Reflection for January 4, Saturday; Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: John 1:35-42

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

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Reflection:

A sinful man saw a poster that states: Do you want to know Jesus? If your answer is yes, you have to read your bible specifically the first four gospels of the New Testament. Out of curiosity the sinful man followed the instruction and he read the first four gospels of the New Testament. As he read it he felt an edifying feeling that he never felt before in his life. He therefore left everything that made him sin and he became a zealous follower of the Lord.

The call of Jesus comes to us in different shapes and forms. It sometime comes to us through a life altering experience. It comes to us through a friend who would invite us to church and there we become enlightened about the life of Jesus.

What is important in these Jesus experience is our willingness to walk the extra mile to be with Jesus and to know Jesus. What does this mean? It simply means that we would be willing to leave behind everything for Jesus. This also means that we would invest time to read the true to life story of Jesus in the bible.   Many do this and they experience a life changing conversion.

Many respond as well but they’re not willing to leave behind sin. They continue to sin even if they know that sin is not good and against the teaching of the faith and Jesus. They therefore continue to mire themselves in sin that would eventually make life miserable for them.

When the followers of John left him for Jesus, it was not an easy decision for them.  But they had a strong resolve to follow Jesus.  So they did and from being ordinary fisherman they became extra-Ordinary fishers of men.  

You may as well encounter an offer to follow Jesus. Follow Him with all your heart this simply means that you would be willing to leave sin behind. And you leave everything including your very life in the healing and loving hands of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Enero 4, Santa Isabel Ana Seton: Juan 1:35-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:35-42

35 Kinabukasan, naroon na naman si Juan at dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad. 36 Pagdaan ni Jesus, tinitigan niya ito at sinabi: “Hayan ang Kordero ng Diyos.” 37 At narinig siyang nagsa­salita ng dalawang alagad kaya sinun­dan nila si Jesus. 38 Lumingon si Jesus at nakita niya silang sumusunod, at sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ano’ng hina­hanap n’yo?” Sumagot naman sila sa kanya, “Rabbi (na kung isasalin ay Guro), saan ka namamalagi?” 39 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Halikayo at inyong makikita.” At puma­roon sila at nakita kung saan siya nama­malagi, at maghapon silang nama­malagi sa kanya. Magiikapat ng hapon ang oras noon.

40 Si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro and isa sa dalawang sumunod sa kanya pagkarinig kay Juan. 41 Una niyang natagpuan ang kapatid niyang si Simon at sinabi sa kanya: “Natag­puan namin ang Mesiyas (na kung isasalin ay Pinahiran).” 42 Inihatid niya siya kay Jesus. Tinitigan siya ni Jesus at sinabi nito: “Ikaw si Simon na anak ni Juan. Tatawagin kang Kefas (na kung isasalin ay Pedro).”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for January 3, Friday; The Most Holy Name of Jesus: John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

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Reflection:

Do you once in a while crave for attention and recognition?

Whether we admit it or not, there are times that we gloat about ourselves and we crave to be recognized. This is one of our human frailties to raise ourselves in the altar of prominence most especially when we gain something for ourselves. Or when there is an opportunity for us to be recognized we immediately grab that fleeting moment of opportunity.

There are even some who change with time; for example in friendships, some are like weather conditions. They often change as they gain riches and higher life status. But lest we forget that whatever we have now is temporary. Someday or even sooner what we have now may be taken from us and we end up with nothing.

So let us keep our feet on the ground, let us at all times follow the humble path of John the Baptist so that we could become effective heralds for Jesus. Let us share Jesus if not in our words we do it through our actions. Many do not know Jesus because we don’t live the teachings of Jesus.

John lived to the hilt the teachings of Jesus, he did not compete with Jesus for attention. He instead let Jesus shine not minding if some of his followers left him for Jesus. Why? For the simple reason that John was so secure in His role as the precursor for the messiah.

Insecurity was never in the bones of John, he let Jesus bloom as he silently did his role outside of the fleeting lights of recognition.

Are we like John also? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Enero 3, Kabanal-banalang Pangalan ni Jesus: Juan 1:29-34

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:29-34

29 Kinabukasan, nakita I Juan Bautista si Jesus na papalapit sa kanya kaya sinabi niya: “Hayan ang Kordero ng Diyos, sa kanya napapawi ang sala ng mundo. 30 Ito ang tinutukoy ko nang sinabi kong ‘Isang lalaki and kasunod kong dumarating, nauna na siya sa akin pagkat bago ako’y siya na.’ 31 Wala nga akong alam sa kanya pero upang mahayag siya sa Israel ang dahilan kaya dumating akong nagbi­binyag sa tubig.”

32 At nagpatunay si Juan sa pagsa­sabing “Nakita ko ang Espiritu na bumababa mula sa langit gaya ng isang kalapati, at namalagi sa kanya. 33 Wala nga akong alam sa kanya pero ang nagpadala sa akin na magbinyag sa tubig ang siya ring nagsabi sa akin: ‘Kung kanino mo makitang bumababa ang Espiritu at namamalagi sa kanya, ito ang magbibinyag sa Espiritu Santo!” 34 Nakita ko at pinatutunayan ko na siya nga ang hinirang Diyos.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for January 2, Thursday; Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you? He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah? And he said, “I am not. “Are you the Prophet? He answered, No. So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?”

He said:

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said. Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet? John answered them “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize the one who is coming after me whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie. This happened in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

How can we remain in the perpetual grace of God? We would always remain in the perpetual grace of God when we are always humble. But it’s hard to be humble all the time, it’s hard to bow; it’s hard to bend in humility. It’s hard to conquer our egos most especially when we are doing well.

John the Baptist remained in the perpetual grace of God for he was always humble. He did not salivate for power and fame; he never had an awareness of the word ego for he remained humble and self-effacing throughout his short life.  

We know now how to be in the perpetual grace of God. But then again we will say, “It’s hard to be humble all the time.” It’s hard indeed to be humble all the time for the simple reason perhaps that we think that humility is a byproduct of our own effort.

We don’t dispense humility to ourselves, its God through the graciousness of the Holy Spirit that gives us the grace of humility. We therefore pray to Jesus to grant us the grace of humility for He freely dispense it to those who humbly ask for it.

Have you already asked Jesus to dispense unto you the virtue of humility? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Enero 2, San Basilio Magno at San Gregorio Nasianseno: Juan 1:19-28

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:19-28

19 Ito ang pagpapatunay ni Juan nang papuntahin sa kanya ng mga Judio ang ilang mga pari at Levita mula sa Jerusalem para tanungin siya: “Sino ka?” 20 Inako niya di ipinagkaila, inako nga niyang “Hindi ako ang Kristo.” 21 At tinanong nila siya: “Ano ka kung gayon? Si Elias ka ba?” At sinabi niya: “Hindi.” “Ang Propeta ka ba?” Isinagot naman niya: “Hindi” 22 Kaya sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sino ka ba? Para may mai­sagot kami sa mga nagpapunta sa amin.

Ano ba ang masasabi mo tungkol sa ‘yong sarili?” 23 Sumagot siya gaya ng sinabi ni Propeta Isaias: “Tinig ako ng isang sumisigaw sa disyerto: Tuwirin ang daan ng Panginoon.” 24 May mga pinapunta mula sa mga Pariseo. 25 At tinanong nila siya: “Eh, ba’t ka nagbibinyag kung hindi ikaw ang Kristo, ni si Elias, ni ang Propeta?”

26 Sina­got sila ni Juan: “Sa tubig ako nag­bibin­yag ngunit may nakatayo sa piling ninyo na hindi n’yo kilala. 27 Siya ang dumating na kasunod ko pero hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng panali ng kanyang panyapak.” 28 Sa Betaraba nangyari ang mga ito, sa kabilang-ibayo ng Jordan na pinag­bi­binyagan ni Juan.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for January 1, Wednesday; Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

How did The Blessed Mother feel when she saw the shepherds? How did the Blessed Mother feel when she was told by the shepherds of the message that was told to them by an angel? It was perhaps a mixed emotion of gladness and trepidations. Notwithstanding the message the Blessed Mother took everything in stride, in good spirit and with calmness. Mary’s attention was focused on her newly born child perhaps the Blessed Mother was already thinking how he can be a good mother to her new born child.   

In the motherhood of Mary came our savior, in Mary we have a humble and simple mother who stayed with her son until His son’s last gasp of breath on the cross. Do you wish to be like Mary? Of course we want to be like Mary in a very special way minus her sufferings.

Did Mary suffer? Yes Mary suffered in silence For as Jesus suffered His mother Mary was suffering also. Perhaps double the sufferings that her son Jesus was going through during that time. As Mary suffered in silence caused by her son’s sufferings she was also drawing strength from her son Jesus. It’s hard to explain that in her suffering Mary was also drawing strength in Jesus.

But come to think of it, where do we draw strength when we are overwhelmed by our problems or when we are suffering also? Don’t we also draw strength from Jesus?  Of course we draw strength from Jesus we pray to Jesus. And we ask Jesus to help us for we know that it’s only Jesus who can strengthen us.

As we start this New Year let us all find strength in Jesus and let us never forget to ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For she is the mother of Jesus and being so the Blessed Virgin Mary is closest to the heart of Jesus.

Do you always find strength in Jesus? Do you always ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for you? - Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Enero 1, Dakilang Kapistahan ni Maria, Ina ng Diyos: Lucas 2:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:16-21

16 Nag mamadaling pumunta ang mga pastol sa betlehem at natag­puan nila si Maria at si Jose at ang sang­gol na nakahiga sa sabsaban. 17 Pagkakita rito, pinatotohanan nila ang pahayag na binig­kas sa kanila tungkol sa batang ito. 18 Namangha rin ang mga nakarinig sa mga sinasabi ng pastol sa kanila.

• 19 Iningatan naman ni Maria ang mga ito at pinagnilay-nilay sa kanyang puso. 20 Umuwi ang mga pastol na nilu­luwalhati at pinupuri ang Diyos dahil na­kita nila ang lahat ng kanilang na­rinig ayon sa ipinasabi sa kanila. 21 Pagsapit ng ikawalong araw, kaila­ngan nang tuliin ang bata; noon siya pinangalanang Jesus, ang itinawag sa kan­ya ng anghel bago pa siya ipinag­lihi.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for December 31, Tuesday; Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him.

He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

Before the process of creation there was already God (Genesis Chapters 1 and 2). He is the same God who knocks in our hearts; who wants to permanently dwell in our lives. He is the same God who always tells us that we must always do good and be His light in this world.

John was the precursor for Jesus, he humbly prepared the way for Jesus. John deflected all the attention that was being given to him when he said: "I am not the Christ and I am not even worthy to untie His sandals strap (John 1:27)."

Do we zealously follow the example of John?

  

It is always thru our daily lives that Jesus is best seen through us: The way we talk the way we behave. Most especially when nobody is looking at us and it is through these unguarded moments that Jesus is truly made visible through us.

John lived his life with one sole purpose and that is to prepare the way of the Lord. There was no pretension nor double speak he humbly lived his purpose driven life for Jesus.  As we near the end of this year and we begin the forthcoming year. We are challenged by the gospel to let the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives so that those who do not know Jesus very well may know Him deeply through us.

Finally, before we depart 2019 let us reflect on the things that we’ve done to advance the Mission and Teachings of Jesus. Have we become His light in this world? Have we enlightened others about the true light that is Jesus?

May we all have a prosperous, meaningful and Christ filled 2020 and God bless us all! – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Martes Disyembre 31, Ikapitong Araw sa Pagdiriwang ng Pasko: Juan 1:1-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

1 Sa simula’y naroroon na nga ang Wikang Sali­ta, at naroroong kaharap ng Diyos ang Salita,at Diyos ang Salita. 2 Naroroon na nga siyang kaharap ng Diyos sa simula.

                         

3 Sa pamamagitan niya nayari tanang mga bagay, at hiwalay sa kanya’y walang anumang nayari.

Ang niyari 4 ay sa kanya nagkabuhay, at ang buhay ang liwanag para sa mga tao. 5 Nagningning sa karimlan ang liwanag at di ito nasugpo ng karimlan.

6 May taong sugo ang Diyos –Juan ang kanyang pangalan. 7 Dumating siya para sa pagpapatunay, para magpatunay tungkol sa Liwanag, upang makapanalig ang lahat sa pama­magitan niya. 8 Hindi siya mismo ang Liwanag, kundi para magpatunay tungkol sa Liwanag.

9 Pagkat paparating noon sa mundo ang Liwanag na totoo na siyang nagliliwanag sa bawat tao. 10 Nasa mundo na nga siya, ang mundong nayari sa pamamagitan niya, at di naman siya kinilala ng mundo. 11 Sa sariling kanya siya dumating at hindi siya tinanggap ng mga kanya. 12 Ngunit sa lahat ng tumanggap sa kanya sa pananalig sa kanyang Pangalan, binigyang-kakayahan nga niya sila na maging mga anak ng Diyos. 13 Ipinanganak nga sila, hindi mula sa dugo, ni mula sa kagustuhan ng laman, ni sa kagustuhan ng lalaki kundi mula sa Diyos.

14 At naging laman ang Wikang-Salita, at itinayo ang kanyang Tolda sa atin, at nakita natin ang kanyang Luwal­hati, Luwalhating mula sa Ama na bagay sa bugtong na Anak, lipos ng Kagandahang-loob at Katoto­hanan. 15 Nagpapatunay sa kanya si Juan at isinisigaw: “Siya ang sinabi kong ‘Nauna na sa akin ang dumating na kasunod ko, pagkat bago ako’y siya na’.” 16 Mula sa kanyang kapuspusan nga tumanggap tayong lahat – oo, abut-abot na kagandahang-loob.

17 Sa pamamagitan ni Moises ibinigay ang Batas, sa pamamagitan naman ni Jesucristo dumating          ang Kagandahang-loob at Katotoha­nan. 18 Kailanma’y walang sinumang naka­kita sa Diyos; ang Diyos na Anak na bugtong siyang nasa kandungan ng Ama – ang nagpahayag sa kanya.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for December 24, Tuesday; Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:67-79

Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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Reflection:

Do we acknowledge the many blessings that God has given us? For example: The new life that God gives us every morning, our loving family, the good health that we have and there are many more blessings that God has been showering us. Do we always remember to thank the Lord for all these blessings?  Or we are already used to these blessing that it becomes ordinary for us already.

The devil would always lure us to get busy with worldly things so that we would eventually forget God. So what are the results? We will not anymore fear God, we will lose our guilt of conscience. We will therefore mindlessly commit sin such as abortion, adultery and many more sins against our fellowmen and God.

Zechariah was well aware of the many blessings that God had showered him and his family that’s why he praised Him. In good times and in bad he never walked away from God he remained faithful to Him. We must also be fully aware of the many blessings that God has been showering us. And we must always be grateful for all of these blessings by sharing it with those who are in need most especially the poor.– Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Disyembre 24, Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:67-79

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:67-79

67 Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo ang ama niyang si Zacarias at nagpro­pesiya nang ganito:  68 “Purihin ang Panginoon, ang Diyos ng Israel, dahil nilingap niya at tinubos ang kanyang bayan. 69 Mula sa sambahayan ni David na kanyang lingkod, ibinangon niya ang magliligtas sa atin, 70  ayon sa ipinangako niya noong una sa pamamagitan ng mga banal niyang propeta: 71 kaligtasan mula sa ating mga kaaway at sa kamay ng mga namumuhi sa atin.

72 Nagpakita siya ng awa sa ating mga ninuno at inalaala ang banal niyang tipan, 73 ang pangakong sinumpaan niya sa ating amang si Abraham 74 na ililigtas tayo sa kamay ng ating mga kaaway, upang walang takot natin siyang mapag­ling­kuran, 75 nang may kabanalan at kataru­ngan sa harap niya sa buong buhay natin.

76 At ikaw naman na munti pang anak ay tatawaging propeta ng Kataas-taasan. Mangunguna ka nga sa Panginoon para ihanda ang kanyang daan. 77 Ituturo mo ang kaligtasan sa kanyang bayan sa pagpapatawad niya sa kanilang mga sala. 78 Ito ang gagawin ng maawaain nating Diyos sa pagpapasikat niya sa atin ng araw na galing sa kaitaasan 79 upang liwanagan ang mga nananatili sa kadiliman at sa lilim ng kamatayan, at akayin ang ating mga yapak sa daan ng kapaya­paan.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for December 23, Monday; Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:57-66

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."

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Reflection:

What is the reward for our faithfulness to the Lord? For example if both couples are faithful to the Sacrament of Marriage. The rewards are God’s blessings, peace of mind, worthy and loving children and there are many more.

In our gospel through their fidelity and love for each other Elizabeth and Zechariah notwithstanding their old age were blessed by God with a child. The child was named John in fulfillment of the desire of God coursed through the angel Gabriel.

There is always a reward for those who are faithful to the Sacrament of Marriage. It may not be a worldly reward such as temporal riches. Anyway, who needs temporal riches and success if it can fly away from our grasp anytime?   

The couple Zechariah and Elizabeth were both faithful not only to their marriage but to the Lord as well. Thus, they were rewarded by the Lord with so many blessings prominent among those blessings is a child in their old age. Sounds impossible right? But nothing is impossible for the God for as long as we would be faithful to Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Disyembre 23, Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:57-66

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66

57 Nang sumapit na ang panga­­nga­nak ni Elizabeth, isang anak na lalaki ang isinilang niya. 58 Na­rinig ng mga kapit­bahay at mga ka­mag-anakan niya kung gaano nagdalang-awa sa kanya ang Pa­nginoon kayat nakigalak sila sa kanya.

59 Nang ikawalong araw na, duma­­ting sila pa­ra tuliin ang sanggol at pa­nga­­­nga­lanan sana nila itong Zacarias gaya ng kanyang ama. 60 Su­magot naman ang kanyang ina: “Hindi, tatawagin siyang Juan.” 61 Pero sinabi nila sa kanya: “Wala ka na­mang ka­mag-anak na may ganyang pangalan.” 62 Kaya sumenyas sila sa ama ng sang­­gol kung ano ang gusto niyang itawag dito. 63 Humingi siya ng isang sulatan, at sa pagtataka ng lahat ay kanyang isinulat: “Juan ang pangalan niya.” 64 Noon di’y nabuksan ang kanyang bibig at nakalag ang kanyang dila. Na­ka­pagsa­lita siya at nagpuri sa Diyos.

65 Kaya namayani ang banal na pag­katakot sa kanilang mga kapitbahay. At naging usap-usapan ang lahat ng pang­ya­­yaring ito sa buong mataas na lupain ng Juda. 66 Nag-isip-isip ang mga nakarinig at nagtanungan: “Ano na kaya ang mang­yayari sa sanggol na ito?” Dahil suma­sa­kanya ngang talaga ang kamay ng Panginoon.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Sunday December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Matthew 1:18-24

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife into his home.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a husband who planned to become rich so that he could provide all the material things for his family. However, his wife advised him that it would also be fine even if they will not become rich. The wife further said that what is important for her is to have a happy, God centered and closely-knit family.

What would you do if you were in the predicament of Saint Joseph? Would you also listen to the angel of God or you would loudly protest the injustice done to your honor and not listen anymore to the angel?

I think that it is safe to say that you will protest the insult done to your personhood. Imagine not fathering the baby that is being carried in the womb of your wife? For a while Joseph quietly opposed the plan of God but he was prevailed upon by the angel sent by God. From thereon he had no complaints whatsoever he humbly listened to the angel of God.

In Saint Joseph we see a rational man who will humbly ask God questions on what is happening to his life. But upon the revelation of an angel through his dream that he would be part of the plan of God for humanity’s salvation. He did not ask questions anymore, Saint Joseph humbly and quietly obeyed.

What does this say about us? We also have our own plans for ourselves, plans to achieve prominent things for our own family’s welfare and so forth. But there are times that it will not become a reality no matter how hard we try to execute it. And that’s when we must deeply understand that God has a plan for us which is very much different than what we have planned for. We may never know what his plans are right now but He has a plan and that is surely for our own good.

It is said that, when God closes a door in our life He will certainly open a window. The door that closed in the life of Saint Joseph was his plan to become a biological father. And what was the window that opened? Saint Joseph became the foster father of Jesus. Saint Joseph also became a party to God’s plan of salvation because he saved the Blessed Mother from condemnation, ridicule and even brutal death by stoning.

So, if the cloud ahead of you seems hazy, darkened and thundering be patient; continue to quietly soldier on. Be like Saint Joseph: Humble, obedient, quite, uncomplaining and has a listening ear for the voice of God. Because God has a plan for you as well it may seem unclear right now but God has a plan and that is for your own good. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo December 22, Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:18-24

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-24

18 Ganito ipinanganak si Jesucristo. Ipinag­kasundo na kay Jose ang kanyang inang si Maria pero bago sila nagsama bilang mag-asawa, nagdadalantao na siya gawa ng Espiritu Santo. 19 Kaya binalak ni Jose na hiwalayan nang lihim ang kanyang asawa. Matuwid nga siya at ayaw niya itong mapahiya.

20 Habang iniisip-isip niya ito, napa­kita sa kanya sa panaginip ang Anghel ng Panginoon at sinabi: “Jose, anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tang­ga­pin si Maria bilang iyong asawa. Gawa ng Espi­ritu Santo kaya siya naglihi, 21 at ma­nga­nganak siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki, na panga­ngalanan mong Jesus sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang samba­yanan mula sa kanilang mga kasa­lanan.”

22 Nangyari ang lahat ng ito para matu­pad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamama­gitan ng Propeta: 23 “Maglilihi ang birhen at magsisilang ng isang sanggol na lalaki at tatawagin nila siyang Emmanuel na ibig sabihi’y Nasa-atin-ang-Diyos.” 24 Ka­ya pagka­gising ni Jose, ginawa niya ang sinabi ng Anghel ng Panginoon at tinang­gap niya ang kanyang asawa.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for December 21, Saturday; Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

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Reflection:

Are we aware of the fact that during this Christmas season there are people who badly want our presence and who want to touch base with us? These people desire us to be with them even for a short time. They may be our parents, our siblings our children and our relatives whom we have not seen and talked for so long.

In the gospel today the Blessed Mother walked more than 100 km from Nazareth to the residence of her cousin Elizabeth just to see her and to let her know that she is there for her. Mary visited her cousin not minding the long distance that she will be going through Mary simply wanted to express her support to her cousin Elizabeth.

The Blessed Mother was also pregnant around that time. Yet she purposely did not mind her own wellbeing so that she could take care of her cousin Elizabeth. Mary could have simply brushed aside her cousin Elizabeth but she did not.

How many of us are willing to do that selfless act? How many of us are willing to forget our own needs so that we could give happiness to others?  Let us forget ourselves and make a very big difference in the lives of others especially the poor ones who cannot repay our act of altruism. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Disyembre 21, Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-45

• 39 Nang mga araw ring iyo’y nag­mamadaling naglakbay si Maria pa­punta sa isang bayan sa mataas na lupain ng Juda. 40 Pumasok siya roon sa bahay ni Zacarias at binati si Eli­zabeth. 41 Nang marinig ni Elizabeth ang bati ni Maria, sumikad ang sanggol sa si­na­pupunan niya, at napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elizabeth 42 at mala­kas siyang sumigaw at sinabi: “Lubos kang pi­nagpala sa mga kababaihan. Pinag­pala rin ang bunga ng iyong sina­pu­punan! 43 Sino nga ba naman ako’t na­parito sa akin ang ina ng aking Pa­ngi­noon? 44 Nang umabot sa aking pan­dinig ang iyong pagbati, sumikad sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking sina­pu­punan. 45 Pinagpapala ang naniniwa­lang magaganap ang mga sinabi sa kanya ng Pa­nginoon.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for December 20, Friday; Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. He went in and said to her, 'Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favor! The Lord is with you.' She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favor. Look! You are to conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob forever and his reign will have no end.'

Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I have no knowledge of man?' The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. And I tell you this too: your cousin Elizabeth also, in her old age, has conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.'

Mary said, 'You see before you the Lord's servant, let it happen to me as you have said.' And the angel left her.

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Reflection:

Do you always submit to the wisdom of the Good Lord?

Sometimes there are situation/s in life that will disturb our peace, for example a sudden diagnoses of sickness. This kind of life event will surely bother us. But in the midst of this life disturbances let us not forget that the good Lord is always there for us. To comfort us, to give us hope and to assure us that He will always be there for us.

When the angel Gabriel appeared and greeted the Blessed Mother she was naturally concerned about it? Perhaps the Blessed Mother asked herself, Why did this angel appear to me? What would this angel bring me; a trial that is hard for me to bear?

But the angel told the Blessed Mother that she would bear a son and His name is Jesus. The angel further said that she has nothing to worry because the Lord will take care of her. Thus, the Blessed Mother humbly accepted her destiny and entrusted herself to God.

Whatever we are going through right now or we might go through in the future. Be it sickness or severe trial that may test our fidelity to Jesus, let us hold on to our deep faith in Jesus. For as long as we have faith there would be hope and deliverance from all of life’s challenges.

As the Blessed Mother entrusted her fate to the good Lord we too must learn to submit to God’s will for ourselves. Let us never worry for God is always there for us and never will He abandon us. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas