THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT 2024.

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT 2024. 

25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 

26 men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 

27 And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

34 "But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; 

35 for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. 

36 But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21: 25 - 28, 34 - 36). 

Sunday First December in the First Week in Advent 2024.

What is Advent?

Advent is a period of waiting and expectation for a big event. (Parousia). Advent is the Season we wait for the Coming of the Lord.  

We wait for two Comings of Jesus:  The first Coming of Jesus as a poor child born in a Manger in Bethlehem.  This has happened. We celebrate the feast every year at Christmas.

The second Coming is His Coming in majesty at the end of the ages to judge the world. When Jesus comes again in glory and majesty, we who watch for that day may inherit the great promise in which now we dare to hope, teaches the Church.

How do we wait? 

"Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come." (Mark 13: 33).

In order to be fully awake and take full advantage of all the blessings that God has prepared for us this Advent, we need an Advent Plan.

Your Advent Plan may just be more of your daily devotions:

More Prayer, More Word of God, More Eucharist, More Adoration, More Penance, etc.

CLIMATE CHANGES MAY BE ONE OF THE IMMINENT SIGNS OF THAT HOUR!!! BEWARE OF CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS! 

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap."

Lord Jesus, we are Your people and Your inheritance. Save us in Your mercy.

Wishing our friends a grace-filled and prosperous Advent.

December is the Month the Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

For the Immaculate Conception Devotions and Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/11/novena-of-immaculate-conception.html?m=1 

THE FEAST OF ST ANDREW, APOSTLE.

THE FEAST OF ST ANDREW, APOSTLE AND MARTYR. 

"As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.

"He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

"At once they left their nets and followed him.

"He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. 

"He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him." (Matthew 4: 18 - 22).

Saturday 30th November 2024 in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Andrew the Apostle. (+ 60 AD). He is the brother of Simon Peter, the Chief Apostle.  

Who is Andrew the Apostle? 

Andrew was a disciple of St John the Baptist. Andrew saw and heard John the Baptist say about Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).  Andrew said to his brother Simon: “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41).  Andrew was a seeker and an evangelist at heart. 

After the Resurrection and  Pentecost, Andrew embarked on his apostolic missions.  St Andrew was martyred in Greece circa 60 AD.  Tradition says that he died on an X shaped Cross. He is the Patron saint of Greece, Russia and Scotland.

Andrew appeared to be destined to be an evangelist. He hears the divine command in the Gospel. “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” He believes it and obeys it instantly. Immediately he goes to share this treasure with the first person he meets who happens to be his brother Simon Peter. 

How do we respond at once to the call of Jesus like Andrew and become committed and enthusiastic evangelist? 

1. A solid Prayer life . So that our faith will grow. The fruit of Prayer is a deepening of faith. (St Teresa of Kolkata).

2. Word of God: We learn the Heart of God from the word of God. (St. Gregory).

The word of God equips us for ministry. "You shall hear the word from my mouth. You shall tell them what you hear." (LITURGY OF THE HOURS). 

3. Eucharist. Several times a week.

4. Reconciliation: Frequent. 

5. Spiritual Reading: Daily. 

6. Examenation of conscience. 

7. Ministry /Faith Sharing

The core mission of the Church is to evangelize. Pope St Paul VI writes that the Church exists in order to evangelize. 

In the first Reading (Romans 10:9-18) we hear:

"For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?  And how can people preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10: 13 - 15).

How can people hear of a new product unless there is a salesman or advertising?. 

"When I choose a soul for a work of Mine, I begin always by drawing that soul very close to Me with the leading bands of My most sweet love. I have given you the gift of My divine friendship, just as I gave it to John and to the other apostles in view of the great work that I entrusted to them: the foundation and growth of My Mystical Body, the Church on earth. Every work of Mine begins in this way." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, April 10, 2008).

The Church honors the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Month of December. Be prepared. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

A TIME TO BE BORN AND A TIME TO DIE.

THE LESSON OF THE FIG TREE. 

"Jesus told his disciples a parable.

“Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; 

"In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

"Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Luke 21: 29 - 33). 

Friday November 29th in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our key Scripture instructs us to know the Times and the Seasons. That is, to tap into God's mighty and merciful Providence in the government of the world. 

Jesus concluded the Parable of the Fig Tree in today's Gospel by asserting this great proclamation on the Word of God. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” 

The word of God is permanent. It is eternal. This world is temporary. It is vanishing as anybody can see from the consequences of global warming, rampant wars and diminishing birth rates. 

So far, the words of Jesus have not passed away after 2000 years. How do we prove this?

#1 Preachers still preach this same word day and night in churches, in books, on TV, Radio and Blogs, etc.

#2 Missionaries leave their countries every day to bring this word to people who have not heard this word before.

#3 People search constantly on the Internet for this word, making the Bible one of the most searched key word.

#4 Printing presses all over the world keep rolling out millions of copies of the Bible.

Friends, do you consider this phenomenon of the enduring power of the word of God an accident? Can you find a parallel for this in history?

Consider this question:

If Jesus Christ could be so absolutely correct in His prediction about the iteration and durability of His word, what else could He be correct about? Here are other astonishing prophecies of Jesus Christ:

#a. I am surely coming back.

#b. I am with you always.

#c. The gates of hell shall try very hard but cannot prevail against my Church.

#d. My Kingdom is universal. It is also everlasting.

#e. No eye has seen, no ear has heard of the eternal plan I have for you who believe in Me and follow Me.

Brethren, "Be alert; stand firm in the faith; be valiant and strong, and the God of peace will be with you." (1 Corinthians 16:13). 

"Even if you have to die, says the Lord, keep faithful, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2: 10).

As for the timing of the realization of the prophecies of Jesus Christ, remember:

"There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.

"A time to give birth, and a time to die;

"a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. (CF Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8). 

Do you know the Times and Seasons we are in today? Advent is a great time to find out. Get a good Advent Plan and Devotions.

The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!

THANKSGIVING DAY 2024

"As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.

"They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” 

"And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”

"As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. 

"Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”

"Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Luke 17: 11 - 19).

Thursday, 28th November 2024, in the 34th week in Ordinary Time is Thanksgiving Day in America.

"How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me? The chalice of salvation I will raise, and I will call on the name of the Lord." (Psalm  116:12-13). 

"Sing and make music to the Lord in your hearts, always thanking God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus." (Ephesians 5:19 - 20). 

"I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth." (Psalm 138 :1). 

America is God’s own country. God has blessed America mightily. Not for a few people. But for the many. Yes, everyone wants to come to America. Yes, everyone has the right to come to America to enjoy God's benevolence and thank our most loving God and Father. There must be a legal path for this. No fooling. No lies. 

Are you a thankful person? 

Everything we have: country, family, health, money, job, food, friends, every possession from the smallest to the largest is a gift from God. 

How do we render thanks for the gifts we enjoy. 

Do you know the source of your gifts? Do you know that God expects us to render thanks? 

"A sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me." (Psalm 50: 23).

This means that God is most delighted if you honor Him with the Sacrifice of the Mass (Eucharist = Thanksgiving). 

On Thanksgiving Day, let us lift our hearts and minds to God in praise and thanksgiving:

"Father all-powerful, your gifts of love are countless and your goodness infinite; as we come before you on Thanksgiving Day with gratitude for your kindness, open our hearts to have concern for every man, woman, and child, so that we may share your gifts in loving service. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever." (Collect, Thanksgiving Mass).

Let the Church say together AMEN!!! 

November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY. 

“For the souls in purgatory there is great joy as well as pain as they know for certain they are bound for Heaven!” ~ St. Catherine of Genoa

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR DEFENSE.

BY YOUR PERSEVERANCE YOU WILL BE SAVED. 

"Jesus said to the crowd:

“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.

"It will lead to your giving testimony.

"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

"You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.

"You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.

"By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21: 12 - 19).

[Perseverance in prayers and good works]. 

Wednesday 27th November in the 34th Week in Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture is from Luke 21: 12 - 19. This is one of the most powerful and comforting promises Jesus made to His followers.

Soon after the experience of Pentecost, Peter and John confirmed the truth in their encounter with the Sanhedrin (the Supreme Court of Israel).

Other Apostles including Stephen and Paul confirmed the reliability of this promise of Jesus in their ministry.

St Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr (Circa 310 AD) during her trial before Emperor Maxentius was aided by this promise. Her brilliant defense of the Faith threw the Emperor into a murderous rage and he condemned Catherine to death. 

This promise has blessed me on a number of tough occasions. Hence I call the Holy Spirit the Voice that speaks in Court.

Martyrdom is the badge of honor for Christians. Tertulian, the 2nd century African theologian stated that "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity."

Why are Martyrs highly priced and venerated by Christians? Because they laid down their lives. They did what Jesus Christ did on Calvary. 

When we honor them, we glorify Jesus, the true and faithful Witness (Martyr). 

Blessed are you if you persevere under persecution, your salvation is secured. (Cf Luke 21: 19).

The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED. 

Is the End of the World Near? 

"While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, 

“All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

"Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?”

"He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!

"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

"Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.” (Luke 21: 5 - 11).

Most capital cities of first world nations look alike. Tall skylines and highrise buildings. Shiny glass exteriors. 

Remember Christ's  warning in today's Gospel. “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”

Do you consider this prophecy of Jesus farfetched for today?

 Not at all. Rome was destroyed. Berlin was leveled to the ground. Moscow was burnt down by Napoleon. 

Gaza is being dismantled brick by brick. Ukraine and Russia are competing to see who will be the first to destroy the other. 

Of course the prophecy in the Gospel of today is specific to Jerusalem. Jerusalem met its nemesis in 70 AD when Emperor Vespatian and his son Titus executed God's judgment on Jerusalem. Regard Jerusalem as a type. 

What is the meaning of the prophecy for us today? Do not despise the word of God. 

 Watch rather the signs of the End Times. The End may be near. Watch and pray that you may not succumb to vile temptations.

The month of November is traditionally dedicated in the Catholic Church to honoring the dead and relieving the sufferings of the souls in purgatory. Do not neglect your loved ones. 

For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/10/10-ways-to-assist-poor-souls-in.html

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