July 23, 2021 Friday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Matthew 13:18-23 Our gospel for today explains about the parable of the sower. We are invited today not only to grow but to be productive. We are called to be fruitful not only thirty, not only sixty but hundred fold. There are three major reasons why people are not producing fruits. Perhaps these are the reasons too why you are not producing and improving in life. First, they think TEMPORARY. You know what, the way we think defined who we are. The way we think shaped our future. Friends, nothing good will come out on a short term period. You can’t build a long term future on a short term thinking. If you think about long term then you can really make good life decisions that you won’t regret later. If you want to engage into relationships think long not short. If you start a business, think long not short. Long term is the key to success. Another reason why people don’t bear fruits is that they give in into TRIALS. Friends, there will always be tribulation and afflictions. “My son if you wish to come after me, prepare yourself with trials.” Friends, do not be scared of trials. Face them. Be strong like wall before any trials because our biggeat problems will sometimes our biggest blessings. There is a hidden treasure in every trials. There is an opportunity in every crisis. Third reason why people don’t bear fruit is they give in into TEMPTATIONS. Friends, the devil’s job is to choke us with an apparent good. When in front of your weaknesses always remember that temptations are opportunity to do good. Every temptation is a chance to do good.To produce fruits we are challenge to be faithful. Be firm. TENACITY is the term I would like to share. Inspite of the birds, rocks, and tnorns of life, keep sowing. Don’t be discourage and never give up. Keep sowing even people laugh at you. Keep planting even they don’t believe in you. Keep scattering the seeds even if nobody is interested. Friends, you have the capacity to bless the world. Your passion will pave a way to the success of your mission. Struggles can’t stop us to produce a hundredfold. Blessings Fr. Jhack