WELCOME HOME PRODIGAL.

WELCOME HOME PRODIGAL. 

"Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,

 “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

"So to them Jesus addressed this parable. 

“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father,

 ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ 

So the father divided the property between them.

"After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.

"When he had freely spent everything,

 a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

 And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. 

"Coming to his senses 

he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.

"I shall get up and go to my father

 and I shall say to him, 

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 

I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’

"So he got up and went back to his father. 

While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. 

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.

 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 

"But his father ordered his servants, 

‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. 

Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ 

"Then the celebration began.

 Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him,

 ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

"He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 

He said to his father in reply,

 ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.

 But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’

"He said to him,

 ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. 

But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’” (Luke15:1-3, 11-32).

Saturday March 7th in the 2nd Week in Lent. 

I see God’s face of mercy in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. 

The Mass Scriptures proclaim the Father’s merciful love in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. 

The Father of the Prodigal who is a type of Abba Father is kind and merciful.

The Gospel of the Parable of the Prodigal Son dives into the depth of the Father’s bottomless mercy. 

This divine Message from Jesus our Teacher sounds too good to be true but is true.

 God our Father will pursue us with His merciful love to bring us home even when we are stubborn and incorrigible.

 

How can we believe this with certainty? 

God's merciful love of His people is a constant theme of the prophets. 

Look at the Tradition of the Church:

The Conversion of St Paul, Saints Francis of Asissi, Ignatius Loyola, John of God, Mary Magdalene, etc. 

All the above examples are application of the Principles of Mercy. 

Faith comes through hearing. Hearing the word and testimonies of Sacred Scripture and and the people who have been touched by God's mercy and believing what you hear. 

"I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers." (Luke 15: 18 - 19).

The Scriptures reveal to us in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus Christ is the Face of mercy of God the Father.

 How do we apply this truth to our needs?

The ABC of Mercy:

Ask for Mercy.

Be Merciful.

Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

Jesus explained to St. Maria Faustina that there are three ordinary, daily ways to exercise mercy:

1. By deed: concrete acts of charity and service for your neighbor.  

2. By word: speaking with mercy, defending, consoling, forgiving, and teaching the truth in love. . 

3. By prayer: praying for others, especially sinners, the suffering, and those who hurt us.

He told her:

“I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first – by deed, the second – by word, the third – by prayer.

In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me.

 By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy” (Diary of St. Faustina, 742)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is God the Father and Teacher of mankind teaching His children how to be and how to do Mercy. 

St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.

From the Litany of St Joseph:

Joseph most faithful. Pray for us. 

Mirror of patience. Pray for us. 

Lover of poverty. 

Pray for us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

THE CHURCH IS THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD.

THE CHURCH IS THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD.

""Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: 


"Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.


"Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.


"When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.

But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned.


"Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way.


"Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,
‘They will respect my son.’



"But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘
This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’


"They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.


"What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?”


"They answered him,

“He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.”


"Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures:


"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?


"Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will ­produce its fruit.”


"When the chief priests and the ­Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were ­attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they ­regarded him as a prophet." (Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46).

Friday March 6th 2026 of 2nd week of Lent.


The Gospel today is an allegory of the Kingdom of God and the mysterious ways of Divine Providence.

In the Parable, the owner of the Vineyard appears weak and stupid.

After the malevolent tenants had killed scores of the servants sent to collect the rent, he decided to send his only son without a military backup which is the only language that some wicked people understand.


The deep mystery of God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence is not whitewashed in Sacred Scriptures.

Take the first Reading from Genesis for example: The brothers of Joseph out of blind envy sold Joseph into slavery.

We know how the story of Joseph ended in Egypt.


When we are faced with what we do not and cannot understand like:

Why are wicked people made rulers?

Why the Holocaust?

Why did God permit Islam to wipe out Christianity in North Africa and the Middle East in the 7th century?

Why Pharoah, why Hitler, why Stalin, etc?

Our faith teaches us that God is infinite. We are not.

He is all-knowing. We are too limited in our knowledge, vision and wisdom.

Therefore we must accept and believe what we can not understand.

God did not allow Satan have the last word in the crucifixion of Jesus.

He rose again on the third day.

St Augustine teaches that God could never permit evil if a greater good would not emerge from it.

This is true. Your life experiences will bear testimony to this truth.


Below is my favorite Scripture when I grapple with the mystery of Divine Providence:


"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55: 8 - 9).

The Holy Catholic Church honors the St Joseph, the holy spouse of Mary and the foster Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in March.

Consider the life paths of the Two Joseph's in the Bible:


- Joseph, son of Jacob: “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20)


St Joseph, foster father of Jesus (Pope Francis’ prayer): “Saint Joseph, you who always trusted God, and made your choices guided by His providence, teach us not to count so much on our own plans but on His plan of love.”

Both lives show that providence often appears as disruption: betrayal and prison for Joseph in Egypt, unexpected pregnancy, flight into Egypt, and years of anonymity for St Joseph.
- In both, God quietly orders these “disruptions” into a saving design: one Joseph preserves Israel’s bodily life in famine; the other protects and raises the very Savior through whom eternal life is given, so that what seems small, dark, or unjust is in fact the place where God’s **plan** of love is most at work.


“O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death." Amen 


For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

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

FIRST FRIDAY IN MARCH, 2026. 

March 6th, First Friday in March, 2026.

Jesus promised through St Margaret Mary Alacoque 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.

How? 

BY ATTENDING MASS AND RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION. 

In the 3rd  month of the year 2026, we look at Promise #3.

#3.  "I will console them in all their troubles."

In Promise #3, quoting the Gospel, Jesus says  "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  (John 16: 33 ). 

We note that Jesus does not promise a trouble free life.

Consider also:

"My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal." (Sirach 2: 1).

Trials are opportunity to grow spiritually.  "I promise to be your strength in proportion to the trust you place on Me." The more you trust Jesus, the more He is your comfort, strength and security in trials.

"The Divine Heart is an ocean full of all good things, wherein poor souls can cast all their needs; it is an ocean full of joy to drown all our sadness, an ocean of humility to drown our folly, an ocean of mercy to those in distress, an ocean of love in which to submerge our poverty.”  (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque). 

Remind the Lord often of these promises. Remind Him also of His promise to answer every prayer. (Matthew 7: 7).

The Lord has put a date and a time on every promise He has made. 

Remember all the answered prayers. Understand the message of the Gospel. (Matthew 16: 8 - 9). 

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of March, 2026.

"I am your Friend. I have chosen you to be in life and in death the privileged friend of My Sacred Heart. I bless you and I bless those whom you entrust to the mercy of My open Heart. The light of My Face shines upon you. Believe in My love for you. I will never abandon you, never disappoint you. My plans are for your happiness, for your holiness, for your peace. Have no fear. I will do for you all that I have promised, and your heart will rejoice, and you will praise and glorify Me forever." (IN SINU JESU, Wednesday, December 19, 2007).

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred. Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart Prayers and Prayer Intentions click the link below;

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

WHO IS LAZARUS?

THE LAZARUS PRINCIPLE. 

"BLESSED THE ONE CONCERNED FOR THE POOR; ON A DAY OF MISFORTUNE, THE LORD DELIVERS HIM." (PSALM 41: 2).

The Gospel of today addresses  social conditions and justice. 

The poverty, ignorance and disease all around us cry for remedy.

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to the Pharisees: 

“There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day.

"And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table.

 Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.

"When the poor man died, he was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. 

The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 

"And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me.

 Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’

 Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented."  (Luke 16: 19 - 31). 

The likes of the Rich man in today's Gospel was castigated by the Prophet Amos:

"Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall." (Amos 6: 1, 4).

In all the hopelessness today in the world, we are comforted by the truth of Scripture which reminds us of these perennial truths:

#1 God keeps faith forever.

#2 He gives food to the hungry.

#3 The Lord sets captives free.

#4 The Lord protects strangers.

#5 He sustains the widows and the orphans.

#6 God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence is firmly in control of everything in the world. 

God our Father can remedy the world's problems of poverty, ignorance disease directly by HIMSELF and immediately. 

Why does God need our collaboration?

 God wants us to share in His work and glory.

 He wants us to build up credits for ourselves in heaven. 

The poor that we help here will speak up for us on the last day.

 Lazarus could not offer one good word in defense of the selfish rich man.

The Holy Catholic Church honors St Joseph, the holy spouse of Mary and the foster Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in March. 

“O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death." Amen 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST CASIMIR, THE PRINCE OF POLAND.

THE FEAST OF ST CASIMIR, THE PRINCE OF POLAND. 

THE PREDICTION OF THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION. 

"As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, 

and said to them on the way,

 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, 

and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes,

 and they will condemn him to death, 

and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, 

and he will be raised on the third day.”

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, 

wishing to ask him for something. 

He said to her,

 “What do you wish?”

 She answered him, 

“Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.”

 Jesus said in reply, 

“You do not know what you are asking. 

Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”

 They said to him, “We can.”

 He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 

When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 

But Jesus summoned them and said, 

“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. 

But it shall not be so among you.

 Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; 

whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. 

Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 17 - 28).

Wednesday 4th March 2026, in the 2nd Week of Lent is the Feast of St Casimir, the Lord Prince of Poland. 

 (1458 - 1484).

St Casimir was the son of King Casimir IV of Poland and Lithuania. 

St Casimir stayed away from the scandals of court life. 

His siblings, the princes and princesses were not interested in religion.  

The faith and piety of St Casimir shone out in the court environment.

 Casimir had a great devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

St Casimir is the patron saint of Poland. 

Some years ago, I prayed mostly for good health, good job, financial stability, etc. 

“You do not know what you are asking." 

I thought I knew .what I needed more than anyone in the world. 

I have learned since that I do not now what is best for me. 

Could the best practice with regards to asking God for material favors be the understanding of these two Scripture texts?

#1 "Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!" (Matthew 6: 8).

#2  "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." (Romans 8: 26).

Today, I pray for one thing:  

To seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and to believe deeply that God will meet all my needs as promised.

The practice of trust and confidence in God's provision for my needs makes me more peaceful. 

I get what I need and do not waste my time with what I don't need.

 God is faithful and remembers His promises for ever. 

The Gospel today is the chilling prediction of the Passion and Death of Jesus. 

It is clear that the disciples did not understand anything of  what Jesus said about the greatest event in His life and in human history. 

Do we understand better? 

Lent is the time to come to this great knowledge of our salvation.

 How do we do this? 

#1 Pray more. Especially the Rosary. 

#2 Use more the powerful and free Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

#3 Add one or more Masses a week. 

Be More. Do More! 

Do this and you will have a great Lent. 

"Priests have the right and the privilege of calling upon My Mother in every need, trial, failure, and sin, confident of receiving from her help and solace, mercy and healing, comfort and peace. 

Too few of My priests have entered into the relationship of filial love and of spousal intimacy with My most holy Mother that I desire for them, and from which their holiness will flow as from a pure spring."  (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, December 3, 2009).

The Holy Catholic Church honors  St Joseph, the holy spouse of Mary and the foster Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in March. 

“What could Jesus Christ refuse St. Joseph, who never refused him anything during his mortal life on earth?”  (St. Augustine). 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST KATHARINE DREXEL, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS

FEAST OF ST KATHARINE Drexel, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS. 

You have one Teacher & Master: Jesus! 

THE GOSPEL:

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

“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.

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

All their works are performed to be seen. 

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 

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

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’

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

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

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

The greatest among you must be your servant.

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

Tuesday, March 3rd in the 2nd Week of Lent is the feast of St Katharine Drexel. 

 (1858 - 1955), Virgin and Foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

 She was a generous philanthropist. Katharine was a wealthy heiress from the rich and famous family of the Philadelphia society. 

She realized that it profits her nothing to gain the whole world and put her eternal destiny in jeopardy.

 Drexel listened to the Call of Jesus Christ to teach the message of the Gospel and bring the Eucharist to African-American and Native American people in the South of the United States.

 In 1915, Katharine founded the Xavier University in New Orleans.

 At her death in 1955, over 500 of her sisters were teaching in 63 schools.

Saint Katharine Drexel was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and trusting in Divine Providence, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1889 and, in 1891, founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, a congregation dedicated to evangelization, education, and the promotion of racial justice. Using her inheritance for the missions, she established numerous schools and mission centers across the United States, most notably Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation’s only Catholic historically Black university.

 She died on March 3, 1955, and is honored on March 3 as patron saint of racial justice and of philanthropists, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000 as the second person born in the United States to be declared a saint.

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus upbraided the scribes and the Pharisees. Why?

 They teach correct Doctrine but leave the practice of what they teach to their followers.

Who are the equivalent of the scribes and Pharisees today?

They are the Bishops and Abbots who received teaching authority directly from Christ. 

They have helpers in priests, theologians and catechists.

Church Father and Doctor of the Church St John Chrysostom teaches that the Bishops and their assistants must be respected because they hold apostolic office no matter their failings.

We may think that a Bishop is in error with regard to one doctrine or the other. But who are we to criticize him when his Boss, Jesus says:

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16).

All things success and failure work together for good to those who love God. 

God makes everything beautiful in the fullness of time. Trust in the merciful, mighty and mysterious Plan of God.

We all will be judged on the Last Day by our love, obedience and humility.

Jesus concludes His teaching for today with these words:

"The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 11 - 12).

The Church honors St Joseph in March. 

Act of Consecration to St. Joseph

O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen 

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

BE MERCIFUL AS ABB FATHER.

BE MERCIFUL. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.

"Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. 

"Forgive and you will be forgiven.

"Give and gifts will be given to you; 

a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap.

"For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you." (Luke 6: 36 - 38).

Monday 2nd March 2026, in the 2nd Week of Lent .

The Gospel today speaks of mercy. 

The message of mercy can never be overstated.

 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

What is mercy?

Mercy is not judging, not criticizing, not condemning anyone. 

Mercy is forgiving every offense as we have been forgiven. 

Mercy is sharing your bread with the hungry. 

Mercy is generosity. 

Mercy is being like God, acting like God. 

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

The ABC of Mercy helps us to remember how to do Mercy.

A - Ask for mercy.

B - Be merciful.

C - Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

The Divine Mercy Devotion captures the essence of Mercy. 

Jesus wants us to tell Him often that we trust His merciful love for us. 

Jesus ordered this inscription placed at the bottom of the Divine Mercy image He commissioned:

JESUS I TRUST IN YOU. 

Think of this:

Jesus is the only known God /god in history or mythology to advertise Himself as merciful. Imagine a God advertising Himself: "I AM MERCIFUL." 

It sounds ridiculous but Jesus is prepared to do the ridiculous to convince us that He is merciful. 

Do you trust the merciful love of Jesus? 

"I will not abandon or forsake you. I am faithful. I have chosen you and you are Mine. Why do you doubt My love for you? Have I not given you signs of My favour? Have I not shown you that My mercy has prepared for you a future full of hope? Did I not promise you years of happiness, of holiness, and of peace? My blessing is upon you and the designs of My Heart are about to unfold for you. You have only to trust Me. Believe that I will keep you as the apple of My eye." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, February 14, 2008). 

Ask St Joseph whom we honor in March to obtain for you the grace to forgive all your enemies. 

St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.

Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link:

Click the link below for more :

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD JESUS.

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

"And he was transfigured before them; 

his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.

"And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 

"Then Peter said to Jesus in reply,

 “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

"While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said,

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

"When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. 

But Jesus came and touched them, saying,

 “Rise, and do not be afraid.” 

And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus charged them,

 “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17: 1 - 9).

Sunday March 1st, 2026 in the 2nd Week of Lent. 

What is the Transfiguration?

In the presence of Peter, James and John, witnesses chosen by Him, Jesus' face and clothing became dazzling with light. 

Moses and Elijah were present conversing with Jesus. 

The voice of the Father was heard testifying "This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him."

Why is the Transfiguration such an important event?

#1 To have 3 eyewitnesses to the testimony of the Father to Jesus as the beloved Son of God.

#2 To confirm the testimony of Moses and Elijah. [the Law and the Prophet].

#3. To show clearly the divinity of Jesus as God.

#4 To reveal the future of mankind. We shall be like Jesus at the Resurrection.

#5 To note the command of the Father to listen to Jesus as the Father's anointed Messenger.

These three witnesses of the Transfiguration: Peter, James and John were to become witnesses to the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ.

 They bore witness to these eye witness events with their lives. Our faith as Christians is built on solid foundation and not on "cleverly deviced myths." (2 Peter 1: 16 - 19)

The Transfiguration of Jesus gives us a foretaste of Christ's second coming when the Elect will be transformed and become like Jesus as He appeared in the Transfiguration.

 The Transfiguration prepares us for the great mystery of our own Resurrection.

Because of the Transfiguration, we see Christ as our hope. 

We also understand that the victory over death and sin will come via the Cross. 

 The Cross is the Means of Salvation, Redemption, Glorification and Eternal life. 

This is the gracious and mysterious will of the Father. This is the Full Truth of the Gospel. 

The Holy Catholic Church honors St Joseph, the holy spouse of Mary and the foster Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in March. 

Click the link below for prayers, Prayer intentions, etc:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/05/devotion-to-st-joseph.html?m=1

FORGIVE AT ONCE.

FORGIVE AT ONCE. 

BE PERFECT LIKE YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same?

"And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5: 43 - 48).

Saturday 28th February 2026 in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time. 

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES. 

Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. 

How to love your enemies? 

1. Pray for your enemies. 

2. Forgive your enemies. 

How to forgive your enemies? 

#1. Forgive at once.

#2. Forgive everyone without discrimination.

#3. Forgive always.

#4. Forgive everywhere.

#5. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

 Forgive everyone. This step is modeled for us from the Cross.  Jesus forgave in real time those who were killing Him. He did not wait until Easter Sunday when He rose from the dead to forgive.

#6.  Pray everyday for all those whom you have offended, known or unknown to forgive you and set you free.

TWO Quotes by Saints on Forgiveness:

1. “If a man insults me, kills my father, my mother, my brother, and then gouges out my eye, as a Christian it is my duty to forgive him. We who are pious Christians ought to love our enemies and forgive them.” (Saint Kosmas Aitolos). 

 

2. “A soul that is nurtured by hatred toward man can not be at peace with God, Who has said: If you forgive not men their sins, neither shall your Father forgive your sins" (Matthew . 6:15).

(Saint Maximus the Confessor). 

Jesus Christ invites us to a life of continual conversion so that we can pray Our Father (the Lord's Prayer) with confidence.

Prayer and Forgiveness are the two most powerful tools of the Christian. 

"If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well." (St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church).

"Were you to ask what are the means of overcoming temptations, I would answer: The first means is prayer; the second is prayer; the third is prayer; and you, should you ask me a thousand times, I would repeat the same." 

(St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church).

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

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

 for prayer intentions, etc

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

THE FEAST OF ST GREGORY OF NAREK, MONK AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

Feast of St Gregory of Narek, Monk and Doctor of the Church. 

AVOID ANGER. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your right­eousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, You fool, will be liable to fiery Gehenna.

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”  (Matthew 5: 20 - 26).

Friday February 27th in the 1st Week of Lent is the feast of St Gregory of Narek, Monk and Doctor of the Church. 

St. Gregory of Narek (c. 950–1003 AD) was an Armenian monk, poet, and mystic from Narekavank Monastery.

Born near Lake Van to a scholarly family, he was orphaned young, educated by his uncle, and ordained a priest around 977.

 He taught theology there and lived as a hermit in later years.

 His masterpiece, the Book of Lamentations, features 95 prayers on sin, mercy, and divine longing, plus hymns and a Song of Songs commentary. 

St Gregory of Narek is a saint in Armenian and Catholic traditions.

 Pope Francis named him a Doctor of the Church in 2015. Feast: February 27.

Are you a minimalist or one who lives the More in life in everything. A More person is a Magis person. Magis simply means More. It is an attitude of the heart and mind that goes for More in everything and never for the least or minimum.  

This is a core principle of St Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

 Ignatius urged his followers to give more, to be more and to do more. 

Perhaps this may be one of the reasons the Jesuits excel in many of their understakings. 

In Matthew 5: 20:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your right­eousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven." 

In other words, the Minimum will never get you into Heaven. 

 For example, the Church law states that you must receive Holy Communion "at least" once a year. The minimalist rejoices and says to himself:  "This is great. This is easy. I can do this." The Magis person goes for more. Weekly Holy Communion or even daily. 

"Dearest Lord,

teach me to be generous;

teach me to serve You as You deserve;

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labour and not to ask for reward

save that of knowing I am doing Your Will."  (St Ignatius Loyola).

GENEROSITY IS ONE OF THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

As we honor the Holy Family this month, we see that the domestic life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph was the school of Divine Providence. 

The same hands that planed wood eventually stretched out on the Cross to redeem the world.

​"Lord Jesus, may we never be 'offended' by Your humility, but rather find our true purpose in Your Divine Will."

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 POWERFUL PRAYER OF QUEEN ESTHER.

THE POWERFUL PRAYER OF QUEEN ESTHER. 

THE WORD OF GOD:

"Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the Lord.

She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids, from morning until evening, 

and said:

“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.

Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand.

As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers that you, O Lord, always free those who are pleasing to you. 

Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God.

“And now, come to help me, an orphan.

Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.

 Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our mourning into gladness and our sorrows into wholeness." (Esther C:12, 14-16, 23- 25). 

Thursday 26th February 2026 in the 1st Week in Lent. 

Our key scripture is from the first reading today, Thursday – First Week in Lent.

  I made this note in my Missal about today’s scripture readings for the Mass: “Ask and Receive Thursday.” 

 The first reading, the responsorial psalms, the Gospel (Matthew 7: 7 - 12) is the famous Promise of ASK, SEEK AND KNOCK) and the antiphons all have one unifying theme: PRAYER. 

 This is a rare occurrence. 

 Before looking at other scriptures in today’s liturgy, let us consider a couple of things from the powerful passage from Esther.

First, note what Esther did when seized by the mortal anguish. 

 She knew where to seek help. She had recourse to God in prayer. 

 Next note her posture of prayer. She lay prostrate on the ground. [Like some of those begging Jesus for healing.] 

Was she alone? She understands the concept of prayer partnership. 

 Her handmaids were prostrate in prayer with her. 

 This is a big crisis. How long did they pray? 

 From morning to evening. 

 They added fasting to prayer. 

How did Esther pray?  

After invoking the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (similar today to invoking the name of Jesus ), she blessed God.

In Philippians 4: 6-7, we are advised to bring our request to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving.  

 Esther tells God twice that she is alone and has nobody to help her except God. 

 She recalls from Scripture that God always helps those who are pleasing to Him.  

 She pleads to God to help her and reminds God that she is an orphan. 

 God after all is the Father of the fatherless and orphans.  

Then finally, she was specific about what she wants: 

 “persuasive words” when she meets the king; “turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.”

This is a great prayer and a model of prayer in crisis.

MAN'S EXTREMITY IS GOD'S OPPORTUNITY. MAN"S SECURITY IS SATAN'S OPPORTUNITY.

 ESTHER WAS "SEIZED WITH MORTAL ANGUISH". HER EXTREMITY IS PROFOUND. (1st READING).

The Response verse is very appropriate: “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” 

 God answered the prayer of Esther and delivered her people in a powerful way.   

 The rest of the Responsorial Psalm 138 continues with the theme of gratitude for answered prayer.  

"Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple

and give thanks to your name." (Psalm 138).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches the infallibility of prayer.

“‘Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.’ Such is the **power** of prayer and of faith that does not doubt: ‘all things are possible to him who believes.’” (CCC 2610)

“In the Holy Spirit, Christian prayer is a communion of love with the Father, not only through Christ but also in him: ‘Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.’” (CCC 2615)

 

I believe in Prayer. 

I believe in the Word of God. 

I believe in Miracle. 

I leave the rest to God. 

Ask St Joseph whom we honor as Patriarch of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to obtain for you the gift of Prayer. 

St Joseph is the man chosen by God to be the foster father and guardian of Jesus.

 O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

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

 for prayer intentions, etc

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

YOU HAVE TOO MANY SIGNS ALREADY.

YOU HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH SIGNS.


"While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them,

“This generation is an evil generation;

it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it,

except the sign of Jonah.

Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites,
so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,

because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,

and there is something greater than Solomon here.

At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,

because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.” (Luke 11: 29 - 32).

WEDNESDAY February 25th in the 1st Week of Lent.



In the Book of Jonah 3: 1 - 10, Jonah preached to the Ninivites and shared the testimony of his stay in the belly of the whale.


The people of Nineveh and their king heard the message. They believed and repented.

St Paul preached to the Greeks in the Areopagus. They listened attentively and politely but did not believe. 

Jesus told the crowd in today's Gospel: 

No more miracles for you. You keep looking for a big sign from heaven to prove that I am the Messiah.

But what happened to Jonah is the only sign you will get.

My friends, where are you today in your spiritual walk with Jesus in this Lenten Season?

Are you still looking for more signs?

Listen to what Abraham said to Dives in the Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus.

The former rich man denied Lazarus a little sign that his life matters.

Abraham told him that his brothers have more than enough signs from the Church.

‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16: 31).

We have in the Church all the signs we need.

The Church of the living God is the sign of salvation.

This Church subsists in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ.

This Church has visible structures. It exists in almost every country in the world, attesting to her universality.

The Church has one Shepherd, one Liturgy and holds the entire Deposit of Faith.

That is, the Church has the fullness of Faith.

What more are we looking for? There will be no more signs till the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.


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

“In this Family there came into the world, grew and was brought up the Son of God, conceived and born of the Virgin-Mother, and at the same time entrusted, from the beginning, to the truly fatherly care of Joseph.” (Pope St John Paul II).

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


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