Feast of St Paul of the Cross, Founder of the Passionists.

St Paul of the Cross. Founder of the Passionists. 

"At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. 

"Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven—that is, the hypocrisy—of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.

"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12: 1 - 7)

Friday 20th October 2023, in the 28th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Paul of the Cross. (1694 - 1775).

St Paul of the Cross was Italian, priest, Mystic and Founder of the Passionists.

The charism of St Paul of the Cross is a profound understanding of the mystery of the Cross and translating this understanding into a plan of life. The Passionists founded by St Paul of the Cross were noted and still noted for preaching and retreat ministry. I have been blessed to attend a Parish Mission preached by a Passionist. 

In the Gospel of today, the Master touches a variety of topics. What touches me is:

"Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.

Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” 

The subject of Divine Providence is the sweetest doctrine in the entire Bible, in the entire magisterium of Church teachings. The Church Fathers and Doctors of the Church have amply added their reflections and writings to elucidation of Divine Providence. 

What is Divine Providence?

Five sparrows are sold for two small coins. Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.

Abba Father knows every single thing of the trillions of things He has created. He knows where they are. Each of this creatures worships Abba Father in its own way and Father delights in this worship. 

"Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

We humans are created in God's image and likeness. We are created with immortal souls and are created to live with God forever.

If Father cares for sparrows and delights in sparrow worship, how much more you and me?

DIVINE PROVIDENCE From the Catechism of the Catholic Church :

321 Divine providence consists of the dispositions by which God guides all his creatures with wisdom and love to their ultimate end.

322 Christ invites us to filial trust in the providence of our heavenly Father (cf.Mt 6:26-34), and St. Peter the apostle repeats: "Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you" (I Pt 5:7; cf. Ps55:23).

323 Divine providence works also through the actions of creatures. To human beings God grants the ability to cooperate freely with his plans.

324 The fact that God permits physical and even moral evil is a mystery that God illuminates by his Son Jesus Christ who died and rose to vanquish evil. Faith gives us the certainty that God would not permit an evil if he did not cause a good to come from that very evil, by ways that we shall fully know only in eternal life."

October is the Holy Rosary Month. 

 “The Rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer, who loves His Mother.” (7) “If you say the Rosary faithfully until death, I do assure you that, in spite of the gravity of your sins you shall receive a never-fading crown of glory." (St Louis Marie de Monfort). 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com