Trust confidently in merciful love of Jesus.

"THE GRACE OF A GOOD DEED IS DOUBLED WHEN IT IS DONE WITH PROMPTNESS AND SPEED" - ST GREGORY NAZIANZEN.

"Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger.  I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." (Luke 15: 17 - 18).

Sunday 27th March of the 4th week of Lent.

We reflect on the model of conversion offered us in the story of the Prodigal Son. Conversion, metanoia is what Lent is all about. Not just a conversion from a life of sin, but conversion from a mediocre Christian to a Spirit-filled Christian, on fire to be an ambassador for Christ. This is possible for everyone because of the mercy of God who has promised that Lent is a favorable time for mercy and favors.

Let us reflect on the insight of the Church  about conversion using the Parable of the Prodigal Son:
"The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father: the fascination of illusory freedom, the abandonment of the father's house; the extreme misery in which the son finds himself after squandering his fortune; his deep humiliation at finding himself obliged to feed swine, and still worse, at wanting to feed on the husks the pigs ate; his reflection on all he has lost; his repentance and decision to declare himself guilty before his father; the journey back; the father's generous welcome; the father's joy - all these are characteristic of the process of conversion. The beautiful robe, the ring, and the festive banquet are symbols of that new life - pure worthy, and joyful - of anyone who returns to God and to the bosom of his family, which is the Church. Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way."(CCC 1439).

Be who you are redeemed to be:
A new creation and ambassador for Jesus Christ. (Cf 2 Corinthians 5: 17 - 21).

"Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
I will leave this place and go to my father and say:
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!" (Luke 15: 18).

"My Heart burns with love for you and for the brothers I have given you. Yes, they are also your sons, for I have entrusted them to your fatherly care, and I ask you to love them with a paternal tenderness. Do not be weak in loving them nor afraid to challenge them to conversion of life and to growth in holiness. I give to you and to them all the graces necessary to go forward and to bear fruit that will last for the sake of My beloved priests and for the holiness of My Bride the Church, even in the face of her enemies." (IN SINU JESU, Monday, July 11, 2011 After Second Vespers of Our Holy Father Saint Benedict).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Repentant Tax Collector and the Presumptuous Pharisee.

BY  PRAYER, FASTING AND ALMSGIVING, BREAK WITH YOUR ADDICTIONS AND SINFUL HABITS IN THIS HOLY SEASON OF LENT. GOD IS WAITING.

"Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector......
‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.....
"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18: 9 - 14).

Saturday 26th March 2022 of the 3rd week of Lent. Our Gospel today is the narrative of the Pharisee and the Public Sinner.

What are the lessons for us on this mid point of Lent.
#1 The Pharisee trained in theology and spirituality does not know the God he claims to serve. Jesus came to call the sinner and not the righteous. Heaven rejoices exceedingly over one sinner who repents. "It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice." (Hosea 6: 6).
#2 The Publican no doubt is guilty as accused.  Like the Good Thief beside Jesus on the Cross at Calvary, the Tax Collector heard about the extraordinary mercy of God. He believes what he heard and came to the Temple to seek out the God of all mercies and the Father of every consolation. He seeks and found what he sought and went home transformed and justified.

Let us observe a couple of things about the tax collector:
He does not raise his eyes to heaven. He beat his chest, a sign of repentance and sorrow. The Church makes us repeat this gesture when we say the Confiteor (I confess to Almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters... " Humility is a condition for receiving mercy.
We cannot think of mercy without remembering the teachings of Jesus on mercy. Mercy is given to whoever asks for mercy no matter the sin. But he who receives mercy must extend mercy.

"O God, be merciful to me a sinner." (Luke 18: 13).

Harden not your hearts today,
but listen to the voice of the Lord.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Your Child shall be Yeshua and Emmanuel

IF "THE FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON IS VERY POWERFUL," HOW MUCH MORE THE PRAYER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD? "SON, THEY HAVE NO WINE.... DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU."

"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered....

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus....

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.....

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”  (Luke 1: 26..., 38).

Friday 25th March 2022 is the
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. A feast day in Lent: No fasting. No abstinence.
What does the Annunciation of the Lord celebrate?

"The Annunciation to Mary inaugurates "the fullness of time", the time of the fulfillment of God's promises and preparations. Mary was invited to conceive him in whom the "whole fullness of deity" would dwell "bodily". The divine response to her question, "How can this be, since I know not man?", was given by the power of the Spirit: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you." (CCC 484).

Mary heard the word of God from the Archangel Gabriel and believed what she heard. In the first Reading today, King Ahaz heard the word of God from the Prophet Isaiah (7: 10 - 14) and did not believe. Mary believed and became Mother of Christ and our exemplar in faith. Ahaz exhibited unbelief and became a nonentity in history.

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved.

"I am your Mother, the Mother given you by my Son Jesus, from the Cross, in the solemn hour of His sacrifice. And you are my son, dear to my Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, precious to me, and ever under the mantle of my protection. Let me live with you as I lived with John, the second son of my Heart and the model for all my priest sons down through the ages. Speak to me simply and with complete trust in the compassion of my maternal Heart and in the power given to my maternal intercession." (IN SINU JESU, Wednesday, March 25, 2009).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Jesus is stronger than Satan.

BECAUSE THE BLIND CANNOT SEE THE SUN, IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT THE SUN DOES NOT SHINE.
JESUS CONTINUES HIS WORK OF HEALING IN THE CHURCH.

"Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?" (Luke11:14.... 23).

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed Satan, the author of death and brought life to light through the Good News. (Cf 2 Timothy 1: 10).
Unfortunately brothers and sisters, many Christians live today as if this promise is something for the future.  This promise is for here and now. If you are not enjoying all the privileges, be good to yourself and ask:
What is going on?
Why am I often sad?
Where is the victorious life promised by Jesus?
Why am I not enjoying it?
Now listen to Jesus:
"No one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house."  (Mark 3: 27).
Which king reigns in your house? The strong man Satan or the Stronger Man Jesus? You must give Jesus all the keys in your home: health, family, finances, job, tools/possessions, food and your future.
You remember the song:
"When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, 
What a glory He sheds on our way! 
While we do His good will, He abides with us still, 
And with all who will trust and obey.…"

Trust, Obey and Surrender are the Only way to enjoy life in the Kingdom.  Jesus is in control.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St Turibius of Mongrovejo, Missionary Bishop.

BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ.
PRACTICE WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
TEACH WHAT YOU PRACTICE.
THEN YOU WILL BE GREAT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

"But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

On Wednesday 23rd March 2022 of the 3rd Week of Lent, we hear this injunction from the Master:  Study the Law. Observe the Law. Teach the Law.

Today 23rd March 2022 is the feast of St Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538 - 1606). Spanish. Missionary Bishop and Archbishop of Lima, Peru. St Turibius spoke up for the rights of the native peoples of South America and defended them against the rapacious instincts of the Spanish colonizers. The Archbishop saint is remembered in history for his unwavering love of truth.

One dominant theme from today's the Mass Readings: Teach the Law [the word]. The message comes strongly from the first Reading from Deuteronomy 4 and Matthew 5. Below are the Scriptures:

#1 "Israel, hear the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to observe." (Deuteronomy 4: 1).

#2 "See, I am teaching you the statutes and ordinances as the Lord, my God, has commanded me." (Deuteronomy 4: 5).

#3 "However, be on your guard and be very careful not to forget the things your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children’s children." (Deuteronomy 4: 9).

From the Gospel:

#4 "But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

#5 "Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

The Church is in dire need of teachers of the word of God: catechists and evangelists. Without teaching and knowledge, a people perishes. (Cf Hosea 4: 6).

Therefore,
Believe what you read.
Practice what you believe.
Teach what you practice.

Every Christian who obeys the commandments of God is able to share the same by word and example.

"Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life; you have the message of eternal life.  (Cf. John 6: 63, 68).

"As for you, dear son of mine, persevere in praying to me. Hold fast to my Rosary and beware of every ploy of the Evil One to separate you from it. My Rosary is your safeguard and your weapon in the fight against the forces of evil. At the same time, for you it is a remedy and a comfort. Do you not see how the Rosary has stabilized you? Do you not experience its healing and all its benefits? Pray my Rosary and teach others to do the same." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, December 11, 2007).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

I forgave you everything because you begged Me.

PREPARING THE HEART TO FORGIVE AND RECEIVE FORGIVENESS:
1. REJOICE ALWAYS. BE A JOYFUL PERSON.
2. PRAY ALWAYS. EVERYWHERE. ABOUT EVERYTHING.
3. BE NOURISHED ALWAYS BY THE WORD OF GOD FROM YOUR INTERNAL SCRIPTURE DEPOSIT.
4. THANK GOD FOR LITTLE FAVORS ALWAYS.
5. NEVER CONFORM TO THE HABITS OF THE WORLD IN ANYTHING.
AS THE LORD TRANSFORMS YOUR HEART AND MIND THROUGH THESE DAILY HABITS, YOU WILL MORE AND MORE DISCERN THE WILL OF GOD AND LIVE BY IT.

Tuesday 22nd March 2022 of the 3rd Week of Lent.

Our key Scripture for today deals with trespasses against us which are in our power to forgive. The "Wicked servant" in the NABRE translation is rendered by other versions as: wicked and contemptible slave, contemptible and wicked attendant, evil [wicked] servant [slave]!, You evil servant!, ‘You scoundrel!

The other servants were deeply outraged by the unmerciful behavior of this servant. We live in a culture where unforgiveness is of epidemic proportion.

One thing crucial to note in today's Gospel: "I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to." Why is this so important? The minimum price to pay for Divine Mercy is: ASK. This price is the same throughout Sacred Scripture. Anyone who asks is forgiven. One who seeks forgiveness is embraced. The door is always open for one who knocks for forgiveness. This is Lent. A most favorable time for mercy and reconciliation.  "I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to."  The ABC of Mercy is a tool to remind us of this great truth.

#1. Ask for Mercy.
#2. Be Merciful.
#3. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

"Glory and praise to you, O Christ!
Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart, take the word of God to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Glory and praise to you, O Christ!" (Luke 8: 15).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

What does the healing of Naaman foreshadow?

BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, Eucharist, PENANCE, MATRIMONY, HOLY ORDERS AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK. THESE 7 SACRAMENTS ARE OUTWARD SIGNS THAT CONVEY INWARD GRACE.
THE HEALING OF NAAMAN THE LEPER FORESHADOWS THE SACRAMENTS. NAAMAN BATH IN THE RIVER JORDAN AT FIRST APPEARED AS A RIDICULOUS SIGN. BUT IT ACCOMPLISHED A MIGHTY HEALING. OUR FAITH CONTAINS OUR OBEDIENCE.

Monday 21st March 2022, of the 3rd Week of Lent.

"Elisha sent him the message: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.” But Naaman went away angry, saying, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand there to call on the name of the LORD his God, and would move his hand over the place, and thus cure the leprous spot." (2 Kings 5: 10 - 11).

Naaman had his own ideas about how he would be healed. His preconception and programming nearly deprived him of his cure. Naaman did not know that:

. For God everything is possible. “All things serve you.” (Psalm 119: 91)

· God’s ways are not our ways.

· God’s thoughts are not our thoughts.

· God is master of means.

· God is the Lord of times and seasons.

When we compare Naaman’s behavior with that of the Centurion in Matthew 8: 5 – 13, we understand that faith is a simple and childlike trust in God’s word. The centurion knew that the power of God can work through words and through space. Naaman wanted something more tangible as in pagan practices, for example: incantations, rituals, sacred dances etc.

God’s word is always sufficient.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com