FEAST OF SAINTS SIXTUS II AND CAJETAN.
FEAST OF SAINTS SIXTUS II AND CAJETAN.
THE GOODNEWS:
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,
take up his cross, and follow me.
For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world
and forfeit his life?
Or what can one give in exchange for his life?
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory,
and then he will repay each according to his conduct.
Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here
who will not taste death
until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” (Matthew 16: 24 - 28).
Friday 7th August 2026 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Cajetan, Priest and Founder of a Religious Order.
St Cajetan, Priest and Founder of the Theatines was born in 1480 and died in 1547. He was canonized by Pope Clement X.
St Cajetan was very dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary who bestowed upon him many favors.
Called a "Saint" from his childhood, he never slackened in desire for holiness.
To renew the lives of the Clergy, he formed the Congregation of Clerks Regular, known as the Theatines.
Cajetan was the first to introduce the Forty Hours' Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as an antidote to the heresy of Calvinism.
Today is also the feast of St Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr and his companion martyrs. (+ 258).
Sixtus with four of his deacons were captured at the Altar while celebrating Mass and beheaded at the order of Emperor Valerian.
Our Gospel this Friday in my view is one of the most pragmatic.
Understand and embrace the message and you will understand the whole message and meaning of Christianity.
Embrace the message and you will be happy forever.
We labor and are burdened in life over: Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools, Food, Future issues.
As catechumens are advised in the Rite of Acceptance, the Cross of Christ is the only answer to all our needs. The Cross is the full truth of the Gospel. (Cf Luke 24: 25 - 27).
Jesus laid down the grim cost of discipleship:
#1 Take up your cross and follow me. Your cross are the trials that you can't escape: health, joblessness, poverty, etc.
#2 Be prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice with your life if it becomes necessary. "For whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
As Jesus God-Man filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, Jesus knew that no one will respond to His challenge unless the bait is bigger than the sacrifice. And it is.
Here is what Jesus promises:
1. The Holy Spirit is promised with His gifts and fruits.
2. The Presence of Jesus is always with the disciple.
3. Peace, comfort and joy, courage, contentment are always there on tap.
These are real and substantial benefits. Think of this for a moment: How did so many Christians made up of mature men and women, boys and girls, princesses and peasants, clerics and lay faithful chose to give up their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ? Because they knew and believed that there is a better life waiting for them.
The saints who took up the challenges of discipleship believed Jesus. Do you believe Jesus?
"For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct." (Matthew 16: 27).
I believe that Jesus has designed a yoke for each of us that fits each person perfectly and the burden we are given to carry from day by day is light.
"For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct." (Matthew 16: 27).
"At the Altar is My Heart, open to receive those who will respond to My timeless invitation: “Come unto Me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart, and you shall find rest to your souls. For My yoke is sweet, and My burden light.” (IN SINU JESU, Wednesday, January 10, 2012).
August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."
"But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart."— St. Luke 2:19
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is the original sanctuary of contemplative prayer.
Throughout the earthly life of the Person of Jesus—from the humble stable of Bethlehem to the hidden years at Nazareth and the public ministry—Mary silently observed, treasured, and pondered every word, gesture, and action of her Divine Son.
Consider the rich, interior silence that governed the daily life of the Blessed Mother.
In a world characterized by constant noise, endless chatter, and relentless digital input, the Immaculate Heart calls us back to the power of holy recollection.
The ultimate purpose of your intellect is to contemplate God's truth.
Divine Providence invites you today to cultivate an interior sanctuary within your soul.
Do not allow the anxieties of the day to scatter your thoughts. In the midst of your physical tasks, periodically retreat into your interior heart, pondering alongside Mary the immense love, mercy, and goodness of Jesus.
Prayer
Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach me to ponder the mysteries of God in quiet contemplation.
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:
No comments:
Post a Comment
23-Psalm1to2