THE MEMORIAL OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, CSSR, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. THE MEMORIAL OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, CSSR, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE  

MEMORIAL OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND FOUNDER OF A RELIGIOUS ORDER.

THE GOODNEWS:
Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants,

“This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;


that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison
on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip,
for John had said to him,


“It is not lawful for you to have her.”


Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people,
for they regarded him as a prophet.


But at a birthday celebration for Herod,
the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests
and delighted Herod so much
that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.

Prompted by her mother, she said,


“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”


The king was distressed,
but because of his oaths and the guests who were present,
he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison.

His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl,


who took it to her mother.

His disciples came and took away the corpse
and buried him; and they went and told Jesus."

Saturday August 1st 2026 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the the Memorial of St Alphonsus Liguori CSSR, Bishop and Doctor of the Church and a founder of the Redemptorists.

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787) is Italian.
St Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists).

The Redemptorists are active today in missionary work all over the world.

Alphonsus Liguori was trained in civil and canon law.

He was an eminent moral theologian and sought after for his gifts as a confessor and spiritual director.

St Alphonsus Liguori was also a writer and publisher of many books. He was gifted exceptionally by God. He was a very sick man most of his long life.

One of the most delightful contributions of St Alphonsus Liguori is his teaching on the precious doctrine of Divine Providence.

God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence governs all things.
There is no exception to this divine law.


This teaching can be found in a very small book called: UNIFORMITY WITH GOD'S WILL.

St Alphonsus Liguori is one of the most eminent Mariologists in the Church. His work on the Blessed Virgin Mary is still a classic today.

St Alphonsus Liguori is the patron saint of moral theologians.


We read in today's Gospel about the Beheading of John the Baptist.

When we die as martyrs, we are most like Jesus. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.


If someone asks you:
How do you know that Heaven is real? Your answer could be among others: Look at the martyrs. Intelligent and beautiful men and women! Could they have thrown away the only life they had for nothing?

Think of all the Apostles and Saints: Cecilia, Agatha, Thomas More, Lawrence, Edmond Campion, Paul Miki, Miguel Pro, Maximilian Kolbe, Charles Lwanga and companions and others.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10: 28)

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

The Sovereign Decree of the Pre-Ordained Heart.


​"The Almighty, looking down from the throne of His majesty upon all the daughters of men, saw one who was worthy to be the Mother of the Word Incarnate...

In the same eternal decree in which He predestined the Incarnation of Divine Wisdom, He also appointed the immaculate purity and holiness of Mary."
— Pope Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus.

​In the grand teleology of salvation history, the Virgin Mary was never a divine afterthought or a mere contingency plan. Divine Providence, in an unalterable, eternal decree, linked the Person of Jesus and His Holy Mother in a singular blueprint of redemption.

Her Immaculate Heart was conceived in the Mind of God before the creation of the stars, specifically designed to serve as the pure, unblemished tabernacle for the Incarnate Word.


​
​Contemplate the profound intentionality behind the creation of the Virgin Mary's Heart.

Long before the fall of Adam, Divine Providence foresaw the sanctuary required for the Savior of the world.

Her Immaculate Heart is the supreme masterpiece of the Holy Spirit, fashioned with absolute precision so that no stain of sin, self-love, or worldliness could ever cross its threshold.
​
Realize that your life today is encompassed within that same divine, providential care. Nothing in your present circumstances—your duties, your interior struggles, or your daily trials—is accidental. Divine Providence has brought you to the dawn of this month of August to enter into the quiet, unshakeable sanctuary of Mary’s Heart.

Allow the Holy Spirit to realign your priorities today, redirecting your soul from passing temporal anxieties toward the eternal purpose for which you were created.
​
Prayer

​Immaculate Heart of Mary, pre-ordained by Divine Providence for the glory of the Incarnation, rule and guide my soul today.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate 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 IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

MEMORIAL OF ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST & FOUNDER.

THE GOODNEWS:
"Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.


"They were astonished and said,

“Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?

Is he not the carpenter’s son?

"Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

Are not his sisters all with us?

"Where did this man get all this?”

"And they took offense at him.

"But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”

"And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith." (Matthew 13: 54 - 58).

Friday 31st July in the 17th week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of  St Ignatius Loyola.


St Ignatius Loyola is a saint forged in suffering and fire.

Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) is the Basque nobleman‑turned‑soldier whose life was shattered—and then remade—by a cannonball at Pamplona in 1521.

During his long convalescence, with only The Life of Christ and Lives of the Saints to read, he experienced a profound conversion: from chasing worldly glory to desiring only to serve Christ.

That pivot is the heart of his story: God often uses brokenness to redirect a life toward holiness.


After his conversion, Ignatius withdrew to a cave near Manresa, where for months he lived in intense prayer, penance, and discernment.

  It was there that he began writing what would become the Spiritual Exercises—a structured retreat guide designed to help people “find God in all things” and make free, faithful choices.

The Exercises are not just a book but a school of prayer: they train the heart to notice God’s movements (consolation and desolation), to test spirits, and to choose in line with the Gospel.


Ignatius gathered companions at Paris (including Francis Xavier and Peter Faber), and in 1540 Pope Paul III approved the Society of Jesus.

Ignatius became its first Superior General, sending Jesuits as missionaries, educators, and confessors “wherever there was hope of bringing greater good.”

The order’s charism flows from a key moment on the road to Rome (La Storta):

Ignatius received the assurance that God had “placed him with Christ the Son”—not merely as a follower, but as one called to carry the cross with Jesus. 

That vision grounds the Jesuit motto Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam (“For the greater glory of God”).



In our Gospel today from Matthew 13: 54 - 58, the people who listened to Jesus in the Synagogue were put off because Jesus did not come from a prestigious background.

They scorned the Son of Mary and the Carpenter's son.

We know that Jesus fulfilled His ministry of teaching, healing and feeding people regardless of public opinion.

How much are we conditioned by public opinion?

The saints fortify their hearts with prayer and the word of God. That is why they are fearless.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life. Follow Him.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. Today is the last day of the month of July.

In August, the Church honors the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Mary says: "In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph."

In the last reflection in July on the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, we consider the Triumph of the Lamb and the Ignatian Vision.

The eternal adoration of the Precious Blood and the holy inebriation of the soul in Christ.

The final consummation of all things, where the entire cosmos is perfectly ordered under the headship of Christ, fulfilling the grand design of Divine Providence.

Ignatian Reflection:

"Blood of Christ, inebriate me."

On this Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, we pray to be entirely consumed by the saving stream of Calvary.

Through the action of the Holy Spirit and the maternal care of the Virgin Mary, Providence guides our souls into this divine intimacy—losing ourselves entirely to the love of Jesus, so that we may live ultimately Ad maiorem Dei gloriam (For the greater glory of God).


For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST PETER CHRYSOLOGOS. BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE FEAST OF ST PETER CHRYSOLOGOS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

THE DRAGNET - AN IMAGE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

THE GOODNEWS:

 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind;

 

when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad.

 

So it will be at the close of the age.

 The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous,

 and throw them into the furnace of fire;

 there men will weep and gnash their teeth.

 "Have you understood all this?" They said to him, "Yes."

 And he said to them, 

"Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."

 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there." (Matthew 13: 47 - 53).

Thursday July 30th in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Chrysologos. 

Saint Peter Chrysologus, whose name means “golden-worded,” was a fifth-century bishop of Ravenna celebrated for his short, clear homilies that brought the mysteries of the faith—especially the Incarnation and the sacraments—to ordinary people.

 Born in Imola and consecrated bishop in 433, he combated lingering pagan practices and defended orthodox teaching on Christ’s humanity and divinity.  

In 1729 the Church named him a Doctor of the Church, honoring his “golden” preaching that continues to instruct and inspire. 

Our key Scripture for today deals with the most important subject of the Four Last Things. There are Four Last Things glaring at us: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.

The Four Last Things are implied twice this week by Jesus in Matthew 13. The Church teaches clearly the Four Last Things in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

 "The Last Judgment will occur when Christ returns. Only the Father knows the hour..." (CCC 1040).

Now that we know the truth about the Last Judgment, we will be blessed if we live accordingly.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

The Grace of Final Perseverance. 

Trusting in the Precious Blood for salvation at the hour of death.

The ultimate fulfillment of human purpose (teleology) is realized when the soul, sustained by the Holy Spirit, enters eternal glory through the merits of Christ.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS. DISCIPLES AND FRIENDS OF JESUS.

THE MEMORIAL OF SAINTS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS. DISCIPLES AND FRIENDS OF THE LORD. 

"Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. 

"When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.

"Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 

But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”

"Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” 

Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” 

"Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

"She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 19 - 27).

Wednesday 29th July 2026 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

“This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  (John 11: 4)

Our adversity is always an opportunity for God to be glorified. 

Man's extremity is God's opportunity. Man's security is 

Satan's opportunity. 

 Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead and the sisters sent word to Jesus about it.   Jesus said to Martha:  “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”   (John 11:  40). 

 And Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11: 43). And then commanded:  “Untie him and let him go.” (John 11: 44).

The faith of Martha in the Resurrection amazes me. “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 27).

The whole point of our Christian religion hinges on faith. God called Abraham and made a great promise to him. He responded in obedience of faith.

 God announced the Incarnation to Mary. She too responded in obedience of faith. 

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a list of Who is Who in the Bible. 

The common thing among all of them is Faith. 

They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith.

 If you do not have faith, you are simply not in the game.

 You have to do everything to get faith, to increase faith and to use and enjoy your faith. 

Are you bound and "tied hand and feet" by Unbelief? 

 If God can raise Lazarus from the grave after four days, He certainly can restore your marriage, health, finances, job, etc.

Faith is saying YES to God so that He will do what He promises to do.

"I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.

More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD."  (Psalm 30: 5 - 6 RM)

Faith that is firm is also patient. 

Do you have faith in the promise of God to you? 

How long are you able to wait for the fulfillment of the promise? 

If your faith is firm then you can wait as long as it takes. 

How to increase your faith:

You increase your faith by exercising your faith. 

You exercise your faith in three ways:

1. Thank God for everything He does for you. 

2. Pray for every need, everything. 

3. Memorize and Repeat Scriptures about faith and belief. 

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Healing and Deliverance Through the Wounds of Christ. 

Physical, emotional, and spiritual healing flowing from the side of Christ.

 God coordinates all human suffering toward a higher supernatural good, offering restoration through the merits of His Son.

"if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

 For Prayers and Prayer Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE ENEMY SOWED THE WEEDS.

THE WEEDS IN THE FIELD.

"Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.

His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

"He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom.

"The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.

"The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

"Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age.

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers.

They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.

Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13: 36 - 43).

Tuesday July 28th in the 17th week in Ordinary Time.

What is the take away from the Parable of the Weeds?

1. Be patient with God's plan for the salvation of the world.

2. God's thoughts are not our thoughts. God's ways are not our ways. (Cf Isaiah 55: 8 - 9).

3. Wait for the Lord and His timing in ALL THINGS. (Cf Psalm 27: 14).

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

The Blood of Martyrs and the Growth of the Church.

The historical witness of those who shed their blood for the faith.

Teleology in history demonstrates that the sacrifices of the saints are never in vain, but are woven by Providence into the expansion of the Mystical Body.

"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Cf Hebrews 9: 14)

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE WAS WAS AS TINY AS A MUSTARD SEED.

THE CHURCH WAS ONCE LIKE A TINY MUSTARD SEED.

THE CHURCH STARTED AS A TINY MUSTARD SEED.

"Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. 

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.

"It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.

 It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

"He spoke to them another parable. 

“The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

"All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. 

He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

"I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13: 31 - 35).

 Monday July 27, 2026. 

We reflect on the Parable of the Mustard Seed in the Gospel of today.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed gives us an insight into God's law in creation.

 Everything is created small.

The tiny mustard seed like the tiny acorn seed is born very small.

 Its laws or principles of growth are written inside the seed by its Creator.

The seed receives the early and later rain and continues to unfold following the laws of its nature. 

The farmer does not control the process. 

When the mustard seed is fully grown, it is ready to fulfill its destiny. 

It welcomes the birds on its branches.

The Church is the People of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

 The seed of the Kingdom of God on earth is the Church. (Cf CCC 249). 

It started very small in a tiny corner of the vast Roman Empire.

 Today the tiny Acorn has grown branches and spread throughout the world.

The Church as the People of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit needs the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to form it into its destiny.

"The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1: 18).

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus in July. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary as The Refuge of Sinners. 

The Virgin Mary is the dispenser of the graces merited by the Blood of her Son. 

Divine Providence establishes Mary's maternal mediation as a secure harbor, ensuring no soul seeking God is left without hope.

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

THE GREAT PEARL.

"JESUS CHRIST IS THE PEARL OF THE GREATEST VALUE."

THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” (Matthew 13: 44 - 46).


Sunday 26th July 2026 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture is about the importance of finding the hidden treasure.

Jesus talks constantly about the Kingdom of God.

His golden rule is: Make the Kingdom of God your first priority.

Consider this question:
What is there about the kingdom of God and the idea of the concealment?

Let us cite a few examples of Concealment in the Scriptures.

Jesus led a hidden life for 30 years.

The Blessed Virgin Mary led almost her entire life of about 60 years hidden from the public.

Great saints are protected from the prying eyes of the world by hiding them when they are alive.

The whole monastic tradition thrive on the idea of hidden life.
In summary, great things like diamonds are formed in a hidden state.

The narrow, hidden way finds the kingdom.

Are you searching for a great treasure? For example:
Faith, love, meaning, peace, contentment?

Jesus Christ is that Pearl of great price.

What must we give up in order to acquire in the fullest sense this priceless treasure when we find it?

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19: 29).

Here are some who heard the promise, believed it and searched and found the great treasure:

St Mary Magdalene: Found the Great Pearl and thereafter got attached to the Pearl.

St Ignatius Loyola: Loved the Pearl passionately and abandoned everything and followed the Pearl everywhere.

St Thomas More: Gave his life happily for the Pearl.

St Teresa of Kolkata: Traveled the whole world spreading message about the Pearl.

St Paul the Apostle says:
"More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3: 8).

When you find the Pearl of Great Price, all these things will be added to you:
peace and genuine prosperity, contentment and fulfillment in life.

In July, we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

The Blood that was shed for our salvation. Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus by pleading the Precious Blood over all priests especially those in most need of the mercy of Jesus Christ.

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE.

FEAST OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE. 

"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: 20 - 28)."

Saturday July 25th 2026 in the 16th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St James, Apostle.

James and John are sons of Zebedee, both fishermen.

 They left their nets and followed Jesus when He called them from their fishing occupation.

 Peter, James and John belong to the inner circle of the group of Apostles.

James was known as the Elder or Greater to differentiate him from his fellow Apostle called James.

 James was one of the Apostles with Peter and John who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

James was condemned to death under King Agrippa I and beheaded around 44 AD.

In the today's Gospel, to the request of Salome, the Mother of James and John that Jesus makes James Prime Minister and John Foreign Minister in His 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.”

I like the fact that Salome understands that the word of God is a Command. It accomplishes everything it is sent to.

Often we do not know what we ask from God. But to the credit of James and John, they indicated that they were ready to die for Jesus.

 James was beheaded by King Aggrippa in 44 AD.

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

The Precious Blood of Jesus gives Victory Over the Powers of Darkness. 

The protective power of the Precious Blood against spiritual adversity is constant. 

God’s sovereign governance utilizes the triumph of Christ to safeguard the elect, ensuring that evil is ultimately subservient to the divine purpose.

“I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.” ( St Ignatius of Antioch).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HERMIT.

 FEAST OF ST SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HERMIT.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Hear then the parable of the sower.  

When any one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. 

As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;  yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, 

and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 

As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 

As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; 

he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." (Matthew 13: 18 - 23)."

Friday 24th July 2026, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sharbel Makhluf. (1828 - 1898). A Lebanese Catholic priest, monk and hermit.

 Sharbel is known for his great devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament and his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

He was a great miracle worker during his life and after his earthly life, he continued to draw crowds who seek healing and other material and spiritual favors from him. 

In our Gospel message for today, let us reflect on this illuminating words: 

"The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it."

 Does your problem with the word of God stem from the fact that you do not understand it?

 Do you understand the word of God as a personal message to you requiring a response or action? This response is called obedience of faith. 

No understanding the message, no response or wrong response.

So how do we understand God's word to us?

 Through prayerful reflection and meditation. 

Read the verse or the message several times.

 When the Lord spoke this Scripture to me: "Make my Kingdom and my holiness your top priority. I promise you that I will take care of everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33). I read the passage hundreds of times. Eventually, the message went from my head to my heart and I understood it and laughed for joy.

"But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 23)."

The Word of God is God's love letter to you. 

No understanding of God's love letter to you, no possibility of bearing fruit. Your ability to bear any fruit will be in direct proportion to your understanding of God’s word to you. 

God commanded Joshua to read the word He gave him and meditate on it day and night and always. This is the only way Joshua could succeed. (Cf Joshua 1: 7 - 8).

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ every July. 

Blood of the New and Eternal Covenant

The Eucharistic mystery is the perpetual presentation of Christ's sacrifice.

 Every Mass is a manifestation of teleology, drawing creation back to its Creator through the living presence of Jesus.

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN. QUEEN, MOTHER, WIFE AND RELIGIOUS.

THE FEAST OF ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN. MOTHER, WIFE AND RELIGIOUS 

"The disciples approached Jesus and said,

 “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?”

"He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.

"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich.

"From anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

"This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.

 Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

"You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see.

 Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear.

"Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” (Matthew 13: 10 - 17)."

Thursday July 23, 2026 in the 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bridget of Sweden.

St Bridget of Sweden was a housewife, mother of 4 boys and 4 girls. One of the girls, St Catherine of Sweden is a canonized saint.

Bridget persuaded her husband to become a Franciscan Tertiary with her.

When the husband died, St Bridget moved to Rome where she founded the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer.

St Bridget meditated long on the suffering and death of Jesus. God revealed to her the secrets of heaven. St Bridget is a mystic and authored books on ascetical and mystical theology. She is the patron saint of Sweden and co-patron saint of Europe. 

In the Gospel of today, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Teacher said:

"Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them."

How deeply do you love and follow Jesus Christ?

One way to answer that question honestly is to look at the habits that shape a soul. How much time do you give each day, week, or month to:

1. Prayer

2. Sacred Scripture

3. The Eucharist

4. Reconciliation

5. Examination of Conscience

6. Spiritual Reading

7. Sharing your faith in ministry

These are the habits of the saints. Holiness rarely begins in dramatic moments; 

it grows quietly through faithful, daily surrender to God. Over time, these practices become a way of life, and a way of life becomes a holy character.

Saint Bridget of Sweden is a beautiful example of this path to sanctity. 

Her love for Christ was nourished by prayer, sacrifice, and obedience to God’s will. She listened deeply to the Lord, lived with spiritual seriousness, and allowed grace to transform her life.

 Her daughter, Saint Catherine of Sweden, learned from that witness and followed the same road of holiness, becoming a saint herself.

On this feast of Saint Bridget, may we ask for the grace to love Christ more faithfully, to seek Him more earnestly, and to let our daily habits lead us closer to sainthood.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ every July. 

Mary, Mother of the Crucified. 

Our Lady’s silent, sorrowful assent at the foot of the Cross.

 In the divine plan, Mary’s maternal cooperation aligns perfectly with Christ's sacrifice, making her the co-redemptrix who introduces souls to the mysteries of grace.

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE GREAT FEAST OF ST MARY MAGDALENE, DISCIPLE OF THE LORD JESUS.

THE FEAST OF ST MARY MAGDALENE, DISCIPLE OF THE LORD. 

"On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.

"So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, 

“They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

"Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. 

And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been.

 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

 She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”

 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. 

"Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” 

She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.”

"Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew,

 “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 

"Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

 But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 

"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 

“I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her. (John 20: 1 - 2, 11 - 18). 

Wednesday 22nd July 2026 in 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the Great Feast of St Mary Magdalene, Disciple of Jesus.

Mary Magdalene was a simple Jewish woman who had a profound encounter with Jesus. 

She was one of the handfull of women who followed Jesus as He tramped everywhere preaching the Gospel. 

These women took care of the welfare of Jesus and His Apostles from their purse.

 But Mary Magdalene was unique and exceptional among these ladies. 

Jesus healed her of demonic possession and Mary could not forget this favor all her life.

Mary Magdalene trekked the Via Dolorosa with the other Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus. 

Both women stood under the Cross and watched Jesus die slowly. While the Blessed Virgin Mary did not hurry to the tomb on Easter Sunday because she heard and believed what her Son said about "rising from the dead on the third day," Mary of Magdala hurried to the tomb. 

She became the first human being to see the Risen Jesus. This is how St Mary Magdalene became the "Apostle to the Apostles."

"Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her." (John 20: 17 - 18).

Mary Magdalene loved Jesus with a pure love that comes from the depth of gratitude for what Jesus did for her. 

If but we know 1% of what Jesus is doing for us every day, our love for Him will astonish us. St Mary Magdalene will be delighted with the desire and prayer of St Ignatius Loyola:

+ To know the Heart of Jesus intimately. 

+ To love Jesus passionately. 

+ To follow Jesus everywhere. 

O that this will be our prayer and desire too! 

"With Me and from Me you have nothing to fear. I am here, in the Sacrament of My love, to be your comfort, your peace, your light, your refreshment, and your joy. Know this! Take it to heart. Believe it and act upon it. If souls believed this of Me, nothing would be able to keep them from seeking Me out in the Sacrament of My love and from remaining in My presence." (IN SINU JESU).

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

“You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!”  (St Maximilian Kolbe). 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1