THE FEAST OF ST RAYMOND PENAFORT, OP. PRIEST.

THE FEAST OF ST RAYMOND PENAFORT, OP. PRIEST. 

THE GOSPEL:

"When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

"By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

"He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.”

"But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?”

"He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”

"And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.”

"So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties.

"Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all.

"They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men." (Mark 6: 34 - 44).

Tuesday January 7th 2025, in the Season of Christmas is  the feast of St Raymond Peñafort.  (1175 - 1275). Spanish Dominican Priest. Raymond was very erudite and he advanced the knowledge of Canon Law. St Raymond was a contemporary of the great St Thomas Aquinas also a Dominican priest. He studied Arabic in order to study the Koran so that he could evangelize the Moslems. 

St Raymond Peñafort did a great deal to secure the freedom of Christians during the Crusade. He died at the age of 100.

Raymond is known in history for two key contributions: Like the Curé of Ars, he had an extraordinary charism in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Ask Jesus to lead you to such a priest. One confession is all you need to turn around your life. Raymond wrote volumes which are part of the Canon Law.

Our Scripture for today proclaims: "They all ate and were satisfied." (Mark 6: 42). What does this mean?

This points to the immense generosity of God.  Jesus fed 5000 men and there were 12 baskets of leftover.

Remember the story of the manna in the desert where a whole nation ate of the heavenly food for years. Both the manna and today's incident of the Multiplication of loaves point to the Eucharist.

The Eucharist today is a daily food. Food for our journey to Heaven. Day after day, millions are fed all over the world. "They all ate and were satisfied." (Mark 6: 42).

The Multiplication of Loaves is such an important incident that it appears in all four Gospels. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

Jesus, Son of the living God

have mercy on us

Jesus, splendor of the Father

have mercy on us

Jesus, brightness of everlasting light

have mercy on us

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST ANDRÉ BESSETTE: MIRACLE WORKER.

ST ANDRÉ BESSETTE, RELIGIOUS. 

Jesus went about "curing every disease and illness among the people."

THE GOSPEL:

"When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.

"From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

"He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him." (Matthew 4: 12 - 17, 23 - 25).

Monday 6th January 2025 in the Season of Christmas is the feast of St André Bessette, popularly known as Brother André. (1845 - 1937). Canadian. Religious Brother of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. Miracle worker when alive. More miracles now from Heaven.

My favorite St André Bessette quotes:

1. "Only a tool in the hands of providence; a lowly instrument at the service of St. Joseph” 

2. “Put yourself in God's hands; He abandons no one.”

3. "Do not ask God for your trials to be taken away. Rather ask God to give you the grace to endure your trials." (Brother André).

This last quote of André touched me deeply. My prayers seem to be: "O Lord, take away this trial. Take away that trial. Please take away all trials. Do it quickly O Lord." 

Frankly, I am ashamed of myself. But I am learning. St André Bessette pray for us. 

St André Bessette believes profoundly in Divine Providence. In fact, it would seem that every saint believes in Divine Providence. 

If you believe in Divine Providence which is the sweetest doctrine in the Bible and in the Deposit of Faith, then it could be a sign of predestination. You are predestined to go far in spiritual life. 

The highlight of our Gospel of today for me is:

"Jesus went about "curing every disease and illness among the people."

I like a lot stories of healing in the Bible and testimonies of healing by ordinary people. I myself have benefitted from many healings in my life. I pray for healing every day. I believe too in Divine Providence. I believe that certain physical, mental or bodily conditions are there for a purpose. Talk to God and find out what is part of your DNA and what is not. 

Ask for healing in the Mighty Name of Jesus. A Name we honor every single day in the Month of January. 

I believe in Prayer. 

I believe in the Word of God. 

I believe in Medicine. 

I believe in Miracle. 

I surrender everything to God. 

The Name of Jesus is a Promise. The Name of Jesus is full Prayer. The Name of Jesus is Power. 

Honor the Name of Jesus in January. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD JESUS.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD. 

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Matthew 2: 2).

The three Magi followed the star hundreds of miles before they found Jesus.

"They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." (Matthew 2: 10 - 11).

Sunday 5th January 2025 is the great Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

What is the Epiphany? This is the day when the Divine Child Jesus was shown or revealed to Gentiles represented by the three Wise Men.

Brothers and sisters, this is really a beautiful feast that offers us great insight into the mystery of salvation. Our salvation, our redemption, our assumption into Christ depends on one thing, only one thing: FAITH! Examples:

#1 The Magi, wealthy lords from the East entered the logcabin type of room where Christ lay with His simply clad mother and father in a sparsely furnished room . They saw and Believed that this is He.

St Bernard of Clairvaux wrote:

"What are you doing, O Magi? Do you adore a little Babe, in a wretched hovel, wrapped in miserable rags? Can this Child be truly God? … Are you become foolish, O Wise Men … Yes, these Wise Men have become fools that they may be wise. (Saint Bernard of Clairvaux). 

Like saying: Do you adore the Eucharist? The Blessed Sacrament?]. [

#2 Simeon and Anna entered the Temple at the moment of the Presentation of Jesus to His heavenly Father. They saw a simple couple with two small pigeons, the offering of the poor. They saw and they Believed that this is He the expected Messiah.

#3 At the crucifixion, Jesus' battered body was hanging between two thieves. One of the thieves turned his head slightly and looked at Jesus. He saw and believed that this is He, the Savior of the world.

#4. The Roman officer who had seen many crucifixions saw the demeanor of Jesus hanging from the Cross and said: This is the Son of God.

In all four instances, our examples walked by faith and not by sight or feeling. The Three Wise Men were guided by the light of the Star to Jesus. The Star became a type of Sacrament (Sacramentum, Mysterium) an outward sign of deeper meaning pointing to Jesus. 

Faith is a supernatural gift of God to whomever He chooses. 

In the feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the fullness of time when God revealed His only Begotten Son to the nations through the Magi by the guidance of a star.

Nothing happens in the Economy of Salvation outside the Fullness of Time. God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence works in the framework of the Fullness of Time. Scripture proclaims that IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME, GOD MAKES EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3: 11).

All nations must become coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Cf Ephesians 3: 6).

When you became a member of the Body of Christ through Baptism, you were asked: What do you seek from the Church of the living God? We know that the first thing we seek is Faith. Faith opens the door to every good thing in the world. 

Abraham, David and Mary heard the Promise and believed. 

I believe in God the Father.

I believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son.

I believe in the Holy Spirit.

I believe in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I believe in life everlasting.

I believe in Divine Providence. 

Amen.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. We hear. We believe! 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF A GREAT EDUCATOR: MOTHER SETON.

MEMORIAL OF ST ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS AND FOUNDRESS OF A RELIGIOUS CONGREGATION. 

“John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” 

"The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” 

"They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 

"Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.” (John 1: 35 - 42).

 Saturday, January 4th 2025 in the Season of Christmas is the feast of St Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774 - 1821). 

St Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American  Religious. Elizabeth was blessed as wife, mother, educator and founder of a religious order. She was born in New York.

Why is Elizabeth significant in the Church in America? She founded the Sisters of Charity, a teaching order that has made a significant contribution to education and the American parochial school system. Secondly, she was the first person born in continental United States of America to be canonized a saint.

But more to the point is that Elizabeth Ann Seton discovered the fullness of Jesus Christ and His teaching in the Catholic Church. Like Andrew and John in the Gospel of today, Elizabeth must have exclaimed when she converted to Catholicism and received into the Church: "I have found the fullness of knowledge and faith in Jesus. I have found the Eucharist!"

One of the beautiful maxims of St Elizabeth Ann is:

"Cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts." (St Elizabeth Ann Seton). 

The Book of Proverbs teaches:

"Behold a wise woman who has built her house. She feared the Lord and walked in the right path." (Proverbs 14: 1 - 2).

St Elizabeth Ann Seton fits this profile. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“This great name of Jesus was not given by man, but by God himself." (St Alphonsus Liguori). 

"The name of Jesus," says St. Bernard, "was first preordained by God."  It was a new name: A new Name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN JANUARY 2025.

FIRST FRIDAY IN JANUARY, 2025.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of 2025. Attend Holy Mass. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. 

January 3rd, First Friday in 2025.

Start 2025 strong by embracing the Sacred Heart of Jesus. See yourself stronger in faith and love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus by July 2025 and finish in December in flying colors and count your blessings.

Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

Promise #1 (January) "I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life."

For a long time, I did not understand the full meaning of this promise. I thank Jesus that I now understand this promise better. 

In Promise #1, the Lord promises to provide all the graces necessary in all the circumstances of life, viz:

Please remember that the Lord Jesus knows exactly what you need and when you need it. Trust Him.

This is the same Promise that Jesus made to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 9.

"My grace is sufficient for you. For power is made perfect in weakness." 

The VAST GRACE of Jesus is sufficient to meet all our NEEDS TODAY. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow belongs to God. 

Does Jesus promise to provide you everything? NO! 

He promises to provide you with everything necessary for your peace and and security TODAY. 

Many things in your car, computer, phone are not necessary for the functionality of the appliance. 

Many things in your house are not necessary for your peace, well-being and security. 

The Divine Providence promises to provide ALL necessary things to those who are loyal devotees of His Sacred Heart. Does Jesus fulfill this promise? 

Remind the Lord often of these promises and see for yourself.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, 3rd of January 2025.

For the full list of the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. January 3rd is the feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIENZEN.

THE MEMORIAL OF STS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIENZEN. BISHOPS AND DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH. 

"This is the testimony of John. 

When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him

to ask him, “Who are you?”

He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted,

“I am not the Christ.” 

So they asked him,

“What are you then? Are you Elijah?” 

And he said, “I am not.” 

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.” 

So they said to him,

“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? 

What do you have to say for yourself?”

He said:

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,

‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’

as Isaiah the prophet said.” 

Some Pharisees were also sent. 

They asked him,

“Why then do you baptize

if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 

John answered them,

“I baptize with water;

but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,

the one who is coming after me,

whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,

where John was baptizing." (John 1: 19 - 28).

Thursday , January 2nd 2025 is the feast of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazienzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church. 

Who are you?

“Who are you?”..... “What are you then?.... What do you have to say for yourself?” (John 1: 19, 21, 22).

The priests, levites and Jewish leaders have been watching the ministry of St John the Baptist for a while. At long last, they decided to hear from the horse's mouth the identity of this austere prophet.  John did not beat about the bush:  “I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord.”  (John 1: 23).

And you? Who are you? What is your purpose on earth? What do you do for the Kingdom of God on earth?  All these are apt questions to reflect on as we prepare to celebrate the feast of the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday January 12th marking the end of the Christmas Season.

We celebrate today, January 2nd, two great Bishops and Doctors of the Church: Saints Basil the Great (329 to 379)and Gregory Nazianzen (329 to 389).  Both men, great friends in this world "proclaimed Christ crucified; Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God." (Cf 1 Corinthians 1: 23 - 24).

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

"The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers, because the shining splendor of that name causes his word to be proclaimed and heard." (St Bernardine of Siena.). 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MOTHER OF GOD.

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD. IN THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS. 

"The LORD said to Moses:  

“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:  

This is how you shall bless the Israelites.

Say to them:  

The LORD bless you and keep you!  

The LORD let his face shine upon      

you, and be gracious to you!  

The LORD look upon you kindly and      

give you peace!

So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,  

and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6: 22 - 27).

There is so much good meat in the word of God today. Let us feast on the word of God. It is right and fitting. 

"Brothers and sisters: When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

"As proof that you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then also an heir, through God." (Galatians 4: 4 - 7).

Wednesday January 1, 2025 in the Octave of Christmas is the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. The THEOTOKOS. 

"Mary is acclaimed by Elizabeth, at the prompting of the Spirit and even before the birth of her son, as "the mother of my Lord". In fact, the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Hence the Church confesses that Mary is truly "Mother of God" (Theotokos)." (CCC 495).

Our key Scripture says that in the fullness of time, God fulfilled the promise He made long ago. Are you waiting for the fullness of time on anything? Health, family, finances, job, tools and necessary resources?

Our Scripture today indicates that nothing happens until the fullness of time, the Kairos time. 

Do you have a relationship with Mary the Mother of God? Mary who after Jesus is our greatest intercessor in Heaven by the gracious and mysterious will of God is waiting to embrace and help you.  Mary is key to our knowledge and relationship with Jesus her Son. Mary is the only human being who knew Jesus from conception to His death to His Resurrection.

Mary Mother of God pray for us.

DAILY BIBLE VERSE @SeekFirstcommunity wishes you a 2025 full of Peace: 

The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1