"[A] Bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach,  not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.  He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity." (1 Timothy 3: 2 - 4).

Tuesday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Robert Berllamine of the Society of Jesus. Our Scripture for today listed the qualities of a Bishop of the Church. It seems as if the author of 1 Timothy studied the life of St Robert Berllamine before writing the profile of the Bishop. The only difference is that Berllamine was celibate. As a Bishop and a Cardinal, he had a large household and treated members of his household with exemplary kindness and generosity. Born in 1542 in Tuscany, he lived during the tumultuous years of the Reformation. A highly respected scholar, he was also a very effective apologist. Because of his gentle and winsome character, he was listened to on both sides of the Reformation controversies.
St Robert Berllamine wrote a very successful Catechism.

St Robert Berllamine was irreproachable, celibate, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach,  not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.
May God bless and prosper His Church with Bishops like St Robert Berllamine.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

“Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed." (Luke 7: 6 - 7).

Monday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Cornelius, Pope and St Cyprian, Bishop. Both were martyred in the 4th century.

In our Gospel pick for today, we marvel at the faith of the Roman Centurion. It is said that our faith grows when we read Sacred Scripture. The Centurion heard of the miraculous powers of Jesus and understood from his army experience that Jesus could heal his slave by a word of command given from anywhere.

Blessed John Henry Newman writes that when God asks us to trust Him, He does not demand the impossible. He gives us signs and at other times inner certitude to strengthen our faith. Think of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Abraham, David, Paul, etc. Our trust in God brings delight to the Heart of God. "When Jesus heard these words [of the Centurion] he was astonished at him and, turning round, said to the crowd following him, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found faith like this.’ And when the messengers got back to the house they found the servant in perfect health." (Luke 7: 9 - 10).

Inspired by the professed faith of the Centurion, the Church says before Holy Communion:
"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." Just one word!

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

"Coming to his senses he [the Prodigal] thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger." (Luke 15: 17).

Sunday of the 24th week in Ordinary Time. The Scriptures this Sunday is so rich in spiritual nourishment. The first Reading from Exodus 32 can be summarized thus: The Lord relented in the punishment He planned for His people. In the 2nd Reading from 1 Timothy, Paul exclaimed how mercifully Jesus treated him. First, all his sins were wiped out. Then Jesus appointed Paul as a top apostle. But it is in the Gospel that we see God’s face of mercy in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Sin>>>Suffering >>>Salvation.
Sin leads sooner or later to brokenness. Brokenness softens the heart to receive the mercy waiting for the sinner. Without the hunger and misery of the Prodigal, he would never have come to the point where he said:
"I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers." (Luke 15: 18 - 19).

The Scriptures reveal to us this Sunday: Jesus Christ the Face of mercy of God the Father. How do we apply this truth to our needs?
Reconciliation! No Reconciliation, No personal experience of Mercy!
The ABC of Mercy:
Ask for Mercy.
Be Merciful.
Completely trust Jesus for Mercy.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

"We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered." (Cf Galatians 6: 14).

Saturday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time is the great feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, also called the Triumph of the Cross. This ancient feast dates back to the 4th century.

How do you see the Cross? An instrument of torture and Roman execution of criminals? Or an altar of sacrifice of the Son of God for the Salvation of the world?

Jesus Christ embraced the Cross the Father decreed for Him and thus triumphed over sin, evil and death. Jesus reigned as King of the Universe from the holy Cross. A concept difficult to understand. Take it as truth from the Church.
How about you my brother and sister? Are you tempted to reject your Cross? To reject your Cross is to reject Jesus Christ and the Father's ordained means of salvation. Or are you tempted to think that your Cross is too heavy? Then think of this:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28 - 30).

When you embrace God’s gracious and mysterious will for you in everything, everywhere and always, you will know the peace of Jesus.

"We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; because by your cross you have redeemed the world." (Gospel Acclamation).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com

"No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher." (Luke 6: 40).

Friday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (349 - 407). As the Archbishop of Constantinople, John Chrysistom could have chosen a quiet, comfortable and non controversial life. Not Chrysostom, a great admirer of St Paul the Apostle, he worked very hard for the cause of the poor and the marginalized in his See. "When fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher." (Luke 6: 40).
John Chrysostom was fully trained and became a great preacher and teacher in addition to his other ministries. We continue to enjoy today the vast writings he left behind.

Bishop John Chrysostom is known for his experience of great suffering in the course of the his ministry and left us an example of invincible patience. He died in exile.
St John Chrysostom, pray for us.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com