Saturday, January 11, 2025
Friday, January 10, 2025
I AM NOT THE BRIDEGROOM.
JESUS MUST INCREASE. I MUST DECREASE.
THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned.
Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.”
“John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete.
“He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3: 22 - 30).
Saturday 11th January 2025. Last day in the Season of Christmas. We honor the Holy Mother of God whom the Church honors on Saturdays from ancient times.
"He [Jesus] must increase; I must decrease." (John 3: 30).
In the fullness of time, Jesus left Nazareth and after part hiking and part walking, He got to the River Jordan and was baptized by John the Baptist.
Later John was asked about Jesus: “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” (John 3: 20).
Then John uttered these thought provoking words:
"He must increase; I must decrease." John is saying: Jesus is the Messiah. I am only the messenger. He is the Word of God. I am only the Voice. No hint of jealousy from John. Compare this attitude to what we know of clerical jealousy in the Church.
John knew that the Bridegroom is the star and therefore deserves the place of honor.
Where must Jesus increase in your life? Where must you decrease? In your home, parish, workplace? Do you struggle with pride and envy? We have a perfect answer in the first Reading:
"We have this confidence in him, [God] that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in regard to whatever we ask, we know that what we have asked him for is ours." (1 John 5: 14 - 15).
"He [Jesus] must increase; I must decrease." (John 3: 30.)
Discern your destiny and your gifts. Discern the working of Divine Providence in your life.
Divine Providence is the plan, design, purpose that God has for your life when He created you. St John the Baptist had no illusion about who he is.
Embrace your place in the Church and in the world.
Glorify God with your time, talent and treasure. Strive for peace and serenity in 2025.
The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.
"Everything about our divine Lord is holy, including His Name. The Archangel Gabriel first spoke the name of Jesus to His mother, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). The Archangel was only a messenger, so it was the Father in Heaven who gave Jesus his name."
Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1
Thursday, January 09, 2025
COME TO JESUS WITH CONFIDENT AND EXPECTANT FAITH.
YES, I WILL HEAL YOU.
"It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.
“Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray." (Luke 5: 12 - 16).
Friday 10th January 2025, Friday After Epiphany in the Season of Christmas.
In our Gospel Reading today, (Luke 5: 12 - 16), we learn of a man "full of leprosy", a disease as dreaded in the days of Jesus as cancer is today. But there is one important difference. Cancer does not carry the social stigma of leprosy. The leper was driven out of the society, forbidden to mix with people and not allowed to take part in synagogue worship. Life was hell on earth for the leper.
The leper in today's Gospel by an act of Divine Providence heard about Jesus and His miracles. He believed what he heard. Faith is an active step towards a desired goal. The leper tracked Jesus down. Consider how he won the heart of Jesus:
#1. He prostrated himself. Posture of prayer.
#2. He said to Jesus: "If you wish.." This could mean: I want to be healed badly but I respect your sovereignty.
#3. "You can make me clean." I know all things are possible for God. I believe you possess divine power.
"Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately."
Note the action of Jesus. He touched the leper, followed by these comforting words: “I do will it. Be made clean.” Note Jesus' supreme freedom of action. He touched the leper without fear of contamination or criticism.
What can we learn from this? Whatever problem we may have, whether it is equivalent of being "full of leprosy," approach Jesus with confidence and expectant faith. Jesus will help you. The healing of the leper is a testimony, that is, an example to encourage us to have full faith in Jesus.
The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.
"Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains. The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it, but God still blesses it and we can still claim it! “In the name of Jesus” is the key that unlocks the door of prayer and the treasury of God’s grace. It’s the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It’s the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our lips to sing his praise. (Warren W. Wiersbe).
Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1
Wednesday, January 08, 2025
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME.
TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE IS FULFILLED BEFORE YOU.
"Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.
"Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.
"He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth." (Luke 4: 14 - 22).
Thursday after Epiphany, January 9th in the Season of Christmas.
In His sabbatical ministry in Nazareth, Jesus claimed the anointing of the the Holy Spirit. Isaiah prophesied that the Holy Spirit will anoint and endow the Messiah for His ministry.
Jesus did in the synagogue in His home town Nazareth what He had never done before. He stated clearly for everyone to hear that He is the Man. The Messiah chosen to fulfill the long held promises and desires of the people.
“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 21).
What does this bold proclamation remind us?
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29 - 32).
Simeon the Prophet, a devout man filled with the Holy Spirit testified that "Today" God fulfilled His promise to Israel when he beheld the Child Jesus in the Temple.
For thirty years, Jesus spent His life in Nazareth most of it as a self-employed carpenter hidden from the world.
Does the Spirit of God in you ever tug your heart to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free?
In the Baptism of the Christ (Matthew 3: 16 - 17), Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit for a Mission:
#1 Bring the Good News to the poor.
#2 Proclaim liberty to captives.
#3 Recovery of sight to the blind.
#4 Grant freedom to the oppressed, etc.
Our own Baptism and Mission are intertwined with the Baptism and Mission of Jesus. When we own our Baptism and accept our Mission, we blossom and become saints.
Consider these ministries. Do you feel called to any of them?
#1 Social Justice
#2 Prison ministry
#3 Catechesis
#4 Evangelization
#5. Food Pantry
#6. Hospital ministry
#7. Eucharistic ministry
Lord Jesus, lead us, guide us and use us.
The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.
“The Holy Name of Jesus is, first of all, an all-powerful prayer.
Our Lord, Himself, solemnly promises, that whatever we ask the Father in His Name, we shall receive.
God never fails to keep His Word.
Each time we say “Jesus,” it is an act of perfect love, for, we offer to God, the infinite love of Jesus.” (St Alphonsus Liguori - 1696-1787)
Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1
Tuesday, January 07, 2025
LET NOTHING FRIGHTEN YOU!
WHY ARE YOU TERRIFIED? IT I JESUS.
"After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
"And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.
"When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them.
"About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them.
"But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
"He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened." (Mark 6: 45 - 52).
The disciples were terrified by a ghost-like figure walking towards them on the sea in the dark of the night.
For us, this could represent a looming disaster about to befall us in the area of the health of a loved one, job and food insecurity, financial bankruptcy, etc.
Jesus says the same consoling words to any of us in our dire circumstances. “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
What does Jesus mean?
Let nothing frighten or disturb you. You think my sudden apparition is an accident. It is not. There are no accidents in life or in nature. Everything is Divine Providence. God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence, plan, design, purpose governs everything in the world.
A bird cannot just fall to the ground and die. A leaf does not fall from a tree by accident. One single hair in your head cannot turn white or black. Everything is controlled by God's mighty, merciful Providence.
Remember this when you say the Credo (I believe in God).
You say: I BELIEVE IN GOD. THE FATHER ALMIGHTY. MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH.....
Pay attention to the Credo Prayer and your trust in Divine Providence will grow and you will be able to master your fears of sudden events. God initiates everything. He foresees the End which is for your good. All the means (steps) to that End are designed to be good.
The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.
"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, those on earth and those under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-11).
Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1
Monday, January 06, 2025
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
Sunday, January 05, 2025
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
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