BLESSED ARE THE FAITHFUL

There were many times in my journey as a priest when I was tempted to walk away—not from my vocation entirely, but from certain people, duties, or even moments of deep inner struggle. There were days when I showed up to pray, but my heart was dry. Days when I smiled at others, while secretly wrestling with exhaustion or doubt. And yet, I stayed. Not because I was strong, but because I believed faithfulness matters to God. God never asked me to be perfect. He never demanded that I always feel inspired, joyful, or on fire. What He asks is that I remain. That I return to Him, again and again, with all that I am—weakness and all. I have learned that faithfulness to God is not about how I feel, but about who I believe He is: a faithful Father who never gives up on His children. So I hold on. I stay close. I keep showing up in prayer, in the sacraments, in service—because I know He is always there. Faithfulness has also taught me something deeper about love. In relationships—with family, friends, parishioners—it’s not the grand gestures that matter most. It’s the daily presence, the quiet sacrifices, the choice to listen even when tired, to forgive even when hurt. And in my responsibilities as a priest, faithfulness means being present even when I feel invisible, preaching with fire even when I feel empty, and celebrating Mass with reverence even when my heart is heavy. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being extraordinary—it’s about being faithful. And that’s the kind of priest I pray to be—not perfect, not always strong, but faithful. Because faithfulness, even when unnoticed by the world, is always seen by God. And that is enough. Blessings Fr. Jhack