THE MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY.

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. 

"There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

"Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 

"He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

"He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

"But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

"Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 

"A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

"Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

"But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’

"Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 

"He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”

"Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 25 - 37).

Monday 7th October 2024 of the 27th Week of Ordinary Time is the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary is known as Lady under many titles: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, etc.  Our Lady of the Rosary celebrates Mary as a powerful intercessor using the instrument of the Rosary Prayer.

In the Gospel of today from Luke 10: 25 - 37, we hear of of the attack of the traveler by robbers and the failure of the priest and levite to help the unfortunate man. Every sin and failure to act in charity is influenced by the demons. 

It is obvious that we are in the arena of Spiritual Warfare constantly. If we are not, the Scriptures will not urge us again and again to be vigilant. The devil our enemy never sleeps. 

"The Rosary is the means by which I attach souls to myself. The Rosary assures souls of my presence and of my protection."  (IN SINU JESU). 

Yes. Protection in the spiritual warfare raging everywhere today in: families, work places, schools, offices, roads, etc.

We hear of demonic possessions and infestations. Do not take these happenings lightly. The Church does not ignore the many signs of the activities of evil spirits everywhere today. Neither should you. Jesus Christ speaking to one mystic says that the Holy Rosary is one of the most effective offensive and defensive tools against the Enemy of mankind.

Here is what the Church teaches about the Rosary:

"The Rosary is very pleasing to our Mother in heaven; she herself has recommended it. There are two elements of the Holy Rosary: meditation on its mysteries and vocal prayer. The Rosary surely reaches the motherly heart of Mary and moves her to obtain abundant graces for us." (Roman Missal).

Two recent popes, Pope St Paul VI and Pope St John Paul II have highly recommended the Rosary. Most saints since the 1500s have said the Rosary without fail.

"Your Rosary is like a ladder that you climb step by step, drawing you closer to our Lady, which means finding Christ. It is a devotion which leads us to Christ through Mary." (Pope St Paul VI, Marialis Cultus).

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and the levite put their interest first. But the Samaritan acted out of mercy. 

Dr Martin Luther King reflecting on this passage wrote:

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" 

To do good like the Good Samaritan is a one in a life time opportunity that may come in a flash. 

Ask yourself: "If I do not stop to help this person, what will happen to them?"

Consider the 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

Pray that in all such challenges, the Precious Holy Spirit will inspire you what to do. 

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. Why a special month for the Holy Rosary? Because the Rosary is very important in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

MARRIAGE CAN WORK FOR YOU.

THE PLAN OF GOD FOR MARRIAGE.  

"The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked,

"Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" 

They were testing him.

He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" 

They replied,

"Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her."

But Jesus told them,

"Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 

But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.

 

For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother

and be joined to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh.

So they are no longer two but one flesh. 

Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." 

In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. 

He said to them,

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another

commits adultery against her;

and if she divorces her husband and marries another,

she commits adultery."

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them,

but the disciples rebuked them.

When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them,

"Let the children come to me;

do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to

such as these. 

Amen, I say to you,

whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child

will not enter it."

Then he embraced them and blessed them,

placing his hands on them." (Mark 10: 2 - 16).

Sunday 6th October 2024 in the 27th Week in Ordinary Time. 

“Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” (Mark 10: 2).

This is the big question the Pharisees asked Jesus in today's Gospel.   Jesus responds:

"But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.  For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife],  and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh."  (Mark 10: 6 - 8).

And then Jesus adds:

"Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”  (Mark 10: 9).

Marriage and Holy Orders are two Sacraments of Service in the Church.

Through these Sacraments, married people and clergy, viz: bishops, priests and deacons are equipped by grace to build up the Church. 

Both institutions are in dire crisis today.  Less than 40% of married couples who have been married for 35 years or more are still married to the same person according to one survey.  We can do better because the grace of the Sacraments are there to support fully the state of married life. The grace is not ineffectual. You cannot force the grace on people. God the Father told St Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church in her book the DIALOGUE that you cannot force people to go to Heaven. 

"The Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him."  (Genesis 2: 18).

The Holy Spirit, the Ultimate Helper walks along us in the Journey of life. He is a shy Spirit and will not force Himself upon us. Use the Sacraments, sacramentals, prayers provided by the Church to help you make a success of your marriage. 

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary. Because the Rosary is a very powerful prayer. It is an important prayer in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. You neglect the Rosary at your own peril. There will not be sexual molestation of children in the Church if the priest says the daily Rosary that is mandatory for all clergy. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

Mary Queen of the Angels, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1 

THE FEAST OF THE APOSTLE OF MERCY: ST MARIA FAUSTINA.

SAINT  MARIA FAUSTINA KOWALSKA, VIRGIN AND MYSTIC. 

"The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”

"Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 

"Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

"At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.

"Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

"Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Luke 10: 17 - 24).

Saturday 5th October 2024 of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Apostle of Mercy, St Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905 - 1938). Polish. Maria was a Nun of the Blessed Sacrament.

Jesus Christ our Merciful Savior communicated with St Maria Faustina His desire to have the Divine Mercy Devotion established. Maria was not well educated but she worked very hard to accomplish this divine purpose. Before she died in 1938, she left the world a book which has since become a classic: "Diary of St Maria Faustina Kowalska." This book recounts the conversations of the mystic, Maria Faustina had with Jesus. This book is instrumental in the establishment of the Divine Mercy Devotions. 

Jesus entrusted the Divine Mercy Devotion to Sister Maria Faustina. Maria did not have a theological education. No PhD. No Masters degree. Barely literate. This is the person Jesus chose to be His Secretary in the Divine Mercy project. Maria needed only one thing: Complete trust in Jesus. This is grace that No one can take from her.

"My Father’s goodness and love remain hidden from so many souls. They have not understood that I came into the world to reveal My Father who is all love, and to draw souls to Him in filial confidence and in the joy of abandonment to His goodness. Love our Father. Trust our Father. Depend upon our Father in every weakness. This revelation of God as a Father who cherishes His children, and so loves them that He sent Me, His only-begotten Son, into the world to suffer and to die, lies at the very heart of My Gospel. Love My Father and open your heart to the immensity of His love for you. Thus will you become for Him, in Me, a beloved son in whom He takes delight." (IN SINU JESU, Monday, March 21, 2011).

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. 

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary. Because the Rosary is a very powerful prayer. It is an important prayer in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. You neglect the Rosary at your own peril. There will not be sexual molestation of children in the Church if the priest says the daily Rosary that is mandatory for all clergy. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

Mary Queen of the Virgins, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN OCTOBER 2024.

OCTOBER 4, - FIRST  IN  OCTOBER 2024. 

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

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

In the 10th month of the year 2024, we look at Promise #10. 

#10.  "I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts." 

Do not think: "I am not excited by this promise.  I am not a priest." 

We are all priests by virtue of our Baptism. We are priest, prince and prophet. 

Jesus Christ chose and ordained a tiny percentage of men to celebrate the Sacraments.  The first mission of the Church is evangelization.  As a Catholic Christian, you are an evangelist. Moreover, the first 3 Spiritual Works of Mercy instruct us:

#1. Instruct the ignorant. 

#2. Counsel the doubtful. 

#3. Admonish sinners. 

Jesus promises to give you power to touch the most hardened of sinners.

 Sinners are everywhere. They could be in the family. They could be friends or neighbors.  Will you refuse the gift promised by the Sacred Heart of Jesus to equip you to help sinners? Moreover, you can apply the grace of this promise to any priest of your choice. 

"In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus Christ is really, truly and substantially present, with His Body and Blood, with His Soul and His Divinity. 

He is personally present, not by a mere sign or image, not in a spiritual manner only.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as expressly declared by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, is essentially the same as devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

It honors the Divine love of our Eucharistic God which revealed itself in His Passion and Death and continually reveals itself in the Holy Eucharist. 

Therefore, the Sacred Heart devotion is the most agreeable to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament."

(DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS by the Benedictine Sisters of Missouri). 

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

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

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

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. 

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary. Because the Rosary is a very powerful prayer. It is an important prayer in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. You neglect the Rosary at your own peril. There will not be sexual molestation of children in the Church if the priest says the daily Rosary that is mandatory for all clergy. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

Mary Queen of the HOLY ROSARY, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

PRAYER, PRAYER AND PRAYER. MOST POWERFUL TOOL IN EVANGELIZATION.

WHERE ARE THE LABORERS FOR THE ABUNDANT HARVEST? 

"Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit.

"He said to them, “The harvest is ­abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.

"Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.

"Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a ­peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 

"Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment.

"Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’

"Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ 

"Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.” (Luke 10: 1 - 12).

Thursday 3rd October 2024 in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In our Gospel of today from Luke 10, we read:

"Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit." 

Let us read our Gospel of today thus: Jesus appoints you and me to start evangelizing today. 

Where? Starting from our family. 

How? Being the salt and the light of your family, work place, market, church, etc. 

The first step to our evangelization is this:

"So ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." 

Prayer is first step and may well be the necessary and most important step. 

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. 

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary. Because the Rosary is a very powerful prayer. It is an important prayer in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. You neglect the Rosary at your own peril. There will not be sexual molestation of children in the Church if the priest says the daily Rosary that is mandatory for all clergy. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

Mary Queen of the Angels, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS. 

"The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”

"He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18: 1 - 5, 10).

Thursday 2nd October 2024, 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Guardian Angels.

Our Father God in His loving Providence has provided each of His children a Guardian Angel. Are you aware of this stupendous truth?

Fortunately for us, whether we are aware of our Guardian Angel that accompanies us on the journey of life or not, the Angel still performs all its duties lovingly towards us. Our Guardian Angels report to God not to us.

Here is what the Church teaches about our Guardian Angels:

"Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God." (CCC 336).

Your Guardian Angel is a friend who protects you in danger and can direct your steps when you are lost. It shepherds you away from moral dangers and situations that can imperil your soul. When you have a warm and personal relationship with your Guardian Angel, you enjoy more privileges. Saints recommend praying to your Guardian Angel when you wake up in the morning and when you are ready to go to bed at night. I have prayed to my Guardian Angel ever since I learned my first prayers. I have enjoyed few close encounters with my Guardian Angel. 

As an active and adventurous boy, I know how many times my Friend and Guardian saved me from peril. Today I honor my Guardian Angel with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Angel of God my Guardian and dear Friend, thank you for your protection. Continue to enlighten and guard me till my last breath. Amen!

"Listen to the inspiration that I give you through your guardian angel, and you will prosper in all that you do." (IN SINU JESU, Saturday, February 19, 2011). 

Here is a Guardian Angel Prayer, you can use when you wake up in the morning and when you say your prayers before going to bed:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/10/guardian-angel-prayer.html?m=1

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. 

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary. Because the Rosary is a very powerful prayer. It is an important prayer in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. You neglect the Rosary at your own peril. There will not be sexual molestation of children in the Church if the priest says the daily Rosary that is mandatory for all clergy. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

Mary Queen of the Angels, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF A PRINCESS OF THE CHURCH: ST THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS. VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

ST THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

Jerusalem is our destination. 

"When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. 

"On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 

"When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”

"Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village." (Luke 9: 51 - 56).

Tuesday 1st October 2024 in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Little Flower, St Therese of the Child Jesus, also known as St Therese of Lisieux. (1873 - 1897). French. Carmelite Nun and Doctor of the Church. 

St Therese is one of the most beloved saints in the Church. She is a powerful intercessor and her contribution to spirituality can be summarized thus:

#1 Utter simplicity in everything.

#2 Profound trust in Divine Providence.

St Therese you may say was chosen to be St Therese before she was born. At the age of 6, she had a profound faith in the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament. Asked one day how she was so sure of this, her response was disarming and profound: Jesus said: "This is My Body. This is My Blood." Since Jesus is God and Almighty, nothing is impossible for Him. Does this not remind us of the Blessed Virgin Mary? To the word of the Archangel Gabriel that She would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God, she replied: "Be it done to me according to Your word."

Is there a connection between faith and simplicity?  Simplicity in thoughts and habits may facilitate the habit of believing. 

Saints are mocked for the simplicity of their minds because of the things they believe. For example: Many well-known saints believe in the Holy House of Loreto, etc. The Lord Jesus Himself said:

"Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18: 3).

Be simple like Jesus and Therese and the saints. Dare to Believe.

From the Gospel of today, we read:

"Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village."

Our key Scripture for today reinforces the lesson I learned as a door to door salesman.

 A good salesman does not force himself or his product on people. Make the best presentation and product demonstration you are able to. At the end, if the prospect says no, move on to the next prospect.

I have found sometimes that the next prospect might actually be very happy to make a purchase. It was a very hard lesson for me to get. I took No as a personal rejection like James and John in today's Gospel. Jesus taught His disciples that the field of Evangelization is very wide. He shares His way of winning souls below:

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

October is the Month we honor the Holy Rosary. Why a special month for the Holy Rosary? Because the Rosary is perhaps the most powerful gift to connect us to God after the Holy Mass. It can be said by everyone: alone or in group. 

Two books by two great saints help me to commit and grow in the love and commitment to the Holy Rosary for almost 30 years. 

1. TRUE DEVOTION TO THE HOLY ROSARY by St Louis Marie de Monfort. 

2. GLORIES OF MARY by St Alphonsus Liguori. 

Both books are available at Amazon. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day this October with some special intentions and your testimonies will be amazing. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1