You need My Peace.

IF WHAT JESUS TEACHES ABOUT EATING HIS FLESH AND DRINKING HIS BODY IS TRUE, WHAT MUST YOU DO? IF YOU FIND OUT THAT THE CHURCH BELIEVES & HAS AFFIRMED THIS TRUTH FOR OVER 2000 YEARS, WHAT MUST YOU DO?
IT IS RIDICULOUS TO EXTREME TO REMAIN UNMOVED.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. " (John 1 4: 27.... 31).

Tuesday 17th May 2022, in the 5th Week of Easter.

The Gospel for today is a practical solution to the problem of fear, worry and doubt. Jesus gave this comforting message the night before His death. He was leaving His disciples a farewell Gift. Not a huge bank account or a sprawling real estate in the city center. But PEACE!

Jesus calls this Gift "My Peace." This is true because Scripture calls Jesus "our Peace." He is also the Prince of Peace. We are talking here about perfect peace. First let us see what the Peace of Christ is not. It is not Pax Romana, the peace imposed on a conquered nation by force by the conqueror. It is not the peace of a welfare state. It is not the peace you feel if you are in good health, the kids are behaving and your 401K is fantastic.

The peace that Jesus bequeaths to Christians is His own peace. Peace in the midst of crisis because you know who your Security is. The world does not know this peace and cannot know it until they bend their knees to Jesus. This peace is supreme remedy for fears, worries and doubts.

The most perfect health, marriage, finance, job, tools goes  through its periods of trial and uncertainty.  The aftermath of these Times and Seasons is a growing confidence that God is always in control. His mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence is working out all things for our good.

The Peace of Christ is real. It is for us Christians. Claim it. It banishes fear.

5. 17. "Even if the grave sins of men provoke God’s justice and merit his just punishments, we must not forget that he is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, that he has appointed Mary most holy as the generous steward of his merciful gifts."  (Saint Paul VI).

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The Holy Spirit, the Advocate will teach you everything.

IF "THE FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS PERSON IS VERY POWERFUL," HOW MUCH MORE THE PRAYER OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE MOTHER OF GOD? "SON, THEY HAVE NO WINE.... DO WHATEVER HE TELLS YOU." (CF JAMES 5: 16, JOHN 2: 5).

“Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14: 21.... 26)

Monday of the 5th week of Easter. We are exactly three weeks to the end of the Easter Season and the Solemnity of Pentecost.

We continue with the Last Supper Discourse. We have seen the following themes in the past four days:
#1 Jesus set an example by washing the dirty feet of the Apostles.
#2 Medicine for troubled hearts: Trust in the Father and trust also in Jesus.
#3 The Father: You know Him. You have seen Him.
#4 Today, enter the Holy Spirit: the Paraclete, the Advocate, the Voice that speaks in Court.

Pentecost Sunday is June 5th. It  is a good time to meditate on the 3rd Person of the Blessed Trinity as we prepare for the Pentecost Novena.

We receive the Holy Spirit first in Baptism. He is the Big Gift. The Promise of the Father. The Lord and Giver of Abundant life. The Advocate and the Voice that speaks in Court for us.
In Confirmation, we are strengthened in this gift and become aware of the importance of His Seven Gifts: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord. We also get to know the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit through which we manifest to the world that we are Christians. They are: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Generosity, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-control and Chastity. These gifts together form the character of Jesus Christ. We can all be like Jesus by receiving these gifts and fruits and nourishing them day by day through:
#1 Prayer
#2 Word of God
#3 Eucharist
#4 Penance/Reconciliation

Jesus Christ is the Way to eternal life.

5.16.  Mary is honored as:
Queen of Angels
Queen of Patriarchs
Queen of Prophets
Queen of Apostles
Queen of Martyrs
Queen of Confessors
Queen of Virgins
Queen of all Saints

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

As I love you, love one another.

THE WORD OF GOD IS A DIVINE COMMAND. IT ACCOMPLISHES WHATEVER IT IS SENT TO. WHEN WE RECEIVE IT IN FAITH, WHAT HAPPENS? MIRACLE!

As I have loved you, so you shall love one another.

 "My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13: 31.....35).

Sunday, 15th May 2022 of the 5th week of Easter.

A short Gospel for this Sunday but powerful message. Jesus gives us a new commandment. Actually, the only thing that is new here is: "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another." This is what makes it tough and very challenging. When Jesus taught in His sermons on the mountain: "Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect," we thought this is a hyperbole. Now Jesus commands: "As I have loved you, so you also should love one another."

How has Jesus loved you and me? Let us search the Scriptures.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
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"It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  
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"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
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"It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7).

In 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7, we see the attributes of love.
This is how Jesus loves you and me. Is this how you love yourself? Your neighbor?

5. 15. "The veneration of the Virgin Mary has accompanied the path of the Church from the beginning; Marian feast days began to appear already in the fourth century: in some the role of the Virgin in the history of salvation is exalted; in others the principal moments of her earthly life are celebrated."
( Pope Benedict XVI).

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The Feast of St Matthias, the 12th Apostle.

THE EXERCISE OF FAITH INCREASES FAITH. THE EXERCISE OF CONFIDENCE CAUSES CONFIDENCE TO GROW. ONE WHO APPROACHES MY TABERNACLE IN FAITH IS GIVING EVIDENCE OF A COMPLETE RELIANCE ON MY MERCIFUL LOVE. (IN SINU JESU).

"Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.....
"I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.” (John 15: 9....17).

Saturday 14th May 2022, 4th Week of the Easter Season is the feast of the Apostle Matthias. (+ 64). The story of his election into the College of Apostles to replace Judas is the first Reading today: (Cf Acts 1: 15 - 26).

Mattias who had followed Jesus since His Baptism at the Jordan became a witness to the Resurrection and saw Jesus ascend into Heaven. He was present with the disciples in the Upper Room at Pentecost. Matthias met the criteria established by the Apostles to be qualified to replace Judas Iscariot.
Ancient tradition placed his ministry in Jerusalem, Cappadocia and Ethiopia. He was martyred in Jerusalem.
Matthias is the patron saint of Alcoholics.

How did Matthias become the 12th Apostle? It was necessary to replace Judas who had perished after his betrayal of Jesus. "Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles."

Our Scripture verse is from the Last Supper Discourse. Like St Matthias, each of us is called, chosen and anointed for a specific mission in the Kingdom. This is true whether we are soldiers, teachers, accountants, lawyers or housewives. Your day job is the field for your ministry. We are called to be friend and companion of Jesus who will carry on His ministry through us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthias must have been deeply surprised by his call to join the Apostolic College. This is the way of God:
"God raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor to seat them with prince's, with the princes of his own people." (Psalm 113: 7 - 8).

"I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord." (John 15: 16).

5. 14.  "The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
- (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)

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Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

"IN THE END, MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL TRIUMPH," SAYS OUR LADY OF FATIMA TO THE THREE VISIONARY CHILDREN.
POPE PIUS XII CONSECRATED THE WHOLE WORLD TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14: 1 - 6).

Friday 13th May 2022, in the 4th Week of Easter is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

The feast of Our Lady of Fatima celebrates the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to three shepherd children at Fatima in 1917. The message of Fatima is continued conversion to God and dedication to Mary through commitment to pray the Holy Rosary.

Our key Scripture for today takes us to the Upper Room where the Last Supper was taking place. On this night before His passion, Jesus was huddled together with His 12 Apostles in the Upper Room. He had revealed to them His departure from them through death. They were crushed. How on earth could they survive without Him with enemies everywhere? Then the Master said to them: Don’t be afraid or cowardly. As you believe in God and trust Him to protect and provide for you, you must believe in Me likewise.

What would be the impact of these words on the extremely agitated disciples? Comfort and Peace! Such is the power of the word of God. The same Jesus is speaking to us today through the Scripture:
“You must not let yourselves be distressed—you must hold on to your faith in God and to your faith in me." (John 14:1 Philips).

How can you avoid worry and surrendering yourself to fear and doubt? Saturate your mind and heart with the creative words of Jesus. One thing I found helpful is  repeating memorized verse of Scripture or an inspirational maxim for example:
"No fear. No worry. No doubt. Jesus is my Security now and always."

5. 13.  “The Heart open to God, purified by contemplation of God, is stronger than guns and weapons of every kind. The fiat of Mary, the word of her heart, has changed the history of the world, because it brought the Saviour into the world—because, thanks to her Yes, God could become man in our world and remains so for all time." (Benedict XV1 on Fatima).

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Why do you think I washed your feet?

"GOD WILLED THAT MAN SHOULD BE LEFT IN THE HAND OF HIS OWN COUNSEL, SO THAT HE MIGHT OF HIS OWN ACCORD SEEK HIS CREATOR & FREELY ATTAIN HIS FULL & BLESSED PERFECTION BY CLEAVING TO HIM." (CCC 1743).
"THE CHURCH PROPOSES. SHE IMPOSES NOTHING." (ST JOHN PAUL II).

"When Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet, he said to them: “Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen." (John 13: 16...20).

Thursday 12th May 2022, 4th Week of the Easter Season.

The Church celebrates today the feast of three youthful soldier martyrs. St Pancras (+ 304). Roman. Martyred at 14 under Emperor Diocletian. Also today: Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Roman soldiers. Both martyred under Emperor Trajan. The Church rejoices in saints that bore witness to Jesus at very young age: Agnes, Perpetua, Felicity, Agatha, Maria Goretti, etc.

We enter one of the most consequential conversations of Jesus with His disciples: The Last Supper Discourse.
The first thing Jesus did as He gathered the disciples to celebrate the Passover in the Upper Room which became the Last Supper was to wash the dirty feet of His disciples. What is the lesson for them and for us?

"Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him.  If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it." (John 13: 16 - 17).
Jesus the Christ came to serve and not to be served. Imitation of Jesus is the key to a blessed life.

We become saints not by the amount of knowledge or degrees we have but by imitating Jesus. As we become little by little like Jesus every day we start to imitate his mannerisms: His words and actions.  Jesus promises that this is the secret of the ultimate blessings and happiness in this world and the next.

Saints are the happiest people on earth. Why not start by desiring to be a saint?

5.12. “From Mary we learn to surrender to God's Will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!” “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” (St John Paul II).

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Whoever believes in. Me will have light in him.

TO LIVE AS I BELIEVE IS TO LIVE NOT ACCORDING TO WHAT I SEE OR FEEL BUT TO LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF FAITH, THAT IS, IN THE LIGHT OF THE WORD OF GOD AND PROMISES OF GOD.

"Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness. And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world." (John 12: 44....50).

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus says that He came into the world as light. What does Jesus mean? The Easter Vigil Liturgy helped me to understand our key Scripture for today.

The Easter Vigil Service starts at sunset outside the Church. The congregation stand around a huge fire of burning wood. After prayers, the Priest lights the new Pascal Candle and Deacon carries the Candle and leads the congregation into the dark Church.

The Church is in darkness. The only light comes from the Pascal Candle. The Pascal Candle signifies Christ as the Light coming into a dark world. The gathered Church lights their candles from the Pascal Candle.  Soon the whole Sanctuary is lit up from hundreds of candles.

Through faith, we understand the meaning of the Easter Vigil ceremony. Without faith, the whole ceremony may appear strange.

Those who believe and trust Jesus are no longer in the dark with regard to the critical and existential questions of life: origin of life and the world, life and death, poverty and wealth, divine providence, racial diversity, eternal life, etc.
The light of Christ brought us knowledge of the Trinity, the Three Persons in One God. The meaning of the life and death of Jesus. The Sacraments, Communion of Saints, the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the economy of salvation and so forth.

The carnal man with his 20/20 vision and all the scientific knowledge at his disposal does not understand 0.001% of the physical world and nothing at all of the spiritual domain. And yet, he thinks he knows everything.

"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life." (Cf John 8: 12).

5. 11. "O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity." (St Basil the Great).

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The Feast of St Damien of Molokai, Patron Saint of Lepers.

WHAT IS IN A NAME? THE NAME OF JESUS IS THE VERY PERSON, POWER & PRESENCE OF JESUS. THE NAME OF JESUS IS IMMENSE. IT IS CERTAINTY AND ALWAYS AVAILABLE RESOURCE & GOOD FORTUNE.

"The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus walked about in the temple area on the Portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me. But you do not believe, because you are not among my sheep. My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand." (John 10: 23 - 30).

Tuesday 10th May 2022, in the 4th Week of Easter is the feast of St Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai. (1840 - 1889). Priest. Belgian missionary. Father Damien requested to be sent to the leper colony in Molokai, in Hawaii where he spent the rest of his life ministering to lepers. Four of these years were lived in confinement after he contracted leprosy. St Damien was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009. He is the patron saint of people with leprosy.

In the Gospel of today, Jesus was in the Temple during the feast of the Dedication. The people accosted Him and challenged Him to tell them if He is the expected Messiah.
Jesus answered with our key Scripture verse for today:

"The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me." What does Jesus mean? His miracles: healing, casting out demons, raising the dead, feeding multitudes are evidence of who He is. These "works" should be sufficient proof to anyone who is well disposed towards Him.

His sheep who are well disposed towards Him, hear His teachings and see His miracles and they believe in Him. This group do not waste time seeking for proof after proof about what should be obvious to men of good will. If you consider you are one of the sheep of Jesus, do you believe in these revealed truth about Jesus Christ below:

I believe in Jesus Christ the Only Son of God, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God.

This is our ancient Faith. The Faith of Christians who are the sheep of Jesus Christ.

When Jesus is your good Shepherd, He promises that His sheep will be fully provided for and fully protected from all dangers. Learn to trust in Jesus for all your needs.

5.10.  "[Mary] is the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus and will to surrender themselves to her, body and soul, without reserve in order to belong entirely to Jesus.” (St Louis Marie de Monfort).

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Are you Ready for Abundant Life?

ABBA FATHER, REMIND ME ALWAYS THAT IN YOUR INFINITE WISDOM, YOU KNOW WHAT IS BEST FOR ME.

"A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly." (John 10: 10).

Monday 9th May 2022, of the 4th Week of Easter.

John 10: 10 is our Scripture verse for today:  "I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly," is one of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible. Why? It has the ring of a marketing slogan. Who is not attracted to Abundant Life? Abundant wealth, abundant health, abundant peace in the family, abundant quality food, abundant possessions and so forth. Is this what Jesus was talking at about? 

What do you think of this translation of John 10: 10?
"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of."  (John 10: 10 MSG).

In Acts 1, Jesus talked again about the "Promise of the Father" that will soon be bestowed on the Apostles. That Promise of the Father is also called the "Big Gift" of the Father.

You know by now that we are talking about the Awesome Holy Spirit, "the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son." The Spirit that is worshipped together with the Father and the Son. He is the Giver of the Abundant life. What is this Abundant life? You remember what the Angel Gabriel said to Mary? She is "full of grace" and "the Lord is with her." Yes, Mary has abundant life while here on earth. She is full of the Gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.

When you fan into flame the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit you received in Baptism and strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation, your life will be utterly transformed. Imagine if you exercise the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel and knowledge, you will be sought after by the whole world. 

St Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church, who is richly endowed by the Holy Spirit says that eternal life starts here and now and continues all the way to eternity. If you do not enjoy the love, peace, joy and contentment that come from the Holy Spirit indwelling in you, what is wrong? Two possible things:
#1. Unconfessed sins.
#2. Unbelief.

5. 9   "Mary has divided the sea for us, that is the world, so that we might pass safely through it." She "has brought to us the water of grace from the rock, Christ, so that we may drink freely of this life-saving water."  (St Thomas Aquinas OP, Doctor of the Church).

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Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

LORD JESUS, YOU ARE MY GOOD SHEPHERD. I AM YOUR CLUELESS LAMB. I BELIEVE YOU ARE WATCHING OVER ME NIGHT AND DAY. NO HAIR FALLS FROM MY HEAD WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.

"Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (John 10: 27 - 30).

Sunday 8th May 2022, of the 4th Week in Easter. Good Shepherd Sunday.

Jesus declares in the Gospel today that He alone is our Good Shepherd. What does it mean that Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd?
The Church is a family, a sheepfold and Jesus is the necessary gateway into the Sanctuary. God has foretold in the Scriptures that God Himself would be the Shepherd of this flock. 

What does a Good Shepherd do?
He feeds His flock and leads them to rest when they are tired. When we stray from the fold, He searches for us and brings us back. He rescues us from vicious beasts, from hurricanes and flood.

Our experience has thought us that there are false shepherds. They are everywhere: Church, schools, businesses, politicians, police, etc. With this in mind, we can appreciate much more our Good Shepherd. Scripture describes our Good Shepherd as a Lamb who is also a Shepherd. He is gentle, kind and merciful.

Now that we know how tenderly our Good Shepherd knows, loves and cares for us ("Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father"), how do we respond to this revelation? 

Psalm 23 is the picture perfect of Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd.
"The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit."

Psalm 23 is the personal experience of King David. David experienced God so close and so intimately in various circumstances of his life and penned Psalm 23 as a testimony of his gratitude.

Think of this for a moment. If the Lord is truly our Good Shepherd, if we recognize His voice and follow Him, we can claim and own all the promises of Psalm 23. This is what Jesus means when He says: "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." (John 10: 10).

5.8. "Therefore, as St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem, asserts, the archangel Gabriel called her [Mary] full of grace: “Ave gratia plena;” because whilst to others, as the saint above mentioned remarks, limited grace is given, to Mary it was given in fulness. And thus it was ordered, as St. Basil attests, that in this way she might become the worthy mediatrix between God and men. For if the Virgin had not been full of divine grace, as St. Lawrence Justinian adds, how could she be the ladder of paradise, the advocate of the world, and the true mediatrix between God and men?" (St Alphonsus Liguori).

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Lord to whom shall we go to, You are the Son of God.

MY FATHER IN HEAVEN, HOW GOOD IT IS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY FATHER AND THAT I AM YOUR CHILD! ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SKIES OF MY SOUL ARE CLOUDY AND MY CROSS WEIGHS MORE HEAVILY, I FEEL THE NEED TO REPEAT TO YOU: FATHER, I BELIEVE IN YOUR LOVE FOR ME.

"Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? ..... It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.”

"Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. .....
As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6: 60....69).

Saturday 7th May, of the 3rd Week of Easter is First Saturday in May. The Universal Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturdays.

The multitude that followed Jesus, many of them for the hope of eating free bread and fish were highly scandalized when Jesus spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. They protested but Jesus did not apologize but instead doubled down on the same idea. They abandoned Jesus and His ministry on the spot and went home preferring to forget the time they invested in Jesus as a worthless sacrifice.

"Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”  Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Those who did not abandon Jesus over His teachings on the Bread of life must know and believe that without Jesus, we can do absolutely nothing. Not a little. But nothing. I like the way Jesus put this in His locution to a Benedictine monk:

"Outside of Me there is nothing for you, and with Me, in My presence, is all that your heart desires.  Do not look outside of Me for anything to fulfil your heart’s desires. Instead, hide yourself in Me, as I hide myself for love of you in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, September 20, 2011).

Do you nurse some hope that this world will fulfill the desires of your heart with regard to health, family, job, money and social and material possessions? Forget it.

Let us repeat with Peter in deep faith: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

5. 7 "Saturday is the day that, by a special title, belongs to My Mother in her solitude and hope. You will live every Saturday in her company, celebrating whenever possible her Mass and the Divine Office in her honour, and offering her a token of special filial affection." (IN SINU JESU).

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The Eucharist contains everything we need for life and eternity.

"THE EUCHARIST IS TRANSFORMING FOR ALL WHO RECEIVE ME WITH FAITH AND WITH CONFIDENT DEVOTION, BUT IT IS ESPECIALLY SO FOR MY PRIESTS." (IN SINU JESU).

"The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his Flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the Flesh of the Son of Man and drink his Blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink. Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven." (John 6: 52..... 59).

Friday May 6th 2022, 3rd Week in the Easter Season.

We continue with the Bread of life Discourse in the 6th Chapter of the Gospel of St John where eating and drinking the Body and Blood of Jesus is the dominant theme of this Easter Season so far.

It has been said that the best interpretation of the Gospel is the Example of the saints who are faithful and true witnesses to Jesus and His Way. Let us read below how some of the saints bore witness to the truth of the Bread of life Discourse.

"Jesus has made Himself the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and day, He is there. If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to that Adoration." (Mother St Teresa of Kolkata).

"From the Eucharist comes strength to live the Christian life and zeal to share that life with others."  (Pope St John Paul II).

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

"There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us." (St John Vianney).

"The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." "The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch." (CCC 1324).

My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink says the Lord.

5. 6 "St. Bernard asks, Why does the Church name Mary Queen of Mercy? and answers, Because we believe that she opens the depths of the mercy of God, to whom she will, when she will, and as she will; so that not even the vilest sinner is lost, if Mary protects him."

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

First Friday, May 6, 2022.

Jesus promised 12 special graces and favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month by attending Holy Mass and receiving Holy Communion.  In the 5th month of the year 2022, we look at Promise #5.

#5.  "I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings."
I like this one very much.

We celebrated the feast of St Joseph the Worker on May 1st. St Joseph is the patron saint of men and women who earn their livelihood from any kind of work.  St Joseph will intercede for workers for success and prosperity in all their understandings. Don't hesitate to ask for his help and do it often.  St Joseph is the Patron Saint of my work of life. I call on him every day for his help and I have never been disappointed. If you honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jesus will give you His foster father to help you.

Sacred Heart of Jesus come to our help and prosper the work of our hands.

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

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sacred Heart devotional prayers and prayer intentions click the link below:

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

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

I AM The Bread of Life.

DAILY CONSUMPTION OF THE WORD OF GOD SHOULD LEAD TO DAILY EXPERIENCE OF BAPTISM. THIS SHOULD TRIGGER HUNGER FOR THE EUCHARIST. THE EUCHARIST LEADS TO HOLY SPIRIT INVASION. THIS IS THE ABUNDANT LIFE OF JOHN 10: 10.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6: 44 - 51).

Thursday 5th May 2022, of the 3rd Week of Easter.

What does Jesus mean that He is the bread of life?
Jesus  gives us Himself as our nourishment. What does the Church teach about the Bread of life?

"It [Eucharist] refers directly to the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ, the "medicine of immortality," without which we have no life within us......The Eucharist is our daily bread. The power belonging to this divine food makes it a bond of union. Its effect is then understood as unity, so that, gathered into his Body and made members of him, we may become what we receive.  This also is our daily bread." (CCC 2837)

In the Eucharist, we receive who we are, the Body of Christ. Now we must become what we receive, the Body of Christ, St Augustine teaches.

Jesus also says in Gospel of today:  "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (John 6: 47).

Eternal life starts right here and right now with BELIEF in Jesus. In the Eucharist we are challenged to exercise the highest kind of faith in human experience. The bread you see looks, tastes and smells like ordinary bread. Once the words of consecration are pronounced over it, it becomes the Flesh of Jesus Christ. Same with the wine when it is consecrated, it becomes the Blood of Jesus. Can you now understand why most of His disciples abandoned Him when Jesus unveiled this doctrine.
Many protestants mock Catholics for believing in the True and Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Jesus Himself says "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (John 6: 47).

5.5 Day 5 in May. Let us reflect on some attributes of Mary from the Litany of Loretto:

Mother of God
Mother of Christ
Mother of the Church
MOTHER of Mercy
Mother of divine grace
MOTHER of Hope

Do you understand what they mean? Google each attribute.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

A severe persecution in Jerusalem created the first missionary opportunity.

GOD IS THE EXPERT IN MAKING BAD FRIDAYS INTO GOOD FRIDAYS. GOD MAKES THE BLOOD OF MARTYRS THE SEED OF CHRISTIANITY.

"There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles......

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city." (Acts 8: 1....8).

Wednesday May 4th 2022 in the 3rd week of Easter.

The persecution that followed the martyrdom of Stephen scattered the first Christians everywhere. The death of Jesus and Stephen similar in a number of ways was no accident.  This persecution that followed the martyrdom of Stephen was preordained.

The circumstances of your call and answer to the ministry may not always be neat and foreseen by you. . Hurricane, flood , fire or persecution may chase you into the land of your ministry opportunity. It could be the providential downsizing of your company or the death of a spouse.
Whatever the circumstances, be prepared to say Yes to Jesus at the first call.

Philip, the Deacon fled Jerusalem and landed in Samaria. What did he do? He preached the Good News in his new home and converted a large number of people to Christ the Lord. (Cf Acts 8: 5 - 8).

Necessity is the mother of invention. The mother eagle shakes out the nest so that the complacent little eaglets will learn to fly and embrace their life's mission.

Be alert. Be vigilant. Jesus may come like a thief in the night.

5.4 "Him whom the heavens cannot contain, the womb of one woman [Mary] bore. She ruled our Ruler; she carried Him in whom we are; she gave milk to our Bread." - St. Augustine

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Ask anything in line with My plan for your life and it will be yours.

HE WHO PRAYS MOST RECEIVES MOST. (ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH).

"And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it." (John 14: 13 - 14).

Tuesday 3rd May 2022, in the 3rd Week of Easter is the feast of the Apostles Philip and James. Philip and James were among the 12 Apostles of Jesus. Philip introduced Bartholomew (Nathanael) to Jesus. According to tradition, he was crucified in Phrygia.
St James was the cousin of Jesus. He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He was thrown down from the terrace of the Temple and then stoned to death.

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus repeats for emphasis: "Ask anything of me in my name, I will do it."  Why the emphasis? According to Catholic tradition, most writers on the subject of Prayer would answer simply: Because Jesus means every word of His promises on Prayer. How about the man in the pew, how does he view the promises of Jesus on Prayer? A lot of scepticism.  Scepticism that is born of ignorance. They know neither the Scriptures or the power of God. (Cf Matthew 22: 29).
"God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23: 19).

How about me, the writer? Do I believe in the promises of Jesus on Prayer? Absolutely! I would not have answered with such certainty a decade ago. Investment in the study of Sacred Scripture and the writings of the saints on Prayer made the difference. There are two rich resources on Prayer by St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church and St Claude de la Colombiere under the titles of UNIFORMITY WITH GOD'S WILL and TRUSTFUL SURRENDER TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE respectively. These two works are pamphlets that you can read several times in a day. Both will change your mind on Prayer.

How can we test Jesus' faithfulness to His promises on Prayer if we do not pray? My friend, there is only one way to prove this truth: JUST PRAY AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS!

"This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, [that is, consistent with His plan and purpose] He hears us." (1 John 5: 4 AMP).

5.3 "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." (St Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Athanasius of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

THIS IS THE WORK OF GOD. BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST. EVERYTHING ELSE WILL FOLLOW.

"Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6: 22.... 29).

Monday 2nd May 2022, of the 3rd Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St Athanasius of Alexandria, Egypt (297 - 373) Bishop and Doctor of the Church.  Athanasius is rightly called the Father of Orthodoxy. Athanasius was a key light at the Council of Nicaea (325), where he defended vigorously that Jesus Christ is true God (100%) and true Man (100%). He defended this truth all his life and suffered much persecution from the Arians including several exiles. Athanasius' other great contribution to the early Church is the Life of St Anthony the Great, known also as St Anthony of the Desert or St Anthony of Egypt). Athanasius had personal acquaintance with St Anthony. The biography of the great Desert monk became the gold standard for monastic rules for the Church both in the East and the West.

Many people followed Jesus for food with the hope of money, healing and job.  They cared very little for the agenda of Jesus. Jesus told them: "Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4).

Jesus expands on this teaching in our key Scripture for today. He says to the crowd:
"Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” (John 6: 27).

What are the food that endures for eternal life? Consider faith, hope, charity and the Word of God. No one can purchase faith, hope and love.

“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

Jesus gave them an uncomplicated answer: Faith in Jesus whom God sent for the salvation of humanity. Faith is greater than gold and silver. Faith is imperishable.

5.2. “Woe to those who despise devotion to Mary! ... The soul cannot live without having recourse to Mary and recommending itself to her. He falls and is lost who does not have recourse to Mary.” (St Alphonsus Liguori).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

We must bear witness to what we have heard and seen.

MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN MARY, LOVE GROWS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE. IN THIS MONTH OF MAY, MARIAN MONTH WHEN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH HONORS MARY, WE PLAN TO INCLUDE A SNIPPET OF MARIAN TEACHING ON THE BLOG FOR THE 31 DAYS OF MAY.

Bearing witness to who we are is a duty.

"We are witnesses of these things, as is the holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5: 32).

Sunday May 1st 2022, 3rd Sunday of Easter.

“We [Sanhedrin] gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name? Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus,...... God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5: 27....41).

Peter declared that we must bear witness to what we have seen and heard. Are you ready? What does it mean to bear witness or to be sent on a mission? What does the Church say?

"The duty of Christians to take part in the life of the Church impels them to act as witnesses of the Gospel and of the obligations that flow from it. This witness is a transmission of the faith in words and deeds. Witness is an act of justice that establishes the truth or makes it known." (CCC 2472).

Bearing witness to Jesus is a duty and a necessity from our privileges as Christians.
"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you."  (John 15: 16).
I will bear witness to You in the world O Lord, I will spread the knowledge of Your name to my brothers and sisters.

We honor the Virgin Mary in May.
1. "It is impossible for a client of Mary, who is faithful in honouring and recommending himself to her, to be lost." (St Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop & Doctor of the Church. Founder of the Redemptorist. One of the most eminent Mariologists in the Church.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St Pius V, Pope.

THE ROSARY IS THE WEAPON. (ST PADRE PIO).

"When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum...... When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading." (John 6: 16....21).

Saturday 30th April 2022, in the 2nd Week of Easter. 
30th April is the feast of Pope St Pius V. (1504 - 1572). Italian. Dominican Friar. Pius had tremendous impact in the post Tridentine Church of the 16th century. Some of his accomplishments are: implementing forcefully the decrees of the Council of Trent, building seminaries, publishing the Roman Catechism and revising the Missal and the Breviary. 

Pius V is credited for saving Europe from Islamic domination in 1571 in the Battle of Lepanto. That victory was attributed to the power of the Holy Rosary which was recited continuously by soldiers, lay people and clergy. This is the origin of the Feast of the Holy Rosary celebrated on October 7th.

Jesus said to the Apostles who panicked on seeing Him walking on the sea towards their boat in the dark of the night: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” Jesus puts them at ease by identifying Himself: "It is I." This expression could mean "I AM." His word, the self identification of Yahweh was enough to calm their nerves.

St Hildegard of Bingen, Doctor of the Church says that the word of God is Divine Command. A single word from God is enough to bring light, courage, peace and joy to our hearts.

Once upon a time, I spent a night alone in a house in the countryside. The house had a wall round it with a gate. There were fruit trees in the backyard. About 1 am in the morning, I heard a large thud that sounded like some heavy person had jumped into the yard. I was deeply frightened. I sat on the bed in cold sweat wondering what to do. "Look for a heavy object like metal or wood to defend yourself." At that moment, I heard these words in my heart:
"If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain do the sentries defend it."

The full Verse of the Psalm is this:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain." (Psalm 127: 1).
This is one of my favorite verses in the Scriptures. The Lord used the same Scripture I repeat so often to bring me peace that dark night.

Jesus used the Scripture I know to identify Himself." "I AM here. Do not be afraid." I went back to sleep and slept till about 7 am. When I checked the backyard to see what happened, I saw that it was a large breadfruit that had fallen down.

Jesus says to us:
"It is I. Do not be afraid!" God is in His word. And His word is Divine Command. All things obey God. (Psalm 119: 11). The word of God accomplishes everything it is sent to. (Cf Isaiah 55: 7-8).

Memorize your favorite Scriptures. You do not know when they will come handy.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor of the Church.

GOD IS CLOSER TO US THAN WATER TO A FISH. (ST CATHERINE OF SIENA).

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. (Matthew 11: 25 - 26).

Friday April 29th 2022, 2nd Week in the Easter Season is the feast of a giant of the faith: St Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380). Italian Dominican Tertiary. Virgin and Doctor of the Church.

Catherine died at the age of 33 and accomplished for the Kingdom of God what most of us could never accomplish even if we live to be 90 years. 

She brought about the renewal of the Church in a period of moral laxity. She was instrumental in reuniting the Church during the great Western Schism. She authored a spiritual classic, THE DIALOGUE. Catherine is the first woman to be named Doctor of the Church. She is the patron saint of plagues and Italy and co-patron saint of Europe with St Benedict.

God set St Catherine on fire with divine love and boldness in the service of the Church. And Catherine set the Church on fire with her zeal and service.

"Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire." St Catherine of Siena said and lived this maxim. One of the poignant lessons of our key Scripture from Acts 4: 31, the first Reading is the power of prayer. God answers prayers.

A few quotes to nourish our faith from St Catherine of Siena:

1. “Love follows knowledge.”
2. “The human heart is drawn by love.”
3. "Humanity is nothing of itself; what we have, we have from God by grace, not because he owes it to us."
4. “God is more willing to pardon than we have been to sin.”
5. “What father ever gave up his son to death for the sake of his slave!”.
6. “God was made man and man was made God.”
7. “Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.”
8. “All the way to heaven is heaven, because Jesus said, "I am the way.”

Let us note that St Catherine of Siena had no formal education.

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

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of Saints Louis Marie de Monfort and Peter Chanel.

"NEVER WILL ANYONE WHO SAYS HIS ROSARY EVERY DAY BECOME A FORMAL HERETIC OR BE LED ASTRAY BY THE DEVIL." (ST LOUIS MARIE DE MONFORT, APOSTLE OF THE ROSARY).

"The one who comes from above is above all. ...... He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit." (John 3: 31...36).

Thursday April 28th 2022, 2nd Week in the Easter Season.

April 28th is the feast of two French saints: St Peter Chanel and St Louis de Monfort.

Louis de Monfort was born on the 31st of January 1673 in Monfort in France. Louis was ordained a priest in 1700. His great contribution was in fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the holy Rosary.
In 1715, he founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary. Among his books which are still in print are: TRUE DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN; SECRET OF THE Rosary.

Louis de Monfort made the Rosary one of the most popular Catholic devotions throughout the world. Catholics everywhere are indebted to him for articulating the incredible
powers of this simple devotion.

St Peter Chanel (1803 - 1841). Priest and Martyr. St Peter Chanel died a martyr in the island of Futuna in the Oceania.

The Holy Spirit and Peace are the dominant theme of the Easter Season.

We are told that God does not ration His Holy Spirit. When you ask for the Holy Spirit in faith, be sure you will receive what you ask for. God told Solomon when he asked for wisdom and not for riches and power: "Here and now I grant you what you ask for and more."

Jesus promises: Ask and you shall receive. If you ask for the Holy Spirit, your Father will be so delighted that He will give you what you ask for at once.

The Father does not ration the Holy Spirit. It means you receive in direct proportion to your desire and capacity to receive. The Holy Spirit is the source of abundant life.

Ask for the Holy Spirit today.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

When God gives you a Mission, His support is TOTAL.

"LET NOTHING TROUBLE YOU, LET NOTHING FRIGHTEN YOU.
GOD NEVER CHANGES.
PATIENCE OBTAINS ALL THINGS.  HE WHO POSSESSES GOD LACKS NOTHING : GOD ALONE SUFFICES." (ST TERESA OF AVILA).

"The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them [Peter and John] out, and said, “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.” When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught."  (Acts 5: 17....  26).

Wednesday 27th April 2022, in the 2nd Week in the Easter Season.

A note in the margin of the Daily Roman Missal for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter reads: "Mission/Purpose Wednesday." Why? The Scriptures for this Wednesday are replete of Mission statements. Peter and John discovered in Acts 5: 19 - 20, that when God anoints you for a mission, no force on earth can stop you. Did not God promise:

"I have set in front of you an open door that no one can shut." (Revelation 3: 8 CEB).

In the Gospel of today, we are urged to proclaim the Good News to everyone, everywhere in the world:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3: 16).

Our response to the divine invitation to come forward and participate in the work of evangelization is proposed for us in the Entrance Antiphon:

"I will be a witness to You in the world O Lord.  I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, Alleluia! " (Psalm 18:50;  22 :23 RM)

Yes Lord, I will share Your Gospel with my brothers and sisters.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

What do we know about the first Christians?

JESUS CHRIST IS THE TRUTH. ONLY ABSOLUTE TRUTH CAN GIVE US ABSOLUTE STABILITY IN THIS WORLD.

The Apostles bore powerful witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.

"The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need." (Acts 4: 32 - 37).

Tuesday, April 26th 2022, of the 2nd week of Easter.

The first Reading from Acts 4: 32 - 37 answers our curiosity: How did those very first Christians live? They had no doubt great problems but also great community life. Our key Scripture for today deals with one crucial aspect: The Apostles testified with powerful sermons to the Resurrection of Jesus. Their testimony was so convincing that many people believed.

The Resurrection of the Lord became their magnificent obsession. This is a very important and interesting point given their initial timidity after the Crucifixion. What made the difference? Let us hear from Jesus.
"You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified]." (John 3: 7 AMP).
In plain language it means: "To understand and believe in the Resurrection of Jesus and bear witness to it by your life day after the day, you must receive and activate the gift of the Holy Spirit."

All things are created twice. The first creation is earthy and earthly. Like Adam. The second creation is heavenly like Jesus.
Do you embrace your mission of bearing witness to the Resurrection of the Lord by sharing your gifts of time, talent and treasure?

"Alleluia, alleluia!
You, O Christ, are the faithful witness, the First-born from the dead, you have loved us and have washed away our sins with your blood. Alleluia!" (Revelations 1: 5).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Mark the Evangelist.

GOD CREATED THE SMART PHONE, INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE NEW EVANGELIZATION. THIS MAY INDICATE THAT THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST IS IMMINENT.

"Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16: 15.... 20).

Monday 25th April 2022, 2nd Week in the Easter Season is the feast of St Mark the Evangelist. (AD 12 - 68 AD). Cyerene from Libya in North Africa. Also called John Mark. Son of Mary who provided her home as a place of meeting for the early Christian community in Jerusalem.
Mark worked with Saints Paul and Barnabas and later with St Peter the Apostle. St Mark founded the Church in Alexandria where he is honored with a beautiful Basilica.
St Mark is the patron saint of Egypt, Copts, Mainar, Venice and Barristers.

St Mark is the writer of the  Gospel according to St Mark.

The Holy Spirit commands us in today's Gospel:
"Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."

Today, this mission of universal evangelization is very urgent. Recent Popes are insistent that the Church mobilize for New Evangelization.

Why did God create the Internet and cell phone at this time? Probably over 50% of mankind today can be reached through social media groups, viz: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, etc.

It is possible for most people to share the Gospel with family, friends, colleagues, etc.
Not everyone is called by God to be Mark the Evangelist. Not everyone of us can write like St Augustine. Most people receive the word of God daily from different sources. What inspires you can inspire a family member, a friend or colleague. Share it through text, email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Do not be afraid. You may be surprised how much it will be appreciated. The Holy Spirit will help you.

Most of my ministry in evangelization is sharing content created by others. All I need is the help of the Holy Spirit to discern the material as the truth. It will be terrible to distribute error or untruth. I share blogs, music, photos, videos and any content that contains the truth and can help people grow their faith and relationship with God. The word today encourages each of us to share the Gospel. Practice makes perfect.

"Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Celebrate the Mercy of God on Divine Mercy Sunday.

WHEN TWO ELEPHANTS FIGHT, THE GROUND TELLS THE STORY. DIVINE MERCY MANIFESTS ITSELF THROUGH RECONCILIATION.

"Jesus said to them [Apostles] again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,“Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”  (John 20: 21 - 23).

Sunday April 24th, 2nd Sunday of Easter. Sunday of Divine Mercy.

The universal Church celebrates today the Solemnity of Divine Mercy. (Always 2nd Sunday of Easter).  Jesus is the Face of Mercy of Abba Father.  Mercy is the name and essence of God the Father revealed to us through His Only Son, Jesus the Christ. The open Heart of Jesus is the symbol and seat of Mercy.  Mercy is promised to all.

To demonstrate that the powerful gift and message of Mercy that Jesus shared in His public ministry will remain in the Church after His Ascension, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation and gave His Apostles and their successors the power to forgive sins.

To prepare ourselves to receive and retain Mercy, the ABC OF MERCY is very useful.  It is called  ABC because, it is an acronym that can be remembered easily and secondly it is as simple as ABC.

A:  Ask for Mercy.
B:  Be Merciful.
C:  Completely Trust Jesus for Mercy.

God is rich in mercy and is waiting for us to turn to Him to blot out all our sins and receive us in His merciful love.
Mercy, mercy. Nothing but mercy!

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by."  (Psalm 57: 1)

"Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself." (The Diary of St Maria Faustina, #950).

To learn how to recite the Divine Mercy Rosary, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/10/how-to-recite-divine-mercy-rosary.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Mission is Urgent. All the Resources have been provided. Go!

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF EVANGELIZATION AND POWER. PRAYER IS THE ACTIVATOR OF POWER. FAITH AND PRAYER GO TOGETHER. I BELIEVE, THEREFORE I PRAY. I PRAY BECAUSE I BELIEVE.

"But later,[on the First Day - Sunday] as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every ­creature.” (Mark 16: 9...15).

Easter Saturday 23rd April, 2022 in the Octave of Easter.

Jesus said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16: 15).

I like the way the AMPC translation renders the Great Commission, our key Scripture for today.
"And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]." (AMPC).

Preaching and publishing become two sides of the same coin.  A lot of evangelization today is done through all types of non-verbal communication through publishing media: blogs, podcasts, videos and zoom apps, newspapers and magazines, radio and television. All are necessary to bring the Good News to everyone, everywhere in the world. Our task is not done until the whole human race has heard the amazing grace of Jesus Christ, the Good News. This task has become more urgent today than ever.

Abba Father wills that everyone must come to the knowledge of truth and repentance. He equipped the Church for this mission by sending down the Awesome Holy Spirit to drive this mission.

We see the power of the Holy Spirit in the moving testimony of Peter and John before the entire Supreme Court of Israel in the first Reading:
"Peter and John, however, said to them [the Justices] in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4: 19 - 20).

With the presence and gifts of the Holy Spirit, we have all we need to fulfill the Great Commission. May the Lord grant us success. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Come and have breakfast children.

THEY SAY THAT LOVE ENTERS THROUGH THE STOMACH.

"Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.”  So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish." (John 21: 5 - 6).

Easter Friday, 22nd April 2022  in the Octave of the Solemnity of Easter.

Our Gospel of today (John 21: 1 - 14) is one of my favorite passages in the Gospel. It is one of the post Resurrection appearances of Jesus to His brothers. He seeks them out everywhere to be with them and encourage them. He prepares a breakfast for His disciples.

Why do I find this passage comforting?
#1. As a salesman, I know what it means to toil a whole week and catch nothing. Isn't it comforting to know that Jesus knows the hideouts of all the fish? The fishermen obeyed the advice of the stranger on the shore and their disappointment was turned into comfort and joy.

#2. “Come, have breakfast.”
In the Gospels, a number of important teachings of Jesus happened around the dinner table. Good food and eating are essential to a healthy spirituality.
Jesus invited the Apostles to come and eat and there was an unforgettable party there at the shore.

Can thunder strike twice in the same place? Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples through familiar words and actions. John was the first to make the connection of this miraculous catch of fish to the earlier incident.

Jesus is constantly invading our spaces trying to catch our attention. He is the great Hound of Heaven.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Cast off your fears and bear witness to what you have seen and heard.

CHRISTIAN, SHAKE OFF YOUR FEARS OF BEARING WITNESS TO YOUR SAVIOR WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

"While they [Disciples] were still speaking about this, Jesus stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet." (Luke 24: 35.... 48).

Easter Thursday 21st April in the Octave of Easter.

The Apostles gathered in the Upper Room could still not shake off the gruesome events of Good Friday by now three days ago. Jesus had since appeared to Mary Magdalene and some women, to Peter and some Apostles, to Cleopas friend and his on the road to Emmaus. In spite of all these, the Apostles were still frightened and many questions and doubts agitate them.

Jesus said two weighty and important things to His disciples gathered in the Upper Room the very Sunday of the Resurrection:
#1. “Peace be with you.” (Luke 24: 36).
#2. "You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24: 48).

Peace is the dominant post-Resurrection greeting of Jesus. Peace here means Shalom, the sum total of all graces and mercies flowing from the heart of God to men of good will who are now fully redeemed by the death and Resurrection of Jesus. No more recriminations or remembrance of denials and cowardly flight from the scene of the crime. All sins are washed away. Enjoy My Shalom!

At the end of His brief speech, the Risen Lord said: "You are witnesses of these things." "You" means we Christians singing the Easter Alleluia are His witnesses. We are to bear testimonies with our life and work to Jesus, to His Good News. As we bear testimony to the power of the name of Jesus with faith, miracles will happen as we hear in the first Reading Acts 3: 11 - 26.

"O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him,
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, alleluia." (1 Peter 2: 9).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Cross is the only way to salvation.

JESUS SOUGHT OUT HIS STRAY SHEEP  CLEOPAS AND FRIEND. HE SEEKS US OUT WHEN WE ARE FOOLISH AND GO ASTRAY. THE MORE WE REALIZE HOW MUCH JESUS LOVES US, THE MORE WE CAN STOP RUNNING.

"And Jesus said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!  Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24: 25 - 26).

Easter Wednesday 20th April 2022, in the Octave of Easter.

Our Lord and Teacher, Jesus Christ called the two disciples He met on the road to Emmaus foolish and slow of heart. Why? Cleopas and his companion were foolish because they did not believe faithful and credible witnesses in Jerusalem that Jesus has risen from the dead. They knew that some disciples of Jesus said that Jesus had risen from the dead. Why did they not believe these people? Jesus founded a Church and wants us to believe the Teaching Authority of the Church. Look at the chaos in the protestant church. If you are not happy with the teaching of your pastor, you shop for a new church or you start your own church if you can.

Although Cleopas and his friend may not have been Scripture scholars, they trusted a lot in their judgment about the "events in Jerusalem". Are you one of those who believe you know more than your pastor and Bishop?

Jesus also called the two men "slow of heart" which means sluggish in mind and dull of perception. It is possible that their minds envisioned a worldly Messiah that will make them rich but were closed to any other possibilities.

The truth of the matter is that there is a divine necessity that Jesus must suffer before He enters into His glory. What is a divine necessity for Jesus is a divine necessity for Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David, John the Baptist, and you and me.
No cross, no crown. No trial, no triumph! It is a hard lesson.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Mission of Mary Magdalene.

MARY MAGDALENE LINGERED AT THE TOMB AND WAS REWARDED BY BEING THE FIRST PERSON TO SEE THE RISEN JESUS.
SOME PEOPLE COMPETE TO BE THE FIRST TO LEAVE THE CHURCH AFTER HOLY MASS?

"Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher." (John 20: 11.... 18).

Tuesday 19th April, Easter Tuesday in the Octave of the Solemnity of Easter.

After asking Mary Magdalene why she was weeping, Jesus said to her:

“Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."

Jesus gave Mary Magdalene the great commission of bearing news of His Resurrection to the all male Apostles. Mary ran with the news to the Apostles.

Who is this woman, Mary Magdalene?
#1. Certainly not the wife of Jesus as alleged by the silly once popular book, Da Vinci Code.
#2. Probably the woman of Mark 16: 9 who had 7 demons expelled from her. Once released from demonic oppression, Mary clung tightly to Jesus and His ministry.
#3. Jesus and His disciples received no salary, stipends or subsidies for their ministry. How did they survive? Mary of Magdala headed a group of zealous women who supplied the needs of Jesus and the disciples from their resources.
#4. Mary Magdalene stood with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Apostle John under the Cross and witnessed the agony of the Crucified from the very beginning to the end.
#5. Jesus rewarded Mary to be the first eyewitness to see Jesus after His Resurrection. He commissioned Mary to take the great news to His brothers. No wonder Mary is called the "apostle to the apostles."

What are the lessons from the profile of Mary Magdalene?
Mary has a heart that returns love for love. She never forgets a favor done to her. Mary Magdalene is one of my patron saints. I pray through her intercession for the grace to know the Heart of Jesus intimately, to love Him passionately and to follow Him everywhere.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

God raised Jesus whom you crucified.

FATHER, I BELIEVE THAT IN YOUR INFINITE GOODNESS, YOU MAKE EVERYTHING TO THE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE WHO LOVE YOU.

"This man, [Jesus] delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.  But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it." (Acts 2: 23 - 24).

Today is Monday April 18th in the Octave of Easter. Easter is the greatest feast in the Church liturgical calendar.

Each of the first 8 days after Easter Sunday is a solemnity (high feast). 50 days from Easter to the Feast of Pentecost on June 5th are all feast days of Easter. If during the 40 days of Lent, you fasted, abstained or disciplined yourself in any way, then you can appreciate the 50 days of Easter feast. It is 50 days of feasting and celebrating your faith. Fasting and abstinence are suspended till after Pentecost. The Bridegroom is with us. Sorry, we cannot fast. We want to enjoy the promised change of season. (Cf Psalm 1).

Our key Scripture today (Acts 2: 23 - 24) teaches us a very important truth. This is a truth that can fill you with knowledge and wisdom that you can use every day. I will use another strategic Scripture to convey the lesson:

"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.  For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers." (Romans 8: 28 - 29 AMP).

The Crucifixion of Jesus was no accident of history. It was pre-planned. Just as your entire life is pre-planned from your birth to your tomb.

Brothers and sisters, remember: Easter is not a one day celebration. It is a Season. That is why it is also called Eastertide. Enjoy the holy joyful Season.

"Alleluia, alleluia!
This day was made by the Lord:
we rejoice and are glad.
Alleluia!" (Psalm Psalm 117: 24).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com