REFLECTION July 13, 2021 Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time Matthew 11:20-24 "Woe to you" is a statement that emphasizes grief, sorrow, misery. It is also a warning reminding someone of a terrible calamity will come upon you if he or she does not turn to the Lord. The sin of Chorazin, of Bethsaida, and of Capernaum was the sin of doing nothing. I called it indifference-an absence of good deeds! They know and very much aware that it’s a sin but they no longer care. They ignore it. Nowadays, we lost the sense of sin. We don’t care what God and anyone else think. Repentance pleases God. The recognition of sin is the start of salvation. Today we are reminded that not to repent is a shameful act. All of us are obligated to repent of our sins because sin is a transgression of God's law. Remember that the devil will not show us the consequence of our sins. Enjoy today suffer later was the devil’s ways. Beware folks! This is not the final judgement yet. There is still a delay. Friends, there is still time to repent. If we refuse to repent; the greatest of all curses, all badlucks and miserable events will fall upon us. Brethren, sin is repairable. Please don’t delay your repentance. Jesus denounces and mourns those who do not repent. It is never too late to repent. Turn to the Lord and you will live. Blessings, Fr. Jhack

 July 2, 2021

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 9:9-13

God invites people who are not good enough. His love is perfectly perfect for those imperfect individuals like the sinners, the outcasts and those in the peripheries of our society. The sinners are God’s favorite. God sees our imperfections yet He loves us perfectly. Our God came not to shame the sinners but He came to save them. My dear friends our sins cannot stop the mercy of God to overflow. As what I told the other day, heaven would be empty if God did not forgive sinners. Come to church because the church is a hospital for sinners not a club for saints.

We are like Matthew in today’s gospel. We are sinners in need of God’s mercy. Jesus is a friend of sinners. Let us follow Him for He is the sinner’s physician. “It is not the healthy who needs a doctor but the sick.” His medicine to cure our sins is MERCY. My dear friends like Jesus let us hate the sin but love the sinner. Don’t avoid those who need Christ. Our attitude towards sinners should not be avoidance but rather mercy. Through mercy we seek to lead our fellow sinners to Christ who can help us. Let me end by saying: God’s mercy is bigger than any mistakes we’ve made.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 3, 2021

Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle

Saturday in the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time

John 20:24-29

I love planting flowers and some gardening stuff because I believe in tomorrow. I do not know about what is coming after tonight but I am sure it’s coming. This is faith. And faith is like seing the light in our hearts even if our eyes see the darkness. In today’s gospel we are challenged to be believers not a skeptics. Friends, doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Let us believe even without direct sight of the Lord and our blessings will be seeing what we believed. Faith does not need any evidence for faith is the evidence of things unseen. Believers are always happier than skeptics. Remember that folks!

Sometimes like Thomas we doubted the presence of God because we missed the opportunity of His visit. We missed it maybe because we are busy with worldly concerns and other affairs. There is always an element of skepticism in our faith but never allow your doubts create mountains. Unbelief starves our soul but faith find food in the midst of doubts. Friends, kill your unbelief and activate your faith. Let your faith roar so loud that you can’t hear what doubt is saying. You know what, I am excited to water my flowers again tomorrow.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 4, 2021

Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 9:18-26

Today’s gospel we witnessed how Jesus showed his power over sickness by healing the woman’s hemorrhages when no one else could. We also heard how He showed his power over death by raising an official’s daughter from the dead. Friends, Jesus has power over sickness and death. This passage is telling us that no matter how bad your situation is, there is always hope if you have faith. Anything is possible if you believe.

My dear friends, God give miracles to those who believe. Our faith in the Lord require us to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible. Never give up on the things that make you smile. Impossible is God’s starting point to do wonders in your lufe. Just believe that good things are on their way to you. Keep the faith. Hold on. Things will get better.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 6, 2021

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Mt 9:32-38

When we do good there is a tendency that some may hate us. When we do what is right some maybe envious but continue to do good anyway. You know what, I’d rather be hated for speaking God’s truth than hailed for trying to redefine the truth. The devil may use other people to discourage us but our God has dominion over all these discouragements. Sometimes we seem to be like the mute demoniac, we find it so difficult to speak about what we believe in, we seem too embarrassed to speak to others about God and our faith yet amidst of all these struggles, keep going.

Today’s gospel Jesus wants us to pray for more laborers to bring in the plentiful harvest. He wants more helper. My dear friends, when God calls us to a task don’t be afraid because He will equip us. The lack of laborers, then as now, is a major problem, but it is also an opportunity and a challenge. When we pray to the Lord to send laborers into his harvest we often think of the religious life. Most often we forget that Jesus calls each person to be a disciple of his love. Each of us has a vocation. We have a call to serve and to build the Kingdom of God. There a great opportunity and plentiful harvest but few workers. Friends, God needs you. We are challenged today to pray for God to send more workers into the world to spread the gospel.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 7, 2021

Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus chose ordinary people. The twelve have no special education, no social advantages and no wealth or position. They were chosen to bring God’s healing power to the weary and to the oppressed. Friends, like the twelve we don’t need to have a college degree or a doctorate to serve. There is no need to be gifted to serve. We don’t need to be expert in language to do the task in demonizing the enemy. Stay who you are in confronting an evil world. Like the apostles we have authority over unclean spirits. Our world is getting worse. It is no longer a place of positive direction and affirmation. Evil is real. The smoke of Satan is here but be not afraid for the kingdom of Heaven has come near. Today, like the twelve we are called to confront the devil by proclaiming the good news. Convert bad news to good news!

The mission of the twelve is the same mission we are called into. We are mandated to go and spread the good news. We are challenged to get involved in the struggle against evil. We are commisioned to bring healing. Go and never settle in one place. Be an itinerant missionary. Keep spreading positivity wherever you go. Friends, trust your source and never be afraid because God is with us. Lord, let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 8, 2021

Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 10:7-15

“The Kingdom of God is at hand”

My dear friends we are reminded today that the Kingdom of God operates when we do something awesome to someone who are in a situation of difficulties. That is why Jesus is asking His disciples to cure the sick, to clean the leepers, to raise the dead and cast out demons for they too needs God’s favorable love as well. When we ease the sorrow of those in a situation of suffering we are actually establishing God’s earthly kingdom. We don’t need to waste any time for God’s kingdom must be established as soon as possible. Time is limited so spend it wisely. Do not delay or procrastinate either.

Secondly, in doing our mission we don’t need to ask for payments and rewards. “You received without payment; give without payment.”The goodnews is free of charge. The gospel is not for sale. God’s love is free. “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.” Meaning to say, as missionaries we are invited to trust in the Divine Providence through the generosity of people around us. Jesus is the only and the most essential gift we should bring in our journey. Only Jesus!

Finally, as a missionary some people may not welcome us. Thus Jesus said: “Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.” It means we don’t take any responsiblity for them for refusing to accept the goodnews of salvation. God is offering a blessings through His disciples but some will not like the offer. Friends, if people don’t listen to God’s Word, “shake off the dust from your feet”.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 9, 2021

Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 10:16-23

“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves”

My dear friends we are called to behave like sheep in the midst of wolves. Wolves were considered dangerous, deceptive and desirous of the weak. Who are they? They are those false teachers within the Church. They those people in the government who are taking advantage of their power and position. They might be someone close to you. Be wise!

There are presence of wolves everywhere. There are wolves in the church, government, in our family and around us. And what should be our attitude in the midst of these wolves? We are called to be “as shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Serpents were a symbol of wisdom. They were considered very crafty, smart, cunning, and cautious animals. The idea of being “innocent as doves” speaks of being pure and true to God’s word and His will. We will surely meet hostility and hatred because of Jesus , but we are to continue to bear witness to God’s values and teachings.

We are sent out as sheep so let’s behave not as wolves. Amidst of the difficulty that persecution brings; I want to encourage you folks that Christ still rules and defends us from all hostility. Remember our identity. We are not wolves.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 10, 2021

Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 10: 24-33

God has three essential attributes.

First, God is Omnipotence meaning all powerful. Second, He is Omnipresence, meaning He is everywhere at once. And finally God is Omniscience meaning He is all knowing. He knows all that there is to know and all that can be known. “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.” If you dont want anyone to find out then don’t do it. Time discover truth. There are no secrets that time does not reveal. Friends, God knows everything.

Secondly, our reading proved to us that we have a God who really cares. “Even all the hairs of your head are counted.” No matter how small, vulnerable and insignificant we may feel at times, we are always supported and valued by a loving, caring God. If God provides for the sparrow, much more support will be given to us because we are His children. We are worth more than sparrows. So worry not, for God will sustain us. We are the apple of His eyes.

Finally, we are reminded that the soul will last, but the body will die. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Friends whatever good for your soul do that. Take time to do what makes your soul secures heaven. Never sell your soul to the devil.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 11, 2021

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 6:7-13

We have heard in our Gospel that Jesus sent his disciples two by two and they were sent to cast out demons, to preach repentance and to cure the sick. It is interesting to note the decision of Jesus sending His disciple by pairs. Why? Two by two because proclaiming the kingdom of God is not a solitary mission, it’s not a one man show, nor individual activity but a COMMUNITARIAN MISSION. It is not a one man show. We need a partner because we cannot do it alone.

Jesus reminded his disciples to take nothing on their journey: no bread, no bag, no money. Why? Because of these two significant reasons:

1. They have to depend on the generosity of the people who will welcome them. During the time of Jesus Jewish people are very hospitable. Jewish hospitality demanded that villagers should recieve and provide food and lodging for travellers.

2. Above all, they have to trust God to provide for all their needs. God will provide.

Message: What I am trying to drive out is this: In casting out demons, in preaching for repentance and in curing the sick we don’t need to bring bread, bag and money. Why? Because bread cannot drive out demons. Money cannot cure the sick. Temporal securities can’t move people to repentance. Only Jesus! If we bring Jesus, we can cure the sick. If we bring Jesus, people will gradually change ways. If we bring Jesus we can drive out demons. You know what, if others can feel and sense the presence of Jesus in us, even if we don’t asks, others will provide our needs. If others feel and sense the presence of Jesus, even if you don’t apply for job, others will hired you. If your husband/wife feel and sense Jesus in you, she/he will be more loving, kind and understanding towards you. Remember, if you always bring Jesus with you, blessings, favors and infinite graces will be poured unto you and to your family.

Therefore, continue to tell the story of Jesus. If they don’t listen, shake off the dust on your feet as a testimony against them. The gesture of shaking off dust means: after I offer Jesus to you and if you refuse to accept this offering; whatever bad things happened to you I don’t take any responsibility towards you. Refusing Jesus in your life is refusing the blessings.

Summary: Proclaim the Gospel, two by two. In doing so, travel light. And Continue testify in Jesus. We are missionaries not mercenaries.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 12, 2021

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Mt 10: 34- 11:1

“I have come to bring not peace but the

sword.”

The Word of God is like a sword: it separates and divides. This is indeed true. Friends, try to look at our own family, others express their faith by going to church but some members don’t mind going to church at all. Others are prayerful but others are not expressive of their faith. We experienced domestic spiritual struggle. Jesus’ presence automatically causes division because not all in our family shows love in Him. Not all of our family members welcome the Lord.

My dear friends, we are challenged to witness to our faith in Him. How? First, take up your daily crosses in life and follow Jesus. Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get into heaven. Life without a cross is not a comfortable life. Second, be sensitive to the needs of the insignificant people those we called the “little ones”. We need to learn that our actions do affect other people. So let us be careful with what we say and do because life is not always about us. Finally, receive Jesus in your life. Let me end by saying: Today God is going to give you more than you asked for. Jesus is about to bless you more than you’ve ever dreamed.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack

 July 13, 2021

Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Matthew 11:20-24

"Woe to you" is a statement that emphasizes grief, sorrow, misery. It is also a warning reminding someone of a terrible calamity will come upon you if he or she does not turn to the Lord. The sin of Chorazin, of Bethsaida, and of Capernaum was the sin of doing nothing. I called it indifference-an absence of good deeds! They know and very much aware that it’s a sin but they no longer care. They ignore it. Nowadays, we lost the sense of sin. We don’t care what God and anyone else think.

Repentance pleases God. The recognition of sin is the start of salvation. Today we are reminded that not to repent is a shameful act. All of us are obligated to repent of our sins because sin is a transgression of God's law. Remember that the devil will not show us the consequence of our sins. Enjoy today suffer later was the devil’s ways. Beware folks! This is not the final judgement yet. There is still a delay. Friends, there is still time to repent. If we refuse to repent; the greatest of all curses, all badlucks and miserable events will fall upon us. Brethren, sin is repairable. Please don’t delay your repentance. Jesus denounces and mourns those who do not repent. It is never too late to repent. Turn to the Lord and you will live.

Blessings

Fr. Jhack