THE FEAST OF MARTYRS OF CHINA: AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANION MARTYRS.

FEAST OF ST AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG AND COMPANION MARTYRS. 

"Jesus said to his Apostles:

“As you go, make this proclamation:

 ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

"Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, 

drive out demons. 

"Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

"Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 

no sack for the journey, 

or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. 

"The laborer deserves his keep. 

Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 

As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; 

if not, let your peace return to you. 

Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. 

Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” (Matthew 10: 7 - 15).

Thursday, July 9th  2026 in the 14th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of 

St Augustine Zhao Rong and Companion Martyrs. 

St Augustine Zhao Rong, Chinese priest and martyr and 119 of his companion martyrs. These 120 martyrs died

between 1648 and 1930. 

Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese soldier and after his conversion was ordained a diocesan priest. He was martyred in 1815.

The Chinese martyrs were beatified in groups at various times.

 On the 1st of October 2000, in the Year of Our Lord, Pope St John Paul II canonized the 120 martyrs in Rome.

Jesus commands us in today's Gospel:

"Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons."

Do you believe that Jesus actively heals today through believers that believe and practice what He teaches about healing? 

I have been healed on numerous occasions by Jesus. 

I believe in prayer. 

I believe in the word of God. 

I believe in miracle. 

I believe in medicine and science. 

I surrender everything to God to act according to His will. 

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

The Blood Flowing in the Gethsemane Agony. 

​Consider Christ’s intense mental and spiritual suffering, sweating blood for our consolation.

​

Divine Providential Theme: 

Even in moments of deepest agony, Providence is at work, turning human suffering into sacrificial grace.

“Don’t hold yourselves cheap, seeing that the creator of all things and of you estimates your value so high, so dear, that he pours out for you every day the most precious blood of his only-begotten Son.” (St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church). 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“Almighty Father, I place the Precious Blood of Jesus before my lips before I pray, that my prayers may be purified before they ascend to Your divine altar.” (St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi).

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 GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE WORLD.

THE GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN YOU. 

"Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

"The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: 

first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.

"Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, 

“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. 

Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 As you go, make this proclamation:

 ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10: 1 - 7).

Wednesday 8th July 2026 in the 14th Week in Ordinary Time.

Jesus sent the Twelve Apostles to proclaim this truth: 

"The Kingdom of

heaven is at hand."

Today, Jesus is saying to you and me: "My Kingdom is at hand."

Do you see and recognize any signs of the Kingdom in you?

 In your family and friends? In the world? 

The Church is the seed and the beginning of the Kingdom of God on earth. (CCC #567).

When we gather for the Eucharist on Sunday, we see vividly many signs of the Kingdom. 

We see the altar with beautiful flowers.

We notice the priest robed in beautiful Sunday vestments.

We notice men, women and children dressed gaily in their Sunday best to honor the Lord. 

Sacred hymns, incense and gestures are used. 

These are just a few of the signs of the Kingdom of God shown in the Church on a Sunday Mass. 

How about from Monday to Saturday? 

The Church is engaged with the work of Jesus Christ, the Architect, Pillar and Foundation of the Church.

 Feeding the hungry, healing the sick and teaching and preaching the message of the Kingdom. 

How does the Kingdom of God grow inside us?

 It grows through the daily journey of faith: 

The 7 - Way Plan:

1. Prayer.

2. Word of God.

3. Eucharist.

4. Reconciliation.

5. Examination of conscience.

6. Spiritual Reading.

7. Faith-sharing /Ministry.

And the Communion of the Saints. 

What changes our life is not what we know but what we do daily, every day.

 Engaging yourself with the 7-Way Plan every day will change your life. 

St Augustine teaches that every Christian must study every day three things:

1.COMMANDMENTS(Word of God). 

2. EXAMPLES. (Lives of Saints). 

3. SACRAMENTS. (Especially the Eucharist, Baptism and Penance). 

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

What do you know about Our Lady of the Precious Blood? 

​Mary is the first to adore the Blood of Christ at the Annunciation and on Calvary.

​Mary models the perfect response to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, aligning fully with the divine will. 

“Precious Blood, ocean of divine mercy: Flow upon us! Precious Blood, most pure offering: Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, hope and refuge of sinners: Atone for us!" (St Catherine of Siena). 

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/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

LABORERS FOR THE KINGDOM.

WHERE ARE THE LABORERS? 

"A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. 

"The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

"Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness.

"At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 32 - 38).

We see in our key Scripture for today the compassion of Jesus for the crowds who were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 

He healed many of their disease  and illness and preached to them the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

 Yet Jesus was sad because the need is so great and the human resources needed for the work of ministry are paltry.

The Lord has given us today two incredible and powerful tools for Evangelization and Cathechesis:

#1. The Internet.

#2. Music

On the Internet for example, millions wander about troubled, seeking spiritual nourishment.

 There are great possibilities for catechesis and evangelization through the social media. 

The social media, viz: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X, etc are the Mission Field of Today.

Music is a powerful tool for the New Evangelization. Both the young and the old love music. Music is one of the first blessings we shall recognize in Heaven. 

How? Because sacred liturgies in Heaven will be powered by music. (Cf Revelations 5: 8 - 9). 

There is today abundant Christian music. They have good theology and lyrics. Subscriptions are available and affordable. There are also many free music sources on the YouTube for example. 

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

“Almighty Father, I place the Precious Blood of Jesus before my lips before I pray, that my prayers may be purified before they ascend to Your divine altar.”  (St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi).

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/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST MARIA GORETTI, VIRGIN AND MARTYR.

THE FEAST OF ST MARIA GORETTI, VIRGIN AND MARTYR. 

Courage, your faith has restored your health.

"WHAT IS FAITH? IT IS THE CONFIDENT ASSURANCE THAT SOMETHING WE WANT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT IS THE CERTAINTY THAT WHAT WE HOPE FOR IS WAITING FOR US, EVEN THOUGH WE CANNOT SEE IT UP AHEAD." (HEBREWS 11: 1 TLB).

“While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, 

“My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.”

 Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. 

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. 

She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” 

Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,

 “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” 

And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, 

“Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.”

 And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. 

And news of this spread throughout all that land.”  (Matthew 9: 18 - 26, Mark 5: 36)

Monday July 6th in the 14th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Maria Goretti.   (1890 - 1902). Italian. Virgin and Martyr.

Maria was barely twelve years old when she was attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, a 19 years old man who tried to rape her. Maria resisted fiercely. Alessandro stabbed her to death.

Maria forgave him in her death bed. Alessandro spent 27 of 30 years in prison. Maria appeared to him in a dream and brought him flowers.

Alessandro went to Confession and became reconciled with God and with the Church.

Alessandro Serenelli was in the audience at the Vatican when Maria was canonized in 1950.

Without faith, we can do nothing. "The just shall live by faith." My faith is nourished by the two healing incidents in today's Gospel. It teaches me not to be afraid to ask Jesus to do big things for me. It reminds me that all things are possible for God and all things are easy for God.

"What is Faith and why is it so important?

"What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead." (Hebrews 11: 1 TLB).

Everyone who matters in the Bible from Abraham, David, John the Baptist, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Peter and Paul were not just people of faith but lived by faith.

The woman with the issue of Blood in today's Gospel exercised her faith:

“If I only touch him, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned around and spoke to her. “Daughter,” he said, “all is well! Your faith has healed you.” And the woman was well from that moment." (Matthew 9: 21 - 22).

We are saved by grace through faith. You can start living by your faith right here and now.

July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

 Purification in the Precious Blood:

​The power of the Blood to wash away the deepest stains of sin in Confession.

 Divine Mercy constantly rights what was disordered, realigning the soul with its eternal destiny.

“Precious Blood, ocean of divine mercy: Flow upon us! Precious Blood, most pure offering: Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, hope and refuge of sinners: Atone for us! Precious Blood, delight of holy souls: Draw us! Amen.” (St Catherine of Siena).

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

COME TO ME LITTLE ONES.

COME TO ME LITTLE ONES. 

The Little Ones

"At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.

"Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.

"All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

(Matthew 11: 25 - 30).

Sunday 5th July 2026 in the 14th Week in Ordinary Time.

"At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones."

Who are the "little ones"? What can we learn from them?

St Aloysius Gonzaga died at the age of 21. Aloysius performed no great deeds. He did not write any books. He showed his love for Jesus in every way possible. 

The Little Flower. St Therese had very little in terms of biography. She died at the age of 23. She wrote a simple story of her life that became a best seller. What did she do that is extraordinary? She loved Jesus with great simplicity.

St Maria Faustina.

St Maria Faustina died at the age of 34. Maria is one of the Little Ones because she loved Jesus with everything she had. Jesus used her to introduce the Divine Mercy Devotion to the world.

These little ones had great love for Jesus. But remember that Jesus first loved each of them. They responded to the love of Jesus with vivacity.

How can we respond to this love initiative of Jesus?

1. Prayer.

2. Eucharist.

3. Reading His word every day.

4. Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Etc.

July is the Month the Church honors the Most Precious Blood 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

FASTING OR FEASTING?

A TIME TO FAST AND A TIME TO FEAST. 

WHY FAST? 

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

"Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

"No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse.

"People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” (MATTHEW 9: 14 - 17).

Saturday July 4th 2026 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel of today, Jesus is queried about the fasting practices of His disciples.

 Jesus answers:

 There is time for everything. A time to fast and a time to feast.

 As for the disciples not fasting, It seems as if the kid goats watch their mother as she chews the cud and do what they see their mother do. 

 Be that as it may, Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving are the three pillars of Christian spiritual life.

Do you fast? How often? When? What do you fast from?

On the three pillars of the spiritual life, the Church teaches:

"The interior penance of the Christian can be expressed in many and various ways. Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others.

 Alongside the radical purification brought about by Baptism or martyrdom they cite as means of obtaining forgiveness of sins: efforts at reconciliation with one’s neighbor, tears of repentance, concern for the salvation of one’s neighbor, the intercession of the saints, and the practice of charity “which covers a multitude of sins.” (CCC 1434).

Some Christians abstain from meat and alcohol on Friday and Wednesday.

 Others abstain also from television, movies and gambling.

The truth is that if you consider yourself a good Christian, fasting is part of your Christian armor.

“Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how truly precious It is, seeing that it was poured out for our salvation and brought the grace of conversion to the whole world.” (Pope Clement).

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

The Blood of Jesus is the Price of Redemption. 

Let us meditate on the infinite worth of a single drop of Christ's Blood.

​In the light of Divine Providence, our lives are not accidental; we are deliberately bought at a great price for a supreme, divine purpose.

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

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN JULY.

FIRST FRIDAY IN JULY 2026. 

July 3rd, 2026 is First Friday in July.

St Margaret Mary Alacoque received the vision where Jesus Our Lord promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.

In the 7th month of the year, July 2026, we look at Promise #7. 

#7.  "Tepid souls shall become fervent." 

What is tepid?  Tepid is defined as lukewarm, slightly warm, unenthusiastic, apathetic, half-hearted. 

Listen to what Jesus says about such persons:

"Because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth."  (Revelations 3: 16). 

Are you lukewarm with regards to Jesus, to spiritual things? 

You can regain your fire through devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

"Our Lord Jesus Christ has made it known to me that the chief design of this devotion is to turn souls to His love, which is the ultimate purpose of their existence.

 He is a secure refuge against the divine justice."— St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Consider the immense sorrow of the Savior as He displays His wounded humanity. 

The purpose of today’s meditation is to move your soul from being a mere bystander into becoming an active comforter of Christ. 

Jesus desires your personal affection; He seeks your specific acts of love today to make amends for the coldness of the world. 

Divine Providence has kept you alive for this precise hour:

 to stand in the breach, offering a heart of deep gratitude where others offer only rejection. 

Your professional duties, your patience in traffic, your endurance of daily fatigue—when offered as reparation—take on an immense, supernatural weight that consoles the Heart of God.

 Prayer:

Most loving Jesus, I offer my day to make reparation for the ingratitude shown to Your Sacred Heart in the Tabernacle.

"We should, every morning, place our sufferings, prayers and labors in the pierced Heart of Jesus; there everything will be purified and perfected." (Father Jean Croiset, S.J. Author of "Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus"). 

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

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

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

WHO HAS AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS?

WHO HAS POWER TO FORGIVE SINS? 

"After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. 

And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,

 “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”

"At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”

"Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, 

“Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—

he then said to the paralytic,

 “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

"He rose and went home.

 When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men." (Matthew 9: 1 - 8).

Thursday 2nd July 2026 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time. 

How do you reckon with sin?

"She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Mary's Son will be named Jesus (Yeshua, that is Savior) because He will save His people [us] from sin.

In our key Scripture for today, we see Jesus answer the challenge of the lawyers as to His power to forgive sin. 

The background of the story is the crippled man who was brought to Jesus by his friends who believe that Jesus can heal him. 

Jesus could have commanded the man to stand up and go home. But instead He said:

 “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (CF Mark 2: 5).

The doctors of the law who challenged Jesus believe that the authority to forgive sins belongs to God alone. They are correct. But Jesus is God. A truth hidden from their dark and unbelieving minds. 

Jesus answered them by this idea:

 I will prove to you that as Messiah, I can forgive sins by healing this crippled man.

 “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

In these words, Jesus revealed to discerning minds that He enjoys the same authority as God. 

The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you.

" Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23).

 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

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

We focus today on the Precious Blood and the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit is the primary agent who applies the merits of Christ’s Blood to our souls. 

The Spirit works seamlessly with the Son's sacrifice to restore the divine order and purpose within creation.

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber, SJ).

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

ST JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM. PRIEST AND MISSIONARY.

FEAST OF ST JUNIPERO SERRA OFM, PRIEST AND MISSIONARY. 

JESUS ENCOUNTERS THE DEMONIAC FACE TO FACE. 

THE GOSPEL:

"When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.

They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?”

Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.

The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”

And he said to them, “Go then!” 

They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. 

The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district." (Matthew 8: 28 - 34).

Wednesday 1st July 2026 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Junipero Serra, OFM.

(1713 - 1784).

St Junipero was a Spanish Franciscan Priest who evangelized Mexico and California and firmly established the Church in these regions.

Junipero arrived in the New World and sought good and not evil for the people of this region. He fought for the cause of justice for the native people of the area.

This Franciscan priest evangelized Mexico and California and firmly established the Church in these regions.

In the dramatic encounter of Jesus with the Demoniacs, we see how easy it is for Jesus to heal the Demoniac.

 Just one word. Remember the healing of the Ten Lepers, the Blind Man Bartimaeus, the Raising of Lazarus to life.

 Just One Word to effect the miracle. 

This is because Jesus is God.

 All things are possible for God. All things are easy for God. 

The narratives of miracles in the Gospel are not for our entertainment but to excite our faith and courage to come to Jesus and ask for miracles. 

Whatever is your need: health, job, money, food, peace, come to Jesus with confident faith. 

He will grant your request.

 If it is necessary for you to wait a week, a month, a year or many years for the answer, wait for Jesus. Wait with faith and courage. 

 “Go home to your family and ­announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” 

This is the divine command of Jesus. What is the result?

"Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed" according to Mark the Evangelist in his version of the narrative of the Demoniac. 

The Demoniac did not go to school or seminary before he started evangelizing.

He "began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed." 

Testimonies convert people and strengthen the faith of many. 

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

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

"Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,

Save us." (From the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus 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

FEAR IS USELESS. ALL YOU NEED IS FAITH.

WHY IS YOUR FAITH SO LITTLE? 

GOODNEWS:

"As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

 Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves;

 but he was asleep.

"They came and woke him, saying,

 “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

"He said to them,

 “Why are you ­terrified, O you of little faith?”

"Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm.

"The men were amazed and said,

 “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” (Matthew 8: 23 - 27).

Tuesday June 30th in 13th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Consider the reproach of Jesus about the little faith of His disciples in these words: 

'WHY IS YOUR FAITH SO LITTLE?' 

If you are asked: Why is your faith so little? What would you answer? 

My answer will probably be:

I have not learned sufficiently the difference a strong faith will make in my life.

The second reason is this:

You do not exercise the small faith you have. 

 Whatever you exercise grows and becomes stronger. 

Lord Jesus, You show us in today's Gospel that it is Your Will that we have strong faith.

 Grant us light to see the difference a strong faith will make in our life. Show us little ways we can exercise our faith every day. 

Folks, the ball is now in our court.

 Jesus Christ promises to answer our prayers. 

Say the above prayers several times a day and watch what will happen. 

I must stop walking by sight or feeling but by the words of Jesus Christ. 

The Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Month of June. 

Brethren, today is the last day of the beautiful Month of June. Be that as it may, Never Never Forget the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Watch out for the First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart every First Friday on these pages. 

As you fix your gaze on the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Church or in your home, recall the story of the Israelites who were bitten by serpents in the desert. 

God instructed them through Moses to fix their eyes on the silver serpent Moses made and held up for them. 

Those who did so were healed of the serpent bite. Those who had no faith and did not obey died of the serpent bite. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June and in every First Friday in the Year. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.

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

THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL.

THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL. APOSTLES. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi 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.” (Matthew 16: 13 - 19).

Monday June 29, 2026 is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Apostles. 

This great feast has been celebrated for Peter and Paul together from the earliest days of the Church. 

Who are Saints Peter and Paul and why are they regarded as special foundation of the Church?

Peter and Paul are recognized as the principal pillars of the Church. 

We declare in the Creed:

 "I believe in the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church." 

The One only Church founded by Jesus Christ on Pentecost Sunday is built on the foundation of the Apostles.

 Hence every Bishop in the Church enjoys legitimacy through Apostolic Succession from the original Twelve Apostles.

Scripture teaches that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. (Cf Ephesians 2: 20).

 Peter and Paul are joint managing directors of the institution, which is called the Church.

"You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."  (Matthew 16: 18)

Paul got his mandate to be an Apostle directly from Jesus.

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin.  

For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."  (Galatians 1: 11 - 12).

Peter and Paul were called to be friends and companions of Jesus before anything else.

"I ask you only to be My friend and to live at every moment in the grace of My divine friendship. All the rest follows. Perfection is the fruit of friendship with Me, not a precondition for it. You, and many souls like you, are confused about this. 

My friendship is not earned, it is not something acquired by measuring up to the standards of perfection that you have set for yourself. My friendship is pure gift." (IN SINU JESU).

"Peter and Paul are the ones who, living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood; they drank the chalice of the LORD and became the friends of God." ( Entrance Antiphon).

The Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.

"The Heart of Jesus is all love for us. The Holy Spirit prompts us to seek nothing else but His pleasure, for in His will is our peace and our eternal destination."

— St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. 

On this great Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, reflect on how the Holy Spirit systematically prompts the soul to strip away selfish desires and seek nothing else but the pleasure of the Person of Jesus.

 Human anxiety is born when we fight against our circumstances or demand our own way. 

Perfect, unshakeable peace is discovered the exact moment you submerge your will into His sovereign will.

 His will is not a harsh rule; it is an act of absolute love designed by Divine Providence to bring you to your correct teleological fulfillment: eternal sanctity.

 Let go of your preferences today, accept His choices, and rest in His peace.

 Prayer:

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I desire nothing but Your pleasure; in Your holy will is my perfect peace.

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June and in every First Friday in every month. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.

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