The man who is rich and a fool.

"I WILL TEAR DOWN MY BARNS AND BUILD LARGER ONES." "O RICH FOOL. THIS NIGHT, YOU SHALL DIE."

“Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

"Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.”   (Luke 12: 13....21).

Sunday July 31st of the 18th week of Ordinary Time.

The Gospel today shows us where prosperity becomes a risk for everlasting life. Man's extremity is God's opportunity. Man's prosperity is Satan's opportunity.
A perfect example of this in very recent history are Poland and Ireland. Two countries that were proud to be called Catholic. Both countries registered Sunday Mass attendance over 80%. Then both countries were invaded almost simultaneously by western economic imperialism. Both countries succumbed to the lies of Satan. To make a long story short, Catholic Mass and devotional practices were abandoned. Vocations plummeted. Promised worldly prosperity, gone with the wind.

The Scriptures invite us in the words of the 2nd Reading from Colossians 3 to seek what is above where Christ is. In the 1st Reading from Ecclesiastes, we hear that all things are vanity. God indeed has created man for Himself and made his heart restless until it rests in God Himself.

"How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 3).

In today's Gospel, when the Rich Fool discovers that his business has succeeded beyond his wildest expectations, his instinct is not to donate to the local charities. "I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods." Many Church Fathers commenting on this parable see the consequences of unbridled materialism.

The Scriptures teach that "Man does not live on bread alone" and points to the impossibity of a man trying to drag a camel through the tiny gate of the city. Fool! This very night your soul will be demanded of you.

The Eucharist kills the temptation to greed and materialism.
"I am the bread of life, says the Lord; whoever comes to me will not hunger and whoever believes in me will not thirst." (John 6: 35).

7. 31. We close the page to July, the month we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

MY WORK IS TO BEAR TESTIMONY TO THE PERSON WHO IS THE TRUTH, THE WAY AND LIFE. WITH MY EXECUTION, I HAVE NOW CONCLUDED THE WORK OF MY LIFE. YOU TOO MUST FIND AND FINISH THE WORK OF YOUR LIFE. JB.

"Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

"Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.

"But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

"The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus." (Matthew 14: 1 - 12).

Saturday of the 17th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Chrysologus. (406 - 450). Italian. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St Peter Chrysologus was the Bishop of Ravenna. At a time when the Church was faced with the scourge of the Monophysite Heresy. (They taught that Jesus Christ is only God and not a Man). St Peter defended the two natures in Jesus Christ: Human nature and Divine nature. His theological teaching and preaching are characterized by exceptional clarity. Peter came down to us from history as a great homilist and his theological work on the nature of the Incarnation and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history has lasting value.

In the Gospel of today, John the Baptist becomes the first casualty of the ministry of Jesus Christ. John's whole life and ministry is to be the Voice of Jesus, to prepare the way for the Way. And finally to pay the supreme price of Discipleship.

Jesus preached openly on the cost of discipleship. My kingdom is not of this world. The best of my rewards will not be in this world, Jesus teaches.

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10: 28). The disciples of Jesus might have thought of this as a hyperbole. Now John the Baptist has been beheaded.  What may follow?

"The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” Jesus said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” (Luke 9: 22).

"Happy those who are persecuted
in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10).
Lord, grant us the grace to accept all the persecutions You send to us.

7.30. Honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ this July. Only one day left.

"Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Lord Jesus, I believe in the Resurrection of the dead.

"ACTION AND CONTEMPLATION ARE VERY CLOSE COMPANIONS; THEY LIVE TOGETHER IN ONE HOUSE ON EQUAL TERMS. MARTHA AND MARY ARE SISTERS." (ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX).

"Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.

"Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him,

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

"I have promised, I will do it, says the Lord."

Friday 29th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

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

Our adversity is always an opportunity for God to be glorified.  Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead and the sisters sent word to Jesus about it.   Jesus said to Martha:  “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”   (John 11:  40).  And Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11: 43). And then commanded:  “Untie him and let him go.” (John 11: 44).

The faith of Martha in the Resurrection amazes me. “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 27).
The whole equation of our Christian religion hinges on faith. God called Abraham and made a great promise to him. He responded in obedience of faith. God announced the Incarnation to Mary. She too responded in obedience of faith. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a list of Who is Who in the Bible. The common thing among all of them is Faith. They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith. If you do not have faith, you are simply not in the game. You have to do everything to get faith, to increase faith and to use and enjoy your faith.

Are you bound and "tied hand and feet" by Unbelief?  If God can raise Lazarus from the grave after four days, He certainly can restore your marriage, health, finances, job, etc.
Faith is saying YES to God so that He will do what He promises to do.

"I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD."  (Psalm 30: 5 - 6 RM)

How strong is your faith? What are you doing on daily basis to increase your faith?

A few examples:
#1 Daily Prayer.
#2 Daily Word of God.
#3 Daily Examination of Conscience.
Faithfulness to the above will launch you far.

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

Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

You are the Clay. I Your Maker, I AM the POTTER.

"BUT NOW, O LORD, YOU ARE OUR FATHER; WE ARE THE CLAY, AND YOU ARE THE POTTER; WE ARE ALL THE WORK OF YOUR HAND." (ISAIAH 64: 8).

"Can I not do to you, house of Israel, as this potter has done?—oracle of the Lord. Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel." (Jeremiah 18: 6).

Of course, O Lord my God.  You can do with me as you please.  You are the Potter.  I am the clay.  "Let it be done to me according to Your will."  (Luke 1: 38)

God challenged the arrogant and independent minded Israelites with the reminder that their destiny is squarely in His hands.  Think about it: Aren't you happy that your destiny is in God's hands? I am.

"Whenever the vessel of clay he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making another vessel of whatever sort he pleased." (Jeremiah 18: 4).

You recognize that God is the potter.  God knows the plan He has for you and me.  He says under oath (oracle of the Lord) that this plan for our welfare is excellent.   (Jeremiah 29: 11).

Consider this:
"If that which God Himself chooses for you does not content you, from whom do you expect to obtain what you desire?.... Do you know better than God?" (Jean-Pierre de Caussade, SJ).

We are clay in the potter's hands and our attitude should be  like a weaned child in its mother’s arms. (Cf Psalm 131: 2).

" So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10).

These are some of the clay vessels which were transformed by the Master Potter:
Moses
Jeremiah
St Paul
St Francis of Assisi
St Louis Marie de Montfort

7. 28. July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
"O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!"

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

What is the Pearl of the Great Value?

I HAVE SOUGHT THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE FOR MOST OF MY LIFE. I HAVE FOUND JESUS CHRIST WHOM MY HEART LOVES. I CLING TIGHTLY TO HIS LOVE COME WHAT MAY. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” (Matthew 13: 44 - 46).

Wednesday 27th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture is about the importance of finding the hidden treasure. Jesus talks constantly about the Kingdom of God. His golden rule is:  Make the Kingdom of God your first priority. 

Consider this question:

What is there about the kingdom of God and the idea of the hiding of very important things? 

Jesus led a hidden life for 30 years. The Blessed Virgin Mary led almost her entire life of about 60 years hidden from the public.

 

Great saints are protected from the prying eyes of the world by hiding them when they are alive. The whole monastic tradition thrive on the idea of hidden life. 

In summary, great things like diamonds are formed in a hidden state. The narrow, hidden way finds the kingdom.

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

Jesus Christ is the Pearl of great price.  What must we give up in order to acquire in the fullest sense this priceless treasure when we find it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Paul the Apostle says:

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

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

7. 27. In July, we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. The Blood that was shed for our salvation. Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus by pleading the Precious Blood over all priests especially those in most need of the mercy of Jesus Christ. 

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.

Feast of St Joachim and Anne, the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Grandparents of Jesus.

SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, THE PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND THE GRANDPARENTS OF JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD AND MERCY FROM GOD THEIR SAVIOR. (CF PSALM 24: 5).

“Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  (Matthew 13: 36 - 43).

Tuesday 26th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Church says about Anne and Joachim:

"It was in the house of Joachim and Anne that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, devotion to Anne and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always shown toward our Blessed Mother. We, too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christain formation." (Roman Missal).

"I came to you today as the little grandchild of Joachim and Anna. Tell Me that you are happy to have Me in this house, and invite Me to rule over your heart and in your life." (IN SINU JESU page 239).

The disciples asks Jesus to explain the Parable of the weeds in the field. Why did the disciples ask for an explanation of this miracle? First because they sense it is very important in understanding how things work in the Kingdom. Secondly, the action of the Owner of the field is counterintuitive. No wise farmer should have made that decision.

Note the seven elements of the Parable:
1. “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man"
2.  The field is the world
3.  The good seed the children of the kingdom.
4. The weeds are the children of the evil one.
5. The enemy who sows them is the devil.
6. The harvest is the end of the age.
7. The harvesters are angels.

This Parable reflects the state of the Church today. While we are asleep, the enemy sneaks into the field and sowed lies, falsehood and misinformation. Through this, the Devil sets Bishop against Bishop, priest against priest, nuns against nuns. Lay man against lay woman. The clear teaching of Jesus Christ becomes muddled. The casualty is Evangelization. A House divided cannot stand.

This is why the wisdom of God instructs:

"No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.... My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways."

The wisdom of God tempers the impatience of men in dealing with the evil in the world:
"Trust Me with the timing of ALL THINGS." (Cf IN SINU JESU). To confirm this truth, the Alpha and Omega, the Faithful and True Witness says in the Book of Revelations:

"But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelations 21: 8 CEV).

SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, THE PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND THE GRANDPARENTS OF JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD AND MERCY FROM GOD THEIR SAVIOR. (CF PSALM 24: 5).

“Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”  (Matthew 13: 36 - 43).

Tuesday 26th July 2022 of the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Church says about Anne and Joachim:

"It was in the house of Joachim and Anne that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, devotion to Anne and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always shown toward our Blessed Mother. We, too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christain formation." (Roman Missal).

"I came to you today as the little grandchild of Joachim and Anna. Tell Me that you are happy to have Me in this house, and invite Me to rule over your heart and in your life." (IN SINU JESU page 239).

The disciples asks Jesus to explain the Parable of the weeds in the field. Why did the disciples ask for an explanation of this miracle? First because they sense it is very important in understanding how things work in the Kingdom. Secondly, the action of the Owner of the field is counterintuitive. No wise farmer should have made that decision.

Note the seven elements of the Parable:
1. “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man"
2.  The field is the world
3.  The good seed the children of the kingdom.
4. The weeds are the children of the evil one.
5. The enemy who sows them is the devil.
6. The harvest is the end of the age.
7. The harvesters are angels.

This Parable reflects the state of the Church today. While we are asleep, the enemy sneaks into the field and sowed lies, falsehood and misinformation. Through this, the Devil sets Bishop against Bishop, priest against priest, nuns against nuns. Lay man against lay woman. The clear teaching of Jesus Christ becomes muddled. The casualty is Evangelization. A House divided cannot stand.

This is why the wisdom of God instructs:

"No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.... My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways."

The wisdom of God tempers the impatience of men in dealing with the evil in the world:
"Trust Me with the timing of ALL THINGS." (Cf IN SINU JESU). To confirm this truth, the Alpha and Omega, the Faithful and True Witness says in the Book of Revelations:

"But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelations 21: 8 CEV).

The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God on earth. (Cf CCC 567). It is the Plan and Wisdom of God that the Wheat and the Weed should coexist in the Church till the end of time. The Church will always be a messy institution. This may be one of the great mysteries in religion that St writes about. 

"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." (Matthew 16: 18).

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

Take and drink. This is My Blood poured out for you... The Blood of the New Covenant.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

 
"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." (Matthew 16: 18).

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

Take and drink. This is My Blood poured out for you... The Blood of the New Covenant.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St James, Apostle.

"FOR THE ONE WHO DOES NOT PRACTICE MERCY WILL HAVE HIS JUDGMENT WITHOUT MERCY. MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT." (JAMES 2: 13).

"The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”  (Matthew 20: 20.... 28).

Monday July 25th 2022 of the 17th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St James, Apostle.

James and John are sons of Zebedee, both fishermen. They left their nets and followed Jesus when He called them from their fishing occupation. Peter, James and John belong to the inner circle of the group of Apostles.

James was known as the Elder or Greater to differentiate him from his fellow Apostle called James. James was one of the Apostles with Peter and John who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
James was condemned to death under King Agrippa I and beheaded around 44 AD.

James is the patron saint of Spain, Philippines, Guatemala, etc. He is also the patron saint of pharmacists, tanners, others.
In the West of Spain is Santiago de Compostela, a worldwide pilgrimage site where St James is venerated.

In the today's Gospel, to the request of Salome, the Mother of James and John that Jesus makes James Prime Minister and John Foreign Minister in His kingdom, Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” I like the fact that Salome understands that the word of God is a Command. It accomplishes everything it is sent to. 

Often we do not know what we ask  from God. But to the credit of James and John, they indicated that they were ready to die for Jesus. James was beheaded by King Aggrippa in 44 AD.

7. 25. July is the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ Month.

“I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.”  ( St Ignatius of Antioch).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com