THE FULL TRUTH ABOUT THE GOSPEL.

THE FULL TRUTH ABOUT THE GOSPEL. 

"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships

to enter the Kingdom of God." (Acts 14: 22). 

THE GOODNEWS:

"In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium

arrived and won over the crowds.

They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,

supposing that he was dead.

But when the disciples gathered around him,

he got up and entered the city.

On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

After they had proclaimed the good news to that city

and made a considerable number of disciples,

they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.

They strengthened the spirits of the disciples

and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,

"It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships

to enter the Kingdom of God."

They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and,

with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord

in whom they had put their faith.

Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.

After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.

From there they sailed to Antioch,

where they had been commended to the grace of God

for the work they had now accomplished.

And when they arrived, they called the Church together

and reported what God had done with them

and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Then they spent no little time with the disciples." (Acts 14: 19 - 28).

Tuesday May 5th in the 5th Week in the Easter Season. 

Some people will be surprised to learn that "It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships

to enter the Kingdom of God." (Acts 14: 22). 

Such people who sucked the milk of prosperity gospel would beg to differ from St Paul. 

But people who had made their home in the true word of God will not be surprised. 

Consider the words of Jesus Himself to Cleopas and his companion on the way to Emmaus. 

"And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  

Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures."

You may call this revelation by Jesus The Full Truth about the Gospel. 

The Full Truth about the Gospel is that the Cross or trials is inevitable path to salvation. 

Jesus told Cleopas and his companion that this truth is in the Scriptures. 

Below are some examples:

The idea of suffering before glory was not strange to the Old Testament reader. 

The lives of Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, etc were examples. 

Below are supporting Scriptures. 

Isaiah 53:

 — The “Suffering Servant” song had Jesus Christ in mind. 

Example verse: Isaiah 53:5 

— “But he was pierced for our sins, crushed for our iniquity, he bore the punishment that makes us whole by his wounds we were healed.”

Psalm 22:

You cannot read Psalm 22 without thinking about the Passion of Jesus Christ. 

Why does all this Scripture citations matter? 

This knowledge makes it easier to accept the inevitability of suffering in the Christian experience. 

2 Timothy 3 is blunt in teaching that believers who desire to live a godly life in Christ will face persecution. 

Quo vadis? 

Jesus Christ is our Captain. Where He leads we follow Him. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

"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)

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH AND REMIND YOU OF HEALING TRUTHS IN CRISIS.

THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL TEACH AND REMIND YOU OF THE HEALING SCRIPTURES YOU NEED IN CRISIS. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

 “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.

 Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” 

"Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?”

"Jesus answered and said to him,

 “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. 

Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14: 21 - 26).

Jesus said in the Gospel of today: "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14: 21 - 26). 

The Holy spirit is the Lord and Giver of life. He is our best Teacher.

 If we are docile to the Holy Spirit, He will manifest Himself to us as “All that we need.“

 

He who has Supreme Wisdom living in him does not need a Master's degree. 

The Holy Spirit also reminds us of the healing Scriptures we have heard and used. 

I have benefited a great deal from this ministry of the Holy Spirit. 

Among the golden verses the Holy Spirit reminds me in crisis are:

1. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6: 33). 

2. "Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the Lord will win for you today. For these Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14: 13-14). 

3. "The Lord says to you: Do not fear or be dismayed at the sight of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s." (2 Chronicles 20: 15). 

4. "For thus said the Lord God,

    the Holy One of Israel:

By waiting and by calm you shall be saved,

    in quiet and in trust shall be your strength.

    But this you did not will." (Isaiah 30: 15). 

5.  "My grace is sufficient for you. Power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

Get your own healing Scriptures ready for the time of spiritual combat. 

Let us prepare for the Novena of the Solemnity of Pentecost with fervent desire. 

The Holy Spirit was certainly very active in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

"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)

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

WHAT KEEPS YOU AT WAKE AT NIGHT?

IS YOUR HEART TROUBLED BY ANYTHING?   

"Jesus said to his disciples: 

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. 

"You have faith in God; have faith also in me. 

In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.

 If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?

 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.

 Where I am going you know the way.” 

"Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life." 

No one comes to the Father except through me.”

If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 

 Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”  

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?

 Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

 How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 

 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? 

The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.

 The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. 

 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. 

 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. 

 And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

 If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."

(John 14: 1 - 12).

Sunday 3rd May 2026 in the 5th Week in the Easter Season. 

"DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED." 

What makes your heart troubled? 

Health and money issues? Job and fear of losing your possessions? Discordant family? 

War and terrorism? Immigration and fear of losing your country? 

Whatever makes your heart troubled and keeps you awake at night, Jesus has a healing word for you today. 

"DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED."

By Anything!!! 

Jesus says to the Apostle Paul when his heart was troubled by severe trials and temptations:

"My grace is sufficient for you. Power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9). 

Pray over this Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you. 

Can you take the above advice of Jesus to Paul? 

When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea towards their boat, they believed they were seeing a ghost. Jesus said to them:

"It is I. Do not be afraid."

Can you accept and recognize the above word of Jesus as true? 

Now think of this. Jesus gave us everything we have. Jesus can take any of what He has given us anytime whether we like it or not. Why then do we let our hearts be troubled over this or that matter? 

Consider and believe this promise of Jesus Christ once and for all! 

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and God will give you everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33). 

After all, God knows exactly what you need and when you need it. 

The Church dedicates the whole of May in honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Humble Maid of Nazareth. 

“Jesus cannot be understood without His Mother.” — Pope Francis. 

“Mary remains ever the path that leads to Christ. Every encounter with her can only result in an encounter with Christ himself.” — Pope Paul VI. 

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF ST ATHANASIUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST ATHANASIUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

IF YOU ASK ANYTHING IN MY NAME, I WILL DO IT. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “If you know me, then you will also know my Father.

"From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

"Philip said to Jesus, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” 

Jesus said to him, 

“Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip?

"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.

 How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 

Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? 

The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.

 The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.

 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.

"And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, 

so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.” (John 14: 7 - 14).

Saturday 2nd May 2026 in the 4th Week in the Easter Season. 

Brethren, 

Reflect with me on this great promise of Jesus on Prayer:

"If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it.”

Jesus Christ Himself taught that Prayer is a vital necessity. (Luke 18:1). 

God is obliged as a matter of justice to answer every Prayer. 

 "Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them?  I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily." (Luke 18: 7 - 8).

The God of Abraham is the God of Covenant who remembers His covenant forever. (Psalm 105: 8 - 9). 

Two of my great teachers on Prayer are:

1. St Alphonsus Liguori, CSsR. 

2. St Claude de la Colombière, SJ. 

. 

Their teaching on Prayer is remarkably similar. 

 Here is what I learned about their teaching on Prayer:

Pray with faith.

Ask God for big stuff.

Ask with persistence until you receive what you ask. If you quit asking before you receive, blame yourself.

 If God does not intend to grant your prayer, you will know somehow interiorly and quit praying.

Since Prayer is such a vital necessity in life, it is worth paying any price to get this gift and learn as much as possible about Prayer. Every significant gift I have enjoyed came from Prayer.

I learned this from the Liturgy of the Hours:

 "T'is not from chance springs any of the comfort we enjoy but from God's gracious ordaining."

Everything we have and enjoy in life comes from the loving and generous hands of God. 

This is true. Ask and you shall receive.

I learned this during the Sacrament of Reconciliation:

"The more you pray, the less you sin. The less you pray, the more you sin."

Saints are the happiest people on earth. Why not start by desiring to be a saint?

“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 Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

"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)

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN MAY.

FIRST FRIDAY. MAY 1, 2026.

Jesus promised 12 special graces and favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

  In the 5th month of the year 2026, we look at Promise #5. 

#5.  "I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings."

I like this one very much. I have sweet testimonies on this Promise. 

If you honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jesus will give you as a bonus His foster father, St Joseph, patron saint of workers to help you.

 Feast Day of St Joseph the Worker is Friday May 1st.

Sacred Heart of Jesus come to our help and prosper the work of our hands. 

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart devotional prayers and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

We start the Great Marian May Devotions this Friday, May 1st all the way to the end of May. 

It is a wonderful opportunity to renew your friendship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Redeemer and Queen of the Holy Rosary. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST PIUS V, OP. ROMAN PONTIFF.

FEAST OF ST PIUS V, PONTIFF. 

Scripture: John 13:16-20

"Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master;

 nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him." If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

 I am not speaking of you all; 

I know whom I have chosen; 

it is that the scripture may be fulfilled, 

`He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 

I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he.

 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives any one whom I send receives me;

 and he who receives me receives him who sent me." (John 13: 16 - 20). 

Thursday 30th April 2026 is the feast of Pope St Pius V. (1504 - 1572). Italian. Dominican Friar. 

Pius had tremendous impact in the post Tridentine Church of the 16th century.

 Some of his accomplishments are: implementing forcefully the decrees of the Council of Trent,

 building seminaries,

 publishing the Roman Catechism

 and revising the Missal and the Breviary.

St Pius V is credited for saving Europe from Islamic domination in 1571 in the Battle of Lepanto. 

That victory was attributed to the power of the Holy Rosary which was recited continuously by soldiers, lay people and clergy.

 This is the origin of the Feast of the Holy Rosary celebrated on October 7th.

No slave is greater than his master.

 Absolutely. We know this. No ambassador is greater than the king who sent him. Of course!

 But human nature being what it is, Ann Boleyn usurped the bed of her mistress, Queen Catherine of Aragon and became queen. You don't want to know what happened to Ann Boleyn.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He came to show us a simple and new way to the full life we hunger for.

 He is the truth who can never deceive.

Two deep truths marked His entire life:

#1 Necessity of Prayer. (Luke 18: 1). 

#2 Necessity of suffering. (Cf Luke 24: 26).

"If you understand this, blessed are if you do it. Meaning, if this becomes your habitual way of acting and thinking, count yourself among the saved. 

 

THE EUCHARIST IS THE PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.

The Church honors the HOLY EUCHARIST in APRIL.

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA. VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, 

and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.

"I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.

"And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him,

 for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.

"Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: 

the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day,

 because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak. 

And I know that his commandment is eternal life.

 So what I say, I say as the Father told me.” (John 12: 44 - 50).

Wednesday April 29th 2026 in the 4th Week in the Easter Season is the Memorial of St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church. 

St Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380). Italian Dominican Tertiary. Virgin and Doctor of the Church.

Catherine died at the age of 33 and accomplished for the Kingdom of God what most of us could never accomplish even if we live to be 90 years.

She brought about the renewal of the Church in a period of moral laxity. She was instrumental in reuniting the Church during the great Western Schism.

 She authored a spiritual classic, THE DIALOGUE.

 Catherine is the first woman to be named Doctor of the Church. 

She is the patron saint of plagues and Italy and co-patron saint of Europe with St Benedict.

Jesus said to the Apostles during the Last Supper:

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain. 

God set St Catherine on fire with divine love and boldness in the service of the Church. And Catherine set the Church on fire with her zeal and service.

"Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire." St Catherine of Siena said and lived this maxim.

Some quotes to nourish our faith from St Catherine of Siena:

1. “Love follows knowledge.”

2. “The human heart is drawn by love.”

3. "Humanity is nothing of itself; what we have, we have from God by grace, not because he owes it to us."

4. “God is more willing to pardon than we have been to sin.”

5. “What father ever gave up his son to death for the sake of his slave!”.

6. “God was made man and man was made God.”

7. “Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.”

8. “All the way to heaven is heaven, because Jesus said, "I am the way.”

Let us note that St Catherine of Siena had no formal education.

"I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord." (John 15: 16).

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

THE EUCHARIST IS THE PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST.

The Church honors the HOLY EUCHARIST in APRIL.

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1

FEAST OF SAINTS LOUIS MARIE DE MONTFORT AND PETER CHANNEL.

FEAST OF SAINTS LOUIS MARIE DE MONTFORT & PETER CHANNEL.

THE GOODNEWS:

"The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter.

And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon.

So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,

“How long are you going to keep us in suspense?

If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.

The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep.

My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.

No one can take them out of my hand.

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand.

The Father and I are one.” (John 10: 22 - 30).

Tuesday 28th April 2026, in the 4th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of two French saints:

St Peter Chanel and St Louis Marie de Monfort.

Louis de Monfort was born on the 31st of January 1673 in Monfort in France.

Louis Marie de Monfort was ordained a priest in 1700.

His great contribution was in fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the holy Rosary.

In 1715, he founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary.

Among his books which are still in print are:

1. TRUE DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN;

2. SECRET OF THE Rosary.

Louis de Monfort made the Rosary one of the most popular Catholic devotions throughout the world.

Catholics everywhere are indebted to him for articulating the incredible

powers of this simple devotion.

St Peter Chanel (1803 - 1841). Priest and Martyr.

St Peter Chanel died a martyr in the island of Futuna in the Oceania.

Tuesday 28th April 2026 in the 4th Week of the Easter Season.

If your heart is troubled by affairs of this world: family, health, money, politics, etc, it is because you do not put your complete trust in Jesus Christ.

If you depend on the world for your peace and serenity, the Scriptures promise you lots of trouble.

But it should not be so.

Listen to the promises of Jesus. Reflect on them continually and you shall have peace.

Below are a few of the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Call them healing truths because they destroy the lies of Satan in the soul and establish the peace of Christ.

1. "I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

2."It is I. Do not be afraid."

3. "Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God and believe in Me also."

4. "Fear is useless. All you need is Faith."

5. "My grace is sufficient for you. For power is made effective in weakness."

THE EUCHARIST  IS THE PASTURE THE GOOD SHEPHERD PROVIDES FOR HIS SHEEP.

The Church learns more and honors the HOLY EUCHARIST in APRIL.

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1

THE LORD JESUS IS OUR GOOD SHEPHERD.

THE LORD IS MY GOOD SHEPHERD.

"Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

"A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away,

 and the wolf catches and scatters them.

"This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

"I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,

 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;

"and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

"I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. 

These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.

"This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.

 I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. 

This command I have received from my Father.” (John 10: 11 - 18).

Monday 27th April 2026 in the 4th Week in the Easter Season.

My brethren, a sheep needs a shepherd.

 Jesus says that He is not just our shepherd but He is a Good Shepherd.

What does a shepherd do for the helpless dependent sheep?

1. He leads them to a safe and rich pasture where they can graze in safety.

2. After grazing, he leads them to a cool place shade where they rest and sleep.

3. All the time, he protects them from wolves which prowl and are a constant danger to the sheep.

Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd does all the above for us.

The Holy Eucharist is the rich and safe pasture which Jesus has prepared for us.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus is a bulwark of protection from attacks from any wolf.

When we are injured by the attacks of the wolf, we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation to nurse us and bring us to good health.

THE EUCHARIST  IS THE PASTURE THE GOOD SHEPHERD PROVIDES FOR HIS SHEEP.

The Church learns more and honors the HOLY EUCHARIST in APRIL.

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS ABUNDANT LIFE.

THE GIFT OF ABUNDANT LIFE. 

"Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.

"But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 

"The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 

When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. 

"But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”

 Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them.

"So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 

"I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.

 A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; 

I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 1 - 10).

Sunday April 26th 2026 in the 4th Week in the Easter Season.

"I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Why was Jesus conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontus Pilate, crucified, died and buried and raised again on Easter Sunday, which we celebrate each Easter Season?

The answer is: THAT WE MAY HAVE ABUNDANT LIFE.

Humanity had lanquished in squalor since the downfall of Adam and Eve. 

What is Abundant Life? 

Abundant Life is the Holy Spirit.

 When we become baptized, the third Person of the Blessed Trinity instantly comes and dwells in us. 

He does not come empty handed. God does not ration the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit comes with all His gifts to make His residence in us. He brings with Him these gifts. 

Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Reverential Fear of the Lord and Piety.

These gifts come to us as seeds to be developed by us through desire, prayer and study.

The Holy Spirit blesses us too with the fruits of His personality, for example: Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity and others.

This is the Abundant Life that Jesus speaks about in John 10: 10. 

He who believes enjoys Abundant Life Here and Now.

 St Catherine of Siena says that we continue to enjoy this Abundant Life from now all the way to eternity.

Abundant life is life in the Spirit.

 It is not eating, drinking and revelry which is the life of the unsaved. 

If you lose the joy and peace of abundant life through sin, you go to the Hospital in the Sacrament of Reconciliation where the Good Shepherd is waiting for you with the merciful medicine of Mercy.

The Eucharist is the food for the Journey of life provided for us by the Good Shepherd.

THE EUCHARIST IS THE PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. 

The Church d honors the HOLY EUCHARIST in APRIL. 

For Teachings, Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/03/the-holy-eucharist_31.html?m=1