THE FEAST OF ST SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST AND HERMIT.

FEAST OF ST SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST & HERMIT 

"The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?”

"He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.

"To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich.

"From anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

"This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

"You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them.

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear.

"Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” (Matthew 13: 10 - 17).

Thursday July 24th 2025 is the feast of St Sharbel MAKHLUF (1828 - 1898). Lebanese Catholic priest, monk and hermit. Sharbel is known for his great devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament and his filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a great miracle worker during his life and after his earthly life. 

In our Gospel for today, Jesus  says: “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich."

What is the knowledge of the Kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of? It is not book knowledge. If it is book knowledge, the Blessed Virgin Mary although she had great knowledge of Scripture would not have been Mother and Teacher in the Church. Saints Anthony of Padua, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila, Therese of the Child Jesus and so many other doctors of the Church would never have been doctors of the Church. The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Doctors of the Church were taught by the Holy Spirit. 

One of the greatest mysteries of the Kingdom of God is the mystery of God's unfathomable mercy.

"Lord, your mercy reaches to heaven; your fidelity, to the clouds."

"How precious is your mercy, O God!" (Psalm 36: 6, 8).

The Blessed Virgin Mary has a profound knowledge of this mystery.  She is childlike and the little one.

"And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.... 

“And His mercy is upon generation after generation

Toward those who [stand in great awe of God and] fear Him."  (Luke 1: 46 - 50). 

This knowledge is so profound that the Church uses the Magnificat of Mary every day in Vespers going back possibly to the beginning of the Church.  Mary, the Simple One is also Seat of Wisdom, one of her titles from ancient times.

Other Little Ones who have knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God are: Saints Catherine of Siena, Therese of the Child Jesus, Lawrence Brindisi, Maria Faustina, Teresa of Avila, Mother St Teresa of Kolkata, etc. 

The Church honors the Most Sacred Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

"Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,

Save us." (Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ). 

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, MYSTIC AND FOUNDRESS.

THE FEAST OF ST BRIDGET OF SWEDEN 

"On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. 

Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore.

And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: 

“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots.

Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it.

But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. 

Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 13: 1 - 9).

Wednesday 23rd July 2025 in the 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bridget of Sweden.  (1303 - 1373).

St Bridget of Sweden was a housewife, mother of 4 boys and 4 girls. One of the girls, St Catherine of Sweden is a canonized saint.

Bridget persuaded her husband to become a Franciscan Tertiary with her.

When the husband died, St Bridget moved to Rome where she founded the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer.

St Bridget meditated long on the suffering and death of Jesus. God revealed to her the secrets of heaven. St Bridget is a mystic and authored books on ascetical and mystical theology. She is the patron saint of Sweden and co-patron saint of Europe. 

Jesus Christ is the Sower and the Word. 

The sower sows the word. 

What is the word?

The word here could mean teaching, advice, counsel, commandments, etc. 

The word can also mean the various circumstances of daily living that present crosses and comforts in our everyday life.  Challenges to our comforts abound every day. 

God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence governs all things. 

God speaks to us through various circumstances of our day. Some of these circumstances are pleasant and others are afflictive. These beneficent and afflictive circumstances are different words of God to us. How do we handle them?

"I am present to you when you open the Scriptures and I want to enlighten you and instruct you. When you read My word, seek My Heart. When you read the Scriptures, seek My Face. You will find My Heart hidden in My word like the treasure hidden in the field, and you will discover My Face shining through the text and illuminating the eyes of your soul." (IN SINU JESU page 30). 

How much time do you give in reading the word of God every day?

"The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever." (Alleluia Verse).

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

“O Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, Save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,

Save us." (Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ). 

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

THE SUPER FEAST OF ST MARY MAGDALENE.

THE FEAST OF ST MARY MAGDALENE, DISCIPLE OF THE LORD. 

THE MISSION OF MARY MAGDALENE. 

"On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.

"So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

"Mary 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. 

"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.’” 

"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her. (John 20: 1 - 2, 11 - 18). 

Tuesday 22nd July 2025 in 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Mary Magdalene, Disciple of Jesus.

Mary Magdalene was a simple Jewish woman who had a profound encounter with Jesus. She was one of the handfull of women who followed Jesus as He tramped everywhere preaching the Gospel. These women took care of the welfare of Jesus and His Apostles from their purse. But Mary Magdalene was unique and exceptional among these ladies. Jesus healed her of demonic possession and Mary could not forget this favor all her life.

Mary Magdalene trekked the Via Dolorosa with the other Mary, the Virgin Mother of Jesus. Both women stood under the Cross and watched Jesus die slowly. While the Blessed Virgin Mary did not hurry to the tomb on Easter Sunday because she heard and believed what her Son said about "rising from the dead on the third day," Mary of Magdala hurried to the tomb. She became the first human being to see the Risen Jesus. This is how St Mary Magdalene became the "Apostle to the Apostles."

"Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her." (John 20: 17 - 18).

Mary Magdalene loved Jesus with a pure love that comes from the depth of gratitude for what Jesus did for her. If but we know 1% of what Jesus is doing for us every day, our love for Him will astonish us. St Mary Magdalene will be delighted with the desire and prayer of St Ignatius Loyola:

+ To know the Heart of Jesus intimately. 

+ To love Jesus passionately. 

+ To follow Jesus everywhere. 

O that this will be our prayer and desire too! 

"With Me and from Me you have nothing to fear. I am here, in the Sacrament of My love, to be your comfort, your peace, your light, your refreshment, and your joy. Know this! Take it to heart. Believe it and act upon it. If souls believed this of Me, nothing would be able to keep them from seeking Me out in the Sacrament of My love and from remaining in My presence." (IN SINU JESU).

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

“You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such!”  (St Maximilian Kolbe). 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1 

FEAST OF ST LAWRENCE BRINDISI OFM, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

THE FEAST OF ST LAWRENCE BRINDISI OFM, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

“When it was reported to the king of Egypt that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants changed their minds about them.

They exclaimed, “What have we done! Why, we have released Israel from our service!” 

So Pharaoh made his chariots ready and mustered his soldiers—six hundred first-class chariots and all the other chariots of Egypt, with warriors on them all.

So obstinate had the Lord made Pharaoh that he pursued the children of Israel even while they were marching away in triumph.

The Egyptians, then, pursued them; Pharaoh’s whole army, his horses, chariots and charioteers, caught up with them as they lay encamped by the sea, at Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon.

Pharaoh was already near when the children of Israel looked up and saw that the Egyptians were on the march in pursuit of them. 

In great fright they cried out to the Lord. 

And they complained to Moses, 

“Were there no burial places in Egypt that you had to bring us out here to die in the desert? 

Why did you do this to us? Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Did we not tell you this in Egypt, when we said, ‘Leave us alone. Let us serve the Egyptians’? Far better for us to be the slaves of the Egyptians than to die in the desert.” 

But Moses ­answered the people, “Fear not! Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today. These Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again. The Lord himself will fight for you; you have only to keep still.”

Then the Lord said to Moses, 

“Why are you crying out to me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 

And you, lift up your staff and, with hand outstretched over the sea, split the sea in two, that the children of Israel may pass through it on dry land.

But I will make the Egyptians so obstinate that they will go in after them. Then I will receive glory through Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots and charioteers. The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I receive glory through Pharaoh and his chariots and charioteers.” (Exodus 14: 5 - 18).

Monday July 21st 2025 in the 16th Week in Ordinary Time is the Feast of St Lawrence Brindisi, OFM. (1559 - 1613). Priest and Doctor of the Church. Italian. 

St Lawrence belonged to the Capuchin Order of the Franciscan family. Lawrence is an extraordinary man who used well the lavish gifts God bestowed on him. 

The Church remembers him for his profound knowledge and love for Sacred Scripture, the Holy Spirit, Prayer and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Apropos Sacred Scriptures, Lawrence says:

“The Word of the Lord is a light for the mind and a fire for the will, so that man may know and love God.… It is a weapon against a heart stubbornly entrenched in vice. It is a sword against the flesh, the world, and the devil, to destroy every sin.”

Lawrence became an authority in the sacred Word and was recognized all over Europe during his time and became a Doctor of the Church.

Our key Scripture for today from Exodus 14: 5 - 18 is in my view one of the greatest Scriptures in the Bible. 

Many years ago, in a moment of great anguish and fright, I read this passage one night from the Gideon Bible in a hotel room. 

"But Moses answered the people, “Do not fear! Stand your ground and see the victory the Lord will win for you today. For these Egyptians whom you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you have only to keep still.” (Exodus 14: 13 - 14). 

This word of God penetrated my mind and heart and I thought about it in the context of my career crisis throughout the night. When I woke up in the morning, I was calm with regard to my situation. I decided to believe the word of God. I must stand my GROUND. He saved the Israelites in their worst crisis, God could save me from those who want to ruin my career. As a result of the empowerment from this word of God, I witnessed a great miracle in my life. From the jaws of a certain defeat and great loss and humiliation, the Lord rescued me. 

I made a vow to the Lord to read the Bible every day. This event is the grandfather of the Daily Bible Verse ministry. 

July is the Month the Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. 

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

“Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen."

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

MARTHA AND MARY: TWO SISTERS AND FRIENDS OF JESUS.

MARTHA AND MARY. HOLY AND DIFFERENT. 

Mary has chosen the better part. 

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha ­welcomed him.

"She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.

"Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”

"The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.

"There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10: 38 - 42).

SUNDAY 20th July 2025 in 16th Week in Ordinary Time. 

The story of two sisters Martha and Mary teaches us great lessons of faith, hope and love. 

Martha and Mary are sisters and live in the same house. Their differences in outlook gives Jesus a teaching opportunity to address a problem that is endemic in our society today. Our lives are distracted by too many gadgets, information overload, mindless multitasking and many other things.

Jesus says to Martha and us:

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” 

What is the better part that Mary has chosen? Mary chose to honor their Guest. Mary chose the will of God for her at this moment. 

When you choose the will of God for you here and now instead of your own will, you have chosen the better part. The will of God is always the better part. In God's will is our peace. Our Shalom! 

How do we know the will of God? It is not complicated at all. The easiest way is to ask God. "Lord what will You have me do?" God is our Father who wants the very best for His children. He can never deceive us. He promises us to ask and we shall receive. 

God speaks to us in Sacred Scripture. Scripture is the very word of God. As you sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary each day to listen to Scripture, little by little you begin to know "the better part" for you in everything. This is what Scripture calls wisdom. Wisdom is the gift of choosing what God wants you to choose in every given situation. 

Think of today's great Gospel message from another perspective. 

Martha appears addicted to work. Mary is laid back and seems to relish the Sacrament of the Present Moment. 

How do we get addicted to activity? What is the cause? How did it start? 

Fear of man? Desire to please? 

Desire to win at all cost? 

Love of money? 

Love of pleasure? 

Jesus said to Martha:

"You are worried and distracted by many things." 

In short, you are an activity addict. 

What is the remedy for this hyper addiction? 

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46: 11).

Enjoy the Sacrament of the Present Moment. 

What can we do every day to help us to heal from this condition? 

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily word of God. 

3. Frequent Eucharist and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. 

4. Affirm constantly that God is in control. 

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

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

"Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen."

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

THE ENEMY OF JESUS CHRIST IS THE ENEMY OF THE CHURCH.

THEY PLOTTED TO PUT THE PROPHET TO DEATH. 

THE GOSPEL:

"The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”

  (Matthew 12: 14 - 21).

A shocking turn of events in the fortunes of the Prophet that  healed the sick, fed multitudes and taught the clueless masses. What is the crime of Jesus?

Let us turn to the Prophet Isaiah for the profile of the Prophet Jesus:

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.”  (Matthew 12: 18 - 21).

Jesus predicted that His mission will be confronted by intense opposition culminating in His crucifixion.  And he said, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.". (Luke 9: 22).

We are foolish in judging spiritual things too quickly.  "Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”  (Luke 24: 26).

Jesus, Son of God, our Savior and our Redeemer have mercy on us.

"Holy Father and Lord, you willed that Christ your Son should be the price of our salvation. Give us grace so to live that through sharing his sufferings we may be strengthened by the power of his resurrection.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Amen."  (Prayer: Vespers Friday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time).

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

"Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,

Save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,

Save us." (Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ). 

 

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

KEEP HOLY SUNDAY FOR WORSHIP AND ENJOYING LIFE.

SABBATH CONTROVERSIES

THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath.

His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them.

When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.”

He said to them,
“Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat?

Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent?

I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.

If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men.

For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” (Matthew 12: 1 - 8).

Friday 18th July 2025 in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel for today, Jesus reminded the Pharisees of God’s purpose for the Sabbath.

"Remember the sabbath day—keep it holy." (Exodus 20: 8).

The command to set apart the Sabbath is very important as seen from the way it is treated in Sacred Scriptures. It is the exaggerated concern for the obligation and sanctity of the Sabbath Rest that gave rise to hundreds of minutiae rules concerning the basic command to keep holy the Lord's Day.

Throughout the Christian history, the Magisterium of the Church has not only expounded on the sacred character of the Sabbath but has taught that the Sabbath was instituted for the enjoyment of the People of God.

The Sabbath is the day of worship of God. A day of rest for the whole family from the hustle and bustle involved in making a living. It is a day to enjoy the parks, watch Christian movies. It is a day to visit the sick in the hospital.

The Sabbath Rest is Rehearsal for Eternal life.

One day, there will be no work. By obeying the law of the Sabbath, you build up your faith in this promise of God.

God plans to redeem man and creation from the present servitude to work.

It is more enjoyable to keep holy the Lord's Day than to do anything unlawful on the Sabbath Rest.

"With compassion, Christ declares the sabbath for doing good rather than harm, for saving life rather than killing. The sabbath is the day of the Lord of mercies and a day to honor God. "The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath."  (CCC 2173).

Rejoice in God's generous provision of the Sunday Rest and use it to grow in spiritual and human maturity.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

“O my Most Sweet Jesus, O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep Thy priests in the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where no one can hurt them. Keep their anointed hands unsullied, which daily handle Thy Sacred Body. Keep pure the lips which are reddened with Thy Precious Blood. Keep pure and unworldly their hearts which are sealed with the sublime token of Thy glorious priesthood. Cause them to grow in love and loyalty to Thee and protect them from the contamination of the world. With their power of transforming bread and wine, give them the power of transforming hearts. Bless their work with rich fruit and grant them one day the crown of eternal life. Amen.”  (St Teresa of Avila).

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

TAKE MY YOKE AND FOLLOW ME.

COME TO ME. I WILL UNBURDEN YOU.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11 - 28 - 30).

Thursday 17th July 2025 in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time.

We have a gracious invitation from Christ Jesus in today's Gospel. (Matthew 11: 28 - 30).

But how do we respond to this invitation Christ?

We come to Christ in:
Prayer.
His word.
Eucharist.
Reconciliation.
When we encounter Him in the poor. 

What are the labors and burdens that we bring to Christ the Doctor to heal?

First, we bring our burdens of sin.
We are overwhelmed with fears, worries and doubts about our:

Health.
Family.
Finances.
Job.
Tools and Possessions.
Food.
Future.

We bring all the above to Jesus in confident trust that He promised to help us and will not fail.

How does Christ give us the promised rest?

He cancels our debts of sins and relieves us once and for all from guilt.

Sometimes He heals our bodies and finances.  At other times, He gives us a supernatural perspective from which to view our woes.

You may call this supernatural perspective indepth perspective therapy.

People go to the Shrines of Our Lady of Lourdes in France and Guadalupe in Mexico for physical healing.  Many such people receive the indepth perspective therapy and decide to stay behind to minister to pilgrims sicker than themselves. This is the work of grace.

What yoke does Christ invite us to take upon ourselves?

The yoke of Christ is the Gospel of Christ.

The yoke of Christ is the Sermon on the Mount.

Christ Himself says that this yoke is both easy and light. John the Apostle says that to keep the commandments is not burdensome. (1 John 5:3). Paul writes of the weight of glory that awaits us after some light suffering.  (Romans 8: 18;  2 Corinthians 4: 17).

"Learn from me," pleads Christ.  Christ is the Teacher and the Lesson.  Learn to be with me.  Learn to be like me.

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11: 30)

What makes the yoke easy and the burden light is grace.  The grace of God makes easy what is most difficult and revolting to nature.

 Grace makes light what is most burdensome.  This is the secret of the saints.  Saints suffer imprisonment, persecution and even death because they have the grace of God to help them.  Without this grace, it is impossible for human nature to embrace these crosses. 

Jesus Christ has promised us His grace if we embrace Him and His teaching.  With His grace on our side, all things become possible.

"My grace is sufficient for you. For power is made effective in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12: 9).

With our daily bread of this grace given at the beginning of each day, we are equipped to live fully for Christ in these areas of human struggle:  health, family, finances, job, tools, food and future.  Lord, give me this day my daily bread of your grace.  Amen!

Live the mystery of Divine Providence everyday with:

Proverbs 3: 5 - 6:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths."

Now that you know this, do it and you will be wise.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

"Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,
Save us." (Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ).

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL.

WHAT IS REVEALED TO THE CHILDLIKE.

"At that time Jesus exclaimed: “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. All things have been handed over to me by my Father.

"No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” (Matthew 11: 25 - 27).

Wednesday July 16th 2025 in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time is the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

What words do we associate with Mount Carmel? The Prophet Elijah, the Carmelite Order, St. Simon Stock.

On July 16, 1251 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Simon Stock, the Superior General of the Carmelites in England and gave him the brown scapula.

Mary promised her protection to all those who wear the scapula. This is the origin of the devotion of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Brown Scapula. The brown scapula is one of the numerous sacramentals of the Church.

Some years ago, a friend of mine gave me a Brown Scapula. I hung it on the wall in my Prayer Area. On the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel a couple of years ago, I was inspired to put on that Brown Scapula just for the feast day. After the feast, I continued to wear it day and night. After some years, it fell apart from constant use. I prayed to Our Lady for inspiration on how to replace it. The prayer was answered immediately. That instant answer was a sign for me that the Blessed Mother wants that scapula round my neck.

Do not neglect the Sacramentals of the Church: holy water, crucifix, Rosary, Bible, holy pictures, etc.

In our short and powerful Gospel of today, Jesus praised the wisdom and modus operandi of His Father for singling out the childlike for His special favors.

Who is the childlike? Where can we find one to study? Let us take a look at the profile of St Therese of the Child Jesus, also called St Therese the Little Flower and St Therese of Lisieux. A Carmelite. 

St Therese is one of the most beloved saints in the Church. She is a powerful intercessor and her contribution to spirituality can be summarized thus:

#1 Utter simplicity in everything.
#2 Profound trust in Divine Providence.

St Therese you may say was chosen to be St Therese before she was born. At the age of 6, she had a profound faith in the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and in the Blessed Sacrament.

Asked one day how she was so sure of this, her response was disarming and profound: Jesus said: "This is My Body. This is My Blood." Since Jesus is God and Almighty, nothing is impossible for Him.

Does this not remind us of the Blessed Virgin Mary? To the word that She would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and give birth to the Son of God, she replied: "Be it done to me according to Your word." No fear. No worry. No doubt. All things are possible for God. All things are easy for God. 

Is there a connection between faith and simplicity?  Simplicity in thoughts and habits may facilitate the habit of believing. This seems to be the witness of many saints.
"Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven." (Matthew 18: 3).

Be simple like Jesus and Therese. Dare to Believe. Thank You Father for teaching us through the little ones.

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

"But you were purchased with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a sacrificial lamb unblemished and spotless" (1 Peter 1: 19).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1

MEMORIAL OF ST BONAVENTURE OFM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

MEMORIAL OF ST BONAVENTURE OFM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

His name shall be Moses.

"A certain man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, who conceived and bore a son. Seeing that he was a goodly child, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took a papyrus basket, daubed it with bitumen and pitch, and putting the child in it, placed it among the reeds on the river bank. His sister stationed herself at a distance to find out what would happen to him.

"Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bathe, while her maids walked along the river bank. Noticing the basket among the reeds, she sent her handmaid to fetch it. On opening it, she looked, and lo, there was a baby boy, crying! She was moved with pity for him and said, “It is one of the Hebrews’ children.”

"Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” “Yes, do so,” she answered.

"So the maiden went and called the child’s own mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will repay you.” The woman therefore took the child and nursed it.

"When the child grew, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her son and called him Moses; for she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

"On one occasion, after Moses had grown up, when he visited his kinsmen and witnessed their forced labor, he saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his own kinsmen. Looking about and seeing no one, he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

"The next day he went out again, and now two Hebrews were fighting! So he asked the culprit, “Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?” But the culprit replied, “Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?”

"Then Moses became afraid and thought, “The affair must certainly be known.”

"Pharaoh, too, heard of the affair and sought to put him to death. But Moses fled from him and stayed in the land of Midian." (Exodus 2: 1 - 15 a).

Tuesday 15th July 2025 in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bonaventure, OFM.

St Bonaventure (1221 - 1274). Italian. Franciscan, Bishop, Cardinal and Doctor of the Church.

Bonaventure is known as the Seraphic Doctor because of his mastery of mystical theology. He became friends with St Thomas Aquinas, OP another doctor of the Church in the University of Paris.

St Bonaventure who succeeded St Francis of Assisi as the Superior General of the Franciscans, wrote the first detailed biography of the great saint.

St Bonaventure, a great man of God by all standards was a very meek and humble man. Although Superior General of the Franciscans for 17 years, Cardinal of the Church, eminent Theologian and Professor of Theology at the University of Paris and later to become one of the 37 Doctors of the Church, Bonaventure is childlike in character."

Our key Scripture for this Tuesday is from Exodus 2.

There are a number of beautiful points in this narrative. Let us note first that Moses is the greatest personality in the Hebrew Scriptures.

We have noted how God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence confound us. Let us note the surprising elements in the background of Moses and his early manhood.

Moses' father and mother were not named.
Moses was raised by Pharaoh's daughter but apparently Moses knew he was a Hebrew.
Moses had political and tribal instincts.

These traits and others will fit him for his high vocation.

As we have seen from the Book of Genesis in the lives of the Patriarchs, God governs the world through His Divine Providence.
All things are possible for God. All things are Easy for God. We shall see as the life of Moses unfolds, the mysterious and marvelous steps of Divine Providence in guiding Moses to his great vocation.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

"Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness.
Save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs,
Save us." (Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ).

For Devotion, Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and other prayers, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/04/devotion-to-most-precious-blood-of.html?m=1

MEMORIAL OF ST KATERI TEKEWITHA, VIRGIN.

MEMORIAL OF ST KATERI TEKEWITHA, VIRGIN.

"Jesus said to his Apostles:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword.

For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.

“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.

Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward.

And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns." (Matthew 10: 34 - 11-1).

Monday July 14th in the 15th week in Ordinary Time. The Church commemorates the life of St Kateri Tekakwita, fondly called the Lily of the Mohawks.

St Kateri Tekakwita (1656 - 1680). Born near New York. Daughter of a Mohawk chief. Kateri died at the age of 24. She had great devotion to the Eucharist and Jesus Crucified. She is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks" and is the patron saint of ecologists, environmentalists, and Native Americans.

I love this quote of St Kateri Tekewitha:

"WHO WILL TEACH ME WHAT IS MOST PLEASING TO GOD, THAT I MAY DO IT." (ST KATERI TEKAKWITA, LILY OF THE MOHAWKS).

Are you shocked by the words of Jesus in today's Gospel?
"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword."

Scripture tells us that Jesus is not just the Prince of Peace but Peace Himself. Yet the Prince of Peace tells us that  He came to bring the sword. This statement was made to the Apostles before their missionary journey. The statement is to underline the reality that missionary work is not a vacation in Monte Casino. It is very serious business. St Kateri Tekewitha fought many spiritual battles before she landed on the Altar.
The Kingdom of God belongs to those who are prepared to fight and seize it by force. (Cf Matthew 11: 12).

"Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness."

Challenges to the commitment of making the Kingdom of God first priority will come from families, friends, companies, governments, etc. The Christian must be prepared to draw his sword to fight the good fight.

“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12: 30).

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.

“Precious Blood, ocean of divine mercy: Flow upon us! Precious Blood, most pure offering: Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, hope and refuge of sinners: Atone for us!" (St Catherine of Siena).

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1