MEMORIAL OF ST MAXIMILIAN MARY KOLBE OFM, PRIEST AND MARTYR.

MEMORIAL OF ST MAXIMILIAN MARY KOLBE OFM, PRIEST AND MARTYR. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

 Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. 

That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.

When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount.

 Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in ­payment of the debt.

 At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 

Moved with compassion the ­master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.

 When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. 

He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’

Falling to his knees, his ­fellow servant begged him,

 ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’

 But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. 

Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and ­reported the whole affair.

 His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to.

 Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ 

Then in anger his master handed him 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.”

When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan." (Matthew 18: 21 - 19: 1).

Thursday 14th August 2025 in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of St Maximilian Mary Kolbe OFM, Priest and Martyr. 

Maximilian Kolbe, OFM.

 (1894 - 1941), Polish. Priest and Martyr. 

Maximilian is known for his profound love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He founded the "City of the Immaculate." (Immaculata). An avid evangelizer, he used the press and the written word to propagate the Gospel. He was a missionary in Japan. 

Arrested by the Gestapo in Poland, Kolbe was sent to Auschwitz. St Maximilian took the place of a young father who was condemned for execution by the Gestapo. St Maximilian exhibited a greater love for his co-prisoner who cried about his wife and children who would miss him. The Gestapo executed St Maximilian Kolbe and made him a martyr.

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 again in today's Gospel 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 person is hard. Really? 

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.

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

FEAST OF SAINTS PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS, MARTYRS.

FEAST OF SAINTS PONTIAN AND HIPPOLYTUS, MARTYRS. 

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.

"If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 

"If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. 

"If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. 

"Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

"Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. 

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18: 15 - 20).

Wednesday 13th August 2025 in the 19th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, Martyrs.

 Saints Pontian, Pope and Hippolytus, anti Pope (priest). St Pontian was elected Pope in 230 and St Hippolytus challenged him and set up himself as a rival.

By a mysterious design of Divine Providence, both waring clerics found themselves in the the same prison at the same time. They reconciled and were martyred together under the Emperor Maximinus Thrax. (+ 235).

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

A reflection on the Gospel of today from Matthew 18: 15 - 20.

Jesus Christ founded a Church with broad powers and especially the power to forgive sins. "Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

It is in the ministry of Prayer and Reconciliation that we see priveleges that Jesus entrusted to His Church. 

"Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father."

Let us have confidence in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church because it is the Custodian of the immense graces and privileges Jesus Christ bequeathed to humanity.

Mary the Virgin under her  title of Immaculate Heart is honored in August. 

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

THE FEAST OF ST JANE DE CHANTAL, RELIGIOUS FOUNDRESS.

THE FEAST OF ST JANE DE CHANTAL, RELIGIOUS FOUNDRESS. 

THE GOSPEL:

"The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.

What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?

 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ­ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” (Matthew 18: 1 - 5, 10, 12 - 14).

Tuesday August 12th 2025. 

St Jane Frances de CHANTAL was French. She lived between 1572 and 1641. Religious. 

At the age of 20, Jane married a noble man, Baron de Chantal. After her husband died, Jane settled her children and embraced the ideals of religious life: chastity and poverty. 

Jane cofounded the Order of the Visitation with St Francis de Sales (Bishop and Doctor of the Church).

Jane Frances left Behind a large quantity of letters between her and St Francis de Sales that offer great insight on spiritual direction.

In the Gospel, Jesus praises the humility of a little child.

What is humility?

Just like love, humility is patient and kind.  Humility is not jealous, conceited or proud. It does not keep a record of wrongs. In short, humility is love.

The little child is the face of innocence in whom the Holy Spirit likes to dwell and play. The little child manifests the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Aim to become like a little child and the Kingdom of God will be yours and all the rest as well.

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 CLAIRE OF ASSISI, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST CLAIRE, VIRGIN AND FOUNDRESS. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them,

 

“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.

"When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?”

“Yes,” he said.

When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him,

“What is your opinion, Simon?

From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax? From their subjects or from foreigners?”

When he said, “From foreigners,”

"Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up.

Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.” (Matthew 17: 22 - 27).

Monday 11th August 2025 of the 19th week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Clare. (1193 - 1253). Italian.

At 18, Clare was not only beautiful but her parents were very wealthy. She gave up everything to follow the original Little One, Jesus Christ our Savior. Imitating St Francis of Assisi, the little poor man of Assisi, Clare embraced radical poverty. She founded the Poor Clares and modeled its constitution from what she learned from St Francis of Assisi. The Poor Clares continue to serve the Church today.

I know one Poor Clare Nun, who made a great contribution to the world. Mother Angelica (+ 2016). She founded EWTN which is the only global Catholic Television Network in the world. For me, Mother Angelica is a saint. She prayed and worked. She suffered persecution from inside and outside the Church. She experienced much ill health most of her life. She remained a Poor Clare all her life. "Santo Subito!"

There are two tracks in today's Gospel:

#1. How did Jesus handle tax matters?

#2. How did Jesus handle money?

The first is easy. Jesus paid His taxes.

Throughout His ministry, there is no single incident where we see Jesus handling money directly. Jesus and the Twelve had a bursar who was charged with keeping the donations and buying the necessities for the Group. Jesus seemed to have a disdain for money. He called money  dishonest wealth and the Bible calls it filthy lucre.

Money taints and corrupts everything it touches.

When Jesus sent His disciples to evangelize, He discouraged them from carrying large amounts of cash.

Trust completely in the mighty and merciful Providence of God to provide all your needs.

When the Temple Tax collectors challenged Jesus over tax, Jesus and the Twelve probably had no money in their purse.

Not wanting to delay the payment of the Temple tax, Jesus did an interesting thing.

"But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax.

Give that to them for me and for you.”

Jesus knew precisely where the fish with the golden coin in its mouth would be hiding.

In our work for the Gospel, we trust in the mighty and merciful Providence of Jesus, to provide our necessities.

August is dedicated to honoring 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

WATCH AND PRAY.

WATCH AND PRAY. 

Watch and Pray is the only way to wait for the Lord.

THE GOSPEL:

"Jesus said to his disciples: [“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.]

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. 

Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival.

Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 

And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. 

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

[Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 

And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time?

Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 

Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property.

But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 

That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely;

and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly.

Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”] (Luke 12: 32 - 48).

Sunday August 10th in the 19th week in Ordinary Time.

Today's message invites personal application. Are you waiting for something big to happen in your life? An answer to prayer for example. How do you know when God will deliver the answer? The Church answers the question thus:

"In prayer the disciple keeps watch, attentive to Him Who Is and Him Who Comes...... In communion with their Master, the disciples' prayer is a battle; only by keeping watch in prayer can one avoid falling into temptation." (CCC 2612).

When you keep watch in prayer, you will know the appointed time, the fullness of time. When you do not keep watch in prayer, you will fall into a dreadful sleep and temptation and see your bus speed by while you are not paying attention. In the 1st Reading, we are told:

"The night of the Passover was known before hand to our forefathers." (Wisdom 18: 6). How did our ancestors in the faith know that "THIS IS THE HOUR. THIS IS THE NIGHT?" Because they were told by the word of God through the ministry of Moses and Aaron. If you keep watch in prayer, God will be pleased to give you the privilege of knowing that the appointed time has come.

Live in hope. Rejoice in hope. God Never Fails!

August is dedicated to honoring 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

THE FEAST OF ST BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS, O'CARM.

FEAST OF ST BENEDICTA OF THE CROSS, OCARM. 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him,

and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. 

I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 

Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and ­perverse ­generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you?

Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus ­rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. 

Then the ­disciples ­approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?”

He said to them, “Because of your ­little faith.

Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. 

Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17: 14 - 20).

Saturday 9th August 2025 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. O'Carm.  (1891 - 1942). Virgin & Martyr. Polish.

Teresa was born Edith Stein of Jewish parents and converted to the Church after reading the books of St Teresa of Avila. 

Some years after her conversion to the Catholic Church, she followed St Teresa of Avila into the Carmelite Order.

Edith Stein was a well established philosopher in the universities in Germany.  The Gestapo arrested her on August 2nd 1942 and sent her to Auschwitz where she died in the gas chambers on August 9th.

August is dedicated to honoring 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

THE MEMORIAL OF ST DOMINIC OP, FOUNDER OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS (DOMINICANS).

THE MEMORIAL OF ST DOMINIC OP, FOUNDER OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS (DOMINICANS). 

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.” (Matthew16: 24 - 28).

Friday August 8th 2025 is the Memorial of St Dominic. Born August 8th, 1170. Died August 6th 1221. Priest. Spanish. St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers, popularly known as Dominicans.

The Dominicans fought and marginalized the Albigensian heresy in France. The Blessed Virgin Mary gave Dominic the Holy Rosary as a potent weapon in the fight against all heresies.

The Holy Rosary with its mysteries is the Whole of the Gospel and it is considered a nuclear weapon against heresies.

Think about this: The Dominican order has served the Church for some 800 years. The Dominicans promote the study of Sacred Scripture and the Holy Rosary.

Our Gospel this Friday is one of the greatest. Understand and embrace the message and you will understand the whole message and meaning of Christianity. Embrace the message and you will be happy forever.

We labor and are burdened in life over: Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools, Food, Future issues.  As the catechumens are advised in the Rite of Acceptance, the Cross of Christ is the only answer.   

Jesus laid down the grim cost of discipleship:

#1 Take up your cross and follow me. Your cross are the trials that you can't escape: health, joblessness, poverty, etc.

#2 Be prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice with your life if it becomes necessary. "For whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

As the God-Man filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, Jesus knew that no one will respond to His challenge unless the bait is bigger than the sacrifice. And it is.

Here is what Jesus promises:

1. The Holy Spirit is promised with His gifts and fruits.

2. The Presence of Jesus is always with the disciple.

3. Peace, comfort and joy, courage, contentment are always there on tap.

These are real and substantial benefits.  Think of this for a moment: How did so many Christians made up of mature men and women, boys and girls, princesses and peasants, clerics and lay faithful chose to give up their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ? Because they knew and believed that there is a better life waiting for them.

The saints who took up the challenges of discipleship believed Jesus. Do you believe Jesus?

"For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct." (Matthew 16: 27).

I believe that Jesus has designed a yoke for each of us that fits each perfectly and the burden we are given to carry from day by day is light. 

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

“He wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. I promise salvation to those who embrace it and these souls will be loved by God, like flowers placed by me to adorn His throne....My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” (Words of Our Lady of Fatima to Sr. Lucia). 

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 

THE FEAST OF SAINTS SIXTUS II & COMPANION MARTYRS & ST CAJETAN, PRIEST.

THE FEAST OF ST SIXTUS II AND HIS COMPANION MARTYRS AND ST CAJETAN. 

"Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and 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.” 

Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,

“God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” (Matthew 16: 13 - 23). 

Thursday August 7th 2025 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr. (+ 258), and his companion martyrs. Also the feast of St Cajetan, Priest.   

Pope Sixtus with four of his deacons were arrested at the Altar while celebrating Mass and beheaded at the order of Emperor Valerian. 

St Cajetan, Priest and Founder of the Theatines was born in 1480 and died in 1547. He was canonized by Pope Clement X. 

St Cajetan was very dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary who bestowed upon him many favors. Called a "Saint" from his childhood, he never slackened in his desire for holiness. 

To renew the lives of the Clergy, St Cajetan formed the Congregation of Clerks Regular, known as the Theatines. Cajetan was the first to introduce the Forty Hours' Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as an antidote to the heresy of Calvinism.

Our key Scripture for today asks a point blank question:

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16: 13).

The mystery of Jesus. 

Who is He? 

Whence did He come? 

Why did He come? 

These and similar questions exercised the minds of the disciples of Jesus and the Jewish leaders who watched with amazement the ministry of Jesus Christ.  The time has come at last to confront these questions.  Jesus took the initiative and asked His disciples. 

"They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”  (Matthew 16: 14).

Jesus apparently not satisfied with generalities asked pointedly:

“But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  (Matthew 16: 15 - 16).

Then Jesus revealed an astonishing truth:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father."  (Matthew 16: 17).

Many people in the Church today have stopped believing.  The honest ones are those who have stopped coming to Church.  There is a phenomenal problem of faith in the world today.  Jesus is saying in Matthew 16: 17 that faith is a gift of God.  Those who have stopped praying and practicing their faith may be losing their faith.

 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."  (Matthew 7: 7 NLT).

Lord Jesus, You are my Lord and God, my Savior and Redeemer. You are my best Friend and constant Companion. Grant me the grace to grow to know You more every day, to love You more and to serve You more. Amen. 

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

“He wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. I promise salvation to those who embrace it and these souls will be loved by God, like flowers placed by me to adorn His throne....My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” (Words of Our Lady of Fatima to Sr. Lucia). 

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 

THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD.

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD. 

"Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray.

While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white.

And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusa­lem. 

Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men ­standing with him.

As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 

But he did not know what he was saying.

While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a ­shadow over them, and they became frightened when they ­entered the cloud. 

Then from the cloud came a voice that said, 

“This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”

After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen." (Luke 9: 28 - 36).

Wednesday August 6th 2025 in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. 

What is the Transfiguration?

"In the presence of Peter, James and John, witnesses chosen by Him, Jesus' face and clothing became dazzling with light. Moses and Elijah were present conversing with Jesus. The voice of the Father was heard testifying "This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him."

Why is the Transfiguration such an important event?

#1 There were three eye witnesses to the testimony of the Father to Jesus as the beloved Son of God.

#2 The Transfiguration confirms the testimony of Moses and Elijah. [the Law and the Prophet].

#3. The Event shows clearly the divinity of Jesus as God.

#4 The Transfiguration reveals the future of mankind. We shall be like Jesus at the Resurrection.

#5 We note the command of the Father in the Transfiguration to listen to Jesus as the Father's anointed Messenger.

These three witnesses of the Transfiguration: Peter, James and John were to become witnesses to the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. They bore witness to these eye witness events with their lives. Our faith as Christians is built on solid foundation and not on "cleverly deviced myths." (2 Peter 1: 16 - 19)

The Transfiguration of Jesus gives us a foretaste of Christ's second coming when the Elect will be transformed and become like Jesus as He appeared in the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration prepares us for the great mystery of our own Resurrection.

Because of the Transfiguration, we see Christ as our hope. We also understand that the victory over death and sin will come via the Cross. 

 The Cross is the Means of Salvation, Redemption, Glorification and Eternal life. This is the gracious and mysterious will of the Father. This is the Full Truth of the Gospel. 

We honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary in August. 

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

Honor the Immaculate Heart of Mary this August. For devotions, prayers, litany and pray requests, click the link below:

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

THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF ST MARY MAJOR, THE MOTHER OF ALL CHURCHES.

THE FEAST OF THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF ST MARY MAJOR IN ROME. 

"Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. 

After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.

When it was evening he was there alone.

Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea.

When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. 

“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.

At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed."

(Matthew 14: 22 - 36)

This Basilica of St Mary Major was dedicated after the definition of the Dogma of Mary as the Mother of God in the Council of Ephesus in 431.  It was the oldest Marian Church in Rome and was consecrated by Pope Sixtus III about 435.

The great Church was later renamed as St Mary Major. Pope St John Paul II wrote that it is an objective truth that the Mother of God is the Mother of the Church. Ephesus hailed Mary as Theotokus, Mother of God. Vatican II acclaimed Mary as the Mother of the Church.

 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate 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 JOHN MARY VIANNEY, PATRON SAINT OF PRIESTS.

MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN MARY VIANNEY, PRIEST. 

"When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.

The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” 

He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” 

But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” 

Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” 

and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,

he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples,

who in turn gave them to the crowds. 

They all ate and were satisfied,

and they picked up the fragments left over—twelve wicker baskets full.

Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children. (Matthew 14: 13 - 21).

Monday 4th August 2025 in the 19th Week of Ordinary Time  is the Memorial day of the patron saint of parish priests, the Curé of Ars, St John Mary Vianney (1786 - 1859). French. 

 What do you expect from your parish priest? 

#1 Celebrate Mass with reverence and devotion.

#2 Always be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and be the face of the loving mercy of Jesus Christ.

#3 Assist the poor as best as they can.

#4. Be ready and available to assist you at the moment of death. 

St John of Vianney set an excellent example as a parish priest. The Church noticed and made him the Patron Saint of Parish Priests.

St John Vianney said à propos the role of the priests in the mystery of salvation:

"Without the priest, the passion and death of our Lord would be of no avail.... What use would be a house filled with gold, were there no one to open its door?” John opened the door to the merciful love of Jesus to sinners through the Sacrament of Reconciliation where he spent hours upon hours every day.

St John Mary Vianney came from the poor class. This did not make life easy for him in the seminary or initially in his priestly ministry. 

Our Scripture pick for today, reminds us of Eucharistic narrative where at the Last Supper:

Jesus Takes, Blesses, Breaks, Gives the Bread of life.

Is this sequence of actions accident or purposeful? 

The Church has interpreted the Feeding of the Crowd as type and shadow of the Eucharist which is the defining institution of the Kingdom to come. Note that it must have been this same sequence of actions that opened the eyes of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to recognize Jesus. (See Luke 24).

But what do we learn about the Eucharist from the feeding of the crowd?

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

You shall eat and be satisfied.

Nothing prefigures the Eucharist as closely as this Scripture from Isaiah:

"All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, buy grain and eat; Come, buy grain without money, wine and milk without cost! Why spend your money for what is not bread; your wages for what does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55: 1 - 2).

The Eucharist is the rich food and rich wine prefigured in Isaiah 55.

"You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste." (Wisdom 16: 20).

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