LET GO

August 18, 2025 Monday within the 20th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 19:16–22 When I read the story of the rich young man, I see myself in him. He is eager, respectful, and searching. He approaches Jesus with a burning question: “What good must I do to gain eternal life?” Deep down, I know I also ask the same thing—not always with words, but with the restlessness of my heart. I try to do good, I keep the faith, I follow what the Church teaches, yet sometimes I still feel that something is missing. Jesus’ reply pierces me: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor… then come, follow me.” In other words: let go. I may not be rich in money like the young man, but I realize I have my own “possessions” that keep me bound. It could be my pride, my fear of the future, my desire to control, or even relationships and comforts that I hold too tightly. These things give me security, yet they also keep me from fully trusting God. The young man went away sad because his wealth was too heavy to release. I wonder—how many times have I walked away sad because I was unwilling to surrender what God was asking of me? How many moments have I chosen safety over discipleship, comfort over trust, my way over His? This Gospel is not about condemning riches but about confronting attachments. Jesus doesn’t want me half-free, half-his; He wants my whole heart. And I realize that peace will never come from clinging to things, but only from letting go into His hands. Eternal life is not something I earn with my goodness; it is a gift I receive when I follow Him with freedom. My prayer today is simple: Lord, show me what I need to release so I can follow You more fully. Take away my sadness, and replace it with the joy of walking in Your way. Blessings Fr. Jhack

CHILDLIKE

August 16, 2025 Saturday within the 19th week in Ordinary Time Year C Mt 19:13-15 I often catch myself overthinking, trying to control every situation, and measuring my worth by accomplishments or recognition. Yet, when I read Jesus’ words, “Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14), I am reminded that God desires a heart like a child’s—humble, trusting, and open. It challenges me to let go of my pride, to stop overcomplicating my faith, and to simply run to Him with trust, just as a child runs to a parent. Being childlike doesn’t mean being naive; it means learning to rely fully on God, even when I don’t have all the answers. It’s about surrendering my fears, my need to control, and my doubts, and approaching Him with simplicity and humility. In my prayer and daily walk, I try to cultivate that openness—welcoming His love, guidance, and mercy without hesitation or reservation. This childlike faith transforms the way I live each day. I notice that when I let go and trust, peace replaces anxiety, gratitude replaces complaints, and joy replaces restlessness. It reminds me that the Kingdom of God isn’t earned by achievements or status—it’s received by hearts willing to trust, love, and surrender. I want to live with that trust every day, letting God’s grace shape my life like He shapes the lives of children in His arms. Blessings Fr. Jhack