Reflection for November 2 Sunday, The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls): John 14:1-6

Gospel: John 14:1-6

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.  

Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

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Reflection:

Do you want to find meaning in your life?

To many of us, it may seem that life has become just a routine: we wake up in the morning, go to work or work from home, end the day, and then do the same thing again the next morning. Sometimes it feels as though we are merely existing—moving through life like robots, with no clear direction pointing us toward something meaningful and profound.

However, are we really meant to stay only in this world? What will happen when we pass away—where will we go? Today, we commemorate All Souls’ Day—remembering those who have gone ahead of us. Our prayer is that they may now be in heaven, in the loving presence of the Lord, and that when God’s appointed time comes, we too may meet them again in His eternal kingdom.

In our Gospel for today, Jesus lovingly reminds us that life is not meant to be lived in emptiness or repetition. He reveals to us the true path to a life filled with purpose and depth, even amid the many distractions and disturbances of this world. Jesus tells us, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

This powerful declaration is not just a statement—it is an invitation. Jesus invites us to walk with Him, to make Him the center of our daily journey, and to discover in Him the meaning that our hearts have been longing for.

But we must ask ourselves: do we truly allow this truth to transform us each day? Does it awaken in us a deep hunger to know Him more, or have we grown too accustomed to our routines that we no longer feel the urgency to seek His presence?

When Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” He was gently leading His disciples—and us—to follow Him so that we might understand the real essence of life. The meaning we seek cannot be found in the passing things of this world.

What we hold on to now will one day fade away, but what we receive in heaven will last forever. Jesus calls us to live not for the temporary, but for the eternal; not for ourselves, but for Him who gives life its true purpose.

Are we willing to step out of our routine and follow Jesus more closely so that when we die we will have our own dwelling place in His Kingdom? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Linggo Nobyembre 2 Paggunita sa Lahat ng mga Pumanaw na Kristiyano: Juan 14: 1-6

Mabuting Balita: Juan 14:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Huwag kayong mabalisa; manalig kayo sa Diyos at manalig din kayo sa akin. Sa bahay ng aking Ama ay maraming silid; kung hindi gayun, sinabi ko na sana sa inyo. At paroroon ako upang ipaghanda ko kayo ng matitirhan.

Kapag naroroon na ako at naipaghanda na kayo ng matitirhan, babalik ako at isasama kayo sa kinaroroonan ko. At alam na ninyo ang daan patungo sa pupuntahan ko.” Sinabi sa kanya ni Tomas, “Panginoon, hindi po namin alam kung saan kayo pupunta, paano naming malalaman ang daan?”

Sumagot si Hesus, “Ako ang daan, ang katotohanan, at ang buhay. Walang makapupunta sa Ama kundi sa pamamagitan ko."

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Repleksyon:

Nais mo bang malaman ang tunay na kahulugan ng iyong buhay?

Marami sa atin ang tila nasanay na lamang sa paulit-ulit na takbo ng buhay: gigising sa umaga, papasok sa trabaho, kinahapunan at uuwi, at kinabukasan ay uulitin na naman ang ganong pag ikot ng ating buhay. Minsan, pakiramdam natin ay parang mga robot tayong kumikilos sa mundong ito—walang malinaw na direksyong nagtuturo sa atin tungo sa isang buhay na makabuluhan at malalim.

Hangang dito na lang ba talaga tayo sa mundong ito, paano pag pumanaw na tayo saan ba tayo tutungo?  Ngayong araw ay ginugunita natin ang araw ng mga kaluluwa—sila na nauna na sa atin. Ang ating panalangin ay sana sila ay nasa langit na kapiling ang Panginoon at sana sa panahong itinakda ng Diyos tayo ay magkikita-kita parin sa kanyang kaharian.

Sa ating Mabuting Balita, pinaaalaala sa atin ni Jesus na hindi tayo nilikha upang mabuhay sa kawalan o sa paulit-ulit na gawain lamang. Ipinahayag Niya sa atin ang daan tungo sa isang buhay na may tunay na kahulugan, sa gitna ng ating pagkaabala sa mundong ito. Sinabi Niya, “Ako ang daan, ang katotohanan, at ang buhay. Walang makapupunta sa Ama kundi sa pamamagitan Ko” (Juan 14:6).

Ang pahayag na ito ni Jesus ay hindi lamang isang simpleng pananalita—ito ay isang paanyaya. Inaanyayahan Niya tayong lumakad kasama Siya, gawing sentro Siya ng ating araw-araw na buhay, at matuklasan sa Kanya ang kahulugang matagal nang hinahanap ng ating mga puso.

Kaya, kailangan nating magtanong: tunay ba nating hinahayaan na samahan tayo ng Panginoon sa bawat araw ng ating  buhay? May pagnanais pa ba tayong mas makilala Siya, o masyado na tayong nasanay sa ating mga buhay araw-araw kaya hindi na natin hinahanap ang Kanyang presensya?

Nang sabihin ni Jesus, “Ako ang daan, ang katotohanan, at ang buhay,” tinuturuan nya ang Kanyang mga alagad—at tayong lahat—na sumunod sa Kanya upang maunawaan natin ang tunay na diwa ng buhay.

Ang kahulugang hinahanap natin ay hindi matatagpuan sa mga bagay na panandalian at makamundo. Ang mga pinanghahawakan natin ngayon ay lilipas din balang araw, ngunit ang gantimpalang naghihintay sa langit ay mananatili magpakailanman.

Kaya’t tinatawag tayo ni Jesus na mamuhay hindi para sa pansamantala, kundi para sa walang hanggan; hindi para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa Kanya na nagbibigay ng tunay na kahulugan sa ating buhay.

Handa ba tayong talikuran ang ating buhay na naka sentro lamang sa mundong ito para sundan si Jesus nang buong puso? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday November 1 Solemnity of All Saints: Matthew 5:1-12a

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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Reflection:

What is the true objective of our life? Is it limited only to the enjoyment of the things of this world? There is a deeper and more meaningful life that lies beneath this superficial one. Yet we will never discover its true essence unless we learn to detach ourselves from worldly attachments and begin to embrace the teachings of Jesus.

What does it really mean to be poor in spirit, and why is it a blessing? Just as the literally poor rely on the generosity of others to sustain themselves, to be poor in spirit means that we depend completely on Jesus for everything—most especially for our spiritual nourishment.

To be poor in spirit is to recognize that apart from Jesus, we are nothing. It means acknowledging that all we have and all we are come from Him. We rely on His goodness and mercy. We hunger and thirst for His presence to fill the emptiness of our hearts so that He may enrich us spiritually and transform our lives with His love.

Today, as we celebrate All Saints’ Day, we solemnly remember the saints—those faithful men and women who generously gave their lives for the mission of Jesus. The saints were not perfect; they struggled with sin just as we do. Yet, through humility and surrender, they triumphed with the help of God’s grace.

The saints became saints because they recognized their spiritual poverty. They realized that life is empty and meaningless without the presence and guidance of Jesus. Like them, we, too, are called to holiness—not through perfection, but through humility, repentance, and an openness to God’s transforming love.

We can all become saints in our own simple and quiet ways—when we acknowledge our own poverty of spirit, when we invite Jesus into our hearts, and when we allow Him to fill our emptiness with His peace, joy, and love.

Are we ready to let go of our pride, recognize our need for God, and allow Jesus to fill our hearts so that we, too, may live as His saints in the world today? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para Sabado Nobyembre 1 Dakilang Kapistahan ng Lahat ng mga Banal: Mateo 5:1-12a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12a

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Hesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya’y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila’y tinuruan niya ng ganito:

“Mapalad ang mga aba na wala nang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.” “Mapalad ang mga nahahapis sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga mapagkumbaba, sapagkat tatamuhin nila ang ipinangako ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga nagmimithing makatupad sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat ipagkakaloob sa kanila ang kanilang minimithi.” “Mapalad ang mga mahabagin, sapagkat kahahabagan sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, sapagkat makikita nila ang Diyos.” “Mapalad ang mga gumagawa ng daan sa ikapagkakasundo, sapagkat sila’y ituturing ng Diyos na mga anak niya.”

“Mapalad ang mga pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.”

“Mapalad kayo kapag dahil sa aki’y inaalimura kayo ng mga tao, pinag-uusig at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na pawang kasinungalingan. Magdiwang kayo at magalak, sapagkat malaki ang inyong gantimpala sa Langit.”

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Repleksyon:

Ano nga ba ang tunay na layunin ng ating buhay? Hanggang dito na lamang ba ito—sa pagtamasa ng mga bagay ng mundo na pawang pansamantala? Mayroong mas malalim at makahulugang buhay na naghihintay sa kabila ng lahat ng ito. Ngunit hindi natin matutuklasan ito hangga’t hindi natin inihihiwalay ang ating sarili sa mundo upang yakapin ang mga aral ni Jesus.

Ano ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging aba sa espiritu, at bakit ito isang pagpapala? Kung paanong ang mga tunay na aba ay umaasa sa kabutihan ng kapwa upang sila ay mabuhay, gayon din, ang pagiging aba sa espiritu ay ang patuloy na pag-asa natin kay Jesus sa lahat ng bagay.

Ang pagiging aba sa espiritu ay ang pagkilala na kung wala si Jesus, wala rin tayong kakayahan. Lahat ng ating taglay ay nagmumula sa Kanya. Umaasa tayo sa Kanyang kabutihan, awa, at habag. Hinahangad natin ang Kanyang presensiya upang tayo ay Kanyang samahan at baguhin ayon sa Kanyang banal na kalooban.

Ngayong ay ating ipinagdiriwang ang Araw ng Lahat ng mga Banal, ating ginugunita ang mga banal—yaong mga taong nag alay ng kanilang buhay alang-alang sa misyon ni Jesus. Ang mga banal ay hindi perpekto; sila ay may kasalanan din tulad natin. Ngunit sa tulong ng grasya ng Diyos, sila ay nagtagumpay sapagkat marunong silang magpakumbaba at magpasakop sa kalooban ng Panginoon.

Ang mga banal ay naging banal dahil alam nila na walang saysay ang kanilang buhay kung wala ang Diyos. Nabatid nila na ang buhay ay walang halaga kung wala ang paggabay ni Jesus. Tulad nila, tayo rin ay tinatawagan ng Diyos na magpakabanal—sa pamamagitan ng ating pagpapakumbaba, pagsisisi sa ating mga kasalanan at sa pag aalay ng ating buhay sa Diyos.

Lahat tayo ay maaaring maging mga banal sa ating mundong ginagalawan sa ngayon—at ito ay mangyayari kapag kinikilala natin na walang silbi ang ating buhay pag hindi natin kasama si Jesus sa ating buhay.

Handa ba tayong tanggapin ang ating pangangailangan sa Diyos, at hayaang si Jesus ang pumuno at magpabanal sa ating mga puso upang tayo din ay mabuhay tulad ng  mga santo sa mundong ito? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 31 Friday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1-6

Gospel: Luke 14:1-6

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”

But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.

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Reflection:

What is the true purpose of the Sabbath law? It is to bring honor to God by resting and refraining from worldly pursuits on that sacred day. But what if, on that very day, someone is in need of our help? Should we ignore that person simply because it is a day of rest?

In our Gospel, Jesus asked the scholars of the law and the Pharisees a simple yet piercing question: “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath or not?” (Luke 14:3). When He received no reply, Jesus quietly healed the man who was sick with dropsy. Through this compassionate act, Jesus revealed a powerful truth — that mercy, love, and healing hold far greater value than the mere observance of the law. The immediate need of a suffering person takes precedence over strict religious rules.

As we reflect on this, we are invited to look into our own lives. How often do we prioritize rituals over relationships, or rules over compassion? We may have our prayer schedules, our devotions, or our Sunday Mass obligations — all of which are holy and pleasing to God. Yet, when someone around us needs our help, God calls us to respond first with mercy. Our worship of God must always be expressed through our love for others.

Acts of mercy are not interruptions to our faith; they are the living expression of it. To love and to serve is to pray with our hands, our hearts, and our very lives.

This is the kind of faith we see in Pope Francis (+). He is deeply admired, not because of his outward religious appearances — presiding at Mass, praying the Rosary, or wearing sacred vestments — but because of his spontaneous acts of love, mercy, and humility. His gentle embrace of the disfigured, his kind and non-judgmental words, and his countless acts of compassion reflect the heart of Christ more vividly than any ritual ever could.

We, too, are called to live out a faith that breathes mercy — a faith that moves from the altar into the streets, from prayer into action, from words into love.

So, as we encounter others in need, will we merely observe the law — or will we choose to live the love that fulfills it? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 31 Biyernes sa Ika-30 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 14:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:1-6

Isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Jesus ay inanyayahang kumain sa bahay ng isang pinuno ng mga Pariseo, at binabantayan nilang mabuti ang kanyang mga kilos. Lumapit kay Jesus ang isang taong namamanas.

Kaya't tinanong niya ang mga Pariseo at ang mga dalubhasa sa Kautusan, "Naaayon ba sa Kautusan ang magpagaling sa Araw ng Pamamahinga o hindi?" Ngunit hindi sila umimik, kaya't hinawakan ni Jesus ang maysakit, pinagaling saka pinayaon.

Pagkatapos, sinabi niya sa kanila, "Kung kayo'y may anak o bakang mahulog sa balon, hindi ba ninyo iaahon kahit Araw ng Pamamahinga?" At hindi sila nakasagot sa tanong na ito. 

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Repleksyon:

Ano nga ba ang tunay na layunin ng batas ng Sabbath? Ito ay upang parangalan ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pamamahinga at paglayo muna sa mga bagay ng mundo sa araw na iyon. Ngunit paano kung sa mismong araw ng pamamahinga ay may taong nangangailangan ng ating tulong? Dapat ba natin siyang balewalain dahil iyon ay araw ng pahinga?

Sa ating Mabuting Balita, tinanong ni Jesus ang mga tagapagturo ng batas at ang mga Pariseo: “Matuwid bang magpagaling sa Araw ng Pamamahinga o hindi?” (Lucas 14:3). Nang walang sumagot sa Kanya, tahimik na pinagaling ni Jesus ang lalaking may sakit na pamamaga ng katawan.

Sa pamamagitan ng pagpapagaling na iyon, ipinakita ni Jesus na ang awa at pag-ibig ay higit na mahalaga kaysa sa simpleng pagsunod sa batas. Ang agarang pangangailangan ng kapwa ay mas nangingibabaw kaysa sa mahigpit na pagtalima sa mga patakaran.

Sa ating sariling buhay, tayo rin ay tinatawag na magnilay. Ilang ulit na ba nating ipinagpaliban ang pagtulong dahil abala tayo sa mga gawaing panrelihiyon? Maaaring mayroon tayong nakatakdang oras ng panalangin, debosyon, o pagsisimba tuwing Linggo — mga bagay na lubos na kinalulugdan ng Diyos.

Ngunit kapag may kapwa tayong nangangailangan sa oras na iyon, inaanyayahan Niya tayong unahin ang awa bago ang ritwal. Ang tunay na pagsamba sa Diyos ay nasusukat hindi lamang sa ating dasal, kundi sa ating pag-ibig at malasakit sa iba.

Ang mga gawa ng awa ay hindi hadlang sa ating pananampalataya — sila ang buhay na tanda ng ating pananalig sa Diyos. Kapag tayo’y naglilingkod ng boung puso, tayo’y nananalangin hindi lang sa ating mga labi kundi sa ating puso at gawa.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit si Santo Papa Francisco (+) ay labis na hinahangaan at iginagalang. Hindi dahil madalas siyang nakikita na nagdiriwang ng Banal na  Misa, sa pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo, o sa pagsusuot ng maringal na kasuotan, kundi dahil sa kanyang kusang-loob na gawa ng pag-ibig, awa, at kababaang-loob.

Tulad ng kanyang pagyakap sa mga may kapansanan, ang kanyang mga salitang puno ng pag-unawa, at ang kanyang mga kilos ng habag ay malinaw na larawan ng puso ni Kristo.

Tayo rin ay tinatawag na mamuhay ng pananampalatayang umaagos sa awa — isang pananampalatayang lumalabas sa simbahan upang tulungan ang mga taong nasa lansangan. Mula sa panalangin tungo sa pagkilos; mula sa salita tungo sa pagtulong na nagmumula sa ating puso.

Kaya, kapag may nangangailangan sa ating paligid, pipiliin ba nating sumunod lamang sa batas at ritual ng ating pananampalataya — o isasabuhay natin ang pag-ibig natin sa ating kapwa na siyang katuparan ng lahat ng batas? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 30 Thursday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:31-35

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

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Reflection:

Do we have the courage to face those who try to intimidate, hurt, or even threaten us?

Jesus’ life was being threatened by King Herod—the same King Herod who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. Yet, instead of running away or hiding, Jesus stood firm in His mission. He told the Pharisees, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose’” (Luke 13:32–33).

Jesus was not moved by fear or threats. He was deeply focused on fulfilling the mission entrusted to Him by the Father. Such is our Lord—always steadfast, always faithful, and always courageous, even when it meant giving up His life for our salvation.

In our own journey, we, too, face trials, oppositions, and moments of fear. There will be times when the odds seem overwhelming and when it feels easier to give up or remain silent. Yet, if our purpose is rooted in God and our actions are done out of love for Him and His people, then we must press on with faith, courage, and conviction.

Let us remember: God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we trust Him fully, no threat, no challenge, and no fear can derail us from our divine calling.

Will we choose fear—or will we choose faith and continue the mission that God has placed in our hearts? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 30 Huwebes sa Ika-30 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:31-35

Dumating noon ang ilang Pariseo. Sinabi nila kay Hesus, “Umalis ka rito, sapagkat ibig kang ipapatay ni Herodes.” At sumagot siya, “Sabihin ninyo sa alamid na iyon na nagpapalayas ako ngayon ng mga demonyo at nagpapagaling, bukas ay gayun din; sa ikatlong araw, tatapusin ko ang aking gawain.

Ngunit dapat akong magpatuloy sa aking lakad ngayon, bukas at sa makalawa; sapagkat hindi dapat mamatay sa labas ng Jerusalem ang isang propeta! “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Pinapatay mo ang mga propeta at binabato ang mga sinugo ko sa iyo! Makailan kong sinikap na kupkupin ang iyong mga mamamayan, gaya ng paglukob ng isang inahin sa kanyang mga sisiw, ngunit ayaw mo.

Kaya’t lubos kang pababayaan. Sinasabi ko sa iyo, hindi mo na ako makikita hanggang sa dumating ang oras na sasabihin mo, ‘Pagpalain nawa ang dumarating sa pangalan ng Panginoon!’”

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay may lakas ng loob na harapin ang sinumang nagbabantang saktan tayo?

Nanganganib noon, ang buhay ni Jesus dahil kay Haring Herodes—ang parehong Haring Herodes na nag-utos ng pagpugot sa ulo ni Juan Bautista. Ngunit sa halip na magtago o tumakas, matatag na hinarap ni Jesus ang sitwasyon.

Sinabi Niya sa mga Pariseo, “Sabihin ninyo sa asong-gubat na iyon, ‘Narito, nagpapalayas ako ng mga demonyo at nagpapagaling ngayon at bukas, at sa ikatlong araw ay matatapos Ko ang Aking gawain’” (Lucas 13:32–33).

Hindi pinanghinaan si Jesus ng loob kahit nanganganib ang Kanyang buhay. Ang Kanyang puso ay nakatuon lamang sa misyong iniatas ng Ama. Ganyan si Jesus—tapat, matatag, at buong tapang, kahit kapalit nito ang Kanyang sariling buhay para sa ating kaligtasan.

Tulad Niya, tayo rin ay haharap sa mga pagsubok, pang-uusig, at takot sa ating paglalakbay sa buhay. May mga sandaling tila napakalaki ng ating hinaharap na suliranin at tila gusto na nating sumuko pero hindi tayo dapat sumuko.

Kung ang ating ginagawa ay para sa Diyos at para sa kabutihan ng ating kapwa, kailangan nating magpatuloy nang may pananampalataya, katapangan, at pagmamahal sa ating ginagawa.

Dahil, sa oras ng ating kahinaan, lalo namang nahahayag ang lakas ng Diyos sa ating buhay. Kapag buong puso tayong nagtitiwala sa Kanya, walang banta, takot, o balakid ang makapipigil sa atin na tuparin ang ating banal na tungkulin.

Pipiliin ba nating mabuhay sa takot—o pipiliin nating manindigan sa pananampalataya at ipagpatuloy ang misyong ibinigay sa atin ng Diyos? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 29 Wednesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:22-30

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.

Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

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Reflection:

Mike and Joseph were best friends. Mike came from a poor family, while Joseph was born into a rich one. Being wealthy, Joseph had everything he could ever ask for, and because of this, he grew up spoiled and undisciplined, unable to finish his studies. On the other hand, Mike, who came from a humble background, had to become a working student so that he could complete his college education.

Ten years passed, and their lives took a remarkable turn. Mike, the once poor boy, became a successful man through his hard work and determination. Joseph, however—the once rich and spoiled man—fell into poverty and despair.

The first and last statements of Jesus in our Gospel today are deeply meaningful. He tells us: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate... And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” (Luke 13:24, 30)

Who are those who strive to enter the narrow gate? They are the people who embrace sacrifice, humility, and perseverance. And who are the first who will become last? They are those who choose the easy, comfortable, and worldly path—those who seek only pleasure and convenience in this passing life.

Our discipleship with Jesus is never an easy journey. It is filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments of testing. Oftentimes, it feels as though we are walking through a narrow and difficult gate. But this is the very path of genuine faith. Jesus Himself reminds us that “whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

When we suffer or face hardship for the sake of Christ, we must not lose heart. The narrow path may be painful, but it leads to life. If others mock us for our faith or disregard us for standing firm in God’s truth, let us remain steadfast. This world is temporary, and our true reward awaits in the Kingdom of God.

In the end, those who were once last—those who persevered through trials, those who loved sincerely, served humbly, and remained faithful despite ridicule—will be the ones exalted by God. The narrow gate, though hard to pass, leads us to eternal joy.

Are we willing to walk through the narrow gate with Jesus—embracing sacrifice, humility, and faith—so that one day we may enter the fullness of His Kingdom? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 29 Miyerkules sa Ika-30 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagpatuloy si Hesus sa kanyang paglalakbay. Siya’y nagtuturo sa bawat bayan at nayon na kanyang dinaraanan patungong Jerusalem. May isang nagtanong sa kanya, “Ginoo, kakaunti po ba ang maliligtas?” Sinabi niya, “Pagsikapan ninyong pumasok sa makipot na pintuan. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo, marami ang magpipilit na pumasok ngunit hindi makapapasok. “Kapag ang pinto’y isinara na ng puno ng sambahayan, magtitiis kayong nakatayo sa labas, at katok nang katok. Sasabihin ninyo, ‘Panginoon, papasukin po ninyo kami.’ Sasagutin niya kayo, ‘Hindi ko alam kung tagasaan kayo!’ 

At sasabihin ninyo, ‘Kumain po kami at uminom na kasalo ninyo, at nagturo pa kayo sa mga lansangan namin.’ Sasabihin naman ng Panginoon, ‘Hindi ko alam kung tagasaan kayo!  Lumayo kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na nagsisigawa ng masama!’ 

Tatangis kayo at magngangalit ang inyong ngipin kapag nakita ninyong nasa kaharian ng Diyos sina Abraham, Isaac at Jacob, at ang lahat ng propeta, at kayo nama’y ipinagtabuyan sa labas! At darating ang mga tao buhat sa silangan at kanluran, sa hilaga at timog, at dudulog sa hapag sa kaharian ng Diyos. Tunay ngang may nahuhuling mauuna, at may nauunang mahuhuli.”

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Repleksyon:

Magkaibigang matalik sina Mike at Joseph. Si Mike ay galing sa mahirap na pamilya, samantalang si Joseph ay mula sa mayaman. Dahil sa kayamanan, nakakamtan ni Joseph ang lahat ng gusto niya. Ngunit sa sobrang layaw, lumaki siyang palalo at hindi natapos ang kanyang pag-aaral. Samantala, si Mike na galing sa mahirap na pamilya ay nagsumikap. Siya’y naging working student upang maipagpatuloy at matapos ang kanyang kolehiyo.

Lumipas ang sampung taon, at nagbago ang takbo ng kanilang buhay. Si Mike, na dating mahirap, ay naging matagumpay dahil sa kanyang pagsisikap at determinasyon. Ngunit si Joseph, na dating mayaman at spoiled, ay naghirap at naging miserable.

Napakahalaga ng mga unang at huling pananalita ni Jesus sa ating Ebanghelyo ngayon. Sinabi Niya: “Pagsikapan ninyong makapasok sa makipot na pintuan… Sapagkat may mga nauuna na magiging huli, at may mga nahuhuli na magiging una.” (Lucas 13:24, 30)

Sino ang mga taong nagsisikap pumasok sa makipot na pintuan? Sila ang mga handang magsakripisyo, magpakumbaba, at magtiis alang-alang sa Panginoon. At sino naman ang mga nauuna na magiging huli? Sila ang mga pinili ang madali, maginhawa, at makamundong pamumuhay—ang mga namumuhay para sa sarili, hindi para sa Diyos.

Ang ating pagsunod kay Jesus ay hindi kailanman madali. Madalas ay puno ito ng pagsubok, paghihirap, at pagtitiis. Tila ba tayo’y dumaraan sa isang makipot na daan. Ngunit ito ang tunay na daan ng pananampalataya. Sapagkat sinabi mismo ni Jesus: “Kung ibig ninyong sumunod sa Akin, itakwil ninyo ang inyong sarili, pasanin ninyo ang inyong krus, at sumunod kayo sa Akin.” (Mateo 16:24)

Kung tayo man ay dumanas ng hirap o pagtutol dahil sa ating pananampalataya, huwag tayong panghinaan ng loob. Ang makipot na daan ay mahirap, ngunit ito ang daan patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan. Kung tayo man ay tuyain o layuan dahil sa ating katapatan kay Kristo, magpakatatag tayo. Ang mundong ito ay pansamantala lamang, ngunit ang gantimpala ng mga tapat ay walang hanggan sa Kaharian ng Diyos.

Sa huli, ang mga nauna sa mundo—ang mga nabuhay sa layaw, kasamaan at kawalan ng dereksyon—ay mahuhuli sa harap ng Diyos. Ngunit ang mga nagsumikap, nagpakumbaba, at nanatiling tapat sa kabila ng lahat ay siyang itataas Niya sa Kanyang Kaharian. Ang makipot na daan ay hindi madali, ngunit ito ang daang patungo sa kaharian ng Diyos.

Handa ba tayong tahakin ang makipot na daan kasama si Jesus—ang daang puno ng sakripisyo, kababaang-loob, at pananampalataya—upang balang araw ay makapasok tayo sa walang hanggang buhay na inihanda Niya para sa atin? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Tuesday October 28 Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles: Luke 6:12-16

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:

Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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Reflection:

Among the many who were called, why did Jesus choose these twelve ordinary men to be His apostles? We may never fully know the reason, considering that before a man becomes a priest or a deacon, he needs to study and prepare for years. Likewise, when a woman desires to become a nun, she undergoes a long formation process before dedicating her life to God.

So why did Jesus call these simple, ordinary men to be His apostles? Perhaps Jesus wants to teach us that holiness and discipleship are not reserved for the learned, the influential, or the highly educated. We need not wear a collar or a habit to follow Him. Each one of us, by virtue of our baptism, is already called to be His follower—to live out our faith wherever we are, even with our limitations and imperfections.

Many of us might think that spreading the faith is the sole responsibility of priests or religious sisters. But no—it is our shared mission. Jesus calls all of us, no matter who we are or what we know, to become bearers of His light. The less capable or confident we feel, the more He desires to show His power through us, for He does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

Each of us, then, has a sacred mission entrusted by Jesus Himself. He wants us to be His living witnesses in our homes, workplaces, schools, and online communities—so that through our words, our actions, and even our small acts of kindness, others may encounter His love. Through us, Jesus can reach hearts that might otherwise remain untouched.

Are we allowing Jesus to work through us so that others may see His love, hear His truth, and feel His presence? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Martes Oktubre 28 Kapistahan nila San Simon at San Judas, mga apostol: Lucas 6:12-16

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:12-16

Noong mga araw na iyon, umahon si Jesus sa isang burol at magdamag doong nanalangin.

Kinaumagahan, tinawag niya ang kanyang mga alagad, at pumili siya ng Labindalawa sa kanila, na tinawag niyang mga apostol: Si Simon na pinangalanan niyang Pedro, at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago, Juan, Felipe, Bartolome, Mateo, Tomas, at Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, si Simon, ang Makabayan; si Judas na anak ni Santiago, at si Judas Iscariote na naging taksil.

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Repleksyon:

Sa dami ng mga tinawag, bakit nga ba pinili ni Jesus ang labindalawang karaniwang lalaki upang maging Kaniyang mga apostol? Hindi natin lubos na mauunawaan ang dahilan, lalo pa’t bago maging pari o diyakono ang isang lalaki, kailangan muna niyang mag-aral at maghanda sa loob ng maraming taon.

Gayon din naman, kapag ang isang babae ay nagnanais maging madre, siya rin ay dumaraan sa mahabang panahon ng paghuhubog bago tuluyang ialay ang kaniyang buhay sa Diyos.

Ngunit bakit nga ba si Jesus ay tumawag ng mga karaniwang tao upang maging Kaniyang mga apostol? Marahil nais Niyang ipabatid sa atin na ang pagiging tagasunod Niya ay hindi lamang para sa marurunong o makapangyarihan. Hindi natin kailangang magsuot ng abito o maghawak ng krusipihong may ranggo upang sumunod sa Kaniya.

Tayong lahat, sa pamamagitan ng ating binyag, ay tinawag na maging Kaniyang mga alagad—upang isabuhay ang ating pananampalataya saan man tayo naroroon, kahit tayo ay simple lamang at may kakulangan karunungan at pag-aaral.

Madalas nating isipin na ang pagpapalaganap ng pananampalataya ay tungkulin lamang ng mga pari o ng mga relihiyosa. Ngunit hindi ganoon ang turo ni Jesus. Tayong lahat ay Kaniyang tinatawag na maging kabahagi sa misyon ng pagpapalaganap ng Mabuting Balita.

Kapag nararamdaman nating tayo ay mahina o kulang, mas lalo tayong inaanyayahan ni Jesus, sapagkat hindi Niya tinatawag ang mga karapat-dapat—bagkus, Kaniyang ginagawang karapat-dapat ang mga Kaniyang tinawag.

Bawat isa sa atin ay may natatanging misyon na ibinigay ni Jesus. Nais Niyang tayo ay maging Kaniyang mga saksi sa ating mga tahanan, trabaho, paaralan, at maging sa social media. Sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita, gawa, at malasakit, maipadama natin sa iba ang pag-ibig at presensiya ni Jesus. Sa pamamagitan natin, maaari Siyang umabot sa mga pusong matagal nang naghihintay na makilala Siya.

Handa ba tayong tumugon sa pagtawag ni Jesus upang madama ng iba ang Kaniyang pag-ibig, pagliligtas at pagpapala? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 27 Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:10-17

Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” 

He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” 

The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

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Reflection:

Do we believe that Jesus can heal us of anything we’re feeling right now? Let us have faith and believe, for indeed, we will be healed by Jesus in His perfect time.

Jesus’ compassion for us is unfathomable. His desire to heal our wounds and sickness—whatever they may be—is beyond question. Yet, He also asks something from us, and that is faith. If we have faith, Jesus’ healing hands will surely touch and restore us.

In the Gospel, we read about the woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit for many years. Despite her suffering, she never lost faith. That faith moved Jesus to heal her, even though it was the Sabbath day—a day of rest for the Jewish people. Her story reminds us that faith is the key that opens the door to healing. Without faith, there can be no true healing from Jesus.

Are we in need of healing from the Lord today—whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual? Let us pray and ask the greatest Healer who ever walked this earth to make us whole. For nothing is impossible for Jesus; He always makes a way for us when there seems to be no way.

Let us come before Him with humble hearts and unwavering faith, trusting that His mercy and love will heal every wound within us. Will we take that step of faith today and allow Jesus to heal us completely? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 27 Lunes sa Ika-30 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:10-17

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:10-17

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay nagtuturo sa isang sinagoga sa Araw ng Pamamahinga. May isang babae roon na labingwalong taon nang may karamdaman, gawa ng masamang espiritung nasa kanya. Siya’y hukot na hukot at hindi na makaunat. Nang makita ni Hesus ang babae, tinawag niya ito at sinabi, “Magaling ka na sa iyong karamdaman!”

At ipinatong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga kamay sa babae; noon di’y nakaunat ito at nagpuri sa Diyos. Ngunit nagalit ang tagapamahala ng sinagoga sapagkat nagpagaling si Hesus sa Araw ng Pamamahinga. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa mga tao, “May anim na araw na inilaan upang ipagtrabaho. Pumarito kayo sa mga araw na iyan upang magpagaling, at huwag sa Araw ng Pamamahinga.”

Sinagot siya ng Panginoon, “Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Hindi ba’t kinakalag ninyo sa sabsaban ang inyong baka o asno at dinadala sa painuman kahit Araw ng Pamamahinga? Ang babaing ito na mula sa lipi ni Abraham ay ginapos ni Satanas sa loob ng labingwalong taon. Hindi ba dapat na siya’y kalagan kahit na Araw ng Pamamahinga?” Napahiya ang lahat ng kalaban ni Hesus sa sagot niyang ito; at nagalak naman ang madla sa mga kahanga-hangang bagay na ginawa niya.

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Repleksyon:

Naniniwala ba tayo na kayang pagalingin ni Jesus ang anumang dinaramdam natin sa oras na ito? Manampalataya tayo at maniwala, sapagkat sa Kanyang takdang panahon, pagagalingin Niya tayo.

Ang habag ni Jesus sa atin ay hindi masukat. Ang Kanyang hangaring pagalingin ang ating mga sugat at karamdaman—anumang uri nito—ay hindi kailanman mapagdududahan. Ngunit may hinihingi rin Siya sa atin, at iyon ay pananampalataya. Kapag tayo ay may pananampalataya, tiyak na hihipuin at pagagalingin tayo ng mapagpagaling Niyang mga kamay.

Sa Mabuting Balita, mababasa natin ang tungkol sa babaeng matagal nang inaalihan ng masamang espiritu. Sa kabila ng kanyang paghihirap, hindi siya nawalan ng pananampalataya. Dahil dito, pinagaling siya ni Jesus kahit ito ay araw ng pamamahinga ng mga Hudyo. Ipinapaalala sa atin ng kanyang kwento na ang pananampalataya ang susi ng kagalingan. Kung wala ito, walang ganap na kagalingang magmumula kay Jesus.

Kailangan ba nating mapagaling ng Panginoon ngayon—pisikal man, emosyonal, o espirituwal? Manalangin tayo at humiling sa pinakadakilang Manggagamot na lumakad sa mundong ito na pagalingin tayo. Sapagkat walang imposible kay Jesus; palagi Siyang gumagawa ng daan kahit tila wala na tayong makitang daan.

Lumapit tayo sa Kanya nang may mapagpakumbabang puso at matatag na pananampalataya, at hayaang pagalingin Niya ang bawat sugat sa ating kalooban. Handa ba tayong buksan ang ating puso at hayaang hipuin tayo ni Jesus upang ganap tayong mapagaling? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 26, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: 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:

Have we ever tried conversing with those who are truly humble? What do we notice about them? They rarely talk about themselves; and if they do, they make sure it’s not for the purpose of raising their own self-image. There’s something about them that draws us in—we naturally gravitate toward them and love to be in their presence, because they somehow carry an aura of peace and holiness that inspires us to be humble also.

On the other hand, have we ever tried conversing with those who are so full of themselves? They always seem to talk about their accomplishments, their possessions, and the things they do—and it goes on and on, all about themselves. So, we find it exhausting to listen to their self-centered talk that feeds the ego rather than the soul.

God would also prefer that we always remain humble: to talk less and less about ourselves and our accomplishments, for doing so only feeds our superficial image. God already knows everything about us—our talents, our struggles, our victories, and our hearts. What He desires is not our self-promotion, but our quiet faithfulness.

He calls us to walk humbly with Him in this temporary world—in silence, yes, in silence—never worrying about whether others notice us or not. We are invited to be content in doing all things for the greater glory of God, not for our own recognition.

Many of us, however, are like the Pharisee in the Gospel. We love to talk about ourselves and boast about the things we do for God, thinking it might win us favor. But the truth is, it will not serve us any good. We cannot gain God’s favor if we always point to ourselves as the lead actor in our story.

The Lord always favors the humble, as the Gospel gently reminds us. The humble are those who speak less of themselves, who do not let success cloud their hearts, and who know that everything they have is a gift from God—something they should never boast about. True humility is not about denying our gifts, but about recognizing that they all come from Him and are meant to serve others.

Do we seek to be noticed, or do we seek to quietly honor God? May we choose the path of humility—walking silently with our Lord, content to let His light, not ours, shine before others. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para Oktubre 26, Ika-30 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: 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."

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Repleksyon:

Naranasan na ba nating makipag-usap sa mga taong tunay na mapagkumbaba? Ano ang napansin natin sa kanila? Bihira silang magsalita tungkol sa kanilang sarili; at kung sakaling gawin man nila ito, sinisiguro nilang hindi ito para purihin ang kanilang sariling imahe. May kakaibang kababaang-loob at kapayapaan silang taglay—kaya gusto nating mapalapit sa kanila sapagkat tila ba may dala silang banal na presensiya ng Diyos.

Subalit, naranasan na rin ba nating makipag-usap sa mga taong puno ng pagmamataas at kayabangan? Halos palagi nilang pinag-uusapan ang kanilang mga tagumpay, ari-arian, at mga nagawa—paulit-ulit, at sila lagi ang bida. Nakakapagod at nakakawalang gana makinig sa kanila.

Ipinapaalala sa atin ng Diyos na nais Niyang lagi tayong maging mapagkumbaba—na huwag magsalita tungkol sa ating sarili o sa ating mga nagawa, sapagkat ang mga ito ay walang mabuting dulot sa ating pagkatao. Alam na ng Diyos ang lahat tungkol sa atin—ang ating mga talento, paghihirap, tagumpay, at ang nilalaman ng ating puso. Ang nais Niya ay hindi ang ating pagyayabang, kundi ang ating tahimik na katapatan.

Tinatawag Niya tayong maglakad nang may kababaang-loob sa mundong ito—sa katahimikan, oo, sa katahimikan—nang hindi iniintindi kung mapansin man tayo ng iba o hindi. Ang mahalaga ay ginagawa natin ang lahat para sa higit na kaluwalhatian ng Diyos, hindi para sa ating sariling kapurihan.

Aminin man natin o hindi ay madalas tayong maging katulad ng Pariseo sa Mabuting Balita. Gusto nating pag-usapan ang ating sarili at ipagmalaki ang mga bagay na ginagawa natin para sa Diyos, iniisip natin na makakamit natin ang Kaniyang pabor. Ngunit ang katotohanan, wala itong mabuting maidudulot sa atin, sapagkat hindi natin makakamit ang pabor ng Diyos kung patuloy nating inilalagay ang ating sarili sa sentro ng ating mga kwento.

Laging kinagigiliwan ng Panginoon ang mga mapagkumbaba, gaya ng ipinahihiwatig ng Mabuting Balita. Ang mga mapagkumbaba ay yaong hindi nagyayabang tungkol sa sarili at hindi nagpapadala sa tagumpay, sapagkat batid nila na ang lahat ng taglay nila ay kaloob ng Diyos—isang biyayang hindi dapat ipagmalaki. Ang tunay na kababaang-loob ay hindi pagtanggi sa ating mga kakayahan, kundi ang pagkilala na lahat ng ito ay galing sa Diyos at dapat gamitin para sa kabutihan ng iba.

Hinahangad ba natin na mapansin ng tao, o hinahangad nating parangalan ang Diyos sa tahimik na paraan? Nawa’y piliin natin ang daan ng kababaang-loob—ang paglakad nang kasama ang Panginoon, kuntento at masaya, habang hinahayaan nating Siya, hindi tayo, ang magningning sa harap ng iba. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 25 Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: 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. He 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:

What does sin do to us? It makes our lives miserable and burdensome. Yet sin does not immediately show its true colors. It disguises itself as something pleasurable—something that seems to make life more exciting and fulfilling. But once we are already deep into it, it reveals its ugly face and traps us in its misery.

Through today’s Gospel, Jesus lovingly calls us to change our ways and turn away from our sinfulness. He has been so patient with us, even though we have offended Him countless times. Day after day, He gently whispers to our hearts, inviting us to walk away from the darkness of sin while there is still time. Let us not turn a deaf ear to His call for repentance.

When will we listen to Him? Should we wait until we are weak, helpless, or lying on our deathbeds? By then, it might already be too late. Let us listen to His voice now—while we are still strong, healthy, and able. Jesus loves us so deeply that He longs to free us from the chains of sin that enslave us. But this freedom will only happen if we humbly open our hearts and respond to His invitation to repentance.

If we ignore His call, we allow ourselves to remain enslaved by the devil—and we know that the devil offers nothing but misery and despair. Do we really want to live such a life? Of course not. None of us desires a life filled with emptiness and guilt.

Let us, therefore, listen to Jesus’ loving call. Let us repent, turn away from our sins, and walk once more in the light of His mercy and love. His arms are always open, waiting to embrace us and restore our joy.

Will we continue to run away from His mercy—or will we finally say “yes” to His call and allow His love to transform our lives today? — Marino J. Dasmarinas