BELIEVE THAT I AM THE BREAD FROM HEAVEN.

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE. 

"When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

"Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.

"Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

"So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” 

"Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” So they said to him, “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:

He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”

"So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

"So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6: 24 - 35).

Sunday 4th August 2024, in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time.

Jesus claims to be the Bread of life and then adds: If we believe His words and come to Him, hunger and thirst will be things of the past for us. To understand what Jesus means, we shall draw from two Scriptures. 

#1. "... as truth is in Jesus, that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires." (Ephesians  4:17, 20-24).

Bad desires are deceitful. They corrupt the mind. Beware of all the ideas you receive especially through TV evangelists and advertising. They sow unhealthy ideas and desires in your heart.

#2. "One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4).

Man is made of body, soul and mind. Physical bread alone cannot satisfy man. Man needs relationship, love, music, arts, sports, etc to satisfy his composite personality. God alone who created man knows exactly what satisfies man.

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." Jesus is talking about the Eucharist here. What proof do we have that Jesus can satisfy our human hunger and thirst through the Eucharist. 

The first proof is His very words. He is God and His word is truth. 

Let us turn to the teaching and experience of the Church on the Eucharist.

The Bread of life is the Flesh and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, given for the salvation of the world. This Sacrament contains the full Body, Soul and Divinity of the Savior. It is the Medicine of life and Food for the Journey to Immortality.

Jesus Christ presents the Eucharist in the Bread of life Discourse as a Sign. For John the Evangelist, a Sign is a Miracle, a Sacrament. The crowd who ate the multiplied loaves wanted more of the same. They misunderstood completely the "Sign" that points to the Sacrament.

The Church has consistently taught and defended the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist as received from Jesus. The Eucharist is a great mystery of faith. "Whoever believes in Me," will know the truth.

"The emptiness of My churches is an affront to My love, to the love that compelled Me to give Myself by the hands of My priests, under the forms of bread and wine, so that no one might perish from hunger or thirst on the road to eternity. I am all love in the Sacrament of My love. My Heart is open to receive all, even those who have in their souls no more than the faintest spark of faith in My real presence. Let them come to Me, and that little spark will become a shining flame, giving joy and hope to all who perceive its light." (IN SINU JESU page 214).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate 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

GOD PERMITS HEROD TO BEHEAD JOHN THE BAPTIST.

HEROD BEHEADS JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

"Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

"Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.

"But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 

"The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus." (Matthew 14: 1 - 12).

Saturday 3rd of August 2024 in the 17th week in Ordinary Time. 

In the Gospel of today, John the Baptist becomes the first casualty of the ministry of Jesus Christ. John's whole life and ministry is to be the Voice of Jesus, to prepare the way for the Way. And finally to pay the supreme price of Discipleship. 

Jesus preached openly on the cost of discipleship. My kingdom is not of this world. The best of my rewards will not be in this world, Jesus teaches. 

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10: 28). The disciples of Jesus might have thought of this as a hyperbole. Now John the Baptist has been beheaded.  What may follow?

"The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” Jesus said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” (Luke 9: 22).

"Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10).

Lord, grant us the grace to accept all the persecutions You send to us.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate 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

FEAST OF SAINTS PETER JULIAN EYMARD AND EUSEBIUS.

FEAST OF SAINTS PETER JULIAN EYMARD & EUSEBIUS OF VERCELLI. 

"Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. 

"They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son?

"Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us?

"Where did this man get all this?”

"And they took offense at him.

"But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.”

"And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith." (Matthew 13: 54 - 58).

Friday 2nd August 2024 in the 17th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Julian Eymard (1811 - 1868). French.

After his ordination, Peter joined the Marist Congregation in 1840. He then had an intense experience of the merciful love of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.

This experience changed the course of St Peter Eymard's life and gave him a new mission. He fostered Eucharistic Adoration throughout the rest of his life and founded the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament who are priest-adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

August 2nd is also the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli in Sardinia in Italy.(+ 371). St Eusebius was Bishop.   St Eusebius and St Athanasius fought the Arian heresy tooth and nail. The Arians  denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians tortured and exiled St Eusebius.

In our Gospel today from Matthew 13: 54 - 58, the people who listened to Jesus in the Synagogue were put off because Jesus did not come from a prestigious background. They scorned the Son of Mary and the Carpenter's son. We know that Jesus fulfilled His ministry of teaching, healing and feeding people regardless of public opinion. 

How much are you conditioned by public opinion? The saints fortify their hearts with prayer and the word of God. That is why they are fearless. 

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the life. Follow Him. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate 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

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST.

First Friday in August, 2024. 

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. In the 8th month of the year, we look at Promise #8. 

#8.  "Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection."

Who are the fervent souls? 

Fervent souls are people who hear the word of God and take it to heart. They allow the word to influence their thoughts, words and actions. They place the Kingdom of God and holiness of life above every other thing. Even while living in the world raising children and holding down jobs, they experience the peace, joy and contentment of the Blessed. Because they trust and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they grow from strength to strength and experience the promised blessings of the Elect. 

Fervent souls have a Plan for the spiritual life. This Plan contains Seven tested Daily Habits of Saints:

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily Scripture Reading. 

3. Daily or Frequent Eucharist. 

4. Daily Examination of conscience. 

5. Weekly or Bi-weekly Reconciliation. 

6. Daily Spiritual Reading. 

7. Daily Faith Sharing or Ministry work. 

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart devotional prayers and prayer intentions click the link below:

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

FEAST OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI. BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

FEAST OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"Jesus said to the disciples:

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.

"When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.

"Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.”

"And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there." (Matthew 13: 47 - 53).

Thursday August 1st 2024 in 17th Week of Ordinary is the feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787) is Italian.  St Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). The Redemptorists are active today in missionary work all over the world. Alphonsus Liguori was trained in civil and canon law. He was an eminent moral theologian and sought after for his gifts as a confessor and spiritual director. 

St Alphonsus Liguori was also a writer and publisher of many books. He was gifted exceptionally by God. He was a very sick man most of his long life. 

One of the most delightful contributions of St Alphonsus Liguori is his teaching on the precious doctrine of Divine Providence. God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence governs all things. There is no exception to this divine law. 

This teaching can be found in a very small book called: UNIFORMITY WITH GOD'S WILL. 

St Alphonsus Liguori is the patron saint of moral theologians.

Our key Scripture for today deals with the most important subject of the Last Things. There are Four Last Things facing every human being: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.

The Four Last Things are taught twice this week by Jesus in Matthew 13. The Church teaches clearly the Four Last Things in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "The Last Judgment will occur when Christ returns. Only the Father knows the hour..." (CCC 1040).

We know that the FOUR LAST THINGS is a certainty. It can not be postponed or negotiated. Now that we know the truth about the Last Judgment, we will be blessed in we live accordingly. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate 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 

THE FEAST OF ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS.

ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, SJ. PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

"Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” (Matthew 13: 44 - 46).

Wednesday 31st July 2024 in the 17th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Ignatius Loyola, Priest and Founder of the Society of Jesus. 

St Ignatius Loyola was born in 1491 and died in 1556.    Today is the patronal feast of the Society of Jesus. (Jesuits). The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola has been a potent force for spiritual renewal of individuals and groups in the Church. It is still very popular after 500 years. It has become a pillar of the apostolic ministry of the Society of Jesus today.

St Ignatius Loyola found the pearl of finest value. He abandoned all his ambitions for the vain glories of this world like Saints Francis of Asissi and St Dominic before him and followed Jesus Christ. 

What did St Ignatius Loyola bequeath the Church?

#1. Spiritual Exercises

#2. Methods of examination of conscience

#3. Principles of Discernment of Spirits.

#4. Methodology of Education

This prayer of St Ignatius Loyola shows the inner principles that drove him:

"Lord Jesus, grant that I may know Your heart intimately, love You passionately and follow You everywhere." Amen.

These lofty ideals produced giants of our faith like: Saints Francis Xavier, Peter Canisius, Robert Berllamine, Paul Miki, Edmund Campion, Aloysius Gonzaga, Claude de la Colombière, Peter Clavier, Miguel Pro and so many others.

St Ignatius is the patron saint of soldiers and retreat masters.

Motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: For the Greater Glory of God.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus today July 31st. This concludes the month of July dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. It should not be end of your devotion to the Most Precious Blood. This Devotion can be done every day, once a week or as often as you want. Thursday is not mandatory. Why Thursday? Thursday is the day of the Last Supper and the beginning of the Agony and Passion of Jesus Christ. 

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber, SJ).

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

ST PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

FEAST OF ST PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"Jesus dismissed the crowds and went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

"He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the Kingdom. 

"The weeds are the children of the Evil One, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil.

"The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

"Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

"Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13: 36 - 43).

Tuesday July 30th in the 17th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Chrysologus. (406 - 450). Italian. Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

St Peter Chrysologus was the Bishop of Ravenna. At a time when the Church was faced with the scourge of the Monophysite Heresy. (They taught that Jesus Christ is only God and not a Man). St Peter defended the two natures in Jesus Christ: Human nature and Divine nature.

His theological teaching and preaching are characterized by exceptional clarity. Peter came down to us from history as a great homilist and his theological work on the nature of the Incarnation and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history has lasting value.

We are presented in the Gospel of today the interpretation of the Parable of the Weeds.

What is the message for us? 

1. Be patient with God's plan for the salvation of the world. 

2. God's thoughts are not our thoughts. God's ways are not our ways. (Cf Isaiah 55: 8 - 9). 

3. Wait for the Lord and His timing in ALL THINGS. (Cf Psalm 27: 14).

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

"How much more, then, will the blood of Christ who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" (Cf Hebrews 9: 14) 

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 MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS. DISCIPLES OF JESUS.

STS MARTHA, MARY AND LAZARUS. DISCIPLES OF THE LORD. 

"Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. 

"When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home.

"Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”

"Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” 

"Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

"She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 19 - 27).

Monday 29th July 2024 of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus.

“This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”  (John 11: 4)

Our adversity is always an opportunity for God to be glorified.  Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary was dead and the sisters sent word to Jesus about it.   Jesus said to Martha:  “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?”   (John 11:  40).  And Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”  (John 11: 43). And then commanded:  “Untie him and let him go.” (John 11: 44).

The faith of Martha in the Resurrection amazes me. “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 27).

The whole point of our Christian religion hinges on faith. God called Abraham and made a great promise to him. He responded in obedience of faith.

God announced the Incarnation to Mary. She too responded in obedience of faith. 

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a list of Who is Who in the Bible. The common thing among all of them is Faith. They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith. If you do not have faith, you are simply not in the game. You have to do everything to get faith, to increase faith and to use and enjoy your faith. 

Are you bound and "tied hand and feet" by Unbelief?  If God can raise Lazarus from the grave after four days, He certainly can restore your marriage, health, finances, job, etc.

Faith is saying YES to God so that He will do what He promises to do.

"I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word.

More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD."  (Psalm 30: 5 - 6 RM)

How to increase your faith:

You increase your faith by exercising your faith. You exercise your faith in three ways:

1. Thank God for everything He does for you. 

2. Pray for every need, everything. 

3. Repeat Scriptures about faith and belief. 

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