WAIT FOR THE LORD.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Year C Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-31 Our Gospel narrates the story of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. Jesus was presented in the temple to consecrate Him and to set Him aside for the service to the Lord. Why he needs to be presented? It is a Jewish tradition that every firstborn must be offered to the Lord. Offering is a recognition of God’s goodness and generosity. (It is also a gesture of asking for blessings-take care of this child. It’s yours, we are only stewards.) What I really like and love in the gospel is the mentioned of these two characters who were patiently waiting to see the child Jesus. Who are they? 1. Simeon -very upright and devout man from Jerusalem. - He is waiting and waiting and waiting because of the promise assured to him by the Holy Spirit. “He would not die before seeing the Messiah”. By the way the name Simeon means “GOD HAS HEARD”. 2. Anna - prophetess, daughter of Phanuel - like Simeon she is in the temple day and night fasting and praying. - she was 84 years old when she met the child Jesus. Message: Simeon and Anna’s perseverance in waiting was rewarded with final joy. Our Gospel for today is reminding us that LIFE HAS MEANING WHEN WE SPEND IT WAITING FOR JESUS. Waiting can be frustrating but the joy at the end is wonderful. God is calling us to wait and to be more patient. God knows what is best for us. To those who are single and looking for a partner in life take this in mind: better to wait long than marry wrong. There are moments in our life that we feel like we are waiting for something that is not going to happen. You know what, I hate waiting, but if it’s waiting for the Lord, I will wait. You know what, It took me 18 long years to wait to get ordained as priest. But by patient waiting God grant my hearts’s desire. Brothers and sisters keep this in mind: BLESSINGS MAYBE BELAYED BUT ITS NEVER BEEN DENIED”. Read Psalm 40:10 because God does not disappoint anyone. We must trust God even when his answer is “WAIT”. God answers when you least expect. It is difficult to wait but it is more difficult to regret. Never give up on something you really want. GREAT THINGS COMES TO THOSE WHO WAIT. Lord I will wait for you because I don’t want anyone else. 4P’s to consider: 1. Always PREPARE 2. If we wanted to be blessed PRESENT yourself and make yourself presentable to the Lord. 3. PRAY for your children: consecrate them to God 4. PURIFY yourself. Blessings Fr. Jhack

RISE UP

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 5:21-43 Our gospel is what the Biblical experts called “Markan insertion”- it is a story within a story. Jesus was interrupted by a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. Today’s gospel shows us that our God is sensitive and willing to be interrupted by those who are in need of His help. Today consider any interruptions as God’s intervention. “Daughter, your faith has made you well.” Faith is the remedy of all our sufferings. Friends, faith in Jesus counquers everything even the power of death. The name of this synagogue official is Jairus. His name means “he awakens”. For Jesus death is just like SLEEPING. One day God will wake us up. Friends, sleepless nights won't last, come to Jesus and present to him your worries. Cry out to Him. Give God a chance for we have a God who delights in the impossibilities. Perhaps some of us here are burried witn so many “deaths” in life-(Dead relationships, dead finances, dead health, dead spirituality). Because of these we are so desperate but you know what, Jesus is telling us to RISE UP-Talitha Koum! Wake up! Keep on believing. Do not be afraid just keep up the faith. Rise up and become the person you were meant to be. There is always hope even when you are at the lowest point of your life. Better things are ahead. Blessings Fr. Jhack