The good son and the disobedient son.

The Parable of the Two Sons. 

"Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people:

“What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’

"He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went.

"The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.

"Which of the two did his father’s will?”

"They answered, “The first.”

"Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.

"When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” (Matthew 21: 28 - 32).

Sunday October 1st 2023, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Who enters the Kingdom of God first and why? Let us look at the list of the invited: High priests,  Pharisees, scribes, scholars, judges,  tax collectors, prostitutes, brigands, and all the other deplorables.

Jesus, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kingdom tells us that the "tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you." This is an incredible reversal of perking order. But why? Because John the Baptist came and preached righteousness and mercy and the great ones rejected him. The tax collectors and prostitutes heard him and embraced his message. 

The chief priests and elders and their friends saw what was happening and refused to change their minds. So they merited the condemnation of Christ for the hardness of heart and pride.

God who shows His almighty power in His mercy and forgiveness will welcome the chief priests, elders and Pharisees if they change their minds and accept His mercy. Mercy and forgiveness are constant in salvation history.

Ask for mercy.

Be merciful.

Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. Group Rosary is said every Sunday or Day in many parishes. People who don't habitually say the Holy Rosary every day say it every day in October. The blessings and fruits are enormous. Families should say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

THE FAMILY THAT PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

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

OCTOBER DEVOTION TO THE HOLY ROSARY.

OCTOBER 2023 DEVOTION TO THE HOLY ROSARY. 

1.

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians Who Recite the 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.  

4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things.

 5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred Mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune.  God will not chastise him in His justice; he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from Purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary. 

12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

 13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

🙏🙏🙏

2.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

Official Act of Consecration to Mary

Written by St. Maximilian Kolbe

O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and our most loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy to you.  I, (name), a repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet humbly imploring you to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to yourself as your possession and property.  Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you.

If it pleases you, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of you: “She will crush your head,” and, “You alone have destroyed all heresies in the world.”  Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing your glory to the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the blessed kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  For wherever you enter, you obtain the grace of conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin.

R. Give me strength against your enemies.

St Maximilian Kolbe, pray for me.

3.

LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (LITANY OF LORETO). 

V. Lord, have mercy.

R. Christ have mercy.

V. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us.

R. Christ graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us. 

Holy Mother of God, pray for us. 

Holy Virgin of Virgins, 

Mother of Christ, 

Mother of the Church

*MOTHER of Mercy*

Mother of divine grace,

*MOTHER of Hope*

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good Counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Savior,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

Virgin most renowned,

Virgin most powerful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of wisdom,

Cause of our joy,

Spiritual vessel,

Vessel of honor,

Singular vessel of devotion,

Mystical rose,

Tower of David,

Tower of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Morning star,

Health of the sick,

Refuge of sinners,

*COMFORT of Migrants*

Comforter of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels,

Queen of Patriarchs,

Queen of Prophets,

Queen of Apostles,

Queen of Martyrs,

Queen of Confessors,

Queen of Virgins,

Queen of all Saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the most holy Rosary,

Queen of families,

Queen of peace,

🙏🙏🙏

4.

THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS ABOUT THOSE WHO SAY THE HOLY ROSARY:

"There are no sufferings that cannot be borne peacefully, so long as a soul is praying the Rosary. Through the Rosary, all the grace and power of My mysteries passes through My Mother’s Immaculate Heart into the hearts of the little ones who invoke her, repeating the angel’s “Ave” over and over again. There are illnesses that can be cured through the Rosary. There are clouds of darkness and confusion that only the Rosary can disperse, and this because it is My Mother’s favourite prayer, a prayer that originated in the heights of heaven and was carried to earth by My Archangel, a prayer echoed and amplified in the Church through the ages, a prayer loved by all My saints, a prayer of disarming power and of immense depth." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, December 2, 2014).

5.

WRITE DOWN THE FRUITS OF YOUR OCTOBER 23 DEVOTION for your encouragement. For example: Healing, family peace, children coming back to the Church, resolution to Daily Rosary, new job, promotion, financial peace, etc. 

As you reflect on answered prayers and thank God, your faith will grow. 

SeekFirstcommunity.com 

The Feast of St Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church.

Feast of St Jerome, Priest and Doctor Of the Church. 

"Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night:

he will yield his fruit in due season."

 (Cf Psalm 1: 1 - 2. Entrance Antiphon on the Feast of St Jerome).

Saturday 30th September 2023 of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Jerome (342 - 420).

"St Jerome was from Dalmatia in former Yugoslavia. Priest, Doctor of the Church. Jerome translated the Bible into the Latin Vulgate, which became the official version of the Bible for the Church for over 1000 years.

We chose our key Scripture for today from Psalm 1, the great promise of God for those who love His word and study it season and out of season. 

Note that a similar promise is made to Joshua:

"Do not let this book of the law depart from your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may carefully observe all that is written in it; then you will attain your goal; then you will succeed." (Joshua 1: 8).

If you are still not excited by the promises of investing time and resources in the word of God, consider this:

"When I found your words, I devoured them; your words were my joy, the happiness of my heart." (Jeremiah 15: 16).

When Jeremiah devoured the word of God, what did he find? Incomparable sweetness, happiness and joy.

I too discovered the word of God in a career crisis while working for a large  company. The word that was waiting for me to discover was Exodus 14: 13 - 14. I was blown away by God's utter faithfulness to His gracious promise. I resolved to read the Scriptures everyday from that day.

I am delighted by this quote from St Jerome:

+  "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."

Lord, help us to follow the example of St Jerome in reflecting on Your word day and night. May Your word prepare us to offer You a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving always and everywhere. Amen.

September 30. End of September. The Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary today September 30. May the Most Sorrowful Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary obtain for us peace and serenity and prosperity. Amen. 

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

The Feast of the Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

The Feast of the Archangels: Michael, Raphael Gabriel.

"Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

"Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

"Nathanael ­answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”

"And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 47 - 51).

Friday 29th September 2023 of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

Angels are mentioned many times in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus' encounter with Nathanael (Bartholomew) in the Gospel of today confirms the existence of angels. A fact that is known in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Here is the meaning of the names of the Archangels:

Micha-El: Who is like God?

Gabri-El: God’s strength” or “Power of God”

Rapha-El: “God heals”

El means God.

By the ministry of the angels, our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving come before the presence of Almighty God.

The Archangel Michael is assigned to guard the Church. ( Cf Daniel 12: 1). 

Pope Leo XIII who had a vision of this in the Sanctuary of his Church composed the Prayer to St Michael which became an inspired and principal prayer in spiritual warfare. Many Catholics say this prayer daily.

United with the angels, we will conquer the Great Deceiver by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. (Cf Revelations 12: 7 - 12).

How do we enter into personal relationship with the angels?

Exactly the same way we enter into relationship with our patron saints. We honor the saints by praying to them, asking them favors and their protection. We celebrate their feast as we do this day. 

Jesus Christ, the Prince of Saints says that when we honor the saints and angels, we glorify Him. Besides the three Archangels we honor today, each human being is assigned a Guardian Angel when he is created. We celebrate the feast of the Guardian Angels on October 2nd.

Click the link below for the St Michael the Archangel Prayer:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/09/st-michael-archangel-prayer.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

Saints Wenceslaus and Lawrence, Martyrs.

Feast of Saints Wenceslaus & Laurence Ruiz, Martyrs. 

"Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”

"But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.." (Luke 9: 7 - 9).

Thursday September 28th of the 25th week of Ordinary Time. Feast of Saints Wenceslaus & Lawrence (Lorenzo) Ruiz, Martyrs.

 St Wenceslaus (907 - 927). King and Martyr. Saintly monarch. Murdered by his own brother in a sibling rivalry that reminds us of Cain and Abel. 

St Lorenzo Ruiz (+1630). Filipino layman and his companions were martyred in Japan with other Christian missionaries.

Faith comes from what you hear.

Hearing and believing the testimony of a faithful and credible witness is God's plan for transmission of faith.

"Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen." (Mark 16: 14).

Those who have desperate needs come to faith much easily than people with no problems.

King Herod heard about the miracles of Jesus and was greatly perplexed. He did not believe that something supernatural was happening in his backyard. Why? He felt he had no necessities that Jesus could relieve. 

See below people who heard about Jesus and believed. They all have desperate needs:

#1. Syrophoenician woman: The woman heard about Jesus from neighbors or friends and went in search of Jesus. (Mark 7: 26, Matthew 15: 22).

#2. Zacchaeus:  The diminutive and very wealthy Tax collector Zacchaeus heard about the miracles and teaching of Jesus and cast aside all self respect, climbed a sycamore tree to get a good view of Jesus. (Luke 19: 1 - 2 10)

#3. Timaeus: Timaeus the blind man heard so much talk about Jesus probably from his family members. He prayed earnestly that Jesus would pass by his way. His prayer was answered. (Mark 10: 46 - 52).

#4. Father of the Demoniac: The father of the Demoniac heard about Jesus, walked a long way to see Jesus. He believed that where the disciples failed, Jesus will certainly succeed. (Matthew 17: 14 - 20, Mark 9: 14 - 29, Luke 9: 37 - 43).

#5. Jairius: Jarius, the civil servant heard about the miracles of Jesus and hastened to meet Jesus. (Mark 5: 21 - 43, Matthew 9: 18 - 26, Luke 8: 40 - 56).

#6. "The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant." (Luke 7: 3 NIV).

All the people above heard about Jesus and believed because they had desperate needs and they trusted the people who witnessed to them about Jesus.

Principle: These people had serious needs. They heard about the miracles of Jesus. They believed. They sought out Jesus. They obtained their miracle. Jesus is still in the business of miracles.

"Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”

Herod did nothing and died in his sins.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

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

The Feast of St Vincent de Paul.

Feast of St Vincent de Paul, Priest. 

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them,

“Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.

"Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

"And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” 

"Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere." (Luke 9: 1 - 6).

Wednesday 27th September 2023 in the 25th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Vincent de Paul. 

Priest (1581 - 1660). French.

For many people around the world, St Vincent de Paul needs no introduction. His name and prestige blesses the world-wide charitable organization that ministers spiritually and materially to the needs of the poor, the homeless and the very needy. 

St Vincent de Paul is known in history for his love of the Poor and for deep humility.  He also had great interest in the formation of priests.

St Vincent de Paul founded the Daughters of Charity with St Louise de Marillac. After this, he founded the Congregation of the Mission.

St Vincent de Paul discerned after his ordination to the priesthood that the greatest need of the Church in France was the training and formation of the clergy. He threw himself into preparation for this ministry.

Imagine his dismay when his Bishop sent him hundreds of miles from Paris to the provinces to the home of a prince, the Gondi family, a friend of the king of France. Vincent de Paul remained in the castle for several years teaching the two young sons of the prince.

St Vincent de Paul went to this mission in obedience. For the years he spent in the castle trying to teach the boys who did not want to learn anything, he wondered the strange ways of Divine Providence. He was soon to learn on his return to Paris.

St Vincent de Paul soon learned that in the eyes of God true greatness is: humility, a loving concern for the little ones, the poor and the needy and homeless. This became the new ministry of St Vincent de Paul in Paris. Because of the connection with the Prince and his family, St Vincent de Paul got to know who is who in the court of the king of France.

These nobles later provided the funds for the ministry of St Vincent de Paul to the poor and downtrodden of Paris. St Vincent de Paul did not forget the second love of his life: the formation of the clergy.

Throughout his life, Vincent marveled and then trusted God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence. St Vincent de Paul is the patron saint of the St Vincent de Paul Society founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam.

"Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick." 

Our Gospel of this Wednesday finds great application in the life of St Vincent de Paul: Trust in God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence which governs all things. St Vincent de Paul did this. This is what makes him a great Saint. 

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

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

The Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs.

Feast of Sts Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs. 

"The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. 

"He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.”

"He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” (Luke 8: 19 - 21).

Tuesday 26th September 2023, 25th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian. 

Cosmas and Damian are biological twins. Both distinguished themselves as great Physicians.

Cosmas and Damian combined a supernatural gift of healing with sound medical training and practice. What is extraordinary about these two doctors is that they offered their services completely free of charge. Because they did so, it pleased Christ, the Divine Physician to work through them. He crowned their life with a martyr's crown and raised them to eternal glory.

Cosmas and Damian were martyred under Emperor Diocletian +305. 

In the Gospel of today, we hear:

“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it."

What is the word of God?

#1. The word of God is the written word of God in the Sacred Scriptures.

#2. The word of God is decrees of God through the Sacred Tradition.

#3. The living word of God comes to us through the living and Sacred Magisterium, that is the teaching authority of the Church.

In the Scriptures, the word of God is also called the promise, will, command, precepts, ordinances law and decrees of God. 

In the Gospel for today, Jesus teaches that those who hear the word of God and observe it belong to a new family. A new family where blood is thicker than water. Jesus gives to those who listen to His voice and accepts His teaching the power to become the children of God.

Do we have an example of where the word of God forms close  and tight families?

From the beginning of the Church, this divine teaching of Jesus has been vindicated in the early Christian communities of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. 

Today we have several religious communities, viz: Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, the Poor Clares, etc. The members of these communities love and cherish one another and are closely knit as a family more than most families in the world.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

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

Believe the word of God. Share the word of God.

Believe & Share the Word of God. 

"Jesus said to the crowd: 

“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.

"For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 

"Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 16 - 18).

The Seed is the word of God. 

Believe in the word of God. 

Share the word of God. 

Practice the word of God. 

"To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.” (Luke 8: 18).

In our Baptism, we receive the light of Christ and a variety of supernatural graces. If we show ourselves good managers of this treasure, they grow like a mustard seed. If we neglect these gifts, they shrivel until one day, they die. Look! People do not suddenly stop believing or stop coming to Church. Their faith has been dying slowly long before that final gasp of breath. What are the signs of a dying faith?

#1 Doubts of the truths of faith.

#2 Critical attitude of things of God.

#3 Severe and critical attitude of the Church.

#4 Hostility against sacred Ministers.

#5 Witholding contributions to the Church.

These are just a few. When you notice these signs in family members or friends, you are obligated under the Spiritual Laws of Mercy to:

#1 Instruct the ignorant.

#2 Counsel the doubtful.

Do not forget to apply the universal remedy of prayer. St Monica, mother of St Augustine prayed for St Augustine for many years before his conversion. See what St Augustine turned out to be.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

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