THE EUCHARIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIFE. 

"Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?”

"Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

"It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.”

"Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”

"As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him.

"Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” 

"Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6: 60 - 69).

Sunday August 25th in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Jesus continues the Bread of life Discourse. This is perhaps the most difficult teaching for the Disciples so far. Peter spoke up for the Twelve:

"We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” Translated, Peter said: "Lord, we believe that You are the Messiah. All things are possible for You." 

Jesus said another important thing on this occasion:

"IT IS THE SPIRIT THAT GIVES LIFE." 

Our flesh has nothing to offer. What a revelation we have in the Gospel of today.

The Liturgy calls the Holy Spirit "The Lord and Giver of life."

At the Epiclesis, that is, the moment the Priest spreads His hands over the Chalice and the Ciborium, and calls down the Holy Spirit to transform the bread and the wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Transubstantiation happens at that moment by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

So the Spirit is the Lord and Giver of eternal life. The Eucharist is the source of eternal life.

The Holy Spirit is also the Source of abundant life.

"I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10: 10).

There is a dynamic connection between the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist. If you want to grow in the Holy Spirit, receive the Eucharist often. As you grow in abundant life, you grow in the knowledge and love of the Eucharistic presence of Jesus Christ.

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 BARTHOLOMEW, APOSTLE AND MARTYR.

THE FEAST OF ST BARTHOLOMEW. APOSTLE & MARTYR. 

"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 heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 45 - 51).

Saturday 24th August 2024 of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr. 

St Bartholomew also known as Nathanael is one of the Twelve Apostles.

 Tradition says that St Bartholomew worked in India and Armenia where he was martyred.  The people of Armenia claim St Bartholomew as the Founder of the Armenian Church. 

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 believes that Jesus is the Messiah.

When Philip told his friend 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.”

Who is Jesus planning to draw near Him through you?

Be open and ready to share your faith anywhere, anytime, always. 

Be a Philip. Introduce somebody to Jesus today. Share your faith.

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 ROSE OF LIMA, OP. VIRGIN AND RELIGIOUS.

FEAST OF ST ROSE OF LIMA, OP. VIRGIN & RELIGIOUS.  

"When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, 

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

"He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40).

Friday August 23rd in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Rose of Lima. (1586 - 1617). She was born in Lima, Peru. She was a virgin and a Dominican tertiary. 

Rose admired St Catherine of Sienna from her youth and was deeply inspired by this Doctor of the Church who was a Dominican tertiary.  Rose of Lima became a Dominican tertiary and a model of penitence, prayer and simplicity. 

St Rose of Lima was canonized less than 50 years after her death in 1671. She became the first native born saint in the Americas. 

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 22: 34 - 40, the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus went beyond their narrow standard in His answer:  

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 37 - 40).

How do you love God? 

How do you love your neighbor? 

A little while ago, I will find it difficult to answer the above questions. But then I came across this Scripture from St Paul which helped me to answer the question. 

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." (CF 2 Corinthians 5:. 14 - 15). 

I interpret the passage thus:

I am impelled/compelled to love God back because I have seen how much He loves me. 

Just like saying to a friend or neighbor: You visited me when I was sick and brought me comfort. Now that you are sick, I will visit you and bring you comfort. 

And we say to God: Because I have come to know and believe how much You love me and do good to me always, I commit myself to do whatever pleases You and this includes loving my neighbor as myself. 

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 THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY.

THE FEAST OF THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY. 

"The Invited Guests refused to come.

"Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying,

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

"He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

"A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’

"Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

"The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

"Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’

"The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

"But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’

"But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.]” (Matthew 22: 1 - 14).  

Thursday 22nd August 2024 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Queenship of Mary.  (Octave of the Solemnity of the Assumption). 

Why the Feast of the Queenship of Mary? 

#1.  The Father gave us the Mother of His Son Jesus to be our Mother from the Cross. (Cf the Collect of this Feast).

#2. Mary is the Mother of Christ the King and therefore the Queen Mother. (Bathsheba the mother of Solomon was recognized as Queen mother). 

#3.  In the Church's liturgical prayers from ancient times, Mary has been hailed as Hail holy Queen, Queen of Peace, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of all Saints, etc. (See the Litany of Loretto). The Church applies here the ancient maxim: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi.  This means that the Law of Prayer becomes the Law of Faith. Whatever the Church prays in her Liturgy is automatically the faith of the Church. Whatever is bound on earth by its prayer becomes bound in heaven. 

#4.  The 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary celebrates the Coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. The fruit of this mystery is to grow in faith in the powerful intercession of Mary. In order words, Jesus Christ our Lord and King crowned His Mother Queen  so that we can approach her with confidence with all our needs. 

The world today is desperately in need of the mercy of God and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the main reason for the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Knock in Ireland, etc. Mary encourages Christians to pray especially the Holy Rosary. 

Today's Parable of the King's Invited Guests who spurned his invitation and turned murderous is one of the saddest in the Gospel. 

This Parable may be seen as an allegory of how Jesus is spurned and insulted in the Most Holy Eucharist. Jesus says in every Mass just before we receive Him in Holy Communion: "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE INVITED TO THE SUPPER OF THE LORD." 

Unlike the Parable in today's Gospel, some of the invited guests in the Eucharist come. They do not honor their Host by the way they dress. The wedding garments may be regarded in this context by knowledge of the Host (King), dignity of the occasion (Marriage feast of the Lamb). They do not recognize the presence of the Host. They lack the respectful manners required in such a gathering. They dress in such a way to show their disrespect. They dress perhaps too casually. Shorts and t-shirts. 

Could they dare to dress the way they do as guests of a house party by the mayor, governor or even their boss? 

Wake up Christians. Do not make your King angry lest He orders:

"Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." 

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

"St. Bernard asks, Why does the Church name Mary Queen of Mercy? and answers, Because we believe that she opens the depths of the mercy of God, to whom she will, when she will, and as she will; so that not even the vilest sinner is lost, if Mary protects him."

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 PIUS X. PONTIFF.

THE FEAST OF ST PIUS X. PONTIFF. 

Psalm 23

"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. 

He guides me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley

I fear no evil; for you are at my side

With your rod and your staff

that give me courage. 

You spread the table before me

in the sight of my foes;

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. 

"Only goodness and kindness will follow me

all the days of my life;

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

for years to come." (Psalm 23).

Wednesday August 21st in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Pius X, Pope.

 St Pius X was lived between 1835 - 1914. He was Italian and Pope.

The Church and the world owe St Pius X a great deal for these innovations that we take for granted today: Frequent Holy Communion, renewed emphasis on the Catechism, children receiving Holy Communion from an early age. Reform of seminaries.  For his work on the Eucharist, he is called the Pope of the Eucharist.

He defended stoutly the integrity of the Catholic faith against modernist heresies.

 His papal motto: "To restore all things in Christ" became truly his magnificent obsession. 

“I was born poor, I lived poor, I die poor” was his final word. He died brokenhearted because he could not avert the First World War that started in 1914.

Famous Quote:

"Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven." (Pope St Pius X).

There is abundance of good food and sweet wine in the Scriptures of today:

1. Ezekiel 34: 1 - 11.

2. Psalm 23: Responsorial. 

3. Matthew 20: 1 - 16.

Because of the abundance of current favors the Lord has shown me, I feel moved to shout with David: THE LORD IS MY GOOD SHEPHERD! 

In the great teaching of Isaiah we read:

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope [WAIT] in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,  they will walk and not be faint."  (Isaiah 40: 30-31).

I place my hopes in my Good Shepherd for provision and protection. He has not disappointed me. 

The Eucharist is the Sacrament of hope.  It is the fulfillment of a promise.  "I shall be with you ALWAYS." 

Those who wait on the Lord for fulfillment of prayer should be constant at the Eucharist to strengthen their hope. 

As prayer strengthens faith, so the Eucharist strengthens hope. 

The real, true, bodily, personal Presence of Our Eucharistic Lord is absolute proof of His never-ending and never-changing love for me.

O Lord I trust in You. All my hope is in You! 

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 

FEAST OF ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX. ABBOT & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

FEAST OF ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX. ABBOT & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, 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.”

"When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” 

"Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 

"Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?”

"Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Matthew 19: 23 - 30).

Tuesday 20th August 2024 in the  20th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153). French. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

St Bernard was a Cistercian monk who is well known in the history of the Church.  A man of great zeal for the Church. Renowned theologian and orator. Represented the Pope as an ambassador for the Crusade. Among peers, he was a towering giant. Both intellectually and spiritually. He was immensely learned, holy, cultivated, gentle, a great teacher and a highly effective preacher. Last but not the least, a great Marian devotee who gave us the Memorare. 

I remember Bernard best because of the Memorare Prayer that he left the Church. The Memorare is one of the most popular prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary recited by many Catholics daily. (Remember O Most Blessed Virgin Mary that never was it known. ..). 

The Memorare Prayer: Attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux).

St Bernard was a great miracle worker who brought relief to thousands through his intercessions. Bernard suffered from stomach cancer most of his life and died in 1153 at the age of 63.

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 

FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF TWO RELIGIOUS ORDERS.

FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST & FOUNDER. 

"A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” 

"He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

"He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

"The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 

"Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions." (Matthew 19: 16 - 22). 

Monday 19th August 2024 in 20th Week in Ordinary Time, is the feast of St John Eudes. (1601 - 1680).

St John Eudes was a French priest and a gifted preacher.

 John took a private vow of chastity at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest at 25.  He became a great and talented preacher of the Gospel and an eminent evangelist. St John Eudes had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 He founded the Society of Jesus and Mary (Eudists).  He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge for ex prostitutes. He was declared by Pope Leo XIII as “father, doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 19: 16 - 22, Jesus gave a wealthy young man an evangelical counsel:

“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

"When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions."

The rich young man represents the world yesterday and today. He has built his security on material prosperity: stock market, gold and silver, real estate and liquid cash. That is where everyone wants to be in life, he must have thought to himself. 

God's response to this pervasive materialism is in Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21, the Responsorial Psalm for today? 

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth." 

It seems as if the world has forgotten the Savior who died for us. Very few are thinking of following Him and even these few have not recognized Him as the Pearl of the greatest Price. The Lord's complaint continues below:

"You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you. You forgot the God who gave you birth.

When the Lord saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters."

Who dares blame God if He is full of loathing for His children? 

“I will hide my face from them,” he said, and see what will then become of them.

What a fickle race they are, sons with no loyalty in them!” 

“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.” (Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21). 

The rich young man of today's Gospel desires eternal life but loves the present material tangible world more. This world cannot produce the peace he hungers for. The anti-dote to his sadness is laid out clearly by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Come follow me and make my Kingdom your first priority and its kind of holiness. I promise you that you will have everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

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