seekfirst-community - Tumblr blog

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: How secure is your faith and trust in God? Scripture describes God's word as a "lamp for our feet and a light for our steps"(Psalm 119:105). The Jewish Feast of the Dedication is also called the Festival of Lights or Hanakkuh. This feast was held in late December, near the time when Christians celebrate the feast of Christmas. This is the time of year when the day is shortest and the night longest. Jesus used this occasion to declare that he is the true light of the world (John 8:12). In his light we can see who God truly is and we can find the true path to heaven.

Our true and lasting security rests in Jesus alone

Jesus speaks of the tremendous trust he has in God his Father and the tremendous trust we ought to have in him because he is our good shepherd (John 10:11). Sheep without a shepherd are defenseless against prey, such as wolves, and often get lost and bewildered without a guide. That is why shepherds literally live with their sheep out in the open field and mountain sides. The shepherd guards his sheep from the dangers of storms, floods, and beasts of prey. The shepherd leads his sheep to the best places for feeding and the best streams for drinking. He finds the best place for their rest and safety at night. The sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd and heed his call when he leads them to safe pasture and rest.

Listen to the Good Shepherd and you will not go astray

We are very much like sheep who stray, we become easy prey to forces which can destroy us - sin, Satan, and a world in opposition to God and his people. The Lord Jesus came not only to free us from Satan's snares and the grip of sin, he came to personally lead us to the best of places where we can feed on his "word of life" and drink from the "living waters" of his Holy Spirit. The sheep who heed the voice of Jesus, the good shepherd, have no fear. He leads them to the best of places - everlasting peace, joy, and fellowship with God and his people.

In this present life we will encounter trials, difficulties, and persecution. We can face them alone or we can follow Jesus, the true shepherd, who will bring us safely through every difficulty to the place of peace and security with God. Do you listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd and heed his commands?

"Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who secures what is best for us. I place all my hope and trust in you. Open my ears to hear your voice today and to follow your commands."

i want to be a christian

“It was in Antioch that the disciples were called Christians for the first time.” —Acts 11:26

What does God mean by the name “Christian”? According to Acts of the Apostles, to be a Christian means:

to believe in Jesus and be converted to the Lord (Acts 11:21),

to repent and be baptized into Jesus (Acts 2:38; Rm 6:3),

to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4),

to remain firm in our “commitment to the Lord” (Acts 11:23),

to witness for Jesus (Acts 1:8), spread God’s Word (Acts 12:24), and lead others to the Lord (see Acts 11:24),

to be taught intensively for a year or more about our new life in Christ (Acts 11:26; 2:42; 19:9-10),

to continue steadfastly in Christian communal life (Acts 2:42),

to center our lives on the breaking of the bread, that is, the Eucharist (Acts 2:42),

to devote ourselves to praying together with other Christians (Acts 2:42; 1:14),

to be submissive to the authority of the Church’s leaders (see Acts 15:2ff), and

to suffer for love of Jesus (see 1 Pt 4:13).

In Acts of the Apostles, there are many other essential aspects of being a Christian besides those just mentioned. Additionally, there are many other essentials of being a Christian mentioned in other books of the Bible. Being a Christian is a new, radical, deep, free, and abundant way of life. Are you a Christian by God’s standards?

Prayer: Father, I want to be a Christian.

Promise: “My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” —Jn 10:27-28

Praise: “Through His Word, God made all things to exist out of what did not exist and out of what had no previous existence” (Treatise on the Incarnation of the Word, St. Athanasius; cf Heb 11:3).

Reference:

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

6 notes · View notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Feast of St Joseph the Worker, Patron Saint of Workers.

"He came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, ��Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?

Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?

Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him.

"But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith." (Matthew 13: 54 - 58).

Monday 1st May 2023 in the 4th Week of Easter. Today is May Day, the feast of St Joseph the Worker.

The Church teaches that God laid down for human beings the law of work.

Jesus Christ, a man in all things but sin was not exempt from the law of work. He followed the profession of His foster father Joseph the Carpenter.

After Joseph died, Jesus became a self employed business man running the family carpentry shop until he was 30 years. Then he left Nazareth to start His ministry.

The feast of St Joseph the Worker "reminds us that honest work, no matter how seemingly menial, can be sanctified. Through work we can sanctify ourselves and others, making each of us participants in the work of redemption." (Roman Missal).

May the Lord prosper the work of our hands.

St Joseph the Worker, Pray for us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE.

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.

"I am the bread of life.

"Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven;

whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” (John 6: 44 - 51).

Thursday 27th April 2023 of the 3rd Week of Easter.

What does Jesus mean that He is the bread of life?

Jesus gives us Himself as our nourishment. What does the Church teach about the Bread of life?

"It [Eucharist] refers directly to the Bread of Life, the Body of Christ, the "medicine of immortality," without which we have no life within us......The Eucharist is our daily bread. The power belonging to this divine food makes it a bond of union. Its effect is then understood as unity, so that, gathered into his Body and made members of him, we may become what we receive. This also is our daily bread." (CCC 2837)

In the Eucharist, we receive who we are, the Body of Christ.

Now we must become what we receive, the Body of Christ, St Augustine teaches.

Jesus also says in Gospel of today: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (John 6: 47).

Eternal life starts right here and right now with BELIEF in Jesus.

In the Eucharist we are challenged to exercise the highest kind of faith in human experience. The bread you see before you looks, tastes and smells like ordinary bread.

Once the words of consecration are pronounced over it, it becomes the Flesh of Jesus Christ. Same with the wine when it is consecrated, it becomes the Blood of Jesus. Can you now understand why most of His disciples abandoned Him when Jesus unveiled this doctrine.

Many protestants mock Catholics for believing in the True and Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Jesus Himself says "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (John 6: 47).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: God offers his people abundant life, but we can miss it. What is the bread of life which Jesus offers? It is first of all the life of God himself - life which sustains us not only now in this age but also in the age to come. The Rabbis said that the generation in the wilderness have no part in the life to come. In the Book of Numbers it is recorded that the people who refused to brave the dangers of the promised land were condemned to wander in the wilderness until they died. The Rabbis believed that the father who missed the promised land also missed the life to come. God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness with manna from heaven. This bread foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.

Jesus is the "bread of life"

Jesus makes a claim only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The manna from heaven prefigured the superabundance of the unique bread of the Eucharist or Lord's Supper which Jesus gave to his disciples on the eve of his sacrifice. The manna in the wilderness sustained the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. It could not produce eternal life for the Israelites. The bread which Jesus offers his disciples sustains us not only on our journey to the heavenly paradise, it gives us the abundant supernatural life of God which sustains us for all eternity.

The food that makes us live forever

When we receive from the Lord's table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood and partakers of his divine life. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.

Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?

Jesus offers us the abundant supernatural life of heaven itself - but we can miss it or even refuse it. To refuse Jesus is to refuse eternal life, unending life with the Heavenly Father. To accept Jesus as the bread of heaven is not only life and spiritual nourishment for this world but glory in the world to come. When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive? Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your soul? The Lord has much more for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist or Lord's Supper is an intimate union with Christ. As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?

"Lord Jesus, you are the living bread which sustains me in this life. May I always hunger for the bread which comes from heaven and find in it the nourishment and strength I need to love and serve you wholeheartedly. May I always live in the joy, peace, and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, both now and in the age to come."

do you believe?

“I Myself am the living Bread come down from heaven.” —John 6:51

Jesus said: “The bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world” (Jn 6:51). At the Last Supper, Jesus took the bread and the cup of wine and said: “This is My body,” and “This is My blood” (Mt 26:26, 28). When many of Jesus’ disciples broke away from Him because of such statements (see Jn 6:66), Jesus didn’t change His words or explain them away as symbolic statements. The early Church realized this; therefore, they took Jesus’ words as He clearly meant them. They believed they were receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus when they received Holy Communion. The Church, from Jesus’ time to the present day, has believed this, lived it, and even died for it.

Do you believe you receive Jesus’ Body and Blood, soul and divinity, when you receive the Holy Eucharist? If so, Communion is the center of your life, one of the most important events of your life, and the greatest time of each day. If you believe what Jesus said about Communion, you will probably try to receive Communion daily, frequently visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and tell others about Jesus’ Eucharistic love.

Shortly before Jesus died, He gave the apostles Communion. On the day He rose from the dead, He again gave two disciples Communion. Jesus is also preoccupied with giving His Body and Blood to us, His disciples, today. Open your eyes to recognize the risen Christ (Lk 24:30-31). Today, and even daily, receive Communion.

Prayer: Father, may I desire to receive Jesus in Holy Communion as deeply as Jesus desires to give Himself (see Lk 22:15).

Promise: “Philip launched out with this Scripture passage as his starting point, telling him the good news of Jesus.” —Acts 8:35

Praise: Jane volunteers at a hospice care facility where she has been led by God to help prepare the dying to meet Him.

Reference:

Rescript: Although in a new place and with a new job, Robert continued to spread the Good News to those he met.

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

The first missionary opportunity came from the heat of persecution.

"There broke out a severe persecution of the Church in Jerusalem,

and all were scattered

throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria,

except the Apostles.

"Devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lament over him.

"Saul, meanwhile, was trying to destroy the Church;

entering house after house and dragging out men and women,

he handed them over for imprisonment.

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.

Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria

and proclaimed the Christ to them.

"With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip

when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.

For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice,

came out of many possessed people,

and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured.

There was great joy in that city." (Acts 8: 1 - 8).

Philip, the Deacon fled Jerusalem and landed in Samaria. What did he do? He preached the Good News in his new home and converted a large number of people to Christ the Lord. (Cf Acts 8: 5 - 8).

Necessity is the mother of invention. The mother eagle shakes out the nest so that the complacent little eaglets will learn to fly and embrace their life's mission.

Be alert. Be vigilant. Jesus may come like a thief in the night.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: Why did Jesus call himself the bread of life? The Jews understood that God promised them manna from heaven to sustain them on their journey to the promised land. Bread is the very staple of life. We could not live without food for very long. Bread sustains us. But what is life? Jesus clearly meant something more than mere physical existence. The life Jesus refers to is connected with God, the author of life. Real life is a relationship with the living God, a relationship of trust, love, obedience, peace, and joy. This is what Jesus makes possible for us - a loving relationship with God who created us for love with him. Apart from Jesus no one can enter that kind of life and relationship. Are you satisfied with mere physical existence or do you hunger for the abundant life which Jesus offers?

Jesus makes three claims here. First he offers himself as spiritual food which produces the very life of God within us. Second, he promises unbroken friendship and freedom from the fear of being forsaken or cut off from God. Third, he offers us the hope of sharing in his resurrection. Jesus rose physically never to die again. Those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior will be bodily raised up to immortal life with Jesus when he comes again on the last day. Do you know the joy and hope of the resurrection?

"Lord Jesus Christ, your death brought life and hope where there was once only despair and defeat. Give me the unshakable hope of everlasting life, the inexpressible joy of knowing your unfailing love, and the unwavering faith and obedience in doing the will of our Father in heaven."

the people of the word

“The members of the church who had been dispersed went about preaching the word.” —Acts 8:4

The Jewish people loved God’s Word. God called them to meditate on it day and night (Jos 1:8; Ps 1:2). They considered it more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces (Ps 119:72).

Christians were likewise wholeheartedly devoted to God’s Word. After Jesus spent the day of His Resurrection teaching the Bible while walking seven miles in the afternoon (Lk 24:27) and for several hours in the evening (Lk 24:45), the early Christians got the message that God’s Word was extremely important.

From the moment the Church began at Pentecost, the members of the Church devoted themselves to learning, living, and teaching God’s Word (Acts 2:42). The apostles concentrated on “the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4) to the point that they were repeatedly thrown in jail for proclaiming it (see Acts 5:42). St. Stephen proclaimed God’s Word so boldly and courageously that he became the first martyr (Acts 7:2ff). St. Philip, the deacon, preached the Word even as he was escaping persecution (Acts 8:4-5). Moreover, the Spirit even told Philip to run up to a stranger from Ethiopia and teach God’s Word (Acts 8:29ff). The first believers ever to be called “Christians” were only given that name after a year of intensive Bible study (Acts 11:26). The members of the church at Beroea welcomed the Word with great enthusiasm and studied God’s Word each day (Acts 17:11).

The spirit of the early Church is well expressed by St. Jerome: “Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133).

Prayer: Father, may our hearts burn as the risen Jesus interprets the Scriptures for us this Easter season (see Lk 24:32).

Promise: “No one who comes will I ever reject, because it is not to do My own will that I have come down from heaven, but to do the will of Him Who sent Me.” —Jn 6:37-38

Praise: Although in a new place and with a new job, Robert continued to spread the Good News to those he met.

Reference:

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

The Feast of St Mark the Evangelist.

"Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.

These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

"Then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God.

But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.” (Mark 16: 15 - 20).

Tuesday 25th April 2023 in the 3rd Week of the Easter Season is the feast of St Mark the Evangelist.

Mark the Evangelist lived between AD 12 - 68 AD. He was Cyerene from Libya in North Africa. He was also called John Mark. Son of Mary who provided her home as a place of meeting for the early Christian community in Jerusalem.

Mark worked with Saints Paul and Barnabas and later with St Peter the Apostle. St Mark founded the Church in Alexandria where he is honored with a beautiful Basilica.

St Mark is the patron saint of Egypt, Copts, Mainar, Venice and Barristers.

St Mark is the writer of the Gospel according to St Mark.

The Holy Spirit commands us in today's Gospel:

"Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."

Today, this mission of universal evangelization is very urgent. Recent Popes are insistent that the Church mobilize for New Evangelization.

Why did God create the Internet and cell phone at this time?

Probably over 50% of mankind today can be reached through social media groups, viz: WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Facebook, etc.

It is possible for most people to share the Gospel with family, friends, colleagues, etc.

Not everyone is called by God to be Mark the Evangelist. Not everyone of us can write like St Augustine. Most people receive the word of God daily from different sources. What inspires you can inspire a family member, a friend or colleague. Share it through text, email, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

Do not be afraid. You may be surprised how much it will be appreciated. The Holy Spirit will help you.

Most of my ministry in evangelization is sharing content created by others. All I need is the help of the Holy Spirit to discern the material as the truth. It will be terrible to distribute error or untruth. I share blogs, music, photos, videos and any content that contains the truth and can help people grow their faith and relationship with God.

The word today encourages each of us to share the Gospel. Practice makes perfect.

"Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: Do you hunger for the bread of life? The Jews had always regarded the manna in the wilderness as the bread of God (Psalm 78:24, Exodus 16:15). There was a strong Rabbinic belief that when the Messiah came he would give manna from heaven. This was the supreme work of Moses. Now the Jewish leaders were demanding that Jesus produce manna from heaven as proof to his claim to be the Messiah. Jesus responds by telling them that it was not Moses who gave the manna, but God. And the manna given to Moses and the people was not the real bread from heaven, but only a symbol of the bread to come.

Jesus then makes the claim which only God can make: I am the bread of life. The bread which Jesus offers is none else than the very life of God. This is the true bread which can truly satisfy the hunger in our hearts. The manna from heaven prefigured the superabundance of the unique bread of the Eucharist or Lord's Supper which Jesus gave to his disciples on the eve of his sacrifice. The manna in the wilderness sustained the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. It could not produce eternal life for the Israelites.

The bread which Jesus offers his disciples sustains us not only on our journey to the heavenly paradise, it gives us the abundant supernatural life of God which sustains us both now and for all eternity. When we receive from the Lord's table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood and partakers of his divine life. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward. Do you hunger for God and for the food which produces everlasting life?

"Lord Jesus Christ, you are the bread of life. You alone can satisfy the hunger in my heart. May I always find in you, the true bread from heaven, the source of life and nourishment I need to sustain me on my journey to the promised land of heaven."

are you learning your lessons?

“Bow humbly under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may lift you high.” —1 Peter 5:6

John Mark, later known to the world as St. Mark, learned about the power of communal prayer when he saw St. Peter miraculously freed from prison through the prayers of those gathered at his mother’s house (Acts 12:12ff).

John Mark learned about serving the poor and building unity between Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians when he accompanied Sts. Barnabas and Paul on a relief mission (Acts 12:25).

John Mark learned about spiritual warfare and his own weaknesses when he quit the first missionary journey of the early Church (Acts 13:13).

John Mark learned that we don’t always get a second chance when Paul refused to take him on a second missionary journey (Acts 15:38). He learned that we sometimes do get a second chance when Barnabas took him on a missionary journey (Acts 15:39). He learned more about Jesus and His Church when he was spiritually adopted by Peter (1 Pt 5:13).

John Mark learned about Jesus, the Church, prayer, the poor, unity, mission, people, and life. Then the Lord chose John Mark to write one of the Gospels. The Holy Spirit graced him to write some of the most important words ever written (see Mk 1:1ff).

The Lord is teaching you now. If you learn your lessons, you will see the Holy Spirit work through you in wondrous ways.

Prayer: Father, may I be docile every day.

Promise: “Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.” —1 Pt 5:7

Praise: St. Mark spread the gospel far beyond his homeland and people by obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit and writing it down for countless others to read.

Reference: (Open your heart and soul to the powerful work of the Spirit through our retreat May 19-21, Additional Life in the Spirit. See www.presentationministries.com for more information or call 513-373-2397.)

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Feast of St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Capuchin Priest and Martyr.

"Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.”

"So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?”

"Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (John 6: 22.... 29).

Monday 24th April 2023, in the 3rd Week in Easter is the feast of St Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577 - 1622). Priest and Martyr.

Fidelis left his Law Practice and became a Capuchin Franciscan priest. Born in Germany, he achieved fame as Evangelist and Catechist in Switzerland. He died at the hands of a mob while preaching in Switzerland. Like St Stephen in the first Reading, he worsted the Calvinist heretics in debates. They instigated the mob to martyr him.

Many people followed Jesus for food. Others with the hope of money, healing and job. They cared very little for the agenda of Jesus.

Jesus told them: "Man does not live on bread alone. There is life for him in every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4).

Jesus expands on this teaching in our key Scripture for today. He says to the crowd:

"Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” (John 6: 27).

What are the food that endures for eternal life? Consider faith, hope, charity and the Word of God. No one can purchase faith, hope and love.

“What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

Jesus gave them an uncomplicated answer: Faith in Jesus whom God sent for the salvation of humanity. Faith is greater than gold and silver. Faith is imperishable.

Do you nurse some hope that this world will fulfill the desires of your heart with regard to health, family, job, money and social and material possessions? Forget it.

Repeat with Peter in deep faith: “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: What do you most hunger for - wealth, peace, health, love, the good life? Jesus addressed this issue with those who sought him after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Were they simply hungry for things which satisfy the body or for that which satisfies the heart and soul? Jesus echoes the question posed by the prophet Isaiah: "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy" (Isaiah 55:2)? There are two kinds of hunger - physical and spiritual. Only God can satisfy the hunger in our heart and soul - the hunger for truth, for life, and for love.

Jesus also spoke about the works of God and what we must do to be doing the works of God, namely to believe in God' Son whom he has sent into the world. Jesus offers a new relationship with God which issues in a new kind of life: A life of love and service, and the forgiveness of others which corresponds to God's mercy and kindness; a life of holiness and purity which corresponds to God's holiness; and a life of submission and trust which corresponds to the wisdom of God. This is the work which Jesus directs us to and enables us to perform in the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you hunger for the bread which comes down from heaven and thirst for the words of everlasting life?

"Lord Jesus, you alone can satisfy the deepest longing and hunger in our hearts. May I always hunger for the imperishable bread, that I may be satisfied in you alone as the True Bread of Heaven. Nourish and strengthen me that I may serve you with great joy, generosity, and zeal all the days of my life"

getting worked up?

“ ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ Jesus replied: ‘This is the work of God: have faith in the One Whom He sent.’ ” —John 6:28-29

As we enter into the third week of the Easter season, some of you have walked with the risen Christ, listened to Him interpret the Scriptures, and recognized Him in the breaking of the bread (see Lk 24:15, 27, 30-31). Like millions of Christians throughout the centuries, you have cried out: “It is the Lord!” (Jn 21:7)

After meeting your beloved older Brother raised from the dead, you’ll never be the same. “The old order has passed away; now all is new!” (2 Cor 5:17; cf Rv 21:5) Everything is different — life, people, time, money, possessions, church, and work. You no longer work “for perishable food but for food that remains unto life eternal” (Jn 6:27). Like Sts. Andrew, Peter, James, John, and Matthew, some of you are called to leave your jobs. They’re not compatible with the risen life. However, most of you are called to do your jobs in a different, risen way. Like St. Stephen, you will be “filled with grace and power” (Acts 6:8). You will receive such wisdom (see Acts 6:10) that your word will build God’s kingdom, bring down the strongholds of the evil one (2 Cor 10:4), and even make you worthy of being persecuted (Acts 5:41).

Work as if a dead God-Man has risen from the grave and now lives in You. Jesus has risen! He lives in you! Work for Him.

Prayer: Father, may I work harder and more joyfully for love of You.

Promise: “The way of truth I have chosen.” —Ps 119:30

Praise: St. Fidelis left his law career to become a priest, joining his brother George as a member of the Capuchin Order.

Reference: (For a related teaching on Job Performance for Jesus, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 43-3 or DVD 43 on our website.)

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Cleopas and Companion failed to recognize Jesus.

"That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

"He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”

"They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”

"And he replied to them, “What sort of things?”

"They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.

"But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.

"Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”

"And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!

"Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

"Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.

"As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

"So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.

With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.

"Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

"So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”

"Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread." (Luke 24: 13 - 35).

Sunday 23rd April 2023 of the 3rd Sunday in the Season of Easter.

After His Resurrection, Jesus sought after two of His discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus. What follows is very interesting. Why were the eyes of Cleopas and his companion prevented from recognizing Jesus? St Jerome, Scripture scholar and Doctor of the Church gives us a clue: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."

The same ignorance of Scripture prevented me from recognizing Jesus in the Scriptures, in the Blessed Sacrament, the Eucharist, and in the Sacrament of the Present Moment for a long time.

From the mighty deeds and words of Jesus, the disciples thought that Jesus might be the Messiah. Why did they not explore the Scriptures to prove the point and find out what Scripture says about the Messiah? Jesus said that they were not only foolish but slow in understanding. How? Because it is clear from the Scriptures that Salvation would come only through the Cross. (Cf CCC 272).

We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the same error. The two big gifts of Easter are: the Holy Spirit and Peace. The Holy Spirit will make “our hearts burn within us while he speaks to us and opens the scriptures to us?” (Luke 24: 32).

Ask for the Holy Spirit today.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: Why was it difficult for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord? Jesus' death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. They saw the cross as defeat and could not comprehend the empty tomb until the Lord Jesus appeared to them and gave them understanding.

Do you recognize the Risen Lord in his word and in the breaking of the bread?

Jesus chided the disciples on the road to Emmaus for their slowness of heart to believe what the Scriptures had said concerning the Messiah. They did not recognize the risen Jesus until he had broken bread with them. Do you recognize the Lord in his word and in the breaking of the bread?

St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) reflects on the dimness of their perception:

"They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind" (Sermon 235.1).

"Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which was still ignorant of the truth - that the Christ would die and rise again, their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth." (From The Harmony of the Gospels, 3.25.72)

How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us? The Risen Lord is ever ready to speak his word to us and to give us understanding of his ways. Do you listen attentively to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?

"Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart to recognize your presence with me and to understand the truth of your saving word. Nourish me with your life-giving word and with the bread of life."

sunday afternoons

“Were not our hearts burning inside us as He talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” —Luke 24:32

On the afternoon of His Resurrection, Jesus walked about seven miles with two of His disciples and “interpreted for them every passage of Scripture which referred to Him” (Lk 24:27). He did this even though His last three years of teaching the apostles seemed ineffective, for they had abandoned Him when He was executed. As Jesus taught His two disciples, their hearts were burning and being purified (Lk 24:32). That evening of His Resurrection, Jesus continued His ministry of teaching by opening the apostles’ minds to the understanding of the Scriptures (Lk 24:45). Jesus’ teaching of the Scriptures eventually bore fruit at Pentecost.

Seven Sundays after the Sunday of Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter spent Sunday afternoon as Jesus had done on the Sunday of His Resurrection. Peter preached God’s Word from Joel 3, Psalm 16, and Psalm 110 (Acts 2:17ff, 25ff, 34). Hearts were burning, minds were opening, and the Church was being born.

The Church continues this pattern to the present day. As God’s Word is proclaimed, we recognize the risen Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit. Abide in God’s Word (Jn 8:31). Witness for the risen Jesus (Acts 2:32). Receive new Pentecosts.

Prayer: Father, Your Word is more precious to me than thousands of dollars (see Ps 119:72).

Promise: “In prayer you call upon a Father Who judges each one justly on the basis of his actions. Since this is so, conduct yourselves reverently during your sojourn in a strange land.” —1 Pt 1:17

Praise: “ ‘[Paul] sounds like a promoter of foreign gods,’ because he was heard to speak of ‘Jesus’ and ‘the resurrection’ ” (Acts 17:18). Risen Jesus, Your Resurrection testifies You are true God and true man.

Reference:

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

It is I. Do not be afraid.

"When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.

"It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.

"The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid.

"But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

"They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading." (John 6: 16 - 21).

Saturday 22nd April 2023, in the 2nd Week of Easter.

Jesus said to the disciples: It is I. Do not be afraid.” These words brought peace, comfort and joy to the disciples.

This morning, I woke up feeling feverish. This fever put me in a raw mood as I had planned a number of things to accomplish today. I was in a complaining and critical frame of mind when I came to my workstation to start writing this reflection.

When I heard Jesus say: "It is I. Do not be afraid,” I knew immediately that the Lord of History was speaking to me directly. What did I understand?

I believe that You are watching over me night and day and that not a hair falls from my

head without Your permission! [The fever of this day].. . "It is I. Do not be afraid. I am fully in control"].

Friends, needless to say, I regained my peace and serenity immediately. I had canceled my wake up time for prayer tomorrow morning, I restored it. Tomorrow is in hands of He who is the Sole Master of the future.

St Hildegard of Bingen, Doctor of the Church says that the word of God is Divine Command. A single word from God is enough to bring light, courage, peace and joy to our hearts.

Jesus says to us:

"It is I. Do not be afraid!" God is in His word. And His word is Divine Command. All things obey God. (Psalm 119: 11). The word of God accomplishes everything it is sent to. (Cf Isaiah 55: 7-8).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: Can anything on this earth truly satisfy the deepest longing and hunger we experience for God? A great multitude had gathered to hear Jesus, no doubt because they were hungry for the word of life. Jesus' disciples wanted to send them away at the end of the day because they did not have the resources to feed them. They even complained how much money it would take to feed such a large crowd - at least six month's wages! Jesus, the Bread of Life, took the little they had - five loaves and two fish - and giving thanks to his heavenly Father, distributed to all until they were satisfied of their hunger.

Jesus is the true bread from heaven that gives us abundant life

The people of Israel had been waiting for the prophet whom Moses had promised: The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren - him shall you heed (Deuteronomy 18:15). The signs which Jesus did, including the miraculous feeding of the five thousand signified that God has indeed sent him as the anointed Prophet and King. Jesus' feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is repeated in all four Gospel accounts. What is the significance of this particular miracle? The miraculous feeding of such a great multitude pointed to God's provision of manna in the wilderness for the people of Israel under Moses' leadership (Exodus 16). This daily provision of food in the barren wilderness foreshadowed the true heavenly bread which Jesus would offer his followers.

The food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ

Jesus makes a claim which only God can make: He is the true bread of heaven that can satisfy the deepest hunger we experience. The sign of the multiplication of the loaves when the Lord says the blessing, breaks, and distributes through his disciples prefigures the superabundance of the unique bread of his Eucharist or Lord's Supper. When we receive from the Lord's table we unite ourselves to Jesus Christ, who makes us sharers in his body and blood. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 A.D.) calls it the "one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death, and the food that makes us live for ever in Jesus Christ" (Ad Eph. 20,2). This supernatural food is healing for both body and soul and strength for our journey heavenward.

When you approach the Table of the Lord, what do you expect to receive? Healing, pardon, comfort, and rest for your soul? The Lord has much more for us, more than we can ask or imagine. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist at the Lord's Table is an intimate union with Jesus Christ, our Divine Healer and Savior. As bodily nourishment restores lost strength, so the Eucharist strengthens us in charity and enables us to break with disordered attachments to creatures and to be more firmly rooted in the love of Christ. Do you hunger for the "bread of life"?

The Lord alone can satisfy the deepest longing of our heart

The feeding of the five thousand shows the remarkable generosity of God and his great kindness towards us. When God gives, he gives abundantly. He gives more than we need for ourselves so that we may have something to share with others, especially those who lack what they need. God takes the little we have and multiplies it for the good of others. Do you trust in God's provision for you and do you share freely with others, especially those who are in need?

"Lord Jesus, you satisfy the deepest longing of our heart and you feed us with the finest of wheat (Psalm 81:16). Fill me with gratitude and give me a generous heart that I may freely share with others what you have given to me."

life or living death? (see 1 jn 3:14)

“If their purpose or activity is human in its origins, it will destroy itself.” —Acts 5:38

If you play your cards right, compromise your principles, and do whatever it takes, you can be successful by worldly standards, pass yourself off “as someone of importance,” and build up “quite a following” (Acts 5:36-37). Of course, without God, in the end your life will come to nothing and destroy itself (Acts 5:36, 38; see also Lk 9:24).

If you decide to follow Jesus, deny your very self, and take up the cross daily (Lk 9:23), your life will seem to be an absurdity (1 Cor 1:18; see also 4:9-10). You could have possessed, owned, and consumed so much, but you threw your life away running after a Jewish Carpenter Who said He was God. You won’t have much to show for your life except a loaf, a fish, or a few dollars. However, Jesus will multiply your little life to feed the masses (see Jn 6:10ff). Your life will go down in history, be written in the history book of life (see Rv 20:15; Lk 10:20), and transcend history into eternity.

What a privilege to live for Jesus! One day with Him is better than a thousand elsewhere (Ps 84:11). It’s better to suffer with Him than to enjoy life without Him (see Acts 5:41). “You are not to spend what remains of your earthly life on human desires but on the will of God” (1 Pt 4:2). Live and give all for Jesus.

Prayer: Father, may I not waste my life on doing my own thing.

Promise: “Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah.” —Acts 5:42

Praise: St. Anselm tried to satisfy his emptiness with worldly things but finally surrendered to the Lord and answered God’s call to the monastic life.

Reference: (For a related teaching on Life Decisions, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 44-1 or DVD 44 on our website.)

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Believe What You Read.

"God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

"Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

"And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.

"For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed.

"But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God." (John 3: 16 - 21).

Thursday April 20th 2023 in the 2nd Week of Easter.

Brothers and sisters, what is the core message of today's Gospel? BELIEF! What does BELIEF mean in this context? It means accept A FACT based on REASONABLE EVIDENCE.

Do you accept the FACT that Jesus Christ is a historical Person, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered and died under Pontius Pilate? This historical fact is part of the faith of the Church.

Believe what you read in the Sacred Scripture. Believe what the Church teaches.

Share what you believe.

Live what you believe.

And you will be saved.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Meditation: Do you hunger for the true and abundant life which God offers through the gift of his Holy Spirit? The Jews understood that God gave a certain portion of his Spirit to his prophets. When Elijah was about to depart for heaven, his servant Elisha asked for a double portion of the Spirit which Elijah had received from God (2 Kings 2:9).

The Holy Spirit opens our minds to understand God's word of truth

Jesus tells his disciples that they can believe the words he speaks because God the Father has anointed him by pouring out his Spirit on him in full measure, without keeping anything back. The function of the Holy Spirit is to reveal God's truth to us. Jesus declared that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:13). When we receive the Holy Spirit he opens our hearts and minds to recognize and understand God's word of truth.

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) said, "I believe in order to understand; and I understand the better to believe." Faith opens our minds and hearts to receive God's word of truth and to obey it willingly. Do you believe God's word and receive it as if your life depended on it?

God gives us the freedom to accept or reject what he says is true. But with that freedom also comes a responsibility to recognize the consequences of the choice we make - either to believe what he has spoken to us through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, or to ignore, reject, and chose our own way apart from God. Our choices will either lead us on the path of abundant life and union with God, or the path that leads to spiritual death and separation from God.

Love the Lord, cling to him, and you will have life

God issued a choice and a challenge to the people of the Old Covenant: "See I have set before you this day life and good, death and evil. ...I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and cleaving to him" (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). And God issues the same challenge to the people of the New Covenant today. Do you weigh the consequences of your choices? Do the choices you make lead you towards life or death - blessing or cursing?

If you choose to obey God's voice and to do his will, then you will know and experience that abundant life which comes from God himself. If you choose to follow your own way apart from God and his will, then you choose for death - a spiritual death which poisons and kills the heart and soul until there is nothing left but an empty person devoid of love, truth, goodness, purity, peace, and joy. Do your choices lead you towards God or away from God?

"Lord Jesus Christ, let your Holy Spirit fill me and transform my heart and mind that I may choose life - the abundant life you offer to those who trust in you. Give me courage to always choose what is good, true, and just and to reject whatever is false, foolish, and contrary to your holy will."

the golden arch

“He Whom God has exalted at His right hand as Ruler and Savior is to bring repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We testify to this. So too does the Holy Spirit, Whom God has given to those that obey Him.” —Acts 5:31-32

To have Easter, we must have Pentecost. Only by the Holy Spirit can we recognize the risen Christ. To receive the Holy Spirit and to live our new life in the Spirit, we must obey God (Acts 5:32).

The Greek word translated “obey” in Acts 5:29, 32 is not the common Greek word for obedience. It includes the prefix “arch,” connoting “first” and “authority.” In English, we use this prefix in the words “archbishop” and “archangel.” Thus, to receive the Holy Spirit we need “arch-obedience.” We need more than a utilitarian or even begrudging obedience. We need obedience in which we are consciously submissive to God-given authority. We also need an obedience in which God is put first, and all authorities contrary to Him are disobeyed (see Acts 5:29) since they are contrary to God. In “arch-obedience,” we are humble before God and rebellious against all authorities rebelling against God. Therefore, “arch-obedience” is confrontational and dangerous. All martyrs had “arch-obedience” and therefore had the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, may I love You so much that I am willing to risk my life for You.

Promise: “Whoever believes in the Son has life eternal. Whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure the wrath of God.” —Jn 3:36

Praise: Because of her absolute trust in God, Beth had profound peace when her husband’s business was brought to bankruptcy.

Reference: (For a related teaching, view, download or order our leaflet Obedience School or listen to, download or order Obeying God on CD 62-3 or DVD 62 on our website.)

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio September 21,, 2022"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements

0 notes

seekfirst-community · 1 year

Text

Peter and John discovers God's total Support.

"The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees, and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail.

But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.”

"When they heard this, they went to the temple early in the morning and taught. When the high priest and his companions arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin, the full senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the jail to have them brought in.

"But the court officers who went did not find them in the prison, so they came back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked and the guards stationed outside the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

"When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were at a loss about them, as to what this would come to.

"Then someone came in and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are in the temple area and are teaching the people.” Then the captain and the court officers went and brought them, but without force, because they were afraid of being stoned by the people." (Acts 5: 17- 26).

Wednesday 19th April 2023, in the 2nd Week in the Easter Season.

A handwritten note in the margin of the Daily Roman Missal for Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter reads: "Mission/Purpose Wednesday." Why? The Scriptures for this Wednesday are replete of Mission statements.

Peter and John discovered in Acts 5: 19 - 20, that when God anoints you for a mission, no force on earth can stop you. Did not God promise:

"I have set in front of you an open door that no one can shut." (Revelation 3: 8).

In the Gospel of today, we are urged to proclaim the Good News to everyone, everywhere in the world:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3: 16).

Our response to the divine invitation to come forward and participate in the work of evangelization is proposed for us in the Entrance Antiphon:

"I will be a witness to You in the world O Lord. I will spread the knowledge of your name among my brothers, Alleluia! " (Psalm 18:50; 22 :23 RM)

Yes Lord, I will share Your Gospel with my brothers and sisters.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

0 notes