Monday, July 01, 2024
Sunday, June 30, 2024
THE FEAST OF ST JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM.
FEAST OF ST JUNIPERO SERRA, OFM.
"When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore.
"A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, 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.”
"Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8: 18 - 22).
Monday July 1st 2024 in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Junipero Serra, OFM. (1713 - 1784).
St Junipero was a Spanish Franciscan Priest who evangelized Mexico and California and firmly established the Church in these regions.
Junipero arrived in the New World and sought good and not evil for the people of this region. He fought for the cause of justice for the native people of the area.
This Franciscan priest evangelized Mexico and California and firmly established the Church in these regions.
To reflect on the Cost of Discipleship in the abstract may be very frightening. Think of it in the context of the total mission of Jesus Christ and the 2000 plus years of the Church. Jesus lived this life of Mission and set the example. He invited and commissioned the Twelve Apostles. Then He chose millions of saints across the centuries to follow Him. Missionary priests, religious, lay people continue to answer the call.
Our Saint of today, St Junipero Serra, OFM is a great example. Pray for us St Junipero Serra.
The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July.
Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us.
“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).
For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1
JULY DEVOTION TO THE PRECIOUS BODY OF JESUS CHRIST.
DEVOTION TO THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST..
HONOR JESUS CHRIST OUR ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST AND THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS.
JULY: MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
"They conquered the Devil by the Blood of the Lamb."
In the Blood of the Lamb." (Mary, IN SINU JESU).
"Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ, and let us know that it is precious to his Father because it was poured out for our salvation and it brought the grace of repentance to all the world." (St Clement I to the Corinthians).
Prayer:
O precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price paid for the redemption of sinful mankind. O Divine Blood, drink and laver of our souls, standing between us and the Father pleading mercy.
With all my heart I adore You, sweet Lord, and offer reparation for the insults, outrages and ingratitude, which You continuously receive from human beings, especially those who dare blaspheme the Divine Blood You shed for us.
Bless this Blood of Infinite value. Bless the fire of Jesus’ Love who shed it to the last drop for us. Where would I be if not for this Divine Blood that redeemed me? Indeed, Lord, I have drawn it from You to the last drop. What love! Thank You for this saving balm!
May every heart, every tongue, now and forever, praise and thank this priceless balm, this saving Blood, this fountain of crimson Mercy welling up from the fountain of infinite Love. Amen
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LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS
Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, hear us.
Jesus, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness.
Save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory,
Save us.
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Save us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Lord.
You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood.
And made us, for our God, a kingdom.
Let us pray, - Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
🙏🙏🙏
Saturday, June 29, 2024
JESUS GIVE US THE FAITH THAT HEALS US.
THE FAITH OF JARIUS & THE FAITH OF THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD.
"When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.
There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
"Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”
"And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”
While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?”
"Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
"He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him.
"Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around.
"At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat." (Mark 5: 21 - 43).
The Gospel today from Mark 5: 21 - 43 confirms our reflections on the power of faith.
By faith the woman afflicted with hemorrhages touched the hem of the garment of Jesus and was healed instantly.
By faith, Jairus the synagogue official sought out Jesus to heal his daughter who was at the point of death. By faith Jairus believed Jesus when he was told:“Do not be afraid; just have faith.”
By faith Saints Peter and Paul whose Solemnity we celebrate this weekend heard the Call of Christ, dropped everything and followed Jesus.
By faith Pope Francis wakes up morning after morning in spite of weak knees and other severe health problems and leads the Church in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
By faith you read this reflection instead of investing your time in something else.
Faith is a supernatural gift of God which enables us to say YES to God's initiative of love to us. God always take the first step.
Lord Jesus, grant us the faith that moves mountains. Grant us the faith that heals us.
Brethren, today is Sunday 30th June, last day in June. We honored the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. I have personally been blessed by a deeper commitment to know the Heart of Jesus intimately, to love Him passionately and to follow Him everywhere.
I hope you have been equally blessed by this Heart thirsting for your love.
Tomorrow 1st of July, we start to honor the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
The Catholic and Apostolic Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1
Friday, June 28, 2024
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES.
THE SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL. APOSTLES.
"When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
"They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
"Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
"Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 - 19).
Saturday June 29, 2024 is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
This great feast has been celebrated for Peter and Paul together from the earliest days of the Church. Why?
Peter and Paul are recognized as the principal pillars of the Church. We declare in the Creed: "I believe in the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church." The one only Church founded by Jesus Christ on Pentecost Sunday is built on the foundation of the Apostles. Hence every Bishop in the Church enjoys legitimacy through Apostolic Succession from the original Twelve Apostles.
Scripture teaches that the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets. (Cf Ephesians 2: 20). Peter and Paul are joint managing directors of the institution, which is called the Church.
"You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16: 18)
Paul got his mandate to be an Apostle directly from Jesus.
"Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ." (Galatians 1: 11 - 12).
Peter and Paul were called to be friends and companions of Jesus before anything else.
"I ask you only to be My friend and to live at every moment in the grace of My divine friendship. All the rest follows. Perfection is the fruit of friendship with Me, not a precondition for it. You, and many souls like you, are confused about this. My friendship is not earned, it is not something acquired by measuring up to the standards of perfection that you have set for yourself. My friendship is pure gift." (IN SINU JESU).
Peter and Paul are the ones who, living in the flesh, planted the Church with their blood; they drank the chalice of the LORD and became the friends of God. (Cf Entrance Antiphon).
The Catholic and Apostolic Church honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1
Thursday, June 27, 2024
FEAST OF ST IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
ST IRENAEUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
"When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.
And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” (Matthew 8: 1 - 4).
Friday 28th June 2024 in the 12th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Irenaeus. (125 - 203). Bishop and Martyr and Doctor of the Church.
St Polycarp was instructed in the faith by St John the Apostle. He, Polycarp instructed St Irenaeus who became a Bishop in Lyons in France.
Note the date of Irenaeus life (125 - 203) and you will understand why France is called the Eldest Daughter of the Church. St Irenaeus is an early Church Father.
God chose and called Irenaeus to uphold the revealed truth of the faith and bring peace to the Church.
Pope Francis declared him the 37th Doctor of the Church on January 21st 2022.
What is the legacy of St Irenaeus? Irenaeus defended the Church against the poisonous heresy of Gnosticism. This heresy was so thoroughly defeated that it disappeared.
About 100 years ago, it reincarnated itself in the heretical sect called Jehovoh Witness. They claim that there are two gods governing the world: a good god that causes good things and and evil god that causes bad things. They deny that Jesus Christ is God. They deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. They target especially Catholics who have little knowledge of Scripture.
Beware of them. They are wolves in sheep clothing. We need a new St Irenaeus for our day to deal them final mortal blow.
Two famous quotes of St Irenaeus:
1. “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” ...
2. “Error, indeed is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected."
Below is what touched my heart in the Gospel of today.
"And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.”
The difficulties I faced earlier this day made me impatient. Alas I grumbled. Now I am fired up by the example of the Leper to turn to Jesus in contrition and say:
LORD JESUS, if You choose, You can make me patient. You can make me also aware that Your grace is sufficient for me in every circumstance.
The Holy Catholic Church honors the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus every June.
Read of the abundant promises made to people who honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially in June.
For Prayers and Prayer intentions click the link below.
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1
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