Reflection for Wednesday July 22 Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene: John 20:1-2, 11-18

Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 

When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.

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Reflection:

Do we agree that we are all sinners?

All of us are like Saint Mary Magdalene, for, like her, we too are sinners in need of God's mercy. Yet our sins do not define us, nor do they place us beyond the reach of God's love. Instead, Jesus continually calls each one of us to conversion, inviting us to leave behind our old ways and to follow Him faithfully for the rest of our lives.

Unlike Saint Mary Magdalene, who responded wholeheartedly to Jesus' call to repent, we oftentimes struggle to do the same. We allow ourselves to be drawn by the deceptive promises and sinful ways of this world instead of surrendering to the loving will of Christ. We chase after things that promise happiness but leave our hearts empty, restless, and longing for something more.

What do we truly gain when we follow the sinful dictates of this world? Nothing but emptiness, disappointment, and separation from God. Have our desires for worldly pleasures ever given us lasting peace or genuine contentment? The world may satisfy us for a moment, but it can never fill the deepest hunger of our souls. Only Jesus can give us the peace, joy, and fulfillment that endure.

But what if, like Saint Mary Magdalene, we humbly respond to Jesus' call and faithfully follow Him each day? What if we refuse to give up seeking the risen Lord, trusting that He will reveal Himself to those who earnestly search for Him? Then, even amid life's trials and uncertainties, we will begin to experience a foretaste of heaven. We will discover the peace that calms every fear, the joy that no sorrow can steal, and the contentment that only Christ can give.

Like Saint Mary Magdalene, let us never grow weary of seeking the Lord. He is never far from those who sincerely search for Him with humble and trusting hearts. No matter how far we may have wandered or how burdened we may be by our sins, His mercy remains greater than our failures, and His invitation to return is always filled with love and hope. 

Today, Jesus calls each of us by name, just as He called Mary Magdalene. The question is not whether He is calling, but whether we are willing to listen and respond. 

Will we continue chasing the empty promises of this world, or will we surrender our hearts completely to Christ, seek Him with perseverance, and allow His transforming love to lead us into the fullness of life He has prepared for us?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Miyerkules Hulyo 22 Kapistahan ni Santa Maria Magdalena: Juan 20:1-2, 11-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:1-2, 11-18

Madilim-dilim pa nang araw ng Linggo, naparoon na si Maria Magdalena sa libingan. Naratnan niyang naalis na ang batong panakip sa pinto ng libingan. Dahil dito, patakbo siyang pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na mahal ni Hesus, at sinabi sa kanila, “Kinuha sa libingan ang Panginoon at hindi namin alam kung saan dinala!”  

Si Maria’y nakatayong umiiyak sa labas ng libingan; yumuko siya at tumingin sa loob. May nakita siyang dalawang anghel na nakaupo sa pinaglagyan ng bangkay ni Hesus, ang isa’y sa gawing ulunan at ang isa nama’y sa paanan. Tinanong nila si Maria, “Ale, bakit kayo umiiyak?”  

Sumagot siya, “Kinuha po nila ang aking Panginoon, at hindi ko alam kung saan nila dinala.” Lumingon siya pagkasabi nito, at nakita niya si Hesus na nakatayo roon, ngunit hindi niya nakilalang si Hesus iyon. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, “Bakit ka umiiyak? Sino ang hinahanap mo?”  

Akala ni Maria’y siya ang tagapag-alaga ng halamanan, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Ginoo, kung kayo po ang kumuha sa kanya, ituro ninyo sa akin kung saan ninyo dinala at kukunin ko.” “Maria!” ani Hesus. Humarap siya at kanyang sinabi, “Raboni!” — ibig sabihi’y “Guro.” “Huwag mo akong hawakan, sapagkat hindi pa ako nakapupunta sa Ama,” wika ni Hesus.  

“Sa halip, pumunta ka sa king mga kapatid at sabihin mong aakyat ako sa aking Ama at inyong Ama, sa aking Diyos at inyong Diyos.” Kaya’t si Maria Magdalena’y pumunta sa mga alagad at sinabi, “Nakita ko ang Panginoon!” At tuloy sinabi sa kanila ang bilin ni Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay umaamin na tayong lahat ay makasalanan?

Lahat tayo ay maihahambing kay Santa Maria Magdalena sapagkat tulad niya, tayong lahat ay mga makasalanang lubhang nangangailangan ng awa at habag ng Diyos. Ngunit ang ating mga kasalanan ay hindi ang siyang nagbibigay ng tunay nating pagkakakilanlan, ni hindi tayo inilalayo ng mga ito sa Kanyang pag-ibig. Sa halip, patuloy tayong tinatawag ni Jesus sa pagbabalik-loob at inaanyayahang sumunod sa Kanya nang buong puso sa buong buhay natin.

Hindi tulad ni Santa Maria Magdalena na buong kababaang-loob at buong pusong tumugon sa panawagan ni Jesus na magsisi, madalas tayong nag-aatubili. Hinahayaan nating maakit tayo ng mapanlinlang na mga pangako at makasalanang pamantayan ng mundong ito sa halip na sundin ang mapagmahal na kalooban ni Hesus para sa atin. Hinahabol natin ang mga bagay na inaakala nating magbibigay ng kaligayahan, ngunit sa bandang huli ay nag-iiwan lamang ng kawalan at pagkabalisa.

Ano nga ba ang tunay nating napapala kapag pinili nating sundin ang mga makamundong pagnanasa at makasalanang landas? Wala kundi kahungkagan, pagkadismaya, at unti-unting paglayo sa Diyos. Nagbigay na ba kailanman ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan at tunay na kasiyahan ang mga bagay na iniaalok ng mundong ito?

Maaaring magbigay ang mundo ng panandaliang ligaya, ngunit hindi nito kailanman mapupunan ang pinakamalalim na pagkauhaw ng ating kaluluwa. Si Jesus lamang ang makapagbibigay ng kapayapaan, kagalakan, at kaganapang hindi kailanman mawawala.

Ngunit paano kung, tulad ni Santa Maria Magdalena, buong kababaang-loob nating tugunin ang panawagan ni Jesus at tapat Siyang sundan araw-araw? Paano kung hindi tayo mapagod sa paghahanap sa muling nabuhay na Panginoon, nagtitiwalang ihahayag Niya ang Kanyang sarili sa mga taos-pusong naghahanap sa Kanya?

Tiyak na kahit sa gitna ng mga pagsubok at paghihirap ng buhay, mararanasan na natin ang isang sulyap ng langit habang narito pa tayo sa lupa. Matatagpuan natin ang kapayapaang pumapawi sa ating mga pangamba, ang kagalakang hindi kayang nakawin ng anumang kalungkutan, at ang kasiyahang si Cristo lamang ang makapagkakaloob.

Kaya't tulad ni Santa Maria Magdalena, huwag sana tayong magsawang hanapin ang Panginoon. Hindi Siya kailanman nagkukubli sa mga pusong mapagpakumbaba at taos-pusong naghahanap sa Kanya.

Gaano man tayo kalayo sa Kanya o kabigat ang ating mga kasalanan, higit na dakila ang Kanyang awa kaysa sa ating mga pagkukulang. Ang Kanyang paanyaya na magbalik-loob ay nananatiling bukas at puno ng pag-ibig, pagpapatawad, at pag-asa.

Sa araw na ito, tinatawag tayo ni Jesus sa ating pangalan, tulad ng pagtawag Niya kay Santa Maria Magdalena. Ang tanong ay hindi kung tinatawag ba Niya tayo, sapagkat patuloy Niya tayong tinatawag. Ang tunay na tanong ay: Handa ba tayong makinig at tumugon sa Kanyang tinig?

Patuloy ba nating hahabulin ang mga panandalian at mapanlinlang na pangako ng mundong ito, o pipiliin nating ialay ang ating buong puso kay Cristo, hanapin Siya nang may pagtitiyaga, at hayaang baguhin tayo ng Kanyang pag-ibig upang maranasan natin ang ganap na buhay na inihanda Niya para sa ating lahat?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 21 Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:46-50

Gospel: Matthew 12:46-50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him. Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” 

But he said in reply to the one who told him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

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Reflection:

Are we members of a church ministry, or have we been part of one? Many of us have experienced the joy of serving in ministries where we address one another as brothers and sisters, recognizing that we belong to God's family through Jesus Christ.

We serve not merely to fulfill responsibilities but to help advance Christ's mission and proclaim His teachings. This is a beautiful calling and a wonderful privilege.

Yet, helping Jesus carry out His mission is not reserved only for those who belong to church ministries. Every one of us is invited to participate in His work, regardless of our role or affiliation.

We can become His witnesses in simple but meaningful ways—by sharing His love, living His Gospel within our families, extending kindness in our workplaces and communities, and reflecting His presence wherever God has placed us. No act of love done for Christ is ever too small in His eyes.

Jesus reminds us that we become members of His family when we hear the Word of God and put it into practice. We become His brothers and sisters not merely by what we call ourselves but by how we live.

Whenever we choose to follow His example and share in His mission, we reveal that we truly belong to Him. We also show our love for Him when we are not ashamed to live out His teachings, especially His call to love, forgiveness, humility, compassion, and selfless service.

Our faith is not measured by the ministry we belong to or the titles we hold, but by the way Christ is seen in our daily lives. Do we love those who do not love us? Do we forgive those who never ask for our forgiveness? Do we choose humility over pride, kindness over resentment, and service over recognition? Do our words and actions help others encounter Jesus?

May we never forget that the greatest privilege is not simply being known as members of a church ministry but being recognized by Jesus as members of His own family because we faithfully do the will of the Father.

As we go about our daily lives, may we continually ask ourselves: If Jesus were to look at our hearts today, would He recognize His own life reflected in us, and would others see enough of Him in us to be drawn closer to Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 21 Martes ng Ika-16 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:46-50

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:46-50

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang nagsasalita pa si Hesus, dumating ang kanyang ina at mga kapatid. Naghihintay sila sa labas at ibig siyang makausap. May nagsabi sa kanya, “Nasa labas po ang inyong ina at mga kapatid, at ibig kayong makausap.” 

Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, “Sino ang aking ina, at sinu-sino ang aking mga kapatid? Itinuro niya ang kanyang mga alagad at sinabi, “Ito ang aking ina at mga kapatid! Sapagkat ang sinumang sumusunod sa kalooban ng aking Amang nasa langit ang siya kong ina at mga kapatid.”

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Repleksyon:

Kabilang ba tayo sa isang ministri sa Simbahan, o naging bahagi na ba tayo nito?

Marami sa atin ang nakaranas ng kagalakan ng paglilingkod sa isang ministri, kung saan ang bawat isa ay tinatawag na brother o sister sapagkat kinikilala nating iisa ang ating Ama at iisa ang ating Panginoon—si Hesus.

Naglilingkod tayo hindi lamang upang gampanan ang isang tungkulin, kundi upang makibahagi sa misyon ni Hesus at maipahayag ang Kanyang mga turo. Isang dakilang biyaya at pribilehiyo ang matawag sa Kanyang paglilingkod.

Ngunit ang pakikibahagi sa misyon ni Jesus ay hindi lamang para sa mga kabilang sa isang ministri. Inaanyayahan Niya ang bawat isa sa atin na maging kabahagi ng Kanyang gawain saanman Niya tayo inilagay. Maipapakita natin ang Kanyang pag-ibig sa ating tahanan, sa ating trabaho, sa ating paaralan, sa ating pamayanan, at maging sa ating pang-araw-araw na pakikitungo sa kapwa.

Sa bawat kabutihang ginagawa natin para sa Diyos at sa kapwa, gaano man ito kaliit sa paningin ng mundo, nagiging instrumento tayo ng Kanyang pagmamahal. Walang tapat na paglilingkod na nagmumula sa pag-ibig ang hindi pinahahalagahan ng Panginoon.

Ipinaaalala sa atin ni Hesus na ang tunay Niyang pamilya ay binubuo ng mga nakikinig sa Salita ng Diyos at isinasabuhay ito. Nagiging tunay tayong mga kapatid ni Hesus hindi lamang dahil sa ating sinasabi o kinabibilangang ministri, kundi dahil nakikita sa ating buhay ang Kanyang halimbawa.

Sa tuwing pinipili nating sundin ang Kanyang mga yapak at makibahagi sa Kanyang misyon, ipinakikita nating tunay tayong kabilang sa Kanyang pamilya. Higit sa lahat, ipinahahayag natin ang ating pagmamahal sa Kanya kapag hindi tayo nahihiyang isabuhay ang Kanyang mga turo—ang magmahal, magpatawad, magpakumbaba, maging mahabagin, at maglingkod nang walang hinihintay na kapalit.

Ang ating pananampalataya ay hindi nasusukat sa ministri na ating kinabibilangan o sa anumang tungkuling ating ginagampanan. Higit sa lahat, nasusukat ito sa kung gaano nakikita si Hesus sa ating puso, sa ating mga salita, at sa ating mga gawa. Minamahal ba natin maging ang mga hindi nagmamahal sa atin?

Pinatatawad ba natin ang mga hindi humihingi ng ating kapatawaran? Pinipili ba natin ang pagpapakumbaba kaysa pagmamataas, ang kabutihan kaysa sama ng loob, at ang paglilingkod kaysa paghahangad ng pagkilala? Nakikita ba ng ating kapwa si Jesus sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay?

Nawa'y hindi natin malimutan na ang pinakadakilang karangalan ay hindi lamang ang maging kasapi ng isang ministri sa simbahan, kundi ang makilala tayo ni Hesus bilang tunay na kabilang sa Kanyang pamilya dahil ginagawa natin ang kalooban ng Ama.

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating paglalakbay sa buhay, itanong natin sa ating mga sarili: Kung titingnan ni Jesus ang ating puso sa araw na ito, makikita kaya Niya ang Kanyang sariling buhay na namumuhay sa atin? At sa ating pamumuhay, naaakay ba natin ang iba na higit Siyang makilala, mahalin, at sundan?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 20 Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 

Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.  

At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. 

At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who was fond of asking God for signs. Instead of God responding to his requests, however, it was the devil who answered his call for a sign. This gradually became the man's habit: he would continually ask for signs, and without realizing it, the devil would gladly grant his requests. Eventually, the man became a slave of the devil.

Whether this story is factual or simply a cautionary tale, it reminds us to be discerning in our spiritual lives. We need to be careful when asking for signs because not every extraordinary experience comes from God.

Scripture reminds us that the evil one can deceive and even imitate what appears to be good in order to lead people away from the Lord. The devil seeks to entice us through counterfeit signs and false wonders, hoping that we will place our trust in spectacular experiences rather than in God Himself.

Instead of asking Jesus for signs, why don't we ask Him to increase our faith? Why don't we faithfully participate in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Mass), where Christ truly nourishes us with His Body and Blood? Why don't we humbly receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as we reasonably can, allowing His mercy to heal and renew our hearts?

Why don't we spend time reflecting on the words of Jesus in the Bible? Why don't we strive each day to do good and sincerely seek the good of our neighbors? Why don't we cultivate a life of prayer, trusting that even in silence God is at work within us?

As we practice these things, our faith grows stronger. The more we come to know and love the Lord, the less we feel the need to seek extraordinary signs, because we learn to recognize His quiet but faithful presence in the ordinary moments of our lives.

God has already given us the greatest sign of His love: His Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation. He continues to reveal Himself to us through His Word, the sacraments, the Church, and the countless ways His grace touches our daily lives. The challenge is often not that God has failed to give us signs, but that we have failed to recognize them through the eyes of faith.

Are we too eager to seek visible signs while overlooking the many ways God is already speaking to us? Today, may we ask not for extraordinary proofs but for hearts that trust, eyes that see His quiet presence, and a faith that remains steadfast even when no sign is given.

Will we keep asking God to prove that He is with us, or will we choose to believe that His love, revealed in Christ and experienced every day through His grace, is already the greatest sign we will ever need?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 20 Lunes ng Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng ilang eskriba at Pariseo kay Hesus, “Guro, maaari po bang pagpakitaan ninyo kami ng tanda mula sa langit?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Lahing masama at di-tapat sa Diyos! Naghahanap kayo ng tanda ngunit walang ipakikita sa inyo maliban sa palatandaaang inilalarawan ng nangyari kay Propeta Jonas. 

Kung paanong si Jonas ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing nasa tiyan ng dambuhalang isda, gayun din ang Anak ng Tao ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing sasailalim ng lupa. Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom, titindig ang mga taga-Ninive laban sa lahing ito at ito’y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nagsisi sila dahil sa pangangaral ni Jonas; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay Jonas ang naririto! 

Sa araw na yaon, titindig ang Reyna ng Timog laban sa lahing ito at ito’y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nanggaling siya sa dulo ng daigdig upang pakinggan ang karunungan ni Solomon; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay solomon ang naririto!”

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking mahilig humingi ng mga tanda sa Diyos. Ngunit sa halip na ang Diyos ang tumugon sa kanyang mga kahilingan, ang dimonyo ang sumasagot sa bawat paghiling niya ng tanda.

Kalaunan, naging ugali na niya ito. Paulit-ulit siyang humihingi ng mga tanda, at hindi niya namamalayan na ang dimonyo ang palaging nagbibigay ng kanyang hinihingi. Sa bandang huli, siya ay naging alipin ng dimonyo.

Totoo man o hindi ang kuwentong ito, nagsisilbi itong paalala sa ating lahat na maging mapanuri sa ating buhay espirituwal. Kailangan nating mag-ingat sa paghiling ng mga tanda, sapagkat hindi lahat ng pambihirang karanasan ay nagmumula sa Diyos.

Itinuturo sa atin ng Banal na Kasulatan na kaya ring gayahin ng masama ang anyo ng kabutihan upang iligaw ang mga tao. Gumagamit siya ng mga huwad na tanda at mapanlinlang na mga himala upang mailayo tayo sa Diyos at mailagay ang ating tiwala sa mga pambihirang pangyayari sa halip na sa Panginoon mismo.

Sa halip na humingi tayo ng mga tanda kay Jesus, bakit hindi na lamang natin hilingin na dagdagan Niya ang ating pananampalataya? Bakit hindi tayo maging tapat sa pakikibahagi sa pagdiriwang ng Banal na Eukaristiya o Banal na Misa, kung saan tunay nating tinatanggap ang Kanyang Katawan at Dugo bilang pagkain ng ating kaluluwa?

Bakit hindi tayo lumapit nang may kababaang-loob sa Sakramento ng Kumpisal nang madalas hangga't maaari upang maranasan ang Kanyang awa, kapatawaran, at pagpapagaling?

Bakit hindi tayo maglaan ng panahon upang pagnilayan ang mga salita ni Jesus sa Banal na Kasulatan? Bakit hindi tayo magsikap na gumawa ng mabuti at hangarin ang kabutihan ng ating kapwa? Bakit hindi natin gawing bahagi ng ating araw-araw na buhay ang taimtim na pananalangin, na nagtitiwalang kumikilos ang Diyos kahit sa mga sandaling tila Siya ay tahimik?

Habang isinasabuhay natin ang mga ito, lalong tumitibay ang ating pananampalataya. At habang lalo nating nakikilala at minamahal ang Panginoon, unti-unti nating nauunawaan na hindi na natin kailangang humingi pa ng mga pambihirang tanda, sapagkat natututuhan nating makita ang Kanyang tapat na presensya sa mga karaniwang pangyayari sa ating buhay.

Naibigay na ng Diyos ang pinakadakilang tanda ng Kanyang pag-ibig—ang Kanyang Bugtong na Anak na si Hesus, na namatay at muling nabuhay para sa ating kaligtasan. Patuloy Niya tayong kinakausap sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang Salita, ng mga Sakramento, ng Simbahan, at ng napakaraming biyayang ating tinatanggap sa bawat araw.

Marahil, ang tunay na suliranin ay hindi dahil kulang ang mga tandang ibinibigay ng Diyos, kundi dahil kulang ang ating pananampalatayang kumilala sa mga ito.

Tayo ba ay patuloy na naghahanap ng mga pambihirang tanda habang hindi natin napapansin ang napakaraming paraan ng Diyos sa pagpapahayag ng Kanyang pagmamahal at presensya sa ating buhay? 

Ngayon, hilingin natin sa Panginoon hindi ang mga tanda, kundi ang pusong marunong magtiwala, mga matang nakakakita sa Kanyang pagkilos kahit sa katahimikan, at pananampalatayang nananatiling matatag kahit walang nakikitang himala.

Sapagkat kung tunay tayong nananalig kay Hesus, kailangan pa ba nating humingi ng ibang tanda, gayong Siya na mismo ang pinakadakilang tanda ng pag-ibig ng Diyos para sa ating lahat? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 19 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:24-30

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.  

When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’  

He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

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Reflection:

Do we fear the judgment of God?

God’s judgment is something we all naturally fear. Perhaps the reason is that deep within our hearts, we know that we are not yet fully prepared to stand before Him. The thought of giving an account of our lives reminds us of our weaknesses, our failures, and the many times we have fallen short of His will.

There are times, however, when God’s day of judgment may come upon us when we least expect it. When that moment arrives, we can no longer change the choices we have made. We will simply have to accept His just and righteous judgment, whether we are ready or not. If we were to be barred from entering heaven, there would be nothing we could do to alter His decision, no matter how much we wished otherwise.

If God were to judge us worthy of hell, it would mean that the life we lived was not pleasing in His eyes. It would reveal that we allowed sin to rule our hearts instead of letting His grace transform us.

Perhaps there were many moments when He gently called us back through His Word, the Church, the Sacraments, our loved ones, or even the quiet prompting of our conscience. Yet, despite His loving invitations, we chose to ignore His call to repentance and continued to walk our own way.

Yet our Gospel today fills our hearts with hope. Before God's judgment comes upon us, He lovingly gives us countless opportunities to return to Him. His desire is not to condemn us but to save us. Time and again, He patiently invites us to renew our lives, to turn away from sin, and to experience the joy of His mercy.

Let us never take this precious gift for granted. Instead, let us respond with humble and sincere hearts by confessing our sins, seeking His forgiveness, and striving each day to live according to His will.

The Good Lord does not immediately judge us for our sins, no matter how far we may have wandered. He sees beyond our failures and looks into the goodness He Himself planted within us. He knows that, by His grace, we are capable of repentance, conversion, and a new beginning.

Truly, our God is patient, merciful, and abounding in steadfast love. He is a God of forgiveness, hope, and second chances. He waits for us with the loving heart of a Father, longing for the day we finally return to Him.

But God's patience should never lead us to complacency. Every invitation He gives us is an expression of His love, and every passing day is another opportunity to choose Him. None of us knows when our earthly journey will end or when we will stand before His judgment seat.

Today, while the door of mercy remains open, will we continue to delay our conversion, or will we finally open our hearts to His loving call? When we one day stand before the Lord, will He find us clinging to our sins—or faithfully walking the path of repentance, trusting completely in His boundless mercy?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 19 Ika-16 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:24-30

Noong panahong iyon, inilahad ni Hesus ang talinghagang ito sa mga tao, “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang taong naghasik ng mabuting binhi sa kanyang bukid. Isang gabi, samantalang natutulog ang mga tao, dumating ang kanyang kaaway at naghasik ng masasamang damo sa triguhan. 

Nang tumubo ang trigo at magkauhay, lumitaw rin ang masasamang damo. Kaya’t lumapit ang mga alipin sa puno ng sambahayan at sinabi rito, ‘Hindi po ba mabuting binhi ang inihasik ninyo sa inyong bukid? Bakit po may damo ngayon?’ Sumagot siya, ‘Isang kaaway ang may kagagawan nito.’ 

Tinanong siya ng mga utusan, ‘Bubunutin po ba namin ang mga iyon?’ ‘Huwag,’ sagot niya. ‘Baka mabunot pati trigo. Hayaan na ninyong lumago kapwa hanggang sa anihan. Pag-aani’y sasabihin ko sa mga tagapag-ani: Tipunin muna ninyo ang mga damo at inyong pagbigkis-bigkisin upang sunugin, at ang trigo’y inyong tipunin sa aking kamalig.’”

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Repleksyon:

Natatakot ba tayo sa paghuhukom ng Diyos?

Likas sa ating lahat ang matakot sa paghuhukom ng Diyos. Marahil ay dahil alam natin sa kaibuturan ng ating mga puso na hindi pa tayo lubos na handang humarap sa Kanya. Ang isipin pa lamang na pananagutin tayo sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay ay nagpapaalala sa atin ng ating mga kahinaan, pagkukulang, at ng maraming pagkakataong hindi natin nagawa ang kalooban ng Diyos.

May mga pagkakataon, gayunman, na ang araw ng paghuhukom ng Diyos ay maaaring dumating sa atin nang hindi natin inaasahan. Kapag dumating ang sandaling iyon, wala na tayong magagawa upang baguhin ang mga pasyang ating ginawa.

Tanggapin na lamang natin ang Kanyang makatarungan at banal na paghuhukom, handa man tayo o hindi. Kung sakaling hindi tayo pahintulutang makapasok sa langit, wala na tayong magagawa upang mabago ang Kanyang pasya, gaano man natin naisin.

Kung hahatulan man tayo ng Diyos na mapunta sa impiyerno, nangangahulugan lamang ito na ang ating naging pamumuhay ay hindi naging kalugud-lugod sa Kanyang paningin. Ipinapakita nito na hinayaan nating manaig ang kasalanan sa ating mga puso sa halip na hayaang baguhin tayo ng Kanyang biyaya.

Marahil ay maraming pagkakataon na marahan Niya tayong tinawag pabalik sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang Salita, ng Simbahan, ng mga Sakramento, ng ating mga mahal sa buhay, o maging ng tahimik na tinig ng ating budhi. Ngunit sa kabila ng Kanyang mapagmahal na paanyaya, pinili pa rin nating balewalain ang Kanyang panawagan tungo sa pagsisisi at ipinagpatuloy ang ating sariling landas.

Subalit ang ating Ebanghelyo ngayon ay puno ng pag-asa. Bago dumating ang Kanyang paghuhukom, paulit-ulit muna tayong binibigyan ng Diyos ng pagkakataong magbalik-loob. Hindi Niya ninanais na tayo ay mapahamak, kundi tayo ay maligtas. Sa Kanyang walang hanggang pag-ibig, matiyaga Niya tayong inaanyayahan na talikuran ang kasalanan, magbagong-buhay, at maranasan ang kagalakan ng Kanyang awa.

Huwag nating sayangin ang napakahalagang handog na ito. Sa halip, buong kababaang-loob tayong lumapit sa Kanya, aminin ang ating mga kasalanan, hingin ang Kanyang kapatawaran, at sikaping mamuhay araw-araw ayon sa Kanyang banal na kalooban.

Hindi agad tayo hinahatulan ng Panginoon dahil sa ating mga pagkakasala, gaano man tayo kalayo sa Kanya. Nakikita Niya hindi lamang ang ating mga pagkukulang kundi pati ang kabutihang itinanim Niya sa ating puso. Alam Niyang sa tulong ng Kanyang biyaya ay kaya nating magsisi, magbagong-buhay, at magsimulang muli.

Tunay ngang ang ating Diyos ay mapagtiis, maawain, at puspos ng wagas na pag-ibig. Siya ay Diyos ng kapatawaran, pag-asa, at ikalawang pagkakataon. Tulad ng isang mapagmahal na Ama, matiyaga Niya tayong hinihintay na magbalik sa Kanya.

Ngunit hindi natin dapat ipagwalang-bahala ang Kanyang pagtitiyaga. Ang bawat paanyayang ibinibigay Niya ay tanda ng Kanyang pagmamahal, at ang bawat bagong araw ay isang pagkakataong piliin Siya. Walang sinuman sa atin ang nakaaalam kung kailan magtatapos ang ating paglalakbay sa mundong ito at kung kailan tayo haharap sa Kanyang paghuhukom.

Habang bukas pa ang pintuan ng Kanyang awa, patuloy pa rin ba nating ipagpapaliban ang ating pagbabalik-loob? O ngayon na ba ang sandaling bubuksan natin ang ating mga puso sa Kanyang mapagmahal na panawagan?

Sa oras na tayo ay tumayo sa harapan ng Panginoon, matagpuan kaya Niya tayong nakakapit pa rin sa ating mga kasalanan, o masumpungan Niya tayong buong kababaang-loob na nagsisisi, nagtitiwala sa Kanyang walang hanggang awa, at araw-araw na nagsisikap mamuhay bilang Kanyang tapat na mga anak? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 18 Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:14-21

Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 

Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

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Reflection:

Are we peace-loving people? Or are we lovers of conflict and chaos?

If we truly follow Jesus, we are called to be peace-loving, for He Himself is the Prince of Peace. Throughout His earthly life, Jesus chose the path of peace over violence.

He abhorred every form of violence because He knew that no one truly wins through it. Violence may appear to bring victory for a moment, but it ultimately leaves wounds, broken relationships, and hardened hearts.

When the Pharisees were looking for Jesus to arrest Him and put Him to death, He peacefully withdrew from their sight. It was not because He was afraid of them, but because He was a man of peace and because it was not yet the appointed time for Him to face His suffering. Jesus never allowed anger, hatred, or the desire for revenge to dictate His actions. Instead, He entrusted Himself completely to the Father's will and waited patiently for God's perfect timing.

Withdrawing from conflict is not always a sign of cowardice; often, it is a sign of wisdom, humility, and courage. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to walk away from an argument or a confrontation because we know that we have a higher calling than proving ourselves right or satisfying our pride. As followers of Christ, we are called not merely to avoid conflict but to become instruments of God's peace wherever we are.

What happens when we respond to violence with violence or anger with anger? We all become losers because no one truly wins through hatred or revenge. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." 

When we repay evil with evil, we only allow darkness to spread. But when we answer hostility with patience, forgiveness, and love, we allow the light of Christ to shine through us.

Whenever we encounter people who provoke us to anger, let us choose the higher road instead of stooping to their level. Rather than responding with harsh words, let us answer with gentleness.

Rather than seeking revenge, let us extend mercy. Rather than insisting on having the last word, let us humbly walk away when peace is better served by silence. In doing so, we not only spare ourselves from unnecessary trouble but also become living witnesses to the peace that Christ has planted within our hearts.

May we always remember that true strength is not found in overpowering others but in allowing the love of Christ to overcome our anger, pride, and desire to retaliate. 

Every day, God gives us opportunities to choose peace over conflict, forgiveness over revenge, and love over hatred. These choices may not always be easy, but they are the marks of those who truly belong to Christ.

Today, let us ask ourselves: When we are misunderstood, insulted, or provoked, will others see our wounded pride—or will they encounter the peace of Christ living within us? Will we choose to win an argument, or will we choose to win hearts for God by becoming instruments of His peace?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 18 Sabado ng Ika-15 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:14-21

Noong panahong iyon, umalis ang mga Pariseo at nag-usap-usap kung paano ipapapatay si Jesus. Alam ito ni Jesus kaya't umalis siya roon. Maraming sumunod sa kanya at pinagaling niya ang lahat ng maysakit, ngunit mahigpit nilang ipinagbilin sa kanila na huwag ipamamalita ang tungkol sa kanya. 

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ni propeta Isaias: "Narito ang lingkod ko na ako rin ang humirang, minamahal ko nang labis, lubos kong kinalulugdan; ang banal kong Espiritu sa kanya ay ibibigay, sa lahat ng mga bansa ibabadha'y katarungan. 

Hindi siya makikipagtalo, mahinahon kung mangusap, ang tinig niya sa lansanga'y tinig lamang na paanas; Hindi niya puputulin yaong tambong nakahapay, ni hindi rin papatayin ang umaandap na ilawan, hanggang itong katarunga'y mapagtagumpay niyang ganap; At ang pag-asa ng tao sa kanya ay ilalagak."

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay mga taong mapagmahal sa kapayapaan? O mas pinipili ba natin ang alitan at kaguluhan?

Kung tunay nating sinusunod si Jesus, tinatawag Niya tayong maging mga taong nagmamahal sa kapayapaan, sapagkat Siya mismo ang Prinsipe ng Kapayapaan. Sa buong buhay Niya sa lupa, pinili Niya ang landas ng kapayapaan kaysa karahasan.

Kinamuhian Niya ang anumang uri ng karahasan sapagkat alam Niyang walang sinumang tunay na nagwawagi rito. Maaaring magmukhang tagumpay ang karahasan sa simula, ngunit sa huli ay nag-iiwan lamang ito ng sugatang damdamin, wasak na ugnayan, at pusong nagiging manhid sa pag-ibig.

Nang hinahanap ng mga Pariseo si Jesus upang Siya ay dakpin at ipapatay, mapayapa Siyang lumayo sa kanilang paningin. Hindi ito dahil sa Siya ay natatakot sa kanila, kundi dahil Siya ay isang taong mapagmahal sa kapayapaan at hindi pa dumarating ang itinakdang panahon ng Kanyang paghihirap.

Hindi kailanman hinayaan ni Jesus na ang galit, poot, o paghihiganti ang magdikta ng Kanyang mga kilos. Sa halip, buong pagtitiwala Niyang isinuko ang Kanyang sarili sa kalooban ng Ama at matiyagang naghintay sa tamang panahon ng Diyos.

Ang paglayo sa isang alitan ay hindi palaging tanda ng kaduwagan. Maraming pagkakataon na ito ay tanda ng karunungan, kababaang-loob, at tunay na katapangan. Minsan, ang pinakamapangahas nating magagawa ay ang umiwas sa pagtatalo o komprontasyon sapagkat alam nating may mas mataas na layunin ang Diyos para sa atin kaysa ang patunayan na tayo ang tama o pagbigyan ang ating pagmamataas. Bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesus, hindi lamang tayo tinatawag na umiwas sa alitan kundi maging mga kasangkapan ng Kanyang kapayapaan saanman tayo naroroon.

Ano ang mangyayari kung sasagutin natin ang karahasan ng karahasan o ang galit ng galit? Lahat tayo ay magiging talunan sapagkat walang sinumang tunay na nagtatagumpay sa poot at paghihiganti. Gaya ng matalinong sinabi ni Mahatma Gandhi, "Ang mata sa mata ay nagbubulag sa buong mundo."

Kapag gumaganti tayo ng masama sa masama, lalo lamang nating pinalalaganap ang kadiliman. Ngunit kapag tinutugunan natin ang pagkapoot sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiis, pagpapatawad, at pag-ibig, pinahihintulutan nating magliwanag sa pamamagitan natin ang liwanag ni Hesus.

Kapag nakakatagpo tayo ng mga taong sinusubok ang ating pagtitimpi o inuudyukan tayong magalit, piliin nating tahakin ang mas mataas na landas sa halip na bumaba sa kanilang antas. Sa halip na sumagot ng masasakit na salita, tumugon tayo nang may kaamuan. Sa halip na maghiganti, pairalin natin ang awa.

Sa halip na ipilit na tayo ang laging may huling salita, matuto tayong mapagpakumbabang lumayo kung iyon ang magdudulot ng tunay na kapayapaan. Sa paggawa nito, hindi lamang natin iniiwas ang ating sarili sa mga hindi kinakailangang suliranin, kundi nagiging buhay na saksi rin tayo ng kapayapaang ipinunla ni Hesus sa ating mga puso.

Nawa'y lagi nating alalahanin na ang tunay na lakas ay hindi nasusukat sa ating kakayahang daigin ang iba, kundi sa ating pagpapahintulot na manaig ang pag-ibig ni Hesus laban sa ating galit, pagmamataas, at pagnanais na gumanti.

Araw-araw ay binibigyan tayo ng Diyos ng pagkakataong piliin ang kapayapaan kaysa alitan, ang pagpapatawad kaysa paghihiganti, at ang pag-ibig kaysa poot. Maaaring hindi ito madali, ngunit ito ang tatak ng mga taong tunay na namumuhay bilang mga alagad ni Hesus.

Kapag tayo ay nasasaktan, naaapi, o pinupukaw ng galit, ano ang makikita ng iba sa atin—ang ating sugatang pagmamataas o ang kapayapaan ni Hesus na naghahari sa ating puso? Handa ba tayong isuko ang pagnanais na manalo sa isang pagtatalo upang mas maraming puso ang madala palapit sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng ating kababaang-loob, pagmamahal, at kapayapaan?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 17 Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” 

He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? 

Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

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Reflection:

Are we quick to judge?

When Pope Francis was asked about homosexual persons, he said, “Who am I to judge them if they are seeking the Lord in good faith? They should not be marginalized.” 

These words touched many hearts around the world because they reminded us of something essential in our faith: every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and love. His message challenged us to look beyond labels and see the person whom God loves.

In today’s Gospel, when the disciples ate on the Sabbath, the Pharisees questioned Jesus, saying, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:2). 

But Jesus defended His disciples by reminding them of God’s deeper purpose behind the law: “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of the offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? 

Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent?” (Matthew 12:3–5).

Like the Pharisees, we can sometimes be quick to judge based only on what we see. We may form opinions about others without knowing their struggles, their wounds, their hopes, or their sincere desire to seek God. 

What we see is often only a small part of another person’s story. But Jesus sees beyond outward appearances; He sees the heart. He looks at our intentions, our sincerity, and our willingness to follow Him.

Jesus does not call us to ignore truth, but He reminds us that truth must always be lived with mercy and love. A heart that follows Christ is not a heart that condemns others but a heart that seeks to understand, forgive, and restore. Mercy was never a sign of weakness; rather, it is a reflection of God’s own heart.

How can we truly share the goodness and love of Jesus if our words and actions make others feel rejected or unworthy? The Pharisees were deeply concerned about following religious laws, yet they failed to recognize the greater commandment of love and compassion. They focused on outward observance while neglecting the mercy that God desires.

May we ask the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and remove the pride that causes us to judge others too quickly. May we learn to see people not only through our own eyes but through the loving eyes of Jesus. Let us remember that we, too, are people in need of God’s mercy and understanding.

Before we judge another person’s journey, can we pause and ask ourselves: Are we reflecting the heart of Jesus—who welcomes, heals, and restores—or are we becoming like the Pharisees who saw only faults and failed to see the person loved by God?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 17 Biyernes ng Ika-15 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:1-8

Noong panahong iyon, isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, naparaan si Jesus sa triguhan. Nagutom ang kasama niyang mga alagad kaya't nangitil sila ng uhay at kinain ang mga butil. Nang makita ito ng mga Pariseo, sinabi nila sa kanya, "Tingnan mo ang ginagawa ng iyong mga alagad. Bawal iyan kung Araw ng Pamamahinga."  

Sumagot si Jesus, "Hindi ba ninyo nabasa ang ginawa ni David nang magutom siya at ang kanyang mga kasama? Pumasok siya sa bahay ng Diyos at kumain ng tinapay na handog sa Diyos at pinakain din niya ang kanyang mga kasama. Labag sa Kautusan na kanin nila ang tinapay na iyon sapagkat ang mga saserdote lamang ang may karapatang kumain niyon.  

Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa sa Kautusan ni Moises na tuwing Araw ng Pamamahinga, lumalabag sa batas tungkol sa araw na ito ang mga saserdote sa templo, gayunmay hindi nila ipinagkakasala iyon?

Sinasabi ko sa inyo, naririto ang higit na dakila kaysa templo. Hindi sana ninyo hinatulan ang mga walang sala kung alam ninyo ang kahulugan ng mga salitang ito, 'Habag ang ibig ko, hindi hain.' Sapagkat ang Araw ng Pamamahinga ay nasa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ng Anak ng Tao."

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Repleksyon:

Mabilis ba tayong humusga?

Nang tanungin si Pope Francis tungkol sa mga taong homoseksuwal, sinabi niya: “Sino ba ako upang humusga sa kanila kung hinahanap nila ang Panginoon nang may tapat na puso? Hindi sila dapat itinataboy o isinasantabi.”

Ang mga salitang ito ay tumimo sa puso ng marami sa buong mundo sapagkat ipinaalala nito sa atin ang isang mahalagang katotohanan ng ating pananampalataya: ang bawat tao ay nilikha ayon sa larawan at wangis ng Diyos at nararapat tratuhin nang may dignidad, malasakit, at pagmamahal. Hinahamon tayo ng mensaheng ito na lampasan ang mga tatak at makita ang bawat tao bilang isang minamahal ng Diyos.

Sa Mabuting Balita ngayon, nang kumain ang mga alagad ni Jesus sa araw ng Sabbath, sinabi ng mga Pariseo kay Jesus, “Tingnan mo, ginagawa ng iyong mga alagad ang ipinagbabawal gawin sa araw ng Sabbath.” (Mateo 12:2).

Ngunit ipinagtanggol ni Jesus ang Kanyang mga alagad at ipinaalala Niya ang mas malalim na layunin ng batas ng Diyos: “Hindi ba ninyo nabasa ang ginawa ni David nang siya at ang kanyang mga kasama ay magutom? Pumasok siya sa bahay ng Diyos at kinain ang tinapay na inihandog sa Diyos, na hindi dapat kainin ninuman maliban sa mga pari?

At hindi ba ninyo nabasa sa Kautusan na sa araw ng Sabbath, ang mga pari na naglilingkod sa templo ay lumalabag sa tuntunin ng Sabbath ngunit hindi itinuturing na may kasalanan?” (Mateo 12:3–5).

Tulad ng mga Pariseo, maaari rin tayong maging mabilis sa paghuhusga batay lamang sa ating nakikita. Minsan ay nakapagbibigay tayo ng opinyon tungkol sa iba nang hindi natin nalalaman ang kanilang mga pinagdaraanan, mga sugat na kanilang dinadala, mga pagsubok na kanilang hinaharap, at ang kanilang tapat na paghahanap sa Diyos.

Ang nakikita natin ay kadalasan ay maliit lamang na bahagi ng buong kuwento ng isang tao. Ngunit si Jesus ay tumitingin nang higit pa sa panlabas na anyo; nakikita Niya ang puso. Nakikita Niya ang ating mga hangarin, katapatan, at pagnanais na lumapit sa Kanya.

Hindi tayo tinatawag ni Jesus na balewalain ang katotohanan, kundi tinuturuan Niya tayo na ipahayag ang katotohanan nang may habag at pagmamahal. 

Ang pusong tunay na sumusunod kay Hesus ay hindi pusong mapanghusga, kundi pusong marunong umunawa, magpatawad, at magbigay ng pagkakataong magbago. Ang awa ay hindi kahinaan; sa halip, ito ay salamin ng puso mismo ng Diyos.

Paano natin tunay na maipapahayag ang kabutihan at pagmamahal ni Jesus kung ang ating mga salita at kilos ay nagiging dahilan upang maramdaman ng iba na sila ay tinatanggihan o hindi karapat-dapat mahalin?

Ang mga Pariseo ay lubhang nagbigay-diin sa pagsunod sa mga batas, ngunit nakaligtaan nila ang mas mahalagang nais ng Diyos: ang pusong puno ng awa, habag, at pagmamahal. Nakatuon sila sa panlabas na pagsunod ngunit hindi nila nakita ang mas malalim na diwa ng kautusan.

Nawa’y tulungan tayo ng Banal na Espiritu na palambutin ang ating mga puso at alisin ang anumang pagmamalaki na nagtutulak sa atin na mabilis humusga sa iba. 

Nawa’y matutunan nating tingnan ang ating kapwa hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng ating sariling pananaw, kundi sa pamamagitan ng mga mata ni Jesus—mga matang marunong umunawa, tumanggap, magpagaling, at magpanumbalik. Lagi nating alalahanin na tayong lahat ay nangangailangan din ng awa, pagpapatawad, at pag-unawa ng Diyos.

Bago natin husgahan ang paglalakbay ng iba, maaari ba tayong huminto sandali at tanungin ang ating sarili: Ang puso ba natin ay tunay na sumasalamin sa puso ni Jesus na tumatanggap, nagpapagaling, at nagmamahal, o unti-unti na rin ba tayong nagiging tulad ng mga Pariseo na mas nakikita ang pagkukulang ng iba kaysa sa kanilang pagkataong minamahal ng Diyos? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 16 Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a very wealthy man who was overwhelmed by his many problems. He tried every possible way to solve them. He thought his money could help him, but to no avail. He turned to his friends, indulged in drinking sessions and other vices, yet none of these brought him peace or solved his problems.

He was living like a ship without a rudder, aimlessly drifting with no clear direction. Without realizing it, he was slowly wasting his life until he met a relative who was an active member of their church. He opened his heart, and his relative listened with compassion.

In the end, his relative gave him only one piece of advice: "Go and spend time with Jesus in the Adoration Chapel. Don't miss Sunday Mass, and when you are at Mass, be attentive and listen to every word being spoken, for many of those words will speak directly to your heart. Read your Bible as well, for Jesus will also speak to you through His Word."

To make a long story short, he began spending time regularly in the Adoration Chapel, attended Holy Mass as often as he could, and faithfully read the Holy Bible.

After a few weeks, his life began to change. His problems did not disappear overnight, and there were still challenges that needed to be faced. But something within him had changed. He had discovered where true peace could be found. 

He no longer ran first to his wealth, his friends, or his vices. Instead, he turned to Jesus in the Adoration Chapel, encountered Jesus in the Holy Mass, and listened to Jesus in the Holy Bible. The more he drew near to the Lord, the more he found the strength, wisdom, and peace to face each day.

In today's Gospel, Jesus lovingly says to us:

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

What a beautiful invitation from the heart of Jesus! He does not wait for us to become perfect before calling us. He invites us as we are—with our sins, weaknesses, fears, disappointments, and heavy burdens. He knows every struggle we carry, every silent tear we shed, and every battle we fight within. Yet instead of condemning us, He gently says, "Come to Me."

How often do we search for peace in the wrong places? Like the man in the story, we may be tempted to rely on our own strength, possessions, achievements, or even other people to fill the emptiness within us. While these may provide temporary comfort, only Jesus can give the lasting peace that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.

When we spend time with Him in the Adoration Chapel, receive Him in the Holy Eucharist at Mass, immerse ourselves in His Word, and speak with Him in prayer, He gradually transforms us from within. Our circumstances may not always change immediately, but our hearts do. He gives us the grace to carry our crosses with hope, the wisdom to make the right decisions, and the courage to keep trusting Him no matter what we face.

May we never forget that Jesus is always waiting for us with open arms. His invitation remains the same today as it was centuries ago: "Come to Me." He alone can give the rest that the world can never offer.

Today, let us bring every burden, every worry, every fear, and every sin to Jesus. Let us surrender our lives completely to Him and allow Him to lead us each day. As we choose to remain close to Him in prayer, in the Holy Eucharist, and in His Word, we will discover that His grace is always enough and that His love never fails.

The question is not whether Jesus is waiting for us—He always is. The question is this: Will we continue carrying our burdens alone, or will we finally place them into the loving hands of Jesus and trust Him to lead us into the peace that only He can give? —Marino J. Dasmarinas