COURAGE TO FORGIVE

August 13, 2025 Wednesday within the 19th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 18:15–20 I’ve learned in my own journey that it’s much easier to talk about someone than to talk to them when they hurt us. But Jesus calls me to a higher road — one that’s not always comfortable. He says, “Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” That means I have to set aside my pride, my tendency to avoid awkward conversations, and my desire to “win.” The goal is not to prove I’m right, but to win back a brother or sister in Christ. There have been moments in ministry when someone’s words or actions wounded me. My first reaction was to withdraw or keep silent. Yet, when I finally took the courage to speak privately, with a heart that sought healing rather than revenge, something sacred happened. The walls began to come down. That’s when I understood: reconciliation is less about correcting another person and more about allowing God to work on both our hearts. Jesus promises, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” I hold onto this whenever I enter difficult conversations. I remind myself that I am not walking into that moment alone. Christ is there — guiding my words, softening hearts, and turning a painful situation into a moment of grace. And each time I choose the path of reconciliation, I’m not just restoring peace with a brother or sister — I’m stepping into the presence of the One who first reconciled me to God. Blessings Fr. Jhack

BECOMING LIKE A CHILD

August 12, 2025 Tuesday within the the 20th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 18:1–5, 10,12-14 When Jesus says, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven” (Mt 18:3), He is not asking us to be childish, but childlike. The difference is profound. Childishness clings to immaturity, self-centeredness, and irresponsibility. Childlikeness, on the other hand, embraces humility, trust, and a sense of wonder before God. A child knows that they cannot survive without someone greater caring for them. They depend completely on their parents for food, shelter, guidance, and love. In the same way, Jesus invites us to depend entirely on our Heavenly Father—not as a last resort when we’ve exhausted our own efforts, but as our first instinct in every joy, struggle, and decision. To “become like a child” is to live without the illusion of self-sufficiency, knowing that every breath, every blessing, and every moment is a gift from God. This way of living also frees us from pride. In the world, greatness often means climbing higher, gathering power, and being served. In the Kingdom, greatness means kneeling lower, serving others, and being small enough for God to lift us. It’s the simplicity of faith that says, “I may not have all the answers, but I trust the One who does.” And when we live this way—trusting, humble, open-hearted—we find ourselves not only entering the Kingdom but already living in its joy. NB: Be like CHILD! C-ontented H- onest I-nnocent L- oyal D-ependent Blessings Fr. Jhack

FORGIVE!

August 14, 2025 Thursday within the 19th week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 18:21–19:1 Forgiveness may be hard, but it is never beyond reach—because God is always here to give us the grace to do it. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive, suggesting seven as a generous number, he was thinking within the limits of human fairness. Jesus’ reply—“Not seven times, but seventy times seven” He pulled forgiveness out of the realm of calculation and placed it squarely in the realm of grace. In Scripture, “seventy times seven” is not literal arithmetic but a symbol of completeness, a reflection of God’s own inexhaustible mercy 70 times 7 was not about calculation, but it is about the heart shaped by mercy. In God’s Kingdom, forgiveness is not a rare favor we grant; it is the very air we breathe. To forgive without limit is to participate in the divine nature, for it is God who “is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love” (Ps 103:8). The parable that follows reveals the theological heart of forgiveness: it is always rooted in what we have first received from God. The king’s forgiveness of the servant’s unpayable debt mirrors the grace given to us in Christ. Our sins—an infinite offense against an infinite God—cannot be repaid by human effort. Yet in the cross, God cancels the debt entirely. Therefore, when we withhold mercy from others, we contradict the very grace that has saved us. Forgiveness is not a moral accessory to the Christian life; it is the fruit of salvation and the evidence that we understand the Gospel. To “forgive from the heart” (Mt 18:35) is not to excuse sin or abandon justice; rather, it is to release personal vengeance and entrust judgment to God, whose justice is always infused with mercy. This is a work of the Spirit in us, conforming our hearts to Christ, who from the cross prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Lk 23:34). Each act of forgiveness draws us deeper into the Paschal Mystery—dying to self, rising to new life, and revealing to the world that the Kingdom of God is a kingdom where mercy triumphs over judgment (Jas 2:13). To learn to forgive without limit, then, is to live the Gospel in its purest form, becoming living icons of the mercy we have received. Friends, forgiveness is not the same as forgetfulness, for forgetting is not truly forgiving. Forgiveness is an act of love, and in fact, it is the highest form of love. Never grow weary of forgiving, for true forgiveness knows no boundaries, and mercy has no end. Forgive as often as you can. If you want to uncover the secret to a joyful, healthy, and long life, the key is forgiveness. To live long, forgive daily. To stay healthy, make forgiveness your regular practice. To be truly happy, stop keeping a record of pains and hurts. And if you ever feel tempted to seek revenge, the most powerful way to carry it out is to forgive. Blessings Fr. Jhack

LISTEN TO THE BELOVED SON OF GOD

August 6, 2025 Feast of the Transfiguration Wednesday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time Year C Luke 9::28-36 During Mass, Put Away Your Cellphones. Listen! The Mass is not just any gathering. It is the highest form of prayer—the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice to the Father for our salvation. Every moment of the Mass is sacred. Heaven touches earth. God speaks to us through His Word, and gives Himself to us in the Eucharist. That’s why we are called to be fully present—not just in body, but in heart and mind. Yet in today’s world, it often seems easier to lift a cellphone than to lift our hearts to God. How many of us cannot last an hour without checking notifications or scrolling through our feeds? Instead of hearing the Word of God, we are distracted by messages, updates, and noise. The altar is before us, but our attention is elsewhere. Is this not a form of disrespect to the One who gives us His full attention and love? So here is a gentle but firm reminder: During Mass, put away your cellphones. Listen! Set aside the fleeting concerns and digital noise, and offer the Lord your undivided presence. You don’t need a camera to see God; you need a quiet, attentive heart to hear Him. Because in every Mass, God speaks. The question is: are you listening? NB: Jesus did not told Peter to capture the dazzling moment of glory by building tents but to listen. We are not called to build shelters—but were invited to build lives rooted in listening. The Father’s voice did not say: ‘Worship and capture the glory,’ but rather, ‘Listen to My Son.’ Blessings Fr. Jhack

WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM

August 7, 2025 Thursday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 16:13–23 In today’s gospel we witness a pivotal moment in Peter’s spiritual journey—a moment that reveals both the heights of divine revelation and the depths of human weakness. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”, Peter steps forward with bold faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This confession is not born of human insight, but of divine grace, as Jesus affirms: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” It is upon this confession of faith that Jesus begins to build His Church, entrusting Peter with a foundational role in God’s plan. But Peter’s journey doesn’t stop there—it’s only beginning. Immediately after his great confession, Peter stumbles. When Jesus speaks of His coming suffering and death, Peter rebukes Him—unable to reconcile the idea of a suffering Messiah. Jesus then utters the sobering words: “Get behind me, Satan.” This sharp contrast reveals the tension within every disciple: the desire to follow Jesus, yet the reluctance to embrace the Cross. Peter’s error was not in loving Jesus too little, but in loving Him without understanding the cost of that love. Like many of us, Peter wanted glory without pain, victory without sacrifice. But Jesus invites him—and us—into a deeper transformation, one that comes through suffering, surrender, and spiritual growth. Peter’s journey is ultimately one of transformation—from a man who feared suffering to a man who would later embrace martyrdom. His courage didn’t come from his own strength, but from a relationship with the risen Christ. From confession came calling; from failure came formation. Jesus never gave up on Peter, even when Peter denied Him. Instead, He patiently shaped him into the rock upon which the Church would stand. So too, we are called from confession to courage—from acknowledging who Jesus is to living boldly for Him. This journey is not always easy, but it is filled with grace. For every step we take closer to the Cross, Christ draws us deeper into His love and mission. Blessings Fr. Jhack

WHEN WE OFFER GOD MULTIPLIES

August 4, 2025 Feast of Saint John Vianney Monday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 14:13–21 In today’s gospel, Jesus retreats to a deserted place after hearing of John the Baptist’s death, a moment of grief and sorrow. But as the crowds follow Him, His heart, moved with compassion, overrides His fatigue. He heals their sick and feeds their hunger—not only spiritually, but physically. This miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish is not just about abundance, but about the heart of a true shepherd: one who is broken, yet still chooses to bless. This scene mirrors the priestly heart of St. John Marie Vianney, the humble Curé of Ars. Like Christ, he often sought solitude in prayer and penance, yet always found himself surrounded by people in spiritual hunger. Day after day, hour after hour, he heard confessions, preached, taught, and interceded for souls—feeding them not with bread and fish, but with the Bread of Life and the word of mercy. Just as Jesus told His disciples, “You give them something to eat,” so too did the Lord whisper this same call into the heart of John Vianney. With nothing but a weak body, little education, and great humility, he gave the Church everything he had: his time, his penance, his prayers, his presence. And like the five loaves and two fish, God multiplied his offering. This Gospel reminds us that in the hands of Christ, even our littleness becomes more than enough. St. John Vianney had nothing extraordinary—except a heart completely given to God. And that was enough to feed thousands of souls. Blessings Fr. Jhack

STORM

August 5, 2025 Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome Tuesday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 14:22–36 Life is full of storms—uncertainties, failures, grief, and fear. Like the disciples in the boat, we often feel tossed by waves beyond our control. In today’s gospel, the sea is rough, the night is dark, and the disciples are afraid. And then, in the midst of their fear, Jesus comes—not in calm weather, but walking on the waves of their chaos. His presence doesn’t remove the storm immediately, but it redefines how they are to face it. “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Jesus reveals that courage is not the absence of storms, but the presence of God in the middle of them. Peter’s boldness is inspiring. He dares to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus—until he takes his eyes off the Lord. The moment he looks at the wind and waves, fear overwhelms him and he begins to sink. This mirrors our spiritual life: we walk in faith when our gaze is fixed on Christ, but we falter when we focus on the storm. Peter’s failure wasn’t stepping out—it was losing sight of who was in front of him. Yet even then, Jesus reaches out immediately. This is the Gospel: even when our faith wavers, His grace does not. This passage invites us to live with “eyes on Jesus, not the storm.” Faith doesn’t mean the waves will stop crashing. It means we have Someone greater than the waves to hold onto. Real courage comes not from self-confidence but from Christ-confidence—trusting that Jesus is with us in every chaos, and that His hand is always extended when we cry, “Lord, save me!” We do not walk alone. We walk with the One who treads on storms. Blessings Fr. Jhack

ALL US VANITY WITHOUT GOD

August 3, 2025 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Luke 12:13–21 “All is vanity.” This haunting phrase from Ecclesiastes echoes loudly in today’s Gospel. The rich man who stored up grain for himself thought he had everything: security, comfort, and success. Yet Jesus calls him a fool, not for being wealthy, but for failing to recognize that his soul did not belong to him. That night, his life would be taken—and all his plans, possessions, and pride would vanish like smoke. His mistake was not in building barns, but in building a life apart from God. Greed is not just about money; it is a condition of the soul that always wants more, even when it already has enough. It blinds the heart, creating a hunger that nothing on earth can satisfy. As Jesus warns, “Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Greed takes us away from God not just because it makes us selfish, but because it makes us forget who the true Giver is. It replaces trust in Divine Providence with anxiety and control. It makes us live as if this world is all there is, and eternity is just a shadow. Saint Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Real blessings do not rot, rust, or pass away. They are found in the fruit of the Spirit, in love, in mercy, in generosity, and in a heart anchored in God. To be “rich toward God” is to be rich in things that are eternal, not earthly. It is to put to death whatever in us is earthly—greed, selfishness, pride—and to live for what lasts: holiness, charity, and communion with God. CONCLUSION: Friends, remember this: life is not measured by riches. Let go of pir earhly luggage and choose Christ over comfort. Why? Because the death of greed is the birth of grace. Put to death what is earthly in us. The earthly cannot hold the eternal because all is vanity without God. Short prayer: Lord, teach us to recognize that all is vanity without You. Detach us from the treasures that perish, and anchor us in the riches of Your grace. May our lives not be full of barns but full of faith. Help us set our hearts on Heaven, and live each day ready to meet You. Amen. Blessings Fr. Jhack

SAD STORIES OF LIFE

Once upon a time, we dreamed of having more—more money, more success, more comfort. And somehow, we got what we wished for. We now have more possessions than ever, but fewer values to guide us. We own the latest gadgets, drive shiny cars, and decorate our lives with things we once only dreamed of. But deep inside, something is missing. We became so busy chasing wealth that we forgot how to be good. We spend more now than ever before. We swipe cards, book flights, and upgrade our lives with a click. But somehow, we enjoy less. Our joys are short-lived, our celebrations feel hollow, and even the happiest moments are quickly forgotten. We spend more—on clothes, travels, food deliveries, subscriptions—yet we enjoy life less. The laughter doesn’t last long. The excitement fades quickly. The heart remains restless. We serve more food on our tables, yet our bodies are weaker and sicker. We feast but are not nourished. Our diets are full, but our souls are starving. We feast, but still feel empty. We are surrounded by flavor but lacking in fulfillment. Our houses are bigger, brighter, and more stylish—but they are no longer homes. Parents live like roommates. Children retreat into their screens. Doors close, and so do hearts. Families live together, but love is miles apart. Families are near in distance, but far in affection. We earn more. We climb corporate ladders. But our morals decline. Dishonesty is tolerated. Lust is glamorized. Integrity is optional. We trade virtue for convenience, and we call it progress. Yes, these are the sad stories of our life. We thought more meant better. But in gaining the world, we risked losing our souls. Progress is not evil—but progress without purpose leads to emptiness. Comfort is not sinful—but when comfort replaces character, we lose our way. So today, let us pause. Let us choose values over vanity. Meaning over materialism. Faith over fame. And let us remember: the greatest treasures are not found in what we own, but in what we become. Blessings Fr. Jhack

NOT FOR ME BUT FOR THEE

July 31, 2025 St. Ignatius of Loyola “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” At the heart of Christian discipleship lies this ancient and powerful phrase: “For the greater glory of God.” It is not simply a motto—it is a way of life, a lens through which every action, word, and decision is filtered. Rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Jesuit tradition, this expression challenges us to live not for ourselves, our comfort, or our recognition, but to offer everything for God’s honor and purpose. In the end, that’s all that truly matters: that we lived, not for applause, but for the greater glory of God. To live for the greater glory of God means that even our smallest actions—when done with love, humility, and integrity—become a form of worship. It’s not about grand achievements or public success. It’s about aligning our will with His, even when no one sees it. When we choose to forgive, to serve quietly, to endure trials with hope, or to speak the truth in love, we glorify God. His light shines not just in churches and sanctuaries but in our ordinary moments, when they are touched by extraordinary grace. This phrase also invites a deep humility: it reminds us that the world doesn’t revolve around us, and that our talents, opportunities, and even our sufferings have a purpose beyond ourselves. When our lives are surrendered to God’s glory, we become instruments of His peace, His justice, His love. And in doing so, we echo the life of Christ Himself—who, in all things, lived and died not for personal gain, but so that the world may know the Father. That is the call: not just to live well, but to live for something greater. For Someone greater. Blessings Fr. Jhack

REJECTION

August 1, 2025 First Friday of the Month Matthew 13:54-58 There’s a quiet heartbreak in today’s Gospel: Jesus returns to His hometown, not with grandeur, but with grace, and He is met not with welcome, but with rejection. The people who knew Him best—who watched Him grow, who perhaps even played with Him as a child—couldn’t accept that something divine could come from someone so ordinary. Their hearts were closed not because of what He taught, but because they couldn’t let go of who they thought He was. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” They couldn’t believe that holiness could wear a familiar face. This story speaks to every one of us who has ever been doubted, dismissed, or underestimated by those closest to us. It reminds us that even Jesus, the Son of God, was not immune to rejection. And yet, He didn’t allow their unbelief to define His mission. He kept moving forward, teaching, healing, and loving—knowing that the truth doesn’t lose its power just because some refuse to see it. Sometimes the people who know our past can’t accept our growth. But God sees what others overlook, and His call remains firm, even through the pain of being misunderstood. Ultimately, this Gospel is an invitation to open our eyes to the sacred hiding in the ordinary. How often do we miss God’s presence because it doesn’t come in the way we expect? Let us not fall into the same trap as those in Nazareth. Let us believe that God still speaks—through ordinary people, in familiar places, and often in the most unexpected ways. When we choose faith over familiarity, miracles can happen. Christ is always passing by—may we have the eyes to recognize Him and the heart to receive Him. Blessings Fr. Jhack