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

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

The Invited Guests refused to come. Very sad!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bernard of Clairvaux lived between 1090 and 1153.

He was French. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MY GOOD SHEPHERD IS JESUS.

FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER. 

THE GOODNEWS:

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

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

Beside restful waters he leads me;

he refreshes my soul. 

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

With your rod and your staff

that give me courage. 

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. 

"Only goodness and kindness will follow me

all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

for years to come." (Psalm 23).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Ezekiel 34: 1 - 11.

2. Psalm 23: Responsorial. 

3. Matthew 20: 1 - 16.

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

In the great teaching of Isaiah we read:

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

They will soar on wings like eagles;

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

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

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

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

As prayer strengthens faith, so the Eucharist strengthens hope. 

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

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

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

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

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

THE EYE OF A NEEDLE.

THE EYE OF A NEEDLE. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples:

 “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

 Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

"When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,

 “Who then can be saved?” 

"Jesus looked at them and said, 

“For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 

"Then Peter said to him in reply,

 “We have given up everything and followed you.

 What will there be for us?”

"Jesus said to them,

 “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,

 judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"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.

 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Matthew 19: 23 - 30).

Tuesday the 20th of August 2026 in the  18th week in Ordinary Time. 

“Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26).

Tuesday 18th August 2026, in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

In today's Gospel (Matthew 19: 23 - 30), Jesus uttered a revelation and a prophecy found all over Sacred Scripture which is foundational to the life of faith. A few examples:

#1. For God all things are possible. (Jesus).

#2. for nothing will be impossible for God.” Angel Gabriel to Mary. (Luke 1: 37).

#3. "The Lord turned to him [Gideon] and said, “Go with the strength you have and save Israel from the power of Midian. It is I who send you.” (Judges 6: 14). 

What is the take away from today's Scripture?

 A lesson in God's pervasive power and sovereignty.

 God's Divine Providence is mighty and merciful but also mysterious.

When God gives you a job to do, the one thing you want to hear is: "I am with you."

If God is with you, the mission is accomplished.

 Therefore look for the signs of the Presence of the Emmanuel in: joy, peace, tranquility and confidence. 

This is the internal testimony of the Presence of Emmanuel who has chosen, called and anointed you for service.

Mary responded to such a moment thus: 

"Be it done to me according to Your word."

St Paul responded:

"Therefore, since we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion." (2 Corinthians 4: 1 AMPC)

"Give Me the first place in your heart and in your life, and I will provide for you in every circumstance. I will not allow you or those with whom you share this life to want for anything. My providence is wholly at the disposal of My merciful love. Trust then in My merciful love and you will see the wonders that I will accomplish for you." (IN SINU JESU page 100).

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

 Living in the Shadow of the Holy Spirit. 

​The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary at the Annunciation.

 When we abide in her heart, we dwell under that same divine shadow of grace.

​Prayer:

 Come, Holy Spirit, and abide within me as You abided in the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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 RICH YOUNG MAN FORGOT THAT WEALTH AND RICHES BELONG TO GOD.

DO NOT FORGET GOD. 

"A young man approached Jesus and said,

 

“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 

"He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good.

 If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

"He asked him, “Which ones?”

 And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; 

you shall not commit adultery;

 you shall not steal;

 you shall not bear false witness;

 honor your father and your mother;

 and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

"The young man said to him,

 “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 

"Jesus said to him, 

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." (Matthew 19: 16 - 22). 

Monday 17th August 2026 IN the 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 19: 16 - 22, Jesus gave a wealthy young man an evangelical counsel:

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions."

The rich young man did not realize that his wealth has become an obstacle to his fulfillment. Instead of being the master of his wealth, he is now possessed by his wealth. He built his security on material prosperity: stock market, gold and silver, bit coins, real estate and liquid cash. 

That is where everyone wants to be in life he must have thought to himself. 

What a shock he had when he heard Jesus pronounce the evangelical  counsel. 

God's response to this pervasive materialism in the society today is in Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21, and the Responsorial Psalm for today. (Psalm 18). 

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth." 

Have we forgotten God because of dollars and bit coins? 

It seems as if the world has forgotten the Savior who died for us.

 Very few are thinking of following Him and even these few have not recognized Him as the Pearl of the greatest Price. 

The Lord's complaint continues below:

"You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you. You forgot the God who gave you birth.

When the Lord saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters."

Who dares blame God if He is full of loathing for His children? 

“I will hide my face from them,” he said, and see what will then become of them.

What a fickle race they are,

sons with no loyalty in them!” 

“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.” (Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21). 

The rich young man of today's Gospel desires eternal life but loves the present material tangible world more.

 This world cannot produce the peace he hungers for. The anti-dote to his sadness is laid out clearly by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Come follow me and make my Kingdom your first priority and its kind of holiness. I promise you that you will have everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

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

The Immaculate Heart and the Mercy of Christ. 

​Mary is the Mother of Mercy because she brought forth Jesus, the incarnation of Divine Mercy itself.

​Prayer: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me through the intercession of Your Holy Mother.

Mary did not forget the God who made her. She said boldly" "Behold I am the maid servant of the Lord." 

Mary associated herself closely with the Mission and Passion of her Son Jesus.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." May the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary triumph in our lives. Amen. 

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

WOMAN THY FAITH IS GREAT.

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

Sunday 16th August 2026 in 20th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, we reflect on the audacious faith of the Cananite Woman and its implications for our desires for miraculous healing. 

Jesus was deeply moved by the faith of the Cananite woman.

 Jesus complimented her and then happily granted her request. 

Is this the first time Jesus is impressed by the faith of someone seeking for a miraculous healing? 

Not at all! 

Jesus praised the faith of the Woman 

GREAT IS THY FAITH WOMAN! 

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).

Sunday 16th August 2026 in 20th Week in Ordinary Time. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, we reflect on the audacious faith of the Cananite Woman and its implications for our desires for miraculous healing. 

Jesus was deeply moved by the faith of the Cananite woman.

 Jesus complimented her and then happily granted her request. 

Is this the first time Jesus is impressed by the faith of someone seeking for a miraculous healing? 

Not at all! 

Jesus praised the faith of the Woman with the Issue of blood. 

He praised the faith of the  Roman Centurion. 

Other instances where Jesus mentioned the faith of the Seeker of a miraculous healing with compliments are:

 “your faith has saved you” or “your faith has made you well”—are:

The woman with the hemorrhage: healed after touching Jesus’ cloak; “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Matthew 9:20–22; Mark 5:25–34; Luke 8:43–48. 

Two blind men near Capernaum: after they confess belief in his power, Jesus heals them, saying, “According to your faith be done to you.” Matthew 9:27–31.

Blind Bartimaeus: seeking sight, he hears, “Go your way; your faith has made you well,” and immediately receives his sight. Mark 10:46–52; Luke 18:35–43.

The grateful Samaritan leper: while ten are cleansed, the one who returns in thanksgiving is told,

 “Your faith has made you well” (or “saved you”). Luke 17:11–19.

The paralytic lowered through the roof: Jesus sees the faith of the group bringing him, forgives the man’s sins, and heals him. Matthew 9:1–8; Mark 2:1–12; Luke 5:17–26.

The father of the demon-afflicted boy: his “I believe; help my unbelief” is not praise in the same direct formula, but Jesus responds to the father’s plea and frees the child. Mark 9:14–29.

My brothers and sisters, Jesus still responds to faith today. 

Boost your faith through Prayer and constant reading of the word of God. 

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

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY THE VIRGIN.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY THE VIRGIN. 

Happy Feast of your Assumption into Heaven O Blessed Mary Our Virgin Mother! 

"Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man.

 For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order:

"Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; 

then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father,

 

 

When he has destroyed every sovereign­ty and every authority and power. 

"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 

The enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet." (1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 27)

Saturday 15th August 2026 in the  19th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Just as in  the Transfiguration of Jesus, Mary's Son confirms our hope of transformation at the general Resurrection, the Assumption of Mary reveals our hope and destiny.

In heaven, there is a hierarchy of merits. There is also a "proper order" (Order of glory) in the resurrection of the body:

1st. Christ

2nd. Mary

3rd. Then at the end of time, everyone who belongs to Christ.

It is God's plan and wisdom that Mary will be raised body and soul into heaven before the general resurrection of the body. 

This is an ancient belief of the Church. 

The Church made this teaching a doctrine of faith on 1st November 1950. 

Pope Pius XII in an Apostolic Constitution defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.  

With the Papal Apostolic Authority, 

As it is bound on earth, so it is in heaven.

The Assumption of Mary fulfilled one of the prayer intentions of Jesus in the Last Supper:

"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." (John 17: 24).

Mary the Virgin is primus inter pares, that is first among equals in the order of privileges.  Mary our Mother goes before us. Where she is, there shall we the children be.

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 MAXIMILIAN MARY KOLBE. PRIEST AND MARTYR.

MEMORIAL OF ST MAXIMILIAN MARY KOLBE OFM. PRIEST AND MARTYR.

"Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” 

"He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? 

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”

"They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” 

"He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

"I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” 

"His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 

"He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” (Matthew 19: 3 - 12).

Friday 14th August 2026 in the 19th Week of Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Maximilian Marie Kolbe, OFM. Priest and Martyr. 

 1894–1941

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was a Polish Conventual Franciscan priest, missionary, publisher, and martyr of charity.

 Born Raymund Kolbe in Zduńska Wola, Poland, he entered the Franciscan Order as a young man and gave his life to Christ through total consecration to the Immaculate Virgin Mary. 

In 1917 he founded the Militia of the Immaculate, an apostolate dedicated to conversion and holiness through Mary.

 He used the press boldly for evangelization, establishing the great Franciscan centre of Niepokalanów and publishing The Knight of the Immaculate. 

His zeal extended to Japan, where he helped establish a mission and Catholic publication. 

Arrested by the Nazis in 1941, Father Kolbe was sent to Auschwitz.

 When ten prisoners were chosen to die by starvation after an escape, he volunteered to take the place of Franciszek Gajowniczek, a husband and father.

 He died by lethal injection on 14 August 1941, after suffering in the starvation bunker. 

Pope St. John Paul II canonized him in 1982 as a martyr of charity. His witness reveals the fruit of Marian consecration: a heart conformed to Christ, ready to love without reserve. 

“Only love creates.” —St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe. 

In the Gospel of today, we confront the question:

“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?”  (Matthew 19: 3).

Is divorce permitted? The Pharisees asked Jesus. 

Jesus used this question to teach us God's original plan for marriage between one man and one woman. 

 God joined man and woman together to become one for life.

If this is so, what is the reason for the prevalent heart-wrenching divorces?

 Hardness of heart or sin is the cause, Jesus answered.

  This is how the Church explains the progression of the hardness of heart:

"The harmony in which they had found themselves, thanks to original justice, is now destroyed: the control of the soul's spiritual faculties over the body is shattered;

 the union of man and woman becomes subject to tensions, their relations henceforth marked by lust and domination.

"Harmony with creation is broken: visible creation has become alien and hostile to man.

 Because of man, creation is now subject "to its bondage to decay".

Finally, the consequence explicitly foretold for this disobedience will come true: man will "return to the ground", for out of it he was taken. Death makes its entrance into human history."  (CCC 400).

What sin has torn asunder, Jesus Christ has reconciled in His body by giving man and woman the means and tools to live in harmony.  

The Church accompanies the married couples on their journey of faith with the Sacraments:

 Matrimony, Eucharist, Reconciliation.

 The Church provides a number of effective tools as aid to harmony:

 marriage preparation classes, counseling, Cursillo, Encounters, etc.

Like any vocation, it is impossible for marriage to work outside the framework of the sacraments, tools and resources provided by the Providence of God for the institution today.

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

St. Maximilian Kolbe – Martyrdom of Love. 

​St. Maximilian Kolbe lived total consecration to the Immaculata, giving his life for another out of perfect charity.

​Prayer: 

Jesus, through St. Maximilian and Our Lady, make me an instrument of Your selfless love.

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

FEAST OF SAINTS PONTIAN & HIPPOLYTUS.

FEAST OF ST PONTIAN & HIPPOLYTUS, MARTYRS. 

"Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

"Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.

"That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.

"When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. 

"At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’

"Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. 

"When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’

"Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt.

"Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. 

"His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’

"Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”

"When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan." (Matthew 18: 21 - 19: 1).

Thursday August 13th 2026 in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of a Pope and an anti Pope: Saints Pontian, Pope and Hippolytus, anti Pope (priest).

 Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus, Martyrs (d. c. 235)

St. Pontian, Pope of Rome from 230 to 235, and St. Hippolytus, priest, theologian, and former rival claimant to the Roman see, are remembered together as martyrs whose final witness proclaimed the greater power of communion.

 Pontian served the Church with quiet firmness during a troubled age;

 Hippolytus, a gifted but severe defender of Christian doctrine, allowed controversy to draw him into schism. 

When Emperor Maximinus Thrax began persecuting Christian leaders, both men were arrested and exiled to Sardinia—an imprisonment of brutal labor and near-certain death. 

Pontian resigned the papacy so that the Church of Rome would not be left without a shepherd, the first pope known to do so. 

In suffering, the estranged men were reconciled: the bishop and his former opponent became brothers again in Christ. 

They died in exile, likely from deprivation and exhaustion, and were later returned to Rome for burial among the martyrs. 

Their shared feast teaches a searching lesson: fidelity to truth must never harden into pride, and no division is beyond the mercy of God. 

In their final union, Pontian and Hippolytus gave the Church a martyrdom not only of blood, but of reconciliation.

In our Gospel of today, Jesus our Teacher taught a classical lesson on Forgiveness. 

Why did Jesus conclude the teaching on Our Father, the Lord's Prayer by stating unequivocally a precondition for the forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with the Father? 

Forgiveness is obviously an important theme for Jesus because He taught it again in today's Gospel in Matthew 18:21–35, which concluded thus:

 "Then in anger his master handed him [the unforgiving servant] over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”

Reconciliation is crucial to enjoying the privileges of filial adoption. 

A girl who ran away from home and lived a lawless life for a couple of years may be hesitant as she approaches home.

 The prodigal son understands that there are consequences to vagrancy and knows the importance of Reconciliation.

Many people claim that forgiveness of the other person is hard. Really? 

Lessons that help forgiveness:

#1. Forgive at once.

#2. Forgive everyone without discrimination.

#3. Forgive always.

#4. Forgive everywhere.

#5. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Forgive everyone. This step is modeled for us from the Cross.  Jesus forgave in real time those who were killing Him. He did not wait until Easter Sunday when He rose from the dead to forgive.

#6.  Pray everyday for all those whom you have offended, known or unknown to forgive you and set you free.

Jesus Christ invites us to a life of continual conversion so that we can pray Our Father (the Lord's Prayer) with confidence.

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