Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Receive the Eucharist this Friday, July 1st 2022.

July 1st , 2022 is First Friday in July.

Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.  In the 7th month of the year 2022, we look at Promise #7.

#7.  "Tepid souls shall become fervent."

What is tepid?  Tepid is defined as lukewarm, slightly warm, unenthusiastic, apathetic, half-hearted.
Listen to what Jesus says about such persons:
"Because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth."  (Revelations 3: 16).

Are you lukewarm with regards to Jesus, to spiritual things? Regain your fire through devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
"We should, every morning, place our sufferings, prayers and labors in the pierced Heart of Jesus; there everything will be purified and perfected." (Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

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

The Feast of the First Martyrs of the Roman Church.

ONE OF THE MOST CONSOLING THOUGHTS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY IS THIS: ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE FOR GOD. ALL THINGS ARE SIMPLE FOR GOD. TODAY'S GOSPEL ILLUSTRATES THIS.

"After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men."   (Matthew 9:  1 - 9).

Thursday 30th June 2022, in the 13th Week of Ordinary Time is the
feast of the First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church. In 64 AD, before the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome, the vicious Emperor Nero set Rome on fire. To escape the wrath of the Roman people, he blamed the Christians. Then he ordered all Christians arrested and be put to death. We celebrate today the witness of the multitude of Christians who demonstrated astonishing courage to perish for faith in Jesus Christ. This event happened so early in Christian era in the persecution of Emperor Nero. Many who witnessed the courage of the martyrs became Christians. "The blood of martyrs is the seed of Christianity." (Tertulian).

Jesus was ministering in a room packed with people.  The friends of the paralytic man lowered him from the roof and dropped him in front of Jesus.  Their action is the "faith" that Jesus saw.  So we can see faith.
The bigger theme of the Gospel of today is the sin of the paralyzed man.  Since Jesus came to suffer and die for sin, He dealt first with the root and source of illness.  “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." (Matthew 9: 2).  Jesus was immediately attacked for forgiving the man's sins. “This man is blaspheming.” (Matthew 9: 3).

The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.  He proves it:
"Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”  (Matthew 9: 5 - 6). For God all things are possible. All things are easy.

"Lord, send your mercy and your truth to rescue us from the snares of the devil, and we will praise you among the peoples and proclaim you to the nations, happy to be known as companions of your Son."  (Psalm Prayer, Lauds).

6. 30.  Today is the end of the month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, have mercy on us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

THE MESSAGE OF PETER AND PAUL STILL GOES ROUND ALL OVER THE WORLD EVERY DAY.  THIS SUBSIST IN THE FULLNESS OF TRUTH IN THE HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH.

"When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

"Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 - 19).

Wednesday 29th June 2022, in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.

This great feast has been celebrated for Peter and Paul together from the earliest days of the Church. Why?
Peter and Paul are recognized as the principal pillars of the Church. We declare in the Creed: "I believe in the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church." The one only Church founded by Jesus Christ on Pentecost Sunday is built on the foundation of the Apostles. Hence every Bishop in the Church enjoys legitimacy through Apostolic Succession from the original Twelve Apostles.

Scripture teaches that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. (Cf Ephesians 2: 20). Peter and Paul are joint managing directors of the institution, which is called the Church.

"You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."  (Matthew 16: 18)
Paul got his mandate to be an Apostle directly from Jesus.

"Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin.  For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."  (Galatians 1: 11 - 12).

Peter and Paul were called to be friends and companions of Jesus before anything else.

"I ask you only to be My friend and to live at every moment in the grace of My divine friendship. All the rest follows. Perfection is the fruit of friendship with Me, not a precondition for it. You, and many souls like you, are confused about this. My friendship is not earned, it is not something acquired by measuring up to the standards of perfection that you have set for yourself. My friendship is pure gift." (IN SINU JESU).

Peter and Paul are the ones who, living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood; they drank the chalice of the LORD and became the friends of God. (Cf Entrance Antiphon).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Irenaeus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

"ERROR NEVER SHOWS ITSELF IN ITS NAKED REALITY, IN ORDER NOT TO BE DISCOVERED." - (ST IRANAEUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH). IRANAEUS UNMASKED THE HERESY OF GNOSTISM WHICH TAUGHT THAT THERE ARE TWO GODS IN THE WORLD: THE GOOD GOD AND THE BAD GOD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE EVIL IN THE WORLD. THIS HERESY WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED BEFORE THE 4TH CENTURY. IT CAME BACK AGAIN IN THE HERETICAL SECT CALLED JEHOVAH WITNESS.
CHRISTIAN BEWARE OF WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING.

"As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” (Matthew 8: 23 - 27).

Tuesday 28th June 2022 of 13th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast  of St Irenaeus (125 - 203). Bishop and Martyr and Doctor of the Church. St Polycarp was instructed in the faith by St John the Apostle. He, Polycarp instructed St Irenaeus who became a Bishop in Lyons in France. Note the date of Irenaeus life and you will understand why France is called the Eldest Daughter of the Church. St Irenaeus is an early Church Father. God called Irenaeus to uphold the revealed truth of the faith and bring peace to the Church. Pope Francis declared him the 37th Doctor of the Church on January 21st 2022.

What is the legacy of St Irenaeus? Irenaeus defended the Church against the poisonous heresy of Gnosticism. This heresy was so thoroughly defeated that it disappeared. About 100 years ago, it reincarnated itself in the heretical sect called Jehovoh Witness. They claim that there are two gods governing the world: a good god that causes good things and and evil god that causes bad things. They deny that Jesus Christ is God. They deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. They target especially Catholics who have little knowledge of Scripture.
Beware of them. They are wolves in sheep clothing. We need a new St Irenaeus for our day to deal them final mortal blow.

Two famous quotes of St Irenaeus:
1. “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” ...

2. “Error, indeed is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected."

The Apostles with Jesus in the stormy sea faced another type of threat to life. Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and there was deep calm. The Apostles did not realize that the presence of Jesus with them in the boat meant that they were safe. Jesus asked them at Caesarea Philippi "Who do you say that I am?" They followed Jesus but did not know who He is?
“What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” (Matthew 8: 28). They wondered after the calming of the storm.

Do you personally know who Jesus Christ is? This knowledge in crisis could be the difference between life and death.

"God's faithful promises are our armor and protection." (Psalm 91: 4). The Holy Scripture is filled with these promises. They are for you and your children. Invest some time in learning them. "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." (St Jerome).

6. 28. "Listen to Me and I will speak to you. My Heart overflows with love for you, and when one loves, one has much to say—and then there is a communion in love deeper than all words, in the silence that unites souls to Me. I will give you that silence too." (IN SINU JESU).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Cyril, Doctor of the Church and Patriarch of Alexandria.

"INDEED THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST RUNS THE RISK OF BEING DISBELIEVED PRECISELY BECAUSE IT IS SO INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL." - (ST CYRIL, PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA).
EXACTLY. SO IS THE MYSTERY OF THE EUCHARIST. TOO WONDERFUL TO BE BELIEVED BY PEOPLE OF WEAK FAITH.

"When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8: 18  - 22).

Monday 27th June 2022, in the 13th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Cyril of Alexandria in Egypt. (376 - 444). Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Cyril played a crucial role in the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD to defend the oneness of the person in Jesus Christ, true God and true Man. If Jesus is One Person, then the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of God (Theotokos).

St Cyril listened to the words of Christ, meditated long on them.  During the crisis of faith that engulfed Christiandom in the middle of the 5th century, Cyril did not collapse from the virulent and battering attacks of heretics. His house "had been set solidly on rock."

Yesterday, Sunday 13th Week of Ordinary Time, we had proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus' call to ministry to three men from the Gospel of Luke. Why is the story being repeated today from the Gospel according to Matthew? The Call to Ministry is very important in the plan of salvation. These three men in the story are types of you and me: the men and women in the pew. In the course of his inspired sermon on the Gospel this Sunday, our pastor prayed for all those present in the Church to heed the call of Jesus.
"O that today you will listen to His voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95).

St Cyril of Alexandria heard the call in the late 4th century in Egypt and answered the call with generosity. What about you?

6. 27. "My Sacred Heart is divinely sensitive to the coldness and indifference of My priests. I ask you to make reparation to Me for them. Allow Me to love you as I would love each of them. Allow Me to heal you, to comfort you, to sanctify you, just as I would heal, comfort, and sanctify any one of My priests. I love My priests—but few of them believe in My love for them. You, believe in My love for you. I am your Friend. I have chosen you to be in life and in death the privileged friend of My Sacred Heart."  (IN SINU JESU).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Do not be afraid. Come follow Me.

COME AND FOLLOW ME. DO NOT BE AFRAID. LOOK AT THE BIRDS IN THE SKY. MY HEAVENLY FATHER FEEDS THEM. YOU ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN THE BIRDS.

"When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.......

"As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus ­answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

"And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9: 51 - 62).

Three enthusiastic would be disciples of Jesus received similar answer to their application to follow Jesus:
You must count carefully the cost of discipleship.  How far and how long are you prepared to follow Me? What will you do when the going gets tough?  I will show you what a prudent and faithful disciple looks like.  That disciple followed Me from the beginning of my ministry to the end.

Are you called to serve the Lord? The marching order is intimidating. Don't waste time about who died and burial rites. “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” On another occasion, Jesus commanded the disciples:
"More than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well." (Matthew 6: 33 CEV).

Pope St John Paul II writing on faithfulness says:
It is good to be faithful for one day.
It is better to be faithful for ten years.
It is excellent and blessed to be faithful day after day to the end.

Will you quit if the cost of discipleship becomes unbearable?  Jesus had no apartment or home.  He did not have a servant or income. He had no horse or donkey.

“Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9: 60)
"Come and follow me."

6. 26.  "Holding His Heart in His hand, Jesus once said to St. Gertrude: “Behold My most magnificent Heart, the melodious harp whose notes ravish the Holy Trinity. I give It to thee, and as a faithful and diligent servant It will be at thy disposal to supply for all thy powerlessness.”  (Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

IN THE END, MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL TRIUMPH!
AMEN. DEAREST OF MOTHERS. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH! AND WE TRUST IN THE TRIUMPH OF YOUR IMMACULATE HEART.

"Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
The Gospel of the Lord." (Luke 2: 41 - 51).

Saturday 25th June 2022, of the 12th Week of Ordinary Time is the Saturday after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Church honors the Immaculate Heart of Mary today.

You recognize the Gospel of today as the subject of the 5th Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary.

Why this feast? The Church in her wisdom and discernment instituted this feast to encourage us to have great confidence in approaching the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary for all our spiritual and material needs. By placing the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary back to back, we know by filial instinct that both Hearts are not in competition. It is the will of God that She who is filled with grace and who the Lord God is with in a preeminent manner will play a significant role in salvation history. We do well to approach her constantly to be free from the chain and deceits of Satan.

For the naive and ignorant who imagine that to honor Mary is to depreciate the honor of Jesus, please consider this: Can you fail to honor the ambassador representing the President because of the foolish thought that honoring the ambassador might diminish the President's prestige? If you do this, be ready to taste the wrath of the President.
Mary, the holy handmaid of the Lord does not seek honor for herself. She is in no way in competition with her Lord who has done great things for her.

The Holy Spirit prophesied that all generations will call Mary blessed.
During her 60 years or so on earth, her life was hidden in Christ Jesus. But now that she is assumed into heaven, all generations call her Blessed every day. How? Billions of Hail Marys said every day to honor Mary. Universities, Cathedrals, Institutes all over the world are named after the humble Virgin of Nazareth. Her patronages are countless.

To learn about the 15 Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-15-promises-of-mary-to-those-who.html?m=1

6. 25.  The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Two Hearts. One pulse!

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

3 OF THE 12 PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS TO THE DEVOTEES OF HIS SACRED HEART:
1. I WILL GIVE THEM ALL THE GRACES NECESSARY FOR THEIR STATE OF LIFE.
2. I WILL GIVE PEACE IN THEIR FAMILIES.
3. I WILL CONSOLE THEM IN ALL THEIR TROUBLES.

"Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." (Luke 15: 3 - 7).

Friday 24th June 2022, in the 12th Week of Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Jesus requested St Margaret Mary Alacoque to have a solemn feast instituted the Friday after Corpus Christi to honor His Sacred Heart. Jesus providentially placed St Claude de la Colombiere of the Society of Jesus to be Margaret's confessor and spiritual director to help her with this assignment.

Why the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? The heart of Jesus was pierced on the cross for love of us. Men's hearts have grown very cold towards Jesus. Jesus chose to dwell in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar round the clock all year round for the sake of His love for us. He waits for visitors but no one comes. Most churches are locked up during the day like a security prison.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of today who celebrates for finding one lost sheep.

The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is instituted to counter the irrational apathy and chill towards Jesus. Jesus is the King of mercy who delights in mercy. He yearns to pour out His mercy on sick souls.

The Church teaches:
"The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins. Christian prayer loves to follow the way of the cross in the Savior's steps. The stations from the Praetorium to Golgotha and the tomb trace the way of Jesus, who by his holy Cross has redeemed the world.". (CCC 2669).

O Sacred Heart of Jesus wounded for our sins, bestow on us in mercy the boundless treasures of Your love.  Amen.

Speaking to a Benedictine mystic, Jesus says:
"Nothing so grieves My divine Heart as the doubt of My merciful love. Sin in all its forms and manifestations offends Me and grieves My most loving Heart, but one who doubts of My merciful love grieves Me in a way that you cannot imagine. It is because I am love, and all love; it is because My mercy is the expression of My love towards sinners, that My Heart suffers when these same sinners close themselves to Me by doubting that I am all love and ready to forgive all." (IN SINU JESU).

For the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart, Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Litany of the Sacred Heart, etc click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2021/06/consecrate-yourself-to-sacred-heart-of.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist.

JESUS MEANS SAVIOR. JOHN MEANS GOD IS GRACIOUS. THE GRACIOUS FAVOR OF THE SAVIOR, THE WORD OF GOD HAS GIVEN US JOHN, THE VOICE OF GOD AS A BRIGHT LIGHT FOR OUR JOURNEY OF FAITH.

"When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.....

“What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel." (Luke 1: 57.....66, 80 ).

Thursday 23rd June 2022, in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St John the Baptist.  How many Birthdays are celebrated in the Church's 365 days Liturgical Calendar? Only Three:

1. Christmas, Birthday of Christ the Lord - 25th December.
2. Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 8th September.
3. Birthday of St. John the Baptist - 24th June.

This indicates that John the Baptist is a significant persona in salvation history. Let us sketch a profile of St John the Baptist:

#1 His name is John: "God is gracious."
#2.  He was sanctified in his mother's womb. He kicked his mother hard in the womb with excitement when Mary visited Elizabeth.
#3. John was chosen by the Father to be forerunner of Jesus Christ and to prepare His way.
#4. John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.
#5. His humility is supreme. He said: "He [Jesus] must increase. I must decrease." And he allowed his disciples to switch allegiance and follow Jesus.
#6. John gave his life for Jesus. He was a great martyr for Jesus.

"[John's] birth brought great rejoicing;
even in the womb he leapt for joy
at the coming of human salvation.
He alone of all the prophets
pointed out the Lamb of redemption.
And to make holy the flowing waters,
he baptized the very author of Baptism
and was privileged to bear him supreme witness
by the shedding of his blood."  (From the Preface of the Mass of the Feast.)

Jesus paid St John the Baptist one of the greatest compliments:
"For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."  (Luke 7: 28 KJB).

John is the Voice. He is not the Word.
I am just a servant of the Word. He must increase. I must decrease. O Lord Jesus Christ, may all Your servants decrease so that You increase in us.

6. 23. FRIDAY JUNE 24TH IS THE SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS. THIS IS WHY THE CHURCH MOVED THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST USUALLY CELEBRATED ON JUNE 24TH TO THE 23RD OF JUNE. JESUS EXPRESSLY ORDERED THE SOLEMNITY OF HIS SACRED HEART BE CELEBRATED ON THE FRIDAY AFTER CORPUS CHRISTI.
HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BY ATTENDING HOLY MASS AND RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION THIS FRIDAY.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of Saints Thomas More, John Fisher and Paulinus of Nola.

THE SHOEMAKER  MAKES SHOES. THE TAILOR MAKES CLOTHES. THE PRIEST MAKES SACRIFICES.  THE TREE MAKES ITS KIND OF FRUIT. CHRISTIAN BEWARE OF TEACHERS AND PROPHETS WHO MAKE FALSE DOCTRINES.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”  (Matthew 7: 15 - 20).

Wednesday 22nd June 2022, of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast day of three giants of the Christian Church:
St Paulinus of Nola (355 - 431). French Bishop. Over a thousand years separated him from the two English martyrs we honor today. St John Fisher (1469 - 1535). Bishop and scholar. And his friend, St Thomas More (1477 - 1535). Lawyer, Statesman and Chancellor of Exchequer of King Henry VIII. St Thomas More is revered all over the world as the patron saint of lawyers.
St John Fisher and St Thomas More were martyred under Henry VIII for refusing to compromise the teachings of the Church.

When a Bishop lacks the grace of fortitude of his high office, he succumbs to the threats of tyrants like King Henry VIII. That is what the world saw in the England of the 1520s. King Henry, one single man born of a woman succeeded in intimidating the whole the English hierarchy. About 300 Bishops denied their Catholic Faith. Only Bishop John Fisher stood up to him and stood his ground. He refused to deny his holy faith. St Thomas More a layman stood his ground too. Both men suffered martyrdom. Today both men are celebrated all over the world. Henry VIII, where is your kingdom? Where are your 7 wives?

The false prophets may dress and talk like the genuine one. But ask which Way of life they promote? The Broadway in all likelihood. Follow the Narrow Way as Jesus taught.

Our Lord and Teacher says that" "You will know them by their fruits."
Sometimes fruits take long in coming but they surely come. Look at religious people who abused children under their care. For some of them, the bitter fruits take decades to show but they come.

By contrast, the good fruits produced by good teachers and prophets are formed by the Holy Spirit and show up in the lives of good Christians. They are :

1. Charity   🍏
2. Joy        🍊
3. Peace     🍐
4. Patience 🍓
5. Kindness 🍍
6. Goodness 🥝
7. Generosity 🍉
8. Gentleness 🍎
9. Faithfulness 🍋
10. Modesty     🍠
11. Self-control 🌰
12. Chastity       🥔

The most destructive fruits of the false teachers and prophets are:
"Immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy, drinking bouts and orgies." (Galatians 5: 19 - 21).

Beware of such teachers and prophets. You are warned. If you are uncertain of how to discern their fruits, ask a seasoned and approved pastor or teacher in your Church.

6. 22. "O SACRED Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come. EUCHARISTIC Heart of Jesus, increase in us faith, hope and charity. HEART of Jesus, burning with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee. O DIVINE Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, free the holy souls in Purgatory." (Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga, SJ.

"WHENEVER WE BEHOLD A PICTURE OF THE SACRED HEART, LET US MAKE AN ACT OF LOVE, SAYING WITH OUR HEART AND LIPS: "O MY JESUS, I LOVE THEE, I GIVE THEE MY HEART; GIVE ME THY HOLY LOVE!" A SINGLE ACT OF LOVE IS OF IMMEASURABLE MERIT." (ST ALOYSIUS GONZAGA, SJ).

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7: 6, 12 - 15).

Tuesday 21st June 2022, in the 12th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga of the Society of Jesus. (1568 - 1591). Italian. Aloysius was heir to the Duke of Lombardy. He renounced his title and entered the Society of Jesus. Aloysius died at the age of 24 in the Jesuit House of Formation in Rome of the pandemic which he contracted while ministering to the victims.
Aloysius is known for his holiness, purity and chastity and humility. He had a powerful devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He is the patron saint of the youth.

Many of us are familiar with our key Scripture: Broadway and Narrow Way. Now that you know the way that leads to Heaven, blessed are you if you follow it. (Cf John 13: 17).
The choice is stark. Choose high life, pleasures and amusements, and all the deceits of the Devil called the good life, you are on the Broadway that many choose.
The opposite is the Narrow Way. This is the Way of Jesus who says: I am the Way, the Truth and Life. He who follows me is on the Way to eternal life.  The Narrow Way is the way of prayer, the word of God, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Examination of Conscience, Spiritual Reading and Sharing your faith through ministry.

6. 21. "Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. "To visit the Blessed Sacrament is . . . a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord" (CCC #1418).
(Paul VI, MF 66).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

NO COMPLAIN. NO CRITICIZE. NO CONDEMN.

YESTERDAY I ATTENDED THE 25TH EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN A BIG METROPOLIS. I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A VITAL AND INTIMATE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, THE EUCHARIST AND THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.
ANYONE WHO CAN THROW LIGHT ON THIS, PLEASE SHARE.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.”  (Matthew 7: 1 - 5).

What is Jesus teaching us in the Gospel for today? You may call it: Lesson in - No Complain, No Criticize, No Condemn.

If you can deal with complaining in your life,  you can eliminate temptation to criticize and condemn people indiscriminately. If you find that you must reprove a sinful behavior, pray to discern whether the task of gentle and fraternal correction is part of your gifts. If you must correct the offender, pray for the grace of wisdom and counseling. All these prayers can be made in seconds. "HOLY SPIRIT GIVE ME WISDOM AND COUNSEL TO HANDLE THIS SITUATION."

One way I deal with the fatal character flaw in me of complaining, criticizing and condemning people is using the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. St Philip Neri who is a renowned confessor and spiritual director teaches that frequent and good Confessions is one of the best ways to acquire humility. Think about it: Isn't pride the cause of our complaining, criticizing and condemning other people?

6. 20.  "Once, on the Feast of St. John the Apostle, Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary and made known to her that the devotion to His Sacred Heart was, as it were, the last effort of His love to save mankind. He said that by this devotion He desired to annihilate the dominion of sin in the hearts of men and to establish in its place the dominion of love. In no way is this twofold purpose accomplished more perfectly than by the frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion."  (DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of of Corpus Christi.

THE EUCHARIST IS THE SOURCE AND SUMMIT OF CHRISTIAN LIFE. (CCC 1324). THE EUCHARIST IS ALSO THE NEW COVENANT RATIFIED WITH THE BLOOD OF JESUS. (MARK 14: 24).

"Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.”

"Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets."  (Luke 9: 11 - 17).

All things are not just possible for God, all things are easy.

Sunday June 19th 2022, Solemnity of Corpus Christi (the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus).

Today, the Church demonstrates her faith in the most precious Eucharist: the source, center and summit of her life. It is also the occasion of great thanksgiving for this immense gift and the radical faithfulness of Jesus to His Bride all these 2000 plus years.
The Church and the world needs the Eucharist desperately.

"The Church and the world have a great need for Eucharistic worship. Jesus awaits us in this sacrament of love. Let us not refuse the time to go to meet him in adoration, in contemplation full of faith, and open to making amends for the serious offenses and crimes of the world. Let our adoration never cease." (CCC 1380).

Jesus Christ is everyday inviting everyone to come to the Eucharist. "Come and eat bread without money." The more we respond to this invitation, the more we experience the salvation Jesus Christ won for us.

The Eucharist brings us immense peace. Do you lack peace of soul? Then go often to the Eucharist. The Prince of Peace is waiting to heal your heart and mind of fears, worries and doubts. He will heal you and immerse you in peace.  When you cannot receive Jesus physically, make a Spiritual Communion. You will be blessed. 
Are you hungry for the Eucharist? How strong is your faith in the Real Presence? "They all ate and were satisfied."

Jesus I believe in Your Real Presence in the Eucharist.
Jesus I believe in Your Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.
Jesus I believe in Your Real Presence in me in the Sacrament of the Present Moment.

The mode of Christ's presence in these three forms is unique and very real. The whole of Jesus is present in each of these modes.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Why do you worry like the pagans?

DO YOU YOU WANT TO SUCCEED IN LIFE GOD'S WAY? NEVER MIX GOD AND MONEY.  MONEY TAINTS & CORRUPTS EVERYTHING IT TOUCHES. NO MAN CAN SERVE GOD AND MONEY AT THE SAME TIME.  LET YOUR MOTTO BE: SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. YOU WILL SUCCEED GOD'S WAY!

"Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes?.....

"So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; ­tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”
(Matthew 6: 24.....34).

Saturday 18th June 2022, in the 11th Week in Ordinary Time.

The Gospel of today from Matthew 6: 24 - 34 is the crème de la crème of the Sermon on the Mount.
Why are we full of fear, worry and doubt? Because we are of little faith.

We may go to Church and live in the Church. We may be involved deeply in several ministries in our parish.
But deep deep down, we are no different from the pagans if we do not trust in the promises of God. How? Jesus says in the Gospel of today that pagans worry a lot about what to eat, what to wear, which car to drive or fine house to live in. Stop behaving like pagans. You have a Father in Heaven who knows exactly what you need and when you need it.

How do we come by the faith that trusts God the Provident and Gentle Father and stop behaving like pagans?
Go back to the basics. Start praying. Mother St Teresa of Kolkata says: "The fruit of prayer is faith." As you commit to daily prayer and listening to God in His word, your faith start growing and fears, worries and doubts start receding.

Jesus concludes the teaching in today's Gospel by giving the supreme remedy for trusting and enjoying the merciful and powerful Providence of God:

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.” (Matthew 6: 33 - 34).

6. 18.  "TRUE devotion to the Sacred Heart demands, further, reparation and atonement. If you truly love the Heart of Jesus, you will grieve that this Divine Heart is so little loved, so often forgotten, reviled, grieved and offended, and you will grieve in particular at the infidelity, the ingratitude and the outrages that are committed against this loving Heart in the Most Blessed Sacrament." (DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Where is your treasure?

YOUR TREASURE HAS AN INFLEXIBLE EXPIRATION DATE. SO IS YOUR LIFE. EACH DAY, YOU COME CLOSER TO LOSING YOUR LIFE AND YOUR TREASURE. GET SMART. STORE YOUR TREASURE IN HEAVEN.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”  (Matthew 6: 19.... 21).

Friday 17th June 2022, of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time.

Do you believe that your heart is always where your treasure is? This is a spiritual law. We cannot do anything about it. Consider these six areas most people consider as treasure:

Health, family, money, job, tools and possessions and food. Each of these has an expiration date. There is no security in anything with an expiration date.

How do we store up treasures in heaven while living on earth? Consider the following:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."
The poor in spirit understand that every material thing is subject to decay and loss. So they do not cling tightly to them.

The teaching of Jesus today on treasure and the heart is good news for many who need to hear it. It is truth that can give us victory and freedom in  life:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.  But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal." (Matthew 6: 19 - 20).

During the great Depression in 1929, some people who stored up their treasures in the stock market committed suicide when the stock market crashed. These guys lost hope about the future. They are losers.

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me, delivered me from all my fears." (Psalm 34: 5).
The supreme remedy for greed, idolatry and materialism is given by Jesus:

"But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also." (Matthew 6: 33 AMP).

Those who are entrusted with material wealth like Abraham have the responsibility of using their wealth to help others.
Those who seek the will of God in their lives on wealth will find it.
Father, in Your will is our peace. 

6. 17. "Do not let the past disturb you, just leave everything in the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy." (St Teresa of Kolkata).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

ABC of FORGIVING OTHERS.

I CANNOT SAY: FORGIVE ME MY SINS AS I FORGIVE THOSE THAT SIN AGAINST ME, IF I CONTINUE TO HARBOR A GRUDGE AGAINST ANYONE.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are to pray:
‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who ­trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’
“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
(Matthew 6: 7 - 15).

Thursday 16th June 2022, in the 11th Week of Ordinary Time.

Why did Jesus conclude the teaching on Our Father, the Lord's Prayer by stating unequivocally a precondition for the forgiveness of our sins and reconciliation with the Father? This is obviously an important theme for Jesus because He taught it in Matthew 18:21–35, which concluded thus: "Then in anger his master handed him [the unforgiving servant] over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.”

Reconciliation is crucial to enjoying the privileges of filial adoption. A girl who ran away from home and lived a lawless life for a couple of years may be hesitant as she approaches home. The prodigal son understands that there are consequences to vagrancy and knows the importance of Reconciliation.
Many people claim that forgiveness of the other is hard. Lessons that help forgiveness:

#1. Forgive at once.

#2. Forgive everyone without discrimination.

#3. Forgive always.

#4. Forgive everywhere.

#5. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Forgive everyone. This step is modeled for us from the Cross.  Jesus forgave in real time those who were killing Him. He did not wait until Easter Sunday when He rose from the dead to forgive.

#6.  Pray everyday for all those whom you have offended, known or unknown to forgive you and set you free.
Jesus Christ invites us to a life of continual conversion so that we can pray Our Father (the Lord's Prayer) with confidence.

NEVER FORGET THE SWEETEST WORD IN ALL OF SCRIPTURE:"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. "

6. 16.  “May the Heart of Jesus Christ be our school!
Let us make our abode there.
Let us study its movements
and attempt to conform ours to them.
Yes, O Divine Jesus, I want to live there.” (St Claude de la Colombiere, SJ).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Love your enemies.

LOVE & FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES.
"YOU CANNOT REMAIN A PRISONER OF THE PAST." POPE ST JOHN PAUL II.
FORGIVE AT ONCE. FORGIVE EVERYONE. FORGIVE ALL OFFENSES. OVERCOME EVIL BY GOOD.

“Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  (Matthew 5:  43 - 48).

Tuesday 14th June 2022, in the 11th Week of Ordinary Time.

The new law proclaimed by Jesus Christ is for children of the heavenly Father. The law inaugurated by Moses is different. "While the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1: 17).

The new law is the Covenant of grace. We become members of the New Covenant through faith. "But to those who did accept him [Jesus] he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God." (John 1: 11 - 13).

Now that we understand that we live under the Covenant of grace, we see that it is not impossible to live the command of Jesus Christ in our key Scripture in our own strength:
"Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."  For we are now sons and daughters and no longer slaves. The Spirit of Abba Father lives in us. The Spirit helps us to take full possession of our inheritance.

Our Father in Heaven makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.

Abba Father, make us love all men for Your sake. Father, in Your will is our peace.

6. 14. “The Blessed Sacrament is the Invention of Love. It [the Blessed Sacrament] is life and fortitude for souls, a remedy for every fault, and viaticum for the last passage from time to eternity. In it, sinners recover life for their souls; tepid souls true warmth, fervent souls tranquility…saintly souls wings to fly toward perfection…pure souls sweet honey…” (St Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Ask for a double portion.

O HOLY SPIRIT, SPIRIT OF TRUTH, COME INTO OUR HEARTS: SHED THE BRIGHTNESS OF YOUR LIGHT ON ALL NATIONS, THAT THEY BE OF ONE FAITH AND PLEASING TO YOU. AMEN.

“When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.”.....

"When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two.... .” (2 Kings 2: 1, 6....4).

Wednesday 15th June 2022, 11th Week in Ordinary Time.

Pentecost Sunday is barely two weeks ago. Our key Scripture presents us with the theme of a lavish outpouring of the Holy Spirit! In the Bible, there are multiple outpouring of the awesome Spirit. How many outpouring of the Holy Spirit can we expect? Some believe one and others two or three, viz Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

Actually Scripture shows that we can receive not just a double portion of the Holy Spirit but multiple portions. "With joy you will draw water from the fountains of salvation." (Isaiah 12: 3).
This water refers to the Holy Spirit who is available for multiple outpouring.

"The Lord’s acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning— great is your faithfulness!
The Lord is my portion, I tell myself,
therefore I will hope in him." (Lamentations 2: 23 - 24).

Do not limit the Holy Spirit that God intends to replenish every morning. God does not ration the Holy Spirit.

"Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: ‘Rivers of living water will flow from within him." (John 7: 38).

The Prophet Elisha had a great intimation of God's generous plan for us when he asked:
“May I receive a double portion of your spirit.”

We should come to God in prayer like Elisha:  With bold confidence! Did Jesus not say that the Father does not ration the Holy Spirit?
Elijah replied Elisha: “You have asked something that is not easy." (2 Kings 2: 9 - 10).
For God all things are easy and possible.

Ask and you will receive. I will ask for a double portion of the Holy Spirit. I will ask for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit every morning because God promises:
God renews His favors every morning because great is God's faithfulness!

6. 15. "I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death." (Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St Anthony of Padua OFM, Doctor of the Church.

O DEAR ST ANTHONY, FAITHFUL FRIEND OF YOUR FRIENDS, COME QUICKLY TO MY HELP AT THIS MOMENT OF NEED. I LOST MY KEYS, WALLET, SPECTACLES, BOOK, ETC..
TEACH ME HOW TO BE GRATEFUL FOR ALL GOD'S MERCIFUL LOVE. TEACH ME TOO HOW TO GLORIFY JESUS BY HONORING THE SAINTS. AMEN.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow." (Matthew 5: 38 - 42).

Monday 13th June 2022, in the 11th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Anthony of Padua (1195 - 1231), Franciscan Priest and Doctor of the Church. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, trained in Italy, his outstanding talent as a preacher took him to Africa and France. Anthony is a great miracle worker and is fondly remembered for his help in finding lost objects. After he helped me find an important object, he became one of my patron saints.

Offer no resistance to one who you know to be a thief, a liar, an oppressor, a violent person, etc. What is Jesus teaching us here? Let us note that it is impossible to go through life without meeting the type of person the Lord calls "evil."

Our key Scripture for today evokes some word associations: Forgiveness, Retaliation, Litigation, etc.
What archetypes of evil does the Bible place the wicked person? "immorality, impurity, licentiousness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,  occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like." (Galatians 5: 19 - 21). In the same passage it says that those with such behavior will never see the Kingdom of God.
Now, if we desire to see the Kingdom of God, we must practice what Jesus teaches: Forgiveness and not retaliation. Reconciliation and not litigation.

When we live as Christians in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will produce the fruits of the Spirit which are:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5: 22 - 23).

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit." (Galatians 5: 25).
This is the core teaching of our key Scripture for today?

6. 13. "We will show Thee our love and gratitude, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, by keeping Thy sacred precepts, by rendering Thee atonement and reparation, by honoring the image of Thy Divine Heart and by confiding in Thine all-powerful assistance."  (DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE MYSTERY OF THE TRINITY. I PRAY TO ABBA FATHER USING THE LORD'S PRAYER TAUGHT US BY JESUS OUR TEACHER. I PRAY TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD AND SON OF MARY. I EXPERIENCE THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PRAYER, IN HIS INSPIRATIONS AND POWER. THIS IS HOW I KNOW THAT THE TRINITY IS REAL. I BELIEVE BECAUSE THE CHURCH TAUGHT ME TO BELIEVE.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16: 12 - 15).

Sunday 12th June 2022 is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The Godhead, the adorable Blessed Trinity. One God, three co-equal Persons. Father, Son and Holy Spiri is the revelation of the Son, Jesus Christ, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. This truth did not come to us from a philosophical deduction.

It is interesting that the mystery of the Holy Trinity was revealed at the end of Christ's earthly ministry. This mystery was revealed in the context of Baptism and Mission of the Church. What could this mean? Jesus Christ became Man so that man can know God, love Him and serve Him and live with God forever.

The Trinity is a great mystery beyond the intellect of man. We make the sign of the Cross in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. We are baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.

The Creed teaches us all we need to know about the Holy Trinity, the One Undivided Unity.

"We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of all that is, seen and unseen.

"We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father.

"We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified."

This is the Faith of our Fathers. The Faith revealed by Jesus Christ.
We believe!

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Feast of St Barnabas, Great Apostle & Evangelist.

SAINTS PAUL & BARNABAS!
AWESOME & GREAT APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS.
THE CHURCH WAS NOT BUILT IN ONE DAY. A JOURNEY OF 1000 MILES STARTS WITH THE FIRST STEP.  IF YOU TAKE THE FIRST STEP TODAY, YOU ARE GUARANTEED TO ARRIVE IN THE HOUR OF YOUR DESTINY.

"In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.....

"Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas.... and Saul.....

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off." (Acts of the Apostles11:21.... 26; 13:1... 3).

Saturday 11th June 2022, 10th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of the Apostle Barnabas (+ 61).

St Barnabas, a Jew from Cyprus is profiled in Sacred Scripture as: "a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith." You won't find many Bible characters profiled with similar language. What else do we know about St Barnabas?
He was a levite. He discipled Paul the Apostle and mentored John Mark. He was generous in using all his time, talent and treasure in serving the Lord. He was a prophet, teacher and evangelist. Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus under the reign of Emperor Nero in 61 AD. Although Barnabas was not one of the original 12 Apostles, Barnabas like Paul had been assigned the title Apostle since ancient times.

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul [Paul] for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13: 2).

The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Evangelization and Mission commissioned the first Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas.

The Church prays on the Feast of St Barnabas :
"O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to convert the nations, grant that the Gospel of Christ, which he strenuously preached, may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son." Amen.

6. 11.  Morning Offering Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I offer you through the Immaculate Heart of Mary all my prayers and desires, all my sufferings, delays, disappointments and obstacles; all my time, talent and treasure, all my fears, worries and doubts as well as all my weaknesses.  I offer all these on all the altars in the world where the Eucharist is celebrated today and on every Altar where Your Eucharistic Face is present.  I offer them for the remission of my sins, for my family and [Mention the specific intention] and for the Holy Father Pope Francis.  Amen.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Heart that loves us so blindly.

WHY DID JESUS CHOOSE THE ORGAN OF THE HEART AS A SYMBOL OF HIS TENDER LOVE & AFFECTION FOR US?
THE SON OF GOD AND SON OF MARY CAME TO SAVE ALL MANKIND. HE CHOSE A SYMBOL OF LOVE THAT IS UNIVERSAL TO ALL PEOPLE.

"The designs of his Heart are from age to age, to rescue their souls from death and to keep them alive in famine." (Psalm 33: 11, 19).

Friday 10th June 2022 of the 10th Week of Ordinary. We honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a votive celebration.

Our key Scripture is from the Entrance Antiphon. Jesus loves each and every one of us with an intimate and unique affection before the foundation of the world. He came to save us from sin so that we may be with Him for all eternity. The obstacle to that union is sin. Jesus lays down a necessary prescription in the Gospel of today.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna." (Matthew 5: 27.... 32).

Consider this point my brethren:
What does it profit a man or a woman to be president, billionaire, ceo, miss world, etc for 10 to 40 years at the most and when he dies loses his immortal soul in hell? To save ALL from this faith, Jesus was born into poverty, lead a humble self-sacrificing life and at the end of it was crucified. Jesus desires all people to know of His great love for us. This is why He gave us the Sacred Heart Devotion.

6. 10. "Love Demands a Return of Love: Every pulsation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, from the first moment of the Incarnation to Its last throb on the Cross, was for purest love of mankind. True devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we love Him in return, for love demands a return of love."  (Anonymous. Likely author: Fr Lukas Etlin, O.S.B. (1864-1927).

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Night Prayer

Prayer Before Going to Bed.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, meek and humble of heart, you offer to those who follow you a yoke that is good to bear, a burden that is light.

Accept, we beg you, our prayer and work of this day, and grant us the rest we need that we may be ever more willing to serve you, who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.

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Feast of St Ephrem the Deacon, Doctor of the Church.

"WHEN PEOPLE SEE THAT THEY HAVE LOST EVERYTHING, THAT RICHES DO NOT ENDURE & CARNAL DESIRES NO LONGER EXIST, THAT BEAUTY & POWER DISAPPEAR & VANISH, THEN THEY RECOLLECT THEMSELVES & ARE FILLED WITH REMORSE." (ST EPHREM, DEACON & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH).

How much are you aware of the love of Jesus for you? A little or great?

"Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna."  (Matthew 5: 20.... 26).

Thursday 9th June 2022, 10th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Ephrem the Syrian (306 - 373). Deacon and Doctor of the Church. There is so much to write about the accomplishments of Ephrem the Syrian. Let us consider these:
Ephrem had a keen intellect. His pen was like a sharp sword. Part of his genius is that he used poems and hymns to combat the heresies of his time. He expounded the mysteries of Christ and the Glorious Virgin Mary. Ephrem had a great devotion to Mary and was not shy about it.

Are you a minimalist or one who lives Magis in everything. Magis simply means More. It is an attitude of the heart and mind that goes for More in everything and never for the least or minimum.  This is a core principle of St Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

In Matthew 5: 20, Jesus says that the Minimum will never get you into Heaven.  For example, the Church law states that you must receive Holy Communion "at least" once a year. The minimalist rejoices and says to himself:  "This is great. I can do this."

"Dearest Lord,
teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve You as You deserve;
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labour and not to ask for reward
save that of knowing I am doing Your Will."  (St Ignatius Loyola).

6. 9. "In our age of religious indifference, when fervor and charity have grown cold, Jesus exhibits to the world His Sacred Heart as the symbol of God’s infinite love—the symbol of His own generous self-sacrificing love for men. Jesus shows His Divine Heart as a furnace whose burning rays of love are able to reanimate faith and rekindle love in hearts grown cold and ungrateful." (Anonymous. Likely author: Fr Lukas Etlin, O.S.B. (1864-1927).

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Teacher be ware.

"NOT MANY OF YOU SHOULD BECOME TEACHERS, MY FELLOW BELIEVERS, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT WE WHO TEACH WILL BE JUDGED MORE STRICTLY" (JAMES 3: 1).

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 17 - 19).

Wednesday June 8th 2022 of the 10th week of Ordinary Time.

Teacher beware! You teach not only by what you say. Every action of yours is closely scrutinized. People talk about teachers and preachers in these terms: "He is real. He is not real."

Hear St James: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you realize that we will be judged more strictly, for we all fall short in many respects. If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body also." (James 3: 1 - 2).
Are you concerned or discouraged by the warnings? No need to be.  We take consolation from the promise of the Spirit:

"Live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh......  In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.  (Galatians 5: 16, 22-23).

We are not qualified to take credit for anything in our ministry. Our qualification comes from God,  who has indeed qualified us as ministers of a new covenant by giving us the Holy Spirit. (Cf 2 Corinthians 3: 4 - 6).

6. 8. "THE Church, governed and taught by the Holy Ghost, has approved and recommended devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and has enriched it with many indulgences. She has instituted the Feast of the Sacred Heart, which, in the course of years, has increased in extent and solemnity until now it is celebrated solemnly with an octave by the universal Church on the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi."

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Christian, you are the salt and the light of the world.

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH. WHAT IS SALT? SALT IS A MINERAL SUBSTANCE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO HUMAN & ANIMAL HEALTH. THE TEACHING OF JESUS IS UNCORRUPTED SALT? IT IS PURITY OF DOCTRINE. THE CORE & UNBENDING TRUTH WHICH THE CHURCH OFFERS TO THE WORLD, SEASON & OUT OF SEASON. WELCOMED OR NOT.

In our core Scripture for today, Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.

"Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5: 13  - 16).

Tuesday 7th June 2022, of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time.

Our Lord Jesus Christ calls Himself the Light of the world. How did Jesus transmit this light to the world?

Primarily through His teaching. The public ministry of Jesus covers a number of activities, viz: healing people, casting out demons, feeding people, etc. It is through teaching that Jesus is primarily known by all and sundry. The common people, the doctors of the law, the Pharisees all know Jesus as Rabbi, Teacher.
The Mission of Jesus Christ is to bring light to a world covered in darkness. (Isaiah 49: 6).

In our key Scripture for today, Jesus said to His disciples: You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.
The message of Jesus Christ is pure and uncorrupted. This salt of the earth is found in the Creed of the Church which was fleshed out at the Council of Nicaea, in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and the teaching of Sacred Magisterium.

The Lumen Christi (Light of Christ) is to be mediated to the world through teaching and preaching.
Christians are commissioned by virtue of their Baptism to be the Light of the world. How is this done in practice?

Baptism incorporates the Christian fully into the Body of Christ. When the Church gather in worship, it catechizes the Christian through the act of worship, reading and breaking open the word of God, homilies and songs. At the end of the Service, the Christian is sent forth into his community and the world to go and be the light of the world. He indicates his understanding and acceptance of the commissioning by answering "Thanks be to God."

Christians, God called us to be the
light of the world so that His salvation will reach the ends of the earth. Do not therefore hide your lamp under the bed. Place it on the Internet, emails, text messages, conversations, etc.

6. 7.  Four of the twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Christians who honor His Sacred Heart:
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.   
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

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The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IN THE
CHURCH? MARY IS THE ONLY PERSON WHO KNEW JESUS FROM WOMB TO TOMB TO RESURRECTION TO ASCENSION TO PENTECOST! THIS KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE QUALIFIES MARY AS MOTHER AND TEACHER IN THE CHURCH.

"The disciples devoted themselves with one accord to prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus." (Cf Acts 1: 14).
 
Today is Monday after Pentecost 2022,
of the 10th week in Ordinary Time. Today the Church celebrates the Memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church.

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19: 25..... 34).

The Blessed Virgin Mary is the only human being that witnessed all the mysteries of our salvation from Conception to Death of Jesus to the Birth of the Church on Pentecost Sunday. Is this an accident or mere coincidence?

O God, Father of mercies, Your Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also; grant with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary that Your Church will grow to embrace all people. (Cf Collect of the feast).

"Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise,
for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God." (Gospel Acclamation).

6. 6. The Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June:  [The Sacred Heart Devotion]  "wholly consists, properly speaking, in an ardent love of Jesus Christ, constantly residing amongst us in the adorable Eucharist, and in testifying this ardent love by our grief at seeing Him so little loved and so little honoured, and by the means we take to repair this contempt and this want of love."

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The Solemnity of Pentecost, Birthday of Mother Church.

O HOLY SPIRIT, POUR YOUR DEW ON OUR DRY HEARTS. WASH THE STAINS OF OUR GUILT AWAY. BEND OUR STUBBORN HEART AND WILL. MELT THE FROZEN, WARM THE CHILL; GUIDE THE STEPS THAT GO ASTRAY. AMEN.

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them 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: 19  - 23).

Sunday June 5th 2022 is the Solemnity of Pentecost.

Brethren, this is Pentecost! This is the Birthday of our Mother, the Church. She is Mother and Teacher. Very old and ever young and beautiful. Virgin and Mother of many children. Queen of Peace and Seat of Wisdom. Happy Birthday Mother Church!

The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples in the Cenacle "like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were." (Acts 2: 2). The Novena, the waiting and praying are over. The Father has delivered the Big Gift He promised. "I promised. I will do it." Thank You Abba Father.

"Come, Holy Spirit, come!
And from your celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor!
Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine.
You, of comforters the best;
You, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labor, rest most sweet;
Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.... " (The Pentecost Sequence).

"The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ. The Spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them and opens their minds to the understanding of his Death and Resurrection." (CCC 737).

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love.

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