The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. 

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2: 2).

The three Magi followed the star hundreds of miles before they found Jesus.

"They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2: 10 - 11).

Sunday 7th January 2024 

What is the Epiphany? This is the day when the Divine Child Jesus was shown or revealed to Gentiles represented by the three Wise Men.

Brothers and sisters, this is really a beautiful feast that offers us great insight into the mystery of salvation. Our salvation, redemption, assumption into Christ depends on one thing, only one thing: FAITH! Examples:

#1 The Magi, wealthy lords from the East entered the room where Christ lay with His simply clad mother and father in a sparsely furnished room . They saw and Believed that this is He.

St Bernard of Clairvaux wrote:

"What are you doing, O Magi? Do you adore a little Babe, in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can this Child be truly God? … Are you become foolish, O Wise Men … Yes, these Wise Men have become fools that they may be wise. (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux). 

#2 Simeon and Anna entered the Temple during the Presentation of Jesus to His heavenly Father. They saw a simple couple with two small pigeons, the offering of the poor. They saw and they Believed that this is He.

#3 

At the crucifixion, Jesus' battered body was hanging between two thieves. One of the thieves turned his head slightly and looked at Jesus. He saw and believed that this is He, the Savior of the world.

#4. The Roman officer who had seen many crucifixions saw the demeanor of Jesus hanging from the cross said: This is the Son of God.

In all four instances, our examples walked by faith and not by sight or feeling.

In the feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the fullness of time when God revealed His only Begotten Son to the nations through the Magi by the guidance of a star.

All nations become coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Cf Ephesians 3: 6).

When you became a member of the Body of Christ through Baptism, you were asked: What do you seek from the Church of the living God? We know that the first thing we seek is Faith. Faith opens the door to every good thing in the world.

I believe in God the Father.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son.

I believe in the Holy Spirit.

I believe in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I believe in life everlasting.

Amen.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St André Bessette.

St André Bessette, Religious Brother.  

"This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

"It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 

"On coming up out of the water he saw the ­heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1: 7 - 11).

Saturday 6th January 2024 in the Season of Christmas. 

Saturday before the Epiphany is the feast of St André Bessette, popularly known as Brother André. (1845 - 1937). Canadian. Religious Brother of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. 

St André Bessette was a miracle worker when alive. He works more miracles now from Heaven.

My favorite St André Bessette quote is:

"Only a tool in the hands of providence; a lowly instrument at the service of St. Joseph” • “Put yourself in God's hands; He abandons no one.” (Brother André).

Today Saturday , 6th January is also the First Saturday in 2024. The Holy Church has a long tradition from antiquity of honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturdays especially the first Saturday of the month. 

Start the New Year with a bang by embracing this Devotion. 

What is the contribution of Brother André to the building up of the mystical Body of Christ?

#1.  St André Bessette had a great devotion to St Joseph, the holy Spouse of the Immaculate Virgin Mary. He helped in the revival of the cult of St Joseph.

#2. His special commitment to the afflicted and the poor could not be unconnected with the torrents of the miracles his ministry unleashed while he was alive and even more when he is in Heaven. Jesus Christ is glorified when we honor the saints. He pays back so to speak His favored saints by granting many miracles through their intercessions.

In the Gospel of today from Mark 1: 7 - 11, please note the humility of St John the Baptist. Our Saint of today, Brother André was noted by all for his humility.

“One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 

This is humility. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com 

Feast of St John Neumann. Redemptorist Bishop.

Feast of St John Neumann, Bishop. 

"Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”

"Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

"But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 

"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 the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 43 - 54).

St John Neumann was born in Bohemia. He became a Redemptorist priest in the America. He became the Bishop of Philadelphia.  Worn out by his labors, John died at the age of 49.

In our Gospel today, Bartholomew also known as Nathanael is one of the Twelve Apostles. 

Here is the amazing faith of Philip in Jesus who had just launched His public ministry:  “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” Philip confidently declared. 

Philip believes that Jesus is the Messiah.

When Philip told his friend Nathaniel (Bartholomew) that they found Jesus, he said:  “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

But Philip, a great evangelist said to Bartholomew, “Come and see.” Both Philip and Bartholomew spent some friendly time with Jesus that afternoon and both became His disciples. The interaction with Jesus closed the sale. And Bartholomew declared: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 

The lesson here is the miraculous effect of spending quality time before the Blessed Sacrament. 

St John Neumann is not only a great catechist and educator but a great evangelist. He introduced the Forty Hours Devotion from Europe to America. 

Who is Jesus planning to draw near Him through you? Evangelization   could be likened to seeing a great deal or sales promotion in the supermarket or Amazon and sharing that information with a friend. You share with family and friends what you value highly.

Resolve to be a Philip. Introduce somebody to Jesus today. Share your faith.

 “Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this First Friday in January 2024.

First Friday in January 2024.

Start this Year strong by honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus on January 5th. See yourself stronger in faith by July 2024 and finish in December in top form and count your blessings.

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.

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

What does Jesus mean by the state of life?

Every human being lives in one of two states:  married life for majority of people and single state.

In the single state, there are men and women who have committed themselves to Consecrated life. Human needs are not the same always for the two groups.  Whether you find yourself married or single, this is is your predestined means for holiness and passport to heaven.

In Promise #1, the Lord promises to provide all the graces necessary in all the circumstances of life, viz:

 Please remember that the Lord Jesus knows exactly what you need and when you need it. Trust Him.

Remind the Lord often of these promises.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, 5th of January 2024.

For the full list of the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 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 

"Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious.

Feast of St Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious and Foundress. 

“John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” 

"The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” 

"They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 

"Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus.

"Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.” (John 1: 35 - 42).

 Thursday, January 4th 2024 in the Season of Christmas is the feast of St Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774 - 1821). 

St Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American  Religious. Elizabeth is blessed as wife, mother, educator and founder of a religious order. She was born in New York. 

Why is she significant in the Church in America? She founded the Sisters of Charity, a teaching order that has made a significant contribution to education and the American parochial school system. Secondly, she was the first person born in continental United States of America to be canonized a saint.

But more to the point is that Elizabeth Ann Seton found the fullness of Jesus Christ and His teaching in the Catholic Church. Like Andrew and John in our Scripture of today, Elizabeth must have exclaimed when she converted to Catholicism and received into the Church: "I have found the fullness of knowledge and faith in Jesus. I have found the Eucharist!"

One of the beautiful maxims of St Elizabeth Ann is:

"Cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts." (St Elizabeth Ann Seton). 

"Behold a wise woman who has built her house. She feared the Lord and walked in the right path." (Proverbs 14: 1 - 2).

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.

THE Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. 

"John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

"He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.”

"John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him.

I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” (John 1: 29 - 34).

Jesus is the name given to our Redeemer before He was born.

The name Jeshua in Hebrew means God Saves!  It is a name that is so appropriate for Jesus because He saves everyone who puts his faith in Him.

Even before the Gospels were written, the Name of Jesus has been revered and venerated. In fact, the power of the Name of Jesus is one of the four pillars of Apostolic Witness. 

Others are:

#1 The Death of Jesus.

#2 The Resurrection of Jesus.

#3 The Witness of Sacred Scriptures to these events.

Is there any wonder that this hymn from the Letter to the Philippians below is the earliest liturgical hymn recorded? This hymn is a historical testament that Liturgy (the Mass) precedes the written Gospels.

"At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2: 10 - 11).

Demons fear the Name of Jesus. Use it often as an armor of protection. The Jesus Prayer, "Jesus have mercy on me" is a full prayer. Use it when you need a quick prayer.

According to St Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church, "The sweet name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, and nourishes pure affections.... This name is the cure for all diseases of the soul." 

St Bernardine of Siena who wrote a good deal on the power of the name of Jesus teaches:

"The Name of God is awesome; in it is found the ardor of the flame which consumes, the wrath which chastises, the weight which crushes; but all these things have been tempered in the wellspring of mercy by Jesus Christ Who was smitten with love for us in the womb of the Virgin Mary."

If you say the Rosary every day, you mention the name of Jesus at least 60 times a day. 

The name of Jesus is the sweetest sound in every language.

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Jesus, I Trust in You.

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Hernry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com