The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles.

Feast of St Simon and Jude, Apostles. 

"Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.

"When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:

"Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor." (Luke 6: 12 - 16).

Saturday 28th October 2023 of the 29th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Simon and Jude.

They are among the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus in today's Gospel.  "Tradition has it that they preached in Mesopotamia and Persia and there were martyred." (Roman Missal). 

St Jude is a very popular Saint. He is the patron saint of lost and impossible causes.

Jesus called the 12 after a  night spent in prayer to His heavenly Father. 

He chose twelve men who had been with Him from the Baptism of John. He chose them to become the pillar and foundation of the truth, the Church. (1 Timothy 3: 15).

Jesus built His worldwide Church on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets.

Each year, we celebrate the glory of Saints Simon and Jude and the other Apostles and saints. We celebrate their feast in the liturgies. We name churches, hospitals, universities, etc after them. 

Why do we not celebrate the glory of Caesar, King Henry VIII, Napoleon, Churchill or Stalin? 

These paper Tigers lost their fame when they died. 

The message of the Apostles still goes out throughout the world.

It is the mind of Christ that the Church He founded be built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets.

What are the characteristics of this Church by which she can be recognized all over the world? There are four marks. We profess every Sunday in the Apostles' Creed that the Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. What do these words mean?

#1 One:  One faith, one Baptism, one Shepherd.

#2 Holy: The Holy Spirit that indwells the Church is the source of her holiness. The Holy Spirit continually cleanses the Bride of Christ from defilements.

#3 Catholic:  Universal. Found in all the countries of the United Nations and every other place of human habitation.

#4 Apostolic:  Every Bishop is directly traceable to the original 12 Apostles who were constituted in today's Gospel. Many Bishops alive today would have their lines run through Saints Simon and Jude, our saints of today.

"Simon and Jude are the holy men

whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory." (Cf Entrance Antiphon).

"As for you, dear son of mine, persevere in praying to me. Hold fast to my Rosary and beware of every ploy of the Evil One to separate you from it. My Rosary is your safeguard and your weapon in the fight against the forces of evil. At the same time, for you it is a remedy and a comfort. Do you not see how the Rosary has stabilized you? Do you not experience its healing and all its benefits? Pray my Rosary and teach others to do the same." (IN SINU JESU). 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. Three More Days! 

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

The Signs of the Times.

The Signs of the Times. 

"Jesus said to the crowds,

“When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain —and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot—and so it is. 

"You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; ­otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” (Luke 12: 54 - 59).

Friday 27th October 2023 of the 29th Week of Ordinary Time. 

In the Gospel of today, we learn of the necessity of interpreting intelligently the signs of the times. 

What are the Signs of the Times today? Consider a few of these:

1. Divisions in the Body of Christ. 

2. Fragmentation of the Catholic Church into conservatives and liberals. 

3. Denial of Climate change. 

4. War in Ukraine. 

5. War in the Holy Land. 

5. Rise in migration and refugees worldwide. 

6. Global inflation. 

Jesus says to us: "You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"

Authentic signs of the times come from the mind of Christ. To know the mind of Christ, we must abide in Christ Jesus through:

1. Abiding in His word. 

2. In the Communion of His Body. 

3. In the Communion of the Saints. 

King David consulted Architophel because the wise man knew the signs of the times. Emperors consulted St Jerome in Rome because St Jerome was able to interpret the signs of the times for the Emperors. 

What can we do about these signs of the times we identified above?

St Paul gives us a clue when he urged us to pray earnestly for "the gift of prophecy."

If you are in litigation and you decide that the outcome will not be favorable to you, you sue for peace. "If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison." 

Let us hurry to do something about these grim signs of the times. 

If you hear His voice today, harden not your hearts. Do not say: I have tomorrow. I will make peace with God tomorrow.  "You fool, this night, you face your Judge. 

“From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).

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

You Receive More. Give More.

A Baptism I must be baptized. 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!

"There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! 

"Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three;

 A father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:  49 - 53).

Some people think that the Gospel of today from Luke 12: 49 - 53 is a hyperbole, that is, great exaggeration. 

If you think so, then look at a Crucifix. Is Jesus nailed to the Cross wearing a crown of thorns a hyperbole? Is the war in the Holy Land today a movie? 

Jesus proclaimed: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!"

Jesus said in another passage that the purpose of His life is to proclaim the truth. If you belong to the truth, you will listen to His voice, He further said. If you do not belong to the truth, you will oppose Him. 

Falsehood always opposes the truth. Cain murdered Abel. Esau hated his brother Jacob and would have killed him if he had the opportunity. The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. Judas, intimate companion of Jesus betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. Israel and Hamas are slaughtering each other. 

This tug of War still plays out relentlessly in families everywhere. Do not be afraid of those who oppose you because you have responded to the call of Jesus. Be rather afraid of failing to acknowledge Jesus before men. Jesus wants us to love our families and friends but never make idols of them. 

Do you remember how David slew Goliath?

Now see what weapons God has given us for the inevitable struggle of the present time:

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 4 - 5).

Our God is a consuming fire! 

"St. Bernard asks, Why does the Church name Mary Queen of Mercy? and answers, Because we believe that she opens the depths of the mercy of God, to whom she will, when she will, and as she will; so that not even the vilest sinner is lost, if Mary protects him."

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

You Receive More. Give More.

Has much been given you? 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

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

"Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?”

"And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?

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

"But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

"That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly.

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12: 39 - 48).

Wednesday 25th October 2023 in the 29th Week of Ordinary Time. 

My friend, has God given you much in life? To answer the question truthfully and comprehensively, consider the following areas of your life:

1. Family. 

2. Health. 

3. Money. 

4. Job. 

5. Tools. 

6. Food. 

7. Future. 

When I did a similar reflection several years ago, I was astonished. 

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” 

When I read the above, I knew I was in trouble. God is merciful. I threw myself into the merciful love of God. That was many years ago. Today I commit myself to make up for lost time and ground. 

Everyday, I engage myself to grow to know Jesus more through:

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily Bible Verse. 

3. Communion. 

4. Confession. 

5. Daily Examination of conscience. 

6. Daily Spiritual Reading. 

7. Sharing my faith through Blogs. 

"Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” 

Lord Jesus, I trust in Your merciful love. I cling tightly to this love. I surrender myself completely to You. Take care of everything Your way according to Your Plan for my life. 

 

“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!” (St. Padre Pio). 

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

The Feast of St Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop and Missionary.

Feast of St Anthony Mary Claret. Bishop and Founder. 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.

"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.

"Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them.

"And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.” (Luke 12: 35 - 38).

Tuesday 24th October 2023 of the 29th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony Mary Claret (1807 - 1870).

St Anthony Mary Claret was a Spanish missionary and Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba. He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).

St Anthony Mary Claret was no stranger to the type of cruelty inflicted on the poor and marginalized people in most countries of the world. He fought for the rights of these people in Cuba and at the end of his life, he wrote: “I have fulfilled my mission, I have preached the Gospel, I have kept holy poverty.”

Wow! We know that by Baptism, God has adopted us as His children and given each of us a mission.  But is it part of the Covenant of Baptism to actually work to fulfill our Baptismal Mission?

Our Gospel for today says YES:

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.

"Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival." 

A word is enough for the wise. 

“The Rosary is the most powerful weapon to touch the Heart of Jesus, Our Redeemer, who loves His Mother.” (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

Feast of St John Capistrano, OFM.

FEAST OF St John Capistrano, OFM 

"Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”

"He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

"Then he told them a parable. 

“There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’

"But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’

"Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Luke 12: 13 - 21).

Monday 23rd October 2023, 29th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Capistrano.  (1386 -1456).

Italian Franciscan Priest. 

John was a successful lawyer before he became a Franciscan priest. John brought his natural gifts as a lawyer into his preaching ministry and brought about great revivals in various countries of Eastern Europe.

His charismatic preaching brought about great revival in the countries of Eastern Europe. John was one of the few clerics in history who led an army into battle. He did so to defend Europe against the menacing advances of the Turks and died a few years later. 

Our key Scripture for today is the self congratulatory words of the foolish rich man whose land produced abundant harvest. He did not give thanks to God. He did not share his bounty with the poor.

He received a jolting message from God who is our Divine Providence:

"You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?" (Luke 12: 20).

From the beginning of salvation history, God has taught man to trust in Him for all his needs. Below are a few relevant Scriptures:

#1. Gather the manna you need for one day.  The next day, "I the Lord Your God will supply fresh manna for the new day." (Cf Exodus 16: 21 - 35).

Hoarding is idolatry. Deal with your insecurity with prayer.

#2. "Give us today the food we need."  (Matthew 6: 11).

God who is our Providence knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

#3.  "Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil."  (Matthew 6 : 34).

God says: My Name is: I AM. My Name is not I WAS. My Name is not I WILL BE.

Learn from God's Name that He is always Emmanuel, God with you always. He is in control everywhere, in everything and always. Do not be fooled by what you consider accidents or coincidences.

Jesus promises that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His holiness, God who knows what we need and when we need it will never fail to provide adequately for us.

Do not allow wealth to be a snare for you.  Rather make your wealth the trusting of God's promises. God wants His faithful promises to be our protection and armor in every situation. (Cf Psalm 94: 4). Not even a single one of them has failed.

“Those who say the Rosary frequently and fervently will gradually grow in grace and holiness and will enjoy the special protection of Our Lady and the abiding friendship of God.”
-Bishop Hugh Boyle

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