THE GREAT FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD.

THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION.


THE GOODNEWS:
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, 
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

And he was transfigured before them; 
his face shone like the sun 
and his clothes became white as light.
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them,
conversing with him.

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, 

“Lord, it is good that we are here.

If you wish, I will make three tents here, 
one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

While he was still speaking, behold,
a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, 
then from the cloud came a voice that said, 

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
listen to him.”
When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate
and were very much afraid.

But Jesus came and touched them, saying,
“Rise, and do not be afraid.”

And when the disciples raised their eyes, 
they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain,
Jesus charged them,
“Do not tell the vision to anyone 
until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17: 1 - 9).

Thursday August 6th 2026 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. 

The Elect will be transformed and become like Jesus as He appeared in the Transfiguration. 

The Transfiguration prepares us for the great mystery of our own Resurrection.

Because of the Transfiguration, we see Christ as our hope. We also understand that the victory over death and sin will come via the Cross. 

 The Cross is the Means of Salvation, Redemption, Glorification and Eternal life.

 This is the gracious and mysterious will of the Father. This is the Full Truth of the Gospel. 

We honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary in August. 

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

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

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

THE FEAST OF THE BASILICA OF ST MARY MAJOR.

FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF ST MARY MAJOR. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

"But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. 

"Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” 

"He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 

"But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” 

"He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 

 "She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.

Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”

"And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour." (Matthew 15: 21 - 28).

Wednesday 5th August 2026 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major.

This Basilica was dedicated after the definition of the Dogma of Mary as the Mother of God in the Council of Ephesus in 431. It was the oldest Marian Church in Rome and was consecrated by Pope Sixtus III about 435. The great Church was later renamed as St Mary Major.

Pope St John Paul II wrote that it is an objective truth that the Mother of God is the Mother of the Church.

Ephesus hailed Mary as Theotokus, Mother of God. Vatican II acclaimed Mary as the Mother of the Church. 

Jesus praised the faith of the Canaanite Woman.

"Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”

"And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour." (Cf Matthew 15: 21 - 28).

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

“We have in heaven the heart of a Mother, the Virgin, our Mother, who at the foot of the cross suffered as much as possible for a human creature, understands our trouble.” (St Jerome).

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

MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN VIANNEY, PRIEST.

MEMORIAL OF ST. JOHN VIANNEY: HOLINESS BEGINS IN THE HEART.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said,

"Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands before they eat."

Then Jesus called the crowd to Him and said to them,

"Listen and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles."

Then the disciples approached and said to Him,

"Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?"

He answered,

"Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.

"Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit."

(Matthew 15: 1 - 2, 10 - 14).

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. Memorial of St. John Vianney, Priest.

The Pharisees judged holiness by external observances. Jesus directs our attention to something much deeper—the human heart.

"It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth that defiles."

Our words reveal the condition of our hearts. Words of kindness, mercy and truth come from a heart transformed by God's grace.

 Harsh words, gossip, resentment and pride reveal areas of the heart still in need of conversion.

The Prophet Samuel taught the same truth:

"Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart." (1 Samuel 16: 7).

Today's saint, St. John Vianney, understood this Gospel better than almost anyone. He spent countless hours in the confessional because he knew that Christ came not merely to correct outward behavior but to heal the human heart. 

Thousands travelled to Ars seeking God's mercy through his priestly ministry.

The Curé of Ars reminds us that holiness is not about brilliance but about fidelity. Though he struggled academically and was considered an unlikely candidate for the priesthood, his deep love for Christ transformed an entire village.

 Spending long hours in the confessional, he became a living sign of God's mercy, drawing thousands to conversion. 

His life proclaims a timeless truth: one holy priest—or one holy Christian—can change countless lives through prayer, sacrifice and unwavering love for God.

August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Mary's heart was completely open to God's grace. She teaches us that true purity begins within and is expressed in humble obedience to God's will.

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

IT IS I. DO NOT BE AFRAID.

TAKE COURAGE. IT IS I. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds.

 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.

"When it was evening he was there alone.

"Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 

During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 

"When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.

 “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 

At once Jesus spoke to them,

 “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

"Peter said to him in reply, 

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

"He said, “Come.”

 Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 

But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

"Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, 

“O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

"After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.

 When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. 

"People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed." (Matthew 14: 22 - 36).

Monday August 3rd 2026 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time.

Have you ever faced a deep paralyzing fear in your life? 

For example: Being fired from a job, facing an ugly divorce, or doctor's life and death verdict?

 Have you ever lost a child for a couple of days as the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced? 

Or facing imminent death in a deadly weather disaster?

 All these are occasions for crippling fear.

In our key Scripture, we find the Apostles facing such a moment. Peter becomes the type for all of us in this drama.

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  

He said, “Come.”

 Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

So far so good. But things changed quickly.

"But when he [Peter] saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out,

 “Lord, save me!”

Why did Peter panic? 

He took his eyes off Jesus. You too will panic in any crisis if you take your eyes off Jesus. 

Fear entered Peter's mind through his eyes. 

 Fear, worry and doubt enter into us often through our physical senses.  

The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. 

The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word. 

 Learn to pray constantly. 

 You can close your eyes and block your ears.

 Prepare for any emergency in your morning prayer.

As Christians, we are urged to be prepared always.

 The enemy of mankind who is also the Merchant of Fear and Death does not sleep. 

He prowls everywhere seeking for the careless sheep to devour. Deny him every opportunity.

Fear is useless; what is needed is trust in Jesus our Good Shepherd. (Cf Luke 8:50). 

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

The Sanctuary of Purity and Reparation. 

​"Look, my daughter, at My Heart, surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce It at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console Me."

— The Blessed Virgin Mary to Sr. Lucia of Fatima (1925). 

​

​Just as the Sacred Heart of Jesus presents Itself wrapped in thorns, the Immaculate Heart of Mary is revealed enveloped in a crown of thorns—representing the sharp, deliberate blasphemies and indifference of the modern world. 

Devotion to her Heart is inherently bound to the grave obligation of reparation.

​Consider the profound sorrow of the Mother of God as she beholds human apathy toward her Son’s redemptive sacrifice. 

The purpose of this day’s reflection is to move your soul from passive spectator to active comforter of her Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart.

​Divine Providence has kept you alive in this precise moment in history to stand as a faithful guard of love. Your hidden patient endurance, your quiet rejection of sinful compromises, and your deliberate acts of thanksgiving take on an immense supernatural efficacy. 

Offer your work, your quiet moments of fatigue, and your daily fidelity as a sweet balm of reparation to soothe the wounds inflicted upon her maternal Heart by an ungrateful world.

​ Prayer:

​Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, accept my daily actions as an act of loving reparation.

 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

THIS IS MY BODY. THIS IS MY BLOOD.

THE EUCHARIST PREFIGURED. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.

"The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.

"When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.

"When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, 

“This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”

"He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”

"But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” 

"Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.

"Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, 

he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.

"They all ate and were satisfied. 

"And they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children." (Matthew 14: 13 - 21).

Sunday August 2th 2026 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our Scripture reflection for this Sunday (Matthew 14: 13 - 21), reminds us immediately of Eucharistic narrative where at the Last Supper:

Jesus Takes, Blesses, Breaks, Gives the Bread of life.

Is this sequence of action accident or purposeful? 

The Church has interpreted the Feeding of the Crowd as a type and shadow of the Eucharist which is the defining institution of the Kingdom to come.

 Note that it must have been this same sequence of actions that opened the eyes of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to recognize Jesus. (See Luke 24).

But what do we learn about the Eucharist from the feeding of the crowd? 

"They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full." (Matthew 14: 20).

You shall eat and be satisfied.

Nothing prefigures the Eucharist as closely as this Scripture from Isaiah, our first Reading today:

"All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat;

 Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55: 1 - 2).

The Eucharist is the rich food and rich wine prefigured in Isaiah 55.

"You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste." (Wisdom 16: 20).

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

THE  

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

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

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


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

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


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


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


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

Prompted by her mother, she said,


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


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

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


who took it to her mother.

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

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

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

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

Alphonsus Liguori was trained in civil and canon law.

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

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

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

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


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

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

St Alphonsus Liguori is the patron saint of moral theologians.


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

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


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

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

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

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

The Sovereign Decree of the Pre-Ordained Heart.


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE MEMORIAL OF ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

MEMORIAL OF ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST & FOUNDER.

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


"They were astonished and said,

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

Is he not the carpenter’s son?

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

Are not his sisters all with us?

"Where did this man get all this?”

"And they took offense at him.

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

How much are we conditioned by public opinion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ignatian Reflection:

"Blood of Christ, inebriate me."

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

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


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

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

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

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

THE DRAGNET - AN IMAGE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.

THE GOODNEWS:

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

 

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

 

So it will be at the close of the age.

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

 and throw them into the furnace of fire;

 there men will weep and gnash their teeth.

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

 And he said to them, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Grace of Final Perseverance. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Satan's opportunity. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The common thing among all of them is Faith. 

They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith that is firm is also patient. 

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

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

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

How to increase your faith:

You increase your faith by exercising your faith. 

You exercise your faith in three ways:

1. Thank God for everything He does for you. 

2. Pray for every need, everything. 

3. Memorize and Repeat Scriptures about faith and belief. 

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

Healing and Deliverance Through the Wounds of Christ. 

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

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

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

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

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

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

THE ENEMY SOWED THE WEEDS.

THE WEEDS IN THE FIELD.

"Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Blood of Martyrs and the Growth of the Church.

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

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

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

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

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

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

THE WAS WAS AS TINY AS A MUSTARD SEED.

THE CHURCH WAS ONCE LIKE A TINY MUSTARD SEED.

THE CHURCH STARTED AS A TINY MUSTARD SEED.

"Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. 

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

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

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

"He spoke to them another parable. 

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

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

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

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

 Monday July 27, 2026. 

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

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

 Everything is created small.

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

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

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

The farmer does not control the process. 

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

It welcomes the birds on its branches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus in July. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary as The Refuge of Sinners. 

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

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

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

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

THE GREAT PEARL.

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

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

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


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

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

Jesus talks constantly about the Kingdom of God.

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

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

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

Jesus led a hidden life for 30 years.

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

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

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

The narrow, hidden way finds the kingdom.

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

Jesus Christ is that Pearl of great price.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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