Fear No one!

Fear no one. 

"Jesus said to the Twelve:

 “Fear no one. 

"Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 

"What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 

"And 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 Gehenna.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge.

"Even all the hairs of your head are counted.

"So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 

"Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. 

"But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 10: 26 - 33).

Sunday June 25th in the 12th Week of Ordinary Time. 

"Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge." 

This is our key Scripture for this Sunday. It is a great testimony to God's Divine Providence. If God takes so great care of tiny sparrows because He created them. How much more ourselves who are created in His image and likeness. Created to share eternity with Him. 

June is the month we fly proudly the colors of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist.

The Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist. 

"When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.

"Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. 

"When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”

"But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”

"So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 

"Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

"Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.

"All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

"The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel." (Luke 1: 57 - 66, 80).

Saturday June 24th 2023 is the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. 

How many Birthdays are celebrated in the Church's 365 days Liturgical Calendar? Only Three:

1. Christmas, Birthday of Christ the Lord - 25th December.

2. Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 8th September.

3. Birthday of St. John the Baptist - 24th June.

This indicates that John the Baptist is a significant persona in salvation history.

Who is St John the Baptist. 

Let us sketch a profile of St John the Baptist:

• He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.

•  His name is John: "God is gracious."

•  He was sanctified in his mother's womb. He kicked his mother hard in the womb with excitement when Mary visited Elizabeth.

• John was chosen by the Father to be forerunner of Jesus Christ and to prepare His way.

• John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.

• His humility is supreme. He said: "He [Jesus] must increase. I must decrease." And he allowed his disciples to switch allegiance and follow Jesus.

• John gave his life for Jesus. He was a great martyr for Jesus. 

• St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. 

• Without compromise, John fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah. 

• Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.

• What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many.

• John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly.

The Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Do not bury your treasure in the ground.

Where do you hide your treasure? 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. 

"But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal.

"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. 

"And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.” (Matthew 6: 19 - 23).

FridayJune 23rd 2023 in the 11th Week of Ordinary Time. 

What is your treasure? Wealth, money? Anyone can tell you that money is fleeting. It is not permanent. So you can not trust your bank account, your home, job. 

Is your treasure your family or health? Unfortunately, these are not permanent. 

Think no more of anything on earth you can call reliable and permanent. NONE! 

Why? 

Because God created us for Himself and our hearts are restless until they rests on Him. 

Jesus Christ is the Only Reality that is permanent. How so? 

Because Jesus Christ is the Same Today, Yesterday and Forever! He never changes! In every change, He remains faithful. Rejoice in this truth! 

The Church honors the Sacred Heart of every June. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of Three Great Saints.

Feast of St Paulinus of Nola, St John Fisher and St Thomas More. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard ­because of their many words. Do not be like them. 

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This is how you are to pray:

‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

"Give us this day our daily bread; 

"And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; 

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’

“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.

"But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” 

(Matthew 6: 7 - 15)

Thursday 22nd June 2023, of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast day of three giants of the Christian Church:

St Paulinus of Nola (355 - 431). French Bishop. Over a thousand years separated him from the two English martyrs we honor today. St John Fisher (1469 - 1535). Bishop and scholar. And his friend, St Thomas More (1477 - 1535). Lawyer, Statesman and Chancellor of Exchequer of King Henry VIII. 

St Thomas More is revered all over the world as the patron saint of lawyers.

St John Fisher and St Thomas More were martyred under Henry VIII for refusing to compromise the teachings of the Church.

When a Bishop lacks the grace of fortitude of his high office, he succumbs to the threats of tyrants like King Henry VIII. That is what the world saw in the England of the 1520s. 

King Henry, one single man born of a woman succeeded in intimidating the whole of the English hierarchy.

About 300 Bishops denied their Catholic Faith. Only Bishop John Fisher stood up to him and stood his ground. He refused to deny his holy faith. St Thomas More a layman stood his ground too. Both men suffered martyrdom. 

Today both men are celebrated all over the world. Henry VIII, where is your kingdom? Where are your 7 wives?

Jesus gives us the best Prayer with Our Father. What did you get out of it? 

Here is what I got:

"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." 

I talk too much to God when I pray. So I deserved the sharp rebuke Jesus Christ gave to me when He shouted: "SHUT UP!" 

I am learning to speak less and to listen more. The Father knows everything I need and when I need it. 

The Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, SJ.

Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, SJ. 

"Brothers and sisters, consider this: 

"whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 

"Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:

"He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.

"The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

"You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11).

St Aloysius Gonzaga of the Society of Jesus.

Wednesday June 21st 2023 of the 11th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga of the Society of Jesus. 

(1568 - 1591). Italian. Aloysius was heir to the Duke of Lombardy. He renounced his title and entered the Society of Jesus. Aloysius died at the age of 24 in the Jesuit House of Formation in Rome of the pandemic which he contracted while ministering to the victims.

Aloysius is known for his holiness, purity and chastity and humility. He had a powerful devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He is the patron saint of the youth.

Let us reflect on this key Scripture from the first Reading: 2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 11.

"Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

God gives us time, talent and treasure to serve Him and enjoy life. 

We can deploy the gift In any giving situation: tithing, Sunday offering, contributing to Saint Vincent de Paul or any charity, etc. 

It is a good idea to ask God what He wants you to give. 

God knows what you need. He knows what you have. Trust Him and offer what you are inspired to give. 

Whatever the gift: money, food, clothing, etc, pray over it and ask God to bless and multiply the gift in the hands of the receiver. 

Scripture attests that you can never outdo God in generosity 

"You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God."

The Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Love is patient and kind.

Love is patient and kind. 

"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. 

"For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same?

"And if you greet your brothers 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). 

Tuesday June 20th 2023 of 11th Week of Ordinary Time. 

Jesus commands us to "be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

What does it mean that our Heavenly Father loves us perfectly? 

• Abba Father is always very patient with us. 

• He smiles on us with kindness always and everywhere. 

• He is not easily angered by our sins and faults. 

• Inspite of our sins, He invites us to trust Him and have confidence in the future. 

We may recognize that the above qualities of love can describe how a mother loves her young infant with tenderness. 

This is how the Sacred Heart of Jesus loves us. He cries out to mystics that His love is not returned. He is in the Tabernacle of the Altar. His Real Presence is ignored and often insulted. 

June is devoted to honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Romuald, OSB.

Feast of St Romuald, OSB. 

Imitate Jesus and Mary in your Giving. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: 

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

"But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. 

"When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.

"If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well.

"Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.

"Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

 (Matthew 5: 38 - 42).

Monday June 19th in the 11th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Romuald. 

St Romuald was born in Ravenna, Italy. A Benedictine monk, he is renowned for his love and expertise in solitary prayer. He traveled all over Italy renewing Benedictine monasteries in the art of monastic prayer. He died in 1027.

The great feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire our Scripture reflections for this Monday:

"Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

The Sacred Heart of Jesus promises these three of Twelve Promises to those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart:

1.  I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary promises these three of fifteen promises to those who say the Holy Rosary:

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against Hell; it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.

No one can outdo Jesus and Mary in generosity. 

The Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

For Prayers and Meditations on the Sacred Heart of Jesus click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com