THE MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE MARTYRDOM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.

THE GOSPEL:

"Herod was the one who had John the Baptist ­arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.

 John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”

 Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

 Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody.

 When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him.

 She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

 Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. 

The king said to the girl,

 “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.”

 He even swore many things to her, 

“I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”

 She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.”

 The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request,

“I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

 The king was deeply ­distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her.

 So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

 He went off and beheaded him in the prison.

 He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. 

The girl in turn gave it to her mother.

 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb." (Mark 6: 17 - 29).

Friday 29th August 2025 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist.

Who is St John the Baptist?

John is the son of Zachary and Elizabeth.

When Mary visited Elizabeth, John  leapt in her mother's womb in recognition of Jesus.

When he came of age, he retired to the desert to prepare for his exacting ministry.

 In the fullness of time, John came to the River Jordan and began preaching and baptizing people for repentance in preparation for the ministry of Jesus Christ. 

“HE MUST INCREASE BUT I MUST DECREASE." (ST JOHN THE BAPTIST.] 

It was here that at the River Jordan that John condemned the adulterous life of King Herod.

Herodias, the concubine of Herod took revenge on the Baptist and demanded his death when a good opportunity presented itself.

John's martyrdom is a cause of joy and hope for Christians.

John died about the age of 32. Was his life in vain? Of course not.

 You think of the hundreds of martyrs that the Church honors every year.

 We honor them to remind everyone that Heaven is real for the faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Hell is also real for those who reject Jesus completely.

If someone asks you:

How do you know that Heaven is real? Your answer could be among others: Look at the martyrs. Intelligent and beautiful men and women! Could they have thrown away the only life they had for nothing?

Think of all the Apostles and Saints:  Cecilia, Agatha, Thomas More, Lawrence, Edmond Campion, Paul Miki, Miguel Pro, Maximilian Kolbe, Charles Lwanga and companions and others. 

"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10: 28)

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into.

 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?

 Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.

 Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.

 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 

‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, 

the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour

 and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” (Matthew 24: 42 - 51).

Thursday 28th August 2025 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.(354 - 430). African. 

St Augustine was the son of St Monica and Patricius.

Augustine was a prodigal of some kind in his youth. 

He kept a mistress for many years. He belonged to the heretical sect, the Manichaens for years.

 Monica shed bitter tears for his conversion and waited on God for many years before it happened.  

St Augustine was baptized by St Ambrose of Milan, the great Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

St Augustine is a prolific writer and without doubt one of the greatest doctors of the Church. 

His greatest works are: THE CONFESSIONS and THE CITY OF GOD.

His influence on Church doctrine has not diminished with time. He is vastly quoted in the Documents of Second Vatican Council.

The Gospel of 

Thursday August 28th 2025 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is very rich. 

What is the central message in today's Gospel?

Jesus teaches the absolute necessity of being Always Ready! Always Prepared! For what? For either the Time of Fulfillment to answer your prayers or for the Hour to meet

your God. 

God decided in His sovereign, merciful and mysterious Providence not to reveal the precise time He visits us.

 Why? So that we will form the habit of  always be ready for Eternity. This life, this world is just a preparation for Eternal life. 

You will not get a text message from God saying: 'Be ready on Thursday, August 31st at 9.30am at the Starbucks on Divine Ave.' 

No. 

The moment may come like a thief in the night. Very suddenly!

How do we prepare?

#1. Form a habit of daily prayer.

#2. Form a habit of daily feeding on the word of God.

#3. Frequent Eucharist. 

#4. Frequent Reconciliation. 

#5. Pray for the grace of perseverance every day. 

Be always prepared!

The Holy Catholic Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary in August. 

KNOW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD NEVER FAILS THOSE WHO HONOR HER ESPECIALLY WITH THE HOLY ROSARY.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF ST MONICA, MOTHER OF ST AUGUSTINE.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST MONICA, MOTHER OF ST AUGUSTINE. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

 You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.

 Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say,

 ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ 

Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets;

 now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”

(Matthew 23: 27 - 32).

Wednesday August 27th 2025, in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Monica, Mother of St Augustine.

"The woman who fears the Lord will herself be praised.

 Her children have called her most blessed,

 her husband has sung her praises." ( Cf. Prv 31:30, 28). Entrance Antiphon. 

Wednesday August 27th in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Monica, the Mother of St Augustine, whose feast day is tomorrow August 28th.

The Entrance Antiphon from the Book of Proverbs can be aptly applied to St Monica:

"The woman who fears the Lord will herself be praised. Her children have called her most blessed, her husband has sung her praises." ( Cf. Prv 31:30, 28). Entrance Antiphon.

St Monica was born in 331 in Tagaste in modern Algeria in North Africa and died in 387 near Rome  at the age of 56. Monica is the mother of St Augustine, Bishop, Father and Doctor of the Church.

The Church cannot praise our saint of the day enough. Look at  the Entrance Antiphon from the special Mass for St Monica. Look also at the Collect prayer to the Father.

Almighty Father accepted the motherly tears of St Monica for the conversion of the once prodigal Augustine and made Augustine a great Shepherd of souls.

 St Monica also handled a difficult husband, the once alcoholic and hot tempered Patricius, a pagan and city councilor. He died a baptized Christian! 

At a time when wife- beating was not considered a crime, Monica counseled her female married friends how to handle their husbands. According to Monica, despite the fact that her husband was both a pagan and alcoholic, Patricius  never threatened nor abused her in any way.

The Church made Monica the patron saint of married women and a model for Christian mothers.

Who will doubt that we need many Monicas today. 

 We need women who are strong in Christian virtue and able to mother a Christian household.

 How can the young preserve purity and chastity today? Maternal advice can go like this:

#1 Daily Prayer: Vital Necessity.

#2 Daily word of God.

#3 Frequent Holy Communion.

#4 Frequent Confession.

#5 Spiritual Reading.

O woman, if you do this, "God will keep you firm to the end, irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (Cf 1 Corinthians 1: 9).

Jesus accused the Scribes and the Pharisees of being hypocrites in the Gospel of today.

 They were like actors in a theater clamoring for the cheers and approval of the public. 

Does the Church have a problem of hypocrisy today? 

The World has a huge problem with truth. One may even say with the Truth, who is a person.

 This had been recognized decades ago by modern prophets like Pope Benedict XVI and many sociologists.

Hypocrisy is fundamentally a masking of truth. What are some of its characteristics today? 

No shame in telling lies. 

No shame or apology in lying or being caught lying. 

No hesitation in lying before children. 

Sins of lies, perjury, defamation are minimized and may no longer be adequately covered in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God in the world.

 Alas, the the Church is no longer immune from the sin of hypocrisy, lies, falsehood, perjury and defamation. 

"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths.  But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4: 3 - 5). 

We live in a time that seems to be marred by open rebellion against truth.

How can you "be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry"? 

St Philip Neri teaches that frequent Confession will lead us to truth and humility.

The Church teaches that frequent Holy Communion will transform us into the image of the Person we receive in the Eucharist. Jesus Christ is the Truth, the Way and the Life. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says:

 "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

DEFEAT HYPOCRISY.

TWO SIMPLE WAYS TO BEAT HYPOCRISY AND UNTRUTH. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

 You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law:

 judgment and mercy and fidelity.

 But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.

 Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.

 You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.

 Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.” (Matthew 23 - 26).

Tuesday August 26th in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time.

What are the themes of today's catechesis? Hypocrisy and Blind Guides.

Hypocrisy is pure and simple untruthfullness. Being a blind guide is an inordinate desire to lead and to teach before you are  qualified. Like a doctor practicing before certification.

 Both hypocrisy and being a blind guide are not incurable spiritual conditions.

 As a matter of fact, most Christians are affected by the two spiritual malaise. The cure for both is Humility.

I like the prescription of St Philip Neri on how to acquire Humility. St Philip Neri who is a very gifted spiritual director and confessor recommends frequent Confession as antidote to pride.

 Although most Marian authors in my experience never associate directly devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and acquiring the gift of Humility, it is difficult for me not to imagine such a benefit. Mary’s greatest gift is Humility. An accepted axiom says: We become like our friends. So one of the most direct means of beating hypocrisy and untruth is to say the Holy Rosary every day.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

FEAST OF SAINTS LOUIS OF FRANCE AND JOSEPH CALASANZ, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.

FEAST OF STS LOUIS OF  FRANCE & JOSEPH CALASANZ

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:

 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men.

 You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves.

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’

 Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred?

 And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’

 You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 

One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it;

 one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.” (Matthew 23: 12 - 22).

Monday 25th August 2025 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast feast of Saints Louis of France and Joseph Calasanz.

St Louis of France (1214 - 1270). He lived a simple life characterized by prayer and penance.

 God was pleased with Louis and raised him from the cares of earthly rule to the glory of heavenly kingdom.

We celebrate also today:

St Joseph Calasanz (1557 - 1648). Spanish Priest who dedicated his life in charity and patience to the education of poor children.

What is the common factor between King Louis and Father Joseph? 

They were separated by nearly 300 years. 

"Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property." 

St Louis the king of France had eleven children. As king of a great European power in the 13th century, Louis lived a life of penance and prayer and treated the French people as his children. 

St Joseph Calasanz dedicated his life in charity and patience to the education of poor children.

 He founded a religious order to cater for the poor and the abandoned children of Rome.

 It is reported of him that he founded the first free primary education for poor children.

 St Joseph Calasanz died in Rome in August 25th 1648 and was canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII. 

Here is what Jesus said to the crowds and His disciples in today's Gospel:  

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves."

The sharp words of Jesus lead us to reflect on the Power of Example.

Bad example corrupts.

Good example edifies.

The great heroes of our Faith like Saints Monica, Augustine, Rose of Lima, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi evangelized and catechized through the powerful examples they demonstrate daily. Unknown to these saints, people observe them and were able to draw conclusions from their manner of living. These saints were filled with peace, joy and serenity. All these are fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

If you teach the Faith in the Church whether as Bishop, priest, catechist or theologian, you must shudder when you read the words of Jesus in today's Gospel:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves."

Commit yourself to doing the work of ministry with the power of the Holy Spirit. 

"Until now, the precious grace of Eucharistic adoration has remained unknown to far too many of My priests. This accounts for the weaknesses, the scandals, the shame, and the falling away of so many. The world has grown cold, and it will become even more cold as the darkness of the Enemy enfolds it and turns to ice the hearts that I consecrated to be for Me hearts of love." (IN SINU JESU page 216).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

YOU ARE MY SON AND NOT A BASTARD.

GOD SPEAKS TO ME AS SON. 

"Brothers and sisters, You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:

“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; 

for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;

 he scourges every son he ­acknowledges.

”Endure your trials as “discipline”;

 God treats you as sons.

 For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?

 At the time, all ­discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, 

yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.

So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.

 Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed." (Hebrews12:5-7, 11-13). 

 Sunday 24th August in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time.

I heard the above Scripture in a 9 am Sunday Mass for the first time on August 20, in the same 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

I was mourning my fall from grace after tumbling down the mountain top of corporate ladder to the dark hole in the valley. 

I never imagined that misfortune can be engineered by God to serve our higher purpose. Welcome to the Divine Providence. 

When I got home from Mass that day,  I was happy and delighted to read again  this glorious message of Abba Father to me, the once prodigal son:

"Endure your trials as “discipline”;

 "God treats you as his sons. 

For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline? 

At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it."

My response to Abba Father is best expressed in: Psalm 103, one of my favourite Psalms and Scriptures:

"Bless the Lord, O my soul;

and all my being, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him,

For he knows how we are formed;

he remembers that we are dust.

"But the kindness of the Lord is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him,

And his justice toward children’s children among those who keep his covenant." (Psalm 103).

Now consider this question brethren: Where would I be today if not for the residue of grace I received at Baptism? 

By faith I recognized at once that the Reading from Hebrews that Sunday morning was for me. God was speaking to me. By faith I knew that God is merciful and kind. 

You too my friends, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by Him; 

for whom the Lord loves, He disciplines; He scourges every son and daughter He acknowledges.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

I received Abba Father's shattering message on August 20th, in the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Was Mary praying for me? 

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

FEAST OF ST ROSE OF LIMA, VIRGIN AND RELIGIOUS.

FEAST OF ST ROSE OF LIMA, Virgin and Religious. 

"Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

 “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their ­example.

 For they preach but they do not practice.

 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on ­people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.

 All their works are performed to be seen.

 They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’

 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’

 You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

 Call no one on earth your father;

 you have but one Father in heaven.

 Do not be called ‘Master’;

 you have but one master, the Christ.

 The greatest among you must be your servant.

 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 1 - 12).

Saturday August 23rd 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Rose of Lima in Peru. 

(1586 - 1617).  Virgin and a Dominican tertiary. 

Rose admired St Catherine of Siena from her youth and was deeply inspired by this Doctor of the Church who was a Dominican tertiary. 

 Rose of Lima became a Dominican tertiary and a model of penitence, prayer and simplicity. 

St Rose of Lima was canonized less than 50 years after her death in 1671.

 She became the first native born saint in the Americas.

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus upbraided the scribes and the Pharisees. Why? 

They teach correct Doctrine but leave the practice of what they teach to their followers.

Who are the equivalent of the scribes and Pharisees today?

They are the Bishops and Abbots who received teaching authority directly from Christ. 

They have helpers in priests, theologians and catechists.

Church Father and Doctor of the Church St John Chrysostom teaches that the Bishops and their assistants must be respected because they hold apostolic office no matter their failings.

We may think that a Bishop is in error with regard to one doctrine or the other. But who are we to criticize him when his Boss says:

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16).

All things work together for good for those who love  God. (Cf Romans 8: 28). God's sovereign and mysterious Providence governs all things. 

God makes everything beautiful in the fullness of time. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3: 11).

Trust in the merciful, mighty and mysterious Plan of God.

We all will be judged on the Last Day by our obedience and humility.

Jesus concludes His teaching for today with these words:

"The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 11 - 12).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE QUEENSHIP OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 

HAPPY FEAST DAY O MARY OUR QUEEN! 👑❤️🌹

"When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, 

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. 

The second is like it: 

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34 - 40).

Friday 22nd August 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the   Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Why the Feast of the Queenship of Mary? 

The Father gave us the Mother of His Son Jesus to be our Mother from the Cross. (Cf the Collect of this Feast).

Mary is the Mother of Christ the King and therefore the Queen Mother.

 (Bathsheba the mother of Solomon was recognized as Queen mother). 

In the Church's liturgical prayers from ancient times, Mary has been hailed as Hail holy Queen, Queen of Peace, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of all Saints, etc. (See the Litany of Loretto).

 The Church applies here the ancient maxim: Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi.  This means that the Law of Prayer becomes the Law of Faith.

 Whatever the Church prays in her Liturgy is automatically the faith of the Church.

 Whatever is bound on earth by its prayer becomes bound in heaven. 

The 5th Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary celebrates the Coronation of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth.

 The fruit of this mystery is to grow in faith in the powerful intercession of Mary.

 In order words, Jesus Christ our Lord and King crowned His Mother Queen  so that we can approach her with confidence with all our needs. 

The world today is desperately in need of the mercy of God and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(Remember the ABC of Mercy? ASK FOR MERCY. BE MERCIFUL. COMPLETELY TRUST JESUS FOR MERCY). 

 This is the main reason for the Marian apparitions in Fatima, Lourdes, Knock in Ireland, etc. Mary encourages Christians to pray especially the Holy Rosary. 

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 22: 34 - 40, the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest. Jesus went beyond their narrow standard in His answer:  

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.

  And the second is like it: 

‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 

 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22: 37 - 40).

How do you love God? 

How do you love your neighbor? 

A little while ago, I will find it difficult to answer the above questions. But then I came across this Scripture from St Paul which helped me to answer the question. 

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." (CF 2 Corinthians 5:. 14 - 15). 

I interpret the passage thus:

I am impelled/compelled to love God back because I have seen how much He loves me. 

Just like saying to a friend or neighbor: You visited me when I was sick and brought me comfort. Now that you are sick, I will visit you and bring you comfort. 

And we say to God: Because I have come to know and believe how much You love me and do good to me always, I commit myself to do whatever pleases You and this includes loving my neighbor as myself. 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10 

MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X, PONTIFF.

MEMORIAL OF ST PIUS X, PONTIFF. 

DO NOT DESPISE THE INVITATION OF JESUS TO YOU TO THE EUCHARIST.

GOSPEL:

"Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, 

“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.

 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.

"A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited:

 “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’

 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 

The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.

"The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 

Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come.

"Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 

The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests.

"But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment.

 He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’

 But he was reduced to silence. 

Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 

Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22: 1 - 14).

Thursday 21st August 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Pius X, Pontiff.

The Church and the world owe St Pius X a great deal for these innovations that we take for granted today:

 Frequent Holy Communion,

 renewed emphasis on the Catechism,

 children receiving Holy Communion from an early age.

 Reform of seminaries. 

 For his work on the Eucharist, he is called the Pope of the Eucharist.

He defended stoutly the integrity of the Catholic faith against modernist heresies.

 His papal motto: "To restore all things in Christ" became truly his magnificent obsession. 

“I was born poor, I lived poor, I die poor” was his final word. He died brokenhearted because he could not avert the First World War that started in 1914.

Famous Quote:

"Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to heaven." (Pope St Pius X). 

Our Gospel of today is the Parable of the Wedding Feast.

 Remember that the Church is the seed of the Kingdom of God on earth. 

 Remember too that the wedding feast here is an analogy for the Eucharist and the King here is Jesus.

The King cries out: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast." (Matthew 22: 4).

A heart-felt invitation is issued to the friends of the King.  

See what happens:

"Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business.  The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them."  (Matthew 22: 5 - 6).

Not only did many of the invited guests reject the invitation contemptuously but to add grave insult to injury, some guests mistreated the messengers and killed them. 

The chosen and invited guests have proved themselves very unworthy of the great honor done to them.

Sunday is the day Christians are asked to leave work and worldly past times and come and worship the Lord. 

 How sad it is to read that less than 30% accept the invitation to keep sacred the Sabbath Day. 

What is going on?

"I have created you for My love, and My love alone can satisfy the desires of your heart. Enter, then, the wound in My side and, penetrating even into My Heart, drink deeply of the springs of love that will refresh and delight your soul and wash you in preparation for the wedding of your soul with Me, for I am the Bridegroom of your soul, your Saviour from all that would defile you, and your God who is love and mercy now and unto the ages of ages." (IN SINU JESU page 162)

"Many are invited, but few are chosen.”  (Matthew 22: 14).

Lord Jesus, may we be among the ones who are chosen.

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

MEMORIAL OF ST BERNARD, ABBOT AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

The harvest is abundant but where are the workers?

THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD IS THE CHURCH WHERE THERE IS NO UNEMPLOYMENT.  YOU TOO, GO TO THE VINEYARD.

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus told his disciples this parable: 

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.

 After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.

 Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off.

 And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.

 Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’

 They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’

 When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 

‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’

 When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

 So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.

 And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,

 ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ 

He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

 Take what is yours and go. 

What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? 

Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?

 Are you envious because I am generous?’ 

Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20: 1 - 16).

Wednesday 20th August 2025 in the  20th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 - 1153). French. Abbot and Doctor of the Church.

St Bernard was a Cistercian monk who is well known in the history of the Church. 

 A man of great zeal for the Church. A renowned theologian and orator. He represented the Pope as an ambassador for the Crusade. 

Among peers, he was a towering giant, both intellectually and spiritually. He was immensely learned, holy, cultivated, gentle, a great teacher and a highly effective preacher.

 Last but not the least, he was a great Marian devotee who gave us the Memorare.

I remember Bernard best because of the Memorare Prayer that he left the Church. The Memorare is one of the most popular prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary recited by many Catholics daily. (Remember O Most Blessed Virgin Mary that never was it known. ..).

St Bernard was a great miracle worker who brought relief to thousands through his intercessions.

 Bernard suffered from stomach cancer most of his life and died in 1153 at the age of 63.

The Memorare Prayer: (Attributed to St Bernard of Clairvaux).

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me."

Amen.

"WE SHALL GROW TO RESEMBLE WHAT WE LOVE."  (ST BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX, ABBOT & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH).

In our Gospel today, the owner of the vineyard needs laborers for his vineyard.

 Hour after hour, he hires men from the labor market for his vineyard.

 Even at 5 pm, an hour to the end of the work day, he said to a few men he found at the labor center, "Why have you been standing here idle all day? You go into my vineyard too.”

The Church on earth is the seed of the Kingdom of God.

 In this Kingdom, there is no unemploymen.

 

There is work for everyone in the Vineyard.

 The Owner of the Vineyard is an equal opportunity Employer.

 He will be fair and generous. But do not be surprised and bitter if every worker is paid the same. Why were the late workers paid first?

God's mighty and merciful Providence can be very mysterious to us.

"The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.”  The Church is the vineyard of the Lord. (Isaiah 5: 7).

At the end of the parable, the Master asked the disgruntled workers:

"What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?" (Matthew 20: 14 - 15).

Since the Parable of the Vineyard is an allegory for the Church today, we may wonder:

Look at the harvest! Where are the workers?

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 37 - 38).

"I am the source of all fruitfulness in the vineyard that is My Church. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Come to Me, then. Remain with Me. Act for Me, guided by My Holy Spirit, and return to Me with thanksgiving. This is the secret of a priestly life that will be pleasing to Me, will build up My Church, and will glorify My Father." (IN SINU JESU page 103).

"May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us." (Ephesians 1: 17, 18).

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

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:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10