THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.

THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST. 

"As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

"The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9: 9 - 13).

Thursday September 21st 2024, 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

Jesus encountered Matthew in his Tax Office. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."

Why did Matthew respond to the Call of Jesus at once?

Matthew earned his leaving in an occupation where daily sin is irresistible. He was aware that the people despised him. 

Matthew's heart had yearned for a change of job and a change of life for a long time. St Augustine teaches that every true desire is a prayer crying out to God. God Himself plants every good desire in our hearts. 

Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."

This Call and Response was not an accident. It was pure Divine Providence. 

A man named Matthew was called by Jesus to follow Him. The man left everything: job, money, house and property and friends and followed the stranger named Jesus. Matthew was not a saint when Jesus called him. But Jesus did not come to call saints.  Paul describes his own calling thus:

"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.  Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 1: 12 - 14).

Matthew could have written the above words.

Jesus delights in sinners because sinners give Him the opportunity to show off His mercy. Why did Jesus institute the Most Holy Eucharist? Jesus delights in mercy. Why did our Lord and Redeemer Institute the Sacrament of Reconciliation? To embrace sinners in His merciful love. Why did Jesus institute the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion, the Divine Mercy Devotion? Jesus delights in mercy. Mercy may well be the last covenant with mankind.

Matthew accepted the call of Jesus with generosity and then lived in a manner worthy of the call he received.  He used his old skill as a tax recorder to become an evangelist and penned the Gospel that bears his name.

The call of Matthew is a story of mercy. The unfathomable mercy of God.  “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9: 12 - 13).

Have you received any mercies from Jesus lately? Do you know the ABC of Mercy?

+ A. Ask for mercy.

+ B. Be merciful.

+ C. Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

"Make it your first care to find the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33). 

"The kingdom of God is present in all its fullness, though in a hidden manner, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. He who seeks out My Eucharistic presence is seeking the kingdom of God. He who approaches Me in the Sacrament of My love will find the kingdom and therein all that he desires according to My Spirit. Come first to Me in the Sacrament of My love. Let this become the supernatural instinct of your soul: always to come to Me, always to seek My Eucharistic Face."  (IN SINU JESU, Monday, August 25, 2008).

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAEGON AND PAUL CHOONG HASSAN AND COMPANION MARTYRS.

STS ANDREW KIM TAEGON & PAUL CHOONG HASSAN AND COMPANIONS. 

The Women who provided for Jesus. 

"Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

"Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources." (Luke 8: 1 - 3).

Friday September 20th 2024 in the 24th Week of Ordinary Time  is the feast of St Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr and Paul Chong Hasang, catechist and 130 Korean martyrs. They all gave their lives to Christ between 1839 and 1867. Among the martyrs were priests and laity and a full representative of the Church in Korea from all backgrounds.

We celebrate today the witness of the martyrs of Korea to the truth that the message of Jesus, of mercy, peace and promise of eternal life can resound in every heart in the world. A Korean traveler in China heard the Good News in that country. He returned home to Korea with tracts of the Catechism. He brought the light of the faith to Korea.

In the Gospel of today, we see that women who benefited from the ministry of Jesus provided for His needs and those of His disciples. They provided for them "out of their means." The widow of Zarephath provided for Elijah out of her meagre resources. God blessed this source and it never dried up till rain was restored.

This incidence is typical of God's arrangement for providing the future disciples of Christ. In the Old Testament, we see many instances of God providing for His servants through people. This principle was established with the levitical priesthood. Elisha, the prophet was likewise provided for by a couple in the course of his work. In the New Testament, we find abundant examples from the works of the Twelve and St Paul.

What are the lessons for us? God makes adequate provisions for the needs of those who preach the gospel. God prefers a situation of weakness and dependence for His servants so that His wisdom and power can triumph through their work. God infact wants His collaborators in the work of salvation to imitate the simplicity of Jesus Christ. He appoints people to supply the needs of His workers.

How do the disciples of Christ today appropriate God's blessings and provisions for their ministry? First, they must be aware of these provisions in the Bible. They must understand what God's word or promise is saying to their particular situation. Disciples of Jesus must believe his word and act on this word.  Prayer, trust and obedience activate the power of the word.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR.

FEAST OF ST JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR. 

"A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.

"Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee.

Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears.

Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

"When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself,

   “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”

"Jesus said to him in reply,

 “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty.

Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both.

Which of them will love him more?”

"Simon said in reply,

“The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.”

He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

"Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon,

 “Do you see this woman?

When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

You did not give me a kiss,  but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered.

You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.

So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love.

"But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”

He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

"The others at table said to themselves,

“Who is this who even forgives sins?”

"But he said to the woman,

 “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7: 36 - 50). 

Thursday September 19th 2024 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Januarius, Bishop and Martyr. 

St Januarius was martyred about  305. He was Italian. He was Bishop and Martyr and was killed under Emperor Diocletian. 

His dried blood liquifies miraculously several times a year. Even science and agnostics are confounded by this miracle. Jesus our Savior still presents believers more than sufficient proofs like the liquification of the the blood of Januarius to strengthen their faith.

"Saved by faith! 

"You faith has saved you; go in peace." (Luke 7: 50)

Jesus said these words to the woman described as a "sinful woman" in Luke 7: 36 – 50. This woman's faith in Jesus brought her not only forgiveness of her many sins but spiritual healing as well. Faith is to accept God's word as true. Which word of God do I need to accept as true here and now?

1. My sins are forgiven.

2. God is my Father.

3. God's mighty and merciful providence is guiding, protecting and providing for me every moment of my life.

Lord Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief.

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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

LOVE IS ALWAYS PATIENCE.

LOVE IS PATIENT. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated,  it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,  it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7).

WHAT IS LOVE? 

Our key Scripture for today is from St Paul's famous theme of love. (1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7). Since Love is the center and heart of the Christian faith, 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7 is one of the best Scripture for the examination of conscience before Confession. It covers almost every sin. 

Meditate on this prayerfully often and you will experience peace of conscience. 

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 MEMORIAL OF SAINTS CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN, MARTYRS.

FEAST OF SAINTS CORNELIUS, POPE & CYPRIAN, BISHOP, MARTYRS. 

The Amazing Faith of the Roman Centurion. 

"When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. 

"A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him.

"When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. 

"They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.”

"And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.

".... For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 

"When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

"When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health." (Luke 7: 1 - 10).

Monday September 16th 2024 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time.

Do you remember where you hear our key Scripture for today?

"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed."

Of course at the Mass before Holy Communion. These are the extraordinary affirmation of faith of the Centurion that astonished Jesus. These words are part of the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist used worldwide.

When Jesus heard the centurion say this, He was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health."

Faith is the key to everything  in life. Without faith, you waste your time attending Holy Mass every day, saying hundreds of Rosaries, going on pilgrimages every year. 

One atom of faith move mountains. Faith makes you understand that the mighty, merciful and often mysterious designs, plans, purposes and providence is sovereingn and paramount in every situation. 

Faith makes you humble. 

The two easy ways to obtain strong faith are:

Study the word of God until you are saturated with all the instances of the manifestations of great faith, viz: Abraham, Jacob, David, Elijah, Isaiah, Mary, Joseph, Peter, James and John and Paul. The Gospel of today is a good example. 

Ask God in sincere and unrelenting prayer for the gift of Faith: "Father, give me faith or kill me. I can no longer live without faith. I am tired of this dull life without faith." 

 Battle God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for the gift of faith. You will win. 

Monday 16th September 2024 in the 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Cornelius (Pope and Martyr) and Cyprian (Bishop and Martyr). 

Pope Cornelius was martyred under Emperor Gallus in 253.  St Cyprian, a Bishop from Carthage (modern Tunisia) was martyred in 258 under Emperor Valerian.

The two saints we honor today were acquainted with one another. They lived under one of the most severe persecutions of the Church. Tens of thousands were martyred. Rome was determined to stamp out once and for all Christianity in the empire.

Many Christians did not have the courage to face martyrdom. So they denied Jesus in order to preserve their lives. When the violent persecution abated, those Christians who denied Jesus wanted to be received back into the Church.  Some Bishops said Yes. Other Bishops refused them a second chance. The controversy nearly split the Church asunder.

Pope Cornelius wanted the Christians who apostasized to confess their sins and do appropriate penance and be allowed to rejoin the Church. Many Bishops opposed him. 

St Cyprian from the powerful African Church in Carthage came to his support. Their side won and schism was prevented. 

In the Prayer over the Gifts for this Mass, the Church affirmed that the Eucharist gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian the courage to offer their lives for Christ. The same Eucharist can keep us faithful in all our trials, the Church prays. If you can receive the Eucharist more than once a week and do not do so, how can you justify your abstinence from such a Gift? It is simply ridiculous. 

[Receive, we pray, O Lord, the offerings of your people in honor of the passion of your holy Martyrs Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, and may the gifts that gave them courage under persecution make us, too, steadfast in all trials.Through Christ our Lord.]

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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