Reflection for Monday September 21 Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.  

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

Do we feel that Jesus is calling us to live a new life—a life free from sin?

Aside from Matthew, whom Jesus called to follow Him, we, too, are being called by the Lord. We may sometimes feel that we are not worthy to follow Jesus, but who among us is truly worthy? No one, for we are all sinners in need of God’s mercy, forgiveness, and grace.

Matthew was called by Jesus precisely because he was a sinner. This reveals something beautiful about the heart and mission of Jesus: He does not wait for us to become perfect before He calls us. He calls us in the midst of our brokenness, weaknesses, and sins. He calls us to leave behind our old ways and begin anew with Him.

But why is it that even when we know that Jesus is calling us to repentance, we still continue to sin? Why do we sometimes find it so difficult to leave behind the things that separate us from Him? We know that Jesus offers us a new life, yet we can still choose to remain attached to our old ways.

This is something worth reflecting upon. Why do many of us ignore Jesus’ call to follow Him and to leave behind whatever leads us into sin? Have we become so attached to the things of this world that we sometimes love them more than we love Jesus? Are there sinful habits, desires, or attachments that we continue to hold on to even though Jesus is patiently calling us to renewal and repentance?

Perhaps Matthew was able to follow Jesus because someone had first allowed the love and unfathomable mercy of Jesus to touch his heart. Perhaps someone had lived out their faith so sincerely that Matthew could see and experience Jesus through that person's life. Because of this witness, it became possible for Matthew to recognize Jesus’ call and respond to it.

This reminds us that our lives can also become instruments of God’s grace. There may be many “Matthews” around us—people who are searching, wounded, struggling, or trapped in sinful ways. Some may not yet have experienced the love, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus. Perhaps God is asking us to become the person who will help them encounter Him.

Our challenge, therefore, is not only to speak about Jesus but also to live Jesus. We can share our faith through our words, but we can also proclaim the Gospel through our kindness, compassion, forgiveness, humility, patience, and love. Sometimes, the most powerful sermon we can give is the life we live before others.

Let us not forget that we, too, are like Matthew. We, too, are sinners whom Jesus continues to call. We, too, need His mercy. And every day, Jesus invites us to leave behind what keeps us from Him and to begin again.

May we have the humility to hear His call, the courage to let go of our sinful ways, and the love to become His witnesses to others.

Are we ready to leave behind whatever keeps us from Jesus—and are we willing to let our lives become a living testimony through which another “Matthew” may encounter His mercy, hear His call, and discover the joy of following Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Lunes Setyembre 21 Kapistahan ni Apostol San Mateo, manunulat ng Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:9-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:9-13

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus sa lugar na iyon. Sa kanyang paglalakad, nakita niya ang isang taong ang pangala'y Mateo; nakaupo ito sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya, "Sumunod ka sa akin." Tumindig si Mateo at sumunod sa kanya.

Nang si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nasa bahay ni Mateo, dumating ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanan. At sila'y magkakasalong kumain. Nang makita ito nang mga Pariseo, tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, "Bakit sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan ang inyong guro?"

Narinig ito ni Jesus at siya ang sumagot, "Ang mga maysakit ang siyang nangangailangan ng manggagamot, hindi ang mga walang sakit. Humayo kayo at unawain ang kahulugan nito, 'Habag ang ibig ko at hindi hain.' Sapagkat naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal."

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Repleksyon:

Nadarama ba natin na tinatawag tayo ni Jesus upang mamuhay ng isang bagong buhay—isang buhay na malaya sa kasalanan?

Bukod kay Mateo na tinawag ni Jesus upang sumunod sa Kanya, tayo rin ay tinatawag ng Panginoon. Maaaring minsan ay maramdaman natin na hindi tayo karapat-dapat na sumunod kay Jesus, ngunit sino ba sa atin ang tunay na karapat-dapat? Wala ni isa man, sapagkat tayong lahat ay mga makasalanang nangangailangan ng awa, kapatawaran, at biyaya ng Diyos.

Tinawag ni Jesus si Mateo upang sumunod sa Kanya dahil siya ay isang makasalanan. Ipinapakita nito sa atin ang napakagandang puso at misyon ni Jesus: hindi Niya hinihintay na maging perpekto muna tayo bago Niya tayo tawagin. Tinatawag Niya tayo sa gitna ng ating mga kahinaan, pagkukulang, at kasalanan. Tinatawag Niya tayo upang talikuran ang ating dating pamumuhay at magsimulang muli kasama Niya.

Ngunit bakit, kahit alam nating tinatawag tayo ni Jesus sa pagsisisi, patuloy pa rin tayong nagkakasala? Bakit kung minsan ay napakahirap para sa atin na talikuran ang mga bagay na naghihiwalay sa atin sa Kanya? Alam nating iniaalok sa atin ni Jesus ang isang bagong buhay, ngunit pinipili pa rin nating kumapit sa ating mga dating gawi at maling pamumuhay.

Ito ay isang bagay na nararapat nating pagnilayan. Bakit marami sa atin ang hindi pinapansin ang tawag ni Jesus na sumunod sa Kanya at talikuran ang anumang nagdadala sa atin sa kasalanan? Naging labis na ba ang ating pagkakapit sa mga bagay ng mundo na kung minsan ay mas minamahal pa natin ang mga ito kaysa kay Jesus? Mayroon ba tayong mga nakasanayang kasalanan, pagnanasa, o mga bagay na labis nating kinakapitan kahit palagi tayong tinatawag ni Jesus tungo sa pagbabago at pagsisisi?

Marahil ay nakasunod si Mateo kay Jesus dahil may isang taong unang nagbahagi sa kanya ng pagmamahal at walang hanggang lalim ng awa ni Jesus. Marahil ay may isang taong namuhay nang tapat ayon sa kanyang pananampalataya kaya nakita at naranasan ni Mateo si Jesus sa pamamagitan ng buhay ng taong iyon. Dahil sa patotoong iyon, naging posible para kay Mateo na makilala ang tawag ni Jesus at tumugon dito.

Ipinapaalala nito sa atin na maaari ring maging instrumento ng biyaya ng Diyos ang ating buhay. Marahil ay maraming “Mateo” sa ating paligid—mga taong naghahanap, nasasaktan, nahihirapan, o nakagapos sa mga maling gawi at kasalanan. Maaaring hindi pa nila tunay na nararanasan ang pagmamahal, awa, at kapatawaran ni Jesus. Marahil ay tayo ang hinihingi ng Diyos na maging daan upang maranasan nila ang Kanyang presensya.

Kaya ang hamon sa atin ay hindi lamang ang magsalita tungkol kay Jesus kundi ang mamuhay kay Jesus. Maaari nating ibahagi ang ating pananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita, ngunit maaari rin nating ipahayag ang Mabuting Balita sa pamamagitan ng ating kabutihan, malasakit, pagpapatawad, kababaang-loob, pagtitiis, at pagmamahal. Kung minsan, ang pinakamakapangyarihang sermon na maibibigay natin ay ang buhay na ating ipinamumuhay sa harapan ng iba.

Huwag nating kalimutan na tayo rin ay tulad ni Mateo. Tayo rin ay mga makasalanang patuloy na tinatawag ni Jesus. Tayo rin ay nangangailangan ng Kanyang awa. At araw-araw, inaanyayahan tayo ni Jesus na talikuran ang anumang naglalayo sa atin sa Kanya at muling magsimula.

Nawa’y magkaroon tayo ng kababaang-loob upang pakinggan ang Kanyang tawag, tapang upang bitawan ang ating mga maling gawi at kasalanan, at pagmamahal upang maging mga saksi Niya sa ating kapwa.

Handa ba tayong talikuran ang anumang naglalayo sa atin kay Jesus? At handa ba tayong gawing buhay na patotoo ang ating sariling buhay upang ang isang “Mateo” sa ating paligid ay makaranas ng Kanyang awa, marinig ang Kanyang tawag, at matuklasan ang tunay na kagalakan ng pagsunod sa Kanya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 20 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 20:1-16a

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’  

So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us. 

He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. 

And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 

Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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Reflection:

How does the mind of God think?

God certainly does not think the way we think, nor does He make decisions based on the way we make decisions. There are times when God’s decisions are not what we would have wanted or expected. His ways may sometimes seem difficult for us to understand. Nevertheless, we are called to follow and obey Him, even when we do not fully understand His plans and ways.

In the Gospel, the workers who had worked much earlier in the day complained to the landowner because they received the same wage as those who had worked only late in the afternoon. Why did they complain to the landowner?

They complained because they thought there was an injustice in the way the landowner paid them. But there was no injustice because all of them had agreed to receive the usual daily wage. The landowner simply chose to be generous to everyone.

This Gospel reminds us that God's generosity cannot always be measured according to our human understanding of fairness. We may sometimes look at what happens around us and think, “That is not fair.” We may compare our blessings with those of others and wonder why some seem to receive more than we do, despite what we believe we have done or deserved.

There may also be events in our own lives when we are tempted to question God's wisdom and His decisions. When our prayers seem unanswered, when our plans do not unfold as we hoped, or when we see others receiving blessings that we have long been praying for, we may find ourselves asking, “Lord, why?”

Yet, who are we to question the infinite wisdom of God? Who are we to complain before Him when we know that His understanding is far greater than ours? We see only a small part of the picture, while God sees the whole of our lives.

Instead of constantly questioning God, why not learn to trust Him more deeply? Why not humble ourselves before Him and surrender our plans, expectations, and desires to His loving will? We may not always understand His ways, but we can always trust that He knows what is best for us.

Let us therefore ask for the grace to rejoice not only in the blessings we receive but also in the blessings given to others. Let us allow God to free our hearts from comparison, envy, and resentment, and teach us to celebrate His generosity wherever we see it.

When God’s ways do not make sense to us, will we still have the humility to trust Him, the faith to obey Him, and the love to rejoice in His generosity toward others?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Setyembre 20 Ika-25 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 20:1-16a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:1-16a

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: lumabas ng umagang-umaga ang may-ari ng ubasan upang humanap ng mga manggagawa.

Nang magkasundo na sila sa upa na isang denaryo maghapon, sila'y pinapunta niya sa kanyang ubasan. Lumabas siyang muli nang mag-iikasiyam ng umaga at nakakita siya ng iba pang tatayu-tayo lamang sa liwasang-bayan.  

Sinabi nya sa kanila, 'Pumaroon din kayo at magtrabaho sa aking ubasan, at bibigyan ko kayo ng karampatang upa. At pumaroon nga sila. Lumabas na naman siya nang mag-iikalabindalawa ng tanghali at nang mag-iikatlo ng hapon, at gayon din ang ginagawa niya. Nang mag-iikalima ng hapon, siya'y lumabas uli at nakakita pa ng mga ibang wala ring ginagawa.

Sinabi niya sa kanila, 'Bakit kayo tatayu-tayo lang dito sa buong maghapon?' 'Wala pong magbigay sa amin ng trabaho, e!' sagot nila. At sinabi niya, 'Kung gayun, pumaroon kayo at gumawa sa aking ubasan.' 

"Pagtatakip-silim, sinabi ng may-ari ng ubasan sa kanyang katiwala, 'Tawagin mo na ang mga manggagawa at sila'y upahan, magmula sa huli hanggang sa unang nagtrabaho.' Ang mga nagsimula ng mag-iikalima ng hapon ay tumanggap ng tig-iisang denaryo. At nang lumapit ang mga nauna, inakala nilang tatanggap sila ng higit doon; ngunit ang bawat isa'y tumanggap din ng isang denaryo. 

Pagkatanggap nito, nagreklamo sila sa may-ari ng ubasan. Sabi nila, 'Isang oras lang pong gumawa ang mga huling dumating, samantalang maghapon kaming nagpagal at nagtiis ng nakapapasong init ng araw. Bakit naman po ninyo pinagpare-pareho ang upa sa amin?' At sinabi niya sa isa sa kanila, 'Kaibigan, hindi kita dinadaya. Hindi ba't nagkasundo tayo sa isang denaryo? 

Kunin mo ang ganang iyo, at umalis ka na. Maano kung ibig kong upahan ang nahuli nang tulad ng upa ko sa iyo? Wala ba akong karapatang gawin ang aking maibigan sa ari-arian ko? O naiinggit ka lang sa aking kabutihang loob?' Kaya't ang nahuhuli ay mauuna, at ang nauuna ay mahuhuli."

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Repleksyon:

Paano ba mag-isip ang Diyos?

Tiyak na hindi nag-iisip ang Diyos gaya ng ating pag-iisip, ni hindi Siya nagpapasya ayon sa paraan ng ating pagpapasya. May mga pagkakataon sa ating buhay na ang mga pasya ng Diyos ay hindi naaayon sa ating inaasahan o sa kung ano ang ating ninanais.

Kung minsan, mahirap para sa atin na maunawaan ang Kanyang mga pamamaraan. Gayunpaman, tinatawag tayo upang sumunod at tumalima sa Kanya, kahit hindi natin lubos na nauunawaan ang Kanyang mga plano at kalooban.

Sa Ebanghelyo, nagreklamo sa may-ari ng ubasan ang mga manggagawang nagtrabaho nang mas maaga dahil kapantay lamang ng kanilang tinanggap na sahod ang ibinigay sa mga manggagawang dumating nang hapon. Bakit sila nagreklamo sa may-ari ng ubasan?

Nagreklamo sila dahil inakala nilang may kawalang-katarungan sa paraan ng pagbibigay ng sahod ng may-ari ng ubasan. Ngunit walang kawalang-katarungan sapagkat lahat sila ay sumang-ayon na tumanggap ng karaniwang sahod para sa isang araw na paggawa. Ang nangyari lamang ay naging mapagbigay ang may-ari ng ubasan sa kanilang lahat.

Ipinaaalala sa atin ng Ebanghelyong ito na ang pagiging mapagbigay ng Diyos ay hindi natin laging masusukat ayon sa ating pagkaunawa sa kung ano ang makatarungan. May mga pagkakataon na nakikita natin ang mga pangyayari sa paligid natin at nasasabi natin, “Hindi ito makatarungan.”

Maaari nating ikumpara ang mga biyayang tinatanggap natin sa mga biyayang tinatanggap ng iba at mapaisip kung bakit tila mas marami silang natatanggap, samantalang matagal na rin tayong nananalangin para sa mga bagay na iyon.

May mga pangyayari rin sa ating sariling buhay na maaari tayong matuksong magtanong tungkol sa karunungan ng Diyos at sa Kanyang mga pasya. Kapag tila hindi nasasagot ang ating mga panalangin, kapag hindi nangyayari ang ating mga plano ayon sa ating inaasahan, o kapag nakikita nating pinagpapala ang iba samantalang matagal na nating hinihintay ang ating hinihiling, maaari nating itanong, “Panginoon, bakit?”

Ngunit sino tayo upang kuwestiyunin ang walang hanggang karunungan ng Diyos? Sino tayo upang magreklamo sa Kanya gayong alam nating higit na malawak ang Kanyang pang-unawa kaysa sa atin? Maliit na bahagi lamang ng kabuuan ang ating nakikita, ngunit nakikita ng Diyos ang buong larawan ng ating buhay.

Sa halip na palaging kuwestiyunin ang Diyos, bakit hindi natin matutuhang higit na magtiwala sa Kanya? Bakit hindi natin buong pagpapakumbabang isuko sa Kanyang kalooban ang ating mga plano, inaasahan, at mga ninanais? Maaaring hindi natin laging nauunawaan ang Kanyang mga pamamaraan, ngunit lagi tayong makapagtitiwala na alam Niya kung ano ang pinakamabuti para sa atin.

Kaya hilingin natin ang biyayang matutong magpasalamat hindi lamang sa mga biyayang tinatanggap natin kundi maging sa mga biyayang ipinagkakaloob ng Diyos sa iba. Hayaan nating palayain ng Diyos ang ating puso mula sa paghahambing, inggit, at sama ng loob. Turuan nawa Niya tayong magalak sa Kanyang kabutihan at pagkabukas-palad saanman natin ito makita.

Kapag hindi natin nauunawaan ang mga pamamaraan ng Diyos, mananatili ba tayong may pagpapakumbabang magtitiwala sa Kanya, may pananampalatayang susunod sa Kanya, at may pusong tunay na natutuwa sa mga biyayang ipinagkakaloob Niya sa iba?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 19 Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:4-15

Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture.

Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 

Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand. 

“This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation. 

As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.

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Reflection:

What do we usually do when we encounter the Word of God?

For example, when we go to Holy Mass, do we carefully listen to the readings, especially the Gospel? Do we allow God’s Word to disturb our conscience and awaken our hearts? Do we allow it to carve out a space in our hearts so that we continue to reflect on it even when we are already at home?

Do we read our Bible regularly? And when we read it, do we allow God’s Word to transform us?

The Bible contains the Word of God, given to us so that our lives may be transformed. God also gave us His Word so that we may know Him more deeply, so that the God who may seem distant to us would become the God who is with us and the God who walks with us. Through His Word, God speaks to our hearts, gently guides our steps, corrects us when we go astray, strengthens us when we are weak, and reminds us that we are never alone.

The seeds that Jesus mentions in the Gospel are like the very words of God. These words are powerful. They can transform our lives if we allow them to take root in us. They can bring calmness and serenity to our hearts when we take time to reflect on them and allow them to guide our lives. Yet, like seeds planted in the soil, God’s Word needs to be welcomed, nurtured, and given time to grow within us. It is not enough for us to hear the Word; we must allow it to take root in our hearts and bear fruit in the way we live.

But many of us are so busy that we hardly have time for these seeds that God so generously sows in our hearts. Sometimes, we pay little attention to His Word until we encounter a roadblock in our lives. It is then that we remember God, and we immediately hurry toward Him because we have reached what seems to be rock bottom.

Perhaps God is speaking to us long before we reach that difficult moment. Perhaps every reading we hear at Mass, every passage we read in the Bible, and every word that touches our hearts is an invitation from Him to draw closer, to listen more deeply, and to allow Him to change us from within.

But why wait for a roadblock to hit us before we allow the Word of God to flourish and bear abundant fruit in our hearts?

Let us not wait for suffering, failure, or a crisis to remind us of God. Every day, He generously sows the seeds of His Word into our hearts. Let us listen with humility, reflect with an open heart, and allow those seeds to take root in us. Let us give God's Word the time and space it deserves. As we do, may His Word calm our troubled hearts, strengthen us in our struggles, correct our wrong paths, deepen our faith, and lead us closer to Him.

The Word of God is not meant to remain only in the pages of the Bible or in the readings we hear at Holy Mass. It is meant to live in us. It is meant to transform us and bear fruit through our thoughts, our words, our choices, and the way we love and serve others.

Are we allowing the seeds of God’s Word to take root in our hearts today, or are we waiting for a painful roadblock in life before we finally turn to Him? And when God speaks to us, will we simply hear His Word—or will we allow it to change our lives?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Setyembre 19 Sabado ng Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 8:4-15

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:4-15

Noong panahong iyon, datingan ng datingan ang mga taong naggagaling sa mga bayan-bayan at lumalapit kay Jesus. Nang natitipon na ang napakaraming tao, isinalaysay niya ang talinghaggang ito:"May isang taong lumabas para maghasik ng binhi. Sa kanyang paghahasik, may binhing nalaglag sa daan at nayapakan, at ang mga ito'y tinuka ng mga ibon. May nalaglag sa kabatuhan, at pagtubo ay natuyo dahil sa kawalan ng halumigmig.  

May nalaglag naman sa dawagan. Lumago ang dawag at ininis ang mga binhing tumubo. Ang iba'y nalaglag sa matabang lupa, tumubo at namunga ng tig-iisangdaang butil." At malakas niyang idinugtong, "Makinig ang may pandinig!"  

Itinanong ng mga alagad kung ano ang kahulugan ng talinghagang ito. Sumagot si Jesus, "Sa inyo'y ipinagkaloob na malaman ang mga lihim tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, ngunit sa iba'y sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga, upang: 'Tumingin man sila'y hindi makakita; At makinig man sila'y di makaunawa.'"   

"Ito ang kahulugan ng talinghaga: ang binhi ng salita ng Diyos. Ang mga binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan ay ang mga nakinig, ngunit dumating ang diyablo at inalis sa kanilang puso ang salita upang hindi sila manalig at maligtas. Ang mga nalaglag sa kabatuhan ay ang mga nakinig ng salita at tumanggap nito nang may galak, ngunit hindi ito tumimo sa kanilang puso.   

Naniwala silang sandali, subalit sa panahon ng pagsubok ay tumitiwalag agad. Ang mga nahasik naman sa dawagan ay ang mga nakinig ngunit nang malaon ay nadaig ng mga alalahanin sa buhay at ng pagkahumaling sa kayamanan at kalayawan, kaya't hindi nahinog ang kanilang mga bunga. Ang mga nahasik naman sa matabang lupa'y ang mga nakinig ng salita. Iniingatan nila ito sa kanilang pusong tapat at malinis at sila'y nagtitiyaga hanggang sa mamunga."

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Repleksyon:

Ano ba ang karaniwan nating ginagawa kapag naririnig o nababasa natin ang Salita ng Diyos?

Halimbawa, kapag tayo ay dumadalo sa Banal na Misa, masusi ba nating pinakikinggan ang mga pagbasa, lalo na ang Ebanghelyo? Hinahayaan ba nating gambalain ng Salita ng Diyos ang ating konsensya at gisingin ang ating puso? Hinahayaan ba nating maglaan ito ng puwang sa ating puso upang patuloy natin itong pagnilayan kahit nakauwi na tayo sa ating tahanan?

Regular ba nating binabasa ang ating Bibliya? At kapag binabasa natin ito, hinahayaan ba nating baguhin at hubugin tayo ng Salita ng Diyos?

Ang Bibliya ay naglalaman ng Salita ng Diyos na ibinigay sa atin upang mabago ang ating buhay. Ibinigay din sa atin ng Diyos ang Kanyang Salita upang mas makilala natin Siya nang malalim. Sa pamamagitan nito, ang Diyos na maaaring tila malayo sa atin ay nagiging Diyos na laging kasama natin at Diyos na patuloy na lumalakad na kasama natin.

Sa Kanyang Salita, kinakausap Niya ang ating puso, mahinahon tayong ginagabayan, itinutuwid kapag tayo ay naliligaw ng landas, pinalalakas kapag tayo ay nanghihina, at ipinapaalala sa atin na hindi Niya tayo kailanman iniiwan.

Ang mga binhing binanggit ni Jesus sa Ebanghelyo ay maihahalintulad sa mismong Salita ng Diyos. Napakalakas ng mga salitang ito. Kaya nitong baguhin ang ating buhay kung hahayaan nating mag-ugat ang mga ito sa ating puso. Kaya rin nitong magdala ng kapanatagan at katahimikan sa ating kalooban kapag naglalaan tayo ng panahon upang pagnilayan ang mga ito at hayaan itong gumabay sa ating buhay.

Subalit tulad ng binhing itinatanim sa lupa, kailangang tanggapin, alagaan, at bigyan ng panahon ang Salita ng Diyos upang ito ay lumago sa ating puso. Hindi sapat na naririnig lamang natin ang Salita; kailangan natin itong hayaang mag-ugat sa ating puso at mamunga sa ating buhay.

Ngunit marami sa atin ang abala sa napakaraming bagay kaya halos wala na tayong panahon para sa mga binhing ito na buong-biyayang inihahasik ng Diyos sa ating puso. Kung minsan, hindi na natin gaanong pinapansin ang Kanyang Salita hanggang sa makaranas tayo ng isang malaking pagsubok sa ating buhay. Saka lamang natin naaalala ang Diyos, at dali-dali tayong lumalapit sa Kanya.

Marahil ay kinakausap na tayo ng Diyos bago pa man dumating ang mga mabibigat na pagsubok. Marahil ang bawat pagbasa na naririnig natin sa Banal na Misa, bawat talata na binabasa natin sa Bibliya, at bawat salitang tumatagos sa ating puso ay paanyaya Niya sa atin na mas lumapit sa Kanya, mas malalim na makinig, at hayaan Siyang baguhin tayo mula sa ating kalooban.

Kaya bakit pa natin kailangang hintayin na dumating ang isang malaking pagsubok bago natin hayaang mamukadkad at mamunga nang sagana ang Salita ng Diyos sa ating puso?

Huwag nating hintayin ang pagdurusa, kabiguan, o isang krisis upang maalala natin ang Diyos. Araw-araw, buong-biyaya Niyang inihahasik sa ating puso ang mga binhi ng Kanyang Salita. Makinig tayo nang may pagpapakumbaba, magnilay tayo nang may pusong bukas, at hayaan nating mag-ugat sa atin ang mga binhing ito. 

Bigyan natin ng panahon at puwang sa ating buhay ang Salita ng Diyos. Sa ating paggawa nito, nawa’y mapayapa Niya ang ating magulong kalooban, palakasin tayo sa gitna ng ating mga pagsubok, ituwid ang ating mga maling landas, palalimin ang ating pananampalataya, at higit tayong ilapit sa Kanya.

Ang Salita ng Diyos ay hindi lamang para manatili sa mga pahina ng Bibliya o sa mga pagbasa na naririnig natin sa Banal na Misa. Ito ay dapat mabuhay sa ating puso. Ito ay dapat magbago sa atin at mamunga sa pamamagitan ng ating mga kaisipan, salita, mga pagpapasya, at sa paraan ng ating pagmamahal at paglilingkod sa ating kapwa.

Hinahayaan ba nating mag-ugat sa ating puso ang mga binhi ng Salita ng Diyos ngayon, o hinihintay pa ba nating dumating ang isang masakit na pagsubok bago tayo tunay na lumapit sa Kanya? At kapag nagsasalita ang Diyos sa atin, makikinig lamang ba tayo—o buong puso ba nating hahayaan ang Kanyang Salita na baguhin ang ating buhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 18 Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.

Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

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Reflection:

How would we discern an authentic preacher from a false preacher?

One of the best ways is to look at the preacher’s lifestyle. Does the preacher conform to the life of Jesus? Is the preacher not a lover of money and affluence? Does the preacher live a simple life? If the preacher conforms to the life of Jesus, is not a lover of money, and lives simply, we can reasonably say that the preacher is a true preacher of the Word of God.

Jesus is not only the Son of God; He is also the Preacher of all preachers. He lived simply, and He was not a lover of money. What was important to Jesus was to impart the salvific message of God. He did this through His preaching, His healings, and His sacrificial death on the cross.

During His final preaching mission, Jesus hardly spoke. Instead, He preached through His actions—by going to the cross and through what He did on the cross itself. His silence, His suffering, His surrender, and ultimately His death became a powerful proclamation of God’s love and mercy.

Preaching, therefore, is not only about using many words. It is also about living our lives in harmony with the life and teachings of Jesus. Our words may speak about Christ, but our actions reveal whether we truly live according to His teachings. We may preach about love, humility, simplicity, forgiveness, and sacrifice, but these virtues must also be visible in the way we live.

Let us remember that the Gospel is not merely something we proclaim with our lips; it is something we are called to embody with our lives. May our words and actions always point others toward Jesus. And may our lives become a living testimony of the Gospel we profess.

When people look at our lives, do they see the Jesus whom we proclaim—and are we willing to let our lives become the sermon that speaks even when our lips are silent?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Setyembre 18 Biyernes sa Ika-24 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 8:1-3

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:1-3

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon. Nangaral siya at nagtuturo ng Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos.

Kasama niya ang Labindalawa, at ilang babaing pinagaling niya sa masasamang espiritu at mga karamdaman: si Maria na tinatawag na Maria Magdalena mula sa kanya'y pitong demonyo ang pinalayas; si Juanang asawa ni Cusa na katiwala ni Herodes; si Susana at marami pang iba. Ang ari-arian nila ang itinustos nila sa pangangailangan ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad.

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Repleksyon:

Paano natin makikilala ang isang tunay na mangangaral ng Salita ng Diyos mula sa isang huwad na mangangaral ng Salita ng Diyos?

Isa sa mga pinakamainam na paraan ay tingnan ang paraan ng kanyang pamumuhay. Ang kanyang buhay ba ay naaayon sa buhay ni Jesus? Hindi ba siya alipin ng salapi at karangyaan? Namumuhay ba siya nang simple? Kung ang isang mangangaral ay namumuhay ayon sa halimbawa ni Jesus, hindi umiibig sa salapi, at namumuhay nang simple, masasabi nating siya ay isang tunay na mangangaral.

Si Jesus ay hindi lamang Anak ng Diyos; Siya rin ang Mangangaral ng lahat ng mga mangangaral. Namuhay Siya nang simple at hindi Siya naging alipin ng salapi. Ang mahalaga para kay Jesus ay maipahayag ang mensahe ng pagliligtas ng Diyos. Ginawa Niya ito sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang pangangaral, pagpapagaling, at higit sa lahat, sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang sakripisyong kamatayan sa krus.

Sa Kanyang huling misyon ng pangangaral, halos hindi nagsalita si Jesus. Sa halip, nangaral Siya sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang mga kilos—sa pagtahak Niya patungo sa krus at sa Kanyang ginawa habang nakapako roon. Ang Kanyang katahimikan, pagdurusa, pagsuko sa kalooban ng Ama, at kamatayan ay naging makapangyarihang pagpapahayag ng pag-ibig at awa ng Diyos.

Kaya naman, ang pangangaral ay hindi lamang tungkol sa paggamit ng maraming salita. Ito rin ay tungkol sa pamumuhay natin ayon sa buhay at mga aral ni Jesus. Maaaring magsalita ang ating mga labi tungkol kay Kristo, ngunit ang ating mga kilos ang nagpapakita kung tunay nating isinasabuhay ang Kanyang mga aral.

Maaari tayong mangaral tungkol sa pag-ibig, kababaang-loob, kasimplehan, pagpapatawad, at pagsasakripisyo, ngunit ang mga katangiang ito ay dapat ding makita sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay.

Huwag nating kalimutan na ang Mabuting Balita ay hindi lamang isang bagay na ipinahahayag natin sa pamamagitan ng ating mga labi; ito ay isang buhay na tinatawag tayong isabuhay. Nawa’y ang ating mga salita at kilos ay laging maging daan upang mas makilala ng iba si Jesus. Nawa’y ang ating buhay ay maging isang buhay na patotoo sa Mabuting Balitang ating ipinapahayag.

Kapag tinitingnan ng ibang tao ang ating buhay, nakikita ba nila ang Jesus na ating ipinapahayag? At handa ba tayong maging isang buhay na patotoo—isang patotoo na patuloy na nangangaral tungkol kay Kristo kahit wala tayong sinasabi?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 17 Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:36-50

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears.

Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment.

So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

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Reflection:

Do we believe that Jesus would forgive us of our many sins?

The woman in the Gospel, who was known as a great sinner, believed in her heart that Jesus would forgive her. Uninvited, she went to the house of the Pharisee where Jesus was present. There, she humbled herself before Jesus by kissing His feet, washing them with her tears, anointing them with ointment, and wiping them with her hair.

What a beautiful and humble expression of repentance and submission! Through her actions, the woman seemed to be telling Jesus, “Lord, I am sorry for my sins. I want to change. I want to begin again. I want to leave my sinful life behind and follow You.”

Her tears spoke of a heart that was truly repentant. Her humility revealed her deep faith in the mercy of Jesus. Her love moved her to approach Him despite what others might have thought of her. And Jesus did not reject her. He forgave her and gave her the grace to begin anew.

Perhaps this woman’s story is also our story.

All of us have sinned. At times, we have failed God, failed others, and even failed ourselves. Our sins may be different from one another, but we all carry our own weaknesses, failures, and moments of falling short. Yet our sins should never make us believe that we are beyond the reach of God's mercy.

There is no sin that is greater than the mercy of Jesus when we sincerely repent and return to Him. We have nothing to fear when we humbly come before Him, confess our sins, and ask for His forgiveness. Jesus does not want us to remain prisoners of our past. He wants to heal us, renew us, and lead us toward a new life.

Perhaps we are asking ourselves: How can Jesus forgive us of our many sins?

Jesus extends His forgiveness to us in a special and beautiful way through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession. In this healing sacrament, we bring before Him our sins, our failures, our regrets, and even those things that we are ashamed to confess. We come not because we are perfect, but because we know that we need His mercy.

When we sincerely humble ourselves and open our hearts to God's forgiveness, we experience the liberating grace of His mercy. It is as though a heavy burden has been lifted from our shoulders. We are reminded that our past does not have to define our future. Through God's mercy, we can rise again and begin anew.

Do we want to lead a new life—a life no longer enslaved by sin, guilt, and the darkness that keeps us away from God? If our answer is yes, let us not be afraid to approach Jesus. Let us kneel before Him with humble and repentant hearts. Let us bring to Him everything that weighs heavily upon our souls and allow His mercy to heal and renew us.

Jesus is always ready to welcome us back.

The question is not whether Jesus is willing to forgive us. The greater question is whether we are willing to humble ourselves, return to Him, and allow His mercy to transform our lives.

Are we ready to open our hearts to Jesus, receive His healing forgiveness, and courageously begin again?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Setyembre 17 Huwebes ng Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 7:36-50

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:36-50

Noong panahong iyon, inanyayahan si Hesus ng isa sa mga Pariseo upang makasalo niya. Pumaroon siya sa bahay nito at dumulog sa hapag. Sa bayan namang yaon ay may isang babae na kilalang makasalanan. Nabalitaan niyang kumakain si Hesus sa bahay ng Pariseo, kaya’t nagdala siya ng pabangong nasa sisidlang alabastro. 

At lumapit siya sa likuran ni Hesus, sa gawing paanan. Siya’y nanangis at nabasa ng kanyang luha ang mga paa ni Hesus. Pinunasan niya ang mga ito ng kanyang buhok, hinagkan, at pinahiran ng pabango. Nang makita ito ng Pariseong nag-anyaya kay Hesus, nasabi nito sa sarili, “Kung talagang propeta ang taong ito, alam niya kung sino at kung anong uri ng babae ang humihipo sa kanya — isang makasalanan!” 

Bilang tugon sa iniisip ni Simon, sinabi ni Hesus, “Simon, may sasabihin ako sa iyo.” Sumagot siya, “Ano po iyon, Guro?” Sinabi ni Hesus, “May dalawang taong nanghiram sa isang nagpapautang; ang isa’y limandaang denaryo at ang isa nama’y limampu. Nang hindi makabayad, pareho silang pinatawad. Ngayon, sino sa kanila ang lalong nagmamahal sa nagpautang?” Sumagot si Simon, “Sa palagay ko po’y ang pinatawad ng malaking halaga.” 

“Tama ang sagot mo,” ang tugon ni Hesus. Nilingon niya ang babae, at sinabi kay Simon, “Nakikita mo ba ang babaing ito? Pumasok ako sa iyong bahay at hindi mo man lamang ako binigyan ng tubig para sa aking mga paa; ngunit binasa niya ng luha ang aking mga paa at pinunasan ng kanyang buhok. 

Hindi mo ako hinagkan, ngunit siya, mula nang pumasok siya ay hindi tumigil sa paghalik sa aking mga paa. Hindi mo pinahiran ng langis ang aking ulo, subalit pinahiran niya ng pabango ang aking mga paa. 

Kaya’t sinasabi ko sa iyo, ang malaking pagmamahal na ipinamalas niya ang nagpapatunay na ipinatawad na ang marami niyang kasalanan; ngunit ang pinatawad ng kaunti ay kaunti lang ang pagmamahal na ipinamamalas.” Saka sinabi sa babae, “Ipinatawad na ang iyong mga kasalanan.” 

At ang kanyang mga kasalo sa pagkain ay nagsimulang magtanong sa sarili,

“Sino ba itong pati pagpapatawad sa kasalanan ay pinangangahasan?” Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus sa babae, “Iniligtas ka ng iyong pananalig; yumaon ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban.”

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Repleksyon:

Naniniwala ba tayo na patatawarin parin tayo ni Hesus sa kabila ng madami at mabibigat nating mga kasalanan?

Ang babae sa Ebanghelyo, na kilala bilang isang makasalanan, ay naniwala sa kanyang puso na patatawarin siya ni Hesus. Kahit hindi siya inanyayahan, nagtungo siya sa bahay ng Pariseo kung saan naroon si Hesus. Doon, buong pagpapakumbaba siyang lumapit kay Hesus. Hinalikan niya ang mga paa Niya, hinugasan ang mga ito ng kanyang mga luha, binuhusan ng pabango, at pinunasan ng kanyang buhok.

Napakaganda ng kanyang pagpapakumbaba at pagsisisi! Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga ginawa, wari bang sinasabi niya kay Hesus: “Panginoon, patawarin Mo po ako sa aking mga kasalanan. Nais kong magbago. Nais kong magsimulang muli. Nais kong talikuran ang aking dating buhay at sumunod sa Iyo.”

Ang kanyang mga luha ay tila larawan ng pusong tunay na nagsisisi. Ang kanyang pagpapakumbaba ay nagpapakita ng kanyang malalim na pananampalataya sa awa ni Hesus. At ang kanyang pagmamahal ang nagbigay sa kanya ng lakas ng loob na lumapit sa Kanya sa kabila ng maaaring isipin o sabihin ng ibang tao tungkol sa kanya.

At hindi siya itinaboy ni Hesus. Pinatawad siya ni Hesus at binigyan ng biyayang magsimulang muli.

Marahil, ang kuwento ng babaeng ito ay kuwento rin ng ating buhay.

Lahat tayo ay nagkakasala. May mga pagkakataong nabibigo natin ang Diyos, ang ating kapwa, at maging ang ating sarili. Maaaring magkakaiba ang ating mga kahinaan at pagkakamali, ngunit lahat tayo ay may mga sandaling tayo ay nagkukulang at nahuhulog sa kasalanan.

Subalit hindi kailanman dapat maging dahilan ang ating mga kasalanan upang isipin nating hindi na tayo maaabot ng awa ng Diyos.

Walang kasalanang higit na makapangyarihan kaysa sa awa ni Hesus kapag tayo ay tunay na nagsisisi at buong kababaang-loob na nagbabalik sa Kanya. Wala tayong dapat katakutan kapag buong pagpapakumbaba tayong lumalapit sa Kanya, ipinapahayag ang ating mga kasalanan, at humihingi ng Kanyang kapatawaran.

Ayaw ni Hesus na manatili tayong bilanggo ng ating nakaraan. Nais Niya tayong pagalingin, baguhin, at bigyan ng panibagong buhay.

Marahil ay itinatanong natin sa ating sarili: Paano tayo patatawarin ni Hesus sa kabila ng dami ng ating mga kasalanan?

Ipinagkakaloob sa atin ni Hesus ang Kanyang kapatawaran sa isang natatangi at napakagandang paraan sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo o Kumpisal. Sa nakapagpapagaling na sakramentong ito, dinadala natin sa Kanya ang ating mga kasalanan, pagkukulang, pagsisisi, at maging ang mga bagay na nahihiya tayong aminin.

Lumalapit tayo sa Kanya hindi dahil tayo ay perpekto, kundi dahil kinikilala nating kailangan natin ang Kanyang awa.

Kapag buong katapatan nating ibinababa ang ating sarili sa harap ng Diyos at binubuksan ang ating puso sa Kanyang kapatawaran, nararanasan natin ang mapagpalayang biyaya ng Kanyang awa. Para bang may mabigat na pasaning naaalis sa ating mga balikat. Ipinaaalala sa atin ng Diyos na hindi kailangang ang ating nakaraan ang magtakda ng ating kinabukasan.

Sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang awa, maaari tayong bumangon, magbago, at magsimulang muli.

Nais ba nating mamuhay ng panibagong buhay—isang buhay na hindi na alipin ng kasalanan, pagkakasala, at mga bagay na naglalayo sa atin sa Diyos? Kung oo ang ating sagot, huwag tayong matakot na lumapit kay Hesus. Lumuhod tayo sa Kanyang harapan nang may mapagpakumbaba at nagsisising puso. Dalhin natin sa Kanya ang lahat ng mabibigat na pasaning dinadala natin sa ating kaluluwa at hayaan nating pagalingin at baguhin tayo ng Kanyang awa.

Si Jesus ay palaging handang tumanggap at magpatawad sa atin.

Hindi ang tanong kung handa bang patawarin tayo ni Hesus. Ang mas mahalagang tanong ay: Handa ba tayong magpakumbaba, bumalik sa Kanya, at hayaan ang Kanyang awa na tunay na baguhin ang ating buhay?

Handa na ba nating buksan ang ating puso kay Hesus, tanggapin ang Kanyang mapagpagaling na kapatawaran, at buong tapang na magsimulang muli kasama Siya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday September 16 Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs: Luke 7:31-35

Gospel: Luke 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ 

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon. The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.

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Reflection:

Are there people within our sphere of influence whom we find difficult to understand? 

Perhaps we have a friend who seems to have nothing good to say about us. This person is always quick to find fault and judge us, yet deliberately closes their eyes to the good things that we do.

During Jesus’ time, there were also many people who constantly found fault with Jesus and John the Baptist. John was criticized because of his ascetic way of life and because he spent much of his time in the wilderness. He was even labeled as being possessed by the devil. Yet they chose to ignore John’s call to repentance and the renewal of their lives.

They did the same thing to Jesus. They labeled Him as a friend of tax collectors and sinners simply because Jesus would, from time to time, associate with them with the intention of bringing them to conversion. Yet they deliberately closed their eyes to the countless healings and miracles that Jesus performed.

Perhaps we, too, have experienced being misunderstood, judged, or criticized despite our sincere efforts to do what is right. At times, the good that we do may go unnoticed, while our mistakes and shortcomings are quickly remembered. When this happens, let us not allow the opinions of others to discourage us or lead us away from what is good and pleasing to God.

Instead, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and faithfully follow His teachings. Let us continue to do what is right, even when others misunderstand us, criticize us, or fail to appreciate what we do. What matters most is not how people see us, but how faithfully we live in the presence of God.

Let us place our hurt, disappointments, and struggles into the hands of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit give us the grace to remain humble when we are praised, patient when we are criticized, and faithful when we are misunderstood. May we never allow the judgment of others to become louder than the voice of God in our hearts.

For if God is with us, who then can be against us?

When we are misunderstood or criticized for doing what is right, will we allow the opinions of others to weaken our faith—or will we continue to follow Jesus faithfully, trusting that God sees the goodness within our hearts?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Miyerkules Setyembre 16, paggunita San Cornelio papa at San Cipriano Obispo, mga martir: Lucas 7:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:31-35

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng Panginoon, “Sa ano ko nga ihahambing ang mga tao ngayon? At ano ang nakakatulad nila? Katulad sila ng mga batang nakaupo sa plasa at sumisigaw sa kanilang mga kalaro: ‘Tinugtugan namin kayo ng plauta, ngunit hindi kayo sumayaw! Nanambitan kami, ngunit hindi kayo tumangis! 

Sapagkat naparito si Juan Bautista na nag-aayuno at hindi umiinom ng alak, at sinasabi ninyo, ‘Inaalihan siya ng demonyo.’ Naparito naman ang Anak ng Tao, na kumakain at umiinom tulad ng iba, at sinasabi ninyo, ‘Masdan ninyo ang taong ito! 

Matakaw at maglalasing, kaibigan ng mga publikano at ng mga makasalanan!’ Gayunman, ang karunungan ng Diyos ay napatutunayang matuwid sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga anak.”

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Repleksyon:

May mga tao ba sa ating paligid na nahihirapan tayong unawain?

Marahil ay mayroon tayong kaibigan na tila walang magandang masabi tungkol sa atin. Mabilis siyang makakita ng ating pagkakamali at humusga sa atin, ngunit tila ipinipikit naman niya ang kanyang mga mata sa mga kabutihang ginagawa natin.

Noong panahon ni Jesus, marami rin ang patuloy na naghahanap ng kapintasan kay Jesus at kay Juan Bautista. Pinuna si Juan dahil sa kanyang payak at mahigpit na pamumuhay at dahil ginugol niya ang malaking bahagi ng kanyang buhay sa ilang. Tinawag pa nga siyang sinasapian ng demonyo. Ngunit pinili nilang ipagsawalang-bahala ang panawagan ni Juan sa pagsisisi at pagbabago ng kanilang buhay.

Ganoon din ang ginawa nila kay Jesus. Tinawag nila Siyang kaibigan ng mga maniningil ng buwis at mga makasalanan dahil nakikisalamuha Siya sa kanila paminsan-minsan upang sila ay akayin tungo sa pagbabagong-buhay. Ngunit sadyang ipinikit din nila ang kanilang mga mata sa napakaraming pagpapagaling at himalang ginawa ni Jesus.

Marahil, tayo rin ay nakaranas nang hindi maunawaan, mahusgahan, o mapintasan sa kabila ng ating pagsisikap na gawin ang tama. Kung minsan, hindi napapansin ang kabutihang ginagawa natin, ngunit mabilis namang naaalala ng iba ang ating mga pagkakamali at pagkukulang. Kapag nangyayari ito, huwag nating hayaang panghinaan tayo ng loob o malayo sa paggawa ng mabuti at kalugud-lugod sa Diyos.

Sa halip, ituon natin ang ating mga mata kay Jesus at buong katapatang sundin ang Kanyang mga aral. Patuloy nating gawin ang tama kahit hindi tayo nauunawaan, pinupuna, o hindi pinahahalagahan ng iba. Sapagkat higit na mahalaga hindi kung paano tayo nakikita ng mga tao, kundi kung paano tayo namumuhay sa harapan ng Diyos.

Ilagak natin sa mga kamay ng Panginoon ang ating mga hinanakit, kabiguan, at mga pagsubok. Nawa’y pagkalooban tayo ng Espiritu Santo ng biyayang manatiling mapagpakumbaba kapag tayo ay pinupuri, matiisin kapag tayo ay pinupuna, at matatag kapag tayo ay hindi nauunawaan. Huwag nating hayaang maging mas malakas ang mga paghuhusga ng ibang tao kaysa sa tinig ng Diyos na nagsasalita sa ating puso.

Sapagkat kung ang Diyos ay sumasaatin, sino ang magiging laban sa atin?

Kapag tayo ay hindi nauunawaan o pinupuna dahil ginagawa natin ang tama, hahayaan ba nating pahinain ng mga salita ng iba ang ating pananampalataya, o mananatili tayong tapat kay Jesus, nagtitiwala na nakikita ng Diyos ang kabutihan at katapatan ng ating puso?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Tuesday September 15 Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows: John 19:25-27

Gospel: John 19:25-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”

Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

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Reflection:

How does it feel to see a son dying on the cross?

It must have been heart-wrenching for Mary to see her beloved Son, Jesus, dying on the cross. It must have been doubly heart-wrenching for her to hear Jesus entrusting her to the care of His beloved disciple, John.

Separation, especially the kind of separation experienced by Jesus and His mother Mary, is always painful and sorrowful. But such is life. All of us have to go through moments of pain, sorrow, and separation. No one is exempt from this reality. Whether we are rich or poor, we will all experience the pain of being separated from our loved ones.

In the midst of her sorrowful separation from her dying Son, Mary was entrusted by Jesus to the care of His beloved disciple, John. In this Gospel episode, we see the great love of Jesus for His mother. Even as He was suffering on the cross, Jesus continued to think of her and make sure that she would be cared for.

We also see the deep and enduring love of Mary for her Son, Jesus. She did not turn away from Him in His darkest hour. She remained there, faithfully standing beside Him until His final breath on the cross. Her presence speaks of a love that does not run away when suffering comes—a love that remains even when there seems to be nothing left to do but pray, endure, and stay.

Mary's sorrow reminds us that loving someone deeply also means being willing to share in their suffering. There are moments in our own lives when we may have to stand beside someone who is hurting, grieving, sick, struggling, or slowly losing hope. At such moments, our presence, our prayers, our patience, and our love can become a quiet way of carrying God's presence to them.

This Gospel also invites us to look deeply into our own relationships. How are we as sons and daughters to our mothers? Do we make them feel our love and gratitude while we still have the opportunity to do so? And for those of us who are parents, how are we loving, guiding, and caring for our children? Are we present not only during their moments of joy and success but also during their trials and failures?

Let us learn from Jesus and Mary. Let us not take our loved ones for granted. While we still have them with us, let us express our love, ask for forgiveness, offer forgiveness, and make time for them. We may not always be able to remove their pain, but we can choose to remain beside them, just as Mary remained beside Jesus.

One day, we may no longer have the opportunity to say what our hearts have long wanted to say. One day, the hands we hold today may no longer be there for us to hold. Let us therefore love while we still can, forgive while we still can, and be present while we still have the gift of time.

As we look at Mary faithfully standing beside Jesus at the foot of the cross, are we willing to remain beside our loved ones in their darkest moments—and while we still have the gift of their presence, will we make sure that they truly know how much we love them?—Marino J. Dasmarinas