Do not deny food to those who need it.

"In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat." (2 Thessalonians 3: 10).

Wednesday 26th August 2020, 21st Week in Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture for today thrust us into the all important question of work and benefits. Work is a divine command. (Genesis 3: 19). Jesus worked as a self-employed small business man in the carpentry trade. But work is also a privilege. "The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it." (Genesis 2: 15).

In God's Divine Providence, He designed that certain people may desire work but are unable to work because of one disability or another. These include groups named several times in the Scriptures: widows, orphans and migrants. Others are: the old and the sick. Governments and the Church support these people through the food pantries. The Church have supported these groups through the centuries through groups like St Vincent de Paul. And internationally through Caritas International.

What is the message of the first Reading? To remind us that there are a chunk of our fellow human beings who go to bed without food every day.
Why can't God give them food Himself directly? God can of course provide each human being (7 Billion) every necessity. Church Fathers like St John Chrysostom say that God wills our participation because that is how we atone for our sins and are sanctified. God wills that every Lent, we fast, pray and give alms for this reason. The Church affirms that nothing is more effective in dealing with Sin than Fasting, Prayer and Almsgiving. (FPA). Don't wait till Lent 2021. The hungry needs you today.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Two great examples of holding fast to traditions.

"Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours." (2 Thessalonians 2: 15).

Tuesday 25th August 2020, 21st Week in Ordinary Time. We celebrate the lives of two saints. Remember that in honoring these two saints, we are in fact glorifying our Lord Jesus Christ who is King of kings and Lord of lords. He promised that those who follow Him will reign forever with Him. And those who honor the saints glorify Him. Never miss an opportunity to glorify Jesus.

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. The key is in the first Reading for today: "Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours." (2 Thessalonians 2: 15).

If you do not stand firm and steadfast in the ancient faith in which you were baptized, you will be unable to resist all the modern heresies.

What are the core spiritual practices handed down to us to help us be steadfast?:
#1 Prayer.
#2 The word of God.
#3 Eucharist.
#4 Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The above are the minimum. Then, you must nourish your faith constantly by the Creed (Credo). Knowing the Creed well will provide you with the sword and shield of the spirit that will enable you to cut to pieces the modern heresies.

Stand firm and hold fast and tightly to the Faith.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle.

"Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” (John 1: 45).

Monday 24th August 2020, 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr. St Bartholomew is also known as Nathanael. Tradition says that St Bartholomew worked and was martyred in India.

When Philip told his friend Bartholomew that they found Jesus, he said:  “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
But Philip, the excellent Evangelizer said to him, “Come and see.” Both Philip and Bartholomew fellowshipped with Jesus that afternoon and both became His disciples.

Who is Jesus planning to draw near to Him through you? Evangelization should not be a scary topic. It could be likened to seeing a deal or sales promotion in the supermarket or Amazon and sharing that information with a friend.

For Evangelization, the first step might be sharing Scripture or spiritual content with someone. For example, sharing this post with a friend. Then you can invite the friend to a special event in your parish or Mass. You start with one person and before you know it, you have dozens from family, friends and co-workers in your list. And your list continues to grow. A lady teacher I met in an early morning Mass in my parish many years ago sent me an inspiring Bible verse by text message later that day. She did the same thing the next day. After about seven days, I got the message and started sending out daily Bible verse.

Be a Philip. Introduce somebody to Jesus today. Share your faith.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com 

The hordes of hell will fail in their assault on the Church.

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16: 16).

Sunday 23rd August 2020, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time.

The Gospel of today Matthew 16: 13 - 20 celebrates the investiture of Peter and his successors as the unshakable rock on which the Church founded by Jesus Christ is built. It is the confession of Peter inspired by God the Father that unleashed this privilege. The first Reading from Isaiah 22: 19 - 23 foreshadows today's Gospel when Isaiah writes about the newly promoted Eliakim:
"He [Eliakim] shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of the House of David on his shoulder; what he opens, no one will shut, what he shuts, no one will open. I will fix him as a peg in a firm place, a seat of honor for his ancestral house." (Isaiah 22: 21 - 23).

Jesus now makes Peter the Eliakim of the seed of the kingdom of God on earth.
"You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it." (Matthew 16: 18).

If the Church is not of divine origin, it could never have survived the coup d'etat of Martin Luther. Many of the princes of Europe at the time predicted that the Church was finished. At the Council of Trent, things went badly for the Church and its official representatives for over 90% of the time. Almost at the last moment through divine intervention, the Church upheld its faith that it is the will of God that Divine Revelation comes to us from three sources:
#1 Sacred Scripture.
#2 Sacred Tradition.
#3 Sacred Magisterium.

Not just Sacred Scripture but the other two as well.

These three are co-dependent like a three-legged stool. The gates of the underworld can never hold out against the Church.

Thank You Jesus.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"Blessed are you who have believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord will be fulfilled. (Luke 1: 45).

Saturday 22nd August 2020 is the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

What are we celebrating today? We are celebrating the truth that the Father gave us the Mother of His Son Jesus to be our Queen and Mother. (Cf the Collect of this Feast).

Mary prophesied during her visit to Elizabeth that all generations shall call her blessed. All generations indeed call her blessed for two principal reasons:

#1 She is the Mother of the Son. (Divine Maternity).
#2 She is the Mother of the King of the Universe and therefore the Queen Mother.

From the Cross, Jesus said to the Apostle John representing humanity: "This [Mary] is your mother."

The Church recently revised the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto) and added these three praises to this ancient and popular prayer of the Church:

*MOTHER of Mercy.
*MOTHER of Hope.
*COMFORT of Migrants.

I say the Litany every morning after the Rosary. I am so delighted by these new titles because the world today is desperately in need of the mercy of God and the powerful intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Here are my favorite titles of Mary as Queen:

Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of peace.

Here are my favorite titles of Mary as Mother:

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.

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou among women." (Cf Luke 1: 28 Gospel Acclamation).

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Pope of the Eucharist - St Pius X. Happy Feast Day.

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind..... The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22: 37, 39).

Friday 21st August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Pius X (1835 - 1914). Italian. Pope. The Church and the world owe St Pius X a great deal for these innovations that we take for granted today: Frequent Holy Communion, children receiving Holy Communion from the age of 7. For these two, he is called the Pope  the Eucharist. He defended stoutly the integrity of the Catholic faith against modern heresies. He updated the Catechism. His papal motto: "To restore all things in Christ" became truly his magnificent obsession.

In answer to the question of a Pharisee scholar as to the greatest commandment in the Book, Jesus answered with our key Scripture for today. Love God and love neighbor always, everywhere and in everything. Sounds a bit intimidating and impossible. How can we keep this lofty commandment? For man, it is impossible but for God "all things are possible." What is the key here?

In the first Reading (Ezekiel 37: 1 - 14), the Word says:  "I will put my spirit in you that you may come to life." (Ezekiel 37: 14). Yes, the Holy Spirit in us makes it possible for us to love God and neighbor. The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Liberty to always choose the best. And the best is love.

For the Christian, love of God and love of neighbor is the way of life. It is the beginning of eternal life here and all the way to eternity.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Feast of St Bernard of Clairvaux.

“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." (Matthew 22: 1 - 3).

Thursday 20th August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of a Giant: St Bernard of Clairvaux. (1090 - 1153). French Cistersian Abbot. A man of great zeal for the Church. Renowned theologian and orator. 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.

Our key Scripture for today from the Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22: 1 - 14) is for me the saddest parable in the Gospels. Let us see why. The Wedding Feast represents the Eucharist,  a type of the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. The Host is Abba Father and the Wedding is for the Son, Jesus. The honored and invited guests are you and me. The invited guests ignored the invitation and went about their businesses none of which was urgent. They delivered the ultimate insult to the King who invited them to come and feast sumptuously without cost. (Cf Isaiah 55: 1 - 3).

This is how the most Holy Eucharist is treated today. It is reckoned that less than 25 % of Catholics answer the weekly invitation to the Weeding Feast of the Lamb. Some who show up manifest a high degree of disrespect by not wearing the wedding garment. At the end of the Mass, many rush out without the courtesy of a simple "Thank You Jesus."

My friends, you see why this parable is an invitation for us to examine our conscience and resolve to do what is right and honorable. Honor Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Feast of St John Eudes, Promoter of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion.

"[My sheep] became food for all the wild beasts." (Ezekiel 34: 5).

Wednesday 19th August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Eudes (1601 - 1680). French Priest. Gifted preacher. John had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He founded the Society of Jesus and Mary. He was declared by Pope Leo XIII as “father, doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”

Our key Scripture for today is from the first Reading Ezekiel 34: 1 - 11.
Jesus is greatly offended that the shepherds of His flock allow His flock to scatter everywhere and became easy food for wild animals.

Before you jump to indict Bishops and pastors, let us consider the list of all those who may qualify as pastors in this sacred text: Bishops and priests in the first place no doubts. Others are: Parents, teachers, catechists, evangelists, journalists, politicians, doctors and nurses, etc.

The malpractice and dereliction of duty of pastors have reached such level that the Good Shepherd must step in before further harm can be done.
"I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths." (Ezekiel 34: 10).

How has the Church come to this?

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

All things are possible for God.

"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19: 24).

Tuesday 18th August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

The rich young man of yesterday who wanted eternal life and at the same time clung to all his material possessions was told to get rid of them and come and follow Jesus. That was too much for him. He walked away from the Pearl of great Price very sad.

In our Scripture for today, Jesus warns about the dangers of unbridled desire to be rich. To put it starkly, just as power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. So does wealth corrupts and extreme riches corrupt extremely. For proof of this, let us head to the first Reading today from Ezekiel 28: 1 - 10. The prince of Tyre became haughty of heart because of the vast wealth he amassed by trading. He came to see himself as: “A god am I! I occupy a godly throne in the heart of the sea!” And his attitude about his wealth and kingdom is:
“Our own hand won the victory;
the Lord had nothing to do with it."

St Paul warns: "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." (1 Timothy 6: 9).
Do not despise the wisdom of the Scriptures on the lure of money. Some play lottery to get rich quick.  "Why do you play the lottery, my friend?" You may be surprised to receive an answer like this: "When I win millions of dollars, I will distribute half to the poor and use the balance to build homeless shelters." An ex taxi driver told me about some of his cabby friends who actually won millions from lottery. They all became homeless in a few years.

God knows what we need and when we need it. This is why Jesus gave us the shortcut to the good life in this great promise: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and the rest will be given to you."

God who is so faithful and true has never failed in his promises.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

Have we forgotten God who gave us birth and prosperity?

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth." (Deuteronomy 32: 18).

Monday 17th August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel for today from Matthew 19: 16 - 22, Jesus said:
“If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions."

The rich young man represents the world today. He has built his security on material prosperity.  God's response to this pervasive attitude is in Deuteronomy 32: 18 - 21, the Responsorial Psalm for today?

"You have forgotten God who gave you birth."
It seems as if the world has forgotten the Savior who died for us. Very few are thinking of following Him and even these few have not recognized Him as the Pearl of the greatest Price. The Lord's complaint continues below:

"You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you. You forgot the God who gave you birth.
When the Lord saw this, he was filled with loathing and anger toward his sons and daughters."

Who dares blame God if He is full of loathing for His children?

“I will hide my face from them,” he said, and see what will then become of them.
What a fickle race they are,
sons with no loyalty in them!”

“Since they have provoked me with their ‘no-god’ and angered me with their vain idols, I will provoke them with a ‘no-people’; with a foolish nation I will anger them.”

The rich young man of today's Gospel desires eternal life but loves the present material world more. This world cannot produce the peace he hungers for. The anti-dote to his sadness is laid out clearly by Jesus:
"Come follow me and make my Kingdom your first priority and its kind of holiness. I promise you that that you will have everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33).

The world and the Church are today at a cross-road. Quo vadis?

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

God's precious promises are irrevocable.

"For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11: 29).

Sunday 16th August 2020, 20th Week in Ordinary Time.

Do you delight in the sweet and precious promises of God? If you don't, ask the Holy Spirit to open your mind and eyes to what you may be missing. The psalmist said of them: "Your faithful promises are my armor and protection." (Psalm 91: 4). Peter speaking to the crowd on the morning of Pentecost told them: "These promises are for you and your children." Indeed for us all.

Not to be aware of these precious promises that laced the Bible is very unfortunate. In the second Reading today, Paul reveals one of those great promises of God:
"For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." (Romans 11: 29). He is writing about the call of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the gift God made them through a Covenant. Although the children of Abraham broke the covenant again and again, God swore that the gift and call are irrevocable. This promise gave great hope to St Paul and all Christians.

This promise of finality of God's gifts and call to me fills me with joy whenever I remember it which by the way is often. After the years of prodigal life, I returned home to the Father's house and thought that all was lost. One day, I encountered this promise in Romans 11: 29. It blew the lies of the devil.

Highlight all the promises you come across in the Bible. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you those that apply in your life. Ask Him to give you the faith and wisdom to appropriate them.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Solemnity of the Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones but lifted up the lowly." (Luke 1: 52).

Saturday 15th August 2020, 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as in  the Transfiguration of Jesus, Mary's Son confirms our hope of transformation at the Resurrection. The Assumption of Mary reveals our hope and destiny.

Mary overcame sin and the ravages of sin through her Immaculate Conception. The Church has known the truth of the glorious Assumption of Mary from ancient times. On 1st November 1950, Pope Pius XII in an Apostolic Constitution defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Thus was fulfilled one of the prayer intentions of Jesus in the Last Supper:

"Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world." (John 17: 24).

In the second Reading today, we hear: "For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life,  but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ." (1 Corinthians 15: 22 - 23).

Mary is primus inter pares, first among equals in the order of privileges.  Mary our Mother goes before us. Where she is, there shall we be.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Feast of St Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr.

"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15: 12 - 13).

Friday 14th August 2020, 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Maximilian Kolbe.  (1894 - 1941).Polish Franciscan Priest, Martyr at Auschwitz. Maximilian is known for his profound love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He founded the "City of the Immaculate." An avid evangelizer, he used the press and the written word to propagate the Gospel. He was a missionary in Japan.

St Maximilian Kolbe lived literally our Gospel for today taken from the Communion Antiphon:
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."

This is how Maximilian lived literally John 15: 12 - 13: Sentenced to hard labor at Auschwitz, Maximilian offered his life in place of a young innocent man who was the father of young children. The Gestapo agreed to the deal and sent St Maximilian Kolbe to the starvation chamber where he died.

"Come, you blessed of my of  Father, says the Lord. Amen, I say to you: Whatever you did for one of the least of my brethren, you did it for me." (Matthew 25: 34, 40)

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirst.blogspot.com

The Feast of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus - Pope and Anti-Pope.

"So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” (Matthew 18: 35).

Thursday 13th August 2020, 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of a Pope and an anti Pope: Saints Pontian, Pope and Hippolytus, anti Pope (priest). By a mysterious design of Divine Providence, both waring clerics found themselves in the the same prison at the same time. They reconciled and were martyred together under the Emperor Maximinus Thrax. (+ 235).

Our heavenly Father will smile upon Pontian and Hippolytus as He welcomed them into paradise because they heard the message of His Son, Jesus Christ and forgave "his brother from his heart."

How about you sister? How about you brother? Do you know anyone you need to forgive today from your heart? Think about this:

#1 "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6: 12).

#2 David said to God after his serious sins: "I have sinned. Have mercy on me." The Father said to David: "Your sins have been forgiven."

#3 From the cross while still in excruciating agony, Jesus prayed: "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing."

#4 Nelson Mandela was put behind maximum security prison for 27 years of torture. By the mystery of Divine Providence, when he was released, he became the President of a large and rich country. The first thing he did was to forgive all those who persecuted him.

How to deal with the poison of Unforgivenness:
#1 Ask for forgiveness for your sins every day.
#2 Ask God every day to grant the grace to all those you have offended to forgive you.
#3 Use the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation to break the poisonous strangle of unforgiveness.

Never forget the forgiveness of the Lord!

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com 

The Feast of St Jane Frances Chantal.

"Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18: 19 - 20).

Wednesday 12th August 2020, 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Jane Frances Chantal (1572 - 1641). Religious. French. Co-founder of the Order of the Visitation with St Francis de Sales (Bishop and Doctor of the Church).
Jane Frances left behind large quantities of letters between her and St Francis de Sales that offer great insight on spiritual direction.

Our key Scripture for today is aimed at the community of believers. Believers know that Jesus teaches that prayer is a vital necessity. Scripture urges the believing Christian to pray always, everywhere and for everything.

What type of prayer is guaranteed to produce expected results? "Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

Let's consider two conditions:
#1 Prayer of agreement between two or more people produce the discernment of the will of God. The will of God is the word of God. God always honors His word or promises come what may. The will of God is ultimately the best thing you want.
#2 Wherever two or three are gathered to honor Jesus, He is always there. His presence guides the prayer of the gathered Christians to produce a discernment of the will of God. The outcome is the sweet joy of answered prayer.

Whenever you can, do the prayer of agreement.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of the Little One - St Clare.

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18: 4).

Tuesday 11th August 2020 is the feast of St Clare. (1193 - 1253). Italian. At 18, Clare was not only beautiful but her parents were very wealthy. She gave up everything to follow the original Little One, Jesus Christ our Savior. Imitating St Francis of Assisi, the little poor man of Assisi, Clare embraced radical poverty. She founded the Poor Clares and modeled its constitution from what she learned from St Francis of Assisi.

I know one Poor Clare Nun, who made a great contribution to the world. Mother Angelica (+ 2016). She founded EWTN which is the only global Catholic Television Network in the world.

Our key Scripture for today teaches that God loves the little ones and uses them in big projects for the kingdom of God.

How can we become little ones?

#1 Go to the School of Mary, the little Virgin of Nazareth. She will teach us everything we need.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Lawrence, the Doyen of Deacons.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." (John 12: 24).

Monday 10th August 2020, 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. (+258). St Lawrence, Roman and Deacon in the Church of Rome during the pontificate of Pope St Sixtus II. St Lawrence spent his life in the service of the poor of Rome. He perished in a gruesome torture under the persecution of Emperor Valerian. St Lawrence is the Doyen of all the Deacons of the Church.

Jesus is the "grain of wheat" who died, buried and rose from the dead to produce immense fruit of salvation. Without the death of Jesus, the Church would have no martyrs. We will not be celebrating the feast of St Lawrence today. Nor for that matter Saints Peter and Paul, Agatha and Agnes, Thomas More and John Fisher. The saints followed the Lamb of God to the Cross. They thus become the best interpretation of the Gospel.

But the Gospel is a living document not a dead letter. What does it mean for you to be the grain of wheat who falls to the ground and dies in order to produce large amounts of fruits? The answer is in the life of St Lawrence. He answered the call to the clerical state when that calling was a certain death sentence. Jesus empowered Lawrence with His grace and the Holy Spirit enabled Lawrence to produce large harvest.

Here is something else Jesus said about producing large harvest if you are willing:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.  He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit." (John 15: 1 - 2).

When you are not a dead branch, rejoice when the Father prunes you with trials.  "Endure your trials as “discipline”; God treats you as sons. For what “son” is there whom his father does not discipline?" (Hebrews 12: 7).

Every Christian who aspires to be a saint may not necessarily be blessed with the crown of martyrdom but Jesus promises that the Christian could achieve heroic sanctity if he follows some simple plan of life:

#1 Embrace God’s gracious and mysterious will every moment.
#2 Enjoy the constant presence of Jesus in the Sacrament of the Present Moment.
#3 Offer everywhere, always and for everything a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
#4 Make a sweet surrender of all trials to Jesus.

This prayer will help anyone live the above-mentioned principles if repeated frequently and daily:

JESUS-EMMANUEL I TRUST IN YOUR MERCIFUL LOVE AND NOT IN MY FILTHY WORKS. I SURRENDER MYSELF TO YOU COMPLETELY. TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING YOUR WAY. (10 times).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Peter sinks because of doubt.

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14: 27 - 30).

Sunday 9th August 2020, 19th Week in Ordinary Time.

Why do we doubt the word of God? Jesus allows Peter to sink in order to teach us a lesson about the power of faith and the consequences of unbelief. God is truth and His promise is always true and certain.

When man listens to the devil, the Father of lies, what does he hear? Man hears that God does not mean what He says. You can't trust Him. God is not kind and faithful. Look at the world and see the mess the world is in. It is all God's fault. Satan deceived Adam and Eve through such lies. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the confusion all round him.

"The sum of your word is truth; and every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever." "And now, O LORD God, you are God, and your words are true"; this is why God's promises always come true. God is Truth itself, whose words cannot deceive. This is why one can abandon oneself in full trust to the truth and faithfulness of his word in all things." (CCC 215).

When God said to Mary: You will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and become the mother of God. Mary chose to believe God.
When God said to Abraham to leave his country at the age of 75 and start a new life in a foreign country, Abraham chose to believe God. You too can choose today to believe the precious promises of God to you.

God Never Fails!

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Dominic, OP.

"Then the Lord answered me and said: Write down the vision Clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live." (Habakkuk 2: 2 - 4).

Saturday 8th August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Dominic, OP (1170 - 1221). Priest. Spanish. St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers. This religious order has contributed to the mission of the Church for some 800 years. The Dominicans promote Scripture study and the Holy Rosary.

Have you ever waited on God for something absolutely essential to your life and happiness? Fruit of the womb, a life partner, that job, etc? Then you should write out our key Scripture for today and post it in strategic locations in your home.

"Write down the vision Clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late."
This Scripture is a gem of revelation. It reveals to us how God works.
#1. God does nothing until the fullness of time. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1).
#2 In the fullness of time God makes everything beautiful. (Ecclesiastes 3: 11).

You grow to know how wonderfully God is faithful only if you write down His promises and the date you receive them. In 2015, EWTN sent me a prayer request card for the Divine Mercy Novena on Divine Mercy Sunday. I wrote 4 critical needs and sent off the card. I placed a copy of my prayer intentions on the wall in my work area. I never looked at it till a few months ago. That is after five years! When I did, I was shocked. Every single one of the four petitions has been granted in a way far exceeding my wildest expectations. Think of this: what would have happened if I did not write it down and post it on the wall?
You might ask: why didn't I check on it from time to time? Little faith. I did not expect anything to happen. Today I have learned. My walls are full of small hand written notes of God's precious promises.

Our famous Scripture for today ends: "The rash man has no integrity; but the just man, because of his faith, shall live." Do you know what this means?

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

The challenges of following Jesus.

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16: 24 - 25).

Friday 7th August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr. (+ 258). Sixtus with four of his deacons were captured at the Altar while celebrating Mass and beheaded at the order of Emperor Valerian. Today is also the First Friday in August when we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Today's Gospel appears to be chosen for the saints we are celebrating today. Jesus laid down the grim cost of discipleship:
#1 Take up your cross and follow me. Your cross are the trials that you can't escape: health, joblessness, poverty, etc.
#2 Be prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice with your life if it becomes necessary. "For whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

As the God-Man filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, Jesus knew that no one will respond to His challenge unless the bait is bigger than the sacrifice. And it is. Here is what Jesus promises:
1. The Holy Spirit with His gifts and fruits are promised.
2. The Presence of Jesus is always with the disciple.
3. Peace, joy, courage, contentment are always there on tap.

These are real benefits. I am currently reading the Lives of Saints. It appeared as if more than a third are martyrs. They are made up of mature men and women, boys and girls, princess and peasants, clerics and lay faithful. I asked: What made all these people choose to give up their lives if this is the only life they have?

The saints who took up the challenges of discipleship believed Jesus. Do you believe Jesus?
"For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct." (Matthew 16: 27).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

First Friday in August 2020.

August 07, 2020 First Friday in August.

Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.  In the 8th month of the year, we look at Promise #8.

#8.  "Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection."

Who are the fervent souls?
Fervent souls are people who hear the word of God and take it to heart. They allow the word to influence their thoughts, words and actions. They place the Kingdom of God and holiness of life above every other thing. Even while living on earth, they experience the peace, joy and contentment of the Blessed. Because they trust and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they grow from strength to strength.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, August 7th 2020.
For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, click the link below:

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

Seekfirstcommunity.com

The great Feast of the Transfiguration.

"In a resplendent cloud the Holy Spirit appeared. The Father’s voice was heard: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him." (Cf Matthew 17: 5 Entrance Antiphon).

Thursday 6th August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary is the great Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

What is the Transfiguration? In the presence of Peter, James and John, witnesses chosen by Him, Jesus' face and clothing became dazzling with light. Moses and Elijah were present conversing with Jesus.

Why the Transfiguration?
#1 To have 3 eyewitnesses to the testimony of the Father to Jesus as the beloved Son of God.
#2 To confirm the testimony of Moses and Elijah.
#3. To show clearly the divinity of Jesus as God.
#4 To reveal the future of mankind. We shall be like Jesus at the Resurrection.
#5 To note the command of the Father to listen to Jesus as the anointed authority of God's Word.

We cannot listen to Jesus without the power of the Holy Spirit. Are there any biblical and historical ways we can listen and discern the sure voice of our Shepherd speaking to us?

1. "I speak to you through the Scriptures."
2. "I speak to you through my holy servants."
3. "I speak to you through the Holy Eucharist."
4. "I speak to you directly through locution."
5. "I speak to you through dreams."

The Lord's personal message to you is called Rhema. Treasure this Utterance more than silver and gold. Your destiny is in the Message. I believe my Rhema is: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His holiness and I will take care of all your needs.

Listen to the voice of the Son as the Father commanded us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major.

"Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour." (Matthew 15: 28).

Wednesday 5th August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major. This Basilica was dedicated after the definition of the Dogma of Mary as the Mother of God in the Council of Ephesus in 430. The great Church was later renamed as St Mary Major.

The Blessed Virgin Mary said to the Angel Gabriel: "Let it be done to me according to your word." And the Word became Flesh in her womb. With this, Mary is acclaimed our great example of Faith. In our key Scripture for today, Jesus said to the Canaanite woman: “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour." (Matthew 15: 28).

What is faith? Before the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel, Mary knew God as Almighty, All-knowing, All-powerful, All-loving, All-merciful, etc. Her profound personal knowledge of God is the foundation of her faith.
The Canaanite woman is a believer who was searching desperately for a miraculous healing for her child. She heard about Jesus from a friend or a neighbor. She believed immediately what she heard about the miraculous power of Jesus. She packed her bag and went in search of Jesus. Her strong faith and expectations created resilience in her. She was prepared to be rebuffed by Jesus and was determined to have her miracle.

The Bible praises faith as one of the greatest gifts of God and a profound mystery. A little child is capable of great faith as a very old woman. Some of my favorite Scriptures on faith are:

#1 "The just shall live by faith." We live by faith and not by sight or feeling. Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, we live by the word of God that cannot fail.
#2 "We are saved by grace through faith." God's grace is abundant to save us and fulfill the desires of our heart but you must accept the word you receive in faith.
#3 Faith comes by hearing the personal word of God to you and saying a firm Amen to it.

The 11th Chapter of Hebrews is the list of some of the most important people in the Bible. They all achieved fame and greatness through their faith.

You too can overcome every challenge through faith. Two great tools to help develop your faith:

#1 Daily consumption of the word of God.
#2 Daily conversation with God through prayer.

Since you know this, you will be blessed if you do it.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of the Patron Saint of Parish Priests - St John Vianney.

"Leave them [Pharisees] alone. They are blind men leading blind men; and if one blind man leads another, both will fall into a pit." (Matthew 15: 14).

Tuesday 4th August 2020 is the feast day of the patron saint of parish priests, the Curé of Ars, St John Vianney (1786 - 1859). French. What do you want from your parish priest?
#1 Celebrate Mass with reverence and devotion.
#2 Always be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be the face of the loving mercy of Jesus Christ.
#3 Assist the poor as best as they can.

St John Vianney did the above three to the highest degree.

Our key Scripture for today indicts teachers of religion who are blind to the truth and revelations of God while leading millions to dark holes. Jesus Christ our Teacher complained to mystics like St Catherine of Siena that He Jesus endowed many priests with good brains and provided generously the scholarship for their training in the best universities. When they graduate, they pursue careers and serve themselves. So the all powerful Divine Providence chose simple women like Saints Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Therese of the Child Jesus and made them Doctors of the Church. Do you know what a Doctor of the Church means? These are people who are certified by the Church as authoritative teachers of the faith. You can trust them. They are not so-called scholar PhDs whom Jesus characterize as "blind men leading blind men."

St John of Vianney is a trustworthy servant. Let us pray constantly to the Lord to send numerous such priests to the harvest.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Rough Seas in Pandemics.

"At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14: 27).

Monday 3rd August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary Time. Pandemics is anything but ordinary.

The early Church adopted the idea of lectionary [Book of Daily Mass Readings] from the Jewish custom of reading extracts from the Old Testament on the Sabbath. The lectionary has evolved and the last revision was 1994. The daily Mass Readings we find in the lectionary are inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Roman Missal is my Book for reading and meditating on the word of God daily because I believe that God uses the inspired texts and its daily arrangements in the lectionary to speak one message to the Church worldwide.

What does the Spirit seem to be saying to the world today through the Mass Readings?

#1 "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4 Gospel Acclamation).

Some people worry too much about the economy, job and money but God reminds us He is in control.

#2 "At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14: 27).

The disciples of Jesus were terrified by the rough sea and storms. The boat symbolizes the Church today adrift in the open wild and unfriendly sea of the pandemics. We disciples of Jesus are attacked by fear, worry and doubts. What may God be saying to the world before calming the sea? The answer may be in the first Reading for today:

# 3 "For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: A yoke of iron I have placed on the necks of all these nations serving Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and they shall serve him; even the wild animals I have given him." (Jeremiah 28: 14).

Nebuchadnezzar may symbolize false gods and idols especially money and materialism.

Jesus knows exactly where we are on the sea. He knows exactly what we need: Repentance, Reconciliation and Revival. O that we will listen to His voice today. Let us not harden our hearts.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The superabundant, super satisfying food.

"Thus says the Lord:
"Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come!
Buy corn without money, and eat,
and, at no cost, wine and milk." (Isaiah 55: 1).

Sunday 2nd August 2020, 18th Week in Ordinary Time. The first and Gospel Readings point us squarely to that incredible Banquet that is a celebration: the Eucharist.

"[Jesus] Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds." (Matthew 14: 19).

What did Jesus do above?
#1 He took the loaves.
#2 He blessed it.
#3 He broke it.
#4 He gave it to His disciples.

If you have not noticed, these are the same actions, Jesus did at the Last Supper. These are the same steps every priest takes at Holy Mass. Confirm this for yourself in your next Mass.

This is not the only thing we need to notice at the feeding of the 5000 which is type and shadow of the Eucharist. Matthew 14: 20 below gives an insightful commentary on the Event:

"They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full." (Matthew 14: 20).

The Eucharist is a meal of the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. It never fails to satisfy. It is a superabundant gift. Look at the first Reading which points to the Eucharist:

"Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy.
Pay attention, come to me;
listen, and your soul will live." (Isaiah 55: 2)

Jesus said that the Eucharist is an Everlasting Covenant. We find this promise too in our first Reading from Isaiah.

"With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David." (Isaiah 55: 3).

If you do not find the Eucharist absolutely satisfying, have a conversation with your spiritual director.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St Alphonsus Liguori, Founder of the Redemptorists.

"Then the princes and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, “This man does not deserve a death sentence; it is in the name of the Lord, our God, that he speaks to us.” (Jeremiah 26: 16).

Saturday 1st August 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787). Italian. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Trained in civil and canon law, he was a great moral theologian and sought after for his gifts as a confessor. St Alphonsus Liguori is the patron saint of moral theologians.

Our Scriptures for today's Mass present us the predicament of the call to be God's spokesperson in a world that simply doesn't want to listen to Him.  In the first Reading, the Prophet Jeremiah was condemned to death by priests and temple prophets. He was saved by officials who had the courage to exercise their oversight authority. Saint John the Baptist was not so lucky in the Gospel text. Herod had absolute power and no subpoena or oversight could constrain him. He was as wild as King Henry VIII who beheaded two of his six wives.

Jesus warned His followers to be prepared for persecution and execution. Those who persevere to the end will be rewarded with everlasting life. John the Baptist and Jeremiah persevered to the end.

"Happy those who are persecuted
in the cause of right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 10).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Ignatius Loyola.

"At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2: 10 - 11).

Friday 31st July 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Ignatius Loyola, SJ (1491 - 1556). Priest. Spanish. Today is the patronal feast of the Society of Jesus. Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus. His Spiritual Exercises which has been a potent force for spiritual renewal of individuals and groups is still very popular after 500 years.

Our key Scripture for today from the Entrance Antiphon speaks to the incredible love and attachment of Ignatius to the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, Jesus Christ our Lord. The personal motto of St Ignatius Loyola, Everything "For the Greater Glory of God" became the motto of the Society of Jesus.

It is this personal objective of St Ignatius Loyola that captured my heart and mind as a young college student:
#1 To know the Heart of Jesus intimately.
#2 To love Him passionately.
#3 To follow Him everywhere.

These lofty ideals produced giants of our faith like: Saints Francis Xavier, Peter Canisius, Robert Berllamine, Paul Miki, Edmund Campion, Aloysius Gonzaga and so many others.

St Ignatius Loyola pray for us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Peter Chrysologus.

"Jesus said to His disciples: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind.  When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away." (Matthew 13: 47 - 48).

Thursday 30th July 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Peter Chrysologus. (406 - 450). Italian. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. St Peter Chrysologus was the Bishop of Ravenna. At a time when the Church was faced with the scourge of the Monophysite heresy, St Peter defended the two natures in Jesus Christ: Human nature and Divine nature. His theological teaching and preaching are characterized by exceptional clarity. Peter came down to us from history as a great homilist and his theological work on the nature of the Incarnation and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in salvation history has lasting value.

We have seen a number of parables on the nature of the Kingdom of God of which the seed is the Church. Today we see the membership of the Church compared to the catch of fish by fishermen. The haul of fish contains good and bad fish. Isn't this the true picture of every diocese, every parish everywhere?. There are Church members who are so offended by this mixture of good and bad Christians that they want to get rid of the "bad eggs" at once.

Let us see what Jesus says about this:

"Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." (Matthew 13: 49 - 50).
God’s ways are not our ways. His thought is not our thought.

May God open our hearts to accept the words of His Son. (Cf Acts 16: 14).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Martha.

"Jesus told [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live,  and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11: 25 - 26).

Wednesday 29th July 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Martha. (Jewish). Along with Mary her sister, Mary Magdalene, a couple of other Marys, Anna the Prophetess and of course the Blessed Virgin Mary are women mentioned by name in the Gospels who knew Jesus in the flesh. What a great privilege! Our Martha whom we honor today is the Matriarch of Martha's Vineyard. Busy and efficient, she provides for Brother Lazarus and Sister Mary.

Martha's response to Jesus astonishing revelation to her: “I am the resurrection and the life," is almost incredible:

“Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (John 11: 27).

The whole ball game of our Christian religion hinges on faith. God called Abraham and made a great promise to him. He responded in obedience of faith. God announced the Incarnation to Mary. She too responded in obedience of faith. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is a list of Who is Who in the Bible. The common thing among all of them is Faith. They all accomplished impossible things because of Faith.

How strong is your faith? What are you doing on daily basis to increase your faith? A few examples:

#1 Daily Prayer.
#2 Daily Word of God.
#3 Daily Examination of Conscience.

Faithfulness to the above will launch you far.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Be prepared for spiritual warfare.

“Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” (Matthew 13: 36).

Tuesday 28th July 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time.

The disciples asks Jesus to explain the Parable of the weeds in the field. What do you do when you do not understand a Bible verse or teaching? The Holy Spirit who is the Author of the Scriptures is using today's Gospel as a teaching moment to coach us to dig deeper in order to understand the message of Sacred Scriptures. Only the Scripture that you understand can benefit you. You can't apply to your life a message you have no clue about. What can we take away from the Parable of the weeds in the field?

First note the six elements:
“He who sows good seed is the Son of Man,  the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one,  and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels." (Matthew 13: 37 - 39).

We have six distinct elements in the Parable: The Sower, field, good seed, weeds, enemy, the harvesters.
This Parable reflects the state of the Church today. While we are asleep, the enemy sneaks into the field and sowed lies, falsehood, misinformation. Through this, the Devil sets Bishop against Bishop, priest against priest, nuns against nuns. Lay man against lay woman. The clear teaching of Jesus Christ becomes muddled.

What can you do? First, did you activate the Holy Spirit when you were baptized or confirmed? If the answer is Yes, get engaged. Get into Bible Study. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you and teach you.
Nobody goes into this battle with empty head and raw emotions. Jerome teaches: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."
Eliminate this shameful ignorance.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

God's Law of the Mustard Seed.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches." (Matthew 13: 31 - 32).

Monday 27th July 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time.

Jesus in our key Scripture for today gives a critical insight into the mystery not just of the kingdom of God but of all life. The principle of the mustard seed is the law of Biology. All life obeys the life cycle concept: birth, growth, maturity, decline and death follow each other. Everything is created small. "The word was made flesh" and got in-planted in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a tiny seed like a mustard seed. In the fullness of time, the seed became a little baby, then a boy and then the Man Jesus.

"The seed and beginning of the Kingdom" of God is the Church. (CCC 674). It began as a mustard seed. A few disciples. Today, billions of disciple Christians spread all over the world.
A great experience I still cherish was when I attended Micro Computer Technology fare in Paris in 1985. Microsoft and Apple also attended. They weren't well known then. I visited their 12 feet by 12 feet cubicles. Their beginnings were a mustard-seed-like startup. Today they are global giants.

How do we apply the principle of the Mustard to our life purpose, goals and projects?

#1 Water it by daily prayer.
#2 Get wisdom and insights via the Word of God.
#3 Trusting in God to see you through, walk by faith and not by sight or feeling.
#4 Perseverance. Nothing good is ever accomplished without perseverance. It takes a mango seed about 1400 days from planting to your dinner table.

God chose Steve Job and Bill Gates and used them to give the world two great products. These products are simply indispensable today in the new Evangelization. God Never Fails nor does He make a mistake. Trust Him.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Ask for anything and I will give it to you.

"In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said: Whatever you ask I shall give you." (1 Kings 3: 5).

Sunday 26th July 2020, 17th Week in Ordinary Time.

The first and second Readings and the Gospel this Sunday are true feast in the word of God. Don't miss the lavish spiritual nourishment.
Our reflection is from the first Reading: "Whatever you ask I shall give you."

What will you ask? What is your treasure? Where is your treasure? According to Jesus, the heart and treasure are always in the same place. Solomon asked for wisdom.
What is wisdom? Why is wisdom listed as the first of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit? Why is wisdom so highly priced?
Wisdom is the ability to make good choices. Your prosperity and peace depend on the choices you make. If you are a judge as every king is, you need wisdom to discern good from bad, the innocent from the guilty.
Who should you marry? Joe or John? Which career to pursue? Teacher or nurse? What time do you pray? Early in the morning or anytime you feel like?

The Lord was pleased that Solomon chose wisdom and He said to Solomon:
"I now do as you request. I give you a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you.  In addition, I give you what you have not asked for: I give you such riches and glory that among kings there will be no one like you all your days."

Wisdom will bring you wealth, health, happiness and long life.
James teaches: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it." (James 1: 5). Ask for wisdom with faith and you will get it at once.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St James, Apostle.

"As he walked by the Sea of Galilee,
Jesus saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother
mending their nets and he called them." (Matthew 4: 18, 21).

Saturday 25th July 2020, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St James, Apostle. James and John are sons of Zebedee, all fishermen. They left their nets and followed Jesus when He called them from their fishing occupation. Peter, James and John belong to the inner circle of the group of Apostles. They witnessed the Transfiguration and were with Jesus at Gethsemane.

Our Scripture for today evokes the theme of the Choice, the Call and the Anointing. Peter, James and John were chosen for the role they played as leading pioneers of the Christian movement before their birth. In the fullness of time, Jesus came by the shore of the Sea of Galilee and called them. They were not the most qualified but Jesus anointed them for the ministry He had for them. Like Moses, Joshua and David, this anointing qualified them.

Have you found your purpose in life? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you. Keep asking Him until you find and embrace it fully. Remember one thing: It is the Anointing that breaks the yoke of fear, worry and doubt.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Sharbel Makhlouf.

“Hear then the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart." (Matthew 13: 18 - 19).

Friday 24th July 2020, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sharbel Makhlouf. (1828 - 1898). Lebanese Catholic priest, monk and hermit. Sharbel is known for his great devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament and his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a great miracle worker during his life and after his earthly life.

In our Gospel message for today, let us reflect on this illuminating words: "The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it." Does your problem with the word of God stem from the fact that you do not understand it? Do you understand the word of God as a personal message to you requiring a response or action? This response is called obedience of faith. No understanding, no response or wrong response.

So how do we understand God's word to us? Through prayerful reflection and meditation. Read the verse or the message several times. When the Lord spoke this Scripture to me: "Make my Kingdom and my holiness your top priority. I promise you that I will take care of everything you need." (Cf Matthew 6: 33). I read the passage hundreds of times. Eventually, the message went from my head to my heart and I understood it and laughed for joy.

"But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 23).

No understanding of God's love letter to you, no possibility of bearing fruit. Your ability to bear any fruit will be in direct proportion to your understanding of God’s word to you. God commanded Joshua to read the word He gave him and meditate on it day and night and always. This is the only way Joshua could succeed. (Cf Joshua 1: 7 - 8).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

St Bridget of Sweden: mystic and scholar.

"Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted." (Matthew 13: 11).

Thursday 23rd July 2020 is the feast of St Bridget of Sweden (1303 - 1373). Housewife, mother of 4 boys and 4 girls. One of the girls, St Catherine of Sweden is a canonized saint. Bridget persuaded her husband to become a Franciscan Tertiary with her. When the husband died, St Bridget moved to Rome where she founded the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer. St Bridget meditated long on the suffering and death of Jesus. God revealed to her the secrets of heaven. St Bridget is a mystic and authored books on ascetical and mystical theology.

St Bridget is an examplar of our Scripture for today:
"Knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted." (Matthew 13: 11).
When it comes to the word of God, there are two classes of people:
#1 Insiders: the childlike who hunger for the things of God. God Himself feeds them and satisfies their hunger. They grow in the knowledge of the word and the mysteries of the kingdom. They persevere in their faith till death.

#2 Outsiders. This group hear the word of God but are distracted by anxieties about money, health, family, job. The word never takes root in their lives. They soon lose the little word of God they possess and soon revert to the faithless and unstable state in mind and heart.

Consider the Cloud of witnesses in heaven like St Bridget of Sweden whose life we celebrate today. They urge us on in our Journey of Faith  with joyful encouragement: "Heaven is amazingly beautiful. Fight the good fight and finish well the race that is set before you. Your golden crown is waiting for you."

"Harden not your hearts today,
but listen to the voice of the Lord." (Psalm 95: 8).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Mary Magdalene.

"I will seek Him whom my heart loves." (Songs of Solomon 3:2).

Wednesday 22nd July 2020, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Mary Magdalene. Jewish. One of the hand full of women who followed Jesus as He tramped everywhere preaching the Gospel. These women took care of the welfare of Jesus and His Apostles from their purse. But Mary Magdalene was unique and exceptional among these ladies. Jesus healed her of demonic possession and Mary could not forget this favor all her life.

The Church chooses appropriately the Songs of Solomon 3: 1 - 4 as the first Reading for her Liturgy today. The Songs of Solomon is an intimate love diary. Mary is characterized as she who says: "I will seek Him whom my heart loves."

Mary Magdalene trekked the Via Dolorosa with the other Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus. Both women stood under the Cross and watched Jesus die slowly. While the Blessed Virgin Mary did not hurry to the tomb on Easter Sunday because she heard and believed what her Son said about "rising from the dead on the third day," Mary of Magdala hurried to the tomb. She became the first human being to see the Risen Jesus. This is how St Mary Magdalene became the "Apostle to the Apostles."
"Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her." (John 20: 17 - 18).

Mary Magdalene is my patron saint. She reminds me of all the good things that Jesus has done for me and is doing for me every day and why I should seek and follow Him everywhere and love Him passionately. Mary Magdalene pray for us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

God delights in mercy.

"You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins." (Micah 7: 19).

Tuesday 21st July 2020, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Lawrence Brandisi (1559 - 1613). Priest and Doctor of the Church. Italian Capuchin. Lawrence is an extraordinary man who used excellently the lavish gifts God bestowed on him. The Church remembers him for his profound gift and love for Sacred Scripture, the Holy Spirit, Prayer and Mary.

Who are the Doctors of the Church?
These are today the 36 men and women all of them saints who have made great contribution to the development of theology and doctrine through extensive research and writing. St Lawrence Brandisi is one of these giants of our faith.

Our first Reading from Micah is for me one of the most beautiful passages in the Bible. Who can forget this phrase?
GOD DELIGHTS IN MERCY.

"Who is a God like you, who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance;
Who does not persist in anger forever, but instead delights in mercy, and will again have compassion on us, treading underfoot our iniquities?
You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins." (Micah 7: 18 - 19).

No one is like God when it comes to mercy. His record on mercy is everywhere in the Scriptures.
The ABC of Mercy summarizes this:
A. Ask for Mercy.
B. Be merciful.
C. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

God teaches us what is good for us.

"O my people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, from the place of slavery I released you." (Micah 6: 3 - 4).

Monday 20th July 2020, 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Apollinaris. (Bishop and Martyr). Syrian. Died 79 AD in Ravenna, Italy where he was Bishop. Two things are most fascinating about our saint of today, Apollinaris:
#1 The Apostle Peter himself ordained him a Bishop.
#2 St Apollinaris had an extraordinary gift of healing. The pagan Roman priests were so jealous of him that they persuaded Emperor Claudius to martyr him.

Many of us will be familiar with our lead Scripture for today from the Lenten liturgies. "O my people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, from the place of slavery I released you."

How sad it is that this captures the spirit of mankind. Consider this fact : Some of those who oppose migrations ferociously have themselves and their forebears benefitted most from what God characterized: "I brought you up from the land of Egypt, from the place of slavery I released you."

Our Scripture for today may have greater insight for this pandemic period. God is calling for spiritual renewal. Some people reading this may not be alive in 30 days. The right question like the 3000 people that embraced Christianity after the sermon of St Peter on Pentecost Sunday is:
"Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2: 37). The answer is given by the Prophet Micah:

"You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God."

The Apostle Paul teaches the Corinthians:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God." (2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 4).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com