THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST. (CORPUS CHRISTI).

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI). 

"On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?”

"He sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.”

 "The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

"While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." (Mark 14: 12 - 16, 22 - 26).

Sunday June 2nd 2024, Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus). Today, the Church demonstrates her faith in the most precious Eucharist: the source, center and summit of her life. It is also the occasion of great thanksgiving for this immense gift and the radical faithfulness of Jesus to His Bride all these 2000 plus years.

The Church and the world needs the Eucharist desperately.

"The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease." (CCC 1380).

I AM TRULY HERE IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 

Jesus Christ is everyday inviting everyone to come to the Eucharist. "Come and eat bread without money." The more we respond to this invitation, the more we experience the salvation Jesus Christ won for us.

The Eucharist brings us immense peace. Do you lack peace of soul? Then go often to the Eucharist. The Prince of Peace is waiting to heal your heart and mind of fears, worries and doubts. He will heal you and immerse you in peace.  When you cannot receive Jesus physically, make a Spiritual Communion. You will be blessed. 

Are you hungry for the Eucharist? How strong is your faith in the Real Presence?

Jesus I believe in Your Real Presence in the Eucharist.

Jesus I believe in Your Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Jesus I believe in Your Real Presence in me in the Sacrament of the Present Moment.

The mode of Christ's presence in these three forms is unique and very real. The whole of Jesus is present in each of these modes.

Thank You Jesus. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

This is Jesus-Emmanuel. God is with us in the Eucharist.  Come receive him, adore him, This is Jesus, our Lord.

The Holy Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

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

ST JUSTIN MARTYR. GREAT APOLOGIST.

THE FEAST OF ST JUSTIN MARTYR. 

"Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them?” 

"Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.” 

"They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”—they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” 

Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11: 27 - 33).

Saturday June 1st 2024 in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Justin Martyr. (+ 165). 

Born in Samaria in Palestine, he is an eminent philosopher and the first apologist in the Church. He defended the Christian faith in his writings in Rome where he established a school of public debate. St Justin was beheaded under Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Where does Jesus get His authority from? 

1. Authority to cast out devils. 

2. Authority to heal body and soul. 

3. Authority to feed thousands from a few loaves and fish. 

4. Authority to raise Himself from the dead. 

5. Authority to ascend to Heaven 40 days after His Resurrection. 

6. Authority to found the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church? 

The Authority of Jesus comes only from one source: God the Father. 

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 8).

Christians receive their authority through the Holy Spirit. 

The Holy Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June. 

Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below. 

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

MARY BELIEVED IN WHAT GOD HAS PROMISED.

MARY IS BLESSED BECAUSE SHE BELIEVED IN THE PROMISE OF GOD. 

The great Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

"Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

"And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

"He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home." (Luke 1: 39 - 56).

Friday May 31st 2024 in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time.

The Church celebrates today the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin Elizabeth.

Please note the following salient points.

1. Elizabeth did not text Mary to inform her of her pregnancy. How did Mary know? By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

2. Mary set out at once to visit Elizabeth. Most of the friends of God react at once to the inspiration of God.

3. Again under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth uttered words of prophecy. "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 

4. St John the Baptist, chosen and called to make the way of the Lord jumped with joy in her mother's womb. 

5. Last but not the least, Mary proclaimed the beautiful prophetic Magnificat. 

Brethren, this is what caught my attention:

"Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

The Virgin Mary is great and blessed because of her extraordinary faith. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  Today is the last day of May. Every June, the Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Be ready for an exciting month of June. 

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

THE INCREDIBLE FAITH AND COURAGE OF BARTIMAEUS.

BARTIMAEUS CHOSEN AND CALLED. 

"As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 

"Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” 

"The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.” (Mark 10: 46 - 52). 

St Mark the Evangelist identified the Blind Man in the story as Bartimaeus. 

What a truly beautiful story. Won't you like to have the faith and courage of Bartimaeus? His tenacity, singleness of purpose in pursuing his goal?

The cry of Bartimaeus:

“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” is a most powerful prayer. PRAYER IS THE ACTIVATOR OF POWER. 

Bartimaeus fired the bullet, it struck the Heart of Jesus. 

Our pains and trials could be the setting for the powerful and merciful Providence of God to elevate our faith and bring us the kind of healing we need and the accomplishment of God's Plan in our lives. 

"Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God." (Mark 10: 46 - 52).

Jesus chose and called Bartimaeus to be a disciple. Jesus’ meeting and healing Bartimaeus today was not an accident. It was divine appointment. Divine Providence. 

Jesus was delighted with the faith of Bartimaeus. Jesus saw the faith of Bartimaeus in action. 

"Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God." (Mark 10: 46 - 52).

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1 

WHAT ABOUT US JESUS?

A HUNDRED FOLD REWARD PLUS PERSECUTIONS. 

"Peter began to say to Jesus,

"We have given up everything and followed you."

"Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age:

houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.

"But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first." (Mark 10: 28 - 31).

Tuesday 28th May 2024 in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time. 

What is the promise of Jesus to those who have sacrificed the comfort of family, country and property to follow Him and spread the Good News? 

They will "receive a hundred times more now in this present age:

houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."

This is huge! This is like a million times return on investment!

Please read this too: 

All these bonuses will come with:

"persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."

Are you dismayed that the promises are spoiled by the guaranteed persecutions? 

You should not be. Here is why? 

1. The full truth of the Gospel is that our Leader Jesus Christ suffered much before He took possession of His Kingdom and the precious promises of the Kingdom of God. We follow our Captain where He leads. 

2. To compare the persecution with the guaranteed promises is like comparing a mosquito bite to an amputation without anasthesia. 

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1

HAPPY FEAST DAY ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY.

ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP.  

"As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 

"Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.”

"He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”

"Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

"Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!”

"The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”

"They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 

"Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” (Mark 10: 17 - 27).

Monday May 27th 2024 in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Augustine of Canterbury. 

St Augustine was an Italian Benedictine monk sent by Pope St Gregory the Great to evangelize the Anglo-Saxon people who conquered England and dominated the original Celtic population who embraced Christianity centuries earlier.

St Augustine baptized Ethelbert, the Anglo-Saxon king and the people followed their king into the Church.

St Augustine made Canterbury his Episcopal See and became the first Primate of all England.

The Rich Youngman in today's Gospel was possessed by his wealth. Jesus said to Martha: “Mary has chosen the better part.” (Cf Luke 10: 38 - 42).

The better part for all of us is:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and God will give you everything you need.” (Cf Matthew 6: 33). 

“Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” (Mark 10: 17 - 27).

The Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of May.  

Honor Mary through the Holy Rosary, Litany, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Consecration to The Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pilgrimages, etc. 

For the Litany, 15 Promises of Mary, Consecration Prayer, etc and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/04/may-devotion-to-mary.html?m=1