The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is what established Christianity as the leading religion in the world.

"The King of the world will raise us up to live for ever." (Cf 2 Maccabees 7: 9-14).

"Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward [and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother.

"Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died.

"Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.”

"Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage.

"They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise.

"That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out ‘Lord,’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” (Luke 20: 27 - 38).

Sunday November 6th 2022 of the 32nd week of Ordinary Time.

Do you know that November is the month the Church prays especially for the poor souls in purgatory? The Church prays for the souls in Purgatory because the Church believes in the Resurrection of the dead.

Do you consider yourself one of "those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead?"

It is Jesus' Resurrection from the dead that established the Church and raised it above all pagan religions in the Roman Empire in the first few centuries after the Ascension of Jesus and the Pentecost.

Therefore do not scoff at the idea of the Resurrection of the dead, eternal life, heaven and hell. Here is how Jesus responds to the Saduccees who scoffed at the truth of the Resurrection:
Jesus answered: "You are completely wrong! You don't know what the Scriptures teach. And you don't know anything about the power of God." (Matthew 22: 29 CEV)

A Baptist friend of mine asked me once: "Why do you Catholics pray to dead 'saints' and for dead people?" I answered him by pointing to our Scripture verse for today. God Himself says that "He is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Jesus silenced the Sadducees  through this Scripture. My friend had no answer.

We profess this faith:
"I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of the saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen."

If you believe in the Resurrection and life everlasting, live as you believe. Live full of faith, hope and love like the Seven Brothers in our first Reading: “It is my choice to die at the hands of men with the hope God gives of being raised up by him; but for you, there will be no resurrection to life.” (Maccabees 7: 9 - 14).

In instructing the neophytes (new Christians), St Cyril of Jerusalem urged them to trust only in teachings of the Catholic Church:
“In learning and professing the faith, you must accept and retain only the Church’s present tradition, confirmed as it is by the Scriptures…. Now I order you to retain this creed for your nourishment throughout life and never to accept any alternative, not even if I myself were to change and say something contrary to what I am now teaching, not even if some angel of contradiction, changed into an angel of light, tried to lead you astray. For even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which you have now received, let him be accursed in your sight.” (St Cyril of Jerusalem, Father of the Church).

If there is no Resurrection of the dead, then the Church has deceived billions of people for over 2000 years. St John Henry Newman said  that what so many people have believed for so many centuries cannot be wrong.

"The King of the world will raise us up to live for ever." (Cf 2 Maccabees 7: 9-14).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

You must not try to serve God and money.

Holy Mother Church dedicates the 30 Days of November to thinking and praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. As we think and pray for them, we remember the Last Four Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. What a great gift from the Church.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

"The ­person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.

"If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth?

"If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours?

"No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

"The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at him.

"And Jesus said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16: 9 - 15).

Saturday 5th November 2022 of the 31st week of Ordinary Time is the First Saturday of November. The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What is dishonest wealth? Dishonest wealth is any material possession above your material needs today. Who then does your dishonest wealth belong to? Many Church Fathers notably Saints Ambrose and John Chrysostom reply that they belong to the poor. That extra car, coat, shoes, cash belong to the poor. All belong to the poor who are in need of these necessities right here and right now. They do not belong to your grandchildren who are not yet born and may never be born.

What will be your reward if you obey God on this? "My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19).

What if you choose to live in disobedience on this commandment? Then understand clearly:  "No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

Daily Bible Verse @
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The Feast of St Charles Borromeo, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

"Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved."  (St. Charles Borromeo).

"Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property.

"He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’

"The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’

"He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’

"And the master commended that dishonest steward for ­acting prudently. For the children of this world are more ­prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.” (Luke 16: 1 - 8).

Friday 4th November 2022 of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Charles Borromeo. (1538 - 1584). Cardinal, Archbishop of the famous See of Milan, the See of St Ambrose. Borromeo was born into wealth and splendor but was not possessed by his wealth and patrimony.
St Charles Borromeo was one of the architects of the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. A great reformer, he worked hard for the implementation of the decrees of the Council. He established seminaries and had catechisms produced.

The Church teaches us to have constantly in mind the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. There is no escaping this truth. Our key Scripture for today deals with Judgment in accounting terms. Every steward knows that once or twice a year, he renders account of his stewardship to his master in terms of profit and loss. After our death, we will render an account of our stewardship to the Eternal and Merciful Judge, Jesus.

At our birth, we received gifts of Time, Talent and Treasure. How have you invested your gifts? What are the returns on the investments? If you show profits, you will hear  "Welcome" and be promoted to eternal life. If you do not report profits, you will hear "Depart from Me..."

This life is short. Even if you live to 90, it is still a short life especially compared to eternity. It is the duty of Religion to remind everyone of this truth. Do not put all your eggs in the one basket of money and material prosperity.

Some people like St Charles Borromeo are born into wealth but are detached from material things. Other people are born into poverty and become scrooges all their life. Great mystery. It profits a man nothing to own the whole world and lose his eternal soul. Here is one of the powerful sayings of St Charles Borromeo:

"Know and recall that there is no greater wealth and treasure, nothing more excellent and fruitful, than to love God and serve him, and that everything else passes like smoke and shadow."

St Charles Borromeo is the patron saint of catechists and seminarians.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this First Friday.

November 4th, 2022 First Friday in November.

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:  Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.  In the 11th month of the year 2022, we look at Promise #11.

#11. "Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced."

Promise #11 is not hard to fulfill.  Just promote the Sacred Heart Devotion.  Since nobody can give what he has not, make sure you have some testimonies in case someone asks you: "What has the Sacred Heart done for you?"

Start your promotion small.  Order 20 to 50 Sacred Heart of Jesus cards from Amazon, the Internet or from your local Catholic Bookstore.  Few dollars. Get the ones with the picture of the Sacred Heart in front and the Promises on the back. Give them to family, relatives and friends.  Leave some in the Church Narthex.  You are already on the way as a promoter of the Sacred Heart devotion. Tell friends and family about the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Remind the Lord often of these promises especially those that touch your present need. Jesus loves to be reminded of His promises.  Not that He forgets.  It is important for you to know deeply that the Lord is faithful.  Friends, this is really a question of whether you trust the promises Jesus or not. Review the 12 Promises about once a month to see which promises have been fulfilled.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

For the Sacred Heart of Jesus Promises, Prayers, Prayer intentions, click the link below:

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

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Martin de Poress, OP.

"Everything, even sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden and waiting on the sick could be a prayer, if it were offered to God." (St Martin de Poress, OP).

"The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

"So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?

"And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,

"‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them,

‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  (Luke 15: 1 - 10).

Thursday 3rd November 2022 of 31st Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Martin de Poress (1579 - 1639). Martin de Poress, OP was a Dominican lay brother of mixed races. Born in Lima, Peru of a Spanish father and a black mother. His father gave Martin a decent education and His creator, the eternal Physician, endowed Martin with immense pharmaceutical and medical skills. He deployed these gifts in the service of the poor and animals.

Martin was not disgusted with the menial tasks he was alloted: cooking, cleaning and sweeping. He fed the unwanted and the hungry that came to the monastery looking for food. He cured the sick in the infirmary. He fed and cured animals in the backyard.

In our key Scripture from the famous Luke's Chapter 15, Jesus exclaims joyfully "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep."  Thank You Jesus for the lesson You teach me in this parable. You teach me the power of One. You have also reminded me of the power of the mustard seed. Help me to follow Your example My Good Shepherd.

"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

Great saints who repented:
#1 Mary Magdalene
#2 Paul the Apostle
#3 Peter Chief Apostle
#4 Augustine
#5 Francis of Asissi
#6 Ignatius Loyola

Martin de Poress was highly gifted and talented. He humbled himself and never raised his voice or showed off his skills. He accepted the humble place given to him by his brother Dominicans and worked cheerfully in the kitchen and as a doorkeeper. Even in these humble places, he still became the salt of the earth and the light of Christ. God blessed him with miraculous powers. After his death in 1639, the power of his intercession and miraculous power made Martin a favorite patron saint in the Church. I took Martin as my Confirmation name and a patron saint. Martin is the patron saint of Social Justice and Healthcare workers.

St Martin de Poress pray for us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of All Souls. Pray for the holy Souls in Purgatory.

PURGATORY: ONLY GOD CAN MEND A BROKEN EGG.

"Jesus said to the crowds:

“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.

"And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.

"For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”  (John 6: 37 - 40).

Wednesday 2nd November 2022 of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time is the Commemoration of all the holy souls in Purgatory.

Jesus prays, yearns, cries for the salvation of all men and women. The loving mercy of God makes this possible through the providential existence of Purgatory. Without Purgatory, only a few people will be saved.

The Church teaches from the very beginning that:
"All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven." (CCC 1030).

Where do people go for the cleansing or purification after they take their last breath and close their eyes in death? "The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the damned." (CCC 1031).

The unbelievers think that the dead are lost and would decay in the ground like organic matters. They do not believe that man has a soul. But the word of God answers the unbelievers thus:

"They [the dead] seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace." (Wisdom 3: 2 - 3).

We celebrate the feast of All Souls because the Church teaches that the souls in Purgatory can benefit from our prayers.

The Book of Wisdom, our first Reading gives us the end game of Divine Providence on the Souls in Purgatory:

"Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.
As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself." (Wisdom 3: 5 - 6).

"My intercession is everlasting even in the glory of eternity because I chose to keep the wounds in My hands and in My feet and in My side. They constitute an uninterrupted pleading for the sake of all: for those in glory that they may go from light to light and from sweetness to sweetness; for those on earth that they may find in My wounds healing, purity, and holiness; and for the souls in purgatory that by the merits of My holy wounds they may be refreshed and delivered."  (IN SINU JESU, Friday, March 28, 2008).

Remember the Poor Souls in Purgatory daily in your prayers.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of All Saints.

“Keep in mind that our community is not composed of those who are already saints, but of those who are trying to become saints. Therefore let us be extremely patient with each other’s faults and failures.”  (Mother Teresa).

"I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God. He cried out in a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to damage the land and the sea, “Do not damage the land or the sea or the trees until we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”

"I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand marked from every tribe of the children of Israel.

"After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice:

“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.”

"All the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne, worshiped God, and exclaimed:

“Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanks­giving, honor, power, and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

"Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me, “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?” I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.” He said to me, “These are the ones who have sur­vived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7: 2 - 4, 9 - 14).

Tuesday 1st November 2022 of the 31st Week of Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of All Saints.

In the vision, the two elders asked John: “Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?”
These are the Saints whose feast we celebrate today. The Church venerates in one huge celebration the merits of All the Saints. From Abel the Just to the newest Saint who enters Paradise Now.

“These are the ones who have sur­vived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”

The Saints are now in Heaven enjoying the reward that Jesus Christ promised. What is Heaven? "Heaven is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme, definitive happiness." (CCC 1024).

The Saints tell us that our experience of Heaven begins right here and now. Our Baptism makes us children of God. If you are in sanctifying grace, you experience the presence of the Blessed Trinity living in you. What does this mean? You enjoy to the extent of your capacity the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. This is what the Saints in Heaven enjoy all the time. St Catherine of Siena says that the joy of Heaven begins here and all the way to eternity.

Jesus promises that He is glorified when we honor His saints. Communion of Saints is one of the most powerful and comforting doctrines in the Church. You can have as close friends many of the saints. These friend saints take your petitions to the Prince of Saints who has promised to be favorable to their intercessions on your behalf.

All Saints come from all races, countries, backgrounds and occupations. They give us powerful example and motivation to imitate them.

Become a Saint. Become holy.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

THE POWER OF THE HOLY ROSARY AND CONSECRATION TO MARY.

*The Litany of Loreto*

V. Lord, have mercy.

R. Christ have mercy.

V. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us.

R. Christ graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us. 

Holy Mother of God, pray for us. 

Holy Virgin of Virgins, 

Mother of Christ, 

Mother of the Church

*MOTHER of Mercy*

Mother of divine grace,

*MOTHER of Hope*

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good Counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Savior,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

Virgin most renowned,

Virgin most powerful,

Virgin most merciful,

Virgin most faithful,

Mirror of justice,

Seat of wisdom,

Cause of our joy,

Spiritual vessel,

Vessel of honor,

Singular vessel of devotion,

Mystical rose,

Tower of David,

Tower of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Morning star,

Health of the sick,

Refuge of sinners,

*COMFORT of Migrants*

Comforter of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels,

Queen of Patriarchs,

Queen of Prophets,

Queen of Apostles,

Queen of Martyrs,

Queen of Confessors,

Queen of Virgins,

Queen of all Saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the most holy Rosary,

Queen of families,

Queen of peace,

---

Queen of the Society of Jesus, 

Queen of the Americas, 

Queen of Nigeria. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Our Lady Undoer of knots. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel. 

Official Act of Consecration to Mary

Written by St. Maximilian Kolbe

O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and our most loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy to you.  I, (name), a repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet humbly imploring you to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to yourself as your possession and property.  Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you.

If it pleases you, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of you: “She will crush your head,” and, “You alone have destroyed all heresies in the world.”  Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing your glory to the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the blessed kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  For wherever you enter, you obtain the grace of conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin.

R. Give me strength against your enemies.

St Maximilian Kolbe, pray for me.

St Louis Marie de Monfort,

St Alphonsus Liguori,..

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians Who Recite the Rosary

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against Hell; it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things.  Oh, that soul would sanctify themselves by this means!

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred Mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune.  God will not chastise him in His justice; he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in Paradise.

9. I shall deliver from Purgatory those who have been devoted to the Rosary.

10. The faithful children of the Rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in Heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.

12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of predestination.

SeekFirstcommunity.com 

Who are you inviting home for Thanksgiving and Christmas?

Remember the poor during the Thanksgiving and Holiday festivities.

"On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees.

"He said to the host who invited him.

“When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.

"Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.

"For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”  (Luke 14: 13 - 14).

Monday 31st October 2022 of the 31st week of Ordinary Time.
Thanksgiving Day is weeks away. It marks the beginning of the holiday season. Parties, dinners and invitations to family, friends and colleagues.

Jesus looks forward to dinner invitations since it gives Him a teaching moment to meet the kind of crowd He did not reach on daily basis.  Here Jesus gives a difficult lesson to the aristocratic group gathered for the dinner and frankly to us as well.

Who do you plan to invite to your home this Thanksgiving 2022? What are your motives behind your guest list?

"Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind," advises Jesus.
Why this group?
"Blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you."

Jesus challenges our self-centeredness. Why are humans so self centered? Even little children act always in a quid pro quo manner.  Jesus set a new standard in the Kingdom.  Act like your Heavenly Father, who is lavishly generous to All His children, Jesus admonishes.

"All you who are thirsty, come to the water!
You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost!"  (Isaiah 55: 1).

Jesus offers the Bread of life free of charge.

10. 31 "There is no problem or difficulty that cannot be solved or resolved by faithful persevering recourse to My Mother’s most holy Rosary. The Rosary is My Mother’s gift to the poor and to the simple, to the little ones who alone are capable of hearing the Gospel in all its purity and of responding to it with a generous heart. It is to such as these—the childlike and the weak, the poor and the trusting—that the Rosary is given. It is to such as these that the Rosary belongs." (IN SINU JESU).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Zacchaeus is irresistibly drawn to Jesus.

Zacchaeus succumbed to the charm of Jesus.

“At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.

"Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature.

"So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way.

"When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.”

And Zacchaeus came down quickly and received him with joy.

"When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.”

"But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.”

"And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19: 1 - 10).

Sunday 30th October of the 31st week of Ordinary Time.

Zacchaeus experiences the irresistible power of the Presence of Jesus. Result: Instant and profound conversion. What do you think of the encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus in Jericho? Accident or Providence? Accident, chance, coincidence are not part of Bible vocabulary or worldview. In the Scriptures, the teaching of the Church and the Church Fathers, everything is Providence.
It is therefore interesting to note that Zacchaeus was ready for this moment. Abraham was ready when God called. David was ready. Mary was ready when Archangel Gabriel came knocking. Are you ready now if Jesus is passing by your house?

Many thieves and fraudsters who are caught red handed try to negotiate the terms of the settlement. Not Zacchaeus. His attitude is: Lord, I give up everything to be a part of You and Your Enterprise.

Taking a cue from the conversion of Zacchaeus, the Church teaches:
"Jesus calls to conversion. This call is an essential part of the proclamation of the kingdom: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."......... It is by faith in the Gospel and by Baptism that one renounces evil and gains salvation, that is, the forgiveness of all sins and the gift of new life." (CCC 1427).

"But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook sins for the sake of repentance." (Wisdom 11: 23).

I will praise Your name forever my King and my God.

10. 30 "As for you, dear brother, beloved friend, and priest of My Heart, attach yourself firmly to My Mother by means of her Rosary, and she will never forsake you. Call upon her in every need of yours, great or small, of soul or of body, and you will understand that she is in truth your Mother of Perpetual Help." (IN SINU JESU).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Proud and the Arrogant may be illegal citizens of the Kingdom of God.

WHO IS THE MOST HUMBLE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

"On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.

"He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.

“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,

"‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.

"Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say,

"‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  (Luke 14: 1, 7 - 11).

Saturday 29th October 2022 of the 30th Week of Ordinary Time.

In our Gospel of today, Jesus is in a dinner party and the principal guests recognized Him and were observing Him to see what He would do or say. Jesus was observing their manners too.

The crowd justled to get prominent places in order to show who is who. Jesus did not pass the opportunity to teach about social manners and humility. He teaches here that humility is a prudent virtue that will serve us well even in social life.

Humility is a key spiritual virtue to possess. St Augustine says that while you can enter the Kingdom of God without some other virtues, you can never enter Heaven without humility.

Here is my definition of humility by example: Who do you consider the most humble person in Heaven? Here are my top five:

+ Jesus Christ.
+ The Blessed Virgin Mary.
+ St Martin de Poress.
+ St Andre Bessette. 
+ St Mother Teresa of Kolkata.

The saints model for us the best practice of the Gospel. If you imitate the saints, you will not be wrong.

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

"You, My priest adorer, will live in silence and humility, attentive to the sound of My voice and obedient to whatsoever I will say to you. Submit to the discernment of those whom I have set over you, and in all things prefer the mind and sentiments of the Church to your own thoughts and attractions." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, August 7, 2008).

10. 29  "The Rosary will preserve you in purity, in humility, and in all the virtues pleasing to My Mother’s Immaculate Heart and My own Heart." (IN SINU JESU).

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The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles.

"I would make My priests resplendent with holiness. I would impart to their tongues and to their hands the very graces that I poured out upon My Apostles in the beginnings of My Church." (IN SINU JESU).

"Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.

"When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:

"Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor."  (Luke 6: 12  - 16).

Friday 28th October 2022 of the 30th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Simon and Jude. They are among the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus in today's Gospel.  "Tradition has it that they preached in Mesopotamia and Persia and there were martyred." (Roman Missal). St Jude is a very popular Saint. He is the patron saint of lost and impossible causes.

Jesus built His worldwide Church on the foundation of the Apostles and prophets. Each year, we celebrate the glory of Saints Simon and Jude and the other Apostles. Why do we not celebrate the glory of Caesar, King Henry VIII, Napoleon, Churchill or Stalin?
The message of the Apostles still goes out throughout the world.

It is the mind of Christ that the Church He founded be built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. What are the characteristics of this Church by which she can be recognized all over the world? There are four marks. We profess every Sunday in the Apostles' Creed that the Church is One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. What do these words mean?
#1 One:  One faith, one Baptism, one Shepherd.
#2 Holy: The Holy Spirit that indwells the Church is the source of her holiness. The Holy Spirit continually cleanses the Bride of Christ from defilements.
#3 Catholic:  Universal. Found in all the countries of the United Nations and every other place of human habitation.
#4 Apostolic:  Every Bishop is directly traceable to the original 12 Apostles who were constituted in today's Gospel. Many Bishops would have their lines run through Saints Simon and Jude, our saints of today.

"Simon and Jude are the holy men
whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory." (Cf Entrance Antiphon).

10. 28 "As for you, dear son of mine, persevere in praying to me. Hold fast to my Rosary and beware of every ploy of the Evil One to separate you from it. My Rosary is your safeguard and your weapon in the fight against the forces of evil. At the same time, for you it is a remedy and a comfort. Do you not see how the Rosary has stabilized you? Do you not experience its healing and all its benefits? Pray my Rosary and teach others to do the same." (IN SINU JESU).

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The armor of God is far more powerful to dismantle all the nuclear weapons.

“O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity.”
“As the sun surpasses all the stars in lustre, so the sorrows of Mary surpass all the tortures of the martyrs.” (St. Basil the Great).

"Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power.

"Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil.

"For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.

"Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground.

"So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace.

"In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

"With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all ­perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must. (Ephesians 6: 10 -  20)

Thursday 27th October 2022 of 30th Week of Ordinary Time.

Do you realize that we are in covert spiritual warfare? The first Reading today Ephesians 6: 10 - 20 is a call to arms especially  to the brethren who do not know the meaning of the Signs of the Times.

Christians are constantly in spiritual warfare and Jesus our Captain promises: <I Jesus promise to be your strength in proportion to the trust you place in Me.>

Do you doubt the severity of the warfare? The power of darkness is everywhere.  "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens." (Ephesians 6: 12).

Consider a few of the great ones of this world that had been used by the Evil One and then discarded: Judas, Nero, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin. These are some of the high priests of Satan. 

In another passage, St Paul elaborates on our weapon:
"For the weapons of our battle are not of flesh but are enormously powerful, capable of destroying fortresses. We destroy arguments  and every pretension raising itself against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10: 4 - 5).

Our faith is our shield in this warfare. For God promises that His faithful promises are our armor and protection. (Cf Psalm 91: 4).

So brothers and sisters, "Put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground." (Ephesians 6: 13).

Thank You Jesus for two special weapons You added to my spiritual armory this year:
1. Renewing my Baptismal Promises every morning.
2. Anointing my body from head to toe with the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. (Both armors take less than 2 minutes to put on).

10. 27 "The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies." (The 3rd Promise of Mary to Devotees of the Holy Rosary).

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Never Play Games with the Way, the Truth and Life.

Say No to Compromise!

“Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.

"Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

"He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

"After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’

"He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’

"And you will say, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.’

"Then he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!’

"And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God.

"For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”  (Luke 13: 22 - 30).

Wednesday 26th October of the 30th week of Ordinary Time.

In following Jesus, the choice is clear but challenging for most of us. The narrow door is the Beatitudes, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. This is how Jesus lived and the example "The Way, the Truth and Life" set for us.

For Christians, there is no alternative.  "For many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."  (Luke 13: 24).
Many will be tempted to compromise and will fall short of the Way.

What does it profit a man to get everything he wants in life but to be confronted with this scenario:
"Lord, open the door for us.’ He will say to you in reply, ‘I do not know where you are from." (Luke 13: 25).

The regret will be unspeakable.
"And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out."  (Luke 13:  28).

I will rather be last now and enter the kingdom than be first and lost.
"For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”. (Luke 13: 30).

10. 26 “You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the Rosary.”  (Our Lady to Blessed Alan de la Roche).

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The tiny mustard seed compared to the origin of the Church.

Do not despise small beginnings

“Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.’”

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” (Luke 13: 18 - 21).

Tuesday October 25th of the 30th week of Ordinary Time. Why does Jesus compare the Kingdom of God with a mustard seed? To teach future generations of Christians never to despise small beginnings. Everything is created small.

The mustard seed is a very tiny seed and therefore liable to be lost without regret, thrown away without remorse. Jesus gives us the best analogy of the the humble beginning of the Church in the Parable of the Mustard Seed.

After a night of prayer to His Father, Jesus chose, called and anointed 12 Apostles to go and announce the Kingdom of God. Imagine that you were there in the crowd on the day that Jesus appointed Peter, Simon and Jude and others as Apostles. Could you believe that 2000 short years later, this tiny mustard seed will be a family of billions of people spreading out branches throughout the earth?

The Kingdom of God is a mystery. The life inside the tiny mustard seed is a mystery. The tiny spermatozoon is packed with a DNA that is a mystery.

Do not despise the small beginning. Do not thrash the Church and its mysteries because you do not understand them.

The mystery of faith calls for only one response: Belief. When you believe, you stand the chance that you can understand. Believe always comes first.

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom to mere children." (Matthew 11: 25).

Accept the Kingdom of God like a little child.

10. 25  "The Rosary is the glory of the Roman Church.... It takes its place ... after the Mass and the Sacraments." (Pope St John XXIII).

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Feast of St Anthony Mary Claret, Bishop, Founder and Missionary.

"Behave like God as his very dear children."  (Cf Ephesians 5: 1).

"Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

"Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

"Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving.

"Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

"Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. So do not be associated with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." (Ephesians 4: 32 - 5: 8).

Monday 24th October 2022 of the 30th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony Mary Claret (1807 - 1870). Spanish missionary and Archbishop of Santiago, Cuba. He founded the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians).

St Anthony Mary Claret was no stranger to the type of cruelty inflicted on the poor and marginalized people in most countries of the world. He fought for the rights of these people in Cuba and at the end of his life, he wrote: “I have fulfilled my mission, I have preached the Gospel, I have kept holy poverty.”

Wow! We know that by Baptism, God has adopted us as His children.  But is it part of the Covenant of Baptism to agree to behave like God?  Apparently so.  Today's Gospel on Monday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time shows us how to behave like God and how to behave like the natural man born of flesh.  Read with me:

“Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God." (Luke 13: 12 - 13).
Jesus healed a woman crippled for 18 years on the Sabbath in full view of Law Enforcement.
Compassion and courage is behaving like God.

"But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” (Luke 13: 14).
Heartless legalism is behaving like man of flesh.  

“Hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering?" (Luke 13: 15).

Making your interests paramount in every situation is thinking like man. Selfishness.  A fake politician thinks and acts, "I think of whatever concerns me as top priority."

But for Jesus, "This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?”(Luke 13: 16).
This is Why the Savior and Redeemer came. And the Sabbath Day is the best day for the work of healing and restoration.

Is it possible to behave like children of God?

"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (Colossians 3: 13).

Prayer is the key and efficient cause of blessings.
"Almighty ever-living God,
increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us love what you command, so that we may merit what you promise.
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: Monday 30th Week in Ordinary Time).

10. 24 “The Rosary is the scourge of the devil” (Pope Adrian VI).

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The Tax Collector and the Publican.

"Let a neighbor praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips."  (Proverbs 27:20).

"Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else.

“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.

"The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’

"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be ­merciful to me a sinner.’

"I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  (Luke 18: 9 - 14).

Sunday, October 23rd of the 30th week of Ordinary Time.

"O God, be merciful to me a sinner." The attitude and prayer of the Tax Collector becomes our example of the type of prayer that justifies and the prayer that is heard by God. Here is what the Church teaches on the Prayer of Humility:

"The first movement of the prayer of petition is asking forgiveness, like the tax collector in the parable:

"God, be merciful to me a sinner!"

"It is a prerequisite for righteous and pure prayer. A trusting humility brings us back into the light of communion between the Father and his Son Jesus Christ and with one another, so that "we receive from him whatever we ask."

"Asking forgiveness is the prerequisite for both the Eucharistic liturgy and personal prayer." (CCC 2631).

"Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions, " (Psalm 51: 3) cried King David after his sins of adultery, cover up and murder.

The prayer of David was heard by God and David went home justified. The Lord hears the cry of the poor and the humble.

Because of the great mercy of God, God gave the Church Baptism as the great Sacrament of Reconciliation and Regeneration. Baptism wipes out our sins and the record of our sins.

Does Baptism remove concupiscence, our ingrained tendency to certain sins? It does not. What then happens to sins that are committed after Baptism? Jesus Christ gave the Church the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) to deal with this crisis and stubbornness of sin.

Those who are humble like the Tax Collector are justified by this Sacrament and enjoy the mercy and peace of God.

10. 23 Steadfast devotion to the Holy Rosary breaks the habit of sin. I confirm this teaching of St Louis Marie de Monfort.

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