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

SABBATH

Tuesday within the Second week in Ordinary time Year C Mark 2:23-28 Today’s first reading speaks about the calling of David. What is very striking is way God chooses His annointed. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart. Friends, God is not impressed by our looks. He is after the purity of our hearts. David was choosen not because of his physical appearance but because it was God’s choice. Saul on the other habd was removed from his throne because je rejected God. Brethren, the moment we so evil and displeased God our authority will be taken away from us. In short, we lost our power and authority if we disobey the Lord. Moving in our gospel, it tells us the supreme authority of God even on the day of sabbath. “The sabbath was made for the people not people for the Sabbath, so the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” The pharisees were faithful abiders of the law but charity breakers. They were very ritualistic, conservatives and legalistic in strictest sense. Sabbath for them is more on observing the law and keeping the regulations. For Jesus however, day of rest supersedes the ritual demands of sabbath. Liberating people from the supression of injustice is the meaning of sabbath. Three points that I would like to share. First, deeds of mercy muat not be neglected even during sabbath. The best way to obeserve sabbath is to engage in deeds of kindness. Sabbath should not prevent us to do good. Second, our worship is useless if we are indifferent to the needs of the leass fortunate. Friends, the good of the people is the supreme law. Do not forget that people are more important than rules. Finally, our belief does not make us a better person, our behaviour does. Let love and mercy be our constant habit. Be happy to serve the poor. Deeds of kindness has no limitations and expirations. Blessings Fr. Jhack

There are no red lights for helping.

Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Mark 3:1-6 Religion is not more on ritual but more in service. It is not about litanies of laws, rules and regualtions but it is all about love. In today’s gospel Jesus was upset. “Jesus looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart.” Seldom does the Gospel show an angry Christ. Here his anger is provoked by the hardness of their heart. Today we are challenged to let the power of love open the eyes of those blinded by legalism. Let the law of love rules! Another thing, we are reminded today that not all people will appreciate the good works we do. Like Jesus, we will have our critics and haters. “The Pharisees went out and immediately conspired with the Herodians against Jesus, how to destroy him. He cured the man with wretched hand but they accused Him of violating the sabbath law. Friends, as what I told you yesterday, the good of the people is the greatest law. Sabbath is not an impediment to do acts of kindness. There are no stop signs in giving kindness. There are no red lights for helping. Never allow the day of rest prevents you from doing what is good. Friends, when we do good not all people will appreciate it. Like Jesus we will encounter haters and critics. You know what, haters are confirmation that you are actually doing something right. Haters will make you famous! When others want to destroy you, it is because you’ve got something they want. We are challenge to do good deeds for someone today even if it is difficult. Friends, there are good numbers of people with “wretched hand” around us, take time to do something good today. NB: May your critics live a long life to see your success. Blessings Fr. Jhack

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