PENTECOST SUNDAY.

PENTECOST SUNDAY. MAY 24TH 2026.


THE GOODNEWS:

"On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,


Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them,

"Peace be with you."
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.


The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.


Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.

As the Father has sent me, so I send you."

And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,


"Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained." (John 20: 19 - 23).

What happened on Pentecost Sunday?
"They were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and spoke of the marvels of God." (Acts 2: 4, 11).

Pentecost Sunday 2026. The Birthday 🎂 of the Church. Happy Birthday our dear Mother and Teacher!

"The mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. This joint mission henceforth brings Christ's faithful to share in his communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ. (CCC 737).

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of Pentecost with this beautiful "gathering prayer" called The Collect. This prayer is addressed to Abba Father:

Make this Prayer your own and say it often.

"Father of light, from whom every good gift comes, send your Spirit into our lives with the power of a mighty wind, and by the flame of your wisdom open the horizons of our minds. Loosen our tongues to sing your praises in words beyond the power of speech, for without your Spirit man could never raise his voice in words of peace or announce the truth that Jesus is Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever." (Pentecost Collect).

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

"God, who has determined that we should have all things through Mary, wills that we should look to her for all our hope, all our grace, and all our salvation."
(St Alphonsus Liguori, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. - GLORIES OF MARY).


Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE SOLEMN EVE OF PENTECOST.

THE SOLEMN EVE OF PENTECOST.

"Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?”

"When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

"Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? 

What concern is it of yours?" 

“You follow me.” 

"So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die.

 But Jesus had not told him that he would not die,

 just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”

"It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true.

"There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." John 21: 20 - 25).

May 23rd 2026 in the 7th Week in the Easter Season is the Eve of Pentecost, the Birthday of Holy Mother Church. 

Jesus predicted the persecutions of the disciples in the Last Supper Discourse: 

"Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices;

 you will grieve, but your grief will become joy." 

The antagonism to Jesus and His Gospel is more pronounced today than ever.

 If you are not prepared today to bear witness to Jesus, what is the likelihood that you will be ready tomorrow? 

"YOU FOLLOW ME!" 

The Scripture says: "O that today you will listen to His voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95: 8).

 

Many of us have probably heard the maxim: "He who laughs last, laughs best."

 Jesus promises His disciples the last laugh. This laugh will be filled with joy and will last forever. 

In the short time, our Savior and Redeemer is asking us to endure all the trials, illnesses, deprivations and persecutions with the strength that comes from the Holy Spirit.

"I will not leave you orphans, says the Lord; I go, but I will come back to you, and your hearts will be full of joy." (Cf John 14: 18).

"If, in spite of everything, Jesus’ Ascension into heaven leaves a certain taste of sadness in our souls, let us go to his Mother as the apostles did. They returned to Jerusalem…and they prayed with one mind…together with Mary, the Mother of Jesus."  (Acts 1:12-14).Faith (Saint Josemaría Escrivá).

Mary, Cause of our Joy, pray for us. 

"O that today you will listen to His voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95: 8).

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

1. "The operation of the Holy Spirit in Mary’s soul made her so pure that she became a fitting temple for the Incarnation of the Word."

2. "Invoke Mary, and you invoke the Holy Spirit, for she is forever overshadowed by His divine power and love." (St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church from THE GLORIES OF MARY). 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST RITA OF CASCIA, RELIGIOUS AND MYSTIC.

FEAST OF ST RITA OF CASCIA. 

DO YOU LOVE ME? 

GOODNEWS:

"After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter,

 “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

"Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” 

"Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 

He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

 Simon Peter answered him,

 “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 

"He said to him the third time,

 “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” 

"Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, 

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” 

"Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

 He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. 

And when he had said this, he said to him, 

“Follow me.” (John 21: 15 - 19).

Friday May 22nd in the 7th Week in Easter Tide is the Feast of St Rita of Cascia. 

St. Rita of Cascia (1381–1457) was an Italian widow and Augustinian nun known for her deep faith, patience in suffering, and devotion to peace. 

Born in Roccaporena near Cascia, she endured a difficult marriage, the loss of her husband and sons, and later entered religious life, where she became widely honored as the saint of impossible causes. 

She is especially remembered for her trust in God amid hardship, her peacemaking spirit, and her powerful intercession.

 Her feast day is May 22.

In this dramatic exchange between Jesus and Peter in the Gospel of today, Jesus asked Peter a point blank question:

 "Do you love me?”

Jesus asks you and me: "Do you love me?”

'Yes Lord I love You.'

Jesus then said: Show Me that you love Me. 

'Lord Jesus, Your Holy Spirit of love is in me. He helps me to love You.

 He shows me how to love You.

 Thank You Jesus for the Holy Spirit You poured into our hearts. Without Him, I can do absolutely nothing.'

Pentecost Sunday is May 24th. 

Prepare yourself to Receive the Holy Spirit.

 Without the Holy Spirit, we can not love Jesus. We can do absolutely nothing good. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

St John Damascene on the Blessed Virgin Mary:

"The name of the Mother of God contains the whole mystery of the Incarnation."

"O Daughter of Adam and Mother of God! Through you, the human race is raised to a dignity higher than the angels."

 Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST CHRISTOPHER MAGDALENES AND COMPANION MARTYRS.

FEAST OF ST CHRISTOPHER MAGDALENES AND COMPANION MARTYRS. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:

 “I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, 

as you, Father, are in me and I in you, 

that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.

"And I have given them the glory you gave me,

 so that they may be one, as we are one,

 I in them and you in me, 

that they may be brought to perfection as one,

 that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.

"Father, they are your gift to me.

 I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me,

 because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

 Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,

 but I know you, and they know that you sent me.

 I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” (John 17: 20 - 26).

Thursday May 21st in the 7th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St Christopher Magalenes and Companion Martyrs. 

(1869 - 1927), Priest and his companions martyrs.

The Mexican government was very anti-Catholic and anti clerical in the 1920s. It massacred the 21 priests and 3 lay men during the Cristeros movement between 1915 and 1937.

Be prepared for persecution. The Cristeros members were ready for the murderous persecution unleashed by the Mexican government. They are saints today.

On the eve of His Passion, having celebrated the first Mass and ordained His Apostles as priests, Jesus poured out His heart to His Father and our Father.

"And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me."

Every Pope for the past couple centuries agonished about Church Unity.

Why are there over 40,000 Christian churches in the world? What are the obstacles to Church Unity? You may be surprised to hear the answer.

The two great obstacles to Church Unity are:

1. The Blessed Virgin Mary.

2. The position and authority of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope.

The Catholic Church cannot compromise on any of the perceived obstacles to Church Unity because the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Pope are the most precious gifts of Jesus Christ to His Church. Both are bulwark of Church unity. The Nicene Creed is the pillar of truth for all Christian churches. 

Fellow Christians, All things are possible for God. Let us storm Heaven with our prayers. Our God is the God of impossibilities. If we pray for unity, God will heal the disunity. All things are possible for God. All things are easy for God. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

"God, who has determined that we should have all things through Mary, wills that we should look to her for all our hope, all our grace, and all our salvation."

(St Alphonsus Liguori, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. - GLORIES OF MARY).

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

CONSECRATE US IN THE TRUTH.

CONSECRATE US IN THE TRUTH.

"Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth." (John 17: 17).

THE GOODNEWS:
"Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:

“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.

When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy ­completely.

I gave them your word, and the world hated them, ­because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.

As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.

And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.” (John 17: 11 - 19).


Wednesday 20th May, in the 7th Week in the Season of Easter is the feast of St Bernardine of Siena,  OFM.
(1380 - 1444). Italian Franciscan Priest.

St Bernardine had a great charism for preaching. During his relatively short life, he was able to evangelize all Italy.

Below is a snippet from his biography.

"When other priests consulted him for advice, Bernardine gave them a simple rule:

“In all your actions, seek in the first place the kingdom of God and his glory.

Direct all you do purely to his honor.

Persevere in brotherly charity, and practice first all that you desire to teach others.”

St Bernardine came down to us in history for his special love for the holy name of Jesus.
Here is a great quote from St Bernardine on the name of Jesus:

“The name of Jesus, is in fact,
the great foundation of the faith
that turns people into children of God.

The Catholic Faith indeed,
consists in the news of Jesus Christ, as light of the soul, gate of life and foundation of eternal salvation.”



In the high priestly prayer on the night before His Passion, Jesus prayed to His Father that His disciples should be consecrated in the truth.

God's word is truth. Jesus, the Word of God is truth.

To consecrate means to set apart, to sanctify, to purify for holy purposes.

Have you ever seen a new Altar or Chalice consecrated by the Bishop?

It is a worthwhile experience. It will help you appreciate the prayer of Jesus in our key Scripture.

What will you do if you walk into your church and find gansters partying around the Altar and drinking beer with the Chalices?


Calling the police will not make the Altar and Chalice pure, holy and consecrated again. The sacred objects have been desecrated. They have been made unholy through sacrilegious action.

The Bishop may  order both objects to be destroyed or he may decide to reconsecrate the expensive Altar and have the Chalice destroyed and buried.

You are consecrated by your Baptism for Mission and Witness.

When one fails through a serious sin, the person has become desecrated.

Our Supreme High Priest, Jesus the Christ who delights in mercy has made provision for our re-consecration through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

When you live as one consecrated to the truth, you will avoid conforming yourself to the ways and habits of this world.

Rather, through daily renewal of your mind by the word of God the Holy Spirit will transform your mind.

When being fed by the Scriptures becomes your habitual manner of living, discerning what is the will of God for you becomes a habit. The will of God is our peace and prosperity.

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

"Mary is so merciful that she does not reject any sinner who flies to her, no matter how desperate or abandoned their case may be."
(St Alphonsus Liguori, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. - GLORIES OF MARY).


Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE?

WHAT IS ETERNAL LIFE? 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said,

 “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you,

 just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.

Now this is eternal life, 

that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.

 Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. 

They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 

Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them,

 and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you,

 and they have believed that you sent me. 

I pray for them. 

I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, 

and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine,

 and I have been glorified in them.

 And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world,

 while I am coming to you.” (John 17: 1 - 11).

Tuesday 19th May in 7th Week in Easter Time. 

In the rich Gospel of today, Jesus permitted His disciples and us to overhear His conversation with His Heavenly Father. 

How would you react if you were one of the disciples? 

Jesus now defines Eternal life. 

This is a subject of huge interest in religion. 

If this life ends with natural death 60, 80 or 90 years later, then it is worth very little. 

What is Eternal Life? 

"Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ."

 Jesus teaches that eternal life begins with the knowledge of the Eternal Father. 

To know the Eternal Father is to know the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

 It is to know His Son Jesus the Christ. 

It is to know the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life. 

Finally it is to know your place in the Cosmos. 

The Prophet Daniel says:

"The people who know their God will be strong and take action." (Daniel 11: 32).

Knowledge is conditio sine qua non in Religion. 

How much time do you spend in the Word of God? 

You know the Heart of God from the Mouth of God, teaches St Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. 

Invest in the Word of God and you will begin to believe that eternal life starts here and now and continues in Heaven after our death. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

1. "To serve Mary is to reign; to be her devoted child is a guarantee of spiritual liberty and final victory."

2. "Mary is so compassionate that she even anticipates our prayers, seeking out the miserable to offer them her protection."

3. "As the earth is filled with the mercy of the Lord, so heaven and earth are filled with the maternal protection of Mary."

(Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church from his Book, THE GLORIES OF MARY). 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN I, PONTIFF AND MARTYR.

THE FEAST OF ST JOHN I, PONTIFF AND MARTYR.

IN THIS WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE.

THE GOSPEL:

"The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.

Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you.

Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone.

But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.

In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (John 16: 29 - 33).

Monday May 18th in the 7th Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St John I, POPE AND MARTYR. 

 St. John I, pope and martyr, served the Church from 523 to 526 during a turbulent time in the Roman Empire. 

Born in Tuscany, he was sent by King Theodoric to Constantinople on a diplomatic mission, but upon his return he was unjustly imprisoned and died in Ravenna on May 18, 526.

 Remembered for his courage, faith, and suffering for the Church, he is honored as a martyr on May 18th. 

Jesus predicted the persecutions of the disciples in the Last Supper Discourse:

 "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy."

The antagonism to Jesus and His Gospel is more pronounced today than ever.

 If you are not prepared today to bear witness to Jesus, what is the likelihood that you will be ready tomorrow?

"YOU FOLLOW ME!"

The Scripture says: "O that today you will listen to His voice, harden not your hearts."

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33), says the Lord.

There will be no shortage of troubles for Christians in the world. The persecution of Christians started with the murderous intentions of King Herod. Herod intending to eliminate Jesus murdered the Innocents.

Christians have been discriminated against, robbed and deprived of property, citizenship and murdered for no other reason but because they are followers of Jesus Christ.

If you want to be a genuine Christian, prepare yourself for suffering. Jesus prophetic and encouraging words are true:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16: 33).

"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!

Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life;

you have the message of eternal life.

Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!" (Cf. John 6 :63,68).

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

“The heart of Mary, more than any other, is a humble heart, capable of accepting God's gifts.” — Pope Francis. 

“Being in God and with God, she is close to each one of us... and has been given to us, as the Lord said, precisely as a ‘mother’ to whom we can turn at every moment.” — Pope Benedict XVI. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION ON SUNDAY.

THE SOLEMNITY OF ASCENSION ON SUNDAY. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. 

And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.” (John 17: 1 - 11).

Sunday May 17th 2026. 

The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated on the Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter or on the 7th Sunday of Easter depending on the Diocese in the United States.

Jesus is taken up into heaven in full view of His disciples.

 During the forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus continued teaching, encouraging and comforting His disciples. Now the time of Departure has come. 

He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Gift of the Father. He then turned the work of building the Kingdom of God on earth to them with the Great Commission:

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." ( Mark 16: 15).

Jesus answered the question about 

Eternal Life?

"Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ." 

The Prophet Daniel says:

"The people who know their God will be strong and take action." (Daniel 11: 32).

How much time do you spend in the Word of God?

You know the Heart of God from the Mouth of God. St Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church teaches.

Invest in the Word of God and you will begin to believe that eternal life starts here and now and continues in Heaven after our death.

 The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

• “Jesus cannot be understood without His Mother.” — Pope Francis. 

• “Mary remains ever the path that leads to Christ. Every encounter with her can only result in an encounter with Christ himself.” — Pope St Paul VI. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE SO YOUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE.

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE SO YOUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

"Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

“I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father.

"On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.

I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” (John 16: 23 - 28).

Saturday May 16th 2026 in the 6th Week in the Easter Season.

In today's Gospel, Jesus gave three assurances during the Last Supper Discourse that Prayers of Petition to the Father in the Name of Jesus is guaranteed to be answered. These assurances are listed below.

1. "Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.

1. "Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

1. "On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.

Why does Jesus start this part of Sermon on Prayer with "Amen, Amen"?

Why does Jesus repeat the same idea of "Ask the Father in My name and you are guaranteed to receive" three times?

Prayer is a vital necessity. (Luke 18: 1).

No disciple of Jesus can survive without regular, persistent, faith-filled prayer.

 Prayer is to Christian life what engine oil is to the car. It lubricates the moving parts and makes the engine work smoothly.

The Pentecost Novena started after the Ascension in the Upper with the Blessed Virgin Mary present with all the Apostles.

They prayed for nine days till the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.

Ask and you shall receive. The Community in the Upper Room asked the Father for the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus and received the Precious and Awesome Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

JOY COMES AFTER SORROWS.

JOY COMES AFTER SORROWS. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. 

"When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 

"So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

"On that day you will not question me about anything.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.” (John 16: 20 - 23).

Friday 15th May 2026 in the 6th Week in the Easter Season. 

In the Gospel of today, we encounter Jesus and His disciples still huddled together in the Upper Room celebrating His last Supper.

Jesus is departing from His disciples who would no onger be able to encounter Him in the familiar manner they had been accustomed. 

Pope St Leo the Great, in his catechesis on the Ascension, teaches that it is the will of God that after the Ascension, the disciples of Jesus will now recognize and encounter Jesus only through the Holy Sacraments. 

In the Sacraments, Jesus remains for us in a visible sacramental form. (Sacramentum). The Mysterium affected by the EPICLESIS is invisible and is accessible through faith. 

In the Last Supper, Jesus used all types of promises to reasure His disciples. 

They must wait patiently for the fruition of their work as a pregnant woman understands that she must wait patiently for the baby to be ready or the farmer wait for the crops to mature for harvest.

The last promise of Jesus on this occasion is breathtaking. 

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

The promises and teachings of Jesus on Prayer and on Asking is substantial. 

1. Prayer is a vital necessity. 

2. Pray with expectant faith. 

When you understand the truth of the above principles, you will come to experience the truth that Prayer is the Activator of Power.

 Welcome the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the God in us Who prompts us to pray for something at the very time God is ready to make that gift to us. 

I will share here two experiences about Prayer. 

I can only experience the joy of childbirth by analogy since I am not a woman. I can say that the joy of answered prayer is the most intense joy I have been blessed with. 

I have experienced the joy of answered prayers a couple of times in my life. 

The second thing I want to state about prayer is that most of the important things and cherished experiences I have enjoyed in life have come through Prayer. 

John Flavel, a great teacher of the 16th century on Divine Providence taught that Prayer honors Providence and Providence honors Prayer. This is true. There is an intrinsic imperative that Prayer is the Activator of Power. When you pray, something happens. 

The Holy Spirit Novena starts tomorrow, Friday May 15th. Make the most of it and you will laugh for joy! 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May. 

“Come, Holy Spirit, through the intercession of Mary, your faithful spouse.

 Fill our hearts with your light, strengthen our faith, and make us living temples of your grace.

 Lead us always to Jesus, who lives and reigns with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

 

THE FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS, APOSTLE.

THE FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS, APOSTLE.

"The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. 

When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. 

Then Jesus approached and said to them,

“All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, 

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 16 - 20).

Thursday May 14 in the 6th Week in Easter Season is the Feast of St Matthias, the Apostle.

Jesus said to the Apostles during the Last Supper:

"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain."

Matthias, our saint for today was not among the original Twelve Apostles.

Like St Matthias, each of us is called, chosen and anointed for a specific mission in the Kingdom. This is true whether we are soldiers, teachers, accountants, lawyers or housewives. Your day job is the field for your ministry. We are called to be friend and companion of Jesus who will carry on His ministry through us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthias who had followed Jesus since His Baptism at the Jordan became a witness to the Resurrection and saw Jesus ascend into Heaven. He was present with the disciples in the Upper Room at Pentecost. 

Matthias met the criteria established by the Apostles to be qualified to replace Judas Iscariot.

Matthias must have been deeply surprised by his call to join the Apostolic College. This is the way of God:

"God raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor to seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people." (Psalm 113: 7 - 8).

Ancient tradition placed St Matthias' ministry in Jerusalem, Cappadocia and Ethiopia. He was martyred in Jerusalem.

Matthias is the patron saint of Alcoholics.

"I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord." (John 15: 16).

As part of the Farewell Catechesis to His disciples, Jesus further enjoined them:

"And he [Jesus] said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day  and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24: 26 - 28).

"You are witnesses of these things."

What things are we to be witnesses of? Consider the following:

#1 The Death of Jesus.

#2 Testimony of Scripture to the suffering and death of Jesus: (Luke 24: 44 - 46).

#3 The Resurrection of Jesus.

#4 The power of the Name of Jesus.

This is the core of the apostolic catechesis. It has not changed. We bear witness to these truths by the witness of our daily lives.

"And he [Jesus] said to them, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day  and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24: 26 - 28).

"You are witnesses of these things."

What things are we to be witnesses of? Consider the following:

#1 The Death of Jesus.

#2 Testimony of Scripture to the suffering and death of Jesus: (Luke 24: 44 - 46).

#3 The Resurrection of Jesus.

#4 The power of the Name of Jesus.

This is the core of the apostolic catechesis. It has not changed. We bear witness to these truths by the witness of our daily lives.

The Apostles' mission:

(858) "Jesus is the Father's Emissary. From the beginning of his ministry, he "called to him those whom he desired; . . . . And he appointed twelve, whom also he named apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach." (368) From then on, they would also be his "emissaries" (Greek apostoloi). In them, Christ continues his own mission: "

As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." (369) The apostles' ministry is the continuation of his mission; Jesus said to the Twelve: "he who receives you receives me." (CCC 370).

Brothers and sisters, let us reflect on our Call, Mission and the Mandate.

The Church teaches us:

(863):  "The whole Church is apostolic, in that she remains, through the successors of St. Peter and the other apostles, in communion of faith and life with her origin: and in that she is "sent out" into the whole world. All members of the Church share in this mission, though in various ways. "The Christian vocation is, of its nature, a vocation to the apostolate as well." 

Indeed, we call an apostolate "every activity of the Mystical Body" that aims "to spread the Kingdom of Christ over all the earth." (CCC 377). 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.

Mary's "Yes" is the blueprint for our own; she is the first and most perfect witness who directs all glory back to the Son.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, open our hearts to believe in You more deeply.

Grant us the grace to follow You faithfully, to trust You in trial, and to love You with all our hearts.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints, keep us strong in faith and joyful in hope.

Amen.

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc.

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1