Listen to My Beloved Son.

ABRAHAM PUT HIS FAITH IN GOD WHO CREDITED IT AS AN ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. DAVID BELIEVED THE PROMISES OF GOD AND GOD MADE HIM RIGHTEOUS BECAUSE OF HIS FAITH. MARY BELIEVED GOD AND SAID: "LET WHAT YOU HAVE PROMISED BE DONE TO ME."
FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISES TO YOU MAKES YOU A SAINT AND NOT YOUR WORKS. BELIEVE!

"Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem.....
While he [Peter] was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”  (Luke 9: 28....36).

Sunday 13th March 2022, 2nd Week of Lent. Today we reflect on the Transfiguration according to St Luke.

On the Second Sunday of Lent, the Gospel is the Transfiguration of the Lord by St Luke. For me, the most important message is the command of the Father: Listen to my Son Jesus. With this in mind, I combed the Scripture Readings in today's Liturgy to hear what Jesus, the Word of God says. I share below what I hear:

#1 "Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”
And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith." (Genesis 15: 5 - 6).

#2 "I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD." (Psalm 27: 13 - 14).

#3 "But our citizenship is in heaven,
and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself." (Philippians 3: 20 - 21).

Abba Father commanded us to listen to His beloved Son Jesus. I listened and heard three messages that will make me happy today and for a long time. How about you? What do you hear?

"Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
From the bright cloud the Father’s voice was heard: ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!" (Matthew 17: 5).

"Come to Me in the Sacrament of My love, and I will continue to instruct you. When you are bewildered or at a loss, have recourse to Me and I will send forth My light and My truth to bring you to My holy mountain, that is, to the place where I will dwell in the midst of My priests, loved by them, adored by them—even as I heal, refresh, and sanctify them from the Sacrament of the Altar." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, February 3, 2009).

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The affordable price of being perfect like Abba Father.

IN THE EYES OF OUR FATHER, PURE LENTEN OBSERVANCE IS THIS: SUBDUE YOUR BODY THROUGH THE POWER OF PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING. FORGIVE AND YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.......
And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5: 43.....48).

Saturday 12th March 2022, in the 1st Week in Lent.

To love your friends and hate those who hate you is a natural behavior. No one teaches a child this crude behavior. The behavior is natural to fallen human nature as lying,cheating, etc. But as Christians, have you not heard? "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."

Jesus challenges us to be different from the unbelieving world:
"Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will." (Cf Romans 12: 2 ).

If you are today conforming to the habits and customs of the world, realize that on your own, you can never break out of this prison. The Holy Spirit, your Helper and Advocate is standing by to help you. He accomplishes this transformation when you ask for His help, become faithful and constant in daily prayer and daily nourishment with the word of God.

How long will it take for this transformation to happen? It depends on the intensity of your desire and the constancy of your prayer and study of the word of God. To those who manifest a great hunger for God, more will be given them and the transformation will be quick. To those who are lukewarm, the little they have will be snatched from them.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Embrace the free mercy of God.

IF YOU FORGIVE OTHERS THE WRONGS THEY HAVE DONE, YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU. SHOW KINDNESS AND COMPASSION TO EVERYONE.

"Thus says the Lord God: If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced. Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord God. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?

"And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die." (Ezekiel 18: 21....38).

Friday 11th March 2022, of the 1st Week of Lent

On Day 10 of 40 of Lent 2022, the first Reading today calls for Conversion. At the beginning of Lent, we saw that Lent provides a unique opportunity for continuous Conversion because of the immense outpouring of grace and mercy that God promises in this Season.  We have now done 1/4th of the Journey. How do you assess your progress?

In verse 22 of the same chapter 18 of Ezekiel, God says that he who accepts the grace of Conversion "shall live because of the virtue he has practiced."

Some of these virtues are called Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead

Lent is the best and easiest opportunity to turn away from sin and believe the Gospel. For a comprehensive Examination of Conscience that will help you to make a good Confession, click on the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/09/a-good-examination-of-conscience.html?m=1

"I see all things, and nothing of what I see escapes the reach of My mercy, save that which is deliberately withdrawn and wilfully hidden from Me. Even that I see, and in seeing it, I grieve, because the desire of My Heart is to extend My mercy to every weakness, to take away every shame, to wash clean every soul defiled by sin. Submit to My all-seeing grace, and present to My mercy all that I see in you." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, March 27, 2008).

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In my distress, I cried to You and You answered my prayer.

MAN'S EXTREMITY IS GOD'S OPPORTUNITY. MAN"S SECURITY IS SATAN'S OPPORTUNITY. ESTHER WAS "SEIZED WITH MORTAL ANGUISH". HER EXTREMITY IS PROFOUND.  (1st READING).

+ I BELIEVE IN PRAYER.
+ I BELIEVE IN THE WORD OF GOD.
+ I BELIEVE IN MIRACLE (DIVINE PROVIDENCE /INTERVENTION).
+ I LEAVE THE REST TO GOD. (TOTAL SURRENDER).

"Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the Lord. She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids, from morning until evening, and said: “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand. As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers that you, O Lord, always free those who are pleasing to you. Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God."  (Esther C:12, 14-16, 23- 25).

Thursday 10th March 2022 of the 1st Week of Lent.

Our key scripture  is from the first reading today, Thursday – First Week in Lent.  I made this note in my Missal about today’s scripture readings for the Mass:  “Ask and Receive Thursday.”  The first reading, the responsorial psalms, the gospel and the antiphons all have one unifying theme:  PRAYER.  This is a rare occurrence.  Before looking at other scriptures in today’s liturgy, let us consider a couple of things from the powerful passage from Esther.

First, note what Esther did when seized by the mortal anguish.  She knew where to seek help.  She had recourse to God in prayer.  Next note her posture of prayer.  She lay prostrate on the ground.  [Like some of those begging Jesus for healing.] Was she alone?  She understands the concept of prayer partnership.  Her handmaids were prostrate in prayer with her.  This is a big crisis.   How long did they pray?  From morning to evening.  They added fasting to prayer.
How did Esther pray?  After invoking the name of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (similar today to invoking the name of Jesus today), she blessed God.

In Philippians 4: 6-7, we are advised to bring our request to God in prayer and petition with thanksgiving.   Esther tells God twice that she is alone and has nobody to help her except God.  She recalls from Scripture that God always helps those who are pleasing to Him.   She pleads to God to help her and reminds God that she is an orphan.  God after all is the Father of the fatherless and orphans. 

Then finally, she was specific about what she wants:  “persuasive words” when she meets the king;  “turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.”
This is a great prayer and a model of prayer in crisis.

The Response verse is very appropriate:  “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.”  God answered the prayer of Esther and delivered her people in a powerful way.    The rest of the Responsorial Psalm 138 continues with the theme of gratitude for answered prayer. 
"Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name." (Psalm 138).

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches the infallibility of prayer.

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The Feast of St Frances of Rome. Wife and Mother.

JESUS CHOSE THE SIGNS HE WANTS US TO BELIEVE:
+ BAPTISM
+ EUCHARIST
+ THE CHURCH
EVERY SIGN DEMANDS FAITH. IF YOU SEE THE TRAFFIC SIGN "STOP" YOU STOP BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THE SIGN. OUR FAITH THEREFORE CONTAINS OUR OBEDIENCE. OBEDIENCE RELEASES THE POWER OF FAITH.

"While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation." (Luke 11: 29...32).

JONAH IS LIKE THE TRAFFIC SIGN "STOP!"

Wednesday 9th March 2022, of  the 1st Week of Lent is the feast of St Frances of Rome. (1384 - 1440). Italian. A married woman who raised three children in the way of the Lord.  Frances became a Benedictine Oblate and founded a community of Oblates in the heart of Rome. Besides being a wife and mother, Frances was a mystic and very involved in charitable services in Rome. In Frances, we have a unique example of love in marriage as well as in religious life.

In the first Reading, Jonah preached to the Ninivites and shared the testimony of his stay in the belly of the whale. The people and their king heard the message. They believed and repented.
St Paul preached to the Greeks in the Areopagus. They listened attentively but did not believe.

Jesus told the crowd today:  No more miracles for you. You keep looking for a big sign from heaven to prove that I am the Messiah. But what happened to Jonah is the only sign you will get.

My friends, where are you today in your spiritual walk? Are you still looking for more signs? Listen to what Abraham said to DIVES in the Parable of the Rich man and Lazarus.  The former rich man denied Lazarus the least sign that his life matters.
‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16: 31).

The Church is an authentic sign of the existence and presence of God in the world today. During the consistory of November 24, 2007, Pope Benedict said that the gathering of Bishops and people from every part of the world is a sign of the unity and universality of the Catholic Church. It is also a sign that God is with the Church. Such a gathering is not possible by human means.

We have in the Church all the signs we need. The Church of the living God is the sign of salvation. This Church subsists in the One, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ. This Church has visible structures. It exists in almost every country in the world. The Church has one Shepherd, one Liturgy and holds the entire Deposit of Faith.

What is Christ's sign for us today?
+ The Church.
+ The Eucharist and Baptism.

What more are we looking for? There will be no more signs till the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The word of God transformed St John of God to become the best version of himself.

GOD'S WORD IS GOD'S COMMAND. THE DIVINE COMMAND SHALL ACCOMPLISH HIS WILL COME WHAT MAY. DOES GOD STILL SPEAK TO HIS CHILDREN? ABSOLUTELY. GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH:
1. THE SCRIPTURES.
2. LOCUTION.
3. INSPIRATION.
4. DREAMS.
5. PROPHETIC PERSON/MESSAGES.

"Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55: 10 - 11).

Tuesday 8th March 2022, of the 1st Week of Lent is the feast of St John of God. (1495 - 1550). Religious. Born Portuguese. Worked and died in Spain. A prodigal of some sort in his younger days. Once he was converted at the age of 40, everything changed. He became fired up with ministry to the poor and the sick. John was a man of many talents and at various times became a farmer, soldier and merchant. I knew St John of God as a pamphleteer because at the time I first read his biography, I used pamphlets for evangelization. He became my patron saint and is still one of my patron saints.
St John of God is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, booksellers, pamphleteers.

We have a beautiful and consoling Scripture in the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah. If you are not fired up by the truth that God will fulfill every single promise He made you, then I must wonder: What sort of heart do you have? The Blessed Virgin Mary gives us an inspired answer to God when He speaks to us.

"Let what You have promised me be done to me." This is truly all that needs to be said.

"I bless you and I bless those whom you entrust to the mercy of My open Heart. The light of My Face shines upon you. Believe in My love for you. I will never abandon you, never disappoint you. My plans are for your happiness, for your holiness, for your peace. Have no fear. I will do for you all that I have promised, and your heart will rejoice, and you will praise and glorify Me forever." (IN SINU JESU, Wednesday, December 19, 2007).

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

I was imprisoned and you did not defend me.

DO TO OTHERS WHATEVER YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU. THIS IS THE LAW AND THE PROPHET.
WHO AMONG YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A SLAVE, HUNGRY, IMPRISONED, SICK?

"Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him......... Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me." (Matthew 25: 31.... 46)

Monday 7th March 2022, Monday of the 1st Week of Lent is the feast of two young martyrs from North Africa: Saints Perpetua and Felicity. (+ 203). Perpetua was mother of a young child and Felicity was pregnant.
Perpetua and Felicity triumphed over their butchers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. (Cf Revelation 12: 11).

Our Gospel for today is a preview of the Last Judgment. St Augustine teaches:
If you pray well, you live well. If you live well, you die well. If you die well, all is well.
Prayer, along with fasting and almsgiving are the three pillars of the Christian life. It is during Lent that you see the power of especially prayer. An ancient maxim of the Church says: Lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi. Which means: The law of prayer is the law of faith and the law of living. You live as you pray. You will die and judged as you live.

Prayer is the Activator of Power. Prayer pushes desire to action.
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com