THIS IS JESUS - THE LAMB OF GOD.

JESUS, THE SPIRIT, JOHN THE BAPTIST. 

The Holy Spirit came and rested on Jesus. That is the Sign. The fullness of time is here. 

"John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

 He is the one of whom I said, 

‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ 

I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” 

"John testified further, saying, 

“I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.

 I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me,

 ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 

 Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” (John 1: 29 - 34).

Sunday January 18TH in the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time.

In the Gospel of this Sunday, three personalities in salvation history are presented to us.

St John the Baptist whose mission is to prepare the people for the coming of Christ at the appointed time.

 John fulfilled this mission through calling the people to repentance and a return to the ways of the Lord.

 The symbol of that metanoi is acceptance of the water Baptism.

In the fullness of time, Jesus appeared in the River Jordan and asked to be baptized by John.

 John recognized who Jesus is and protested that he is not worthy to administer Baptism to JESUS. 

Don’t worry Johnny. Go ahead and baptize. 

The Father's providential plan must be adhered to.

After the Baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit confirms that Jesus is truly the Son of God, the expected Messiah.

 "On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

The Holy Spirit Baptism is what makes the sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, priests, princes and prophets. 

From this Baptism, we receive our vocation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit to live out this vocation. 

As we are led by the Spirit, we start to manifest the fruits of the Spirit.

 People notice the transformation in us and desire what we have.

The Mission and the Goal of the Church is Evangelization.

 The Holy Spirit is the Source and power of Evangelization.

Come Holy Spirit and fill the hearts of Your faithful. Kindle in us the fire of Your divine love.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of  the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE MEMORIAL OF ST ANTHONY THE ABBOT.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST  ANTHONY THE ABBOT. 

The Choice, Call and Anointing of St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is a good example in the workings of Divine Providence and the subject of our reflection today. 

"Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. 

"As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus.

"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.

"Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mark 2: 13 - 17).

Saturday 17 January 2026 of the 1st Week in Ordinary TIME. Today is the Memorial of St Anthony, Abbott. 

The Pharisees were scandalized to see Jesus in table fellowship with a large group of sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes. The Pharisees not known to hold back their judgment on moral failure were quick to pass judgment and condemn Jesus. 

There are a number of teaching points in this situation, but let us  consider the workings of Divine Providence in this story. 

Our life in Christ is never about what we do or are doing at any time. It is about what Jesus is doing in us. You are where you are because this is exactly where God wants you to be. There are no accidents in life. Everything is Divine Providence. 

Jesus has a Divine Appointment with Levi and who is also called Matthew in today's Gospel. 

Our Gospel of today is the Choice and Call of Matthew. 

"As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus."  

Jesust chose and called Matthew. The initiative and action is Always by Jesus. 

This is Divine Providence in action.

Jesus has shown and said that He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. He knows who we are and the stuff of which we are made.

 Remember the Genealogy of Jesus Christ Son of David? That's the whole point. He came to redeem and save His kith and kin.

If Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother and sister. Do not be ashamed to call Him your Lord.

I live by the promises of Jesus. Jesus expects me to trust His Promises, His Providence, Plan, Purpose, Design, Blueprint for my life.  I am learning to do this one event, one place at a time. It is an exciting learning experience. St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and Recorder aid us with your intercession. 

St Anthony the Abbot pray for us? 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“Faith in Jesus and in the power of His Holy Name is the greatest spiritual force in the world today.... " (Blessed Henry Suso - 1290 to 1365).

For the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

JESUS IS GOD AND THEREFORE CAN FORGIVE SINS.

WHO HAS POWER TO FORGIVE SINS? 

A Bishop, but A Cardinal?

NO! ONLY GOD. 

THE GOODNEWS:

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. 

Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. 

"They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 

Unable to get near to Jesus because of the crowd,

 they opened up the roof above him. 

After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.

"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.”

"Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way?

 He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”

"Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, 

so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?

 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

"But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth”—

he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”

"He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone.

 They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” (Mark 2: 1 - 12).

Friday 16th January 2026 in the First Week in Ordinary Time. 

How do you reckon with sin?

"She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Mary's Son will be named Jesus (Yeshua, that is Savior) because He will save His people [us] from sin.

In our key Scripture for today, we see Jesus answer the challenge of the lawyers as to His power to forgive sin.

 The background of the story is the crippled man lowered from the ceiling to the presence of Jesus.

 Jesus could have commanded the man to stand up and go home. 

But instead He said: “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2: 5).

Why did Jesus do this? Perhaps to teach that there is a connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

The doctors of the law who challenged Jesus believe that the authority to forgive sins belongs to God alone. They were right. But Jesus is God. Jesus answered them by saying: I will prove to you that as Messiah, I can forgive sins by healing this crippled man.

 “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”  He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone." (Mark 2: 11 - 12).

Jesus dealt first with the root and source of illness.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you." Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23). 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

Some churches have problem about confessing our sins to a priest. 

Let us pray for the grace to learn the truths of our faith and express it in gentleness and works of charity.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

The Name as Medicine (Healing)

Bernard asks, "Is anyone among you sad? Let Jesus come into his heart, and from there leap to his tongue." The Name is the "Extraordinary Remedy" for the "extraordinary needs" of 2026.

 It has the power to:

  Check the Mystery of Iniquity: It puts the "Antichrist" spirit to flight."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

He writes, "All food is dry if it is not seasoned with this oil." Without the Name of Jesus, all intellectual study." (St Bernard of Clairvaux). 

For the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

🙏🙏🙏🙏

Friday 16th January 2026 in the First Week in Ordinary Time. 

How do you reckon with sin?

"She [Mary] will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Mary's Son will be named Jesus (Yeshua, that is Savior) because He will save His people [us] from sin.

In our key Scripture for today, we see Jesus answer the challenge of the lawyers as to His power to forgive sin.

 The background of the story is the crippled man lowered from the ceiling to the presence of Jesus.

 Jesus could have commanded the man to stand up and go home. 

But instead He said: “Child, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2: 5).

Why did Jesus do this? Perhaps to teach that there is a connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

The doctors of the law who challenged Jesus believe that the authority to forgive sins belongs to God alone. They were right. But Jesus is God. Jesus answered them by saying: I will prove to you that as Messiah, I can forgive sins by healing this crippled man.

 “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.”  He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone." (Mark 2: 11 - 12).

Jesus dealt first with the root and source of illness.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you." Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23). 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

Some churches have problem about confessing our sins to a priest. 

Let us pray for the grace to learn the truths of our faith and express it in gentleness and works of charity.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

The Name as Medicine (Healing)

Bernard asks, "Is anyone among you sad? Let Jesus come into his heart, and from there leap to his tongue." The Name is the "Extraordinary Remedy" 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

He writes, "All food is dry if it is not seasoned with this oil." Without the Name of Jesus, all intellectual study." (St Bernard of Clairvaux). 

Jesus dealt first with the root and source of illness.  The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world knows more than anyone the intricate connection between Sin, Suffering and Salvation.

Every Sunday, we repeat in the Creed:

"I believe in the forgiveness of sins."

There is no salvation without the elimination of sin. Sin is the one cancer that blocks the benefits of salvation in our lives. 

When Jesus appeared to His disciples in the Upper Room after His Resurrection, He first said to them: "Peace be with you." Then He said: "Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20: 23). 

Thus Jesus gave us the great gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also called Confession or Penance.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

The Name as Medicine (Healing)

Bernard asks, "Is anyone among you sad? Let Jesus come into his heart, and from there leap to his tongue." The Name is the "Extraordinary Remedy" for the "extraordinary needs" of 2026.

 It has the power to:

  Check the Mystery of Iniquity: It puts the "Antichrist" spirit to flight."

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name  the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

WITH JUST ONE WORD, JESUS HEALED THE LEPER.

I HEAL ALL WHO COME TO ME. 

I do will it. Be made clean. 

"A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,

 “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “

I do will it. 

Be made clean.”

 The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. 

Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. 

He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere." (Mark 1: 40 - 45).

Thursday January 15th 2026 in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time. 

Our reflection is from this beautiful words of Jesus:

"I do will it. Be made clean."

With these words, Jesus healed the leper and restored him to wholesomeness. One word by the Son of God.!

Jesus said to the Paralytic: "Son your sins are forgiven." 

The Pharisees were scandalized and reproached Jesus in their hearts. 

Jesus is willing to heal anyone who approached Him on Faith and Humility.

Do you believe in the power of the Holy Name of Jesus?

THE Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus every January.

“The Name as Food (Nourishment)

He writes, "All food is dry if it is not seasoned with this oil." Without the Name of Jesus, all intellectual study." (St Bernard of Clairvaux). 

Click the Litany of t the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE CALL OF THE APOSTLES.

FISHERS OF MEN. 

THE GOODNEWS:

" Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,  and saying,

 "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand;

 repent, and believe in the gospel."

  And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen.

  And Jesus said to them, 

"Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."

  And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 

And immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, AND they left their father Zebedee in the boat and followed him. 

(Mak 1: 14 - 20). 

In the Gospel of today, the very first word Jesus uttered in the mission field of Galilee is very important and significant:

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

"The time of fulfillment" or the fullness of time will be sure to catch the attention of any religious Jew. This is why. Every prophecy comes to birth in the fullness of time. 

Does the proclamation of Jesus in today's Gospel has the same urgency for us now as the audience of Jesus in the first century AD? Absolutely sure. 

In the Letter to the Hebrews, we read: "Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart."

In the fullness of time, Jesus came to Galilee and called four of His first disciples. They heard the Call and left everything and followed Jesus at once. Because it is the fullness of time.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.”

(St John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

ABBA FATHER IS MERCIFUL A GENEROUS GIVER.

GOD OUR FATHER - THE LIBERAL GIVER

THE GOODNEWS:

"Beloved: We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And his commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as he commanded us." (1 John 3: 22 - 23).

Monday 4th January 2021, in the Season of Christmas. 

Our key Scripture for today from 1 John 5: 14 - 21 reinforces my deep trust in Prayer.

I believe in Prayer.

I believe in the word of God.

I believe in Miracle.

I leave the rest to God.

God promises us:

"We receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him."

My God, I desire to receive from You all the good things in life You have for me. If the price is doing what pleases You and keeping Your commandments, I am for it.

 Give me Your grace and mercy for I cannot live without them.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

St. Bernard of Clairvaux:

"The sweet Name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills us with sublime sentiments, and prompts great acts of love and reparation." 

St. Alphonsus Liguori

"The Holy Name of Jesus is a vessel of divine grace that heals our souls, drives away temptations, and opens heaven's gates."

Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

JESUS TOUCHED THE LEPER AND HEALED HIM.

YES, I WILL TO HEAL YOU.

THE GOSPEL:

"It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate,

 pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 

Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

 And the leprosy left him immediately.

 Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 

The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray." (Luke 5: 12 - 16). 

Friday 9th January 2026, Friday After Epiphany in the Season of Christmas.

In our Gospel Reading today, (Luke 5: 12 - 16), we learn of a man "full of leprosy", a disease as dreaded in the days of Jesus as cancer is today. But there is one important difference.

 Cancer does not carry any social stigma as leprosy. The leper was driven out of the society, forbidden to mix with people and not allowed to take part in synagogue worship. Life was hell on earth for the leper. The leper in today's Gospel by an act of Divine Providence heard about Jesus and His miracles. He believed what he heard.

 Faith is an active step towards a desired goal. 

The leper tracked Jesus down.

 Consider how he won the heart of Jesus:

#1. He prostrated himself. Posture of prayer.

#2. He said to Jesus: "If you wish.." This could mean: I want to be healed badly but I respect your sovereignty.

#3. "You can make me clean." I know all things are possible for God.

"Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and

 said, 

“I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately."

Note the action of Jesus. He touched the leper, followed by these comforting words: “I do will it. Be made clean.” Note Jesus' supreme freedom of action. He touched the leper without fear of contamination or criticism. 

What can we learn from this? Whatever problem we may have, whether it is equivalent of being "full of leprosy," approach Jesus with confidence and expectant faith. Jesus will help you. The healing of the leper is a testimony, that is an example to encourage us to have full faith in Jesus.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

"Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains. The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it, but God still blesses it and we can still claim it! “In the name of Jesus” is the key that unlocks the door of prayer and the treasury of God’s grace. It’s the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It’s the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our lips to sing his praise. (Warren W. Wiersbe). 

Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THIS GOODNEWS IS FULFILLED TODAY.

TODAY THIS SCRIPTURE IS FULFILLED BEFORE YOU.

THE GOODNEWS:

"Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day.

 He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. 

He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. 

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives

 and recovery of sight to the blind,

 to let the oppressed go free, 

and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

"Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, 

and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.

"He said to them,

 “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” 

And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth." (Luke 4: 14 - 22).

Thursday after Epiphany  JANUARY 8th in the Season of Christmas. 

In His sabbatical ministry in Nazareth, Jesus claimed the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

 Isaiah prophesied that the Holy Spirit will anoint and endow the Messiah for His ministry. 

 Jesus did in the synagogue in His home town Nazareth what He had never done before. 

He stated clearly for everyone to hear that He is the Man. The Messiah chosen to fulfill the long held promises and desires of the people.

“Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 21). 

What does this bold proclamation remind us?

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29 - 32).

Simeon the Prophet, a devout man filled with the Holy Spirit testified that "Today" God fulfilled His promise to Israel when he held the Child Jesus in the Temple. 

For thirty years, Jesus spent His life in Nazareth most of it as a self-employed carpenter hidden from the world. 

Does the Spirit of God in you ever tug your heart to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free?

In the Baptism of the Christ (Matthew 3: 16 - 17), Jesus is anointed by the Holy Spirit for a Mission:

#1 Bring the Good News to the poor.

#2 Proclaim liberty to captives.

#3 Recovery of sight to the blind.

#4 Grant freedom to the oppressed, etc. 

Our own Baptism and Mission are intertwined with the Baptism and Mission of Jesus.

 When we own our Baptism and accept our Mission, we blossom and become saints.

Consider these ministries. Do you feel called to any of them? 

#1 Social Justice

#2 Prison ministry

#3 Catechesis

#4 Evangelization

#5. Food Pantry 

#6. Hospital ministry

#7. Eucharistic ministry 

Lord Jesus, lead us, guide us and use us.

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

“The Holy Name of Jesus is,

first of all,

an all-powerful prayer.

Our Lord, Himself, solemnly promises,

that whatever we ask the Father in His Name,

we shall receive.

God never fails to keep His Word.

Each time we say “Jesus,”

it is an act of perfect love,

for, we offer to God,

the infinite love of Jesus.”

(St Alphonsus Liguori - 1696-1787)

Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc. 

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1

THE FEAST OF ST RAYMOND PENYAFORT, OP.

THE FEAST OF ST RAYMOND PENYAFORT.

DO NOT BE AFRAID. 

THE GGODNEWS:

"After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

"And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.

"When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. 

Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. 

"About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. 

"But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them,

 

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” 

"He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened." (Mark 6: 45 - 52).

Wednesday January 7th 2026, in the Season of Christmas is also the feast of St Raymond Peñafort.  (1175 - 1275). Spanish Dominican Priest.

 Raymond was very erudite and he advanced the knowledge of Canon Law. 

St Raymond was a contemporary of the great St Thomas Aquinas also a Dominican priest. He studied Arabic in order to study the Koran so that he could evangelize the Moslems. St Raymond Penyafort did a great deal to secure the freedom of Christians during the Crusade. He died at the age of 100.

Raymond is known in history for two key contributions: Like the Curé of Ars, he had an extraordinary charism in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask Jesus to lead you to such a priest. One confession is all you need to turn around your life. Raymond wrote volumes which are part of the Canon Law.

The disciples were terrified by a ghost-like figure walking towards them on the sea in the dark of the night. 

For us, this could represent a looming disaster about to befall us in the area of the health of a loved one, job and food insecurity, financial bankruptcy, etc. 

Jesus says the same consoling words to any of us in our dire circumstances. 

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” 

TRUST ME! 

“IT IS I. DO NOT BE AFRAID.”

“Trust Me with all the events of your life. 

I will not abandon you. You are Mine and I will not forsake you.

 The decisions of men are all in My hands.

 Nothing will befall you that I do not permit.

 I will give you My grace to accept the changing circumstances of your life.

 It is I who am behind all that happens to you.

 Nothing escapes My wisdom; nothing escapes My love; nothing escapes My omnipotence.

 Trust Me, and be at peace.

 I bless you with all the love of My Sacred Heart. Do not be afraid. Tell Me again and again that you trust in My merciful love for you." (IN SINU JESU, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 ).

You think my sudden apparition is an accident. It is not.

 There are no accidents in life or in nature. Everything is Divine Providence. God's mighty, merciful and mysterious Providence, plan, design, purpose governs everything in the world. 

A bird cannot just fall to the ground and die. A leaf does not fall from a tree by accident. One single hair in your head cannot turn white or black.

 Everything is controlled by God's mighty, merciful Providence. 

Remember this when you say the Credo (I believe in God). 

You say: I BELIEVE IN GOD. THE FATHER ALMIGHTY. MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH..... 

Pay attention to the Credo Prayer and your trust in Divine Providence will grow and you will be able to master your fears of sudden events. God initiates everything. He foresees the End which is for your good. All the means (steps) to End are designed to be good. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January. 

"Therefore God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the mention of the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, those on earth and those under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-11). 

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=/

THE MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP.

THE MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP. 

Jesus went about "curing every disease and illness among the people."

THE GOSPEL:

"When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee.

 He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

"Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.

"From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

"He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. 

His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. 

And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him." (Matthew 4: 12 - 17, 23 - 25).

Monday 5th January 2026 in the Season of Christmas is the feast of St John Neumann, Bishop. 

Today is the feast of a great missionary priest, Bishop, Church planter, pioneer in the Catholic Schools system in USA. His name is St John Neumann (1811 - 1860).

St John Neumann was born in Bohemia. He became a Redemptorist priest. He became the Bishop of Philadelphia.  Worn out by his labors, John died at the age of 49.

Here are three memorable quotes from St John Neumann:

On personal mission and providence:

“Everyone who breathes, high and low, educated and ignorant, young and old, man and woman, has a mission, has a work.” 

On abandonment to the divine will:

“Deprive me of everything, my God, but not of the desire to unite my will to your will in perfect resignation!”

 On love for Christ in the Eucharist:

“How much do I love You, O my Jesus! I wish to love You with my whole heart, yet I do not love You enough. I have but one desire, that of being near You in the Blessed Sacrament.”

The highlight of our Gospel of today for me is:

"Jesus went about "curing every disease and illness among the people."

"Jesus has the power not only to heal, but also to forgive sins; he has come to heal the whole man, soul and body; he is the physician the sick have need of" (CCC 1505).

I like a lot stories of healing in the Bible and I enjoy testimonies of healing by ordinary people. I myself have benefitted from many healings in my life. I pray for healing every day.

 I believe too in Divine Providence. I believe that certain physical, mental or bodily conditions are there for a purpose. 

Talk to God and find out what is part of your DNA and what is not. 

Ask for healing in the Mighty Name of Jesus. A Name we honor every single day in the Month of January. 

The Name of Jesus is a Promise. The Name of Jesus is full Prayer. The Name of Jesus is Power. 

Honor the Name of Jesus in January. 

The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.

For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:

://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1