LOVE IS THE GREATEST LAW.

Tuesday of the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 2:23-28 The Pharisees were people who always noticed the shortcomings of others. They were law abiders but charity breakers. They were ritualistic persons but fond of judging and critizicing others around them. They were strict observers of the law but hard on people. For the Pharisees sabbath is more on observing the laws and keeping the regulations. They were legalistic type of people. Friends, in our life we will always met people even inside the church who behave like Pharisees. We will always have people around us who value rules than relationships. Today we are reminded that people are more valuable than rules and laws. The good of the people is the greatest law. When youre doing your devotions and disturbed by a hungry person, feed the poor first then proceed to your devotions. Let us strive to keep the Sabbath holy by being kind and merciful to the least, lost and last. Deeds of mercy must not be neglected even on the Sabbath. The best way to observe the day of rest is to engage in deeds of kindness. Our worship is useless if we are indiferent to others. A rules-based religion is no more than a modern-day Phariseeism. Brethren, our religion is not law-centered religion but love-centered one. Remember that! Our belief does not make us a better person, our behaviour does. Blessings Fr. Jhack

JOY is vivid sign of God’s presence.

Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time Mark 2:18-22 The gospel tells us that to be with Jesus is an experience of JOY. “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?” Jesus identifies Himself with the bridegroom. Today, we are reminded that JOY is the presence of God. Friends, if the Lord is with us, there is no reason to do fasting. “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Jesus wants you to be happy. Being cheerful keeps us healthy but being gloomy on the other hand is killing us softly. Feasting instead of fasting must be our response because a wedding party is a time for rejoicing. When we have Jesus He will turn our mourning into dancing. Let us spread the radiance of joy. Finally, when we do fasting we do not need to compare our piety to others. Stop comparing just do your thing. Guys, there are so many beautiful reasons to be happy. Be happy not because everything is good, but because you can see the good in everything. You know what, the kingdom of God is like a wedding feast so rejoice. Mourning and fasting are not the right disposition to celebrate. Folks, rejoice in the Lord. Happiness is a decision. You will be exactly as happy as you decide to be. NB: You were never created to live depressed, defeated, guilty, or unworthy. You were created to be victorious and happy. Blessings Fr. Jhack

WATER INTO WINE

January 16, 2022 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C John 2:1-12 Today’s gospel speaks about the first miracle performed by Jesus. He turned water into wine. Jesus and his disciples were invited for a wedding but something unfortunate happened. They ran out of wine. The mother of Jesus was there too. The role of Mary was significant to the first sign performed by Jesus. “Do whatever he tells you” Mary said. She knows that Jesus can help. She knows that Jesus is the Son of God. Even if its not the right time yet Jesus obeys his mother. “My hour has not yet come.” The first miracle is an event helping his disciples to grow in faith and ofcourse to show the glory of God. Three points that I would like to share with you. First, in our life, there will be a moment where in you will run out of supply. You will experience a moment of crisis. “Darkest hour” experience is inevitable, however invite Jesus and Mary in your life. Why? Because you will be blessed if you invite the source of blessings. There will be an overflowing abundance and sweetness if you make Jesus part of your journey. You will lack nothing. He can turn your worries into jubilation. He will fill your empty jars. There will be some minor problems but joy and gladness in your life will have no end. He will supply your needs. He will give you more than what you asked for. If Jesus can turn water into wine, He can also transform you sorrows into joy. He can rescue you from shame and emabarassment. He can bless you even when you are in trouble. Friends, remember this: when Jesus decide to bless you he will do it lavishly. He will cause situations to come together in your favour. Second, like Jesus use your gifts to bless others. He transformed six jars of water into best quality wine. Friends, when there is a situation of crisis, use it as an opportunity to do your best. You can rescue others from embarassment if you make yourself available for people around you. Be a good wine rather than being an ordinary wine. Like wine let your life taste sweet not sour. Live a quality life. How? Let Jesus be your wine. When your wine runs out come to Jesus. Jesus will fill your jars up to the brim. Develop a good relationship with Jesus. (Kay Hesus habang tumatagal lalong sumasarap). Finally, save the best for last. The running out of wine may lead to serious loss of honor. It may create humilition and great shame to the host. Right? To prevent further embarassment, Jesus makes the celebration extraordinary. Best quality wine was served from the start until the end. Today we are challenge to make the rest of our life, the best of our life. Don’t be cheap because your worth is of great value. Friends, start well and end well. Begin awesome and finish the race of life wonderful. Turn your water into wine and let your wine overflow. Blessings Fr. Jhack

PIT SEÑOR

Sermon #1 January 16, 2032 Feast of the Sto. Nino Luke 2:41-52 In the Philippines today, the readings are different because the liturgy of today highlights the feast of the baby Jesus otherwise known as “Sto. Nino.” The feast is strictly speaking, a liturgical feast celebrated only in the Philippines. Yet even here in Canada, Filipinos celebrated it with the same fervor and joy. We have our “sinulog” celebrated inside the hall because of the cold temparature but not due to the health issue we suspend this amazing tradition. The devotion to the Sto. Niño has become popular tradition worldwide. The Child Jesus is clothed in inumerable ways of professions and attires. I am proud to say that as long as there is a presence of filipinos anywhere, there is also a presence of “Sto Nino.” In the baranggay where I came from, this devotion was manifested in a colorful parade which highlights the joyful street dancing. We cannot deny the fact that our world nowadays was characterized by competition, striving for excellence, looking for the best, searching for power, all these could lead us to the world’s standard of greatness. However, the gospel is reminding us to be little like child. Greatness is being little. Friends, greatness is not what we have but becoming like little children. If you want to be big, you need to be little! Three things I would like to share for today. Looking at the image of the baby Jesus through the Sto. Nino, He challenges us for three things. First, like the Sto. Niño always smile. My dear friends never forget to smile. Even if life is hard show your smile. Smile even if it hurts. Smile even if you have problems. Smile is an expression of faith. Smile can solve many problems. Friends, have faith and keep smiling because God is in control. Second, like the Sto. Nino always point up your finger above. The gesture of pointing up our finger signifies the superiority of God. To be great means to acknowledge that God is more superior than us. Friends, give all the credits, all the applauses and all praises to back to Jesus. More of God, less of ourselves. To God alone belongs the glory. Fade, so that God may shine! Finally, the Sto. Niño is holding the globe to reminds us that at the end of our journey all of us are destined to be in the hands of God. (Isa lang ang bagsak ng tao, sa Kamay ng Diyos.) We are made for heaven. Happy feast day my dear kababayans. Viva Señor Sto. Niño. Pit Senior! Blessings Fr. Jhack

FOLLOW JESUS

Sermon#2 January 15, 2022 Saturday of the First week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 2:13-17 Today’s gospel is reminding us of this wonderful truth: Jesus came not for the righteous but for the sinners. This is of greatnews because it is telling us that we are God’s favorite. We are God’s preferential option. He loves sinners like you and me. The call of Levi reminds us of three important points. First, God does not want us to be perfect. He just want us to follow him. Friends, perfection is not a requirement to follow the Lord. Hence, don’t strive for perfection. Never be discouraged with your imperfections and limitations because that’s precisely the main reason why Jesus came. “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Second, when we decide to follow the Lord expect some rejections, criticisms and persecutions. Not all will be happy with your decision. Your friends will mocked you, laughed at joy and ostracized you but don’t worry because God is on your side. If you have God, that’s what matter most. Job lost everthing but God returned it beyond his expectation. He was blessed abundantly. Joseph lost his entire family but God place him in the palace of Egypt. He was an instrument of saving Canaan from severe hunger. His brothers sold him but Jospeh ended up king. Levi lost his job but he found the Lord. Friends, if you have God you have everything! Having the Lord is having everything. Finally, when we found the Lord always celebrate. Have a party. Like Levi, rejoice and invite the Lord to dine with you. Friends, the Eucharist is always a party because it is a wonderful celebration where in the sinner and Saviour met. The Eucharist is an encounter of the mercy of God towards the sinners. Love triumphs over sins. The Eucharist is a vissible proof of the supremacy of God’s love to the imperfect. You onow what, the happiest time of my life is when I decided to follow the Lord. I have no regrets of my decision. The best decision I ever made. Blessings Fr. Jhack

I AM GOD’S FAVORITE!

January 15, 2022 Saturday of the First week in Ordinary Time Year C Mark 2:13-17 In today’s gospel Jesus calls a man named Levi, a tax collector. Collecting tax during the time of Jesus is the most hated profession. Tax collectors were labelled as “beast in human form.” People hates them because they were greedy, dishonest, extortionist and corrupt. They were looked upon as traitors. Often, they over-collected and keeping the surplus for themselves. The calling of Levi is a great reminder for all of us: For Jesus what matter most is you, not your sins. What God knows about us is more important than what others thinks of us. God knows your heart and that’s all that really matters. Today’s gospel shows us that Jesus loves the most despised individual. He befriend the unfriendly, He welcomes the unwelcomed and pickup the unlikely. “I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.” The call is very simple; just two words, “Follow me.” He does not expect us to be perfect, he just want us to follow Him. This is an invitation to build up relationship with Him. Friends, perfection is not a requirement to follow the Lord. When we met Jesus like Levi, let us leave our old sinful lifestyle. Levi lost his job but he found the Lord. Its like in our first reading for today. The donkey of Kish was lost but Samuel found the crown. Friends, when we found Jesus get ready to have a party. Celebrate! But I warned you my dear friends because when we associate with sinners you will always met rejections and criticisms. There will be religious hypocrites who will attact you but dont worry because our God is a scandalous Saviour. He came for you and for me and not for the righteous. We, sinners are the recepient of God’s mercy. If God has a favorite I think its you, I bet! NB: You may not perfect but God loves you. Never be discouraged with your imperfections because that’s the reason why Jesus came. Blessings Fr. Jhack

FORGIVEN

January 14, 2022 Friday of the First week in Ordinary Time Mark 2:1-12 “My son, your sins are forgiven.” One of the most life-giving word that Jesus did in the Gospel for today is about forgiveness of sins. We are challenge today to set ourselves free from the slavery of unforgiveness. Why? Because sin makes us immobile. Sin paralyses us. Folks, what makes you paralyse? Today’s gospel is reminding us that anything is possible if you have the right people there to support you. Brethren, sorround yourself only with people who are going to lift you close to Jesus. Today we are encouraged to help the helpless. Shed hope to the hopeless. Be the hands that feed not only the lips that pray. Friends, no matter how sinful we are, never give up on asking forgiveness from God. What God wants for us is our faith: “ When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, Child, your sins are forgiven.” Our sins are not greater than His mercy. There is more mercy in Christ than sins in us. Finally, the gospel is reminding us that compassion will cure more sins than condemnation. God cares about us. No matter how bad and messed up our past was, God promises a better future. “Stand up! Pick up your mat and go home!” Prayer: Lord, if I hurt others give me the strenght to apologize. If others hurt me may you give me the strength to forgive. Blessings Fr. Jhack Diaz

Dirty but loved.

Thursday of the First Week of Ordinary Time Mark 1:40-45 Year A Lepers were outcasts. They were socially and religiously isolated. Nobody wants to be with them. Why? Because they were considered dirty and dangerous to be with. Its like being infected of COVID 19. Their presence is risky and deadly. Thus, keeping your distance from them is the only safest way to do. (Social distancing) But I love what Jesus did: “Deeply moved, Jesus put out his hand and touched him.” Jesus knew that touching a leper will made him ritually unclean but His compassion is more powerful than what the law prescribed. He goes beyond the law. Jesus is showing us that love is the greatest law. Friends place your trust in Jesus for He will not fail us. Just approach Him and say: “Lord if You choose, you can make me clean.” Nowadays, we do not have leprosy issues literally speaking. However, countless number of people are and were suffering from isolation. Perhaps, you are one of them! Good number of individuals were ignored, avoided and neglected. Many children wants to be isolated from their parents. They found their parents annoying and irritating. On the other hand, many parents too are distancing themselves from their parental responsibility. Many company fired their workers for financial instability. Many individuals were isolated from each other because of different reasons perhaps because of anger, pride, social status, beliefs, sin, addictions, etc. Isolation is the modern leprosy. Today, Jesus is challenging us to reach out and touch those individuals we typically avoided. Friends, do we have the courage to be with the people ignored and isolated by many? Move and strech out your hands. Do not be comforted in living life invisibly. Today is the right time to approach the one you have been avoided and ignored in life. Friends, what keeps you or separates you from each others? Conclusion: God loves dirty people. God is here to cleanse us. You know what, we dont need healing, what we need is cleansing. “Lord if You choose, you can make me clean.” Friends, we have a compassionate God. He wants to be with the outcast. Today, Jesus is teaching us this lesson: Compassion is the solution not condemnation and isolation. Compassion is a verb with no boundaries. Never mind if you are dirty, come to Jesus. Why? Because to be far away from Jesus is the saddest isolation. Blessings Fr. Jhack

Don’t be Lazy

Wednesday of the First week in Ordinary Time Mark 1:29-39 Today’s gospel reading present to us how busy and productive Jesus was. He was nit tired of healing the sick. From sundown to sunrise he makes himself available preaching and teaching, casting out demons and spending time in prayer. Indeed it was a hectic and productive day. Today allow me to share 3P’s with you. First, like Jesus always remember your PRIORITIES in life. What is your goal? Execute your purpose. Focus onnyour targe. Know what matters most and invest your time feeding your focus. Like Samuel in today’s first reading serve the Lord and be ready to answer Yes when He calls you. Like Jesus never waste your time. Like the mother-in-law of Peter when your body is physically able and fit spend it in serving those who help you. Friends, it is wonderful to be blessed but it is more awesome to be a blessing. Second, when you know your priorities you will always be PRODUCTIVE. That’s the second P stands for. Production will destroy the influence of laziness in our life. Whether we like or not, sometimes we have the tendency to do nothing. There is in us the unwillingness to use our energy. We have dull moments. We lost our passion and interests. Keepmthis in mind that laziness is the mothers of all evils. Three signs to determine that you are influence by laziness. One, you have an excuse for everything. Two, you always procrastinate and third, you are allergic to change. You hate commitments and no lists of specific tasks. Never be lazy because there is no holiness in laziness. Final P is PRAYER. Jesus amidst of his hectic schedules he never forget to refuel. Prayer is our spiritual battery. Like Samuel just say: “Speak Lord your servant is listening.” Friends, don’t be lazy to pray. Time spent with God is priceless. Time with God is time well spent. Blessings Fr. Jhack

CARE IS CURE

Wednesday of the First week in Ordinary Time Mark 1:29-39 Our gospel present to us how busy Jesus was. After He left the synagogue He went to the house of Simon and He heals Simon’s mother-in-law. I love how Jesus did the healing. “He came, grasped her hand and help her up.” Today we are reminded that miracles and healings are possible when there is an encounter (personal touch.) When someone is sick the most effective medicine is our presence. Friends, when we care we can cure. Care is cure! After all His hectic ministry, Jesus went to a deserted place and there He prayed. Friends, Jesus is reminding us that amidst of our busy schedules let us not forget to spent time with God. Nobody is too busy, it is just a matter of priorities. Nobody is ever too busy, if they are interested they will make time. Let us always start our day with consultation with God through prayer. Friends, never start your program without an opening prayer. Don’t eat without thanking God first for the good in your table. Never start driving without praying. Today find time to go to your desserted places and there speak to the Lord. Time spent with God is priceless! The way we spend our time defines who we are. NB: Don’t be lazy. There is no holiness in laziness. Blessings Fr. Jhack

God is powerful

January 11, 2022 Tuesday of the First week in Ordinary Time Mark 1:21-28 Our gospel speaks of three important reality. First, evil spirit exists. They are real. Devil is at work and its around us. Their job is to destroy us, to discourage us, to make our life miserable and seduce us not to believe and worship the true God. Every Tuesday night during my priestly duty to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (night prayers) the reading from 1 Peter 5:8-9a is reminding me to: “Stay sober and alert because our opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. “ Friends, evil spirits exist but do not be scared! They will only scare us but cannot defeat us because we are God’s children. Second, noise is the laguage of the devil. The devil loves to shout. They like to scream and to yell. Today the gospel is teaching us to appreciate the importance of silence. Friends, stop yelling. Raise your words but not your voice. Dont raise your voice just improve your argument. Speak quietly so that everybody can hear your message. If everyone is yelling no one can be heard. Raising our voice will never make things better. Friends, shouting is the language of the devil. Shouting and yelling silences our message. Let us speak quitely so that other people can hear our words instead of our voice. Stop yelling and avoid swearing please. Third, the devil knows God. “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” They knew God but they dont obey and follow Him. Friends, knowing God is far different from obeying Him. Most of us had the evil in us because we are only good in the knowing level but failed on the doing stage. The greatest gap in the world is the gap between knowing and doing. Friends, doing is far better than knowing! Conclusion: Yes evil spirit exist but God is more powerful than them. God is stronger than them. As a matter of fact our gospel present to us how terrified the evil spirits are with Jesus. Friends, there are always an influences of evil in us but do not to be afraid because God is more powerful than them. God is here to drive them away. No evil can destroy the Son of God. Combat evil with good. Lord keep me safe from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet. Blessings Fr. Jhack