Friday 5th November 2021, 31st Week in Ordinary Time is also the First Friday in November.

The Church teaches us to have constantly in mind the Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell. There is no escaping this truth.

Our key Scripture for today deals with the theme of accounting and accountability.  Every steward knows that once or twice a year, he renders an account of his stewardship to his master in terms of profit and loss.  This is usually a dreaded moment especially for the delinquent steward.

After this delinquent servant has been condemned and fired, he undertook a face saving fraud. His master was amused when he heard of it and said:
"For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.”

Why is there seemingly so little fear and prudence in managing Church assets? Very few managers of Church assets fear accountability and retribution. One hears of thefts from the lady accounts, managers, priests and Bishops. A Cardinal is currently facing criminal litigation in the Vatican.
These criminals dare the Church to adopt civil criminal procedures. The Church cannot take the bait because the Mission of the Church is different from the mission of Facebook, Exxon or any government.

After our death, we will render an account of our stewardship to the Eternal and Merciful Judge, Jesus.

Daily Bible Verse @ Seekfirstcommunity.com

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:  Jesus promised 12 special favors to all those who will honor His Sacred Heart especially on the First Friday of every month.  In the 11th month of the year 2021, we look at Promise #11.

#11. "Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced."

Promise #11 is not hard to fulfill.  Just promote the Sacred Heart Devotion.  Since nobody can give that which he has not, make sure you have some testimonies in case someone asks you: "What has the Sacred Heart done for you?"

Start your promotion small.  Order 20 to 50 Sacred Heart of Jesus cards from Amazon or from your local Catholic Bookstore.  Few dollars. Get the ones with the picture of the Sacred Heart in front and the Promises on the back. Give them to family, relatives and friends.  Leave some in the Church lobby.  You are already on the way as a promoter of the Sacred Heart devotion. I have left some cards in public libraries.

Remind the Lord often of these promises especially those that touch your present need. Jesus loves to be reminded of His promises.  Not that He forgets.  It is important for you to know deeply that the Lord is faithful.  Friends, this is really a question of whether you trust the promises Jesus or not. Review the 12 Promises about once a month to see which promises have been fulfilled.

Honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Friday.

For the Sacred Heart of Jesus Promises, Prayers, Prayer intentions, click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2020/08/12-promises-of-sacred-heart-of-jesus.html?m=1

SeekFirstcommunity.com

Thursday 4th November 2021, 31st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Charles Borromeo. (1538 - 1584). Cardinal, Archbishop of the famous See of Milan, the See of St Ambrose. Borromeo was born into wealth and splendor but was not possessed by his wealth and patrimony.
St Charles Borromeo was one of the architects of the successful conclusion of the Council of Trent. A great reformer, he worked hard for the implementation of the decrees of the Council. He established seminaries and had catechisms produced.

In our key Scripture from the famous Luke's Chapter 15, Jesus exclaims joyfully "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep."  Thank You Jesus for the lesson You have taught me in this parable. You have taught me the power of One. You have also reminded me of the power of the mustard seed. Help me to follow Your example My Good Shepherd.

"I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

Some people like St Charles Borromeo are born into wealth but are detached from material things. Other people are born into poverty and become scrooges all their life. Great mystery. It profits a man nothing to own the whole world and lose his eternal soul. Here is one of the powerful sayings of St Charles Borromeo:

"Know and recall that there is no greater wealth and treasure, nothing more excellent and fruitful, than to love God and serve him, and that everything else passes like smoke and shadow."

St Charles Borromeo is the patron saint of catechists and seminarians.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com