Behold the Lamb of God. Behold your Savior!

“Behold, the Lamb of God.” (John 1: 36).

You may consider the lamb as little animal for sacrifice. Do not forget that Jesus was born in the manger where lambs for sacrifices were born. (Cf Luke 2: 6).

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he announced enthusiastically, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”

Which of this would describe how you may introduce Jesus to your friends:
#1. Behold my Savior and Redeemer.
#2.  Behold the King of Israel.
#3.   Behold the carpenter from Nazareth.
#4. Behold the Great Rabbi.
#5. Behold the Son of God and Son of Mary.

Decide today who Jesus is for you.

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I desire mercy and loving-kindness and not sacrifice.

"Jesus heard this and said to them [that], “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”  (Mark 2:  16 - 17).

The above conversation took place between Jesus and the Pharisees in the house of Matthew, the tax collector who would become the Evangelist.

We read in the same passage:
"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him."  (Mark 2: 15).

What do you think?
The Church is a 5-star hotel for saints.
Or
The Church is a hospital for sinners.

Let us consider a few Scriptures on the Mercy of God:

" For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."  (Hosea 6: 6).

"Blessed are the merciful: for  they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5: 7).

"But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’  you would not have condemned the guiltless." (Matthew 12: 7).

The word Mercy is found in the Bible countless times.  Abba Father Himself is described as the "Father of mercy and God of all consolation."  (2 Corinthians 1: 3).  I like this so much that I use it every morning when I invoke Abba Father for His blessings for the day.

In the Heart of Jesus, we find abundant mercy waiting for everyone.  To receive mercy is as simple as ABC:
+Ask for Mercy.
+Be Merciful.
+Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

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We don't want to be exceptional. We want a king.

"We too must be like all the nations, with a king to rule us, lead us in warfare, and fight our battles.”   (1 Samuel 8: 20).

In the above passage, Israel rejects their eternal destiny: to be an exceptional, a people unique to God. It was a most uncomfortable place to be.  It is like asking you to sit in the front row during the Sunday Mass.  God wanted a people peculiar to Himself. The people wanted just to be like their neighbors.  The pastor's kid does not want anybody to recognize him as such.

"And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.' This is the message you must give to the people of Israel."  (Exodus 19: 6;  Revelation 1: 6).

Thanks but No Sir.  We just want to be like our neighbors.

The Church is an exceptional People. Yet, we like to compromise with the world on:
* Divorce
* Abortion
* Same sex marriage
* Sunday Observance

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans  12: 2).

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Jesus touched the leper and then healed him.

"A leper came to him [and kneeling down] begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”  Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”  The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean."  (Mark 1: 40 - 42).

Jesus touched this leper and then healed him.

A friend of mine who had a medical emergency and was taken to the Emergency Room in a large city. During his 9 hours wait to see a doctor, he mingled with the downtrodden, the homeless, the deranged, etc.  The experience changed him.  Like Jesus, he felt he had touched the "leper".  Have you touched the leper?

The Church reminds us of many opportunities to touch the "leper" through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy:

Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked
4. Shelter the homeless
5. Visit the sick
6. Visit the imprisoned
7. Bury the dead

"Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”  (Mark 1:  41).

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How Jesus prays.

"Rising very early before dawn, Jesus left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed."  (Mark 1: 35).

Let us consider Jesus habit of Prayer:

Jesus prays:
#1. At a Sacred Time (Probably 5 am).
#2. In a Sacred Place (Deserted Place).
#3. With a Sacred Intention (Conversing with the Father).

The above 3 habits of Sacred Time, Sacred Place and Sacred Intention are the Best Practice in Christian tradition in Prayer. They are 3 habits of the saints.

Don’t allow anybody to deceive you with the falsehood that you are not a morning person. My good friend who is not a "morning person" works for a multinational company that operates 24 hours. He is always ready to jump out of bed any time they call to go to work.  But if it is to get up early for prayer or Church, you are quickly reminded  that he is not a "morning person".

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans  12: 2).

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This is a new teaching with authority.

"Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.  (Mark 1: 21).

Jesus as a good and practicing Jew who observed all the Law of Moses especially those that deal with Sabbath observance.  His disagreement with the teachers of the Law gave Him the opportunity to enlarge the Law and bring out the true intentions of God with regard to the Sabbath. Jesus did not come to abolish the Sabbath. The Sabbath transferred to Sunday in the Christian era to celebrate in perpetuity the Resurrection of Jesus the Redeemer.

How faithful are you with your Sunday observance?  Do you know that next to the New Law of Love, KEEP HOLY THE LORD’S DAY may be the most important Law in the Book.  How can you love unless the Holy Spirit of love lives in you. How are you refreshed with the Holy Spirit except through His word and worship in community on Sundays?
Beware of creating your own rules.

"The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes."  (Mark 1: 22).

Jesus taught the word of God with disarming simplicity.  He did not attend the Rabbinic school of the type of Rabbi Gamaliel. He was anointed with Holy Spirit to teach.
You too can receive the same anointing.  Teachers are needed in the Church. Jesus is hiring every day.

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The Baptism of the Lord Jesus.

"After the Lord was baptized, the heavens were opened,
and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."  (Cf Matthew 3: 16 - 17).

Today is the Feast of Baptism of the Lord, the end of the Christmas Season.

"I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the holy Spirit.”  (Mark 1: 8).

"So they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit.... Now Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. (Acts 6: 5, 8).

On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord we reflect briefly on the Person and work of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of Abundant life (Cf John 10: 10).
He is the Principal Agent in the Evangelization ministry of the Church.
He is the Source of inspiration and power.

Do you want to be on fire like St Stephen? Then pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.  It shall be given to you.

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The Infant Jesus is manifested to the whole world.

"We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”  (Matthew 2: 2).

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord this Sunday.
Epiphany means the manifestation of divine effect or power.  This is the day when the Divine Child Jesus was shown or revealed to Gentiles represented by the three Wise Men.

"They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother." (Matthew 2: 10 - 11).

"They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."  (Matthew 2: 11).

What lessons does the mystery of the Epiphany hold for us?   Consider these three :

#1.   Salvation is for all people, Jews and Gentiles. 
#2.  The power and sovereignty of God is universal.  All people and all things obey Him. (Psalm 119:  91) 
#3.  The three Wise Men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus.  Bring your sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving to Jesus every Sunday in the Eucharist.

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Do you accept the testimony of the Father on behalf of His Son?

"If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is surely greater."  (1 John 5: 9).

Consider the following anomaly:
Many people have no problem trusting the following entities:
%Government
%Doctors
%Scientists
%Teachers
Etc

But they have the greatest difficulty in trusting the Church.  But the Church is by far, a faithful,  trustworthy and credible witness to truth than the above entities.
Consider the following facts:
#1.  2000 years of recorded history.
#2. Sent missionaries to pagan and barbaric Britain and France in the 5th and 3rd century respectively.
3#. Founded the first University in Bologna, Italy in 1088.
#4. Witnessed the birth of all the modern countries in the world.

"The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:
This is my beloved Son. Listen to him."  (Cf Mark 9: 6).

The Church has borne continuous witness to Jesus Christ by word, miracle and by blood.

"Now the testimony of God is this, that he has testified on behalf of his Son."  (1 John 5: 9).

Do you believe the testimony of the Father on behalf of His Son?

"Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar by not believing the testimony God has given about his Son."  (1 John 5: 10).

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Can anything good come from Nazareth?

“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:  46).

The above statement was the disparaging remarks of the future apostle Nathaniel (Bartholomew) when Philip told him about Jesus. Jesus was very gracious when the two men met face to face.  Jesus did not refer to the prejudice. Instead, he complimented Nathaniel:  “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” (John 1: 47).

There are many prejudices in the world: racial, sex, class, those who come from the North against the South, linguistic prejudices, etc.

No matter your situation, there are people out there who believe you are inferior to them.  How do you handle such situation?
Think of Jesus encounter with Nathaniel.  Be gracious.

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Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of 2018.

January 5th, First Friday in 2018.
Start the Year strong by honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. See yourself stronger by July and finish in December in top form 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.

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

What does Jesus mean by the state of life? Every human being lives in one of two states:  married life for majority of people and single state.  In the single state, there are men and women who have committed themselves to Consecrated life. Look at at the needs below and see that they are not the same always for the two groups.  Wherever you find yourself is your predestined means for holiness and passport to heaven.

In Promise #1, the Lord promises to provide all the graces necessary in all the circumstances of life, viz:
Family, Health, Money, Job, Possessions and Tools, Food, Future.   Please remember that the Lord Jesus knows exactly what you need and when you need it. Trust Him.

Remind the Lord often of these promises.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, 5th of January 2018.

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

http://sfjweb.com/?q=content/sacred-heart-12-promises

Let no one deceive you.

"Let no one deceive you."  (1 John 3: 7).

St James gave this grim warning:  "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly."  (James 3: 1).

There are today proliferation of teachers and teachings about the Christian faith. And there are many contradictions among the teachings.  Are we in the Last Days?  Listen to the Apostle Paul instructing Timothy:
"Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons."  (1 Timothy 4: 1).

What are you to do if Scripture urges you:  "Let no one deceive you."  (1 John 3: 7).  Is Scripture saying that you are responsible for your faith? For what you believe? For your eternal destiny?

The Scriptures also say:
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."  (1 John 4: 1).

Do not believe that every teacher with a big church, a long resume, many academic credentials after his name has necessarily the seed of God in him and is begotten of God. (1 John 3: 9).

"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"  (Matthew 7: 16).

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What is in the Name of Jesus?

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11).

"She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1 : 21)

“I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.”  (Acts 3: 6).
The crippled man rose and walked.

What is in a name?  In Sacred Scriptures, name and mission are always linked.  A special name is often a pointer to one's destiny.

Consider the following:
#1.  "Hallowed be Thy Name." (Matthew 6: 9)
#2.  "Thou shall not invoke the Name of the Lord thy God in vain." (Exodus 20: 7)
#3.  "At the Name of Jesus, every knee should bend.."  (Philippians 2: 10 - 11)

Jesus means Savior (Yeshua).  Jesus Name means what it signifies and signifies what it means.   According to St Bernard of Clairvaux, Father and Doctor of the Church, "The sweet name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, and nourishes pure affections.... This name is the cure for all diseases of the soul."

Do you know that the Name of Jesus is a complete prayer?   "Jesus Son of David have mercy on me."  In emergency, you may simply pray: JESUS.  This invocation brings the Presence, Power and Person of Jesus to you.  It is not magic.  You must invoke it with faith.

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Who are you?

“Who are you?” (John 1: 19).

"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.  (1 John 2: 24).

At the end of 1986, following a serious career crisis while working for Unilever in Paris, the Lord used Exodus 14: 13 - 14 to assure me of His Presence and help. God wanted me to remain a spectator while He would be the Actor. The problem was resolved with wonders.  As a result of this incident, I vowed to read Sacred Scripture every day of my life.  That was 30 years today.

At the end 1996, 10 years later, the Holy Spirit inspired me to switch from reading the Bible chronologically to reading it with the Church using the Roman Missal. That was 20 years today.

Brothers and sisters, "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it."  (1 Thessalonians 5: 24).

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Do whatever Jesus tells you.

"Hail, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the King, who rules heaven and earth for ever."  (Cf. Isaiah 9: 1, 5; Luke 1: 33 RM, Entrance Antiphon - Solemnity of Mary).

The Church world-wide celebrates today, January 1st 2018, the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God).

Mary's chief role in the economy of salvation is that of Intercession.  "Do whatever He tells you."  (John 2: 5).

All the readings for today's solemn liturgy points to how eager God is to bless you and me.  We shall take the First Reading from the Book of Numbers:

"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).

Abba Father is a gracious, merciful and loving Father who wants to give His children the very best of gifts.  Ask therefore for the very best.  Ask for the Holy Spirit. (Luke 11: 13). Plead for Wisdom. (1 Kings 3: 11; 2 Chronicles 1: 11; 1 Kings 4: 29). Ask for Faith (Luke 17: 6; Matthew 17: 20).  Be bold. Ask for great gifts.  Not peanuts.

SeekFirst Community wishes you and all your loved ones a 2018 filled with the Presence of the Holy Spirit, Wisdom and Faith.

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Feast of the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

"The shepherds went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger."  (Luke 2: 16).

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus.  The Holy Family of Nazareth besides sharing their joys, hopes, griefs and the anxieties of daily living shared those of their neighbors.

Nobody can pretend that marriage and family life is easy. It is particularly under great stress today.  The Church points to many successful and happy families among her children. Let us consider a few of the habits of these families:

1. Prayer  (Absolute Necessity, Fountain of grace and mercy).
2. Word of God (God’s Manual). Source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Secret of the saints.
3.  Eucharist (Bread of life & Food for the Journey)
4.  Sacrament of Reconciliation (Medicine for the Journey).  Add some self-denial.
5.  Examen (Look at your soul in the spiritual mirror at the end of the day).
6.  Spiritual Reading (GPS). When you pray, you talk to God. When you read, God talks to you.
7.   Ministry (Sharing your gifts & making them more abundant).
8.  A family that prays together stays together.

Prayer for a balanced family life: 
"Grant our family Lord, the gift of balance,  the grace of due proportion. May we pray when it is time to pray, work when it is time to work, laugh when it is time to laugh.  May our lives be whole, 
and wholly given to you."  Amen.

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Consider making Jesus first in everything as your New Year Resolution.

"Do not love the world or the things of the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world.  Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever." (1 John 2: 15 - 17).

On the 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas, the Holy Spirit gives the Church a chilling warning as we hasten to make plans and New Year resolutions for 2018.

Simply put:
Whoever does not seek the Kingdom of God above all else and adopt Jesus' way of doing and being righteous and His whole character does not have the love of the Father in his heart. (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

"For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]."  (John 1: 16 AMP).

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This Child is destined to be a sign of contradiction.

"Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted  (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  (Luke 2:  34 - 35).

The above incident is one of the Infancy Narrative to feature Joseph and Mary.  Let us reflect on two other Bible incidents involving Mary :

"Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus."  (Luke 1:  30 - 31).

"Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"  (Luke 1: 41 - 43).

Simeon predicted that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction.  Jesus Himself said that families will be divided on account of Him. (Luke 12: 53; Matthew 10: 37). Mary shares the fate of His Son. Mary's blessedness has been challenged throughout history. Many Christians believe that Mary is the obstacle to Church unity.  Consider for a moment this prophecy:

"Then the Lord God said to the snake:.... .. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers;
They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel."  (Genesis 3:  14-15).

The above passage has been interpreted since the early Church as the Proto-Gospel, predicting battles to be waged between Jesus and the Satanic Kingdom.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."  (John 3: 16).

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There are still many dark sides to ourselves.

"Beloved:  Now this is the message that we have heard from him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all."  (1 John 1: 5 RM).

God is absolute light in whom there is no shadow of darkness.  But we Christians are not light. There are still many dark sides to ourselves.
Therefore, we need discernment of spirits to help us know when the good spirit is at work in us and when the dark spirit is in control. Whatever brings fear, worry or doubt in you is not from the Father of Light.

"Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,  occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like."  (Galatians 5: 19 - 21).

The spirit that causes such behaviors as above causes sadness, depression, fear, worry and doubts.

"In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."  (Galatians 5: 22 - 23).

Beloved, learn to discern the spirit at work in you in all things, always and everywhere.

"Almighty God, your incarnate Word fills us with the new light he brought to men. Let the light of faith in our hearts shine through all that we do and say. 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. Amen." (Prayer, Vespers Thursday in the Octave of Christmas). 

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John saw, heard and touched. He was therefore an eye witness.

"What we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."  (1 John 1: 3).

Today is the Feast of of St John the Divine, Apostle and Evangelist.

What is the Bible, Sacred Scripture all about?  REVELATION! God the Father revealed His eternal love for mankind through His Beloved Son, Jesus the Christ.  No human messenger captured this truth as did St John, the author of the 4th Gospel, the Book of Revelation and 3 epistles.  St John's account of his Jesus experience is eye witness.
He saw. He heard. He touched. He then bore witness.  His witness which is faithful and credible have unlocked for us the secrets of the Word of God.

Father, grant that we may grasp with proper understanding what John so marvelously brought to us.

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