Saturday, August 17, 2024
Friday, August 16, 2024
ALLOW THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME TO ME.
ALLOW THE LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME TO ME.
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away." (Matthew 19: 13 - 15).
In the Gospel for today the disciples rebuked children and their mothers who prayed that Jesus might lay His hands on them. But Jesus said,
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Have you ever been annoyed by unrestrained and noisy children during Mass? I discovered something curious and very beautiful about this recently. Little children love the house of God in a natural way. At first, I thought that little children might mistake the holy Sanctuary for a supermarket like Walmart. A little reflection convinced me that this is not the case. There is something about the solemnity of the assembly gathered for Mass that gets even to little children. They see something in the House of God that we distracted adults don't see. After one Sunday Mass, I saw a young child suddenly detached himself from the gripping hold of the mother and ran to the side Altar, the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was gazing at the beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin. I have learned to leave the little ones alone.
"Blessed are you, Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children." (Matthew 11: 25).
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
Thursday, August 15, 2024
FEAST OF ST STEPHEN OF HUNGARY.
FEAST OF STEPHEN OF HUNGARY.
"Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?”
"He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.”
"They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?”
"He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
"I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.”
"His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”
"He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” (Matthew 19: 3 - 12).
Friday 16th August 2024 in the 19th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Stephen of Hungary.
St Stephen of Hungary was born in 969 and died on August 15th 1038). He was a monarch.
St Stephen was crowned king of Hungary on Christmas day 1001 by Emperor Otto III by the permission of Pope Sylvester II.
Stephen earned his greatness in Christian history by founding monasteries and organizing dioceses thereby transforming Hungary into a Christian nation. St Stephen and his wife Blessed Gisela were the parents of St. Emeric.
St Stephen is the patron saint of: Hungary, kings, bricklayers and masons.
In the Gospel of today, we confront the question:
“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” (Matthew 19: 3).
Is divorce permitted? The Pharisees asked Jesus.
Jesus used this question to teach us God's original plan for marriage between one man and one woman. God joined man and woman together to become one for life.
If this is so, what is the reason for the prevalent heart-wrenching divorces? Hardness of heart or sin is the cause, Jesus answered. This is how the Church explains the progression of the hardness of heart:
"The harmony in which they had found themselves, thanks to original justice, is now destroyed: the control of the soul's spiritual faculties over the body is shattered; the union of man and woman becomes subject to tensions, their relations henceforth marked by lust and domination.
"Harmony with creation is broken: visible creation has become alien and hostile to man. Because of man, creation is now subject "to its bondage to decay".Finally, the consequence explicitly foretold for this disobedience will come true: man will "return to the ground", for out of it he was taken. Death makes its entrance into human history." (CCC 400).
What sin has torn asunder, Jesus Christ has reconciled in His body by giving man and woman the means and tools to live in harmony.
The Church accompanies the married couples on their journey of faith with the Sacraments: Matrimony, Eucharist, Reconciliation. The Church provides a number of effective tools as aid to harmony: marriage preparation classes, counseling, Cursillo, Encounters, etc.
Like any vocation, it is impossible for marriage to work outside the framework of the sacraments, tools and resources provided by the Providence of God for the institution today.
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
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
Happy Feast of your Assumption into Heaven O Blessed Virgin Mother!
"Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order:
"Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power.
"For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet." (1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 27)
Thursday 15th August 2024 in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Just as in the Transfiguration of Jesus, Mary's Son confirms our hope of transformation at the general Resurrection, the Assumption of Mary reveals our hope and destiny.
In heaven, there is a hierarchy of merits. There is also a "proper order" (Order of glory) in the resurrection of the body:
1st. Christ
2nd. Mary
3rd. Then at the end of time, everyone who belongs to Christ.
It is God's plan and wisdom that Mary will be raised body and soul into heaven before the general resurrection of the body. This is an ancient belief of the Church. The Church made this teaching a doctrine of faith on 1st November 1950. Pope Pius XII in an Apostolic Constitution defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. As it is bound on earth, so it is in heaven.
The Assumption of Mary fulfilled one of the prayer intentions of Jesus in the Last Supper:
"Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world." (John 17: 24).
The Blessed Virgin Mary is primus inter pares, ie first among equals in the order of privileges. Mary our Mother goes before us. Where she is, there shall we be.
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
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
FEAST OF ST MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, OFM. PRIEST AND MARTYR.
FEAST OF ST MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, OFM. PRIEST & MARTYR
"Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
"If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
"If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church.
"If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
"Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18: 15 - 20).
Wednesday 14th August 2024 in the 19th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Maximilian Kolbe, OFM.
(1894 - 1941), Polish. Priest and Martyr.
Maximilian is known for his profound love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He founded the "City of the Immaculate." (Immaculata). An avid evangelizer, he used the press and the written word to propagate the Gospel. He was a missionary in Japan.
Arrested by the Gestapo in Poland, Kolbe was sent to Auschwitz. St Maximilian took the place of a young father who was condemned for execution by the Gestapo. St Maximilian exhibited a greater love for his co-prisoner who cried about his wife and children who would miss him. The Gestapo executed St Maximilian Kolbe and made him a martyr.
A reflection on the Gospel of today from Matthew 18: 15 - 20.
Jesus Christ founded a Church with broad powers. "Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." It is in the ministry of Prayer and Reconciliation that we see priveleges that Jesus entrusted to His Church.
"Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father."
Let us have confidence in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church because it is the Custodian of the immense graces and privileges Jesus Christ bequeathed to humanity.
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
Monday, August 12, 2024
THE FEAST OF SAINTS PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS, HOLY RIVALS.
FEAST OF SAINTS PONTIAN & HIPPOLYTUS, MARTYRS.
"The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
"He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. (Matthew 18: 1 - 5, 10 - 14).
Tuesday 13th August 2024 of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of a Pope and an anti Pope: Saints Pontian, Pope and Hippolytus, anti Pope (priest).
St Pontian was elected Pope in 230 and St Hippolytus challenged him and set up himself as a rival. By a mysterious design of Divine Providence, both waring clerics found themselves in the same prison at the same time. They reconciled and were martyred together under the Emperor Maximinus Thrax. (+ 235).
Jesus praises the humility of a little child. What is humility?
Just like love, humility is patient and kind. Humility is not jealous, conceited or proud. It does not keep a record of wrongs. In short, humility is love.
The little child is the face of innocence in whom the Holy Spirit likes to dwell and play. The little child manifests the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Aim to become like a little child and the Kingdom of God will be yours and all the rest as well.
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
Sunday, August 11, 2024
FEAST OF ST JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, RELIGIOUS AND FOUNDRESS.
FEAST OF ST JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, RELIGIOUS, FOUNDRESS.
"As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.
"When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said.
“When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,”
"Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” (Matthew 17: 22 - 27).
Monday August 12th 2024, 19th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Jane Frances de Chantal, French.
(1572 - 1641). Religious.
At the age of 20, Jane married a noble man, Baron de Chantal. After her husband died, Jane settled her children and embraced the ideals of religious life: chastity and poverty. Jane cofounded the Order of the Visitation with St Francis de Sales (Bishop and Doctor of the Church).
Jane Frances left Behind a large quantity of letters between her and St Francis de Sales that offer great insight on spiritual direction.
We reflect from today's Gospel:
#1. How did Jesus handle tax matters?
#2. How did Jesus handle money?
The first is easy. Jesus paid His taxes.
Throughout His ministry, there is no single incident where we see Jesus handling money directly. Jesus and the Twelve had a bursar who was charged with keeping the donations and buying the necessities for the Twelve.
Jesus seemed to have a disdain for money. He called bundles of money dishonest wealth and the Bible calls it filthy lucre. Money can taint and corrupt everything it touches.
When Jesus sent His disciples to evangelize, He discouraged them from carrying large amounts of cash. Trust completely in the mighty and merciful Providence of God to provide all your needs.
When the Temple Tax collectors challenged Jesus over tax, Jesus and the Twelve probably had no cash in their purse. Not wanting to delay the payment of the Temple tax, Jesus did an interesting thing.
"But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” Jesus knew precisely where the fish with the golden coin in its mouth would be hiding.
In our work for the Gospel, we trust in the mighty and merciful Providence of Jesus to provide our necessities.
"His Eucharistic love surpasses all the laws of perishable nature: there is no greater miracle on the face of the earth than the real presence of my Son in the Sacrament of the Altar." (Mary in IN SINU JESU page 184).
The greatest miracle according to Jesus and His Mother is the Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Do we appreciate this?
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
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