Reflection for January 10, Thursday after Epiphany; Luke 4:14-22

Gospel: Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing. And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

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Reflection:

Do you always see to it that the words that you say are always motivating and remarkable? For example, in your house, do you always see to it that you avoid negative words or words that creates stigma to those who hear and receive it?

Your words are very powerful it can build or destroy a person or a child. If your words are always words that condemns or words that brings down the dignity of a person or a child. We can be sure that this person or child will have an inferiority complex. He will lose confidence in himself which is very important for a person growth and development.

When Jesus preached in their synagogue He spoke words that builds, words that gently informs and words that heals and motivates. Why? Because this is the innate character of Jesus, He would always see to it that when He speaks His words would be forever treasured in the hearts of those who receive it. And up until today when His words are read in the bible those who read it are moved and changed toward a better life.  

In our gospel, after Jesus preached in the synagogue those who’ve heard Him had nothing but respect and admiration toward Him (Luke 4:22). This is for the fact that Jesus words are always healing and motivating. Never words that curses, never words than injures the feelings and never words that downgrades the human dignity.

How about us? What are the usual words that emanates from us? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for January 9, Wednesday after Epiphany; Mark 6:45-52

Gospel: Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

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Reflection:

What do you do when you encounter turbulent storms in your life?

Each one of us encounters storms in our life, some of us are able to survive these life storms and bounce back. Some unfortunately are not able to get-up again they wallow in self-pity and they live problematic lives for so long as they live.

What is the secret of those who are able to survive and bounce back? It’s not their money; it’s not their friends not even their strong family support. They’re able to survive and bounce back because of their faith that is strongly anchored on Jesus.

All of the possessions and power that we see and grasp will eventually pass us by. But there’s one that will be with us until eternity and that is Jesus. In this internet and social media driven world that we are in right now, Jesus seems to be irrelevant already to many. Let us not make that mistake of consigning Jesus to irrelevancy because we need Jesus today more than ever.  

Get to know Him deeply, try reading the first four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible (New Testament). And be a regular presence in the celebration of the Holy Mass for Jesus is also there. So that you’ll survive whatever storms that you may encounter in your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 8, Tuesday after Epiphany; Mark 6:34-44

Gospel: Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

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Reflection:

A woman was generous to a fault. She would always give whatever she has and she would do it without expecting something back. As she observed it, the more that she was generous the more blessings she would receive. She therefore decided to increase some more her generosity.

Generosity always pays, the more that we are generous the more that God will bless us. Just try to be generous and you’ll see that blessings will be plowed back to you a hundred-fold.

Oftentimes we don’t dare to give because we are afraid that there will be nothing left for us to keep. But why not try to be generous and see for yourself the wonderful blessing that will be brought back to you? The blessing of good health, the blessing of a wonderful family, the blessings of peace of mind and a lot more blessing that is anchored on our being generous.

If Jesus was not generous or if Jesus was not moved with pity for those who were following Him. He would have not been able to feed the vast crowd (More than five thousand) and there would have not been twelve wicker baskets full of fragments.

Do you live generosity? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 7, Monday after Epiphany; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

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Reflection:

Why did Jesus withdraw to Galilee? Perhaps, to rest, think and ponder deeply about His mission. Every once in a while, it’s good to withdraw/retreat from the hustle and bustle of life so that we’ll have time for ourselves and for God.

Withdrawal from this busy life means that we have time to reflect as to where are we in our relationship with Jesus. Where are we being directed by our materially driven world. We must always be watchful that we are not carried away or eaten up by the cycle of busy life.

Otherwise we would be like zombies who mechanically walk to a single direction that directs us away from God. Then at the end we forget God, thus we easily sin without any guilt of conscience. Because we allowed ourselves to be misled by this busy life.

Take time once in a while to withdrew/retreat from this busy life and get connected with God for it will further strengthen you spiritually as you face the challenges of your busy life. Remember that Jesus withdrew after which He proceeded to do His mission with vigor and determination.

So, you too should withdraw even for a short while to primarily assess your life and most importantly your relationship with Jesus.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for Sunday January 6, Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Reflection:

A young man was thinking of something that he can give Jesus this 2019. So, he was asking himself: What can I give Jesus this year being the year of the youth? Then, he immediately answered his questioning by saying; “ I will give Jesus my time, energy and whatever talent that I have.”

The Magi from the East had their gifts for the baby Jesus and these were not ordinary gifts for they consist of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Gold foretells Jesus kingship, Frankincense predicts that the child Jesus is to be worshipped. And Myrrh which was used for anointing the dead predicts His death on the cross.     

What is the best gift that you could give Jesus this year? Is it your time and strength for the furtherance of the gospel? Is it your treasure and knowledge? Whatever it is give Jesus nothing less but your very best. Do not mind what it will cost you; You have to give Jesus what He truly deserves for He is your Lord and Savior.

  

Sometimes it is very hard to give especially if we will not immediately receive something in return. It’s very hard for many of us to give to Jesus because Jesus does not physically reciprocate our generosity. However, where can we find Jesus in this era of facebook, twitter and Instagram? Can we find Jesus in those social media platforms? No, we cannot find Jesus there.

  

Jesus is with the poor that you happen to pass by every day, Jesus is with the hungry and homeless that you always see. Jesus is with anyone who badly needs your help. Have you felt that feeling that you wished you could give them something but you did not?

Don’t hold back once you see or pass by them again. Give them that something no matter how small or how insignificant it may seem to you.  For that something means the world to them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for January 5, Saturday before Epiphany; John 1:43-51

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth." But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

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Reflection:

Jesus said to Philip: Follow me, such powerful words coming from Jesus. Thus, Philip could do nothing except to humbly follow the Messiah. This is the reason why Philip became one of the twelve apostles, he was called by Jesus.  

What if Jesus would call you to follow Him, would you respond to His call?

Follow where? Follow Him in His humility, follow Him in His perseverance, follow Him in His being a man for others. Follow Him in His gentleness and follow Him in His humble obedience to the will of God.

These powerful words of Jesus echoes until this very moment and it is not anymore addressed to Philip but to us! He gently tells us to follow Him; many have said yes and followed Jesus already.

Many have forsaken their material riches, high society status and power for the sake of Jesus. Why? Because at last they found the one that will finally cure their emptiness and brokenness. Emptiness and brokenness which they thought could be filled-up by their riches and power but it never did.

Many of us are still chasing after riches, earthly things and power at what cost and for what? When we are at our deathbeds riches and power will not anymore matter what will matter is the relationship that we have with Jesus. 

Even now the riches and power that we are chasing will never complete us it will even exacerbate our emptiness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 4, Friday; Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious; John 1:35-42

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

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Reflection:

Do you respond to Jesus when He calls? The call of Jesus comes in so many ways. He would indirectly call you using a friend or a written commentary.  

We have to respond when Jesus calls us, we must not ignore His call. What is the centerpiece of Jesus call? It’s always to walk away from sinfulness. Therefore, when God calls us it’s an offer to take away our problems, problems that we create for ourselves brought about by our sinfulness.    

Let us respond to this call of Jesus and we will see that little by little there would be less sin related problems in our life. Problems that we create for ourselves because we refuse to hear the call of Jesus.   

What else would happen when we respond to Jesus call? We will know more about Jesus and His life. There would be strengthening of our faith and we will have a sturdy wall to lean on whenever we pass through the many challenges of life.

In our gospel when Andrew and his companion heard John said: “Behold the Lamb of God.” The phrase uttered by John struck a chord in them that they decided to follow Jesus. As they were following they asked Him: Where are you staying?” And Jesus gave them a very meaningful response by saying: “Come and you will see.” (John 1:39)

This is also what Jesus is telling us, come because you will discover more of me. Come because I am here to help you carry whatever burdens that you have. Come for I will walk with you from now on. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for January 3, Thursday before Epiphany; John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel. John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to give your life so that others may live? Jesus did that for you, He gave His very life on the cross so that you may live and have life. What have you given Jesus in return? Have you thought of silently helping the poor and unwanted which Jesus always represent?

We often have this me and myself mentality; me first, myself first before the wellbeing of others. But Jesus did not think of Himself first, it was you first and never Himself otherwise He would not have freely given His life on the cross. 

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world as John the Baptist referred Him to be in our gospel. Let us not simply forget this ultimate sacrifice of Jesus by doing nothing, by not helping the poor and unwanted. We have to do something good for them no matter how small or insignificant for this is our responsibility.

Just imagine the good that you will be doing if you would help the poor and unwanted. What you do to the poor and unwanted you do to Jesus. You help the poor you help Jesus, you give water and food to the poor and unwanted you help Jesus. Never worry for whatever help that you silently give to the poor Jesus will give back to you in manifold ways.

Have you silently given help to the poor? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for January 2, Wednesday; Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

Would you want to follow the way of John?

If only we are all like John, we could have avoided so many troubles in this world. But we are not because we are not as humble as John. And we are not like John because many of us are not also ready to die for the sake of upholding what is moral and right.

John is a paradox for many of us because he was at the threshold of attaining instant fame. But he refused it, he instead choose to remain humble and not fool around with fleeting fame. Around that time John had all the opportunities to put himself above everyone else but he did not.

John chose the way of humility. Such is John, humble to the core of his bones and loyal to Jesus and His teachings. The way of John is the way of humility, the way of John is to shun fame and adulation for the sake of Jesus’ teachings.

Many of us love to be in the limelight, we hunger for attention and adulation. We love it when we are praised to high heavens. Our ears even flap in acknowledgment of the honor that is not ours. Let us be like John at all times always humble, always self-effacing and always pointing to Jesus as the one sent by God.– Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for January 1, Tuesday; Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:
Do you always respect and honor your mother?

On this first day of the year the church honor’s Mary as the Holy Mother of God. Perhaps this is so because the church wants to remind us of the important role of Mary in salvation history. In our gospel, the Blessed Mother quietly kept everything that was told them by the shepherd. No complaint whatsoever, she humbly submitted herself to the will of God for her.

Mary quietly fulfilled her role as the Holy Mother of Jesus. She did not complain, she simply submitted herself to God’s will. She taught Jesus everything that He needs to know about life. And she also stayed with Jesus until the very end of His life. In return, Jesus greatly recognized her humble submission to the will of God by asking John the apostle to take care of His mother ( John 19:27).

All of us have our own mothers and we are all aware of the great sacrifices that they did for us. Like the Blessed Mother, they never complained they instead quietly assumed their motherly roles. But how are we treating them right now that they are in twilight of their years? Are we giving them the best comfort and care that they could ever have?

Let us give our mothers the best that we could ever give them. Let us express to them our love and gratitude for all of the things that they’ve done for us. And if there will come a time that they commit mistakes caused by their advancing age let us remain patient and gentle with them.

     

How are you taking care of your mother? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 31, Monday; Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

What is the best New Year’s resolution that you could ever do? The best resolution is for you to be like John who humbly prepared the way for Jesus. John brought people to Jesus, John never told the people of his time to stay with him. He pointed to Jesus as the one that they must follow and not himself. Are you capable of doing this?

Are you up to the task of guiding others to Jesus and do you have the motivation to gently speak about Jesus to your fellowmen? By simply living the life of Jesus  you can already point others to Jesus.

Some of us may say that to share Jesus is not my job it’s for the exclusive domain of the people of the church. But no, by virtue of your baptism you have already been empowered to share whatever you could share about Jesus and your Catholic faith. But have you shared Jesus and your Catholic faith?

This New Year make it your resolution to share and live Jesus. Be not afraid to share Him for He will be with you and the Holy Spirit who makes everything possible will be with you also.

Therefore, be like John who shared Jesus and who pointed to Jesus as the Anointed one. Use facebook, instagram, twitter and many other social media platforms. To advance the teaching of the greatest teacher who ever walked this earth. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Sunday December 30, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Luke 2:41-52

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

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Reflection:

A child was adopted by a childless couple. As he grew, he was treated as their very own child. They taught him about the faith, they disciplined him and they regularly brought him to church for Mass. When he was fourteen years old, his biological parents went to his adopted parents to get him back. The couple who adopted him asked him if he was willing to go back to his biological family but the child chose to stay with his adopted family.

What made the child chose his adopted family over his biological parents? It was the parental love and discipline that he felt. It was the strong foundation about the faith that they had given him. These important family values were also provided by Mary and Joseph to the twelve-year-old Jesus.

The Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph implanted upon the young mind of Jesus the importance love, discipline and church worship. That is why they frequently brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem for the yearly feast of Passover. They both wanted the young Jesus to become a God-centered man and not a man centered on the world.

With the modernity of our times. Many parents are forgetting the very important fact that they must implant in the hearts of their children the basics of their faith. Many parents are forgetting to bring their children to church for worship in favor of the many material things of this world. What kind of children are we raising if we neglect our parental duty to teach them about our faith and if we neglect to bring them to church for worship?

Thus, we raise children that do not know how to respect their parents. We raise children that treats sex without any sacredness. These scenarios are for real and are happening now. For the simple reason that there are parents who neglect their basic duty to introduce their children to God.

The feast of the Holy Family is a wake up call for all of us. It tells us that we must prioritize God over anything else in this world. It tells us that we must worship God at church as a family. And it tells us that we must teach our children about our faith. Because we are supposed to be the very first catechist or faith formators of our children.

Before children go to church for Holy Mass. It is already assumed that they have already been taught about the fundamentals of our faith in the domestic church which is none other than inside our own home.   

Let us therefore emulate the Holy family life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Let us follow the unconditional love of Mary and Joseph and let us emulate them on how they properly took care of the young Jesus.  How they brought the child Jesus to the temple to worship God.

Do you raise your child as Jesus was raised by Joseph and Mary? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 29, Saturday; Fifth day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Luke 2:22-35

Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

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Reflection:

Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Surely the Holy Spirit was with Simeon because he knew beforehand the destiny of Jesus. Not everyone is given the kind of wisdom that Simeon has. Let us take a look how the gospel reading described Simeon: “This man was righteous and devote (Luke 2:25).” We know now the hidden secret on how to have the grace of the Holy Spirit: We have to be righteous and devout.

Righteousness in terms of what? Righteousness in terms of how you live, you have to be morally upright at all times. You don’t have to do wrong or compromise with whatever is wrong.  This is hard to do initially but as you live and practice righteousness you would notice that it will become part of your system already. Thus, you will now slowly but surely detest whatever form of sin and evil.

You also have to be devout in the observance of your faith. When it’s time for Holy Mass you have to leave everything behind for your presence at Mass. Same as when it’s time for your private moment with God through personal and structured prayers. Your devoutness to your faith will always bring you closer to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit will not be upon you if you continue to sin and do things that are contrary to the will of God. Aspire to be righteous and devout and see the positive transformation that it will create in your life and in the life of those around you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for December 28, Friday; Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs: Matthew 2:13-18

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

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Reflection:

What fuels extreme anger? It’s arrogance of power, it’s the mindset of ego and superiority. But the trouble with extreme anger is it makes us capable of doing extreme and dangerous acts too.

For example, in a quarrel between husband and wife. When the quarrel reaches its highest point both spouses could say and do things that they would regret after a few days or even hours. But the damage is done already and there are times that the damage done would be irreversible no matter the regret and remorse.

So, what should we do to avoid being sucked into this troublesome situation? Avoid the mindset of superiority and arrogance. Even if we have all the power and authority in this world let us not allow ourselves to be possessed by that power otherwise it will eventually destroy us.

Be humble instead, be considerate and be gentle. Be calm and collected under pressure of anger for this is how you could best live the teachings of Jesus.

When King Herod ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity within the age of two years and below (Matthew 2:16). His order was certainly fueled by his arrogance, ego, abuse of power and the mindset of superiority.

Did Herod suffer for his despicable act? He did certainly, he suffered in silence and he had no peace of mind for the rest of his life. This could happen to us also when we are arrogant and when we allow blind and extreme anger to rule over us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas