TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW ME.

Take up your cross & follow Me. 

"Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

"Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

"He [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

"Then Jesus said to his disciples,

 “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 

For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? 

Or what can one give in exchange for his life? 

For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.” (Matthew 16: 21 - 27).

Sunday August 30th 2026 in the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time. 

Jesus first prediction of His passion, death and resurrection marks a turning point in His ministry. 

The disciples did not understand His prediction. Perhaps they did not even want to hear Him speak of bad news at all, certainly not suffering and death.

“God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” Peter remonstrated with Jesus.

What is your opinion about the Crucifixion?

 What is your opinion about suffering in your life? Suffering in the world?

The Cross is God's will and path for our salvation. 

No Cross, No Crown. 

“Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! 

Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24: 25 - 26).

This is the Full Truth of the Gospel. No More, No Less. 

So we are foolish to imagine that there could be salvation without suffering.

 Suffering is a divine necessity. Look around you and see the truth in nature. A seed must die in the ground before it sprouts to bring new life. 

A woman at childbirth wonders whether her end has come. But soon, she is smiling with the child in her arms.

One of the most powerful truths I learned from the Gospels is this: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 32).

The reverse of this is equally astonishing. You are imprisoned by the falsehood you believe. The Devil is the Father of lies. He sows falsehood and lies everywhere. That is why Jesus rebuked Peter sharply on this occasion.

“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” (Matthew 16: 23).

How do we protect ourselves from the deadly lies of the Devil? The answer is in the 2nd Reading today:

"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).

#1 Read and meditate on the word of God every day.

#2 Pray every day.

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." (Romans 8: 18).

How did the Blessed Virgin Mary comprehend the necessity of the Cross and embrace this mystery fully in her life? 

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary obtain for us the grace to embrace all the crosses in our lives. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.

"John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

"Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

"Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.

"She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

"Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.

 The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”

 He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” 

"She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”

 She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,

“I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

"The king was deeply ­distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

 He went off and beheaded him in the prison.

"He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.

 The girl in turn gave it to her mother.

 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb." (Mark 6: 17 - 29).

Saturday 29th August 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist.

Who is St John the Baptist?

John is the son of Zachary and Elizabeth.

When Mary visited Elizabeth, John  leapt in her mother's womb in recognition of Jesus who is in Mary’s womb.

 When he came of age, he retired to the desert to prepare for his exacting and extraordinary ministry.

 In the fullness of time, John came to the River Jordan and began preaching and baptizing people for repentance in preparation for the ministry of Jesus Christ. 

HE MUST INCREASE BUT I MUST DECREASE." (St John the Baptist  said.

It was here  at the River Jordan that John condemned the adulterous life of King Herod.

Herodias, the concubine of Herod took revenge on the Baptist and demanded his death when a good opportunity presented itself.

John's martyrdom is a cause of joy and hope for Christians.

John died about the age of 32.

 Was his life in vain? Of course not. You think of the hundreds of martyrs that the Church honors every year.

 We honor them to remind everyone that Heaven is real for the faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Hell is also real for those who reject Jesus completely.

If someone asks you:

How do you know that Heaven is real? Your answer could be among others: Look at the martyrs. Intelligent and beautiful men and women!

 Could they have thrown away the only life they had for nothing?

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

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

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO. BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE. BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

THE FIVE WISE & FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS. 

GOODNEWS:

"Jesus told his disciples this parable: 

“The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 

Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 

"The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. 

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

"At midnight, there was a cry,

 ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ 

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. 

The foolish ones said to the wise,

 ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 

But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 

"While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.

 Then the door was locked.

"Afterwards the other virgins came and said,

 ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’

 But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’

 Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”  (Matthew 25: 1 - 13).

August 28th is the Memorial of St Augustine. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. 

Friday August 28th 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.(354 - 430). African. Bishop, Doctor of the Church.

St Augustine was the son of St Monica and Patricius.

Augustine was a prodigal in his youth. He kept a mistress for many years.

 He belonged to the heretical sect, the Manichaens for years. Monica shed bitter tears for his conversion and waited on God for many years before it happened.

 St Augustine was baptized by St Ambrose of Milan, the great Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

St Augustine is a prolific writer and without doubt one of the greatest doctors of the Church.

 His greatest works are: THE CONFESSIONS and THE CITY OF GOD.

His influence on Church doctrine has not diminished with time.

 He is vastly quoted in the Documents of Second Vatican Council.

Our Gospel for today is the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five foolish and five wise. 

The bridegroom was delayed in his coming. 

Both the wise and the foolish Virgins did not know that the bridegroom will be delayed. 

The wise Virgins were prudent and brought some extra oil for their lamps. 

Because the foolish Virgins did not anticipate a delay, they provided no extra oil.

How do you deal with the Delay Factor in your life? 

The Second Coming of Jesus has been delayed. 

Most likely than not, the fulfillment of God's precious promises to you will be delayed.

 What do you do?

There are 106 occurrences of WAIT in the Bible.

 The message is uniform: There may be delays. Wait for the Lord. 

 There is an appointed time for the fulfillment of Every Promise. You must wait for this fullness of time. 

“For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, 

Because it will certainly come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2: 3 AMP).

"Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you." (Psalm 27: 14 TLB).

Those who waited for the Lord:

Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, David, Elizabeth and Zachary, Simeon and the Prophetess Anna.  St Monica whose feast was yesterday, August 27th waited patiently for God for the conversion of her son, Augustine. 

The Lord does not delay as human beings consider delays.

 All His actions are guided by His mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. 

God cannot be even one second late for His appointments. God is always on time.

"In this Sacrament I wait for you. So many emphasize that they must wait for Me, and yet I am already present, close to them, and disposed to reveal to them the secrets of My Heart. They forget that it is I who wait for them to come to Me. How often did I say to My disciples, “Come to Me.” They understood, at least most of them did, the intensity of My longing for the company of souls. I would have all souls come to Me and remain with Me." (IN SINU JESU page 94).

DELAY IS NOT DENIAL. IT MEANS MORE TIME TO PREPARE. 

Wait for the Lord!

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST MONICA.

The MEMORIAL OF ST MONICA, MOTHER OF ST AUGUSTINE. 

Stay Awake and Be Prepared for the Coming of Jesus. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 

"Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?

"Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 

"But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (Matthew 24: 42 - 51).

Thursday August 27th 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Monica, the mother of St Augustine. 

"The woman who fears the Lord will herself be praised. Her children have called her most blessed, her husband has sung her praises." (Entrance Antiphon. Cf. Prv 31:30, 28).

Thursday August 27th in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Monica, the Mother of St Augustine, whose feast day is tomorrow August 28th.

The Entrance Antiphon from the Book of Proverbs can be aptly applied to St Monica:

"The woman who fears the Lord will herself be praised. Her children have called her most blessed, her husband has sung her praises." ( Cf. Prv 31:30, 28). Entrance Antiphon.

St Monica was born in 331 in Tagaste in modern Algeria in N. Africa and died in 387 near Rome at the age of 56. Monica is the mother of St Augustine, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church.

The Church cannot praise our saint of the day enough. Look at the Entrance Antiphon from the special Mass for St Monica. Look also at the Collect prayer to the Father. Almighty Father accepted the motherly tears of St Monica for the conversion of the once prodigal Augustine and made Augustine a great Shepherd of souls.

St Monica also handled a difficult husband, the once alcoholic and hot tempered Patricius, a pagan and city councilor. He died a baptized Christian!

At a time when wife beating was not considered a crime, Monica counseled her female married friends how to handle their husbands. According to Monica, despite the fact that her husband was both a pagan and alcoholic, Patricius never threatened nor abused her in any way.

The Church made Monica the patron saint of married women and a model for Christian mothers.

Who will doubt that we need many Monicas today. We need women who are strong in Christian virtue and able to mother a Christian household. How can the young preserve purity and chastity today? Maternal advice can go like this:

#1 Daily Prayer: Vital Necessity.

#2 Daily word of God.

#3 Frequent Holy Communion.

#4 Frequent Confession.

#5 Spiritual Reading.

O woman, if you do this, "God will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (Cf 1 Corinthians 1: 9).

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10. 

SHUN HYPOCRISY.

HYPOCRISY AND UNTRUTH. 

SHUN HYPOCRISY.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

 You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.

"Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’

"Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; 

now fill up what your ancestors measured out!” (Matthew 23: 27 - 32).

Wednesday 26th August 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our key Scripture for today deals with hypocrisy.

Jesus accused the Scribes and the Pharisees of being hypocrites.

 They were like actors in a theater clamoring for the cheers and approval of the public. 

Does the Church have a problem of hypocrisy today? 

The World has a huge problem with truth. One may even say with the Truth, who is a person.

 This had been recognized decades ago by modern prophets like Pope Benedict XVI and many sociologists.

Hypocrisy is fundamentally a masking of truth. What are some of its characteristics today? 

No shame in telling lies. 

No shame or apology in lying or being caught lying. 

No hesitation in lying before children. 

Sins of lies, perjury, defamation are minimized and may no longer be adequately covered in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God in the world. Alas, the the Church is no longer immune from the sin of hypocrisy, lies, falsehood, perjury and defamation. 

Pope Francis had to cry out publicly against attacks on him by some Catholic media. 

 We never think we shall see such fulfillment of biblical prophecies in our days. 

"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. 

 But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4: 3 - 5). 

We live in a time that seems to be marred by open rebellion against truth.

How can you "be self-possessed in all circumstances? 

How can you "put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry."? 

St Philip Neri teaches that frequent Confession will lead us to truth and humility.

The Church teaches that frequent Holy Communion will transform us into the image of the Person we receive in the Eucharist. Jesus Christ is the Truth, the Way and the Life. 

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE FEAST OF SAINTS LOUIS OF FRANCE AND JOSEPH CALASANZ.

FEAST OF SAINTS LOUIS OF FRANCE AND JOSEPH CALASANZ. 

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

for you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith;

 these you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 

 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!  

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside they are full of extortion and rapacity.  

You blind Pharisee! 

first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the plate, that the outside also may be clean." (Matthew 23: 23 - 26).

Tuesday 25th August 2026, in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time.

 We celebrate the lives of two saints today. Remember that in honoring these two saints, we are in fact glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ who is King of all the saints.

 Jesus promised that those who follow Him will reign forever with Him. And those who honor the saints glorify Him. Never miss an opportunity to glorify Jesus through honoring the saints on their feast day.

St Louis of France (1214 - 1270). He lived a simple life characterized by prayer and penance. 

God was pleased with Louis and raised him from the cares of earthly rule to the glory of heavenly kingdom.

We celebrate also today:

St Joseph Calasanz (1557 - 1648). A Spanish Priest who dedicated his life in charity and patience to the education of poor children.

What is the common factor between King Louis and Father Joseph? They were separated by nearly 300 years. The common factor is their love for the poor and demonstrating this love in action. 

St Louis the king of France had eleven children. As king of a great European power in the 13th century, Louis lived a life of penance and prayer and treated the French people as his children just as St Paul treated the Thessalonians. His people loved him very much. St Louis perished near Tunis in North Africa in the 2nd Crusade.

St Joseph Calasanz dedicated his life in charity and patience in the education of poor children. He founded a religious order to cater for the poor and the abandoned children of Rome. His confrères hated him and the problem precipitated the abolition of the religious order St Joseph founded. He surrendered the situation to God. His attitude was: God gives us everything. He takes them away whenever He wants. Blessed be the name of God forever!

Our key Scripture for today deals with hypocrisy and lawlessness. We live in a time that seems to be marred by both vices. St Philip Neri teaches that frequent Confession will lead us to truth and humility. The Church teaches that frequent Holy Communion will transform us into the copy image of the Person we receive in the Eucharist.

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

 Mary's Faithfulness to Eternal Purpose. 

​ Everything created by God has a divine purpose. Mary helps us discover, accept, and fulfill our unique role in His master plan.

​Prayer: 

Father, fulfill in me the divine purpose for which You created me.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE GREAT FEAST OF AN APOSTLE - ST BARTHOLOMEW. APOSTLE AND MARTYR.

THE FEAST OF ST BARTHOLOMEW. APOSTLE & MARTYR.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Philip found Nathanael and told him,

“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets,

Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

But Nathanael said to him,

“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

"Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,

“Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.”

Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

"Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?

You will see greater things than this.”

And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 45 - 51).

Monday 24th August 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr.

St Bartholomew also known as Nathanael in the Gospel is one of the Twelve Apostles.

Tradition says that St Bartholomew worked in India and Armenia where he was martyred. 

The people of Armenia claim St Bartholomew as the Founder of the Armenian Church.

Here is the amazing faith of Philip in Jesus who had just launched His public ministry:

“We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

Philip believes that Jesus is the Messiah.

When Philip told his friend Bartholomew that they found Jesus, he said:  “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

But Philip, a great evangelist said to Bartholomew,

“Come and see.”

Both Philip and Bartholomew spent some friendly time with Jesus that afternoon and both became His disciples.

The interaction with Jesus closed the sale. And Bartholomew declared: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Who is Jesus planning to draw near Him through you?

Be open and ready to share your faith anywhere, anytime, always.

Be a Philip. Introduce somebody to Jesus today. Share your faith.

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

 St. Bartholomew preached the Gospel faithfully unto death. Marian devotion fills the soul with apostolic zeal to spread the truth of Christ.

​Prayer: Holy Spirit, grant me apostolic courage to bear witness to Jesus in all I do.

​

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

YOU ARE THE CHRIST.

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM? 

"Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

"They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

"Simon Peter said in reply,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

"Jesus said to him in reply,

 “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 

I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

 Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

"Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ." (Matthew 16: 13 - 20).

Sunday August 23rd 2026 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Who is Jesus Christ to me? 

Since I interact with Jesus every day in Prayer, Word of God, in the Eucharist, Reconciliation, Examination of Conscience, Spiritual Reading and Ministry, shame on me if I am unable to say who Jesus Christ is to me. 

Here is my answer to the question You ask O Jesus. 

You are my Lord and my God.

 You are my Savior and my Redeemer. 

You are my best Friend and constant Companion. 

You are Emmanuel who is always with me, in me and for me. 

Our Gospel of today is key to understanding  Ecclesia, Assembly, Church (all meaning the same thing) that Jesus Christ has set up. 

Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered for the 12:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Jesus said to Peter in reply,

 “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.

 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church,

 and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. 

Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; 

and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  (Cf Matthew 16: 13 - 20).

Jesus builds His Church on the rock of Peter's Confession. 

A Church that is defined as:

+ The People of God. 

+ The Body of Christ. 

+ The Temple of the Holy Spirit. 

A Church which manifests these characteristics:

#1. Pillar and Foundation of truth. 

#2. Always under attack by the Enemy. 

#2a. Victorious and Invincible. 

#3. Missionary and Catholic. 

#4. Infallibility in doctrine by Peter and his successors. 

#5. Hierarchy and sacred priesthood. 

#6. The Church of the Eucharist. 

Do you love the Church? 

 Saint Augustine writes, “We, therefore, receive the Holy Spirit if we love the Church, if we are joined together by charity, if we make the Catholic name and faith our joy.

 Believe it, brethren, to the extent that one loves the Church, to that extent he has the Holy Spirit within him”.

"Yes, here I was speaking of the Eucharist, the gift of My abiding presence to My Bride, the Church, and this until the end of time. Not one soul who belongs to Me is left friendless in this world so long as the Church continues to do what I commanded on the night before I suffered, in memory of Me. The Most Holy Eucharist is not only My Sacrifice offered to the Father, although in a bloodless manner; it is not only the sustenance of souls, nourishing them with My very Body and Blood; it is also the Sacrament of My divine friendship, the pledge of My burning desire to remain close to all who seek Me, to all who need Me, to all who would spend time in My company." IN SINU JESU page 54)

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY.

THE GOODNEWS:

You have one Teacher and Master: Jesus.

THE GOSPEL:

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

“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.

For they preach but they do not practice.

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

All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

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

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’

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

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

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

The greatest among you must be your servant.

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

Saturday 22nd August 2026 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary.  (Octave of the Solemnity of the Assumption).

Why the Feast of the Queenship of Mary?

#1.  The Father gave us the Mother of His Son Jesus to be our Mother from the Cross. (Cf the Collect of this Feast).

#2. Mary is the Mother of Christ the King and therefore the Queen Mother. (Bathsheba the mother of Solomon was recognized as Queen mother).

#3.  In the Church's liturgical prayers from ancient times, Mary has been hailed as Hail holy Queen, Queen of Peace, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of all Saints, etc. (See the Litany of Loretto).

The Church applies here the ancient maxim: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi.  This means that the Law of Prayer becomes the Law of Faith.

Whatever the Church prays in her Liturgy is automatically the faith of the Church. Whatever is bound on earth by its prayer becomes bound in heaven.

#4.  The 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary celebrates the Coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth.

The fruit of this mystery is to grow in faith in the powerful intercession of Mary.

In order words, Jesus Christ our Lord and King crowned His Mother Queen  so that we can approach her with confidence with all our needs.

The world today is desperately in need of the mercy of God and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is the main reason for the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Knock in Ireland, etc.

Mary encourages Christians to pray especially the Holy Rosary.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

THE Queenship of Mary – Sovereign of PEACE.

Christ is King, and Mary stands at His right hand as Queen Mother. Her reign is one of peace, mercy, and divine order.

​Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, reign in my heart and bring peace to the world.

Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

"St. Bernard asks, Why does the Church name Mary Queen of Mercy? and answers, Because we believe that she opens the depths of the mercy of God, to whom she will, when she will, and as she will; so that not even the vilest sinner is lost, if Mary protects him."

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X. SUPREME PONTIFF.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X.

“When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together,

and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking,

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

"Jesus said to him,

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it:

You shall love your ­neighbor as yourself.

The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40)."

Friday August 21st in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Pius X, Supreme Pontiff.

St. Pius X (1835–1914)

St. Pius X, born Giuseppe Sarto to a poor family in Riese, Italy, carried the simplicity of his origins into every stage of his priesthood.

Parish priest, bishop, Patriarch of Venice, and finally Pope from 1903 until his death, he was a shepherd marked by humility, doctrinal clarity, and fatherly love for ordinary Catholics.

His own testament expressed the pattern of his life: “I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor.”

Called the “Pope of the Eucharist,” Pius X worked to restore frequent—even daily Holy Communion to the faithful who approached with a sincere and devout intention.
He also encouraged children to receive Jesus at the age of reason, rather than delaying their First Communion for years.

In a turbulent age, he defended the integrity of Catholic faith, renewed sacred music and catechesis, and called the Church to find her strength again at the altar.
He died in 1914, burdened by the outbreak of the First World War. St. Pius X reminds us that holiness is not grandeur, but a heart made humble, clear, and Eucharistic before Christ.

Two memorable quotes from St Pius X :

1. “To renew all things in Christ.”
—Pope St. Pius X.
This is his great papal motto.

2. “I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor.”
—St. Pius X

In answer to the question of a Pharisee scholar as to the greatest commandment in the Book in our Gospel of today, Jesus answered with a short punchy line.

Love God and love neighbor always, everywhere and in everything.

Sounds a bit intimidating and impossible.

If God asks us to do this, then consider it possible. For God will never ask us to do what is impossible.

For God "all things are possible." All things are easy for God.

In the first Reading (Ezekiel 37: 1 - 14), the Lord says: "I will put my spirit in you that you may come to life." (Ezekiel 37: 14).

Yes, the Holy Spirit in us makes it possible for us to love God and neighbor.
In Baptism, we receive the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit. The very first of the twelve fruits of the Spirit is love.
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life.

Without the Holy Spirit we are like the dried bones in the valley of Ezekiel's vision in our first Reading.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Liberty to always choose the best. And the best is love.

For the Christian, love of God and love of neighbor is the way of life. It is the beginning of eternal life here and all the way to eternity.

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX. ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD. ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

The Invited Guests refused to come. Very sad!

THE GOODNEWS :
"Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying,

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

"He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

"A second time he sent other servants, saying,
‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’

"Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.

The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

"The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

"Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.

Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’

"The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

"But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.

The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’

"But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants,

‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’

Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22: 1 - 14). 

Thursday 20th August 2026 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Bernard. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

Bernard of Clairvaux lived between 1090 and 1153.

He was French. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

St Bernard was a Cistercian monk who is well known in the history of the Church. A man of great zeal for the Church. A renowned theologian and orator. He represented the Pope as an ambassador for the Crusade.

Among peers, he was a towering giant. Both intellectually and spiritually.
Bernard was immensely learned, holy, cultivated, gentle, and a great teacher and a highly effective preacher.

Last but not the least, Bernard was a great Marian devotee who gave us the Memorare.

I remember Bernard best because of the Memorare Prayer that he left the Church.
The Memorare is one of the most popular prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary recited by many Catholics daily. (Remember O Most Blessed Virgin Mary that never was it known. ..).

St Bernard was a great miracle worker who brought relief to thousands through his intercessions.

Bernard suffered from stomach cancer most of his life and died in 1153 at the age of 63.

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

Look to the Star, Call Upon Mary. St. - Bernard of Clairvaux.

St. Bernard reminds us: "If the winds of temptation arise, look to the Star, call upon Mary!" She is our guide across life's stormy seas.

​Prayer:
Star of the Sea, guide my soul safely to the harbor of Christ's peace.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

MY GOOD SHEPHERD IS JESUS.

FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

Beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul. 

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

With your rod and your staff

that give me courage. 

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. 

"Only goodness and kindness will follow me

all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

for years to come." (Psalm 23).

Wednesday August 19th in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Eudes. (1601 - 1680).

St John Eudes was a French priest and a gifted preacher.

John took a private vow of chastity at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest at 25. He became a great and talented preacher of the Gospel and an eminent evangelist. St John Eudes had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

He founded the Society of Jesus and Mary (Eudists). 

He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge for ex prostitutes. 

He was declared by Pope Leo XIII as “father, doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”

There is abundance of good food and sweet wine in the Scriptures of today:

1. Ezekiel 34: 1 - 11.

2. Psalm 23: Responsorial. 

3. Matthew 20: 1 - 16.

Because of the abundance of current favors the Lord has shown me, I feel moved to shout with David: THE LORD IS MY GOOD SHEPHERD! 

In the great teaching of Isaiah we read:

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope [WAIT] in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint."  (Isaiah 40: 30-31).

I place my hopes in my Good Shepherd for provision and protection, He has not disappointed me. 

The Eucharist is the Sacrament of hope.  It is the fulfillment of a promise.  "I shall be with you ALWAYS." 

Those who wait on the Lord for fulfillment of prayer should be constant at the Eucharist to strengthen their hope. 

As prayer strengthens faith, so the Eucharist strengthens hope. 

The real, true, bodily, personal Presence of Our Eucharistic Lord is absolute proof of His never-ending and never-changing love for me.

O Lord I trust in You. All my hope is in You! 

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10