say, forever! 

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

 

St Robert Bellarmine, SJ our Saint of today had a notably deep and lifelong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Accounts of his life describe his daily recitation of the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin and the Rosary, his Saturday fast in Mary’s honor, and his strong theological defense of her privileges, including support for the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception long before it was defined as dogma.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN. POPE AND BISHOP RESPECTIVELY. MARTYRS.

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS CORNELIUS, POPE AND MARTYR AND ST CYPRIAN, BISHOP AND MARTYR. 

Wednesday, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026. 

Wednesday 16th September 2026 in the 24th Week of Ordinary Time is the Memorial of Saints Cornelius (Pope and Martyr) and Cyprian (Bishop and Martyr).

Pope Cornelius was martyred under Emperor Gallus in 253. St Cyprian, a Bishop from Carthage (modern Tunisia) was martyred in 258 under Emperor Valerian.

The two saints we honor today were acquainted with one another. They lived under one of the most severe persecutions of the Church. Tens of thousands were martyred. Rome was determined to stamp out once and for all Christianity in the empire.

Many Christians did not have the courage to face martyrdom. So they denied Jesus in order to preserve their lives. When the violent persecution abated, those Christians who denied Jesus wanted to be received back into the Church. Some Bishops said Yes. Other Bishops refused them a second chance. The controversy nearly split the Church asunder.

Pope Cornelius wanted the Christians who apostasized to confess their sins and do appropriate penance and be allowed to rejoin the Church. Many Bishops opposed him.

St Cyprian from the powerful African Church in Carthage came to his support. Their side won and schism was prevented.

In the Prayer over the Gifts for this Mass, the Church affirmed that the Eucharist gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian the courage to offer their lives for Christ. The same Eucharist can keep us faithful in all our trials, the Church prays. If you can receive the Eucharist more than once a week and do not do so, how can you justify your abstinence from such a Gift? It is simply ridiculous.

"Receive, we pray, O Lord, the offerings of your people

in honor of the passion of your holy Martyrs

Saints Cornelius and Cyprian,

and may the gifts that gave them courage under

persecution

make us, too, steadfast in all trials.

Through Christ our Lord."

The Eucharist gave Cornelius and Cyprian courage under persecution. The Holy Eucharist will do the same for you. 

"Jesus said to the crowds: 

“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?

 What are they like?

 They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.

 We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 

The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,

 ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 

But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” (LUKE 7: 31 - 35).

When Jesus compares us to little children in the marketplace who refuse to play the game according to rules, what is He saying?

 If you want to be an adult Christian, you must learn one truth and abide by it.

 Nobody can please the world. The world has no gold standard.

 It has rather arbitrary rules strung together to satisfy  selfish whims.

 The world controls people through Opinion Polls.

 Many people are terrified of adverse opinions from their neighbors, peers and the public.

Jesus did not care what people think about Him.

 His greatest desire is to do the will of His Father.

 In His teaching in today's Gospel, Jesus is not theoretical. He gives examples:

"For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners." 

But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” (Matthew 11: 18 - 19).

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

 May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 OUR LADY OF SORROWS.

THE MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, 

“Woman, behold, your son.” 

Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.”

"And from that hour the disciple took her into his home." (John 19: 25 - 27).

Tuesday September 15th 2026 in the 24th Week of Ordinary Time is the Memorial Our Lady of Sorrows.

"At the cross her station keeping,

Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last." (Stabat Mater). Thus was the prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of the Child Jesus fulfilled. "Your own soul a sword will pierce."

By the Cross of Jesus, the Mother of Sorrows received her everlasting vocation:

“Behold, your mother.” Mary may have murmured silently: "Be it done to me according to Your word." And she became our Mother too from that instance.

What do you make of the Seven Sorrows of Mary? 

Was it necessary? Superfluous? An overkill?

 Our Church teaches: "Our Mother Mary teaches us to live, together with her, beside the cross of her Son. In her suffering, she reminds us of the malice of sin and shows us the way of true repentance." (Roman Missal).

The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows follows the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. 

Back to back we celebrate the mystery of suffering in the economy of salvation.

Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary had been practiced since the

13th Century. The Swedish mystic, St Bridget received this Devotion. Below are the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary:

The prophecy of Simeon. 

The flight into Egypt. 

Loss of the Child Jesus for three days. 

Mary meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary. 

Crucifixion and Death of Jesus. 

The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross. 

The burial of Jesus.

Mary like her Son Jesus endured each of her agony with perfect love and total abandonment to God.

How do we summarize the dynamics of Cross and Crown, Test and Testimony, Trial and Triumph?

 The Apostle Peter says it best in the Communion Antiphon:

"Rejoice when you share in the sufferings of Christ, that you may also rejoice exultantly when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4: 13).

The Church honors the Most Sorrowful Heart of Mary in September.

Mary embraced her 7 Crosses (Sorrows). May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Crucified Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 GREAT FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE CROSS.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to Nicodemus:

“No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. 

"And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3: 13 - 17). 

Monday 14th September 2026 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the great feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

Why celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross?

#1 There is a divine necessity for the Son of Man to be lifted up on the Cross in order to save mankind. 

#2 The crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus transformed the Cross into a true sign of salvation. The Cross transformed our trials into possibilities of triumphs and testimonies. 

#3  "Christ crucified is thus "the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." It is in Christ's Resurrection and exaltation that the Father has shown forth "the immeasurable greatness of his power in us who believe" (CCC 272)

#4. "It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls. Suffering, more than anything else, makes present in the history of humanity the powers of the Redemption." (ON the Christian Meaning of Suffering - Salvifici Doloris #27). 

#5. We exalt the cross whenever we embrace 

our trials and tribulations and understand that God's holy will is the means of peace and joy in our lives. 

The Cross has become a synonym for the trials of life.

 Jesus says: "If you want to follow Me, pick up your own cross and follow Me." 

Hence we find plastic cross, gold cross, silver cross, wooden cross, etc. We find crosses in homes, cars, schools, hospitals, churches, cemeteries.

We find crosses in every country in the world. The ubiquitous presence of the Cross everywhere is significant and providential. It signifies that grace and mercy are everywhere we accept trials and situations we can not avoid.

We are baptized with the sign of the Cross: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit. This reminds us of the Trinitarian character of our faith.

As the catechumens are reminded in THE OCIA Rite of Acceptance,  embracing our cross is embracing the will of God. It is the most assured route to sanctity and the good life. The will of God is our shalom, our peace. Peace is the first and greatest gift of the Resurrection. 

"Father, in Your will is our peace." 

Man has always rejected the Cross as we see in the first Reading (Numbers 21: 4 - 9).

"With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!” (Numbers 21: 4 - 5).

If like Jesus, we humble ourselves under the mighty hands of God and accept our crosses, in the fullness of time, God will lift us up. (Cf 1 Peter 5: 6).

Jesus came to undo the disobedience of Adam and Eve by embracing the prescribed means of salvation by the Father.

"When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself, says the Lord." (John 12: 32)

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your Cross you have redeemed the world.

September is the month we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. It is also the month the Church honors the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Mary embraced her 7 Crosses (Sorrows). May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Crucified Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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

FORGIVE AS YOU ARE FORGIVEN.

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO OFFEND YOU AND FORGIVE THEM.

"Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

"Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

" That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.

"When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt.

"At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’

"Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.

"When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’

"Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt.

"Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair.

"His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’

"Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18: 21 - 35).

Sunday September13, 2026 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time. 

God said to Moses :  "I am a God of mercy and compassion.  Be holy as I am holy." (Cf Exodus 34: 6).

If we receive mercy from God, we must show mercy to others. It is not okay to say that it is difficult to forgive.

Sirach in his teaching portrays a divine quid pro quo when it comes to forgiving our neighbor. "Forgive your neighbor the wrong done to you; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven." (Sirach 28: 2).

"Can one refuse mercy to a sinner like oneself, yet seek pardon for one’s own sins?" (Sirach 28: 4).

Notice the punchline in Sirach: "A sinner like yourself."

Jesus says the same in today's Gospel:

"I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.  Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?" (Matthew 18: 32 - 33).

I have struggled with the question of forgiveness. Below is what I learned:

#1 Forgive the offense immediately. Everywhere, always, for everything, for everyone without discrimination.

#2 Pray blessings on the offender morning and evening. Continue to pray for the offender until you are healed of the hurt.

#3 Ask God to grant the grace to everyone you have offended to forgive you and set you free. I practiced #1 and #2 for years before it occurred to me that there are people out there that I have offended.

#4 If you do not read the word of God regularly, you will never understand anything about God's mercy and will find it difficult to forgive.

Psalm 103 is one of my favorite Psalms on the mercy of God.

"The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul;

and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

He pardons all your iniquities,

heals all your ills.

He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion." (CfPsalm 103: 1 - 3).

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Consider the Blessed Virgin Mary standing at the Foot of the Cross. Meditate on Mary’s steadfast presence beneath the Crucified Christ (John 19:25–27).

Invoke the maternal power of Mary’s name to dispel fear, seeking her perpetual help.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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