THE FEAST OF SAINTS EUSEBIUS VERCELLI AND PETER JULIAN EYMARD.

FEAST OF ST PETER JULIAN EYMARD & EUSEBIUS VERCELLI. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, 

“This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.”

Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him,

“It is not lawful for you to have her.”

Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet.

But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for.

Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. 

His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 

His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

Saturday 2nd August 2025 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop and St Peter Julian Eymard, Priest. 

 St Peter Julian Eymard (1811 - 1868) was French. After his ordination, Peter joined the Marist Congregation in 1840. He then had an intense experience of the merciful love of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament. This experience changed the course of his life and gave him a new mission. 

He fostered Eucharistic Adoration throughout the rest of his life and founded the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament who are priest-adorers of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

August 2nd is also the feast of St Eusebius of Vercelli in Sardinia in Italy.(+ 371). Bishop.   St Eusebius and St Athanasius fought the Arian heresy tooth and nail. The Arians  denied the Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Arians tortured and exiled St Eusebius.

We read in today's Gospel about the Beheading of John the Baptist. 

Who is St John the Baptist?

Let us sketch a profile of St John the Baptist:

+ He is the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Born into a priestly family, he had an educated upbringing and was privileged.

+ His name is John: "God is gracious."

+ He was sanctified in his mother's womb. He kicked his mother hard in the womb with excitement when Mary visited Elizabeth.

+ John was chosen by the Father to be forerunner of Jesus Christ and to prepare His way.

+ John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.

+ His humility is supreme. He said: "He [Jesus] must increase. I must decrease." And he allowed his disciples to switch allegiance and follow Jesus.

+ John gave his life for Jesus. He was a great martyr for Jesus. 

+ St. John the Baptist understood very well God’s purpose for life, that is, to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. 

+ Without compromise, John fulfilled this mission which was foretold long before his birth by the Prophet Isaiah. 

+ Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest of the prophets.

+ What are his virtues? Courage, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy must be mentioned among many.

+ John died like Christ for the kingdom of God. In dying for Christ, we are most like Christ. This is why the Church honors martyrs very highly. 

If someone asks you:

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

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

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

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

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

MEMORIAL OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

MEMORIAL OF ST ALPHONSUS LIGUORI, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.

They were astonished and said,

"Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?

Is he not the carpenter's son?

Is not his mother named Mary

and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

Are not his sisters all with us?

Where did this man get all this?"

And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them,

"A prophet is not without honor except in his native place

and in his own house."

And he did not work many mighty deeds there

because of their lack of faith." (Matthew 13: 54 - 58).

Friday August 1st 2025 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the the Memorial of St Alphonsus Liguori CSSR, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

St Alphonsus Liguori (1696 - 1787) is Italian.  St Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). The Redemptorists are active today in missionary work all over the world. Alphonsus Liguori was trained in civil and canon law. He was an eminent moral theologian and sought after for his gifts as a confessor and spiritual director. 

St Alphonsus Liguori was also a writer and publisher of many books. He was gifted exceptionally by God. He was a very sick man most of his long life. 

One of the most delightful contributions of St Alphonsus Liguori is his teaching on the precious doctrine of Divine Providence. God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence governs all things. There is no exception to this divine law. 

This teaching can be found in a very small book called: UNIFORMITY WITH GOD'S WILL. 

St Alphonsus Liguori is one of the most eminent Mariologists in the Church. His work on the Blessed Virgin Mary is still a classic today. 

St Alphonsus Liguori is the patron saint of moral theologians.

The home crowd were shocked beyond belief of the wisdom and eloquence of Jesus the Rabbi. But their negative attitude went further into unbelief. This cost them many miracles. 

The Church is infested with clerical envy. Bishops envy Bishops. Priests envy priests. Lay people cast envious eyes on whomever they choose. 

Thou shalt not envy! Give thanks and praise to God for the gifts He bestows on your fellow Christians. 

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

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

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

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST.

FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST 2025 

HONOR THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS ON THE FIRST FRIDAY IN AUGUST.

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

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

Who are the fervent souls? 

Fervent souls are people who hear the word of God and take it to heart. They allow the word to influence their thoughts, words and actions.

They place the Kingdom of God and holiness of life above every other thing. Even while living in the world raising children and holding down jobs, they experience the peace, joy and contentment of the Blessed.

Because they trust and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they grow from strength to strength and experience the promised blessings of the Elect. 

Fervent souls have a Plan for the spiritual life. This Plan contains Seven tested Daily Habits of Saints:

1. Daily Prayer. 

2. Daily Scripture Reading. 

3. Daily or Frequent Eucharist. 

4. Daily Examination of conscience. 

5. Weekly or Bi-weekly Reconciliation. 

6. Daily Spiritual Reading. 

7. Daily Faith Sharing or Ministry work. 

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

MEMORIAL OF ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST AND FOUNDER OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

(Matthew 13: 47 - 53).

Thursday 31st July 2025 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Ignatius Loyola, Priest and Founder of the Society of Jesus. 

St Ignatius Loyola was born in 1491 and died in 1556.    Today is the patronal feast of the Society of Jesus. (Jesuits). The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola has been a potent force for spiritual renewal of individuals and groups in the Church since the 1540s. It is still very popular after 500 years. It has become a pillar of the apostolic ministry of the Society of Jesus today.

St Ignatius Loyola found the pearl of finest value. He abandoned all his ambitions for the vain glories of this world like Saints Francis of Asissi and St Dominic before him and followed Jesus Christ. 

What did St Ignatius Loyola bequeath the Church?

#1. Spiritual Exercises

#2. Methods of examination of conscience

#3. Principles of Discernment of Spirits.

#4. Methodology of Education

This prayer of St Ignatius Loyola shows the inner principles that drove him:

"Lord Jesus, grant that I may know Your heart intimately, love You passionately and follow You everywhere." Amen.

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

St Ignatius is the patron saint of soldiers and retreat masters.

Motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: For the Greater Glory of God.

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus today July 31st.

This concludes the month of July dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. It should not be end of our devotion to the Most Precious Blood. This Devotion can be done every day, once a week or as often as you want. Thursday is not mandatory. Why Thursday? Thursday is the day of the Last Supper and the beginning of the Agony and Passion of Jesus Christ. 

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber, SJ).

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

JESUS CHRIST IS THE PEARL OF THE GREATEST VALUE.

What is the Pearl of the Great Value?

 

MANY SAINTS HAVE SOUGHT THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE FOR MOST OF THEIR LIFE. THEY FOUND JESUS CHRIST. THEY CLING TIGHTLY TO HIS LOVE COME WHAT MAY. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” (Matthew 13: 44 - 46).

Wednesday 30th July 2025 in the 17th Week in Ordinary Time.

Our key Scripture is about the importance of finding the hidden treasure. Jesus talks constantly about the Kingdom of God. His golden rule is:  Make the Kingdom of God your first priority. 

Consider this question:

What is there about the kingdom of God and the idea of the hiding of very important things? 

Jesus led a hidden life for 30 years. The Blessed Virgin Mary led almost her entire life of about 60 years hidden from the public.

 

Great saints are protected from the prying eyes of the world by hiding them when they are alive. The whole monastic tradition thrive on the idea of hidden life. 

In summary, great things like diamonds are formed in a hidden state. The narrow, hidden way finds the kingdom.

Are you searching for a great treasure?  Faith, love, meaning, peace, contentment?

Jesus Christ is the Pearl of great price.  What must we give up in order to acquire in the fullest sense this priceless treasure when we find it?

"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life."  (Matthew 19: 29). 

Here are some who heard the promise, believed it and searched and found the great treasure:

St Mary Magdalene: Found the Great Pearl and thereafter got attached to the Pearl.

St Ignatius Loyola: Loved the Pearl passionately and abandoned everything and followed the Pearl everywhere.

St Thomas More:  Gave his life happily for the Pearl.

St Teresa of Kolkata:  Traveled the whole world spreading message about the Pearl.

St Paul the Apostle says:

"More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ"  (Philippians 3: 8). 

When you find the Pearl of Great Price, all these things will be added to you: peace and genuine prosperity, contentment and fulfillment in life.

In July, we honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. The Blood that was shed for our salvation. Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus by pleading the Precious Blood over all priests especially those in most need of the mercy of Jesus Christ. 

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus today July 28th. 

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 CHURCH WAS ONCE LIKE A TINY MUSTARD SEED.

THE CHURCH STARTED AS A TINY MUSTARD SEED. 

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field.

"It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

"He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

"All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet:

"I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world." (Matthew 13: 31 - 35).

We reflect on the Parable of the Mustard Seed in the Gospel of today. 

The Parable of the Mustard Seed gives us an insight into God's law in creation. Everything is created small.

The tiny mustard seed like the tiny acorn seed is born very small. Its laws or principles of growth are written inside the seed by its Creator.

The seed receives the early and later rain and continues to unfold following the laws of its nature. The farmer does not control the process. When the mustard seed is fully grown, it is ready to fulfill its destiny. It welcomes the birds on its branches.

The Church is the People of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The seed of the Kingdom of God on earth is the Church. (Cf CCC 249). It started very small in a tiny corner of the vast Roman Empire. Today the tiny Acorn has grown branches and spread throughout the world.

The Church as the People of God, the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit needs the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to form it into its destiny.

"The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." (James 1: 18).

We honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus today July 28th. 

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

WHEN YOU PRAY, ASK THE FATHER FOR BIG BIG GIFTS.

God likes the person who asks for big things and asks with persistence.

I love the quote below from St Teresa of Avila:

"YOU PAY GOD A COMPLIMENT BY ASKING GREAT THINGS OF HIM."  (ST TERESA OF AVILA).

Remember that all things are possible for God. All things are also easy for God. God wants us to ask and ask for big things.

THE GOSPEL:
"He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:

"Father, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread
and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

"And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,  for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’

I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish?  

Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?  

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11: 1 - 13).

Sunday July 27th in the 17th week in Ordinary Time.

Luke gives us Jesus' delightful teaching on prayer. Let us recap the main points:

#1 Each day, ask the Father for what to eat.
#2 Always remember to ask for forgiveness for your sins. He who says he has no sin is a liar.
#3 The Father is committed to forgiving  all our sins. You must likewise forgive your neighbor.
#4 Pray with perseverance. Ask and keep asking.
#5 Believe me if I tell you this: The best thing to pray for is the Holy Spirit.

Ask for the Holy Spirit and keep asking for Him.
"If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the holy Spirit to those who ask him?” (Luke 11: 13).

"Prayer is an indispensable condition for being able to obey God's commandments. "[We] ought always to pray and not lose heart." (CCC 2098).
This is a teaching we can use.

"On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:
you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple." (Psalm 138: 1 - 2)

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

“How long are you going to be deaf to His call?
Or are you going to lose your soul,
which Jesus Christ bought at the price of His Precious Blood?”
(St John Francis Régis, SJ).

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 

PATRON SAINTS

The 7-Way Plan to Peace & Serenity

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.  Amen.

---

1	2	3	4
The 7-Way Plan	The 7-War Zones	The 7 Promises	The 7 Fruits
1.Prayer	Health	Pardon	Faith
2.WOG	Family	Peace	Patience
3.Eucharist	Money	Power	Wisdom
4.Penance	Job	Purpose	Humility
5.Examen	Tools	Presence	Courage
6.Ministry	Food	Protection	Peace
7.Spiritual Reading	Future	Provision	Contentment

"Almighty and ever-present Father, your watchful care reaches from end to end and orders all things in such power that even the tensions and the tragedies of sin cannot frustrate your loving plans.

Help us to embrace your will, give us the strength to follow your call, so that your truth may live in our hearts and reflect peace to those who believe in your love.  We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord." 

LORETO LITANY OF BVM

LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. 

GETTING TO KNOW & LOVE THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY THROUGH THE HOLY ROSARY AND THE LITANY. 

1. The Litany of Loreto

V. Lord, have mercy.

R. Christ have mercy.

V. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us.

R. Christ graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us. 

Holy Mother of God, pray for us. 

Holy Virgin of Virgins, 

Mother of Christ, 

Mother of the Church

*MOTHER of Mercy*

Mother of divine grace,

*MOTHER of Hope*

Mother most pure,

Mother most chaste,

Mother inviolate,

Mother undefiled,

Mother most amiable,

Mother most admirable,

Mother of good Counsel,

Mother of our Creator,

Mother of our Savior,

Virgin most prudent,

Virgin most venerable,

5er of ivory,

House of gold,

Ark of the covenant,

Gate of heaven,

Morning star,

Health of the sick,

Refuge of sinners,

*COMFORT of Migrants*

Comforter of the afflicted,

Help of Christians,

Queen of Angels,

Queen of Patriarchs,

Queen of Prophets,

Queen of Apostles,

Queen of Martyrs,

Queen of Confessors,

Queen of Virgins,

Queen of all Saints,

Queen conceived without original sin,

Queen assumed into heaven,

Queen of the most holy Rosary,

Queen of families,

Queen of peace,

Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Our Lady Undoer of knots. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel. 

Every Saturday 

Official Act of Consecration to Mary

(Written by St. Maximilian Kolbe). 

O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and our most loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy to you.  I, (name), a repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet humbly imploring you to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to yourself as your possession and property.  Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you.

If it pleases you, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of you: “She will crush your head,” and, “You alone have destroyed all heresies in the world.”  Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing your glory to the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the blessed kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  For wherever you enter, you obtain the grace of conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V. Allow me to praise you, O sacred Virgin.

R. Give me strength against your enemies.

GREAT FRIENDS OF MARY:

St Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.

St Louis Marie de Monfort,

St Alphonsus Liguori

St Anthony of Padua… 

EVERY SATURDAY 

The Fifteen Promises of Mary to Christians Who Recite the Rosary

1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the Rosary shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the Rosary.

3. The Rosary shall be a powerful armor against Hell; it will destroy vice, decrease sin and defeat heresies. 

4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities and will lift them to the desire of eternal things.  Oh, that soul would sanctify themselves by this means!

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the Rosary shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall recite the Rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred Mysteries, shall never be conquered by misfortune.  God will not chastise him in His justice; he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just, he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the Rosary shall not die without the Sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the Rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plenitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in Paradise.

9. Those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities. 

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the Rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death. [COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS]. 

14. All who recite the Rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only Son, Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion to my Rosary is a great sign of Predestination. [DESTINY/ PURPOSE]. 

"There are no sufferings that cannot be borne peacefully, so long as a soul is praying the Rosary. Through the Rosary, all the grace and power of My mysteries passes through My Mother’s Immaculate Heart into the hearts of the little ones who invoke her, repeating the angel’s “Ave” over and over again. 

There are illnesses that can be cured through the Rosary. There are clouds of darkness and confusion that only the Rosary can disperse, and this because it is My Mother’s favourite prayer, a prayer that originated in the heights of heaven and was carried to earth by My Archangel, a prayer echoed and amplified in the Church through the ages, a prayer loved by all My saints, a prayer of disarming power and of immense depth." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, December 2, 2014).

🙏🌹❤️

"As for you, dear son of mine, persevere in praying to me. Hold fast to my Rosary and beware of every ploy of the Evil One to separate you from it. My Rosary is your safeguard and your weapon in the fight against the forces of evil. At the same time, for you it is a remedy and a comfort. Do you not see how the Rosary has stabilized you? Do you not experience its healing and all its benefits? Pray my Rosary and teach others to do the same." (IN SINU JESU).

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

END

Revised July 25, 2025.

MEMORIAL OF SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.

THE MEMORIAL OF SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE, PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS.

“Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds.

“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field.

"While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.

"When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. 

"The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’

"He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’

"His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 

"He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.

"Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13: 24 - 30).

Saturday July 26th in the 16th week in Ordinary Time 

 is the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is what the Church says about Anne and Joachim:

"It was in the house of Joachim and Anne that the Virgin Mary received her training to be the Mother of God. Thus, devotion to Anne and Joachim is an extension of the affection Christians have always shown toward our Blessed Mother. We, too, owe a debt of gratitude to our parents for their help in our Christain formation." (Roman Missal).

"I came to you today as the little grandchild of Joachim and Anna. Tell Me that you are happy to have Me in this house, and invite Me to rule over your heart and in your life." (IN SINU JESU page 239).

The Lord Jesus proposes a parable of the weeds growing with the wheat. The night before He died, Jesus prayed that His disciples would remain one as the Father and Himself remains one. This was not to be, because in every age, there arise enemies who who sow tares in the Church.

 These enemies will not succeed in disrupting the marvelous work wrought by God's mighty, merciful Providence which is very mysterious in its operations. 

This parable and the Genealogy of Jesus Christ shout that God is not a fool. He knows what He is doing. No apostasy can stop His design for the world He created and loves dearly. 

"The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’  He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’  He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.  Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matthew 13: 27 - 30).

Summary: It is the plan of God that the weeds will live side by side with the wheat till the end of the world.

“Gather my loyal ones to me, those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psalm 50: 5).

July is the Month dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

"O precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price paid for the redemption of sinful mankind. O Divine Blood, drink and laver of our souls, standing between us and the Father pleading mercy, Have mercy on us."

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

THE FEAST OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE.

THE FEAST OF ST JAMES THE APOSTLE.

"The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. 

"He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.”

"Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”

"They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

"When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers.

"But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you.

"Rather, ­whoever ­wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20: 20 - 28).

Friday July 25th 2025 in the 16th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St James, Apostle.

James and John are sons of Zebedee, both fishermen. They left their nets and followed Jesus when He called them from their fishing occupation. Peter, James and John belong to the inner circle of the group of Apostles.

James was known as the Elder or Greater to differentiate him from his fellow Apostle called James. James was one of the Apostles with Peter and John who witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain and the Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
James was condemned to death under King Agrippa I and beheaded around 44 AD.


In the today's Gospel, to the request of Salome, the Mother of James and John that Jesus makes James Prime Minister and John Foreign Minister in His kingdom, Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”
I like the fact that Salome understands that the word of God is a Command. It accomplishes everything it is sent to. 

Often we do not know what we ask  from God. But to the credit of James and John, they indicated that they were ready to die for Jesus. James was beheaded by King Aggrippa in 44 AD.

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

“I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.”  ( St Ignatius of Antioch).

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