PRODUCTION IS OUR MISSION

Friday of the Third week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 4:26-34 Jesus often uses images of smallness when describing the heavenly kingdom. What do mustard seeds teaches us about the Kingdom of God? I would like to share 3P’s with you guys: First, like the seed allnof us has the POTENTIALS TO GROW. It is the smallest of all the seeds but once aown it grows up and becomes the largest of plants.” (Lahat tayo ay may kakayanan at kakayahang umasenso, maging banal, maging mabuting tao at maging maayos muli ang mga nasirang relasyon) Like the seed we are invited to grow. Second, in growing we need to be PATIENT. Friends don’t refuse to grow. Take note: when we start to grow some others may destroy us, hate us, criticize us and will make our life miserable. Be patient anyway. Trust in the Lord and do good that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security. Take delight in Him and He will grant you your heart desire. Be grateful if we have critics and oppositions because they are the one who will bring the best in us. Be happy if you have oppositions because one day when you are patient “they will take shelter in your shade.” Be patient sometimes we have to go through the worst to get the best. Be patient, great things take time. Finally like the seed our mission is to produce. PRODUCTION is our mission. How to produce? Dream big but start small. It is not about what it is, it is about what it become. Friends, start small and end big. The biggest in the world is small in its beggining. Value the small and insignificant events in your life. I know it may seem small but it us not about what it is, its about what it become. Friends bear in mind that success is a result of small and insignificant moment to moment choices that add to big results. Small does not meant insignificant. Small can be mighty. Little by little, little becomes a lot. Little things are big. To have big production, stay low to level up. Why? Because humility is the mother of all giants. Like a seed you have the potentials to grow. (Malaki ang potential mo). Therefore, never give up. Don’t be discouraged and don’t be dissappointed. Aasenso ka rin! Blessings Fr. Jhack

ZERO TO HERO

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 4:21-25 Our first reading for today speaks about the prayer of David. His prayer shows how God keeps His promises. Let me rephrase the promise of God to David in this way: “Dahil pinagawan mo ako ng BAHAY, aayusin ko ang iyong BUHAY.” David’s life had been full of ups and downs. His story is typical drama of rag to riches chronicle. Like David we have an entire book of promises that God has given us. God promise good things to us and His promise is to bless us. Friends, the Lord is not slow to fulfill His promises. I am pretty sure that you can be the next David too. Believe that God will raise you up from rag to riches. God will move you up from zero to a hero. God will boost you up from nothing to something. Friends, start unknown, finish unforgetable. How to be a blessing in return? Let me share 3L according to what the gospel for today says. First, we are invited to be a LIGHT. Darkness exist but do not dwell there. Using the lamp as an analogy the Lord reminds us to expose the invissible. “For there is nothing secret that will not come to light.” Friends, we all stories we’ll never tell but remember what’s done in the dark will come to the light. Our world is in need of sunshine and hope. Be the light. Share some sunshine with the people you met today. Second the gospel reminds us to LISTEN. Pay attention! “the measure you give will be the measure you get.” People start to heal the moment they feel heard. We have two ears ans one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. Everytime we listen we reveal the power of God. When we pay attention we see what dont see. Today refrain from talking much and I think that will solve everything. Open your ears and close your mouth. Finally, the gospel reminds us to LOVE. “The measure you give will be the measure you get.” Friends, what goes around comes around. I am cinvinced that life is like an echo. What you send out it comes back. What you give you get. What you see in others, exist in you. What you sow, you reap. If you give a blessing, blessing will be your reward in an outstanding accuracy. Friends, give good energy and it comes back to you “For to those who have, more will be given.” Doing good and favors to others is not a duty. It is a joy for it increase your own happiness. NB: Blessing operates when we start to be LIGHT. Blessing flows when we LISTEN. Blessing achieved when we promote LOVE! Like lamps our purpose should not be hidden. Blessings, Fr. Jhack Diaz

YOU ARE NOT A WOLF!

Feast of Sts. Timothy and Titus Luke 10:1-9 “See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves” My dear friends we are called to behave like lamb in the midst of wolves. Wolves were considered dangerous, deceptive and desirous of the weak. Who are they? This might sound judgmental and harsh but their is certain truth with what I am going to say. Wolves are those false teachers within the Church. They love to Lord over the ignorant and the weak. They are those somebody who love to spread fake news in the cyber world. They are those people in the government taking advantage of their power and position. They are those parents and guardians who abandon their parental responsibility. They are those abusive individuals. They might be someone close to you. Be wise! There are presence of wolves everywhere. That is why we need someone to help us to fight for this kind of enemy. How? Never walk alone. Shun individualism. “And He sent them two by two.” Friends, learn from this: “Alone we can do little, together we can do so much.” Be part of something bigger than yourself. There are wolves in the church, in the government, in the schools, in our family and basically around us. “Take courage” says the Lord. We will surely meet hostility and hatred because of Jesus but continue to bear witness to God’s values and teachings. Behave and act like a lamb because you are not a wolf. Blessings Fr. Jhack

BRING JESUS.

Wednesday within the Third weeknin Ordinary Time: Year C Feast day of Sts. Timothy and Titus Luke 10:1-9 The readings today all point to the central theme of proclaiming the Good News. In the Gospel today, Jesus sends out pairs of two on a mission in order to preach together where Jesus plans to go. Why two by two? Because proclaiming the kingfom of God is not a solitary mission, its not a one man show, nor individual activity but a COMMUNITARIAN MISSION. In going for mission, we don’t need to bring our temporal and material possesions. People don’t need it. What they need is Jesus. People don’t need our achievements and recognitions. What they need is Jesus. Temporal possessions brings artificial happiness but Jesus gives us real joy. If we have Jesus, peace is assured and hospitality of people is secured. Jesus also told his disciples, I am sending you “like lambs among wolves”. Friends, what are you? Do you behave like lamb or are you like a wolf? Simetimes I feel guilty because I felt like I am a wolf sent to the group of innocent lambs. Instead of bringing Jesus to others I brought with me my pride, my selfishness, my achievements. These things sometimes distract the imperative tasks of spreading the goodnews. Today, our gospel is telling me, "Fr. Jhack like the disciples you are sent to go out to spread God's kingdom but carry no purse, no bag, bring no sandals."Why is this? To bring nothing means to save me and you from the trap of materialism. All we need to bring is JESUS. Only Jesus, always Jesus. If we bring Jesus we can cure the sick. If we bring Jesus, we can cast out demons. If we bring Jesus we can be the source of healing and peace. If we bring Jesus people will welcome you and give you something to eat. Suffice it to say, if we have Jesus, we have everything so why bother to carry those unnecessary stuffs. Right? Please don’t be ashamed to proclaim God's message for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but power of love and self-discipline. Let us asked Jesus that those who are called for mission especially the (bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians) will behave like lambs not as wolves. May they bring the Bible not their iphones. May they will bring the cross not the sword. As you go out, bring Jesus with you, ONLY JESUS, ALWAYS JESUS. Blessings Fr. Jhack

BRING THE WORD NOT THE SWORD

Conversion of St. Paul Mark 16:15-18 Today we celebrate the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. From being Saul who was once a great notorious persecutor of the early christians; he became Paul and turned to be a great apostle to the Gentiles. Three points that I would like to share today. First, conversion is not impossible. If God himself has called Saul who caused the suffering and misery of many early christians, he can also transform us from being beast to best. Friends, like St. Paul our life is constantly under construction. God is not finished yet with us. (Read Philippians 1:6) Let us be reminded that God is still putting our life in it’s proper place and perspective just the way He planned it. God is not done with us. It is not over until He says it is over. There is always something to improve in us. Everyday God is giving us the opportunity to better ourselves. Friends, if you are not aware that you are the cause of the misery and suffering of others; God will surely give you a Damascus” experience so that you will become a great source of joy, healing, unity and blessings. God is not finished writing your story. Second, encounter with the Jesus will change us instantly. When we encounter the Lord, He will change the way we think. He will change our perspectives. He will make our vission clearer and sharper. He will give us new heart, new passion and new interesting mission. Just be aware that every goods that comes to ourlives are the result of our connection with Jesus. Now, what what do we need to do? Today’s gospel is telling us to believe. Have faith! You will not be condemened if you believe. You can work miracles if you believe. What miracles? Those who believe in Jesus can cast out demons. You can speak in new tongues. You can cure sickness and no deadly drink can hurt you. Suffice it to say, God will give you the ability to transform the world and make it a better place to live in. Paul conversion does not only change himself but it also change the world. Finally, the conversion of St. Paul is inviting us to break away from our former evil ways of life. Nowadays, our world needs “St. Paul’s” who will take the goodnews to all the world. Be reminded that conversion is not a solo flight. It is not a one man-show. We need someone to guide us. We need the help of others around us to better ourselves. In the same way, God will always give you someone to accompany you to the road of conversion. Friends, never be discouraged because God will always sent you an Ananias to guide you to start your new journey. God will never sends you into a situation alone. He will always send yoy the right one at the right time. And most importantly, never forget that God is with you forever to finish your race. Go out to all the world and proclaim the goodnews.Bring the WORD not the SWORD. Blessings Fr. Jhack

BEAST TO BEST.

Tuesday within in the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 16:15-18 Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle Our gospel reading for today speaks about the importance of believing. “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned.” Friends, never stop believing because miracles happens everyday. There is always hope even when we are at the lowest point of our life. I am a living testimony for that. You know what, there was a moment in my life when I thought it was the end of everything. I felt like my dreams was shattered and I felt like miracles are impossible. Im hoping against hope but I was mistaken because life taught me that failures are not final. Brethren, believe in what you pray for. What we believe, we receive. Friends, the world change when we change our perspective. Saul was once a Christian persecutor turns to be Paul and became great apostle to the Gentiles. Have patience, God is not finish yet. The conversion of St. Paul is reminding us that our life is constantly under construction. There is always something to improve. Your miracle could be just around the corner. Everything is going to be okay at the end! NB: Like St. Paul, let us transform ourselves from BEAST TO BEST! Switch from BITTER TO BETTER. Believe that what is IMPOSSIBLE will become POSSIBLE. Blessings, Fr. Jhack

JESUS CAME TO DEFEAT THE DEVIL.

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 3:22-30 We live in a world where we poison others by criticism. Nowaday, it reach in peak. Call it bashing, negative feedbacks, attacks, personal assasination etc. It is easy for us to judge and criticize people today. Even Jesus was a victim of it. He did an exorcism but was acussed of being possessed by a devil. The gospel is reminding us that whatever you do, good or bad, people will always have something negative to say. Call it prejudice and perhaps a critism and an attact. Jesus is put someone on the hotseat those who cannot recognise goodness and who see only evil in others. We lways have the tendency tearing each other down in order to build ourselves up by putting others down. Friends, remember this: your value does not decrease based on someones inability to to see your worth. Never be distracted by the dog that barks. Its only a bark. Critics are like dogs. Let them bark. You know what, the moon does not care if the dog barks at it. Don’t be distressed by criticisms. Educated people do not go with the level of animals. Challenge: Always recognize the good in others not their stain. Cherish and appreciate someone today. Blessings, Fr. Jhack

BE CRAZY FOR THE POOR

Saturday within the Second week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 3:20-21 Our gospel for today is very short yet very profound in meaning. The family of Jesus restrain him and they set out to seize him because people were saying: “He is out of his mind.” Friends, if you are one of Jesus’ biological family what will be your reaction if you heard people saying that one of your family kin is crazy? What will you feel if you are on the shoes of Jesus? Imagine this: you are doing everything to help the needy that even your time to eat was taken away from you, yet at the end you will hear people saying: “you are crazy!” What is the gospel is trying to tell us today? Friends, even if people will call you crazy continue to help the less fortunate. Even if others will labelled you as insane, never stop extending aid and assistance to the poor. Choose to be crazy by helping the needy than being normal but insenstive to the needy. It is fine to be called insane because of your big heart for the underprivelege. Choose to be psychotic than being heartless and inconsiderate to the poverty-stricken individual. It is better to called deranged than normal but thoughtless and heartless to those in want. Friends, be crazy for the poor. Loss your mind for the less fortunate. Waste your time for the destitute. I would rather befriend a poor man with a rich heart than rich and famous person with a poor heart. Like Jesus our purpose in life is to be crazy for the poor. God puts us in this world to help the poor and to love them. Let me end my reflection with this: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17 Blessings Fr. Jhack

THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Friday of the Third week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 3:13-19 Our gospel speaks about the calling of the Twelve apostles. These twelve guys were very “ordinary” men. Some of them were known as public sinners. Others were uneducated. Some were trouble makers and most of them were insignificant fishermen. The following are the names of the apostles: Peter- outspoken, opinionated person. He acts without thinking. He is always “on the go.” He was known as “the denial king.” He denied Jesus thrice. Matthew (Levi)- dishonest man. He was a corrupt tax collector. Extortionist. As a tax collector, he was known as “beast in human form.” Bartholomew (Nathaniel)- He had issues with prejudice. He was biased with people from Nazareth. Very judgmental in person but brutally honest. James and John- They were known as “sons of thunder.” They possessed a violent temper. They asked for rain of fire to destroy those who refused to believe the Messiah. They were also ambitious. They asked for a place of special prominence. On the positive note James was a man of courage and forgiveness, a man without jealousy, living in the shadow of John, a man of extraordinary faith. While John was known as the most “beloved disciple.” Philip- He was a man with a warm heart and a pessimistic head. He was one who would very much like to do something for others, but who did not see how it could be done. He was timid too. Andrew- Inquisitive. He was optimistic and well content in second place. His main purpose in life was to bring others to the master. Thomas Didymus- Skeptical in person. “To see is to believe” was his driving philosophy in life. He was known as the “doubter.” James the less-the most obscure apostle. He was a man of strong character and one of the most fiery type. James Thaddeus -characterized as a tender-hearted, gentle man who displayed childlike humility. Jude Alpheus- the least of all the apostles”; he knew it and felt cheerful about it. Simon the Zealot- Revolutionary, idealistic and proud person. He loves riot and mutiny. Judas- He loves money more than people. He was known as the traitor the one who betrayed Jesus with a kiss. What is interesting to note is this: Amidst of the 12 apostles' weaknesses they were called by Jesus. They were chosen and commissioned. Humanly speaking they don't possess good qualifications but God qualifies them. Jesus loves to qualify the unqualified. Perfection is not a requirement to follow God. Today, do not wait until you feel qualified to do what God is calling you to do. Our God has the habit of picking up nobodies to be somebody. The ability to serve God is not based on our ability but according to God’s will. Like the Twelve Apostles we are called to be with Jesus. We are sent to preach the good news and commissioned to cast out demons. NB: Our first reading is telling us to do good even if others hates you. The greatest blessing in life is receiving it from an enemy. In short, the password of an overflowing blessing is receiving it from someone who does not like you. When your enemy will bless you, it will make you great. Bless and pray for your persecutors. Do well to those who wish you ill. Blessings Fr. Jhack

PRAY CONSTANTLY

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 3:13-19 In today’s gospel Jesus chose twelve among his disciples to make them his closer companions. However before naming them He spent the whole night in the mountain to pray. This is to show us that prayer is very important in our relationship with God. Friends, before you decide anything, do not start without first consulting God in prayer. Pray then decide. Dont decide then prayed after. Pray then go to work. Do not do the opposite. A day without prayer is like a day without a blessing; and a life without prayer is like a life without power. Today we are called by God to be men and women of prayer. You know what, sometimes all it takes is just one prayer to change eveything. Brethren, find your mountain and spend your moment there with God. The more time we spent with God, the more we resemble Him. Today turn your worries into worship and watch God turns your battles into blessings. Finally, like the disciples we are summoned not only to call people to repentance but to change ourselves too. Friends, the sun may rise tomorrow but you may not. Repent today! The most beautiful blessings we have been given is the chance to repent. Remember this: repentance is not a punishment but a privilege. Blessings Fr. Jhack

GOOD PEOPLE ATTRACTS

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 3:7-12 Jesus was mobbed by great multitude of crowds. He was like a sensation that attracts onlookers. He was like a magnet that ordinary and unimportant people offer him an extraordinary reception. They came to Him for healing yet what is interesting is that its only the devil who recognized Him. “You are the Son of God!" Do you also recognize Jesus as the Son of God? What’s the gospel is trying to tell us today? People recognized Him as a healer but for the devil He is the Son of God. Friends, there will be moments in your life that people will only come to you if they need you. They will seek you when they need you. They will ignore you until they need you. Some people will only love you as much as they can use you. Their loyalty ends where the benefits stops. How sad when people look for you when they need you. Yes, it is sad but don’t feel bad. Feel priviledge that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when there is darkness. Blessings Fr. Jhack