The Transfiguration of the Lord.

The Transfiguration of the Lord. 

"Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

"And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light.

"And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 

"Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

"While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said,

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

"When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”

 And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17: 1 - 9).

Sunday August 6th 2023 in the 18th Week of Ordinary Time.

What is the Transfiguration?

In the presence of Peter, James and John, witnesses chosen by Him, Jesus' face and clothing became dazzling like light. Moses and Elijah were present conversing with Jesus. The voice of the Father was heard testifying "This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him."

Why is the Transfiguration such an important event?

#1 Three eyewitnesses to testify to the Father’s words to Jesus as the beloved Son of God.

#2 Moses and Elijah [the Law and the Prophet] confirm that Jesus is the the long awaited Messiah.

#3. The Transfiguration shows clearly the divinity of Jesus as God.

#4 To reveal the future of mankind. We shall be like Jesus at the Resurrection.

#5 To note the command of the Father to listen to Jesus as the Father's anointed Messenger.

These three witnesses of the Transfiguration: Peter, James and John were to become witnesses to the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. They bore witness to these eye witness events with their lives.

 Our faith as Christians is built on solid foundation and not on "cleverly deviced myths." (2 Peter 1: 16 - 19)

The Transfiguration of Jesus gives us a foretaste of Christ's second coming when the Elect will be transformed and become like Jesus as He appeared in the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration prepares us for the great mystery of our own Resurrection.

Because of the Transfiguration, we see Christ as our hope. We also understand that the victory over death and sin will come via the Cross. 

The Cross is the Means of Salvation, Redemption, Glorification and Eternal life. This is the gracious and mysterious will of the Father. This is the Full Truth of the Gospel. (Cf Luke 24: 25 - 27).

We honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary in August. 

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major.

Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major. 

"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 August 5th 2023, feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major. 

This Basilica was dedicated after the definition of the Dogma of Mary as the Mother of God in the Council of Ephesus in 431.  It was the oldest Marian Church in Rome and was consecrated by Pope Sixtus III about 435. The great Church was later renamed as St Mary Major.

 Pope St John Paul II wrote that it is an objective truth that the Mother of God is the Mother of the Church.

Ephesus hailed Mary as Theotokus, Mother of God. Vatican II acclaimed Mary as the Mother of the Church.

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 word 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.

August is the Month we honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St John Mary Vianney.

Feast of St John Mary Vianney. 

"Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. 

"They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?

"Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us?

"Where did this man get all this?”

"And they took offense at him.

"But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”

"And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith." (Matthew 13: 54 - 58).

Friday 4th August 2023 in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time  is the feast day of the patron saint of parish priests, the Curé of Ars, St John Mary Vianney (1786 - 1859). French. 

 What do you expect from your parish priest? 

#1 Celebrate Mass with reverence and devotion.

#2 Always be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be the face of the loving mercy of Jesus Christ.

#3 Assist the poor as best as they can.

#4. Be ready and available to assist you at the moment of death. 

St John of Vianney set an excellent example as a parish priest. The Church noticed and made him the Patron Saint of Parish Priests.

St John Vianney said à propos the role of the priests in the mystery of salvation:

"Without the priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail.... What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door?” John opened the door to the merciful love of Jesus to sinners through the Sacrament of Reconciliation where he spent hours upon hours every day.

St John Mary Vianney came from the poor class. This did not make life easy for him in the seminary or initially in his priestly ministry. 

In our Gospel today from Matthew 13: 54 - 58, the people who listened to Jesus in the Synagogue were put off because Jesus did not come from a prestigious background. St John Vianney was not deterred from his priestly calling because of what people thought of him. We know that Jesus fulfilled His ministry of teaching, healing and feeding people regardless of public opinion. 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life. Follow Him. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

First Friday in August. Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

August 4th, 2023 - First Friday in August, 2023. 

Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion. In the 8th month of the year, we look at Promise #8. 

#8.  "Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection."

Who are the fervent souls? 

Fervent souls are people who hear the word of God and take it to heart. They allow the word to influence their thoughts, words and actions. They place the Kingdom of God and holiness of life above every other thing. Even while living in the world raising children and holding down jobs, they experience the peace, joy and contentment of the Blessed. Because they trust and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they grow from strength to strength and experience the promised blessings. 

Fervent souls have a Plan for spiritual life. This Plan contains Seven tested Daily Habits of Saints:

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily Scripture Reading. 

3. Daily or Frequent Eucharist. 

4. Daily Examination of conscience. 

5. Weekly or Bi-weekly Reconciliation. 

6. Daily Spiritual Reading. 

7. Daily Faith Sharing or Ministry work. 

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart devotional prayers and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Remember the Four Last Things.

THE FOUR LAST THINGS. 

"Jesus said to the disciples:

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.

"When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.

"Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.”

"And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there."

 (Matthew 13: 47 - 53).

Thursday August 3rd in 17th Week of Ordinary.

Our key Scripture for today deals with the most important subject of the Four Last Things. There are Four Last Things glaring at us: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.

The Four Last Things are implied twice this week by Jesus in Matthew 13. The Church teaches clearly the Four Last Things in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "The Last Judgment will occur when Christ returns. Only the Father knows the hour..." (CCC 1040).

Now that we know the truth about the Last Judgment, we will be blessed if we live accordingly. 

We honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary in August. 

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of Saints Eusebius Vercelli and Peter Julian Eymard.

The Feast of Saints Eusebius Vercelli and Peter Julian Eymard. 

"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 August 2nd 2023 in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast day of Saints Eusebius Vercelli and Peter Julian Eymard.

Wednesday 2nd August 2023 of the 17th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Julian Eymard (1811 - 1868). French. After his ordination, Peter joined the Marist Congregation in 1840. He then had an intense experience of the merciful love of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. This experience changed the course of his life and gave him a new mission. He fostered Eucharistic Adoration throughout the rest of his life and founded the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament who are priest-adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

August 2nd is also the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli in Sardinia in Italy.(+ 371). Bishop.   St Eusebius and St Athanasius fought the Arian heresy tooth and nail. The Arians  denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians tortured and exiled St Eusebius.

In the Gospel of today from Matthew 13: 44 - 46, we see a big search for a treasure. Call this treasure gold or a pearl of great price. But in this parable, this treasure represents the Kingdom of God. 

How do we search for the Kingdom of God? According to Jesus in an important word of knowledge in the Sermon on the Mount, there is only One Way to seek the Kingdom of God: Matthew 6: 33. 

"But seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides." (NABRE). 

"But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also." (AMP). 

We have above two different translations on the way to seek the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is Jesus and where the Kingdom is, there is always the King. The King is the Pearl of greatest value. 

How do we seek this treasure? There must be a plan if we ever hope to find this treasure. There are 7 elements in this Plan. So we shall call it the 7-Way Plan of finding and enjoying the friendship of the King. 

1. Prayer. 

2. Scriptures. 

3. Eucharist. 

4. Examination of conscience. 

5. Reconciliation. 

6. Spiritual Reading. 

7. Faith Sharing /Ministry 

This is the Daily Plan for seeking and finding the King. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

The Feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. 

"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 August 1st 2023 in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787) is Italian. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Trained in civil and canon law, he was a great moral theologian and sought after for his gifts as a confessor and spiritual director. St Alphonsus Liguori is the patron saint of moral theologians.

St Alphonsus Liguori is an imminent Canon and Civil lawyer, writer and publisher of many book. He was gifted exceptionally by God. He was also a very sick man most of his long life. St Alphonsus Liguori is one of my favorite patron saints. 

One of the most delightful contributions of St Alphonsus Liguori is his teaching on the precious doctrine of Divine Providence. God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence governs all things. There is no exception to this divine law. 

I read and reread his small book: UNIFORMITY WITH GOD'S WILL. 

In the Gospel of today, we are presented again the interpretation of the Parable of the Weeds. As I read and reflect on the message, I think of the Weeds of Abortion.

 I ask myself: what if we are too impatient to uproot these weeds at all cost? What if we have been fighting the wrong battle out of pride and impatience? What if this unwinnable war is tearing the Church to pieces and preventing the Great Commission of Jesus to the Church: "Go to all the nations and preach the Good News to everyone." (Cf Matthew 28: 16 - 20).

Just a few anxious thoughts on the Gospel that the Holy Spirit presents the Church to ruminate. 

Below is what one of our great Bishops wrote on June 25th 2022 apropos the "Demonic Trojan Horse that is Abortion hidden in the belly of the Church to prevent the real work of Evangelization." 

"Friends, today is a time to rejoice as we celebrate the Supreme Court's decision to overturn “Roe v. Wade,” a deeply unjust law that has resulted in over 60 million lost lives. We mourn those unborn children and we reaffirm the Church's dedication to caring for people at all stages of life. We also redouble our efforts to care for all women and children in need.

"It is my hope that, in the coming days, our divided country avoids spiraling into further violence and instead we are able to find peace. May God bless all those who have worked tirelessly to promote the dignity of life, and may the Lord continue changing hearts and minds so that life will be accepted, valued, and cared for at all stages of existence." 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." I love this. 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10 

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Ignatius Loyola, Priest and Founder of the Society of Jesus.

The Feast of St Ignatius Loyola, Priest and Founder of the Society of Jesus. 

"Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.

"It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

"He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

"All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

"I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13: 31 - 35).

Monday 31st July in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Ignatius Loyola, Priest and Founder of the Society of Jesus. 

St Ignatius Loyola was born in 1491 and died in 1556.    Today is the patronal feast of the Society of Jesus. (Jesuits). 

The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola has been a potent force for spiritual renewal of individuals and groups in the Church. It is still very popular after 500 years. It has become a pillar of the apostolic ministry of the Society of Jesus today.

What did St Ignatius Loyola bequeath the Church?

#1. Spiritual Exercises

#2. Methods of examination of conscience

#3. Principles of Discernment of Spirits.

#4. Methodology of Education

This prayer of St Ignatius Loyola shows the inner principles that drove him:

"Lord Jesus, grant that I may know Your heart intimately, love You passionately and follow You everywhere." Amen.

These lofty ideals produced giants of our faith like: Saints Francis Xavier, Peter Canisius, Robert Berllamine, Paul Miki, Edmund Campion, Aloysius Gonzaga, Claude de la Colombière, Peter Clavier, Miguel Pro and so many others.

St Ignatius is the patron saint of soldiers and retreat masters.

Motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: For the Greater Glory of God.

We reflect on the Parable of the Mustard Seed in the Gospel of today. 

The Parable of the Mustard Seed gives us an insight into God's law in creation. Everything is created small.

The tiny mustard seed like the tiny acorn seed is born very small. Its laws or principles of growth are written inside the seed by its Creator.

The seed receives the early and later rain and continues to unfold following the laws of its nature. The farmer does not control the process. When the mustard seed is fully grown, it is ready to fulfill its destiny. It welcomes the birds on its branches.

The Church is the People of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The seed of the Kingdom of God on earth is the Church. (Cf CCC 249). It started very small in a tiny corner of the vast Roman Empire. Today the tiny Acorn has grown branches and spread throughout the world.

The Church as the People of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit needs the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to form it into its destiny.

"The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1: 18).

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus today July 31st.

This concludes the month of July dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. It should not be the end of your devotion to the Most Precious Blood. This Devotion can be done every day, once a week or as often as you want. Thursday is not mandatory. Why Thursday? Thursday is the day of the Last Supper and the beginning of the Agony and Passion of Jesus Christ. 

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com