Reflection for April 1 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:1-16

Gospel: John 5:1-16

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.  

Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’“ They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. 

After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath. 

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Reflection:

Is there a relationship between sickness and sin? Based on the pronouncements of Jesus in the Gospel, there is. 

The man who had been sick for thirty-eight long years was asked by Jesus, “Do you want to be well?” (John 5:6). The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” 

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” (John 5:7-8). Then, in the latter part of the Gospel, Jesus said to the healed man, “Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14). 

We may not realize it, but many of our sicknesses are brought about by our sins. For example, the sins of greed, anger, and gluttony. In many ways, greed and anger are among the triggers for illnesses such as high blood pressure. The same is true of gluttony—overindulging in any kind of food will eventually make us sick in the long run. 

Let us therefore repent of our sins and avoid them thereafter. The moment we repent through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will be free from guilt and surely free from the possession of the devil, which sometimes disguises itself as sickness. 

Let us therefore discard sin from our lifestyle so that we will have a much clearer picture of the presence of the Lord in our lives. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 1 Martes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma : Juan 5:1-16

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:1-16

Nang dumating ang pagdiriwang ng pista ng mga Judio, pumunta si Hesus sa Jerusalem. Sa lungsod na ito, malapit sa Pintuan ng mga Tupa, ay may malaking deposito ng tubig na may limang portiko. Kung tawagin ito sa wikang Hebreo ay Betesda. Natitipon dito ang maraming maysakit -- mga bulag, mga pilay, at mga paralitiko. Hinihintay nilang gumalaw ang tubig, sapagkat may panahong bumababa ang isang anghel ng Panginoon at kinakalawkaw ang tubig. 

Ang maunang lumusong pagkatapos makalawkaw ang tubig ay gumagaling, anuman ang kanyang karamdaman. Doon ay may isang lalaking tatlumpu't walong taon nang may sakit, at siya'y nakita ni Hesus. Alam nitong matagal nang may sakit ang lalaki. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, "Ibig mo bang gumaling?" Sumagot ang maysakit, "Ginoo, wala pong maglusong sa akin kapag nakalawkaw na ang tubig; patungo pa lamang ako roon ay may nauuna na sa akin." 

Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at lumakad ka." At pagdaka'y gumaling ang lalaki, dinala ang kanyang higaan, at lumakad. Noo'y Araw ng Pamamahinga. Kaya't sinabi ng mga Judio sa lalaking pinagaling, "Araw ng Pamamahinga ngayon! Labag sa Kautusan na dalhin mo ang iyong higaan." Ngunit sumagot siya, "Ang nagpagaling sa akin ang nagsabing dalhin ko ang aking higaan at lumakad ako." 

At siya'y tinanong nila, "Sino ang nagsabi sa iyong dalhin mo ang iyong higaan at lumakad ka?" Ngunit hindi nakilala ng lalaki kung sino ang nagpagaling sa kanya, sapagkat nawala na si Hesus sa karamihan ng tao.

Pagkatapos, nakita ni Hesus sa loob ng templo ang lalaki at sinabihan, "Magaling ka na ngayon! Huwag ka nang magkakasala at baka may mangyari sa iyo na lalo pang masama." Umalis ang lalaki at sinabi sa mga Judio na si Hesus ang nagpagaling sa kanya. Dahil dito, si Jesus ay sinimulang usigin ng mga Judio, sapagkat nagpagaling siya sa Araw ng Pamamahinga.

Reflection for March 31 Monday of the fourth Week of Lent: John 4:43-54

Gospel: John 4:43-54

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast. 

Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. 

Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” 

The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

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 Reflection:

How profound is your faith in Jesus?

To have faith is to believe in something you do not see yet. The official in the Gospel who begged Jesus to heal his sick son had this kind of faith. He wanted Jesus to go and personally heal his son, who was near death at that time.

But Jesus did not grant his request. Instead, He simply told the official, “Go; your son will live.” So the man went home without Jesus but with faith in His words in his heart. When he arrived home, he found that his son was already recovering.

Believing in something we do not see yet is very difficult, especially for those with feeble faith. But for those who have faith, they will believe no matter the odds against them. If the official in our Gospel had not believed in Jesus, his son surely would not have been healed. But he believed!

We all have our own petitions before the Lord. He asks nothing from us but to have faith, for He will take care of everything. What are your petitions before Jesus? Simply believe, have faith, and work for it as well—for He will never fail you.—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 31 Lunes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 4:43-54

Mabuting Balita: Juan 4:43-54

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Hesus sa Samaria at nagtungo sa Galilea. Sapagkat si Hesus na rin ang nagsabing ang isang propeta'y hindi iginagalang sa kanyang bayan. Pagdating niya sa Galilea ay mabuti ang pagtanggap sa kanya ng mga tagaroon, sapagkat nasa Jerusalem din sila noong Pista ng Paskua at nakita niya ang lahat ng kanyang ginawa roon. 

Nagpunta uli si Hesus sa Cana, Galilea. Doon niya ginawang alak ang tubig. Doon naman sa Capernaum ay may isang mataas na pinuno ng Pamahalaan; at may sakit ang kanyang anak na lalaki. Nang mabalitaan niyang bumalik si Jesus sa Galilea mula sa Judea, pinuntahan niya ito. 

Pinakiusapan niya itong pumunta sa Capernaum at pagalingin ang kanyang anak na naghihingalo. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Hangga't hindi kayo nakakikita ng mga palatandaan at mga kababalaghan, hindi kayo mananampalataya." Ngunit sinabi ng pinuno, "Tayo na po, Ginoo, bago mamatay ang aking anak." Sumagot si Jesus, "Umuwi na kayo; magaling na ang inyong anak." 

Naniwala ang lalaki sa salita ni Hesus, at umuwi nga siya. Sa daan pa'y sinalubong na siya ng kanyang mga alipin at sinabing magaling na ang kanyang anak. Tinanong niya sila, "Anong oras siya gumaling?" Siya po'y inibsan ng lagnat kahapong mag-aala-una ng hapon," tugon nila. Naalaala ng ama na noong oras na iyon sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Magaling na ang iyong anak." Kaya't siya at ang kanyang buong sambahayan ay sumampalataya kay Hesus. 

Ito ang pangalawang kababalaghang ginawa ni Hesus sa Galilea pagpunta niya roon buhat sa Judea.    

Reflection for March 30 Fourth Sunday of Lent: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’  

So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.  

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.  

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 

He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ 

He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’” 

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Reflection:

What if the prodigal son had not decided to go back to his father? 

It is certain that he could have ended up in a very problematic situation. But he returned because he realized his mistake. He returned because he desperately wanted to once again feel the unconditional love of his father. 

This parable is also for us who are like the prodigal son. Jesus is inviting us all to repent of our own sinfulness and return to Him. He wants us to know that He is there, eternally waiting for us—ever ready to embrace us again with His unconditional love and forgiveness. 

Where would we go if we do not return to Jesus? Should we embrace this world? This world will only lead us to sin. This world cannot give us peace of mind for the simple reason that only God can give us true peace. 

When the prodigal son decided to return, he knew that nothing compares to the love of his father. He knew that his father would still accept him without any questions asked. 

We are the modern-day prodigal sons, and Jesus wants to embrace us with His unconditional love. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 30 Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 15: 1-3, 11-32

Noong panahong iyon, ang mga publikano at ang mga makasalanan ay nagsisilapit upang makinig kay Hesus. Nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Pariseo at ang mga eskriba. Ang sabi nila: “Ang taong ito’y nakikisalamuha sa mga makasalanan at nakikisalo sa kanila.” 

Kaya’t sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus ang talinghagang ito: “Isang tao ang may dalawang anak na lalaki. Ang wika ng bunso, ‘Ama, ibigay na po ninyo sa akin ang mamanahin ko.’ At binahagi sa kanila ng ama ang kanyang ari-arian. Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, ipinagbili ng bunso ang kanyang ari-arian at nagtungo sa malayong lupain, taglay ang buo niyang kayamanan, at doo’y nilustay na lahat sa di wastong pamumuhay.  

Nang malustay na niya ang kanyang kayamanan, nagkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa lupaing yaon, at nagdalita siya. Kaya’t namasukan siya sa isang mamamayan ng lupain yaon. Siya’y pinapunta nito sa bukid upang mag-alaga ng baboy. Ibig sana niyang punan ang kanyang pagkain kahit ng mga bungang-kahoy na ipinakakain sa mga baboy ngunit walang magbigay sa kanya.  

Nang mapag-isip-isip niya ang kanyang ginawa, nasabi niya sa sarili, ‘Ang mga alila ng aking ama ay may sapat na pagkain – at lumalabis pa – samantalang ako’y namamatay ng gutom dito! Babalik ako sa kanya, at sasabihin ko, “Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak; ibilang na lamang ninyo akong isa sa inyong mga alila.”, At tumindig siya at pumaroon sa kanyang ama. 

“Malayo pa’y natanawan na siya ng ama at ito’y labis na nahabag sa kanya, kaya’t patakbo siyang sinalubong, niyakap, at hinagkan. Sinabi ng anak, ‘Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak.’ Ngunit tinawag ng ama ang kanyang mga alila, ‘Madali! Dalhin ninyo rito ang pinakamahusay na damit at isuot sa kanya. 

Suutan siya ng singsing at panyapak. Kunin ang pinatabang guya at patayain; kumain tayo at magsaya! Sapagkat namatay na ang anak kong ito; ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan.’ At sila’y nagsaya. 

"Nasa bukid noon ang anak na panganay. Umuwi siya, at nang malapit na sa bahay ay narinig niya ang tugtugan at sayawan. Tinawag niya ang isa sa mga alila at tinanong: 'Bakit? May ano sa atin?' Dumating po ang inyong kapatid!' tugon ng alila. 'Ipinapatay ng iyong ama ang pinatabang guya, sapagkat nagbalik siyang buhay at walang sakit.' 

Nagalit ang panganay at ayaw itong pumasok sa bahay. Kaya't lumabas ang kanyang ama at inamu-amo siya. Ngunit sinabi nito, 'Pinaglingkuran ko po kayo sa loob ng maraming taon, at kailanma'y hindi ko kayo sinuway. Ngunit ni minsa'y hindi ninyo ako binigyan ng kahit isang bisirong kambing para magkatuwaan kami ng aking mga kaibigan. 

Subalit nang dumating ang anak ninyong lumustay ng inyong kabuhayan sa masasamang babae, ipinagpatay pa ninyo ng pinatabang guya!' Sumagot ang ama, 'Anak, lagi kitang kapiling. Lahat ng ari-arian ko'y sa iyo. Ngunit dapat tayong magsaya at magalak, sapagkat namatay na ang kapatid mo, ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan.

Reflection for March 29 Saturday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 18:9-14

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 

The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector.

I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

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Reflection: 

Is humility part and parcel of your way of life? 

Aside from Jesus, there are two main characters in this Gospel: the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee is an educated believer who seriously observes and teaches God’s law, while the tax collector is known to be greedy, corrupt, and sinful. They both went to the temple to pray. 

The Pharisee was self-righteous. He claimed that he was not greedy, unjust, or adulterous. He was so sure of his goodness, holiness, and perhaps even his own salvation that he despised the tax collector. 

The tax collector, on the other hand, was a repentant sinner who did not dare to raise his eyes to heaven. Remorsefully beating his breast, he kept asking God for forgiveness. 

Jesus said, "The tax collector went home at peace with God." And the Pharisee? He did not gain any favor from God because he was self-righteous and proud. 

This Gospel is a good reminder for all of us who are self-righteous, proud, or egotistical. It is also for those who look down on their fellowmen simply because they are rich and learned. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 29 Sabado sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 18:9-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 18:9-14

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus ang talinghagang ito sa mga taong ang tingin sa sarili'y matuwid at humahamak naman sa iba. "May dalawang lalaking pumanhik sa templo upang manalangin: ang isa'y Pariseo at ang isa nama'y publikano. 

Tumindig ang Pariseo at pabulong na nanalangin ng ganito: 'O Diyos, nagpapasalamat ako sa iyo pagkat hindi ako katulad ng iba -- mga magnanakaw, mga mandaraya, mga mangangalunya -- o kaya'y katulad ng publikanong ito.

Makalawa akong nag-aayuno sa loob ng sanlinggo; nagbibigay ako ng ikapu ng lahat kong kinikita. Samantala, ang publikano'y nakatayo sa malayo; hindi man lamang makatingin sa langit, kundi dinadagukan ang kanyang dibdib, at sinasabi: 'O Diyos, mahabag po kayo sa akin na isang makasalanan!'

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang lalaking ito'y umuwing kinalulugdan ng Diyos, ngunit hindi ang isa. Sapagkat ang sinumang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas." 

Reflection for March 28 Friday of the Third Week of Lent: Mark 12:28-34

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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Reflection:

Why did Jesus give us these two timeless and greatest commandments about love? Because we need these instructions to heal the world of its many sufferings. For example, if only there were authentic love for God in our hearts, there would be no more suffering. 

But many of us don’t have the love of God in our hearts; that’s why so many are suffering. We love to obey our selfish desires rather than follow what God wants us to do, which is to exercise unconditional love. 

Let us heed God's command: let us love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul. Let us also allow God to use us as His instrument so that those who are distant from His love may feel it through us. And those who do not know God may come to know Him because of our unconditional love for them. 

Little by little, let us conquer the enmity of this world with our love for God and our neighbors. And let us not love only those who love us back or those who seem lovable in our eyes. 

Let us also love even those who have hurt us deeply and those who make life difficult for us, because through our exercise of unconditional love, they may be enlightened by God's love. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 28 Biyernes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Marcos 12:28-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 12:28-34

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit ang isa sa mga eskriba kay Hesus at tinanong siya, "Alin pong utos ang pinakamahalaga?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Ito ang pinakamahalagang utos, 'Pakinggan mo, Israel! Ang Panginoon na ating Diyos -- siya lamang ang Panginoon. 

Ibigin mo ang Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong puso, nang buong kaluluwa, nang buong pag-iisip, at nang buong lakas.' Ito naman ang pangalawa, 'Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng iyong sarili.' Wala nang ibang utos na hihigit pa sa mga ito."   "Tama po, Guro!" wika ng eskriba. "Totoo ang sinabi ninyo. 

Iisa ang Diyos at wala nang iba liban sa kanya. At ang umibig sa kanya nang buong puso, buong pag-iisip, at buong lakas, at ang umibig sa kapwa gaya nang kanyang sarili ay higit na mahalaga kaysa magdala ng lahat ng handog na susunugin, at iba pang mga hain."

Nakita ni Jesus na matalino ang kanyang sagot, kaya't sinabi niya, "Malapit ka nang mapabilang sa mga pinaghaharian ng Diyos." At wala nang nangahas magtanong kay Jesus mula noon.    

Reflection for March 27 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 11:14-23

Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. 

But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? 

Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe.  But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

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Reflection: 

Is the Devil Real? 

The devil is real, and he is a pervasive influence in our society and political system. This is why we frequently hear stories of killings, corruption, arrogance and the abuse of authority by political leaders—not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. 

In the same vein, the devil is an insidious presence within families. This is why there are separations and acts of infidelity within the marriage covenant. Who can defeat the influence of the devil in our society’s political system and our families? It is Jesus and our faithful practice of His teachings. 

Many of us profess to be believers in Jesus, and many of our politicians are graduates of Catholic schools. Yet, there are plunderers and killers in government today. There are also many broken families. Why is this so? It is because many of us are believers in name only. Many attend Holy Mass but do not live out the grace of the Eucharist/Holy Mass. 

If only we would allow our faith in Jesus to take root deep within us, our country would be more progressive. If only we would allow our faith in Jesus to take center stage in our families, there would be fewer broken marriages. 

Let us reflect on how many times we have betrayed our faith in Jesus in exchange for the enticing offers of Satan, which will ultimately destroy us. We must, therefore, immediately reject Satan the moment he manifests himself in our lives. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 27 Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 11:14-23

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 11:14-23

Noong panahong iyon, pinalayas ni Jesus ang isang demonyong sanhi ng pagkapipi ng isang lalaki, at ito'y nakapagsalita na mula noon. Nanggilalas ang mga tao, ngunit may ilan sa kanila ang nagsabi, "Si Beelzebul na prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo." 

May iba namang nais siyang subukin, kaya't nagsabi, "Magpakita ka ng kababalaghang magpapakilala na ang Diyos ang sumasaiyo. Ngunit batid ni Jesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya't sinabi sa kanila, "babagsak ang bawat kahariang nahahati sa magkakalabang pangkat at mawawasak ang mga bahay roon. 

Kung maghimagsik si Satanas laban sa kanyang sarili, paano mananatili ang kanyang kaharian? Sinasabi ninyong nagpapalayas ako ng demonyo sapagkat binigyan ako ni Beelzebul ng kapangyarihang ito. Kung ako'y nagpapalayas ng demonyo sa pamamagitan ni Beelzebul, sino naman ang nagbigay ng kapangyarihan sa inyong mga tagasunod na magbigay na makagawa ng gayon? 

Sila na rin ang nagpapatunay na maling-mali kayo. Ngayon, kung ako'y nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos, nangangahulugang dumating na sa inyo ang paghahari ng Diyos. 

"Kapag ang isang taong malakas at nasasandatahan ay nagbabantay sa kanyang bahay, malayo sa panganib ang kanyang ari-arian. Ngunit kung salakayin siya at talunin ng isang taong higit na malakas, sasamsamin nito ang mga sandatang kanyang inaasahan at ipamamahagi ang ari-ariang inagaw. "Ang hindi panig sa akin ay laban sa akin, at nagkakalat ang hindi tumutulong sa aking mag-ipon.

Reflection for March 26 Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent: Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.   

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

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Reflection:

Do you obey, teach, and live the laws of the Lord? 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about Himself as the fulfillment of the law. In effect, He was telling the disciples, "I am now the fulfillment of those commandments from the Old Testament." 

For example, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, were summarized by Jesus into the two greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40). 

Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments, reducing them to the two greatest commandments of love. Indeed, if we truly love Jesus, there would be no room for hatred, condemnation, self-righteousness, bigotry, or narrow-mindedness. 

What would remain in our hearts is love, for love is the advocacy and language of Jesus. Jesus’ love for us is unlike the love we have—His love is not selective but embraces everyone, no matter who we are. 

This is the kind of love we must emulate: to love everyone, even if they do not love us back, and regardless of the sins they have committed against us. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 26 Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 5:17-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:17-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong akalaing naparito ako upang pawalang bisa ang Kautusan at ang aral ng mga propeta.

Naparito ako, hindi upang pawalang-bisa kundi para ipaliwanag at ganapin ang mga iyon. Tandaan ninyo ito: magwawakas ang langit at ang lupa, ngunit ang kaliit-liitang bahagi ng Kautusan ay di mawawalan ng bisa hangga't hindi nagaganap ang lahat.

Kaya't sinumang magpawalang-halaga kahit sa kaliit-liitang bahagi nito, at magturo nang gayon sa mga tao, ay ibibilang na pinakamababa sa kaharian ng Diyos. Ngunit ang gumaganap ng Kautusan at nagtuturo na tuparin iyon ay ibibilang na dakila sa kaharian ng Diyos."    

Reflection for Tuesday March 25 Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord: 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 God? 

Sometimes, there are situations in our lives that disturb our peace—for example, a sudden diagnosis of sickness. This kind of life event will surely trouble us. But in the midst of these life disturbances, let us not forget that the good Lord is always there for us—to heal us and to give us hope. 

When the angel Gabriel appeared and greeted Mary, she was naturally concerned. Perhaps Mary 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 will be Jesus. The angel additionally assured her that she had nothing to worry about because the Lord would 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 might go through in the future—be it sickness or a severe trial that tests our fidelity to Jesus—let us hold on to our deep faith in Him. For as long as we have faith, there will 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 our lives. Let us never worry, for God is always there for us, and He will never abandon us. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Marso 25 Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagpapahayag ng Magandang Balita tungkol sa Panginoon: Lucas 1:26-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:26-38

Nang ikaanim na buwan na ng pagdadalantao ni Elisabet, ang anghel Gabriel ay sinugo ng Diyos sa Nazaret, Galilea, sa isang dalaga na ang pangala'y Maria. Siya'y nakatakdang ikasal kay Jose, isang lalaki buhat sa lipi ni Haring David. Paglapit ng anghel sa kinaroroonan ng dalaga, binati niya ito.  

"Matuwa ka! Ikaw ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos," wika niya. "Sumasaiyo ang Panginoon!" Nagulumihanan si Maria sa gayong pangungusap, at inisip niyang mabuti kung ano ang kahulugan niyon. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng anghel, "Huwag kang matakot, Maria, sapagkat kinalulugdan ka ng Diyos. Makinig ka! Ikaw ay maglilihi at manganganak ng isang lalaki, at siya'y tatawagin mong Jesus. 

Magiging dakila siya, at tatawaging Anak ng Kataas-taasan. Ibibigay sa kanya ng Panginoong Diyos ang trono ng kanyang amang si David. Maghahari siya sa angkan ni Jacob magpakailanman, at ang kanyang paghahari ay walang hanggan." "Paanong mangyayari ito, gayong ako'y dalaga?" tanong ni Maria. Sumagot ang anghel, "Bababa sa iyo ang Espiritu Santo, at lililiman ka ng kanyang kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasan.  

Kaya't banal ang ipanganganak mo at tatawaging Anak ng Diyos. Natatandaan mo ang iyong kamag-anak na si Elisabet? Alam ng lahat na siya'y baog, ngunit naglihi siya sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan. At ngayo'y ikaanim na buwan na ng kanyang pagdadalantao -- sapagkat walang hindi mapangyayari ang Diyos." Sumagot si Maria, "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon. Mangyari sa akin ang iyong sinabi." At nilisan siya ng anghel.

Reflection for March 24 Monday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 4:24-30

Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land.  

It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. 

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Reflection: 

Are you sometimes envious of the success of others? 

Perhaps crab mentality was in the minds of Jesus’ townmates, which is why they did not acknowledge Him as their prophet. They were envious of His newfound celebrity status and could not accept that a simple carpenter was performing life-changing preaching, healings, and miracles. 

The reality of our lives is this: we do not control the destiny of others—only God does. God can raise up seemingly ordinary people and give them extraordinary gifts and missions. We must not be envious of those whom God has blessed with these extraordinary gifts; instead, we should be happy for them. 

As a result of their loathsome behavior toward Jesus, He did not perform many miracles in their town. Let us not be like His townmates. Instead, let us embrace Jesus, deeply believe in Him, and follow His teachings, for He alone holds the key to our salvation. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 24 Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 4:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:24-30

Nang dumating si Hesus sa Nazaret, sinabi niya sa mga nasa sinagoga: “Tandaan ninyo: walang propetang kinikilala sa kanyang sariling bayan. Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming babaing balo sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Elias nang hindi umulan sa loob ng tatlong tao’t kalahati at magkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa buong lupain. 

Subalit hindi sa kaninuman sa kanila pinapunta si Elias kundi sa isang babaing balo sa Sarepta, sa lupain ng Sidon. Sa dinami-dami ng mga ketongin sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Eliseo, walang pinagaling isa man sa kanila; si Naaman pang taga-Siria ang pinagaling.”  

Galit na galit ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga nang marinig ito. Nagtindigan sila, at ipinagtabuyan siyang palabas, sa taluktok ng burol na kinatatayuan ng bayan, upang ibulid sa bangin. Ngunit dumaan siya sa kalagitnaan nila at umalis.

Reflection for March 23 Third Sunday of Lent: Luke 13:1-9

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! 

But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” 

And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none.

So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a corrupt government official who was being urged by his wife to leave behind his life of sin. The corrupt official would always tell his wife to be quiet and enjoy the fruits of his greed, for nobody would know about it. After years of enjoying his dirty wealth, he was eventually caught and imprisoned for the rest of his life. 

What does sin do to us? It gives us nothing but misfortune! But sometimes, the dangerous fruit of sin doesn’t immediately manifest, so we are tempted to enjoy it—until the point of reckoning comes, when both divine and civil punishment are served upon us. 

Sinful ways don’t pay. We may enjoy them for a short or long period of time, but the eventual weight of punishment will be upon us. We must realize that we will not gain anything by immersing ourselves in sin. 

Let us, therefore, examine ourselves regarding the many sins we have committed. If possible, let us write these sins on a white bond paper or a clean sheet of paper. And after we are done writing, let us cross out every single sin that has possessed us for so long, while silently promising God that we will not do it again. 

This will now serve as our initial step toward repentance, renewal, and reconciliation with Jesus and with those whom we’ve hurt. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 23 Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:1-9

Dumating noon ang ilang mga tao at ibinalita kay Hesus na ipinapatay ni Pilato ang ilang Galileo samantalang ang mga ito’y naghahandog sa Diyos. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Akala ba ninyo, higit na makasalanan ang mga Galileong ito kaysa ibang mga taga-Galilea dahil sa gayun ang sinapit nila? Hindi! Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag hindi ninyo pinagsisihan at tinalikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, mapapahamak din kayong lahat. 

At ang labingwalong namatay nang mabagsakan ng tore sa Siloe – sa akala ba ninyo’y higit silang makasalanan kaysa ibang naninirahan sa Jerusalem? Hindi! Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag hindi ninyo pinagsisihan at tinalikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, mapapahamak din kayong lahat.” 

Sinasabi sa kanila ni Hesus ang talinghagang ito: “May isang tao na may puno ng igos sa kanyang ubasan. Minsan, tiningnan niya kung may bunga ito, ngunit wala siyang nakita. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa tagapag-alaga ng ubasan, ‘Tatlong taon na akong pumaparito at naghahanap ng bunga sa punong ito, ngunit wala akong makita. 

Putulin mo na! Nakasisikip lang iyan!’ Ngunit sumagot ang tagapag-alaga, ‘Huwag po muna nating putulin sa taong ito. Huhukayan ko ang palibot at lalagyan ng pataba. Kung mamunga po ito sa darating na taon, mabuti; ngunit kung hindi, putulin na natin!’” 

Reflection for March 22 Saturday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them.  

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers. So he got up and went back to his father. 

While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.  

But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found. 

Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean.  

The servant said to him ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound. He became angry and when he refused to enter the house his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.  

But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.

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Reflection:

Would you return and ask for forgiveness from someone you’ve hurt?

After wasting his money on his vices and other sinful cravings, the younger son decided to humbly return to his father. He swallowed his pride and braved the insults and ridicule that might come his way just to be home again with his father, who unconditionally loved him.

There is also a stretch in our lives when we drift away from God and personally take command of our lives. We indulge in different worldly vices and sins, thinking that they will make us happy. Then we realize that there is still this void that has not been filled by our worldly and sinful cravings.

So, where should we go? We humbly go back to Jesus and ask for His mercy and forgiveness. Jesus will surely not refuse a repentant sinner like us. All we have to do is return to Him. Never mind the many sins we have committed, for Jesus doesn’t count them against us.

He is always looking at our humble and repentant hearts. Therefore, we must go back to Him, for Jesus is eagerly waiting to embrace us once again. We should not look back at our dark past anymore—what is important for Jesus is our present and our future. – Marino J. Dasmarinas