SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION

August 15, 2025 Solemnity of thr Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Luke 1:39–56 In today’s gospel, Mary calls herself “the lowly servant” in her Magnificat. She knew she was an ordinary young woman from a small village, unnoticed by the powerful, unknown beyond her town. Yet in God’s plan, her humility became the very reason she was chosen to bear the Savior. Mary’s greatness was not in human achievement but in her total openness to God’s will—her fiat, her “yes” to His word. She recognized that every honor she received came from Him who “has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness” and “has done great things” for her. The Solemnity of the Assumption is the crowning moment of this divine reversal. The lowly maiden of Nazareth, who once traveled in haste to serve her cousin Elizabeth, is now taken body and soul into the glory of heaven. The one who chose to be last is now lifted to the highest place. This is the Gospel truth embodied in Mary’s life: God exalts the humble, raises the poor, and brings the faithful into His eternal joy. For us, the Assumption is both comfort and challenge. Comfort, because Mary’s glory is a promise of what God desires for each of us—a share in the resurrection and life of heaven. Challenge, because the path to that glory is the way of humility, service, and trust. If we, like Mary, let our lives magnify the Lord rather than ourselves, we too will be lifted up in God’s time, to the place He has prepared for those who love Him. The Assumption reminds us that true greatness begins in lowliness and ends in eternal glory. Blessings Fr. Jhack

SEVENTY SEVEN TIMES

August 14, 2025 Thursday within the 19th week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 18:21–19:1 I remember a time when I felt so wronged that forgiveness seemed impossible. I replayed the words, the actions, and the betrayal over and over in my mind, as if holding on to the pain would somehow make it right. Like Peter, I found myself asking God, “Lord, how many times must I forgive? Surely there must be a limit?” But when I read Jesus’ answer—“Not seven times, but seventy times seven”—I felt both challenged and exposed. He was asking me to let go of my scorecard, to breathe the same mercy that I have received from Him so many times. Jesus is not giving us a calculator; He is revealing the heart of the Father. Divine mercy is not measured in installments. One day in prayer, I realized I was like that servant in the parable—freely forgiven of an unpayable debt, yet quick to hold another person hostage for something far smaller. It was a sobering moment. I had been on my knees countless times asking for God’s mercy, and every single time, He forgave me. Yet here I was, clinging to my hurt, unwilling to release it. That realization didn’t make forgiveness easy, but it made it necessary. It was no longer about what the other person deserved—it was about what God had already done for me. When I finally chose to forgive, it wasn’t a single grand moment; it was a process, sometimes a daily one. Each time the pain resurfaced, I handed it back to God. Over time, the bitterness loosened its grip. I learned that forgiveness doesn’t erase the wound, but it transforms it—it turns it into a place where God’s mercy can shine. And as I walked that road, I discovered something unexpected: in forgiving without limit, I was the one set free. Blessings Fr. Jhack

HOW TO WIN A STRAYED BROTHER

August 13, 2025 Wednesday within the 19th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 18:15–20 Three practical steps to restore a brother who has strayed (3P’s) 1. Do it in PRIVATE When a brother or sister in faith has strayed or caused offense, the first step is to approach them quietly, away from public eyes and ears. Correction should never be about humiliation but about healing. By keeping it private, we preserve the dignity of the person and create a safe space for honesty and openness. This is what Jesus teaches — go directly, speak gently, and let the spirit of charity and concern guide your words. Sometimes, a single heartfelt, private conversation can begin the journey of reconciliation. Frank Clark once said: “Criticism like rain should be gentle enough to nourish man’s growth without destroying his roots.” 2. Seek a PARTNER If the private conversation does not bear fruit, Jesus calls us to bring along one or two witnesses (Matthew 18:16). This is not to gang up on the person but to introduce another perspective, another voice of love and truth. A partner helps mediate with patience and fairness. It reminds us that we are responsible for one another in the Body of Christ. Our task is never to condemn but to be compassionate, journeying with them in hope toward restoration. 3. Bring it to the PUBLIC If both private and partnered efforts fail, Jesus says to tell it to the Church. This step involves the wider community in the work of healing. In the public setting of the faith community, we can seek the wisdom, prayer, and collective support of others. The goal remains the same: not punishment, but restoration. The Church becomes the family that calls the erring member back home. NB: If the 3P’s don’t work, bring it to your PRAYERS In the end, some hearts change slowly. If our human efforts reach their limit, we place the person completely into God’s hands. Prayer is where our compassion becomes intercession — lifting the brother or sister to the Lord who alone can touch and transform hearts. As we pray, we also ask God to keep our own hearts free from resentment and filled with His peace. 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

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