WHERE CAN WE GET ENOUGH BREAD?

WHERE CAN WE GET ENOUGH BREAD?

"Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick.

"Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples.

"The Jewish feast of Passover was near. 

"When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” 

"He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do.

"Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?”

"Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. 

"Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.

"When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” 

"So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.

"When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone." (John 6: 1 - 15).

Sunday, 28th July 2024, in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time.

The miracles in the first Reading from 2 Kings 4 and the Gospel of John 6 foreshadow the Eucharist.

From creation, God opened His hand and fed all living things generously from His bounty. Our Responsorial Psalm 145 puts it beautifully: "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs."

There is something different in what happens today with the feeding of the 5000 people.

Providentially in this deserted place, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?”

What Jesus did next reminds us of the Eucharist.

"Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.”

It was not Moses who fed the multitude in the desert with manna. It was God the Father who fed the people as a prefiguration of the Eucharist, the Bread of life.

"If the reality of heaven has become vague and far from the thoughts of so many in My Church, it is because they have forsaken the very mystery of heaven already present and given to them in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. The Eucharist is heaven on earth; the Eucharist is My Church on earth already assumed into heaven. Heaven is wheresoever the words of consecration have been pronounced over the bread and wine in the holy oblation, for there I am present, even as I am present in the glory of My Ascension, adored by the angels, praised by all the saints, held in the divine gaze of My Father, and burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Believe this and you will find heaven on earth, while waiting and hoping to see My Face in glory." (IN SINU JESU page 250).

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS.

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS 

“Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.

“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field.

"While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.

"When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. 

"The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’

"He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’

"His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 

"He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.

"Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13: 24 - 30).

Saturday July 27th in the 16th week in Ordinary Time. 

The Lord Jesus proposes a parable of the weeds growing with the wheat. The night before He died, Jesus prayed that His disciples would remain one as the Father and Himself remains one. This was not to be, because in every age, there arise enemies who who sow tares in the Church.

 These enemies will not succeed in disrupting the marvelous work wrought by God's mighty, merciful Providence which is very mysterious in its operations. 

This parable and the Genealogy of Jesus Christ shout that God is not a fool. He knows what He is doing. No apostasy can stop His design for the world He created and loves dearly. 

"The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’  He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’  He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.  Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13: 27 - 30).

Summary: It is the plan of God that the weeds will live side by side with the wheat till the end of the world.

“Gather my loyal ones to me, those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psalm 50: 5).

July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

"O precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price paid for the redemption of sinful mankind. O Divine Blood, drink and laver of our souls, standing between us and the Father pleading mercy, Have mercy on us."

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1 

THE FEAST OF SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE. PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

THE FEAST OF SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

"Jesus said to his disciples:

“Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart.

"The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. 

"The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.

"But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 18 - 23).

Friday 26th July 2024 in the 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Church says about Anne and Joachim:

"It was in the house of Joachim and Anne that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, devotion to Anne and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always shown toward our Blessed Mother. We, too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christain formation." (Roman Missal).

"I came to you today as the little grandchild of Joachim and Anna. Tell Me that you are happy to have Me in this house, and invite Me to rule over your heart and in your life." (IN SINU JESU page 239).

The Parable of the Sower inclines us today to reflect on the following questions:

1. How do you cultivate the spiritual life? 

2. How do you have deep root in your life in Christ? 

3. Why do seeds sown in good soil flourish? 

Anyone who is a regular reader of the Daily Bible Verse is not a seed sown among thorns. 

For the seed of the life of Christ in you to grow and flourish, you need a Plan: The 7-Way Plan:

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily Word of God. 

3. Frequent Holy Communion /Spiritual Communion. 

4. Frequent Confession. 

5. Daily Examination of Conscience. 

6. Daily Spiritual Reading. 

7. Daily Exercise of sharing your faith with someone whether a Christian or non Christian. 

Our Saints of today, Saints Joachim and Anne are powerful intercessors. Ask for their help on any of your needs. 

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE.

FEAST OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE.  

"The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 

"He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.”

"Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”

"They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

"When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers.

"But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.

"Rather, ­whoever ­wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 20 - 28).

Thursday July 25th 2024 of the 16th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St James, Apostle.

James and John are sons of Zebedee, both fishermen. They left their nets and followed Jesus when He called them from their fishing occupation. Peter, James and John belong to the inner circle of the group of Apostles.

James was known as the Elder or Greater to differentiate him from his fellow Apostle called James. James was one of the Apostles with Peter and John who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

James was condemned to death under King Agrippa I and beheaded around 44 AD.

In the today's Gospel, to the request of Salome, the Mother of James and John that Jesus makes James Prime Minister and John Foreign Minister in His kingdom, Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

I like the fact that Salome understands that the word of God is a Command. It accomplishes everything it is sent to. 

Often we do not know what we ask  from God. But to the credit of James and John, they indicated that they were ready to die for Jesus. James was beheaded by King Aggrippa in 44 AD.

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

“I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.”  ( St Ignatius of Antioch).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1 

THE FEAST OF ST SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HERMIT.

THE FEAST OF ST SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HEEMIT. 

"The words of Jeremiah, son of Hilkiah,

of a priestly family in Anathoth, in the land of Benjamin.

The word of the LORD came to me thus:

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I dedicated you,

a prophet to the nations I appointed you.

“Ah, Lord GOD!” I said,

"I know not how to speak; I am too young.”

But the LORD answered me,

Say not, “I am too young.”

To whomever I send you, you shall go;

whatever I command you, you shall speak.

Have no fear before them,

because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.

“Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,

See, I place my words in your mouth!

This day I set you

over nations and over kingdoms,

To root up and to tear down,

to destroy and to demolish,

to build and to plant." (Jeremiah 1: 1, 4 - 10).

Wednesday July 24th 2024 of the 16th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sharbel Makhluf. (1828 - 1898). Lebanese Catholic priest, monk and hermit.

Sharbel is known for his great devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament and his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a great miracle worker during his life and after his earthly life. Sharbel died a Hermit in the ardor of sanctity in 1898.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I dedicated you,

a prophet to the nations I appointed you"  (Jeremiah 1: 5)

We reflect today on the Call of the Prophet Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah received sanctifying grace in the womb for his prophetic mission.

"Before birth the LORD called me,

from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.*

He made my mouth like a sharp-edged sword,

concealed me, shielded by his hand.

He made me a sharpened arrow,

in his quiver he hid me."  (Isaiah 49: 1 - 2)

Isaiah is another prophet who received supernatural grace in the womb of his mother.  Supernatural or sanctifying grace is the unmerited favor and permanent disposition God places in a soul that enables us to love God, respond to His love, love our neighbor and be god-like.  This is the same grace given to every Christian in Baptism. In the scriptures, we see instances of this in Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist."

“I have made you this day a pillar of iron!” 

"The word of the Lord came to me: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you."  (Jeremiah 1: 4-5). 

How do we respond to the awesome call of God? Jeremiah gives us the inspired response below:

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence.  He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water—a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit."  (Jeremiah 17: 7 - 8 TLB)

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." (Acts 20: 28).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1 

FEAST OF ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN.

FEAST OF ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN. 

"While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him.

"Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.”

"But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12: 46 - 50).

Tuesday 23rd July 2024 in the 16th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bridget of Sweden.  (1303 - 1373).

St Bridget of Sweden was a housewife, mother of 4 boys and 4 girls. One of the girls, St Catherine of Sweden is a canonized saint.

Bridget persuaded her husband to become a Franciscan Tertiary with her.

When the husband died, St Bridget moved to Rome where she founded the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer.

St Bridget meditated long on the suffering and death of Jesus. God revealed to her the secrets of heaven. St Bridget is a mystic and authored books on ascetical and mystical theology. She is the patron saint of Sweden and co-patron saint of Europe. 

Would you like to be called the brother, sister and mother of Jesus? Below is how your desire will be fulfilled:

"For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

If it is not possible to do the will of God, Jesus would never have asked us to aim at this.

It takes daily application before the Christian can say: "I am the sister of Jesus." 

What are the steps to this mountain of glory? Think of a plan for ascending this mountain: The 7-Way Plan. 

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily Word of God. 

3. Daily Eucharist /Spiritual Communion. 

4. Frequent Confession. 

5. Daily Examination of Conscience. 

6. Daily Spiritual Reading. 

7. Daily Sharing your faith with someone. 

These are the steps that our Saint of today, St Bridget took and became a great Saint. Let us pray to St Bridget to intercede for us for the grace to do the will of God. 

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1