ABC OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

ABC OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE 

Abba Father

My Father in Heaven, how good it is to know that You are my Father and that I am Your 

Child!

Especially when the skies of my soul are cloudy and my cross weighs more heavily, I feel the need to repeat to You: Father, I believe in Your love for me.

Yes, I believe that You are a Father to me at every moment of my life, and that I am Your 

Child!

I believe that You love me with an infinite love!

I believe that You are watching over me night and day and that not a hair falls from my 

head without Your permission!

I believe that, in Your infinite Wisdom, You know better than I what is good for me.

I believe that, in Your infinite power, You can bring good even out of evil.

I believe that, in your infinite goodness, You make everything to the advantage of those who love You: even under the hands of those who strike me, I kiss Your hand which heals!

I believe, but increase in me faith, hope, and love!

Teach me always to see Your love as my guide in every event in my life.

Teach me to surrender myself to You like a baby in its mother’s arms.

Father, You know everything, You see everything, and You know me better than I know 

myself: You can do everything, and You love me! 

Give me the light, the grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit!

Strengthen me in this Spirit, that I may never lose Him, never sadden Him, and never 

allow Him to become weaker in me.

My Father, I ask this in the name of Jesus, Your Son! And you, Jesus, open Your Heart 

and place in it my own, and, together with Mary’s, offer it to our Divine Father!

 Obtain for me the grace that I need!

Divine Father, call all men to Yourself. Let all the world proclaim Your Fatherly 

Goodness and Your Divine Mercy!

Be a tender Father to me and protect me wherever I am, like the apple of Your eye. 

Make me always a worthy son. Have mercy on me!

Divine Father, sweet hope of our souls, may You be known, honored, and loved by all 

men!

Divine Father, infinite goodness poured out on all peoples, may You be known, honored, and loved by all men!

Divine Father, beneficent dew of humanity, may You be known, honored and loved by 

all men!

Father, bless Elisha and Isabel who gave me this prayer. 

[Adapted from Mary’s Call]

Hymn

Come, praise the Lord, the Almighty, the King of all nations!

Tell forth his fame, O ye peoples, with loud acclamations! 

His love is sure; 

Faithful his word shall endure, 

Steadfast through all generations!

Praise to the Father most gracious, the Lord of creation!

Praise to his Son, the Redeemer who wrought our salvation! 

O heav’nly Dove, 

Praise to thee, fruit of their love, 

Giver of all consolation.

(Vespars). 

Modified 12922

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This prayer text—*“Abba Father”*—is a beautiful, theologically rich meditation on divine filiation and trust in God’s providence. It expresses profound confidence in God as a loving Father, especially amid suffering, and it shows clear influence from Catholic devotional and mystical traditions. Let’s unpack its structure, theology, and literary-spiritual qualities.

***

### 1. Theological Content

The prayer centers around four interwoven Catholic themes:

- **Divine Fatherhood:** The repeated invocation “Father” and “Abba” (the intimate Aramaic term used by Jesus) highlights filial trust. The soul rests in God not as a distant judge, but as a tender, provident Father.

  

- **Divine Providence:** Phrases like *“not a hair falls from my head without Your permission”* echo Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7—affirming belief in God’s detailed care over every event, even suffering.

  

- **Redemptive Suffering:** The line *“even under the hands of those who strike me, I kiss Your hand which heals”* shows mature faith that transforms pain into an act of loving surrender—akin to Job, Jesus in Gethsemane, and Therese of Lisieux’s childlike abandonment.

  

- **Trinitarian Faith and Cooperation with Grace:** The prayer explicitly invokes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, uniting Marian intercession (“together with Mary’s [heart]”) and the sanctifying action of the Spirit. This integration situates the prayer firmly in Catholic orthodoxy and Trinitarian spirituality.

***

### 2. Literary and Tone Analysis

- **Tone:** Deeply affectionate, reverent, and intimate—addressing God directly with childlike trust. Its rhythm has a contemplative cadence suitable for personal prayer or communal recitation.

  

- **Imagery:** Tender metaphors abound: *“like a baby in its mother’s arms,” “apple of Your eye,” “dew of humanity.”* These evoke both natural comfort and biblical resonance (see Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8).

- **Structure:** Begins with adoration and confession of faith → culminates in surrender and petition → concludes in intercessory universality ("call all men to Yourself"). This mirrors classical prayer forms such as the *Act of Faith* or *Act of Abandonment to Divine Providence.*

***

### 3. Devotional Parallels and Sources

The text’s origin *“Adapted from Mary’s Call”* points to devotional literature associated with the apostolate of “Mary’s Call” (Missouri, USA), emphasizing trust in God the Father inspired by the spirituality of Mother Eugenia Ravasio and her *Revelation of the Father’s Love* (1932). The tone and petitions align closely with that tradition.

The **hymn** at the end (“Come, praise the Lord, the Almighty…”) adapts a well-known doxological hymn echoing *Lobe den Herren* (“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”), linking this private devotion to the wider liturgical heritage (*Vespers*).

***

### 4. Spiritual Commentary and Application

This prayer can serve as:

- **A daily act of faith in Divine Providence**, especially in times of personal trial or uncertainty.  

- **A meditation aid** before the Eucharist or during Adoration, deepening trust in the Father’s care.  

- **Catechetical material** illustrating what “childlike trust” (Matt 18:3) looks like in lived prayer.  

An important contemplative insight: by surrendering to the Father’s will, one’s faith matures from seeking relief to seeking union—embracing even suffering as participation in the redemptive love of Christ.

***

### 5. Community Dimension

The closing note—“Father, bless Elisha and Isabel who gave me this prayer”—adds a personal and communal element. It transforms the text from a solitary act into a prayer of gratitude, symbolizing how faith traditions are passed through relationships and spiritual mentorship. Including such names also roots universal theology in personal story—mirroring how grace works through human connection.

***

In sum, *“Abba Father”* is an elegant synthesis of **trust, humility, providence, and Trinitarian love**, framed in language that is both scriptural and intimate. It invites contemplative prayer through affectionate surrender: believing not only *in* God but *in His love for me.*

Would you like me to compose a short reflection or blog-style commentary expanding on how this prayer expresses the Catholic theology of Divine Providence?

Yes

This prayer is a compact school of trust in Divine Providence, rooted in Scripture, Trinitarian theology, and the Church’s devotional life.[1][2] Below is a reflection you could adapt almost directly into a blog post.

***

## 1. “Abba, Father”: Living Divine Filiation

The opening cry, “My Father in Heaven, how good it is to know that You are my Father and that I am Your Child!”, places everything under the mystery of **divine sonship**.[2] This is not sentimental language; it echoes Paul’s teaching that the Holy Spirit enables us to cry “Abba, Father” and live as adopted sons and daughters in the Son.[2]

To call God “Abba” is to stand where Jesus stands: not at a distance, but in filial intimacy, confidence, and obedience.[3][2] The prayer invites the one who recites it to claim this identity especially “when the skies of my soul are cloudy” so that spiritual darkness becomes the context where sonship is most firmly affirmed, not doubted.

***

## 2. Providence in Every Hair and Every Cross

Lines such as “not a hair falls from my head without Your permission” clearly recall Christ’s words about the Father’s care for even the smallest details of our lives.[4] This is classical Catholic doctrine on **Divine Providence**: God’s wisdom orders all things, including what He merely permits, toward His loving purposes.

Two movements stand out:

- **Intellectual assent**: “I believe that, in Your infinite Wisdom, You know better than I what is good for me… You can bring good even out of evil.” This reflects the Catechism’s teaching that God can draw a greater good from permitted evils, without being their author.[4]

- **Affective surrender**: “even under the hands of those who strike me, I kiss Your hand which heals.” Here, the believer accepts that, mysteriously, the Father’s hand is present even where human malice wounds. This is not quietism; it is an act of interior worship that unites one’s sufferings to the Cross, confident that God’s hidden action is always medicinal.

Together, these lines show a mature spirituality that refuses both fatalism (“things just happen”) and resentment (“God has abandoned me”), and instead reads every event through the lens of a Father who is wise, powerful, and good.

***

## 3. Childlike Surrender and the Holy Spirit

“Teach me to surrender myself to You like a baby in its mother’s arms” is almost a commentary on Jesus’ call to become like little children to enter the Kingdom.[4] This is the theology of abandonment found in figures like St. Thérèse and Fr. de Caussade: radical trust, but grounded in truth, not in feeling.

Notice that the prayer immediately links this surrender to the **Holy Spirit**:

- “Give me the light, the grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit!”  

- “Strengthen me in this Spirit, that I may never lose Him, never sadden Him…”

Here, Divine Providence is not just a doctrine to accept; it is a life in the Spirit to be **lived**. The same Spirit who teaches us to say “Abba, Father” also strengthens us to remain faithful in trials.[2] The believer does not simply endure events but cooperates with grace, asking for light (discernment), grace (sanctifying and actual), and power (fortitude).

***

## 4. Christ, Mary, and the Offering of the Heart

The line “And you, Jesus, open Your Heart and place in it my own, and, together with Mary’s, offer it to our Divine Father!” situates this trust explicitly in a **Christological and Marian** key.[1] Divine Providence is not generic; it is the Providence of the Father who sees us in His Son and receives us through His sacrifice.

Three points emerge:

- **Christocentric mediation**: The heart of Jesus is presented as the place where our poor heart is hidden and purified before being offered to the Father.  

- **Marian participation**: Mary’s Heart, united perfectly to the will of the Father, is placed alongside ours, underscoring her maternal role in forming us into docile children of God.  

- **Eucharistic resonance**: Even though not mentioned explicitly, the language of “offering” and “Heart” dovetails with Eucharistic spirituality, where we place our lives on the paten with the host, to be offered “through Him, with Him, and in Him.”

This structure mirrors the Church’s liturgical prayer and keeps the devotion firmly anchored in the Trinitarian economy of salvation.[4][5]

***

## 5. Universal Fatherhood and Mission

The repeated cries—“Divine Father, call all men to Yourself… may You be known, honored, and loved by all men!”—shift the prayer from personal consolation to **universal mission**.[1] The one who discovers the Father’s tenderness cannot remain self-enclosed; the heart widens into intercession for all peoples.

This universal horizon reflects:

- The desire that all come to know the Father’s name and love, which is the thrust of the Our Father itself.[4][6]

- The Church’s missionary mandate: to lead all nations into the filial relationship Christ came to reveal.[2]

Even the invocations “beneficent dew of humanity” and “infinite goodness poured out on all peoples” suggest a theology of the Father as the source of every good, gently descending upon humanity like dew, a biblical image of grace and blessing.[1]

***

## 6. The Hymn: From Personal Trust to Communal Praise

The attached hymn, “Come, praise the Lord, the Almighty, the King of all nations!”, is clearly inspired by the classic hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!”, itself rooted in the Psalms.[7][8] By placing it under the label “Vespers,” you connect the personal, affective prayer of trust to the **public prayer of the Church**.

Key features:

- It moves from God’s faithfulness “through all generations” to explicit Trinitarian doxology: praise to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as “fruit of their love.”[7]

- It shows that the same God who is intimately “Abba” is also the “King of all nations,” linking filial intimacy with majestic lordship.[7][8]

This liturgical frame keeps the devotion from becoming purely subjective: personal experiences of Providence are folded back into the Church’s timeless praise.

***

## 7. Pastoral and Practical Uses

For your SeekFirstcommunity context, this text could serve in several ways:

- **Daily Act of Trust**: Invite readers to pray it especially during trials, perhaps linking it with Romans 8:28 and Galatians 4:6.[4][2]

- **Catechesis on Providence**: Use the repeated “I believe…” lines to unpack the attributes of God (Wisdom, Power, Goodness) and how they operate in Providence.  

- **Formation in Childlike Spirit**: Reflect on what it concretely means to “surrender like a baby in its mother’s arms” in decisions, anxieties, and hidden sufferings.  

- **Trinitarian Devotion**: Highlight how authentic devotion to the Father is inseparable from Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Mary, and remains in continuity with the Church’s liturgy.[4][5]

If you’d like, I can next draft a polished blog post version for SeekFirstcommunity.com with headings, a brief intro and conclusion, and perhaps a short suggested usage (e.g., “How to pray this over a week”).

Citations:

[1] MY PRAYERS TO ABBA ALMIGHTY FATHER https://greatestmonthofjuly.wordpress.com/my-prayers-to-abba-almighty-father/

[2] The Holy Spirit Leads Us to Pray 'Abba, Father' https://catechesisofthepopes.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-holy-spirit-leads-us-to-pray-abba-father/

[3] Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Abba Father - Heartlight https://www.heartlight.org/articles/202008/20200805_abbafather.html

[4] Our Father Prayer | Full Text, Meaning, And How To Pray It https://www.twopercentsurvival.com/prayers-of-the-rosary/our-father-prayer/

[5] PRAYER BOOKS | Mary's Call https://www.maryscall.com/prayer-books

[6] The Our Father - Prayers - Catholic Online https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=216

[7] Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - Hymnary.org https://hymnary.org/text/praise_to_the_lord_the_almighty_the_king

[8] Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - The Institute for Biblical Worship http://biblicalworship.com/praise-to-the-lord-the-almighty

[9] Mary's Call | Encouraging Prayer | Prayer Cards | Prayer Books ... https://www.maryscall.com

[10] Prayer Cards | Mary's Call | United States https://www.maryscall.com/prayer-cards-1

[11] abba father, lord jesus christ, holy spirit take control ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/599305398453465/posts/1056681496049184/

[12] DEVOTION FOR THE DYING AND THE DEAD - Catholic Tradition http://www.catholictradition.org/Classics/holy-souls.htm

[13] The Fiat Of The Eternal Father 4" x 6" | maryscall https://www.maryscall.com/product-page/the-fiat-of-the-eternal-father-4-x-6-qty-100

[14] Prayers about the Precious Blood of Jesus: For Reparation and ... https://www.catholic365.com/article/40583/prayers-about-the-precious-blood-of-jesus-for-reparation-and-salvation.html

[15] [PDF] Vespers Christ the King 10_24_14 website - Gregorian Chant Hymns https://gregorian-chant-hymns.com/publications/vespers-christ-the-king.pdf

Please do so.

## Abba Father: A School of Trust in Divine Providence

*“Abba Father, My Father in Heaven, how good it is to know that You are my Father and that I am Your Child!”* This intimate cry, adapted from *Mary’s Call*, opens a profound meditation on living as God’s adopted children amid life’s trials.[1] Rooted in Scripture and Catholic tradition, it teaches us to read every event through the lens of the Father’s loving providence.[2][3]

In a world of uncertainty, this prayer invites us to profound peace: God governs all things with wisdom and love, drawing even suffering into our path to holiness.[4][5]

***

## Divine Filiation: Calling God “Abba”

The prayer’s heartbeat is **filial trust**. “Abba” echoes Jesus’ own cry in Gethsemane (Mark 14:36) and Paul’s teaching that the Holy Spirit enables us to address God as intimate Father (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6).[6][7]

Especially “when the skies of my soul are cloudy and my cross weighs more heavily,” we affirm: “I believe that You are a Father to me at every moment… You love me with an infinite love!”[8] This is divine filiation—knowing our identity as beloved children secures us against despair, for no trial falls outside the Father’s gaze.[3]

***

## Providence: Wisdom Over Every Detail

Catholic theology defines Divine Providence as “the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end.”[3][5] The prayer captures this vividly: “not a hair falls from my head without Your permission!” (cf. Mt 10:30).[2]

St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that Providence orders all things, including evils God permits, toward greater good—without authoring sin.[9][10] Thus: “In Your infinite Wisdom, You know better than I… You can bring good even out of evil.” Even under “the hands of those who strike me,” we kiss “Your hand which heals,” uniting our cross to Christ’s.[9]

The Church Fathers unanimously affirm this: God preserves and governs creation sweetly (Wis 8:1), as Vatican I declared.[2]

***

## Childlike Surrender and the Spirit’s Power

“Teach me to surrender myself to You like a baby in its mother’s arms” embodies Jesus’ call to childlike trust (Mt 18:3).[3] This abandonment is empowered by grace: “Give me the light, the grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit! Strengthen me… that I may never sadden Him.”[8]

Providence unfolds not passively but through our cooperation with the Spirit, who cries “Abba” within us.[6] Christ invites: “Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you” (1 Pt 5:7).[3][5]

***

## Trinitarian Offering Through Christ and Mary

The prayer climaxes Christocentrically: “Jesus, open Your Heart and place in it my own, and, together with Mary’s, offer it to our Divine Father!” Our trust flows through the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart to the Father.[1]

This mirrors Eucharistic prayer, where we offer ourselves “through Him, with Him, and in Him.” Providence is Trinitarian: the Father plans, the Son redeems, the Spirit sanctifies.[3]

***

## Universal Call: Father of All Peoples

From personal trust, the prayer expands: “Divine Father, call all men to Yourself… beneficent dew of humanity, may You be known, honored, and loved by all!” This missionary plea reflects the Our Father’s horizon.[11]

God’s providence embraces every soul, inviting the world to filial praise.[2]

***

## Liturgical Praise: The Closing Hymn

The hymn—“Come, praise the Lord, the Almighty, the King of all nations!”—adapts the timeless “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” marked for Vespers.[12] It crowns personal devotion with communal doxology: praise to Father, Son (“Redeemer”), and Spirit (“fruit of their love”).[12][13]

***

## How to Pray “Abba Father” This Week

- **Monday-Wednesday**: Pray mornings, focusing on “I believe…” lines. Journal one trial and how God’s wisdom governs it.[3]

- **Thursday-Friday**: Evening surrender: “like a baby in its mother’s arms.” Offer it through Mary’s Heart.  

- **Saturday**: Intercede for others: “call all men to Yourself.” Share via WhatsApp.  

- **Sunday Vespers**: Sing/recite the hymn, uniting to the Church’s praise.[14]

“Father, bless Elisha and Isabel who gave me this prayer.” May it bless your SeekFirst community too—forming hearts to trust Providence like saints.[1] *Amen.*

Citations:

[1] MY PRAYERS TO ABBA ALMIGHTY FATHER https://greatestmonthofjuly.wordpress.com/my-prayers-to-abba-almighty-father/

[2] CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Divine Providence - New Advent https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12510a.htm

[3] Catechism of the Catholic Church | Catholic Culture https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=1755

[4] Catholic Teaching on Divine Providence https://catholicstand.com/catholic-teaching-on-divine-providence/

[5] Catechism of the Catholic Church https://usccb.cld.bz/Catechism-of-the-Catholic-Church2/104/

[6] Abba | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/abba

[7] "Abba, Father" - Opus Dei https://opusdei.org/en/article/abba-father/

[8] The Holy Spirit Leads Us to Pray 'Abba, Father' https://catechesisofthepopes.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/the-holy-spirit-leads-us-to-pray-abba-father/

[9] A Summary of The Doctrine of Providence by St. Thomas Aquinas https://prodigalcatholic.com/2024/01/31/a-summary-of-the-doctrine-of-providence-by-st-thomas-aquinas/

[10] SUMMA THEOLOGIAE: The providence of God (Prima Pars, Q. 22) https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1022.htm

[11] The Our Father - Prayers - Catholic Online https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=216

[12] Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - Hymnary.org https://hymnary.org/text/praise_to_the_lord_the_almighty_the_king

[13] Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - The Institute for Biblical Worship http://biblicalworship.com/praise-to-the-lord-the-almighty

[14] [PDF] Vespers Christ the King 10_24_14 website - Gregorian Chant Hymns https://gregorian-chant-hymns.com/publications/vespers-christ-the-king.pdf

[15] What is divine providence? - Catholic Diocese of Lincoln https://www.lincolndiocese.org/news/diocesan-news/15342-what-is-divine-providence

[16] Holiness and Divine Providence | Covenant Catholic https://covenantcatholic.org/virtue/holiness-and-divine-providence/

[17] Have Catholics been praying the Our Father all wrong? https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2022/04/21/our-father-catholics-prayer-242872/

[18] What is divine providence? In the Catechism of St. Philaret we read ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/ask.about.the.orthodox.faith/posts/5190611194292775/

[19] St Thomas Aquinas: Divine Providence, Free Will, and Determinism https://afkimel.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/st-thomas-aquinas-divine-providence-free-will-and-determinism/

[20] A Christian understanding of divine providence - Chicago Catholic https://www.chicagocatholic.com/u.s./-/article/2019/07/23/a-christian-understanding-of-divine-providence

[21] Topic 5: God's Providence - Opus Dei https://opusdei.org/en-us/article/topic-5-gods-providence/

How to pray with trust in Divine Providence

Praying with trust in Divine Providence means actively surrendering daily life to God's wise and loving governance of all things.[1][2] It combines interior acts of faith, structured prayers, and habits that foster childlike reliance on the Father.

## Core Mindset

Approach prayer recognizing Providence as God's "dispositions by which He guides His creatures toward their end," including permitted evils for greater good.[1][3] Key attitudes include:

- Humble assent: Believe God knows better and acts for your holiness.[4][2]

- Detachment: Release worries, plans, and outcomes into His hands.[2][5]

- Hope amid trials: Even in darkness, affirm "Providence did provide. Providence can provide. Providence will provide."[6][7]

## Daily Prayer Practices

Incorporate these routines to build trust:

- **Morning Offering**: Start each day abandoning your will. Example from St. Josemaría Escrivá: "My Lord and my God: into your hands I abandon the past and the present and the future, what is small and what is great."[5]

- **Abba Father Invocation**: Use your prayer's cry during anxiety: "Father, I believe in Your love for me... Teach me to surrender like a baby in its mother’s arms."[8]

- **Evening Examen**: Review events asking, "Where was God's hand today?" Thank Him for hidden providence.[2]

- **Scriptural Anchor**: Pray the Our Father slowly, lingering on "Thy will be done" and "Give us this day our daily bread," trusting time is in the Father's hands.[9]

## Key Prayers for Trust

| Prayer | Source/Inspiration | Key Line | When to Use |

|--------|-------------------|----------|-------------|

| Prayer to Divine Providence | Catholic Tradition[6][7] | "O Sweet and Tender Providence of God, into Thy hands I commend my spirit" | Trials or uncertainty |

| St. Josemaría's Abandonment | The Way of the Cross[5] | "Into your hands I abandon... what amounts to a little and what amounts to a lot" | Daily surrender |

| Jesus, I Trust in You | Divine Mercy[10] | "My providential Lord, You always provide... Jesus, I trust in You" | Moments of fear |

| Acts of Faith, Hope, Love | Precious Blood Prayer Book[6] | "I place all my hope in Thee... I love Thee, Infinite Goodness" | Morning adoration |

## Scriptural and Saintly Foundations

Meditate on these to deepen prayer:

- Romans 8:28: "All things work for good for those who love God."[1]

- Mt 6:25-34: Do not worry; seek first the Kingdom.[9]

- Saints: St. Thomas Aquinas on Providence's sweetness; St. Josemaría on sanctifying ordinary duties through trust.[11][12]

## Practical Integration

- **Journaling**: Note daily "providences" (unexpected graces).[2]

- **Rosary/ Liturgy**: Offer decades for trust; pray Vespers hymns like your adapted "Praise to the Lord."[13]

- **Community**: Share experiences in your SeekFirstcommunity, as with "bless Elisha and Isabel."[8]

Consistent practice transforms anxiety into peace, as the Catechism teaches prayer aligns us with God's providence.[1][9]

Citations:

[1] Catechism of the Catholic Church | Catholic Culture https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=1755

[2] Trusting in Divine Providence No Matter Our Circumstances https://catholicinrecovery.com/trusting-in-divine-providence-no-matter-our-circumstances/

[3] Catechism of the Catholic Church https://usccb.cld.bz/Catechism-of-the-Catholic-Church2/104/

[4] CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Divine Providence - New Advent https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12510a.htm

[5] Divine Providence and a Trip to the Dollar Store - Catholic Stand https://catholicstand.com/divine-providence-and-a-trip-to-the-dollar-store/

[6] DIVINE PROVIDENCE PRAYER - Catholic Tradition https://www.catholictradition.org/Christ/providence.htm

[7] Prayer to Divine Providence - Catholic Doors Ministry https://www.catholicdoors.com/prayers/english3/p02348.htm

[8] MY PRAYERS TO ABBA ALMIGHTY FATHER https://greatestmonthofjuly.wordpress.com/my-prayers-to-abba-almighty-father/

[9] At The Wellsprings Of Prayer - Vatican.va https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_four/section_one/chapter_two/article_1/at_the_wellsprings_of_prayer.html

[10] Trusting in Providence - Catholic Daily Reflections https://catholic-daily-reflections.com/2024/07/13/trusting-in-providence/

[11] A Summary of The Doctrine of Providence by St. Thomas Aquinas https://prodigalcatholic.com/2024/01/31/a-summary-of-the-doctrine-of-providence-by-st-thomas-aquinas/

[12] Prayer for the Intercession of St. Josemaria Escriva https://stjosemaria.org/prayer-for-the-intercession-of-st-josemaria-escriva/

[13] Praise to the Lord, the Almighty - Hymnary.org https://hymnary.org/text/praise_to_the_lord_the_almighty_the_king

[14] Here is a prayer based on those reflections about Divine Providence ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/298549307726102/posts/1962522627995420/

[15] Relying Upon Divine Providence… From Test to Trust | One Walk https://onewalk.com/2024/02/01/relying-upon-divine-providence-from-test-to-trust/

[16] Popular Devotional Practices: Basic Questions and Answers | USCCB https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/popular-devotional-practices-basic-questions-and-answers

[17] God's Providence Applied in Our Lives - The Aquila Report https://theaquilareport.com/gods-providence-applied-in-our-lives/

[18] Trust in Divine Providence - Sisters of Carmel https://newsletter.sistersofcarmel.com/2020/07/22/trust-in-divine-providence/

[19] The Truth about God's Providence from St. Josemaría Escrivá https://springsinthedesert.org/changing-the-conversation-with-ourselves-the-truth-about-gods-providence-from-st-josemaria-escriva/

[20] “Doing Our Part to Trust in Divine Providence” - Archdiocese of San ... https://sfarch.org/doing-our-part-to-trust-in-divine-providence/

[21] Letting God: The Annunciation & Freedom - St. Josemaria Institute https://stjosemaria.org/letting-god/

What does St Josemaria Escriva teach about Providence

St. Josemaría Escrivá taught that Divine Providence is God's loving, wise governance of all creation toward holiness, inviting total abandonment in ordinary life.[1][2] He emphasized trusting Providence as the path to joy, especially by sanctifying daily duties through prayer and faith.[3]

## Providence Orders All Things Well

Escrivá echoed Church teaching: Providence "reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other, and orders all things sweetly," guiding us to perfection even through trials like infertility or hardship.[1][4] He saw no event as random—God blesses intentionally, whether by granting or withholding, as in: "God in His providence has two ways of blessing marriages: one by giving them children; and the other, sometimes, because he loves them so much, by not giving them children."[1]

## Abandonment as Happiness

Total surrender is key: "Abandonment to the will of God is the secret of happiness on earth."[3][5] He urged: "Put all your hope in Jesus. You yourself have nothing... He will act, if only you abandon yourself in him."[3] This trust transforms work and suffering into divine cooperation.[2]

## Practical Trust in Daily Life

Escrivá integrated Providence into Opus Dei's charism of holiness in ordinary circumstances.[2][6] Key points:

- Pray constantly: "First, prayer; then, expiation; in the third place, very much in third place, action."[6]

- Serve cheerfully: "Servite Domino in laetitia! — I will serve God cheerfully... the Lord follows me closely."[7]

- Discover the divine hidden in the ordinary: "There is something holy, something divine hidden in the most ordinary situations."[2]

## Key Quotes from His Writings

| Source | Quote | Theme[3][1][7] |

|--------|-------|------------------------------|

| Friends of God | "God always wins. He is Master of history and of each soul." | Ultimate victory |

| Furrow/The Way | "Trust in God's Providence, interfering – as it always does – for our own good." | Hidden guidance |

| Morning Offering | "My Lord and my God: into your hands I abandon the past and the present and the future." | Daily surrender |

| The Way | "Don't put your hope in... anything but the Lord. Abandon yourself in him." | Hope in God alone |

Escrivá's message: Providence calls laypeople to heroism in the mundane, fostering hope that "Dominus prope est! — the Lord is near."[7] For deeper reading, see *Furrow* or *The Way*.[8][9]

Citations:

[1] The Truth about God's Providence from St. Josemaría Escrivá https://springsinthedesert.org/changing-the-conversation-with-ourselves-the-truth-about-gods-providence-from-st-josemaria-escriva/

[2] Discovering Something Divine in the Ordinary - St. Josemaria Institute https://stjosemaria.org/discovering-something-divine-in-the-ordinary/

[3] 10 great quotes from St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei https://slmedia.org/blog/10-great-quotes-from-st-josemaria-escriva-founder-of-opus-dei

[4] Catechism of the Catholic Church | Catholic Culture https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/catechism/index.cfm?recnum=1755

[5] 7 Inspirational Catholic Quotes from St. Josemaría Escrivá https://scepterpublishers.org/blogs/scepter-blog-corner/7-inspirational-catholic-quotes-from-st-josemaria-escriva

[6] Library : Josemaria's Way | Catholic Culture https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=6914

[7] The Furrow | PDF | Mary, Mother Of Jesus - Scribd https://www.scribd.com/document/6542414/The-Furrow

[8] Furrow - escriva.org https://escriva.org/en/surco/

[9] The Way - escriva.org https://escriva.org/en/camino/

[10] 8 Powerful Quotes from St. Josemaría Escrivá - Cora Evans https://www.coraevans.com/blog/article/8-powerful-quotes-from-st-josemaria-escriva

[11] Saint Quotes - Diocese of St. Petersburg https://www.dosp.org/our-faith/saints/saint-quotes/

[12] Some quotes on humility from St Josemaria - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/526277745167015/posts/1285848429209939/

[13] Furrow by Josemaría Escrivá - Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/904869.Furrow

[14] The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva - Scepter Publishers https://scepterpublishers.org/pages/the-way-st-josemaria-escriva

[15] Quotes from Padre Pio & St Josemaria Escriva https://emmanuel-maria.com.sg/index_files/Page7741.htm

[16] Furrow - St. Josemaria Institute https://stjosemaria.org/product/furrow/

How to practice abandonment to God's will daily

Daily abandonment to God's will means actively surrendering your plans, sufferings, and desires to His loving providence in every moment.[1][2] Drawing from St. Josemaría Escrivá and your focus on trust (e.g., Prov 3:5-6), it transforms ordinary life into holy obedience.

## Morning: Total Offering

Start with explicit surrender to frame the day.

- Pray Escrivá's aspiration: "My Lord and my God: Into your hands I abandon the past, and the present, and the future, what is small and what is great... Then, don’t worry any more."[3] Offer work, family, and trials as acts of worship.[4]

- Add biblical fiat: "Thy will be done" from the Our Father, echoing your Eph 1:9-10 reflections.[5]

## Hourly: Present-Moment Acts

Practice "spirituality of the present moment" amid routines.[6][7]

- **Triggers**: At transitions (meals, tasks), pause: "Jesus, I trust in You" or "Fiat."[8]

- **In Work/Trials**: Unite duties to Christ's Cross: "Servite Domino in laetitia!" (Serve the Lord with gladness).[4] When mistreated, accept as God's hand.[3]

- **St. Thérèse Style**: Like a child asleep in Father's arms, release control hourly.[7]

## Evening: Examen of Surrender

Reflect to grow in docility.[1][9]

1. Gratitude: Thank for providences (e.g., "hidden goods" per St. Jure).[10]

2. Review: Where did I resist? (e.g., anxiety over waiting).

3. Contrition: "Forgive my lack of trust."

4. Resolution: Specific tomorrow (e.g., "Abandon this worry").

5. Suscipe (St. Ignatius): "Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty... Give me only Your love and Your grace."[9]

## Supporting Habits Table

| Habit | Time | Purpose | Saint Tie-In |

|-------|------|---------|-------------|

| Rosary Decade | Midday | Offer intentions blindly | Thérèse's childlike way[7] |

| Adoration Visit | 10 min | Silent listening | Escrivá's Mass extension[4] |

| Journal | Bedtime | Note "God wins" moments | Your verse journaling |

| Reading | 15 min | *Furrow* or *Abandonment to Providence* | Escrivá/de Caussade[6] |

## Overcoming Hurdles

- **Impatience**: Remember Escrivá: "Don't choose your sufferings—take from God's hand."[3]

- **Dryness**: Persist blindly, as Thérèse in her "night of faith."[11]

- **Measurement**: Gauge by interior peace, not results.[1]

This rhythm, fitting your mobile prayer life (Samsung Notes, Audible), makes abandonment a joyful "secret of happiness."[12] Track weekly in SeekFirstcommunity for accountability.

Citations:

[1] How can I align my desires with God's will https://www.perplexity.ai/search/d34f8a81-27e0-4ecb-8336-5b5c9bfe0c59

[2] The will of God · The Way https://escriva.org/en/camino/the-will-of-god/

[3] Abandonment in God's Will - Faith Seeking Understanding https://fsubelmonte.weebly.com/abandonment-in-godrsquos-will.html

[4] 7 Lessons in Everyday Holiness From St. Josemaría Escrivá https://catholicexchange.com/7-lessons-in-everyday-holiness-from-st-josemaria-escriva/

[5] Any Divine Providence insight from this verse:

he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/a0702696-5ac0-496e-8b2a-15e1fc302a7c

[6] [PDF] Abandonment to Divine Providence https://www.ccel.org/d/decaussade/abandonment/cache/abandonment.pdf

[7] Trust and Abandonment - FAMILY OF ST. SHARBEL USA https://www.familyofsaintsharbel.org/trust-and-abandonment.html

[8] St. Josemaria Escriva The Secret of True Happiness In a ... - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thedivinemercy/posts/abandonment-to-the-will-of-god-is-the-secret-of-happiness-on-earth-st-josemaria-/1292244276278410/

[9] PRAYER OF ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/staycatholic/posts/prayer-of-abandonment-to-divine-providence/1210924717726815/

[10] Why does Saint Jure emphasize trustful surrender as essential for holiness https://www.perplexity.ai/search/d44d05cd-3d4a-4381-83cb-a58041e1c624

[11] Thérèse of Lisieux, Part V: Surrender to Love - CAC.org https://cac.org/daily-meditations/therese-lisieux-part-v-surrender-love-2015-08-07/

[12] St. Josemaria Escriva: Abandonment to the will of God https://www.facebook.com/thedivinemercy/posts/abandonment-to-the-will-of-god-is-the-secret-of-happiness-on-earth-st-josemaria-/1242237694612402/

[13] Worried about the future? Find peace in this short prayer - Aleteia https://aleteia.org/2020/06/26/worried-about-the-future-find-peace-in-this-short-prayer/

[14] Abandonment to Providence - Daily Rosary Meditations https://www.dailyrosarymeditations.com/p/abandonment-to-providence-october-8-2025

[15] A Spiritual Toolkit for Lent https://stjosemaria.org/spiritual-toolkit-lent/

[16] St. Therese Of Lisieux's Way of Abandonment & Peace https://catholicexchange.com/st-therese-of-lisieuxs-way-of-abandonment-peace/

[17] Resolutions of Abandonment - The Catholic Thing https://www.thecatholicthing.org/2023/01/04/resolutions-of-abandonment/

[18] Praying the Examen Step 1: My Attitude of Gratitude https://encourageandteach.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/praying-the-examen-step-1-my-attitude-of-gratitude/

St Therese of Lisieux specific practices for abandonment

St. Thérèse of Lisieux practiced abandonment through her "Little Way"—total, childlike trust in God's merciful love, embracing small sacrifices amid spiritual dryness and trials.[1][2] She taught surrender as "sleeping without fear in the Father's arms," even when feeling abandoned.[2][3]

## Childlike Confidence

Thérèse's core: Remain "too small" to climb perfection's ladder, letting Infinite Love carry you.[4] Specific acts:

- **Reject Limits on Trust**: Avoid capping desires; believe God's goodness exceeds all failings—"to put limits on our desires and hopes rejects His infinite goodness."[5]

- **Praise in Darkness**: When grace feels absent, thank God and saints anyway: "I turn to God... and thank them notwithstanding; I believe they want to see how far my trust may extend."[6]

## Daily Little Sacrifices

She

THE FEAST OF ST POLYCARP, APOSTOLIC FATHER AND MARTYR.

THE FEAST OF ST POLYCARP, BISHOP, APOSTOLIC FATHER AND MARTYR. 

THE GOSPEL:

"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 

Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 

and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.

Then the King will say to those at his right hand, `Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; 

 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 

 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

 Then the righteous will answer him, `Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 

 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 

 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 

 And the King will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.'

 Then he will say to those at his left hand, `Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 

 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,

  I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 

 Then they also will answer, `Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' 

 Then he will answer them, `Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' 

And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25: 31 - 46).

Monday February 23rd of the 1st Week of Lent 

is the feast of an Apostolic Father, St Polycarp. (circa 69 - 155).

 Bishop of Smyrna in Turkey.

St Polycarp (c. 69–155) was bishop of Smyrna in Asia Minor and one of the great Apostolic Fathers, formed in the living memory of the Twelve.

He was a disciple of St John the Evangelist and a friend of St Ignatius of Antioch, serving as a crucial link between the apostles and the 2nd‑century Church through his preaching and his Letter to the Philippians. 

 As bishop he was known for his zeal in preserving apostolic doctrine, for refuting early Gnostic heresies, and for his pastoral care, especially for the poor, widows, and slaves.

 Under the persecution of Antoninus Pius, St Polycarp was arrested at an advanced age, and when pressed to renounce Christ, he gave his famous confession and accepted martyrdom by fire and then the sword, offering his life as a Eucharistic sacrifice of praise.

Below are a few  quotes from the Apostolic Father St Polycarp:

1.  “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he has done me no wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King who saved me?”

2. “You threaten me with fire that burns for an hour and is soon extinguished; you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly.”

3. “When you can do good, defer it not, because alms delivers from death."

 St Polycarp was instructed in the faith by St John the Apostle. He, Polycarp instructed St Irenaeus who became a Bishop and an early Church Father in France.

Our Gospel for today is a preview of the Last Judgment. 

St Augustine teaches us a simple formula to prepare for the Last Judgment:

"If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well."

Prayer, along with fasting and almsgiving are the three pillars of the Christian life.

It is during Lent that you see the power of prayer.

 An ancient maxim of the Church says: 

"Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi." 

Which means: The law of prayer is the law of faith and the law of living. 

You live as you pray. You will die and judged as you live.

St Teresa of Kolkata teaches that Prayer strengthens our Faith. 

Prayer is the Activator of Power. Prayer pushes desire to action. 

John Flavel, a great Teacher on Divine Providence in the 16th century wrote:

"Prayer honors Providence. Providence honors Prayer."

This is true! 

Does God reward those who pray, fast and give alms during Lent?

 Read the Promise for yourself:

"For he says:

“In an acceptable time I heard you, and on the day of salvation I helped you.”

"Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 

Brethren, Lent is the Acceptable Time for favors and graces. 

BUT... 

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12: 2).

Apart from prayer, how do you go about acquiring  graces during Lent? 

Daily PRAYER AND Daily WORD OF GOD HAVE POWER TO TRANSFORM THE MIND DURING LENT. 

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."

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

"The Holy Family is the beginning of the salvation of the world. In their humble home, the purpose of God for all humanity was quietly fulfilled."

( St. Bernard of Clairvaux

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 TEMPTATION OF JESUS THE CHRIST IN THE DESERT.

THE TEMPTATION OF JESUS IN THE DESERT. 

"At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert

to be tempted by the devil.

He fasted for forty days and forty nights,

and afterwards he was hungry.

The tempter approached and said to him,

“If you are the Son of God,

command that these stones become loaves of bread.”

He said in reply,

“It is written:. 

One does not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes forth

from the mouth of God.”

Then the devil took him to the holy city,

and made him stand on the parapet of the temple,

and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.

For it is written:

He will command his angels concerning you

and with their hands they will support you,

lest you dash your foot against a stone.”

Jesus answered him,

“Again it is written,

You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”

Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain,. 

and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence,

and he said to him, 

""All these I shall give to you,

if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.”

At this, Jesus said to him,

“Get away, Satan!

It is written:

The Lord, your God, shall you worship

and him alone shall you serve.”

Then the devil left him and, behold,

angels came and ministered to him." ( Matthew 4: 1 - 11)

Sunday, 22nd February 2026, 1st Sunday of Lent.

 Matthew 4: 1 - 11 is the Temptation of Jesus the Christ. 

After His Baptism, the Devil whisked Him off to the Desert for His Baptism of fire. 

What is the Desert?

Where is your Desert?

#1 The Desert is the place of spiritual combat.

#2 The Desert is the place of preparation for our life's work. 

#3 The Desert is the period of 'Closed' Door' experience.

 'Closed Doors' means no opportunities in:

 Health, job, finance, etc. 

A law of the marketplace says:

 No preparation, no performance. 

 A Desert Experience can be very painful to human nature. I had a little taste of it. 

Recently, there was news of a young lady, a mayor of one of our large cities sentenced to three years in a federal penitentiary for financial impropriety.  

Was she prepared by a desert experience before her big job? Probably not. 

The Desert is the place where we confront our demons, discover who we are and develop plans to deal 

with the wiles of the enemy of mankind. 

No preparation. No performance. 

Starting from Abraham and Jacob, David to Jesus, John the Baptist and Paul, all of our Bible heroes spent time in the Desert. 

See how the Apostle James in his letter describes what the Desert does for us:

"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  And let perseverance be perfect, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1: 2 - 4).

The Desert Experience is an institution of Christianity. A necessary 'Right of Passage'. No Desert, no genuine Christian experience. 

On the Desert Experience of Jesus Christ, the Church teaches in CCC 539–540:

“Jesus fulfils Israel's vocation perfectly: in contrast to those who had once provoked God during forty years in the desert,

 Christ reveals himself as God's Servant, totally obedient to the divine will. 

In this, Jesus is the devil's conqueror: 

he ‘binds the strong man’ to take back his plunder. 

Jesus' victory over the tempter in the desert anticipates victory at the Passion, the supreme act of obedience of his filial love for the Father. 

Jesus' temptation reveals the way in which the Son of God is Messiah, contrary to the way Satan proposes to him

 and the way men wish to attribute to him. 

This is why Christ vanquished the Tempter for us…

 By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.”

The Church also teaches that we can overcome evil in our lives through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. (Cf CCC 1434). 

Lent is a great time to start to learn what the Desert can do for you in your Journey of life. 

"O that today you listen to the Lord, harden not your hearts." 

The Holy Catholic Church honors 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 PETER DAMIAN, OSB. BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE FEAST OF ST PETER DAMIAN. 

THE CALL OF THE TAX COLLECTOR CALLED MATTHEW. 

A TAX COLLECTOR NAMED LEVI. 

"Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.

 He said to him, “Follow me.” 

And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. 

"Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. 

"The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,

 “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 

"Jesus said to them in reply,

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

 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” (Luke 5: 27 - 32).

Saturday 21st February 2026.

 Saturday After Easter in the Season of Lent

Today is the feast of St Peter Damian. 

Saint Peter Damian (1007–1072) was an Italian Benedictine monk, reforming cardinal, and Doctor of the Church, known for his deep austerity and tireless work for ecclesial renewal.

 Born in Ravenna into a large and impoverished family, he was orphaned young and rescued from harsh treatment by an older priest-brother, Damian, whose name he gratefully added to his own.Gifted intellectually, Peter became a successful teacher before discerning a call to the cloister and entering the hermit-monastery of Fonte Avellana, where his life of intense prayer, penance, and learning soon led to his election as prior and the founding and reform of other monastic houses. 

Drawn from solitude into the wider service of the Church, he became a leading voice in the 11th‑century reform movement, fighting simony, clerical immorality, and lax religious discipline, while serving as papal advisor and, from 1057, Cardinal‑Bishop of Ostia.

 Longing always to return to hidden contemplation, he nonetheless accepted repeated missions for the popes until his death at Faenza around February 21–22, 1072;

 revered for his powerful letters and treatises, he was later proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1828, and is honored on February 21 as a model of contemplative zeal in service of reform. 

“Come and be one of my disciples!”  So Levi left everything, sprang up, and went with him." (TLB Translation). 

The TLB Translation catches the enthusiasm of Levi better known as Matthew. 

If you have been waiting for a call, or an opportunity to open up for a long time, you understand Matthew's reaction. 

A vocation is a sacred call made by God to predestined souls.

 Usually, the soul would have a premonition that he is born for more.

 Like Abraham Lincoln. He is in a subdued mood of restlessness till the Teacher shows up.

 A Chinese proverb says: "When the student is ready, the teacher appears."

Jesus' sudden appearance at Matthew's Tax Office was not an accident. It was Divine Providence.

 Matthew, the Tax Collector became the Chronicler of the early Church.

 He was not perfect. None of the Twelve Apostles was perfect.

 Perfection took a long time in coming. It came through following Jesus every day and watching Him and doing what Jesus did. 

The Holy Catholic Church honors 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

TO FAST OR NOT TO FAST?

A QUESTION OF FASTING.

WHY FAST? 

"The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?”

"Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9: 14 - 15).

Friday February 20, Friday After Ash Wednesday in the Season of Lent.

The type of fasting that pleases God.

This is the fasting that God wants.

The Holy Scriptures today speak of fasting. The catechesis of Jesus and Isaiah converge in the question: What is the fasting that pleases God?

The Magesterium of the Church has taught from the very beginning that Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving are the three pillars of the Christian faith.

Specifically, the Corporal and the Spiritual Works of Mercy covers everything that is required:

CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY

1. Feed the hungry.

2. Give drink to the thirsty.

3. Clothe the naked.

4. Shelter the homeless.

5. Visit the sick.

6. Visit the imprisoned.

7. Bury the dead.

SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY:

1. Instruct the ignorant.

2. Counsel the doubtful.

3. Admonish sinners.

4. Bear wrongs patiently.

5. Forgive offences willingly.

6. Comfort the afflicted.

7. Pray for the living and the dead.

Do this and you will be blessed.

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

On the hidden life at Nazareth, summarized from his Holy Family sermon: St John Chrysostom wrote:

“He was subject to them; that is, without doubt, to Mary and to Joseph. Be you ashamed, vain ashes that you are. God humbles Himself, and do you exalt yourself? God becomes subject to men, and will you, eager to lord it over men, place yourself above your Maker?”

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

Click the link below for prayer intentions, etc

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

I CHOOSE LIFE.

CHOOSE LIFE TODAY.  

"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 

"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?” (Luke 9: 22 - 25). 

Thursday February 19th, 2026 is Thursday after Ash Wednesday. 

"If anyone wishes to come after me, he must take up his cross daily and follow Me.

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

At the beginning of Lent 2026, we hear Jesus speaking of the absolute necessity, the inevitability of His suffering.  

Why is the Spirit giving us this Scripture now? 

 Consider these reasons:

#1.  Are you fully aware of the power of the cross and the necessity of your own suffering?

#2.  No following of Christ without suffering. 

 Rejection of the cross is rejection of Jesus Christ.  (Pope Benedict XVI).

#3.  The Son of Man must suffer before His glorification.  (Luke 24: 26). 

 What is a divine necessity for Jesus is true for us.

There are 37 Doctors of the Church,  great men and women who clarified our doctrine of faith and showed us by example how to live the Christian life. 

 They all suffered either physical, emotional and spiritual pains.

 Everyone of them know something about the comforts and crosses of the Gospel. 

But each one of them accomplished their destiny in spite of their terrible sufferings. Examples: St Alphonsus Liguori, Teresa of Avila, John Henry Newman, Catherine of Siena, etc. 

They are all Doctors of the Church. 

SUMMARY:

The 40 Days of Lent is 40 Days to get us ready for Easter. We choose life! 

Our suffering is blessing in disguise. 

 No cross, no crown. 

So at the beginning of Lent 2026,  the mystery and contradiction of the cross is set before us to grapple with.

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

“Let us ask ourselves with St Bernard, ‘Who obeyed? Whom did He obey?’ The Saint replies, ‘God obeyed man! Yes, the God to whom the angels are subject … was subject to Mary, and not only to Mary, but also to Joseph.’” St Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church). 

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

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

ASH WEDNESDAY: THE BEGINNING OF LENT.

ASH WEDNESDAY - FIRST DAY OF LENT.

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.

"When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (Matthew 6: 1 - 16, 16 - 18).

Wednesday February 18, 2026. The First Day of Lent.

"Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you will return."

Welcome to Ash Wednesday 2026, the beginning of the holy Season of Lent.

“Lent is a time of truth. Christians, called by the Church to prayer, penance, fasting and self‑sacrifice, place themselves before God and recognize themselves; they rediscover themselves.” — St. John Paul II, Message for Lent 1981.

Let us reflect on four key messages from today's Ash Wednesday Scripture Readings.

#1. "Yet even now—oracle of the Lord—return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God, For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love, and relenting in punishment." (Joel 2: 12 - 13).

#2. " A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me." (Psalm 51: 12 - 13).

#3. "We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5: 20).

#4. "When you give alms..." (Matthew 6: 2).

“When you pray ... " (Matthew 6: 5).

"But when you fast..."

..(Matthew 6: 6).

"Lent is a forty‑day season of conversion, “a period of spiritual ‘combat’ which we must experience alongside Jesus… using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance."

Conclusion: Lent is about Metanoia, Conversion. Lent is about turning back to God through almsgiving, fasting and prayer. Lent is about evangelization through being ambassador for Christ.

Finally, Lent is about emerging at Easter with a holy, steadfast and new spirit.

The 40 day period of Lent is God's gift to us to become New Creation.

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

"In the Holy Family, Mary is the heart, the source of love. Through her, the Holy Spirit poured forth the grace that sustained the Savior of the world." (St. Ambrose)

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

Click the link below for prayer intentions, etc

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

THE FEAST OF THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS OF THE SERVITES.

FEAST OF THE SEVEN HOLY FOUNDERS, THE SERVITES. 

DO YOU STILL NOT UNDERSTAND? 

"The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. 

"Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

"They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread.

"When he became aware of this he said to them, 

“Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread?

 Do you not yet understand or comprehend?

 Are your hearts hardened?

 Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?

Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread?

 Do you not yet understand or comprehend?

 Are your hearts hardened?

 Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?

"And do you not remember,

 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand,

 how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?”

 They answered him, “Twelve.”

 “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, 

how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?”

 They answered him, “Seven.” 

He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8: 14 - 21).

Tuesday 17th February 2026 in 6th Week in Ordinary Time

 is the feast of the Seven Founders of the Order of Servites. 

 The Servites are a Confraternity of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (13th century). They were Religious and led a life of prayer and penance.

Ecclesiastical recognition for the order as a religious order was given in 1304.  

“Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember?...... “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8: 17 - 18, 21).

We are grateful for this incident in Mark 8: 14 - 21, because Jesus used it as a teaching moment to coach us on the importance of understanding, remembering and having an open mind and heart if we are to grow in religious truth.

Why do we forget so often details of God's past mercies? 

 I find personally that even when I write the favors in my journal, I still forget.

The Sower goes to sow the word of God. Some fell on the pathway. What happens to the seeds? They become food for the birds. 

The only seed that produces a harvest are seeds sown on good soil. 

If I can recall all the good things God does for me, the Devil will win fewer battles. 

  I do better when I ask the Holy Spirit to remind me of the favors I have enjoyed from God.  

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

This promise of Jesus is the ground for my hope when it comes to understanding and remembering the teachings of Jesus.

 How does this work? I ask the Holy Spirit to give me understanding and bring to my memory the wonderful things God has done for me.

I resolve never to forget "my ancient landmarks."

 (Cf Proverbs 22: 28). I keep a journal.

 “Do you still not understand?”  (Mark 8: 21)

Consider carefully the above question of Jesus for us as we prepare to start Lent 2026. 

"Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened?  Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember?..... “Do you still not understand?”  (Mark 8: 17 - 18, 21).

"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." (John 13: 17)

Change happens not because of what you know but because of what you do daily.

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH CONSECRATED TO THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH. 

“Since God could choose for the Guardian of His Son,

the man in the world, the most accomplished

in all sorts of perfections,

according to the dignity

and excellence of his Charge,

Who was His most Glorious Son, the universal Prince of Heaven and earth, how could it be that being able,

He did not will it and did not do it?

There is, then, NO DOUBT that St Joseph was endowed with all the graces and all the gifts that were required

for the care which the Eternal Father willed to give him,

of the temporal and domestic economy of our Lord and of the guidance of his family … ”

(St Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church). 

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

Click the link below for prayer intentions, etc

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