Saturday, August 24, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
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
Thursday, August 22, 2024
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
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
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
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
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
Monday, August 19, 2024
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).
