WATER INTO WINE

January 16, 2022 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C John 2:1-12 Today’s gospel speaks about the first miracle performed by Jesus. He turned water into wine. Jesus and his disciples were invited for a wedding but something unfortunate happened. They ran out of wine. The mother of Jesus was there too. The role of Mary was significant to the first sign performed by Jesus. “Do whatever he tells you” Mary said. She knows that Jesus can help. She knows that Jesus is the Son of God. Even if its not the right time yet Jesus obeys his mother. “My hour has not yet come.” The first miracle is an event helping his disciples to grow in faith and ofcourse to show the glory of God. Three points that I would like to share with you. First, in our life, there will be a moment where in you will run out of supply. You will experience a moment of crisis. “Darkest hour” experience is inevitable, however invite Jesus and Mary in your life. Why? Because you will be blessed if you invite the source of blessings. There will be an overflowing abundance and sweetness if you make Jesus part of your journey. You will lack nothing. He can turn your worries into jubilation. He will fill your empty jars. There will be some minor problems but joy and gladness in your life will have no end. He will supply your needs. He will give you more than what you asked for. If Jesus can turn water into wine, He can also transform you sorrows into joy. He can rescue you from shame and emabarassment. He can bless you even when you are in trouble. Friends, remember this: when Jesus decide to bless you he will do it lavishly. He will cause situations to come together in your favour. Second, like Jesus use your gifts to bless others. He transformed six jars of water into best quality wine. Friends, when there is a situation of crisis, use it as an opportunity to do your best. You can rescue others from embarassment if you make yourself available for people around you. Be a good wine rather than being an ordinary wine. Like wine let your life taste sweet not sour. Live a quality life. How? Let Jesus be your wine. When your wine runs out come to Jesus. Jesus will fill your jars up to the brim. Develop a good relationship with Jesus. (Kay Hesus habang tumatagal lalong sumasarap). Finally, save the best for last. The running out of wine may lead to serious loss of honor. It may create humilition and great shame to the host. Right? To prevent further embarassment, Jesus makes the celebration extraordinary. Best quality wine was served from the start until the end. Today we are challenge to make the rest of our life, the best of our life. Don’t be cheap because your worth is of great value. Friends, start well and end well. Begin awesome and finish the race of life wonderful. Turn your water into wine and let your wine overflow. Blessings Fr. Jhack

PIT SEÑOR

Sermon #1 January 16, 2032 Feast of the Sto. Nino Luke 2:41-52 In the Philippines today, the readings are different because the liturgy of today highlights the feast of the baby Jesus otherwise known as “Sto. Nino.” The feast is strictly speaking, a liturgical feast celebrated only in the Philippines. Yet even here in Canada, Filipinos celebrated it with the same fervor and joy. We have our “sinulog” celebrated inside the hall because of the cold temparature but not due to the health issue we suspend this amazing tradition. The devotion to the Sto. Niño has become popular tradition worldwide. The Child Jesus is clothed in inumerable ways of professions and attires. I am proud to say that as long as there is a presence of filipinos anywhere, there is also a presence of “Sto Nino.” In the baranggay where I came from, this devotion was manifested in a colorful parade which highlights the joyful street dancing. We cannot deny the fact that our world nowadays was characterized by competition, striving for excellence, looking for the best, searching for power, all these could lead us to the world’s standard of greatness. However, the gospel is reminding us to be little like child. Greatness is being little. Friends, greatness is not what we have but becoming like little children. If you want to be big, you need to be little! Three things I would like to share for today. Looking at the image of the baby Jesus through the Sto. Nino, He challenges us for three things. First, like the Sto. Niño always smile. My dear friends never forget to smile. Even if life is hard show your smile. Smile even if it hurts. Smile even if you have problems. Smile is an expression of faith. Smile can solve many problems. Friends, have faith and keep smiling because God is in control. Second, like the Sto. Nino always point up your finger above. The gesture of pointing up our finger signifies the superiority of God. To be great means to acknowledge that God is more superior than us. Friends, give all the credits, all the applauses and all praises to back to Jesus. More of God, less of ourselves. To God alone belongs the glory. Fade, so that God may shine! Finally, the Sto. Niño is holding the globe to reminds us that at the end of our journey all of us are destined to be in the hands of God. (Isa lang ang bagsak ng tao, sa Kamay ng Diyos.) We are made for heaven. Happy feast day my dear kababayans. Viva Señor Sto. Niño. Pit Senior! Blessings Fr. Jhack