THE MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY.

MEMORIAL OF OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY. 

"DO NOT HAVE ANY ANXIETY ABOUT THE FUTURE. LEAVE EVERYTHING IN GOD'S HANDS. FOR HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU." (ST JOHN BAPTISTE DE LA SALLE).

Martha, why are you so anxious and distracted?

"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).

Tuesday October 7th 2025, Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

How do we choose the "better part" always and everywhere in life? 

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, Jesus. 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. St Ambrose taught: "We know the Heart of God through the Mouth of God." The Mouth of God is the Scriptures. 

This is what Scripture calls wisdom. Wisdom is the gift of choosing what God wants you to choose in every given situation.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is known as Lady under many titles: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, etc. 

 Our Lady of the Rosary celebrates Mary as a powerful intercessor using the instrument of the Rosary Prayer. 

It is obvious that we are in the arena of Spiritual Warfare constantly. If we are not, the Scriptures will not urge us again and again to be vigilant. The devil our enemy never sleeps. 

"The Rosary is the means by which I attach souls to myself. The Rosary assures souls of my presence and of my protection."  (IN SINU JESU). 

Yes. Protection in the spiritual warfare raging everywhere today in: families, work places, schools, offices, roads, etc.

We hear of demonic possessions and infestations. Do not take these happenings lightly. The Church does not ignore the many signs of the activities of evil spirits everywhere today. Neither should you.

 Jesus Christ speaking to one mystic says that the Holy Rosary is one of the most effective offensive and defensive tools against the Enemy of mankind.

Here is what the Church teaches about the Rosary:

"The Rosary is very pleasing to our Mother in heaven; she herself has recommended it.

 There are two elements of the Holy Rosary: meditation on its mysteries and vocal prayer. 

The Rosary surely reaches the motherly heart of Mary and moves her to obtain abundant graces for us." (Roman Missal).

Two recent popes, Pope St Paul VI and Pope St John Paul II have highly recommended the Rosary. 

Most saints since the 1500s have said the Rosary without fail.

"Your Rosary is like a ladder that you climb step by step, drawing you closer to our Lady, which means finding Christ. It is a devotion which leads us to Christ through Mary." (Pope St Paul VI, Marialis Cultus).

 Why a special month for the Holy Rosary? Because the Rosary is very important in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

FEAST OF ST BRUNO AND BLESSED MARIE-ROSE DUROCHER.

"WHO IS A GOOD SAMARITAN?

“There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”

He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. 

They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.

A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.

He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him.

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’

Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”

He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10: 25 - 37)"

Monday October 6th in the 27th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Bruno and Blessed Marie Rose Durocher. 

 St Bruno (1030 - 1101). Priest. German. Founder of the Carthusian Order.

Today is also the feast of Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher. (1811 - 1849) Virgin. Canadian. Founder of the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary. Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher helped establish the first Canadian parish solidarity for young women. She had a very busy life. 

A scholar of the law tests Jesus with a tricky question.  Our Master and Teacher answers the scholar.

Love of God and love of neighbor is clearly written in the Hebrew Scriptures.

“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10: 27).

Jesus tells the scholar the parable of the Good Samaritan and ends the story by asking the lawyer:

"Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”

He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus concludes by saying to the man: "Do this and you will live."

St James amplifies this in his letter:  "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2: 26).

An insight into what might be going on in the mind of the priest and the Levite is rendered thus:

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" (Martin Luther  King, JR).

Jesus ends what we call the Parable of the Good Samaritan by saying to the scholar of the law: Go and do as the Good Samaritan. Every person in need is our neighbor.

You may call this Parable a story of mercy.

What is mercy? From the Parable, we may say that mercy is when someone shows you pity in a moment of great need.

Be a good neighbor.

Allow someone to be a good neighbor to you. Jesus is always a good neighbor.

Our neighbor is every person in need.

Jesus gave us the Divine Mercy Devotion through St Maria Faustina to teach us that initiative of mercy starts from God.

This devotion is summarized through the ABC of Mercy:

A = Ask for mercy.

B = Be Merciful.

C = Completely trust Jesus for

mercy.

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary?

 Because the Rosary is a special Prayer that came down from heaven to the Church. St Dominic received the Holy Rosary on behalf of the Church. 

"The whole purpose of the Rosary is to lead to this deep experience of Our Lady, who together with Jesus breathes the Spirit into us."  (Thomas Keating).

Do you have this deep experience with Mary? 

Do you want this deep experience with Mary? 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

WAIT FOR THE LORD!

WAIT FOR THE LORD!

October 5th 2025. 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 

WAIT FOR THE LORD. My brothers and sisters, I say to you again: WAIT FOR THE LORD! 

THOSE WHO WAITED FOR 

St Anna, the Prophetess [waited till she was 84 years].

St Simeon, the old holy priest. 

Abraham & Sarah.

Elizabeth & Zachary.

Moses.

David

Daniel.

Mary."

All these people waited for the Lord. Their promises were delivered not a minute late. 

“YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD; I WILL EXULT IN THE VICTORIOUS GOD OF MY SALVATION!" (HABAKKUK 3: 18).

When you wait for the Lord, you will dance for joy! 

THE GOOD NEWS:

"How long, O LORD? I cry for help

but you do not listen!

I cry out to you, “Violence!”

but you do not Intervene. [Holy Land, Ukraine, Sudan]. 

Why do you let me see ruin; [Everywhere]. 

why must I look at misery? [Disease, Sin, Ignorance], 

Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. [Everywhere]. 

"Then the LORD answered me and said:

"Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily.

"For the vision still has its time,

presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.

"The rash one has no integrity;

but the just one, because of his faith, shall live." (Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4).

Sunday October 5th, 2025 in the 27th week in Ordinary Time.

What a feast of Sacred Scriptures we enjoy this Sunday.  Our first Reading from Habakkuk has remained one of my 10 Top Scriptures for a long time.

 When one need is fulfilled by God, a new need emerges.

Our God is the God of Divine Providence and not of Chance.

 The word Chance or Luck or Lottery is not found in the Sacred Scriptures.

In the first Reading today, God asks the Prophet Habakkuk to write down the answer to what He plans to do in the future. Every plan, vision of God is for its intended time. [Appointed Time]. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11).

Abraham and Sarah were promised a son. When this promise was fulfilled 25 years later, Sarah sang that it had pleased God to fulfill His promise at the time of His own choosing.

 Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist praised God for answering her prayers for a son at His chosen time.

In the fullness of time, the Angel Gabriel visited Mary of Nazareth and announced the birth of the Messiah.

Search throughout Sacred Scripture, you will not find anything  happening by haphazard. 

Our God is a Father of Divine Providence and not a god of Chance.

 Your future and your destiny have been planned with meticulous care.

 Your future does not belong to lottery or gambling.

 It is not from any chance that your comfort and happiness springs.

 Every joy, every good thing you enjoy in life comes from God's gracious ordaining. His Divine Providence. 

Thank You O Faithful Father. I have learned that You are a Father who keeps His promises.

 You asked me to write down my dream so that I do not forget it. I nearly forgot it but You reminded me and restored my dream. Thank You Father.

"Within your will, O Lord, all things are established, and there is none that can resist your will. For you have made all things, the heaven and the earth, and all that is held within the circle of heaven; you are the Lord of all." (Cf Esther 4: 17).

Read it again and again:

NO ONE, NOTHING CAN RESIST THE WILL OF GOD 

"The Rosary is the most beautiful and the most rich in graces of all prayers; it is the prayer that touches most the Heart of the Mother of God…and if you wish peace to reign in your homes, recite the family Rosary."  ( Pope Saint Pius X.)

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Mary Queen of the HOLY ROSARY, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

MEMORIAL OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, OFM AND FOUNDER.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI, OFM. DEACON AND FOUNDER. 

"The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.”

"Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power ‘to tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. 

"Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

"At that very moment he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said,

 “I give you praise, 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 who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Luke 10: 17 - 24).

Saturday October 4th is the Memorial of St Francis of Assisi, OFM. 

Saturday , 4th October 2025 in the 26th week in Ordinary Time is the great feast of St Francis of Assisi, the Little One.

"Francis, the man of God, left his home behind, abandoned his inheritance and became poor and penniless, but the Lord raised him up." (Entrance Antiphon on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi).

Who is St Francis of Assisi? (1182 - 1226). Italian. Deacon and Founder of the Order of Friars Minor, popularly known as the Franciscans. We Salute all our Franciscan friends all over the world who have labored in the Lord's Vineyard since the 1220s in all fields of the Apostolate. Persevere to the end and your reward will be huge.

Francis became famous for imitating closely the poverty of Jesus Christ in spirit and in deed. Holiness always attracts. After Francis was seized by Jesus and said Yes to the Lord, Francis soon attracted a group of like-minded young men who bound themselves together to live evangelical poverty, chastity and obedience. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Head of the Church has used simple men like Francis and the Franciscans to renew the Church which is ever in need of reform.

What comes to your mind when you hear of St Francis of Assisi in 2025?  Many people would think of a man of peace. "Lord, make me an instrument of peace..." Others will think of radical evangelical poverty... "The little poor man of Assisi." Both are salient attributes in the profile of this exceptionally gifted holy man. I want to mention too Francis' deep love of creation and care of the earth.  Most people that are aware of the impending disaster from Global Warming will know Francis of Assisi and his contribution to this topical debate.

Other pivotal figures raised up by Jesus for the renewal of the Church are:

Benedict, Clare, Dominic, Ignatius Loyola, Teresa of Avila, Teresa of Kolkata, etc.

Are you the next great Saint? You too can be a saint. You too can be an instrument of Peace. You too can be committed to preserving the beauty and goodness of the environment for future generations and become an apostle of Care for Creation and Safe Environment.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(Matthew 5: 3).

"We thank you for the beauty of creation: may the work of man not disfigure it, but enhance it to your greater glory."  Amen.

"For some time already, Our Lord has made me desire to have adoration on Thursday in thanksgiving for the Holy Eucharist, and also in thanksgiving for the mystery of the priesthood. After Mass, I made my confession to the chaplain of the monastery. He confirmed certain things having to do with the resistances to grace that I confessed. He directed me towards the saints, something that corresponds exactly to the strong attraction to the friendship of the saints that has always marked my life." (IN SINU JESU, Thursday, October 4, 2007 Saint Francis of Assisi).

From the Gospel of today, we note:

The jubilant disciples fresh from their practice teaching declared to Jesus: "The demons are subject to us because of your name."

This is what impressed most the student missionaries. Do you believe in demons?

Today, belief in demonic spirits seems to have gone out of fashion. Note that the heart of our faith are truths revealed by Sacred Scripture, embedded in Sacred Tradition and confirmed by the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium. So this truth about demonic spirits cannot be in fashion or out of fashion.

Here is what the Holy Church teaches about demons:

"Satan or the devil and the other demons are fallen angels who have freely refused to serve God and his plan. Their choice against God is definitive. They try to associate man in their revolt against God." (CCC 414).

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary?

 Because the Rosary is a special Prayer that came down from heaven to the Church. St Dominic received the Holy Rosary on behalf of the Church. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

 

HE WHO LISTENS TO YOU LISTENS TO ME.

HE WHO LISTENS TO YOU, LISTENS TO ME. 

"Jesus said to them, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 

"But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 13 - 16)."

Jesus says to all the 72 in today's Gospel:

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16).

Can we say that this pronouncement is one of the authoritative anchor for the Magisterium of the Catholic Church? 

Why do we believe in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church? 

Why do we believe in the Seven Sacraments? 

We believe because Jesus says to us:

"Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Luke 10: 16).

Based on the above word of God that can never fail, I declare confidently:

I believe that the Bible is the word of God.

I believe in the Sacraments of the Church.

I believe in all the Sacramentals of the Church.

I believe in Miracles.

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary?

 Because the Rosary is a special Prayer that came down from heaven to the Church. St Dominic received the Holy Rosary on behalf of the Church. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus on First Friday in October.

OCTOBER 3 - FIRST FRIDAY  IN  OCTOBER 2025. 

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

 Jesus promised through St Margaret Mary Alacoque 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month and receive Holy Communion. 

In the 10th month of the year 2025, we look at Promise #10. 

#10.  "I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts." 

Do not think: "I am not excited by this promise.  I am not a priest." 

We are all priests by virtue of our Baptism. We are priest, prince and prophet. 

Jesus Christ chose and ordained a tiny percentage of men to celebrate the Sacraments. 

 The first mission of the Church is evangelization.  As a Catholic Christian, you are an evangelist. 

Moreover, the first 3 Spiritual Works of Mercy instruct us:

#1. Instruct the ignorant. 

#2. Counsel the doubtful. 

#3. Admonish sinners. 

Jesus promises to give you power to touch the most hardened of sinners.

Sinners are everywhere. They could be in the family. They could be friends or neighbors.  Will you refuse the gift promised by the Sacred Heart of Jesus to equip you to help sinners? 

Moreover, you can apply the grace of this promise to any priest of your choice. 

"In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus Christ is really, truly and substantially present, with His Body and Blood, with His Soul and His Divinity. 

He is personally present, not by a mere sign or image, not in a spiritual manner only.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as expressly declared by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, is essentially the same as devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

It honors the Divine love of our Eucharistic God which revealed itself in His Passion and Death and continually reveals itself in the Holy Eucharist. 

Therefore, the Sacred Heart devotion is the most agreeable to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament."

(DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS by the Benedictine Sisters of Missouri). 

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

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.

Mary Queen of the HOLY ROSARY, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS. 

"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 humbles himself 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.” (Matthew 18: 1 - 5, 10).

Thursday 2nd October 2025, 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels.

Our Father God in His loving Providence has provided each of His children a Guardian Angel. Are you aware of this stupendous truth?

Fortunately for us, whether we are aware of our Guardian Angel that accompanies us on the journey of life or not, the Angel still performs all its duties lovingly for us. Our Guardian Angels report to God not to us.

Here is what the Church teaches about our Guardian Angels:

"Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life." Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united in God." (CCC 336).

Your Guardian Angel is a friend who protects you in danger and can direct your steps when you are lost.

 It shepherds you away from moral dangers and situations that can imperil your soul.

 When you have a warm and personal relationship with your Guardian Angel, you enjoy more privileges. Saints recommend praying to your Guardian Angel when you wake up in the morning and when you are ready to go to bed at night.

 I have prayed to my Guardian Angel ever since I learned my first prayers.

 I have enjoyed few close encounters with my Guardian Angel. 

As an active and adventurous boy, I know how many times my Friend and Guardian saved me from peril. Today I honor my Guardian Angel with a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

Angel of God my Guardian and dear Friend, thank you for your protection. Continue to enlighten and guard me till my last breath. Amen!

"Listen to the inspiration that I give you through your guardian angel, and you will prosper in all that you do." (IN SINU JESU, Saturday, February 19, 2011). 

Here is a Guardian Angel Prayer, you can use when you wake up in the morning and when you say your prayers before going to bed:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/10/guardian-angel-prayer.html?m=1

Why a special month for the Holy Rosary. Because the Rosary is a very powerful prayer. It is an important prayer in the life of the Church and in the life of individual Christian.

 You neglect the Rosary at your own cost. 

A FAMILY THAT PRAYS THE ROSARY TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER. 

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, pray for us. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF THE LITTLE FLOWER: ST THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS. THE LITTLE FLOWER. 

"As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

"Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

"And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.”

"But Jesus answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

"And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”

"Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 9: 57 - 62)."

Wednesday 1st October 2025 in 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the Memorial of the Little Flower, St Therese of the Child Jesus, also known as St Therese of Lisieux. (1873 - 1897). French Carmelite Nun.

 Pope Leo XIII granted Therese permission to enter Carmel at the age of 15 and she died at 24 in the Convent.

 In 1927, Therese was named the co-patron saint of the Mission. Pope John Paul II made Therese a Doctor of the Church in 1997.

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. God is 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.

Our Gospel today shows how Jesus handles applications for a spot in the group of His disciples. Each applicant is treated differently. But to each, Jesus says:

You must count carefully the cost of discipleship.  How far and how long are you prepared to follow Me? 

What will you do when the going becomes tough? 

 A prudent and faithful disciple must be prepared to follow Me always and everywhere to the End.

“What sort of servant, then, is faithful, wise enough for the master to place him over his household to give them their food at the proper time? Happy that servant if his master’s arrival finds him at his employment. I tell you solemnly, he will place him over everything he owns.” (Matthew 24: 45 – 48)

Faithfulness is key to Discipleship.

Pope St John Paul II writing on faithfulness teaches that: It is good to be faithful for one day, but

better to be faithful for ten years.

It is excellent and blessed to be faithful day after day to the end of Life Journey.

The Blessed Virgin Mary is called the most excellent and faithful disciple of Jesus. 

 She received the message of salvation from the Archangel Gabriel.

 She followed Jesus everywhere in His public ministry learning everything she could. 

She walked the Via Dolorosa with her Son to Calvary. 

 She received the body of her Son from the Cross from the Roman soldiers.

 She laid Him in the tomb and witnessed the sealing of the tomb. This is examplary faithfulness. From womb to tomb.

A disciple of Jesus must be prepared to give all.

October is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary.

 Resolve to learn all you can about the Holy Rosary these 31 days of October and beyond.

 A principle of Epistemology teaches that if you want to love someone or something, learn all you can about the person or thing. Saints become saints because they learn the most about Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church, Salvation, etc. 

"The Rosary is very pleasing to our Mother in heaven; she herself has recommended it.

 There are two elements of the Holy Rosary: meditation on its mysteries and vocal prayer. The Rosary surely reaches the motherly heart of Mary and moves her to obtain abundant graces for us." (Roman Missal). 

"The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."

- (Saint Louis Marie de Montfort)

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

MEMORIAL OF ST JEROME, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

MEMORIAL OF ST JEROME, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH. 

Jerusalem is our destination. 

THE GOSPEL:

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

"On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 

"When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”

"Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village." (Luke 9: 51 - 56)."

Tuesday 30th September 2025 in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Jerome (342 - 420). 

St Jerome was from Dalmatia in former Yugoslavia. He was a priest and Doctor of the Church. 

Jerome translated the Bible into the Latin Vulgate, which became the official version of the Bible for the Church for over 1000 years.

I am delighted by these quotes from St Jerome:

+  "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."

+ "As often as the world’s vain ambition delights you, as often as you see in mundane affairs something that vaunts itself, transport yourself in your thoughts to paradise: begin to be what you shall be. And you shall hear from your Bridegroom: Put me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm."

"GOOD, BETTER, BEST. NEVER LET IT REST. 'TIL YOUR GOOD IS BETTER AND YOUR BETTER IS BEST." 

"Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night:

he will yield his fruit in due season." (Cf Psalm 1: 1 - 2. Entrance Antiphon on the Feast of St Jerome).

Lord, help us to follow the example of St Jerome in reflecting on Your word day and night. May Your word prepare us to offer You a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving always and everywhere. Amen.

Our key Scripture for today reinforces the lesson I learned as a door to door salesman.

 A good salesman does not force himself or his product on people. Make the best presentation and product demonstration you are able to. At the end, if the prospect says no, move on to the next prospect.

I have found sometimes that the next prospect might actually be very happy to make a purchase. It was a very hard lesson for me to get. I took No as a personal rejection like James and John in today's Gospel.

 Jesus taught His disciples that the field of Evangelization is very wide. He shares His way of winning souls below:

"My way is one of gentleness, of mercy, and of compassion. I offer My Cross to souls, but I never impose it, and when a soul begins to say “Yes” to the sweet and terrible exigencies of My love, I fit My Cross to her shoulders, and then help her to carry it step by step, increasing its weight only as that soul grows in love and in the fortitude that comes from the Holy Spirit." (IN SINU JESU, September 23, 2011, Feast of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina).

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary.

Tomorrow September 30th is the last day of the devotion to the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. 

October is the Month of the Most Holy Rosary. The Holy Rosary is the greatest magnet of grace and favors outside the Most Holy Eucharist, the Mass. Be prepared for a holy adventure this October. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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 GREAT FEAST OF THE ARCHANGELS: MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL.

FEAST OF SAINTS MICHAEL, RAPHAEL & GABRIEL: ARCHANGELS. 

"THE BATTLE AGAINST THE DEVIL, WHICH IS THE PRINCIPAL TASK OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL, IS STILL BEING FOUGHT TODAY, BECAUSE THE DEVIL IS STILL ALIVE AND ACTIVE IN THE WORLD."  (POPE ST JOHN PAUL II).

THE GOOD NEWS:

"Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

"Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”

"Nathanael ­answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”

"And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1: 47 - 51).

Monday 29th September 2025 in the 26th Week in Ordinary Time is the great feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

Angels are mentioned many times in the Hebrew Scriptures.

 Jesus' encounter with Nathanael (Bartholomew) in the Gospel of today confirms the existence of angels. A fact that is known in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Here is the meaning of the names of the Archangels:

Micha-El: Who is like God?

Gabri-El: God’s strength” or “Power of God”

Rapha-El: “God heals”

El means God.

By the ministry of the angels, our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving come before the presence of Almighty God. 

The Archangel Michael is assigned to guard the Church. ( Cf Daniel 12: 1). 

Pope Leo XIII who had a vision of this in the Sanctuary of his Church composed the Prayer to St Michael which became an inspired and principal prayer in spiritual warfare.

 Many Catholics say this prayer daily.

United with the angels, we will conquer the Great Deceiver by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. (Cf Revelations 12: 7 - 12).

How do we enter into personal relationship with the angels? Exactly the same way we enter into relationship with our patron saints. 

We honor the saints by praying to them, asking them favors and their protection.

 We celebrate their feast as we do this day. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Saints says that when we honor the saints and angels, we glorify Him.

 Besides the three Archangels we honor today, each human being is assigned a Guardian Angel when he is created. We celebrate the feast of the Guardian Angels on October 2nd.

Click the link below for the St Michael the Archangel Prayer:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/09/st-michael-archangel-prayer.html?m=1

In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. 

Mary knows what we are going through. Mary is willing and able to help us in our crises. 

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us  mercies from her Son Jesus. 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful 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