Take up your cross and follow me.

Take up your cross & follow Me. 

"Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

"Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

"He [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.” (Matthew 16: 21 - 27).

Sunday September 3rd 2023 in the 22nd Week of Ordinary Time. 

Jesus' first prediction of His passion, death and resurrection marks a turning point in His ministry. The disciples did not understand His prediction. Perhaps they did not even want to hear Him speak of bad news at all, certainly not suffering and death.

“God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” Peter remonstrated with Jesus.

What is your opinion about the Crucifixion? Suffering in your life? Suffering in the world?

The Cross is God's will and path for our salvation. No Cross, No Crown.

“Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24: 25 - 26).

This is the Full Truth of the Gospel. No More, No Less. 

So we are foolish to imagine that there could be salvation without suffering. Suffering is a divine necessity. Look around you and see the truth in nature. A seed must die in the ground before it sprouts to bring new life. A woman at childbirth wonders whether her end has come. But soon, she is smiling with the child in her arms.

One of the most powerful truths I learned from the Gospels is this: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 32).

The reverse of this is equally astonishing. You are imprisoned by the falsehood you believe. The Devil is the Father of lies. He sows falsehood and lies everywhere. That is why Jesus rebuked Peter sharply on this occasion.

“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” (Matthew 16: 23).

How do we protect ourselves from the deadly lies of the Devil? The answer is in the 2nd Reading today:

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12: 2).

#1 Read and meditate on the word of God every day.

#2 Pray every day.

"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later." (Romans 8: 18).

How did the Blessed Virgin Mary comprehend the necessity of the Cross and embrace this mystery fully in her life? In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary obtain for us the grace to embrace all the crosses in our lives. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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

Do not bury your talent.

The Servant who hid his talent. 

"Jesus told his disciples this parable: 

“A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.

"To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one—to each according to his ability. 

"Then he went away.

"Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. 

"Likewise, the one who received two made another two.

"But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.

"After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.

"The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

"Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’

"Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ 

"His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 

"Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 

"And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”

 (Matthew 25: 14 - 30).

Saturday 2nd September 2023. First Saturday in September is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The third servant who made no returns on his investment says:  ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’"

This servant provides us the interpretative key for the Parable: Hiding or Burying the Master's talent is what many Catholics do. 

+Hear the word of the Lord you Bishop who failed to speak truth to power or correct your priests. 

+Hear the word of the Lord, you scholars who fail to teach but indulge in empty speculations. 

+Hear the word of the Lord you priests and deacons too lazy to prepare a homily. 

+Hear the word of the Lord you catechists who turn your classes into storytelling sessions. 

Every day is for the Thief. But one day is for the Owner of the House.

 Wake up now all you who bury the talent of the Lord before it is late. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in September as the SORROWFUL MOTHER. From ancient TIMES, the Church honors Mary on Saturdays. 

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 Ten Virgins - A Prophetic Narrative.

The Prophetic Story of the Ten Virgins. 

"Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 

"The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

"At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ 

"While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.

"Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 

"Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”  (Matthew 25: 1 - 13).

Friday September 1st 2023 in the 21st Week of Ordinary Time. Today is First Friday in September. 

Our Gospel for today is the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five foolish and five wise. The bridegroom was delayed in his coming. Both the wise and the foolish Virgins did not know that the bridegroom will be delayed. The wise Virgins brought some extra oil for their lamps. Because the foolish Virgins did not anticipate a delay, they provided no extra oil.

How do you deal with the Delay Factor in your life?

The Second Coming of Jesus has been delayed. Most likely than not, the fulfillment of God's precious promise to you will be delayed. What do you do?

There are 106 occurrences of WAIT in the Bible. The message is uniform: There may be delays. Wait for the Lord.  There is an appointed time for the fulfillment. You must wait for this fullness of time. 

“For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time It hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, Because it will certainly come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2: 3 AMP).

"Don’t be impatient. Wait for the Lord, and he will come and save you! Be brave, stouthearted, and courageous. Yes, wait and he will help you." (Psalm 27: 14 TLB).

Those who waited for the Lord:

Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, David, Elizabeth and Zachary, Simeon and the Prophetess Anna.  St Monica  waited patiently for God for the conversion of her son, Augustine. 

The Lord does not delay as human beings consider delays. All His actions are guided by His mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. God cannot be one second late for His appointments. God is always on time.

"In this Sacrament I wait for you. So many emphasize that they must wait for Me, and yet I am already present, close to them, and disposed to reveal to them the secrets of My Heart. They forget that it is I who wait for them to come to Me. How often did I say to My disciples, “Come to Me.” They understood, at least most of them did, the intensity of My longing for the company of souls. I would have all souls come to Me and remain with Me." (IN SINU JESU page 94).

Wait for the Lord!

DELAY IS NOT DENIAL. IT MEANS MORE TIME TO PREPARE. 

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com 

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday.

First Friday in September 2023. September 1st. 

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which Jesus made through St Margaret Mary Alacoque to all who honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

In the 9th month of the year 2023, we look at Promise #9. 

#9.  "I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored." 

Jesus Christ is proud of His humanity and human heritage. He wants His brethren to be reminded of this.  He is fully God and fully Man. He is a handsome Man. A handsome man is the glory of God says St Irenaeus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. So Jesus mandated His image to be rendered by artists for the Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy devotions respectively. The Church approved these devotions and images. 

Do you have an image or statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a prominent place in your home?

The 9th Promise is a very easy condition to fulfill. 

Buy the Sacred Heart of Jesus picture or statue from a Catholic Bookstore or Amazon and place it in a prominent place in your home.  You can also print an image of the Sacred Heart off the Internet or this website. Ask your pastor to bless it. With the blessing of a priest, it becomes a sacramental. You can now tell Jesus: "Bless my home as You promised, Jesus. I have a blessed image of Your Sacred Heart in my house". 

Honor this image by glancing at it from time to time and saying "Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I love You." Or any such prayer.

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

PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF Saint Gertrude the Great:

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

fountain of eternal life,

Your Heart is a glowing furnace of Love.

You are my refuge and my sanctuary.

O my adorable and loving Savior,

consume my heart with the burning fire

with which Yours is aflamed.

Pour down on my soul those graces

which flow from Your love.

Let my heart be united with Yours.

Let my will be conformed to Yours in all things.

May Your Will be the rule of all my desires and actions.

Amen.

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 

Stay Awake and Be Ready.

Stay Awake and Be Prepared for the Coming of Jesus. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 

"Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?

"Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 

"But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

 (Matthew 24: 42 - 51).

Thursday August 31st 2023 in the 21st Week of Ordinary Time.

What is the central message in today's Gospel?

Jesus teaches the absolute necessity of being Always Ready! Always Prepared! For what? For either the Time of Fulfillment to answer your prayers or for the Hour to meet

your God. God decided in His mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence not to reveal the precise time He visits us. Why? So that we will be always ready for Eternity. You will not get a text message from God saying: Be ready on Thursday, August 31st at 9.30am at the Starbucks on Divine Ave.

No. 

The moment may come like a thief in the night. Very suddenly!

How do we prepare?

#1. Form a habit of daily prayer.

#2. Form a habit of daily feeding on the word of God.

#3. Frequent Eucharist. 

#4. Frequent Reconciliation. 

#5. Pray for the grace of perseverance every day.

Be always prepared!

AUGUST 31ST 2023. WE END THE GLORIOUS MONTH OF AUGUST TODAY. KNOW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD NEVER FAILS THOSE WHO HONOR HER ESPECIALLY WITH THE HOLY ROSARY. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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

Hypocrisy is Falsehood.

The Problem of Hypocrisy and Untruth. 

"Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.

"Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’

"Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!” (Matthew 23: 27 - 32).

Wednesday 30th August 2023 in the 21st Week of Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture for today deals with hypocrisy.

Does the Church have a problem of hypocrisy today? 

The World has a huge problem with the truth. One may even say with the Truth, who is a person. This had been recognized decades ago by modern prophets like Pope Benedict XVI and many sociologists.

Hypocrisy is fundamentally a masking of Untruth. What are some of its characteristics today? 

• Bold lies. Bigger the better. 

• No shame in telling lies. 

• No shame or apology in lying or being caught lying. 

• No hesitation in lying before children. 

• Sins of lies, perjury, defamation are minimized and may no longer be adequately confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God in the world. (Cf CCC). Alas, the Church is no longer immune from the sin of hypocrisy, lies, falsehood, perjury and defamation. 

Pope Francis had to cry out publicly against false attacks on his person by some Catholic media. We never think we shall see such fulfillment of biblical prophecies in our days. 

"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.  But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4: 3 - 5). 

We live in a time that seems to be marred by open rebellion against the truth.

How can one "be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry?"

• St Philip Neri teaches that frequent Confession will lead us to truth and humility.

• The Church teaches that frequent Holy Communion will transform us into the copy image of the Person we receive in the Eucharist. Jesus Christ is the Truth, the Way and the Life. 

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

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