The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

"Those preceding him [Jesus] as well as those following kept crying out:
“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come!
Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11: 9 - 10).

Sunday 28th March 2021, is the Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord.

Notice the enthusiastic Hosanna. Hosanna sang by the jubilant crowd? Why did they sing? Why did they spread their clothes on the way that Jesus would pass.
First, they recognized Jesus as the Son of David and Heir to the promised throne of the Davidic dynasty. But unfortunately, they misunderstood the nature of the kingdom that Jesus came to found or how it would come about. Not by clash of steel but by crucifixion.

Why did Jesus accept the homage that He had previously refused? The time had come when the Jewish leaders must know that Jesus is indeed the Messiah and the King of the Jews. Riding on a colt into Jerusalem shows clearly that the nature of His kingship and kingdom will be radically different from that of Caesar.

As we enter the holiest week of the Year, consider walking along with Jesus the Way of the Cross through the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Saints and Popes have said that the Holy Rosary is probably the smartest way to know the mysteries of the Life of Jesus Christ. Here are the five Sorrowful Mysteries :
I. The Agony in the Garden.
II. The Scourging at the Pillar.
III. The Crowning with Thorns.
IV. The Carrying of the Cross.
V.  The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.

Have a grace-filled Holy Week.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

He must die.

"He [Caiaphas] did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God." (John 11: 51 - 52).

Saturday 27th March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent.

The prophecy of the high priest Caiaphas that Jesus must die for the salvation of all mankind reminds us of the encounter of Jesus after His Resurrection with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus said that Scripture testifies that the Messiah would suffer and die and would rise again.

God permitted the compromised high priest Caiaphas to add his prophetic voice to the testimony of Scripture. As we prepare to enter the holiest week of the year, may we be nourished by the truth of Sacred Scripture. May our faith in the plan of God for our lives be strengthened. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Know who I am by my works and fruits of my life.

"If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize [and understand] that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” (John 10: 37 - 38).

Friday 26th March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent.

The enemies of Jesus were not just ignorant of the ways of God, they also suffer from unbelief. Unbelief may be the deadliest sin in the Bible. Unbelief could be described as seeing the sun shining and you maintain that it is total darkness. The Israelites saw the work of God in the Red Sea. They ate manna and drank fresh water in the desert and still refused to believe in God's goodness and power.

Jesus appealed to His work. The Jews should know the works of the Messiah from the Scriptures. Healing, casting out demons, feeding the masses, raising the dead, teaching and preaching should make someone of good will examine the claims of Jesus more deeply before rejecting Him. They refused to believe His works and paid  very costly consequences. No miracle. No participation in the fruits of salvation were available to the unbelieving group.

The Bible urges us to beware of the deadly sin of unbelief. Unbelief leads to the sin of rebellion like in Massah and Meribah. (Cf Ps 95).

When we look at Jesus as a faithful and credible witness, we cannot but note the quality of His life style. A tree is known by its fruits says Jesus. The fruits everybody can see from the life of Jesus are: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness and more. These are the very fruits by which a Christian can be recognized in the world.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

"Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son; and his name will be called Emmanuel." (Isaiah 7: 14).

Thursday 25th March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

The first Annunciation of the Lord probably took place in about 730s BC in the prophecy of Isaiah announcing the momentous event. Nobody could have imagined in the intervening 700 plus years that the birth of the Emmanuel would mean the physical Incarnation of God amongst us.

What does it mean to you that God became a little baby, suckled by a woman, raised as any other little boy and trained by the foster father as apprentice carpenter? It boggles the imagination. Like Ahaz, the complacent king of Israel when Isaiah made the prophecy, you might sigh and say: "Please leave me alone."  Let us consider a few of the consequences of the truth that God becomes Emmanuel and Emmanuel is 100% God and 100% man.

#1. The curse of Adam was canceled.
#2. Salvation becomes the right and privilege of All people and not just one ethnic group or nation.
#3. The Church was founded and became a New Nation where All mankind is welcome.
#4. The Holy Spirit promised by prophets actually descended on the gathered Church and dwelt in men and women giving them the hope of salvation and empowering them to take the good news of salvation to all the nations.
#5. Jesus became truly Son of God and Son of Mary. Mary became after our Eternal High Priest and Intercessor-in-Chief Jesus, the most important intercessor for mankind.

And Mary said: Be it done to me according to Your Plan. And the Word became Flesh and dwelt among us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Truth shall make you free.

"Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,  and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 31 - 32).

Wednesday 24th March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent.

How does the truth set us free?
First, believe in Jesus. "I believe in Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Born of Virgin Mary. Suffered under Pontius Pilate. Was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day, He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From here, He will come to judge the living and the dead."

Now that we know who Jesus is and what He has done, the next step is abide or remain in Jesus. How? Through prayers, being nourished daily by His word, receiving Him in Holy Communion when you can, making use of the Sacrament of Penance when you fail, engaged in ministry and deepening the knowledge of the Faith through study.

When you commit to the above, you come to know the truth that sets you free from fears, worries and doubts. Sets you free from compulsive behaviors.

The Church teaches: "Ignorance of God is the principle and explanation of moral deviations."  (CCC 2087). St Isidore of Seville writes that "Ignorance nourishes vices and is the mother of all errors." Jerome: "Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Toribius of Mogrovejo

"The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” (John 8: 29).

Tuesday 23rd March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent is the feast of St Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538 - 1606). Spanish. Missionary Bishop and Archbishop of Lima, Peru. St Turibius spoke up for the rights of the native peoples of South America and defended them against the rapacious instincts of the Spanish colonizers. The Archbishop saint is remembered in history for his unwavering love of truth.

Jesus delights to do the will of His Father at all times because the Father is always with Him. His relationship with Abba Father is intimate. We see this in His prayer life, teaching and ministry in general.

Who are you inclined to please always? Wife, husband, children, boss? Many people because of job insecurity or desire to make rapid progress in their career choose to please the Caesar. No material condition is permanent. We know that the Caesar may be overthrown. The husband may walk away. Health may decline without warning.

For Jesus, pleasing the Father always, everywhere and in everything was not an occasional election. It is a way of life. And it should be the same for us. Why?
"Father, in Your will is our peace!"

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Two women surprised by mercy.

"Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.” (John 8: 10 - 11).

Monday 22nd March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent.

Today's first Reading and the Gospel celebrate Divine Mercy and Divine Intervention. Call it the Story of two women: Susanna and the woman caught in the act of adultery. Susanna was framed up by two lustful old judges who wanted her condemned to death as a cover up for their attempted rape. The woman in the Gospel (John 8: 1 - 11) was guilty.

Susanna and the Adulterer were surprised by Mercy. Divine intervention at the nick of time through Daniel saved Susanna's life. Jesus became the Face of Mercy for the Adulterer who gazed into the Face of God and heard these words:  “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

The Bible has many examples of the merciful love of God. When you hear this testimony of mercy, put yourself in the place of the beneficiary of mercy and claim it for yourself.
"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19: 10).
What does this mean? Scripture is filled with examples of mercies and miracles that you can claim as prophecy, that is divine promise to you.  I discovered this incredible truth recently and it is changing the way I read Scriptures.

"The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The seed that does not die remains a single seed.

"Amen, Amen I say to you: Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain. But if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12: 24).

Sunday 21st March 2021, in the 5th Week in Lent.

Our key Scripture for the 5th Sunday of Lent poses an existential question to each of us:
Do you want to be a single impotent seed on the shelf or do you trust in Jesus and die to yourself and produce a rich harvest of seeds - thousands upon thousands?

How does the seed produce multitude of seeds? It is buried in the ground. You too must be buried in the ground. How?
#1. You must embrace the way of Jesus. It is a vital necessity for Jesus to suffer before He inherits His kingdom. (Cf Luke 24: 26).
This is the will of the Father and the way that Jesus embraced. Must it be different for us?

#2. What  obstacles  are preventing you from making a full commitment to Jesus? Career, family, health, finance, etc? Consider who gave you all these gifts in the first place.

#3. We must learn and be strengthened by the examples of the Saints. They are family now enjoying the vision of God in Heaven and continuous beautiful music. Do you know that sweet music is the one thing we have on earth that we will find in Heaven? 

What will happen if you refuse to fall on the ground, die and multiply? You will abide alone. Where? You guess it.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Why is Jesus still a cause of divisions?

"So a division occurred in the crowd because of him [Jesus]." (John 7: 43).

Saturday 20th March 2021, in the 4th Week in Lent.

As Jesus embarked in His public ministry, dissension and division followed Him everywhere. No surprise at all because Simeon prophesied this to Mary and Joseph in the Temple during the Presentation of Jesus.

"Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted." (Luke 2: 34).

Jesus was born to be a sign of contradiction. This is true while he was walking the muddy terrain of Galilee as it is today, 2000 years after He ascended into Heaven. Let us consider the cause of dissensions about Jesus in 2021:

#1. Ignorance: The dissenters in the days of Jesus could have easily learned that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and not in Nazareth. They did not care to find out. "Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ." (St Jerome).

#2. Today, people can look at the religious terrain in Christianity and ask: Did Jesus truly found 60,000 churches?  They don't ask because they are comfortable with the present arrangement.

#3. The doctrine of Jesus is too harsh and restrictive. Why can't people destroy babies in the womb if they choose to or marry whoever  they wish?

#4. Who is this Jesus to tell us how to live our lives?

“Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted," proclaims prophecy. The Day of reckoning is coming. It came for the Jews in 70 AD. It will come for everyone sooner than later.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of St Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her." (Matthew 1: 20).

Friday 19th March 2021, in the 4th Week in Lent, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of St Joseph, the Spouse of the Immaculate Virgin.

Contemplate the Christmas crib for a moment. We see the Woman, Mary and then the Infant Jesus lying in the feeding trough of lambs. Who is the man standing still and upright gazing at the Baby quietly? Our key Scripture from the Gospel of Matthew identifies him as: "Joseph, son of David."

Here is what we know about Joseph:
#1. Joseph is from the royal line of David.
#2. A carpenter by trade and a man of humble means.
#3. He is a just and honest man.
#4. Because it was not good for a woman with child to be alone, God chose Joseph to provide for Mary and Jesus; to protect them and to be foster father to Jesus and raise Him up in virtue and manly manners.

Joseph excelled in all the roles that Divine Providence entrusted to him.

Joseph is the patron saint of the Church and a powerful intercessor for the Church and us all. He is also the patron saint of a happy death. Do you know that we are in the Year of St Joseph? The Holy Father, Pope Francis proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021. To read the Apostolic Letter and see how to receive all the blessings and indulgences, click the link below:

http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The Feast of the Master Catechist, St Cyril of Jerusalem.

"But Moses implored the Lord, his God, saying, “Why, O Lord, should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a strong hand?" (Exodus 32: 11).

Thursday 18th March 2021, in the 4th Week in Lent is the feast of St Cyril of Jerusalem. Bishop and Doctor of the Church. (315 - 386). St Cyril was the Archbishop of Jerusalem when the Arian heresy disturbed the peace of the Church all over the Roman Empire.

Cyril vigorously defended the unchangeable teachings of the Church. For this, he suffered multiple exiles from the See of Jerusalem. St Cyril is recognized in history by his catechetical works. He prepared multitudes of Catechumens to receive Baptism and helped the Neophytes after Easter to grow in the faith. What is really providential in the work and legacy of San Cyrillo is that he documented his teachings which have come to us. His writings of over 1600 years ago prove that the Catholic Church is the same in teachings and beliefs in late 300s as she is today. Nothing has changed.

Our key Scripture for today presents us with one of the most important subject in religion. At the very heart of religion is Intercession. Intercession means standing in the gap for an offender and pleading that his sins or crimes be forgiven or that the offender be given a reduced sentence. Intercession or mediation is the most important task of priests. Jesus Christ, our Eternal High Priest is our Chief Intercessor. In the first Reading, we see Moses as the intercessor.

"Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and how you swore to them by your own self.." ( Exodus 32: 13). Moses reminds God.

Abraham, Jacob, David, Daniel and all the prophets were all intercessors. When you pray for your spouse and children, you are an intercessor. At that moment, you are a priest in the family. What is the best outcome of the prayer of intercession?

"So the Lord changed his mind about the punishment he had threatened to inflict on his people." (Exodus 32: 14). Prayer moves God.

Anchor your prayer of intercession on the promises of God. Where do you find these promises? In the Bible? God's promises are our armor and protection. (Cf Psalm 91: 4).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

St Patrick, a Missionary Hero.

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." (Isaiah 49: 15).

Wednesday 17th March 2021, the feast of St Patrick. (389 - 461). British-Irish. Bishop and great Missionary. Patron saint of Ireland and Nigeria. St Patrick teaches us that persistence in prayer breaks resistance. St Patrick had a great desire to become a priest. He was opposed by powerful clerics because he was considered too old and not able to withstand the rigors of the studies involved. Convinced by the intensity of his desire, he persisted. Result: St Patrick is one of the most powerful priests that ascended the Altar of God. 

Our key Scripture for today uses a strong feminine metaphor to describe God's love for us. A woman suffering from postpartum insanity can forget the child of her womb. But God says that He is unable to forget us.

Our saint of today, St Patrick is one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Church. Born British, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and forced to work for years as a slave. There were times Patrick believed that God had forsaken and forgotten him. His life of prayer helped him to overcome his pessimism and to understand that God's love for him is stronger than any mother could possibly love his son. Some of us may have experienced some period of great trial and may have asked: "O God, where are You?" We remember Jesus' cry from the Cross.

God's plan for us allows hardships in order to equip us adequately for our future mission. "Accept your trials as discipline from a Father training you as a son." (Cf Hebrews 12: 7). Think of Joseph in Egypt, David, Jacob, Daniel.

God promises: "Thus says the Lord:
In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you." (Isaiah 49: 8).

God is faithful and will answer us in His time of favor. In the fullness of time, He makes everything beautiful. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3: 11).
The experience of St Patrick and all the heroes of our Faith mentioned above vindicates this.

Wait for the Lord. Be strong and wait for the Lord.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Jesus is passing by and asking: Do you want to be healed?

"When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” (John 5: 6).

Tuesday 16th March 2021, in the 4th Week in Lent.

Once upon a time, I struggled with alcohol abuse. I kept it secret and tried everything I knew to heal myself. Persistence did not break the resistance of the demons holding me captive. Then one Saturday afternoon, in the Sacrament of Penance, I confessed this same sin again. As I got to the pew and knelt down to do my penance, I heard distinctly an inner voice: "If you want, I can heal you." I said: "Yes Lord. Heal me." I have not touched a drop of alcohol since that day. It has been over 25 years.

Our Gospel of today records the encounter of Jesus with a crippled man. Jesus knew he had been in this condition for 38 years. What the man did not know was that Jesus was not there by chance or accident. Jesus had a divine appointment with the Crippled on that day and place and time. Happily the crippled man was ready and received his healing.

We are saved by grace through faith. The day Jesus freed me from the oppression of alcohol by His merciful love, I received a free gift but I cooperated with Jesus like the crippled man by saying "Yes Lord. Heal me."

Where do you need healing in your life? Jesus is always passing by. Are you ready for Him?

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

This is the kind of faith and obedience we need.

"Jesus said to him [Royal Official], “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left." (John 4: 50).

Monday 15th March 2021, in the 4th Week in Lent.

Our faith contains our obedience. We see the example in the Gospel of today. To say that "I believe" and act contrary to what you believe is not faith but hypocrisy.

In our key Scripture for today, we see an example of faith. Faith is the radical trust and confidence in the word of Christ.
“Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed."

If any Christian invests time and resources to learn what Faith is and how Faith works, the harvest will be incredibly huge and this gift will keep giving and giving all your life.

Consider Faith as Obedience. The Royal Official heard Jesus say: Don't worry. Go home. Your son is OK. He believes and went home. He obeyed the directive. No questions. No arguments. Are you able to imitate his action and show the Obedience of Faith?

Consider also that the man's faith was prepared by what he heard about Jesus before he met Him.
"When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death."

When we read the Gospel, we see many healings and miracles. The stories are preparing us to believe and deepen our Faith in Jesus. You do not know when you will stand face to face with Jesus needing His help. Faith comes from hearing. Hearing the word of God and believing it.

"As for me, I trust in the Lord.  Let me be glad and rejoice in your mercy, for you have seen my affliction." (Psalm 31: 7 - 8).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

How were you saved?

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2: 8).

Sunday, March 14th 2021, 4th Week in Lent. This Sunday is called Laetare Sunday, that is: Rejoice Sunday! We have made it to the mid point of Lent. It is a good reason to be joyful.

On the surface, our Scripture verse for today appears simple. But if you can grasp the meaning of Ephesians 2: 8, the insight and light you get will transform your life. You become a new creation freed from the anxiety of how you are doing in your Christian walk.  You come to depend totally on He who gave you freely the gift to become a Christian and the faith to say Yes that Jesus is Lord and Savior.

God looks upon us with merciful love. You remember how the Father of the Prodigal looked upon his emaciated, badly clad and dirty son. He embraced him with loving and tender kindness. Did his son deserve the princely welcome he received? Not at all. This is what happened to you and me. Whether we received salvation through Baptism as infants or later in life, the story is the same. We are saved through God's unmerited favor. No hard work, no striving of ours produced it.

The initiative is 100% from God. Our acceptance of this offer is what is called Faith.
"Believing is possible only by grace and the interior helps of the Holy Spirit." (CCC 154), teaches the Church.

Those who refuse to believe in the proclamation of the Gospel for whatever spurious reason are in a bad place. Why? Belief in a credible source and information is a totally human phenomenon teaches the same paragraph 154 of the CCC.

Rejoice therefore in the free gift of salvation and do not grieve the Holy Spirit by your actions. Rather allow the Holy Spirit to transform your minds so that in everything you will discern the will of God and not imitate or conform to the behaviors of unsaved people around you who do not know that this world is passing away.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Humility is a condition for mercy.

"But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner."
(Luke 18: 13).

Saturday 13th March 2021, in the 3rd Week in Lent.

God is rich in mercy. The Scriptures of today's Liturgy are rich in Mercy themes. This is not an accident. Without God's merciful love, no person will be saved. The mistake of the Pharisee in today's Gospel is the mistake that most of us make without knowing it. The Church teaches us to keep the Commandments, to pray and do good works. Many of us try to do all these things and maybe more. It is natural that when we stand before God, we hope that He will remember all that we do.

But God sees us through a different lens: He sees us through His eyes of mercy. Remember Jesus encounter with the "man full of leprosy" who approached Him for healing. "Yes, I want to heal you." And Jesus touched the man. If you can imagine yourself as the woman or man full of leprosy when you approach God for mercy and healing, you will receive what you ask for.

Let us observe a couple of things about the tax collector:
He does not raise his eyes to heaven. He beat his chest, a sign of repentance and sorrow. The Church makes us repeat this gesture when we say the Confiteor (I confess to Almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters... " Humility is a condition for receiving mercy.

We cannot think of mercy without remembering the teachings of Jesus on mercy. Mercy is given to whoever asks for mercy no matter the sin. But he who receives mercy must extend mercy.

I like this Fatima Rosary Prayer:
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead ALL souls to Heaven especially those in most need of Your mercy."
When you say this prayer, you become like a beggar who tells another beggar where you found bread. ABC of Mercy:
#1. Ask for mercy.
#2. Be merciful.
#3. Completely trust Jesus for mercy.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

What does God love?

"He is One and there is no other than he.’ And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  (Mark 12: 32 - 33).

Friday 12th March 2021, in the 3rd Week in Lent.

Our key Scripture is from a Doctor of the Law who wanted Jesus to confirm his understanding of the first and greatest commandment of the Law. Jesus was impressed with his answer and encouraged him to stay close to the kingdom of God.

What does it mean to love God with all our heart? I like the explanation of St Catherine of Siena:
To love God with all one's heart means to love what God loves.

What does God love? This is not a tough question if you read the word of God every day.
God loves obedience to His commandments. He loves those who are merciful to orphans, widows and strangers. He loves those who honor Him on the Lord's Day (Sunday).

Ask God in your prayers to reveal to you what He loves.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

The People refused to listen to God.

"Thus says the Lord:  "This rather is what I commanded them: Listen to my voice; then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk exactly in the way I command you, so that you may prosper." (Jeremiah 7: 23).

Thursday 11th March 2021, in the 3rd Week in Lent.

Our key Scripture today comes from Jeremiah 7: 23. It is a stark call to return to obedience. We are all familiar with this Scripture:  "Obedience is better than sacrifice. The attentive ear better than the fat of rams. Disobedience is like witchcraft."

Our Responsorial Psalm 95 shows us 5 ways we should respond to God's call to Obedience this Lent and enjoy the peace and prosperity God promises in our key Scripture:

#1." Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation." God delights in songs.
#2. "Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving."
#3. "Let us joyfully sing psalms to him." Consider the Liturgy of the Hours.
#4. Come, let us bow down in worship." Use your body to worship God. Bow, genuflect and kneel.
#5. "Let us kneel before the Lord who made us."

"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert." (Cf Psalm 95).

Lent is the time of favor and abundant mercy.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

Who are the greatest in the Kingdom of God?

"Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5: 19).

Wednesday 10th March 2021, in the 3rd Week in Lent.

Would there be hierarchy of saints in Heaven? Matthew 5: 19 seems to say, definitely. The teaching and practice of the Church has always expressed this. Jesus is glorified when we honor His saints. One of the most beautiful creeds of the Church is: "I believe in the Communion of the Saints."

The Communion of Saints is made up of the Church Militant (the baptized, active in spiritual warfare on earth),  the Church Suffering (the poor souls undergoing purification in Purgatory), and the Church Triumphant (Saints in Heaven).

Every saint in Heaven is not born equal. Hence the Church in its Liturgy stresses beliefs like the following: "The Church honors particularly the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph, the Apostles, Martyrs..."

These are people who  obeyed and taught God's commandments and are therefore called greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Cf Matthew 5: 19).

The Book of the Greatest in Kingdom of Heaven is still open and will not be closed till the Second Coming of Christ. You know the Way to enter it. The reward will be huge and everlasting.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com 

The Feast of St Frances of Rome.

"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?" (Matthew 18: 32 - 33).

Tuesday 9th March 2021, in the 3rd Week in Lent is the feast of St Frances of Rome. (1384 - 1440). Italian. A married woman who raised three children in the way of the Lord.  Frances became a Benedictine Oblate and founded a community of Oblates in the heart of Rome. Besides being a wife and mother, Frances was a mystic and very involved in charitable services in Rome. In Frances, we have a unique example of love in marriage as well as in religious life.

Our key Scripture for today deals with trespasses against us which are in our power to forgive. The "Wicked servant" in the NABRE translation is rendered by other versions as: wicked and contemptible slave, contemptible and wicked attendant, evil [wicked] servant [slave]!, You evil servant!, , ‘You scoundrel!

The other servants were deeply outraged by the unmerciful behavior of this servant. Various translators try to convey the feelings to us through the above characterizations. We live in a culture where unforgiveness is rampant.

One thing to note in today's Gospel is crucial: "I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to." What does this mean? The minimum price to pay for Divine Mercy is: ASK. This price is consistent throughout Sacred Scripture. Anyone who asks is forgiven. One who seeks forgiveness is embraced. The door is always open for one who knocks for forgiveness. This is Lent. A most favorable time for mercy and reconciliation. The ABC of Mercy is a tool to remind us of this great truth.

#1. Ask for Mercy.
#2. Be Merciful.
#3. Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com