Reflection for September 1 Monday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:16-30

Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:  

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.  

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” 

And he said, “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:

Have you experienced going back to the place of your childhood? 

Homecoming is always something we look forward to because of the warmth of the welcome we receive from our relatives and friends. Imagine not having returned to your hometown for many years—just picture the joy, the embraces, and the heartfelt smiles of your loved ones and childhood companions. Yet, not all homecomings are filled with joy; some can be painful and filled with rejection. 

This is exactly what happened to Jesus. At first, He was admired and warmly received by His townspeople because He spoke with wisdom and brilliance. But when He proclaimed truths that they were unwilling to accept, admiration turned into ridicule, and their warmth turned cold as ice. 

In their anger, they even drove Him to the edge of a hill, intending to put Him to death. What a heartbreaking scene for the Lord! Imagine His sorrow—coming home with love in His heart, yet finding rejection instead of welcome. 

This, too, is a reality of our lives. People may appreciate us as long as we say what pleases them, even if it is not the truth. But when we speak the truth—even God’s truth—they may dislike us, drive us away, or even treat us as if we carried something harmful. At times, the truth will not only cost us acceptance but may even expose us to danger. 

We must never be afraid to stand for the truth. Jesus Himself is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). To follow Him means to speak what is right, to expose what is evil, and to bring light where there is darkness, even if it hurts or offends. Speaking the truth corrects what is wrong and heals what is broken. It shines like a lamp that reveals what is sinful, immoral, and destructive. 

So, let us pray for courage—that like Jesus, we may remain steadfast even in the face of rejection. May our words and actions always mirror His truth and His love, no matter the cost. And when we are tempted to remain silent out of fear, may we remember that silence allows falsehood and evil to prevail. Let us be bold in truth, gentle in love, and unwavering in faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Setyembre 1 Lunes sa Ika-22 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:16-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:16-30

Noong panahong iyon, umuwi si Jesus sa Nazaret na kanyang nilakhan. Gaya ng kanyang kinagawian, pumasok siya sa sinagoga nang Araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumindig siya upang bumasa; at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni Propeta Isaias. 

Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito:"Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, Sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita.

Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag sa mga bihag na sila'y lalaya. At sa mga bulag na sila'y makakikita; Upang bigyang-kaluwagan ang mga sinisiil, At ipahayag ang pagliligtas ng Panginoon."  

Binalumbon niya ang Kasulatan, at matapos na isauli sa tagapaglingkod, siya'y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga. At sinabi niya sa kanila: "Natupad ngayon ang bahaging ito ng Kasulatan samantalang nakikinig kayo." Pinuri siya ng lahat, at namangha sila sa kanyang napakahusay na pananalita. "Hindi ba ito ang anak ni Jose?" tanong nila.  

Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus, "Walang pagsalang babanggitin ninyo sa akin ang kawikaang ito: 'Doktor, gamutin mo ang iyong sarili!' Sasabihin din ninyo sa akin, "Gawin mo naman sa iyong sariling bayan ang mga nabalitaan naming ginawa mo sa Capernaum.' " At nagpatuloy ng pagsasalita si Jesus, "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 nagkaroon ng 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 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.

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Repleksyon:

Naranasan mo na bang bumalik sa lugar ng iyong kabataan?

Ang pagbabalik sa sariling bayan ay laging inaabangan dahil sa init ng pagtanggap ng mga kamag-anak at kaibigan. Isipin mo na lamang kung ilang taon kang hindi nakabalik sa inyong bayan—ano kaya ang mararamdaman mo kapag muling niyakap ka ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay at mga kababata? Tunay na nakagagalak! Ngunit, hindi lahat ng pagbabalik ay puno ng kagalakan; may mga pagbabalik na puno ng sakit at pagtanggi.

Ganito ang naranasan ni Jesus. Sa simula, Siya ay hinangaan at mainit na tinanggap ng Kanyang mga kababayan sapagkat Siya ay nagsalita nang may karunungan at katalinuhan. Ngunit nang Siya ay nagsalita ng mga katotohanang hindi nila matanggap, ang paghanga ay napalitan ng pangungutya, at ang kanilang mainit na pagtanggap ay naging malamig na gaya ng yelo.

Sa kanilang galit, itinaboy nila Siya patungo sa gilid ng burol upang Siya ay ibulid at patayin. Napakasakit isipin! Dumating Siya na may pusong nagmamahal, subalit pagtanggi at poot ang Kanilang sinalubong.

Mga kapatid, ito rin po ang reyalidad ng ating buhay. May mga taong tatanggapin lamang tayo hangga’t sinasabi natin ang gusto nilang marinig, kahit mali, basta’t nakalulugod sa kanilang pandinig. Subalit kapag nagsalita tayo ng katotohanan, maaari tayong kamuhian, itaboy, at tratuhing para bang dala natin ang isang mabigat na sakit. Minsan pa nga, maaari tayong malagay sa panganib.

Ngunit huwag tayong matakot tumindig para sa katotohanan. Sapagkat si Jesus mismo ang nagsabi: “Ako ang Daan, ang Katotohanan, at ang Buhay” (Juan 14:6). Ang pagsunod sa Kanya ay nangangahulugang magsalita ng tama, ilantad ang masama, at magdala ng liwanag sa gitna ng kadiliman—kahit ito’y makasakit o maka-offend. Ang pagsasalita ng katotohanan ay nag-aayos ng mali at nagpapagaling ng sugat. Ito’y gaya ng ilaw na nagbubunyag ng kasalanan, imoralidad, at kasamaan.

Kaya’t manalangin tayo na tulad ni Jesus, manatili tayong matatag sa harap ng pagtanggi. Nawa ang ating mga salita at gawa ay palaging magpahayag ng Kanyang katotohanan at pag-ibig, gaano man ito kahirap tanggapin.

At kung tayo’y matutuksong manahimik dahil sa takot, alalahanin natin na ang pananahimik ay nagbibigay daan para manaig ang kasinungalingan at kasamaan. Maging matapang tayo sa katotohanan, maging maamo sa pag-ibig, at manatiling matibay sa pananampalataya. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 31, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 

 

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. 

A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.

 For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 

Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

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Reflection:

A man was aspiring to be the leader of his group, so he said to himself: “I will talk a lot and flaunt what I know so that they will notice me.” So he did. He was always talking and very opinionated, with the end in mind that he would be noticed by his peers and be anointed as their leader. 

But when election day came, he was not chosen. Instead, the one who was elected was the quiet and humble member. What is the advantage of a humble person over an egotistical one? The truth is, people are naturally drawn to the humble, because humility reflects a heart that is genuine, approachable, and pure. 

The humble person never craves the spotlight. He is content to remain in the background, faithfully doing the tasks entrusted to him. If others happen to notice his good works, he quietly appreciates it without pride or boasting. 

When offered a position of prominence, he does not rush to accept; instead, he discerns carefully, seeking to know if it is truly God’s will. The humble person is not boastful, not egotistical, and not self-seeking. His strength is found in his quiet trust in God. 

In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus speaks about humility. He tells us that if we are invited to a wedding banquet—or any banquet, for that matter—we should choose to sit at the back and not in the place of honor. This is not because we are inferior or bound by insecurity, but because humility is the right posture before God and before others. Then, if the host calls us forward, we rise in obedience, not in arrogance. 

But what if a person does not yet have humility? Could he still learn to embrace this virtue? Absolutely yes! Conversion is always possible if one is willing to follow the gentle leadings of Jesus. Every day, the Lord invites us to lay aside our pride, our arrogance, and our thirst for recognition, and instead to walk the path of humility. 

Would you walk the path of humility? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 31, Ika-22 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 14:1, 7-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:1, 7-14

Isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay inanyayahang kumain sa bahay ng isang pinuno ng mga Pariseo; at binabantayan nilang mabuti ang kanyang mga kilos. Napansin ni Hesus na ang pinipili ng mga inanyayahan ay ang mga upuang nakalaan sa mga piling panauhin. 

Kaya’t sinabi niya ang talinghagang ito: “Kapag inanyayahan ka ninuman sa isang kasalan, huwag mong pipiliin ang tanging upuan. Baka may inanyayahang lalong tanyag kaysa iyo. At lalapit ang nag-anyaya sa inyong dalawa at sasabihin sa iyo, ‘Maaari bang ibigay ninyo ang upuang iyan sa taong ito?’ 

Sa gayo’y mapapahiya ka at doon malalagay sa pinakaabang upuan. Ang mabuti, kapag naanyayahan ka, doon ka maupo sa pinakaabang upuan, sapagkat paglapit ng nag-anyaya sa iyo ay kanyang sasabihin, ‘Kaibigan, dini ka sa kabisera.’ 

Sa gayun, nabigyan ka ng malaking karangalan sa harapan ng mga panauhin. Sapagkat ang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas.” 

Sinabi naman ni Hesus sa nag-anyaya sa kanya: “Kapag naghahanda ka, huwag ang mga kaibigan mo, mga kapatid, mga kamag-anak o mayayamang kapitbahay ang aanyayahan mo, sapagkat aanyayahan ka rin nila, at sa gayo’y nagantihan ka. 

Kaya kung ikaw ay maghahanda ng isang malaking salu-salo, ang mga pulubi, mga pingkaw, mga pilay, at mga bulag ang anyayahan mo. Hindi sila makagaganti sa iyo at sa gayo’y magiging mapalad ka. Gagantihan ka ng Diyos sa muling pagkabuhay ng mga banal.”

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Repleksyon:

May isang lalaki na nagnanais maging pinuno ng kanilang grupo. Kaya sinabi niya sa kanyang sarili: “Magsasalita ako nang magsasalita upang mapansin nila ako.” At ganoon nga ang ginawa niya. Palagi siyang nagsasalita, laging may opinyon, at ang nasa isip niya ay mapansin siya ng kanyang mga kasamahan at hirangin bilang pinuno. 

Ngunit nang dumating ang araw ng halalan, hindi siya ang nahalal. Sa halip, ang pinili ay ang tahimik at mapagpakumbabang kasapi. Ano ba ang kalamangan ng mapagpakumbaba kaysa sa mayabang? Ang totoo, mas pinapaboran ng mga tao ang mapagpakumbaba, sapagkat ang kababaang-loob ay sumasalamin sa pusong tapat, bukas, at dalisay. 

Ang mapagpakumbaba ay hindi naghahangad ng atensyon o ng puwesto sa unahan. Kontento siyang nasa likuran, masigasig na ginagawa ang mga tungkuling iniatas sa kanya. Kung mapansin man ng iba ang kanyang mga gawa, siya’y nagpapasalamat ngunit hindi nagmamalaki. 

Kapag inalok siya ng mataas na katungkulan, hindi niya ito agad tinatanggap; bagkus, pinag-iisipan muna niya kung ito ba ay kalooban ng Diyos. Ang mapagpakumbaba ay hindi palalo, hindi makasarili, at hindi gutom sa kapangyarihan. Ang kanyang lakas ay nagmumula sa tahimik na pagtitiwala sa Diyos. 

Sa Mabuting Balita ngayong Linggo, nagsasalita si Jesus tungkol sa kababaang-loob. Sabi Niya, kung tayo’y inanyayahan sa isang piging—kasal man o anumang pagtitipon—piliin nating umupo sa hulihan at hindi sa upuang marangal. Hindi dahil tayo’y mababa o kulang sa tiwala sa sarili, kundi ito ang tamang asal sa harap ng Diyos at kapwa. At kung tawagin tayo upang umupo sa harapan, tayo’y susunod nang may paggalang at walang ni katiting na kayabangan. 

Sapagkat ang kayabangan ay nagbubunga lamang ng gulo, pasakit, at pagkakalayo sa Diyos. Samantalang ang kababaang-loob ay nagdudulot ng kapayapaan, kagalakan, at pagiging malapit sa Kanyang wagas na pag-ibig at habag. Nais ni Jesus na maging mapagpakumbaba tayo, dahil ang kababaang-loob ang susi upang marating ang Kanyang puso. Ito ang tulay patungo sa Kanyang presensya. 

Ikaw ba ay may mababang kalooban?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 30 Saturday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:14-30

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. 

Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. 

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 

Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”

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Reflection:

Do you know that the Good Lord has entrusted you with talents—gifts that are meant to be used for His glory and for the advancement of His kingdom in this world? Each one of us has been blessed uniquely, not for ourselves alone, but so that through us, others may encounter the goodness and love of God. 

In the Gospel, we hear of three servants entrusted with talents by their Master before He went on a journey. The first was given five, the second two, and the third only one—each according to their ability. When the Master returned, He called them to settle accounts. The first two servants had been faithful and productive; they multiplied what was given to them, fulfilling their Master’s desire. But the third servant, out of fear and complacency, buried his gift and produced nothing. 

The Master was deeply displeased. He rebuked him, saying that it would have been better to at least place the money in the bank where it could have earned interest. Because of his lack of faith and courage, the servant lost everything, even the little that he had, and was banished into the darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 

What a sobering warning! What a frightening fate for the servant who chose to waste the gift entrusted to him! If only he had risked using it, he would have been spared the shame and punishment. 

But what about us? This Gospel is not just a story—it is a mirror held up before our very lives. How often do we keep our gifts hidden, using them only for ourselves, or worse, not using them at all? Some of us may think that attending Mass every Sunday and giving during the collection is already enough. But the Lord desires more than routine offerings—He longs for us to pour ourselves out in love and service. 

The Church, again and again, calls for her children to share their talents. Perhaps you have the gift of singing—why not join the choir and help lead others to prayer? Perhaps you are drawn to humble service—why not join the Mother Butler Guild or another community of service in the parish? Perhaps you have the gift of teaching—why not guide the young as a catechist, planting the seeds of faith in their hearts? 

The possibilities are endless, for the vineyard of the Lord is vast, and the harvest is plenty. What matters most is not the greatness of the talent, but the willingness of the heart to offer it back to God. 

Let us, then, not bury what has been entrusted to us. Let us learn to share our talents with the Church and with our fellowmen, so that they may bear much fruit for the glory of God. Let us not act out of fear of punishment but out of love for Jesus, who first gave Himself for us. 

When we give back to Him what He has freely given, our lives become a living testimony of His grace, and we become true stewards of His kingdom. 

What talents can you give to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Agosto 30 Sabado sa Ika-21 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 25:14-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:14-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad dito: May isang taong maglalakbay, kaya tinawag niya ang kanyang mga alipin at ipinagkatiwala sa kanila ang kanyang ari-arian. Binigyan niya ng salapi ang bawat isa ayon sa kanya-kanyang kakayahan: binigyan niya ang isa ng limang libong piso, ang isa nama’y dalawang libong piso, at ang isa pa’y isang libong piso.   

Pagkatapos, siya’y umalis. Humayo agad ang tumanggap ng limang libong piso at ipinangalakal iyon. At nagtubo siya ng limang libong piso. Gayun din naman, ang tumanggap ng dalawang libong piso ay nagtubo ng dalawang libong piso. Ngunit ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso ay humukay sa lupa at itinago ang salapi ng kanyang panginoon.  

Pagkaraan ng mahabang panahon, bumalik ang panginoon ng mga aliping iyon at pinapagsulit sila. Lumapit ang tumanggap ng limang libo. Wika niya, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang limang libo na bigay ninyo sa akin. Heto pa po ang limang libo na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi sa kanya ng panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Yamang naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan!’   

Lumapit din ang tumanggap ng dalawang libo, at ang sabi, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang ibinigay ninyong dalawang libo. Heto naman po ang dalawang libong piso na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi ng kanyang panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, kaya pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan.’   

At lumapit naman ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso. ‘Alam ko pong kayo’y mahigpit,’ aniya. ‘Gumagapas kayo sa hindi ninyo tinamnan, at nag-aani sa hindi ninyo hinasikan. Natakot po ako, kaya’t ibinaon ko sa lupa ang inyong salapi. Heto na po ang isang libo ninyo.’ ‘Masama at tamad na alipin!’ tugon ng kanyang panginoon. ‘Alam mo palang gumagapas ako sa hindi ko tinamnan at nag-aani sa hindi ko hinasikan!   

Bakit hindi mo iyan inilagak sa bangko, di sana’y may nakuha akong tubo ngayon? Kunin ninyo sa kanya ang isang libong piso at ibigay sa may sampung libo. Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Itapon ninyo sa kadiliman sa labas ang aliping walang kabuluhan. Doo’y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.’”

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Repleksyon:

Alam mo ba na may kaloob na talino sa iyo ang Panginoon—mga kaloob na dapat mong gamitin para sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian at upang maisulong ang Kanyang kaharian dito sa mundo? Ang bawat isa sa atin ay pinagpala ng ibat-ibang talino. Ito ay hindi lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi upang sa pamamagitan natin ay maranasan ng iba ang kabutihan at pag-ibig ng Diyos. 

Sa Mabuting Balita, may kuwento patungkol sa tatlong alipin na pinagkatiwalaan ng kanilang Panginoon ng mga salapi bago Siya lumisan upang maglakbay. Ang una ay binigyan ng lima, ang pangalawa ng dalawa, at ang pangatlo ay isa lamang—ayon sa kakayahan ng bawat isa. 

Nang bumalik ang Panginoon, tinawag Niya sila upang alamin kung ano na ang nangyari sa mga ibinigay nya. Ang unang dalawa ay naging tapat at masinop; pinalago nila ang ipinagkaloob sa kanila ng kanilang Panginoon. Ngunit ang ikatlong alipin, dahil sa takot at katamaran, ay ibinaon lamang ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya kaya hindi lumago. 

Lubhang nagalit ang Panginoon. Pinagsabihan Niya ang alipin na sana’y inilagak man lang niya ito sa bangko upang kumita ng interes. Dahil sa kanyang pagkukulang at kawalan ng pananampalataya, inalis sa kanya ang ibinigay, at siya’y itinapon sa kadiliman—doon sa lugar ng pagtangis at pagngangalit ng ngipin. 

Nakakatakot na kaparusahan! Kay lungkot isipin ang naging kapalaran ng aliping hindi ginamit ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya. Kung ginamit lamang niya ito, naligtas sana siya sa kahihiyan at sa mabigat na parusa. 

Ang Mabuting Balita ay hindi lamang kwento—ito ay isang salamin na naglalarawan ng ating sariling buhay. Ilang beses ba nating ipinagkait ang ating mga yaman, ginagamit lamang para sa sariling kapakanan? 

Madalas iniisip ng ilan na sapat nang dumalo sa Banal na Misa tuwing Linggo at magbigay sa koleksyon. Ngunit higit pa rito ang nais ng Panginoon—gusto nya ang buong pagkatao natin ay ialay natin sa pagpapalaganap ng kanyang mga aral. 

Paulit-ulit tayong inaanyayahan ng Simbahan na magbahagi kung anong meron tayo. Baka ikaw ay may talento sa pagkanta—bakit hindi ka sumali sa koro? Baka ikaw ay may kaloob sa paglilingkod—bakit hindi ka sumapi sa Mother Butler Guild o iba pang ministri ng paglilingkod? Baka ikaw ay may talino sa pagtuturo—bakit hindi ka maging katekista at magtanim ng binhi ng pananampalataya sa mga kabataan? 

Napakalawak ng ubasan ng Panginoon na lahat tayo ay pwedeng-pwede mag alay ng ating talino at panahon. Hindi ang laki ng ating iaalay ang mahalaga, kundi ang kahandaang ialay ito pabalik sa Diyos ng boung puso. 

Huwag nating itago ang ipinagkatiwala sa atin. Matuto tayong ibahagi ito sa Simbahan at sa kapwa upang ito’y mamunga at magbigay kaluwalhatian sa Diyos. Ibahagi natin ito, hindi dahil sa takot sa kaparusahan, kundi dahil sa ating wagas na pagmamahal kay Jesus na unang nag-bahagi ng Kanyang sarili para sa atin. 

At kapag ibinalik natin sa Kanya ang Kanyang kaloob, nagiging buhay na patotoo tayo ng Kanyang biyaya at tunay na katiwala ng Kanyang kaharian. 

Anong talinong meron ka ang maiaalay mo sa Panginoon? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday August 29 Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist: Mark 6:17-29

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

   

Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you. He even swore many things to her “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.   

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was deeply distressed but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

   

He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

Where does John the Baptist’s courage come from? His courage emanates from God; he draws his strength from Him. It is God who fuels John’s passion to proclaim the truth and to denounce the adulterous relationship of Herod and Herodias. Faced with a very powerful man, John never thought of backing down. He stood his ground, unshaken, and simply obeyed the gentle yet firm dictates of the Holy Spirit.

When we are faced with the same dilemma, would we also be able to stand our ground? Could we look straight in the eyes of those who are corrupt and immoral, or lovingly correct those who have strayed from the right path? For instance, if you discovered that your spouse was having an adulterous relationship, would you close your eyes and pretend that nothing was happening? Of course not! As children of God, we are called to courageously speak the truth, even when it is painful, and to denounce sin, no matter the cost.

Many martyrs and saints of the Church walked the same difficult path as John the Baptist. Like him, they paid dearly with their lives, yet their sacrifice became a radiant witness to the power of faith. This is the way of true discipleship in Christ: to be ready to give up our comfort, our security, or even our very life, so that evil may not triumph over good.

To do nothing—to remain silent, to pretend not to hear or see, despite the overwhelming stench of sin and wrongdoing—is to give silent approval to evil. We are called to rise above fear and complacency.

Are you like John the Baptist? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Biyernes Agosto 29 Paggunita sa Pagpapakasakit ni San Juan Bautista: Marcos 6:17-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:17-29

Noong panahong iyon, si Herodes ang nagpahuli, nagpagapos at nagpabilanggo kay Juan dahil kay Herodias. Ang babaing ito'y asawa ni Felipe kapatid ni Herodes ngunit ito'y kinakasama niya. Laging sinasabi sa kanya ni Juan, "Hindi matuwid na kunin ninyo ang asawa ng inyong kapatid." 

Kaya't si Herodias ay nagkimkim ng galit kay Juan. Hinangad niyang ipapatay ito, ngunit hindi niya ito magawa, sapagkat natatakot si Herodes kay Juan. Alam niyang ito'y taong matuwid at banal, kaya't ipinagsasanggalang niya. Gustong-gusto niyang makinig kay Juan, bagama't labis siyang nababagabag sa sinasabi nito.  

Sa wakas ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Herodias nang anyayahan ni Herodes sa kanyang kaarawan ang kanyang mga kagawad, mga pinuno ng hukbo, at ang mga pangunahing mamamayan ng Galilea. Pumasok ang anak ni Herodias at nagsayaw. 

Labis na nasiyahan si Herodes at mga panauhin, kaya't sinabi ng hari sa dalaga, "Hingin mo sa akin ang anumang ibig mo at ibibigay ko sa iyo." At naisumpa pa niyang ibibigay kahit ang kalahati ng kanyang kaharian kung ito ang hihilingin.  

Lumabas ang dalaga at tinanong ang kanyang ina. "Ano ang hihingin ko?" "Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sagot ng ina. Dali-daling nagbalik ang dalaga sa kinaroroonan ng hari. "Ang ibig ko po'y ibigay ninyo ngayon din, sa isang pinggan, ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sabi niya. Labis na nalungkot ang hari, ngunit dahil sa kanyang sumpa na narinig ng kanyang mga panauhin, hindi niya matanggihan ang dalaga.  

Kaagad niyang iniutos sa isang bantay na dalhin sa kanya ang ulo ni Juan. Sumunod ang bantay at pinugutan si Juan sa bilangguan, inilagay ang ulo sa isang pinggan, at ibinigay sa dalaga. Ibinigay naman iyon ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, kinuha nila ang kanyang bangkay at inilibing.

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Repleksyon:

Saan nagmumula ang tapang ni Juan Bautista? Ang kanyang tapang ay nagmumula sa Diyos; sa Kanya siya kumukuha ng lakas. Ang Diyos mismo ang nagbibigay-lakas kay Juan upang ipahayag ang katotohanan at tuligsain ang makasalanang relasyon nina Herodes at Herodias. Sa harap ng isang makapangyarihang pinuno, hindi kailanman nag-atubili si Juan. Matatag siyang nanindigan at buong pusong sumunod sa mga pahiwatig ng Banal na Espiritu Santo. 

Kung tayo kaya ang haharap sa ganitong pagsubok, kaya rin ba nating manindigan? Kaya ba nating tumingin nang diretso sa mata ng mga tiwali at imoral, o magbigay ng tapat na paalala sa mga naliligaw ng landas? Halimbawa, kung matuklasan mong may pagtataksil ang iyong asawa, pipikit ka na lamang ba at magbubulag-bulagan na parang walang nangyayari?

 Siyempre hindi! Bilang mga anak ng Diyos, tungkulin nating ipagtanggol ang katotohanan at ituwid ang mali, gaano man ito kahirap at gaano man kalaki ang kapalit.

Maraming mga martir at santo ng Simbahan ang tumahak sa parehong daang tinahak ni Juan Bautista. Katulad niya, sila man ay nagbuwis ng buhay, subalit ang kanilang sakripisyo ay naging maningning na patotoo ng pananampalataya.

Ganito ang tunay na pagiging alagad ni Kristo: ang maging handang isuko ang ating kaginhawaan, ang ating kapanatagan, at maging ang ating mismong buhay, upang hindi manaig ang kasamaan laban sa kabutihan.

Ang pananahimik, ang pagbubulag-bulagan, at ang pagbibingi-bingihan sa kabila ng lantarang pag gawa ng kasalanan at katiwalian—ay tanda ng pakikiayon sa kasamaan.

Katulad ka ba ni Juan Bautista? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday August 28 Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 24:42-51

Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51

(Jesus said to his disciples) “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.  

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.   

Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

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What are you going to do if you’re assigned a responsibility? 

Naturally, when something is entrusted to us, we do our best to fulfill it without delay. We do not waste time with excuses or hesitation; instead, we act immediately, knowing that it is our duty and privilege to carry it out faithfully. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds His disciples: “Be prepared, for the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” This is not simply a call to watchfulness, but an invitation to live our lives in a way that reflects His own. 

What kind of preparation does Jesus want from His disciples? It is not complicated—He calls us to live with humility, to show genuine concern for the poor, and to dedicate our lives in service to others. In this way, our daily actions become our preparation for His return. 

But how do we prepare for Jesus in our own lives? Is it by working endlessly to increase our wealth or satisfy our earthly desires? Of course not. The preparation Jesus speaks of is far deeper. It is about opening our hearts so that when He knocks, we are ready to welcome Him in. 

Therefore, let us not spend all our energy chasing after what perishes—riches, possessions, or worldly pleasures. These are not the be-all and end-all of life. True preparation for the coming of Jesus is found in setting aside time for Him—in prayer, in service, in acts of love—no matter how busy we may be. For it is only in making room for Jesus that our lives gain true meaning and eternal purpose. 

How are you preparing for Jesus? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Huwebes Agosto 28 Paggunita kay San Agustin, Obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 24:42-51

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 24:42-51

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Kaya magbantay kayo, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam kung anong araw paririto ang inyong Panginoon. Tandaan ninyo ito: kung alam lamang ng puno ng sambahayan kung anong oras ng gabi darating ang magnanakaw, siya'y magbabantay at hindi niya pababayaang pasukin ang kanyang bahay. Kaya maging handa kayong lagi, sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao sa oras na di ninyo inaasahan."   

"Ang tapat at matalinong alipin ang siyang pinapamahala ng kanyang panginoon sa ibang mga alipin, upang bigyan sila ng kanilang pagkain sa karampatang panahon. Mapalad ang aliping iyon, kapag dinatnan siyang gumagawa ng gayon sa pagbabalik ng kanyang panginoon! Sinasabi ko sa inyo: pamamahalain siya ng panginoon sa lahat ng kanyang ari-arian.  

Ngunit kung masama ang aliping iyon, sasabihin niya sa sarili, 'Matatagalan pa bago magbalik ang aking panginoon, at sisimulang bugbugin ang kanyang mga kapwa alipin, at makipagkainan at makipag-inuman sa mga lasenggo. Babalik ang panginoon ng aliping iyon sa araw na hindi niya inaasahan at sa oras na hindi niya alam. Buong higpit na parurusahan siya ng panginoon, at isasama sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Doo'y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang gagawin mo kung ikaw ay bibigyan ng isang responsibilidad? 

Siyempre, kapag may ipinagkatiwala sa atin, ginagawa natin ang lahat upang ito ay agad at tapat  na maisakatuparan. Hindi tayo nag-aaksaya ng oras sa mga dahilan o pag-aalinlangan; bagkus, kumikilos tayo kaagad, sapagkat alam natin na tungkulin at karangalan ang pagtupad dito nang tapat. 

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayong araw, pinaaalalahanan ni Jesus ang Kanyang mga alagad: “Maging handa kayo sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao sa oras na hindi ninyo inaasahan.” Ito ay hindi lamang panawagan upang maging mapagmasid, kundi isang paanyaya na mamuhay ayon sa pamumuhay ni Jesus mismo. 

Ano ba ang uri ng paghahandang nais ni Jesus mula sa Kanyang mga alagad? Simple lamang—ang mamuhay nang may kababaang-loob, magpakita ng tunay na malasakit sa mga mahihirap, at ialay ang buhay sa paglilingkod sa kapwa. Sa ganitong paraan, ang bawat araw ay nagiging paghahanda para sa Kanyang muling pagdating. 

Ngunit paano ba natin paghahandaan si Jesus sa ating sariling buhay? Sa pamamagitan ba ng patuloy na pag-iipon ng kayamanan o pagtupad lamang sa mga pansariling hangarin? Siyempre hindi. Ang tunay na paghahanda na nais ni Jesus ay higit pa rito—ito ay ang pagbubukas ng ating mga puso upang, kapag Siya ay kumatok, handa tayong papasukin Siya sa ating buhay. 

Kaya’t huwag nating ilaan ang lahat ng ating lakas at oras sa paghahabol ng mga bagay na panandalian lamang—kayamanan, ari-arian, at kalayawan sa mundo. Sapagkat  hindi ito ang totoong buhay. Ang pinakamainam na paghahanda para sa pagdating ni Jesus ay ang pagbibigay ng oras para sa Kanya—sa panalangin, sa paglilingkod, at sa pag gawa ng mabubuting bagay. Sapagkat sa paglalaan ng puwang para kay Jesus, natatagpuan natin ang tunay na kahulugan at layunin ng ating buhay. 

Paano ka naghahanda para kay Jesus? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday August 27 Memorial of Saint Monica: Matthew 23:27-32

Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32

Jesus said, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. 

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood.' Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!"

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Reflection:

The story is told about a politician who seemed to have an extraordinary gift of resonating with the pulse of the people. He spoke their language, touched their emotions, and promised them help if they would elect him to office. To make a long story short, he was voted into office because of his glib tongue and the image he projected. But sadly, once in power, he failed to fulfill the promises he had made. 

In the Gospel, Jesus denounces the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, who were overly concerned with appearances but neglected what truly matters—interior purity and transformation of the heart. 

Jesus would not have been displeased if the scribes and Pharisees had struggled with their own man-made external standards, as long as they had sincerely pursued cleansing within. What He desired was their conversion, their willingness to eradicate sin and allow God’s grace to renew them. Yet, instead of accepting His loving correction, they hardened their hearts, took offense at Him, and eventually conspired to put Him to death. 

When we reflect honestly, we realize that we, too, are not strangers to such behavior. We sometimes wear a mask of righteousness—looking respectable outwardly while neglecting the deeper call to cleansing, renewal, and transformation of the heart. 

But here lies our hope: God still gives us time. Time to cast aside all fakery, self-promotion, and manipulation. Time to open ourselves to His mercy, to be washed clean, and to live in authenticity. 

May we choose to walk the path of humility and truth, and may we strive to become more like Jesus.—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Miyerkules Agosto 27 Paggunita kay Santa Monica: Mateo 23:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:27-32

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, "Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ang katulad ninyo'y mga libingang pinaputi, magaganda sa labas, ngunit sa loob ay puno ng kabulukan at buto ng mga patay. Ganyang-ganyan kayo! Sa paningin ng tao'y mabubuti kayo, ngunit ang totoo, punong-puno kayo ng pagpapaimbabaw at kasamaan." 

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ipinagtatayo ninyo ng mga libingan ang mga propeta at ginagayakan ang mga puntod ng mga taong namuhay nang matuwid. At sinasabi ninyo, 'Kung kami sana'y nabuhay sa kapanahunan ng aming mga ninuno, hindi namin ipapapatay ang mga propeta.' 

Sa sinabi ninyong iyan, inaamin ninyong kayo'y mga anak ng mga nagpapatay sa mga propeta! Sige! Tapusin ninyo ang pinasimulan ng inyong mga ninuno!  

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Repleksyon:

 May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang politiko na may pambihirang kakayahang makaantig sa damdamin ng mga tao. Marunong siyang magsalita ng wika ng karaniwang tao, nahuhuli nya ang kanilang simpatiya, at nangako ng tulong kung siya ay ihahalal sa puwesto.

Sa madaling salita, siya ay nahalal hindi dahil sa gawa, kundi dahil sa kanyang matamis na pananalita at imahe na ipinakita. Subalit sa kasamaang palad, nang siya ay makaupo na sa kapangyarihan, hindi niya tinupad ang kanyang mga pangako.

Sa Ebanghelyo, kinondena ni Jesus ang pagkukunwari ng mga eskriba at Pariseo. Labis silang nakatuon sa panlabas na anyo at anyong kabanalan, ngunit nakalimutan nila ang higit na mahalaga—ang kalinisan ng puso at ang tunay na pagbabagong-loob.

Hindi sana ikinagalit ni Jesus kung sila man ay nahirapang sundin ang sarili nilang itinakdang pamantayan, basta’t buong puso silang nagsikap na magpakabanal at magkaroon ng malinis kaisipan at konsyensya.

Ang nais ni Jesus ay ang kanilang pagbabalik-loob, ang pag iwas sa kasalanan, at ang pagpapahintulot sa biyaya ng Diyos na magpabago sa kanila. Ngunit sa halip na tanggapin ang mapagmahal na pagtutuwid ni Jesus, pinatigas nila ang kanilang mga puso, sila’y na-offend pa, at sa huli’y nagplano ng masama laban kay Jesus.

Kung ating susuriin nang tapat ang ating sarili, makikita natin na hindi rin tayo malayo sa ganitong ugali. May mga pagkakataong nagtatakip tayo ng anyo ng kabanalan—maayos sa panlabas—ngunit pinababayaan ang mas mahalagang panawagan: ang paglilinis, pagbabagong-loob, at pagbabalik kay Kristo mula sa ating kalooban.

Subalit  may pag-asa parin dahil binibigyan tayo ng Diyos ng panahon. Panahon upang iwaksi ang lahat ng pagkukunwari, pagyayabang, at pagmamanipula. Panahon upang buksan ang ating sarili sa Kanyang habag at pagtuturo.

Hinihikayat Niya tayong mamuhay nang tapat, mapagpakumbaba at mapuspos ng pag-ibig. Nawa’y piliin nating sundan si Jesus at hindi ang mga huwad mga makapangyarihang tao ng mundo na walang hangad kundi ang kanilang pansariling kapakanan.  —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 26 Tuesday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

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Reflection:

Are we easily taken by physical appearance? 

There was once a lady who became smitten by the handsome appearance of her neighbor. When he asked her to elope with him, she agreed without hesitation. Yet, as weeks and months passed, she began to see his true character—his domineering attitude, his being irresponsible, and many other hidden flaws. What was once attractive on the outside became a source of sorrow when the truth of his inner life was revealed. 

How often do we also fall into this same trap? Many of us are easily drawn to what is pleasing to the eyes. We admire those who are good-looking, or we give honor to those dressed in expensive clothes. But appearances can deceive. What is external does not always reflect the truth of what lies within. 

For Jesus, external beauty is not what matters. He looks far deeper—into the purity of our hearts and the sincerity of our motives. What is unseen by the human eye, yet felt in the depth of the soul, is what matters most to Him. 

This should remind us: not everyone who looks good outwardly carries a good heart within. Some may appear radiant on the outside, yet lack humility and love in the inside. On the other hand, there are those whose faces may not shine with worldly beauty, but whose hearts are filled with kindness, compassion, and a quiet holiness that reflects the light of God. 

Let us therefore strive not for outward beauty, but for the kind of inner radiance that Jesus sees and treasures. For in the end, it is not our looks that will matter before God, but the purity of our hearts, the humility of our spirit, and the love we extend to others. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 26 Martes sa Ika-21 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 23:23-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:23-26

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus, Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ibinibigay ninyo ang ikapu ng gulaying walang halaga ngunit kinaliligtaan ninyong isagawa ang lalong mahahalagang aral sa Kautusan: ang katarungan, ang pagkahabag, at ang katapatan. 

Tamang gawin ninyo ang mga ito, ngunit huwag naman ninyong kaliligtaang gawin ang iba. Mga bulag na tagaakay! Sinasala ninyo ang niknik sa inyong inumin, ngunit nilulunok ninyo ang kamelyo!   

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Nililinis ninyo ang tasa at ng pinggan, ngunit ang loob nito'y puno ng nahuthot ninyo dahil sa kasakiman at pagsasamantala. Bulag na Pariseo! Linisin mo muna ang mga nasa loob ng tasa at ng pinggan, at magiging malinis din ang labas nito!

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Repleksyon:

Madali ba tayong naaakit ng panlabas na anyo? 

May isang babae na nabighani sa kaakit-akit na hitsura ng kaniyang kapitbahay. Nang siya ay anyayahang magtanan, agad siyang pumayag nang walang pag-aalinlangan. Subalit habang lumilipas ang mga linggo at buwan, unti-unti niyang natuklasan ang tunay nitong pagkatao—ang pagiging mapagdomina, kawalan ng pananagutan, at iba pang mga nakatagong kapintasan. Ang dating kinahumalingan sa panlabas ay nauwi sa dalamhati nang madiskubre ang tunay nyang katauhan. 

Gaano rin kadalas tayong nahuhulog sa ganitong patibong? Marami sa atin ang madaling maakit sa panlabas na ganda. Hinahangaan natin ang mga maganda o makisig, o nagbibigay-papuri tayo sa mga nakasoot ng marangya at mamahalin. Ngunit madaya ang panlabas na anyo. Sapagkat ang nakikita ng mata ay hindi laging sumasalamin sa totoo at malinis na pagkatao. 

Para kay Jesus, ang panlabas na kagandahan ay hindi mahalaga. Ang mas pinahahalagahan Niya ay ang kadalisayan ng ating puso at ang katapatan ng ating mga layunin. Ang mga bagay na hindi nakikita ng mata ngunit nararamdaman sa kalaliman ng kaluluwa—iyan ang higit na mahalaga para sa Kaniya. 

Ito ay paalala sa atin: hindi lahat ng maganda ang anyo ay may mabuting puso. May ilan na tila kaaya-aya sa paningin, subalit kulang sa pagpapakumbaba, kabutihan at pagmamahal. Ngunit mayroon ding mga tao na bagaman payak ang anyo, ang kanilang mga puso ay puspos ng kabutihan, habag, at tahimik na kabanalan na sumasalamin sa liwanag ng Diyos.

Kaya’t pagsikapan natin hindi ang panlabas na ganda, kundi ang panloob na liwanag na tanging si Jesus ang nakakakita at pinahahalagahan. Sapagkat sa huli, hindi ang ating kaanyuan ang mahalaga sa harap ng Diyos, kundi ang kadalisayan ng ating puso, ang kababaang-loob ng ating espiritu, at ang pag-ibig na ipinadadama natin sa ating kapwa. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 25 Monday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:13-22

Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves.

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’ Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ 

You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.” 

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Reflection:

Do you allow your faith in Jesus to transform you into a practicing follower? Faith is not just a label we wear—it is a life we are called to live. For example, consider His teaching on forgiveness (Matthew 18:21). Do you embrace this teaching that calls us to forgive always, or do you set conditions before extending forgiveness? Do you sometimes appear to forgive outwardly, but deep within—your heart still harbor a deep-seated resentment toward those who have wronged you? 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus condemns in the strongest terms the scribes and Pharisees because they preached the Law but failed to live it. They converted people to their way, yet after conversion, they imposed burdens and conditions that served only their own interests. By doing so, they led people away from the pure teachings of God and directed them instead toward their own self-serving doctrines and desires. 

But Jesus calls us to something higher and holier. He wants us to lead by example. Our words must flow from lives that are aligned with the Gospel. It is not enough to give lip service to our faith. If we say we follow Jesus, then it is incumbent upon us to live as He lived: in simplicity, humility, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. 

The world needs not only teachers of the Word but living witnesses who radiate Christ in their actions. Let us ask ourselves: when people look at my life, do they see Jesus? Do my words match my deeds? Do I forgive as He forgives, love as He loves, and serve as He serves? — Marino J. Dasmarinas