Reflection for Sunday January 1 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:

Do you submit to the will of God? 

The Blessed Mother humbly submitted herself to the will of God she quietly reflected on the uncertainties and surprises that went her way. In the midst of her trepidations she remained faithful to the will of God she was with her son Jesus until the very end of His life on the cross.  

As we begin our new year we will be swimming into the ocean of uncertainties and surprises. Let us be ready by having a positive mindset and by keeping our strong faith in our God. Let us continue to glorify and praise God and let us strive to share and deepen our faith.  

The Lord wants nothing but the best for us; He desires us peace and He wishes to always be with us. Let us open ourselves to the many blessings that the Lord wants to give us. But this will only materialize if we continue to be near His presence and by avoiding sin. 

As we step inside this New Year let us strive to always be near God, let us remain Hopeful and Optimistic for nothing is impossible with God. Let us make the Blessed Mother our prayer partner and our spiritual mother as we wade through the many surprises and uncertainties of this year.  - Marino J. Dasmarinas   

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

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:16-21 

Noong panahong iyon: nagmamadali silang lumakad patungong Betlehem at nakita nila sina Maria at Jose at ang sanggol na nakahiga sa sabsaban. Kaya't isinaysay nila ang mga sinabi ng anghel tungkol sa sanggol na ito; at nagtaka ang lahat ng nakarinig sa sinabi ng mga pastol.

Natanim sa isip ni Maria ang mga bagay na ito at kanyang pinagbulay-bulay. Umalis ang mga pastol na nagpupuri sa Diyos at nagpapahayag ng kanyang kadakilaan dahil sa lahat ng narinig nila at nakita na ayon sa ibinalita sa kanila ng anghel.

Pagdating ng ikawalong araw ay tinuli ang bata at pinangalanang Hesus – ang pangalang ibinigay ng anghel bago pa siya ipinaglihi.

Reflection for Saturday December 31, The Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: 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 end  this year and we begin the coming New 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 2022 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 2023 and God bless us all! – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Disyembre 31 Ikapitong Araw ng Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagsilang: Juan 1:1-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

Sa pasimula pa’y naroon na ang Salita. Kasama ng Diyos ang Salita at ang Salita ay Diyos. Kasama na siya ng Diyos sa pasimula pa. Sa pamamagitan niya nilikha ang lahat ng bagay, at walang anumang nalikha nang hindi sa pamamagitan niya. Mula sa kanya ang buhay, at ang buhay ay siyang ilaw ng sangkatauhan. Nagliliwanag sa kadiliman ang ilaw, at hindi ito kailanman nagapi ng kadiliman.  

Sinugo ng Diyos ang isang tao na nagngangalang Juan. Naparito siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw at manalig sa ilaw ang lahat dahil sa patotoo niya. Hindi siya ang ilaw kundi naparito siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw. Ang tunay na ilaw na tumatanglaw sa lahat ng tao ay dumarating sa sanlibutan.  

Nasa sanlibutan ang Salita. Nilikha ang sanlibutan sa pamamagitan niya ngunit hindi siya nakilala ng sanlibutan. Naparito siya sa kanyang bayan ngunit hindi siya tinanggap ng kanyang mga kababayan. Ngunit ang lahat ng tumanggap at nanalig sa kanya ay pinagkalooban niya ng karapatang maging anak ng Diyos. Sila nga’y naging anak ng Diyos, hindi dahil sa isinilang sila ayon sa kalikasan, ni sa pita ng laman o sa kagagawan ng tao. Ang pagiging anak nila ay buhat sa Diyos.  

Naging tao ang Salita at siya’y nanirahan sa piling natin. Nakita namin ang kanyang kapangyarihan at kadakilaan, puspos ng pag-ibig at katapatan. Tinanggap niya mula sa Ama ang kapangyarihan at kadakilaang ito bilang bugtong na Anak.  

Nagpatotoo si Juan tungkol sa kanya. At ganito ang kanyang sigaw, “Siya ang tinutukoy ko nang aking sabihin, ‘Ang darating na kasunod ko’y higit sa akin, sapagkat siya’y siya na bago pa ako ipanganak.’” 

Dahil sa siya’y puspos ng pag-ibig, tayong lahat ay tumanggap mula sa kanya ng abut-abot na kaloob. Sapagkat ibinibigay ang Kautusan sa pamamagitan ni Moises ngunit ang pag-ibig at ang katotohanan ay dumating sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo. Kailanma’y walang nakakita sa Diyos, subalit ipinakilala siyang bugtong na Anak – siya’y Diyos – na lubos na minamahal ng Ama.

Reflection for Friday December 30, Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.  

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.   

But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

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Reflection:

What are your plans this coming 2023? Is the welfare of your family first in that plan? 

We read in the gospel how Saint Joseph’s flawlessly executed his plan to protect the welfare of his family. When Joseph was told in his dream by an angel of God to bring his family to Egypt he did so without any question. Why? Because Joseph knew that it was for the welfare of his family.   

After the death of King Herod, Joseph dreamt of an angel telling him to bring Mary and the baby Jesus to Israel and he did so again for the welfare of his family. Eventually Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus settled in the town of Nazareth to fulfill the prophecy of the prophets.  

It was always family first for Joseph, everything else comes a far second. Many fathers and even mothers treat their family as second priority next only to their friends. But majority of our friends come and go very few friends stay with us until the end of our lives. It’s always our family who will be with us no matter what.      

Like Saint Joseph who prioritized his family we must also put first the welfare of our family this coming 2023 and beyond. Is your family always your priority? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Biyernes Disyembre 30 Banal na Mag-anak nina Jesus, Maria at Jose (Kapistahan): Mateo 2:13-15, 19-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:13-15, 19-23

Pagkaalis ng mga Pantas, napakita kay Jose sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sinabi sa kanya, “Magbangon ka, dalhin mo agad sa Egipto ang mag-ina. At huwag kayong aalis doon hangga’t hindi ko sinasabi sa iyo, sapagkat hahanapin ni Herodes ang sanggol upang patayin.” Kaya dali-daling bumangon si Jose at nang gabing iyo’y dinala sa Egipto ang mag-ina. Doon sila tumira hanggang sa mamatay si Herodes.  

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta, “Tinawag ko ang aking Anak mula sa Egipto.” Pagkamatay ni Herodes, isang anghel ng Panginoon ang napakita sa panaginip kay Jose sa Egipto. “Magbangon ka,” sabi sa kanya, “iuwi mo na sa Israel ang mag-ina, sapagkat patay na ang nagtangka sa buhay ng bata.” Nagbangon siya at iniuwi nga sa Israel ang mag-ina.  

Ngunit nang mabalitaan niyang si Arquelao ang naghahari sa Judea, kahalili ng kanyang amang si Herodes, siya’y natakot na pumunta roon. Muli siyang sinabihan sa panaginip, kaya’t nagtungo siya sa Galilea. Sa Nazaret sila nanirahan upang matupad ang sinabi ng mga propeta, “Siya’y tatawaging Nazareno.”

Reflection for Thursday December 29, 5th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Luke 2:22-35

Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” 

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

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Reflection:

Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? 

Surely the Holy Spirit was with Simeon because he knew beforehand the destiny of Jesus. Not everyone is given the kind of wisdom that Simeon had. Let us take a look how the gospel reading described Simeon: “This man was righteous and devote (Luke 2:25).” We know now the hidden secret on how to have the grace of the Holy Spirit: We have to be righteous and devout.  

Righteousness in terms of what? Righteousness in terms of how we live, we have to be morally upright at all times. We don’t have to do wrong or compromise with whatever is wrong.  This is hard to do initially but as we live and practice righteousness we would notice that it will become part of our life’s system already. Thus, we will now slowly but surely detest whatever form of sin and evil.  

We also have to be devout in the observance of our faith. When it’s time for Holy Mass we have to leave everything behind for our pious presence at Holy Mass. Same as when it’s time for our private moment with God through personal and structured prayers. Our devoutness to our faith will always bring us closer to Jesus.  

The Holy Spirit will not be upon us if we continue to sin and do things that are contrary to the will of God. When we begin to aspire to be righteous and devout we would see a positive transformation in our lives and in the lives of those around us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Huwebes Disyembre 29 Ikalimang Araw ng Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagsilang: Lucas 2:22-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-35

Nang dumating ang araw ng paglilinis sa kanila, ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, sila'y pumunta sa Jerusalem. Dala nila ang sanggol upang iharap sa Panginoon, sapagkat ayon sa Kautusan, "Ang bawat Panganay na lalaki ay nakatalaga sa Panginoon." At naghandog sila, ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon: "Mag-asawang batu-bato o dalawang inakay na kalapati."  

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem, ang pangala'y Simeon. Matapat at malapit sa Diyos ang lalaking ito at naghihintay ng katubusan ng Israel. Sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo na nagpahayag sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Mesias na ipinangako ng Panginoon.  

Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, pumasok siya sa templo. At nang dalhin doon ng kanyang mga magulang ang sanggol na si Jesus upang gawin ang hinihingi ng Kautusan, siya'y kinalong ni Simeon. Ito'y nagpuri sa Diyos, na ang wika, "Kunin mo na, Panginoon, ang iyong abang alipin. Ayon sa iyong pangako, yamang nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong pagliligtas, na inihanda mo para sa lahat ng bansa: liwanag itong tatanglaw sa mga Hentil, at magbibigay-karangalan sa iyong bayang Israel."  

Namangha ang ama't ina ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito ay nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel, isang tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit hahamakin ng marami kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil diyan, ang puso mo'y para na ring tinarakan ng isang balaraw."

Reflection for Wednesday December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs: Matthew 2:13-18

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. 

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

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Reflection:

Do you believe in angels? 

What if Joseph did not listen to the command of the angel of the Lord? 

The child Jesus would have been killed by the minions  of King Herod. But Joseph was a good, humble and obedient man of the Lord.  So, he listened and in the process he helped save the life of the child Jesus. 

Angels who act as messengers of God abound in this world and they are not the winged ones anymore. They are humans like us who would always advise us to avoid doing what is not good and sinful. Or they would advise us to do good always even if others are not doing good to them. Therefore, we have to listen because if we would not listen we would eventually be in a problematic situation.  

As Saint Joseph listened to the command of the angel of the Lord. We too have to listen to the wisdom filled advice/s being given to us by people who have nothing but concern and love for us. Because it is in listening and acting on what we have listened that we would be spared from many problems. 

Do you always listen to meaningful advice or counsel? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Miyerkules Disyembre 28 Mga Banal na Sanggol na walang Kamalayan, mga martir (Kapistahan): Mateo 2:13-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:13-18

Pagkaalis ng mga Pantas, napakita kay Jose sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sinabi sa kanya, "Magbangon ka, dalhin mo agad sa Egipto ang mag-ina. At huwag kayong aalis doon hangga't hndi ko sinasabi sa iyo. Sapagkat hahanapin ni Herodes ang sanggol upang patayin." Kaya dali-daling bumangon si Jose at nang gabing iyo'y dinala sa Egipto ang mag-ina. Doon sila tumira hanggang mamatay si Herodes. Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta, "Tinawag ko ang aking Anak mula sa Egipto." 

Galit na galit si Herodes nang malamang siya'y napaglalangan ng mga Pantas. Kaya't ipinapatay niya ang mga batang lalaki sa Betlehem at mga palibot na pook-- lahat na may gulang na dalawang taon pababa, alinsunod sa paglitaw ng tala na natiyak niyang sa mga Pantas.  

Sa gayo'y natupad ang sinabi ni Propeta Jeremias: "Narinig sa Rama ang malakas na panaghoy. Tinatangisan ni Raquel ang kanyang mga anak. Hindi siya maaliw sa tindi ng kalungkutan dahil sa pagkamatay nila."

Reflection for Tuesday December 27 Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist: John 20:1a, 2-8

Gospel: John 20:1a, 2-8

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.  

They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes have this feeling wherein you look for God and you hunger for Him yet you cannot find Him? Don’t give up for if you will not give up you will be able to find Him.  Yet if you want to easily find God and make Him your friend and daily companion you have to do the following: 

1. Always find time to be present in the celebration of the Holy Mass. 

2. Have a daily habit of prayer at least twice a day, preferably upon waking up in the morning and before retiring at night.  

3. Have a daily habit of planned reading the Holy Bible: Start with the first four gospels of the New  Testament. 

4. Discover the immense spiritual blessing of praying the Holy Rosary. 

5. Have the hunger for the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Confession. 

If you do all of these, God would always be by your side. In the gospel, Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb of Jesus. Only to find out that He was not there anymore for He had resurrected already. 

But surely it was only the physical presence of Jesus that they were missing.  Deep in their hearts Jesus was also with them for all of them were very close to the Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas        

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Disyembre 27 San Juan, apostol at manunulat ng Mabuting Balita (Kapistahan): Juan 20:1, 2-8

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:1, 2-8

Nang unang araw nga ng sanglinggo ay naparoong maaga sa libingan si Maria Magdalena, madilim-dilim pa nang araw ng Linggo, patakbong pumunta si Maria Magdalena kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na mahal ni Hesus, at sinabi sa kanila, “Kinuha sa libingan ang Panginoon at hindi namin alam kung saan dinala!” Kaya’t si Pedro at ang nasabing alagad ay nagpunta sa libingan. Kapwa sila tumakbo ngunit si Pedro’y naunahan ng kasamang alagad.  

Yumuko ito at sumilip sa loob. Nakita niyang nakalagay ang mga kayong lino, ngunit hindi siya pumasok. Kasunod niyang dumating si Simon Pedro at tuluy-tuloy itong pumasok sa libingan. Nakita niya ang mga kayong lino, at ang panyong ibinalot sa ulo. Hindi ito kasama ng mga kayong lino, kundi hiwalay na nakatiklop sa isang tabi. Pumasok din ang alagad na naunang dumating; nakita niya ito at siya’y naniwala.

 

Reflection for Monday December 26 Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr: Matthew 10:17-22

Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say.  

You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

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Reflection:

What fuels a person to give his life to Jesus? It’s the fidelity to the mission of Jesus and it’s the love for Jesus. For many of us it’s hard to think that there are people who are willing to give their life for Jesus. But there really are unsung heroes who will willingly give their life for the mission of Jesus.  

Another reality of life is this, those who humbly continue the mission of Jesus are often times persecuted also. Let us think about the many martyrs of the church who shed their blood for Jesus’ mission. There are many of them some became saints and some silently went to heaven. They never wavered in their fidelity to the mission of Jesus, they continued amidst the hardship and persecution. 

Let us say for example, what if we would also be called to witness for Jesus inside our respective families? Can we take the risk of speaking about the teachings of Jesus even if it’s unpopular to the majority of our family members?  

A faithful follower will never be afraid to speak about Jesus, for to speak for Jesus teachings is always right. But we must also do it in such a way that we do it with a mindset of humility, gentleness and love. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to successfully share Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas       

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Disyembre 26 San Esteban, unang martir (Kapistahan): Mateo 10:17-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:17-22

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Mag-ingat kayo, sapagkat may mga taong magkakanulo sa inyo sa mga hukuman; at hahagupitin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga. Dahil sa akin, ihaharap kayo sa mga gobernador at mga hari, at magpapatotoo kayo sa harapan nila at ng mga Hentil. 

Kapag nililitis na kayo, huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa sasabihin ninyo o kung paano ninyo sasabihin. Pagdating ng oras, ito'y ipagkakaloob sa inyo. sapagkat hindi kayo ang magsasalita kundi ang Espiritu ng inyong Ama ang magsasalita sa pamamagitan ninyo. 

"Ipagkakanulo ng kanyang kapatid ang kanyang kapatid upang ipapatay; gayon din ang gagawin ng ama sa kanyang anak. Lalabanan ng mga anak ang kanilang mga magulang, at ipapapatay. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin; ngunit ang manatiling tapat hanggang wakas ang siyang maliligtas.

Reflection for Sunday December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Day: 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:

Have you done something to bring someone closer to the Lord? John brought people to the Lord by his way of life.  John humbly prepared the way for Jesus. John brought people closer to Jesus, John never told the people of his time to stay with him. He pointed to Jesus as the one that they should follow and not himself. 

Are you up to the task of guiding others to Jesus by your way of life? And do you have the motivation to gently speak about Jesus to your fellowmen? By simply living the life of Jesus  you can already point others to Jesus. 

Some of us may say that to share Jesus is not my job it’s for the exclusive domain of the people of the church. But no, by virtue of our baptism we have already been empowered to share whatever we can share about Jesus and our faith. But have we already shared Jesus and our faith? 

It’s not yet late to share Jesus because for as long as we live it is our duty and mission to share the Lord.   Let us not be afraid to share the Lord for He will be with us and the Holy Spirit who makes everything possible will be with us also.

Today is Christmas day and this is the most conducive day to share Jesus by giving something to those who are in need. We give not from our excess, we give from our sincere desire to share from the bottom of our hearts.

So that those who are in darkness and those who are losing hope because of the harshness of life will see the light of the Lord through our acts of goodness and generosity. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Disyembre 25 Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon (Dakilang Kapistahan) Misa sa Araw: Juan 1:1-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

Ang simula ng Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon ayon kay San Juan

Sa pasimula pa’y naroon na ang Salita. Kasama ng Diyos ang Salita at ang Salita ay Diyos. Kasama na siya ng Diyos sa pasimula pa. Sa pamamagitan niya nilikha ang lahat ng bagay, at walang anumang nalikha nang hindi sa pamamagitan niya. Mula sa kanya ang buhay, at ang buhay ay siyang ilaw ng sangkatauhan. Nagliliwanag sa kadiliman ang ilaw, at hindi ito kailanman nagapi ng kadiliman.

Sinugo ng Diyos ang isang tao na nagngangalang Juan. Naparito siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw at manalig sa ilaw ang lahat dahil sa patotoo niya. Hindi siya ang ilaw kundi naparito siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw. Ang tunay na ilaw na tumatanglaw sa lahat ng tao ay dumarating sa sanlibutan.

Nasa sanlibutan ang Salita. Nilikha ang sanlibutan sa pamamagitan niya ngunit hindi siya nakilala ng sanlibutan. Naparito siya sa kanyang bayan ngunit hindi siya tinanggap ng kanyang mga kababayan. Ngunit ang lahat ng tumanggap at nanalig sa kanya ay pinagkalooban niya ng karapatang maging anak ng Diyos. Sila nga’y naging anak ng Diyos, hindi dahil sa isinilang sila ayon sa kalikasan, ni sa pita ng laman o sa kagagawan ng tao. Ang pagiging anak nila ay buhat sa Diyos.

Naging tao ang Salita at siya’y nanirahan sa piling natin. Nakita namin ang kanyang kapangyarihan at kadakilaan, puspos ng pag-ibig at katapatan. Tinanggap niya mula sa Ama ang kapangyarihan at kadakilaang ito bilang bugtong na Anak.

Nagpatotoo si Juan tungkol sa kanya. At ganito ang kanyang sigaw, “Siya ang tinutukoy ko nang aking sabihin, ‘Ang darating na kasunod ko’y higit sa akin, sapagkat siya’y siya na bago pa ako ipanganak.’”

Dahil sa siya’y puspos ng pag-ibig, tayong lahat ay tumanggap mula sa kanya ng abut-abot na kaloob. Sapagkat ibinibigay ang Kautusan sa pamamagitan ni Moises ngunit ang pag-ibig at ang katotohanan ay dumating sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo. Kailanma’y walang nakakita sa Diyos, subalit ipinakilala siyang bugtong na Anak – siya’y Diyos – na lubos na minamahal ng Ama.

Reflection for Sunday December 25 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Christmas Midnight: Luke 2:1-14

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. 

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

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Reflection:

What is the meaning of Christmas to you? 

People nowadays are fond of shortcuts even the solemn celebration of Jesus’ birth has not been spared. For example, many of us today use the greeting Merry X-Mas instead of Merry Christmas. What does this signify? This signifies that many of us are slowly losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas. 

Christmas is not about material things. Christmas is about the great love of God for us. We must not keep this love in our hearts we must express this love through our words and actions. Thus Christ love is made alive through us. 

For example; if it so happen that you see a poor stranger. What would you do? Would you just stand and be insensitive to his/her needs? We must not be insensitive we must do something to extend Christ love and blessing. We must pay forward the real essence and blessing of Christmas which is the birth of our savior. 

The birth date of Jesus every year should also be the birth of Christ love in our hearts every year. And we must not keep this selfless love we must plant this love in others hearts too by being a blessing to them with the hope that it will also bear much fruit in their hearts. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Disyembre 25 Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon (Dakilang Kapistahan) Misa sa Hatinggabi: Lucas 2:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:1-14

Noong panahong iyon, iniutos ng Emperador Augusto na magpatala ang lahat ng nasasakupan ng Imperyo ng Roma. Ang unang pagpapatalang ito’y ginawa nang si Cirenio and gobernador ng Siria. Kaya’t umuwi ang bawat isa sa sariling bayan upang magpatala.  

Mula sa Nazaret, Galilea, si Jose’y pumunta sa Betlehem, Judea, ang bayang sinilangan ni Haring David, sapagkat siya’y mula sa angkan at lahi ni David. Kasama niyang umuwi upang magpatala rin si Maria na kanyang magiging asawa na noo’y kagampan. Samantalang naroroon sila, dumating ang oras ng panganganak ni Maria at isinilang niya ang kanyang panganay at ito’y lalaki. Binalot niya ng lampin ang sanggol at inihiga sa isang sabsaban, sapagkat wala nang lugar para sa kanila sa bahay-panuluyan.  

Sa lupain ding yaon ay may mga pastol na nasa parang, nagpupuyat sa pagbabantay ng kanilang mga tupa. Biglang lumitaw sa harapan nila ang isang anghel ng Panginoon at lumaganap sa paligid nila ang nakasisilaw na kaningningan ng Panginoon.  

Natakot sila nang gayun na lamang, “Huwag kayong matakot! Ako’y may dalang mabuting balita para sa inyo na magdudulot ng malaking kagalakan sa lahat ng tao. Sapagkat isinilang ngayon sa bayan ni David ang inyong Tagapagligtas, ang Kristong Panginoon. Ito ang palatandaan: matatagpuan ninyo ang isang sanggol na nababalot ng lampin at nakahiga sa sabsaban.”  

Biglang lumitaw sa tabi ng anghel ang isang malaking hukbo ng kalangitan, na nagpupuri sa Diyos: “Papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan, at sa lupa’y kapayapaan sa mga taong kinalulugdan niya!”

Reflection for December 24 Saturday of the 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, the family that we have, the good health that we have and there are many more blessings that God has been showering us. Do we always remember to thank God 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 love 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 God. 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 Disyembre 24 Sabado Ika-4 na Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:67-79

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:67-79

Noong panahong iyon, napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Zacarias na ama ni Juan at nagpahayag ng ganito: 

“Purihin ang Panginoong Diyos ng Israel!

Sapagkat nilingap niya at pinalaya ang kanyang bayan, at nagpadala siya sa atin ng isang makapangyarihang Tagapagligtas, mula sa lipi ni David na kanyang lingkod. Ipinangako niya sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga banal na propeta noong una, na ililigtas niya tayo sa ating mga kaaway, at sa kamay ng lahat ng napopoot sa atin. Ipinangako rin niya na kahahabagan ang ating mga magulang at aalalahanin ang kanyang banal na tipan. 

Iyan ang sumpang binitawan niya sa ating amang si Abraham, na ililigtas tayo sa ating mga kaaway, upang walang takot na makasamba sa kanya, at maging banal at matuwid sa kanyang paningin, habang tayo’y nabubuhay. Ikaw naman, anak, ay tatawaging propeta ng Kataas-taasan; sapagkat mauuna ka sa Panginoon upang ihanda ang kanyang mga daraanan, at ituro sa kanyang bayan ang landas ng kaligtasan, ang kapatawaran ng kanilang mga kasalanan. 

Sapagkat lubhang mahabagin ang ating Diyos; magbubukang-liwayway sa atin ang araw ng kaligtasan upang magbigay-liwanag sa mga nasa kadiliman at nasa lilim ng kamatayan, at patnubayan tayo tungo sa daan ng kapayapaan.”

Reflection for December 23 Friday of the 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:

Do you have a prayer before the Lord? Do you follow the will of the Lord for your life?  

The pious couple of Zechariah and Elizabeth had a prayer before God and their prayer was for them to have a child. After a long period of time their prayer was granted by God for they were given the gift of a child. Thus, it was an answered prayer for the pious couple.  

But that is not the end of the story, the good Lord through an angel told the couple to name the child John. And so they named him John contradicting the wishes of their relatives and perhaps the custom of naming a child after their parents. The pious couple of John and Elizabeth followed the will of the Lord and named the child John which means gracious gift of God.  

What is the implication of the gospel for your life? 

You have to be persevering and persistent in your prayer. And you should not waver for God rewards those who persevere and those who are persistent. It may take time for your prayers to be granted but it surely will be granted not based on your own time but based on God’s time.   

Oftentimes you want to chart your own destiny, your own personal journey and somehow through your hard work you were able to achieve what you want. Yet there is still that void and emptiness. Why? This is for the reason that you carved your own destiny, your own personal journey. You did not follow God’s will for you, the God who has been manifesting in your life. The same God who has been silently speaking to you though the events of your life.   

If only you would learn to be persevering in your prayer. If only you would follow God’s will for you. There surely will be no more emptiness in your life and you will not be longing for anything more in your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 23 Biyernes Ika-4 na Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:57-66

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66

Dumating ang oras ng panganganak ni Elisabet, at nagluwal siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki. Nabalitaan ng kanyang mga kapitbahay at mga kamag-anak na siya'y pinagpala ng Panginoon, at nakigalak sila sa kanya. Nang ikawalong araw, dumalo sila sa pagtutuli ng sanggol. Zacarias sana ang ipapangalan sa kanya -- gaya ng kanyang ama -- ngunit sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Hindi! Juan ang ipangangalan sa kanya." Subalit wala ni isa man sa inyong kamag-anak ang may ganyang pangalan," wika nila.  

Kaya't hinudyatan nila ang kanyang ama at itinanong kung ano ang ibig niyang itawag sa sanggol. Humingi siya ng masusulatan at sumulat ng ganito: "Juan ang kanyang pangalan." At namangha silang lahat. Pagdaka'y nakapagsalita siya, at nagpuri sa Diyos. Natakot ang kanilang kapitbahay, anupa't naging usap-usapan sa buong kaburulan ng Judea ang mga bagay na ito. Pinakaisip-isip ito ng lahat ng nakaalam at ang kanilang tanong: "Magiging ano nga kaya ang batang ito?" Sapagkat maliwanag na sumasakanya ang Panginoon. 

Reflection for December 22 Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:46-56

Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Mary said:“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit.   

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”    

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

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Reflection:

Why did Mary remain with her cousin Elizabeth for three months? Why not leave her after one or two months? Mary left after three months because she wanted to ensure that she would be by her side when her cousin Elizabeth gives birth.   

Considering that during that time Mary was also pregnant with Jesus. She could have simply excused herself and went home to rest and nurse her own pregnancy. But she did not she saw to it that she would first take care of her cousin’s needs before her own.   

By serving her cousin Mary proclaimed the greatness of the Lord who was with her. Perhaps in the infinite mind of God He was telling Mary you want to praise me? Then learn to serve your cousin first. You want to praise me? Forget yourself first because it’s in forgetting of yourself that you could best highlight my abiding presence in your life.   

We can indeed best serve and praise God by serving others. And by forgetting ourselves so that those who are in need may live and feel the abiding presence of God thru us. We can never serve and share God if our focus is always centered on ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 22 Huwebes Ika-4 na Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:46-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:46-56

Noong panahong iyon, ipinahayag ni Maria ang awit na ito:

"Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri sa Panginoon, at nagagalak ang aking espiritu dahil sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas. Sapagkat nilingap niya ang kanyang abang alipin! At mula ngayon, ako'y tatawaging mapalad ng lahat ng sali't salinlahi, dahil sa mga dakilang bagay na ginawa sa akin ng Makapangyarihan -- Banal ang kanyang pangalan! 

Kinahahabagan siya ng mga may takot sa kanya, sa lahat ng sali't saling lahi, ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang mga bisig, pinakalat niya ang mga palalo ang isipan. Ibinagsak niya ang mga hari mula sa kanilang trono, at itinaas ang mga nasa abang kalagayan.  

Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom. At pinalayas niyang wala ni anuman ang mayayaman. Tinulungan niya ang bayang Israel, bilang pagtupad sa mga pangako niya sa ating mga magulang, kay Abraham at sa kanyang lahi, magpakailanman!" tumira si Maria kina Elisabet nang may tatlong buwan, at saka umuwi.

Reflection for December 21 Wednesday of the Fourth 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, our relatives and our close friends 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 because 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 this Christmas by making a very big difference in the lives of others especially the poor ones who cannot repay our acts of charity and goodness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas