Short, Simple and Personal reflections on the daily Holy Mass Gospel. I provide talks.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Reflection for June 5, Wednesday: Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr; John 17:11b-19
Reflection for June 4, Tuesday: Seventh Week of Easter; John 17:1-11a
1Reflection for June 3, Monday: St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs; John 16:29-33
Monday, May 27, 2019
1Reflection for Sunday June 2, The Ascension of the Lord: Luke 24:46-53
In much the same way, after forty days following His glorious resurrection, and after many sacred appearances to His disciples, Jesus—our Divine Lord—was ready to return to the Father. His earthly mission was complete. It was time for Him to ascend into heaven.
But before He ascended, He entrusted a sacred task to His apostles—the mission to continue His work, to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, and to be His living witnesses.
What does the Ascension signify to the apostles? It is both a moment of parting and a moment of commissioning. It signifies that the responsibility to spread the Good News now rests in their hands. They could no longer remain still. The torch had been passed. They were now called to carry the light of Christ into the world.
Did they succeed? Yes, by the grace of God, they did. But it was no easy path. They endured persecution, trials, and hardships. Yet with unwavering faith and bold hearts, they fulfilled their mission with courage and joy.
The Ascension of our Lord is not just a moment in salvation history—it is also a divine reminder to us today. We are now His modern-day disciples. The mission continues through us. Upon our shoulders rests this sacred responsibility to share the love and mission of Jesus and proclaim His truth.
But we often hesitate. We feel unworthy. We say, “Lord, I am not a good speaker,” or “I don’t have the gifts, the talent, or the resources.” Yet evangelization is not limited to eloquence or ability. It flows from a heart in love with Christ.
We evangelize through our compassion, our humility, and our daily acts of kindness. Our lives can become living testimonies of God’s love. Even a simple act of sharing a Gospel passage online, or offering a prayerful word to someone in need, is already a powerful form of evangelization.
Sometimes, we are held back by fear—fear of rejection, fear of judgment, fear of not being good enough. But Scripture reminds us: “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). When we step out in faith, the Holy Spirit empowers us.
As Jesus ascends into heaven, He does not leave us alone. He promises to be with us always, and He sends the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. The mission is now ours. The question is: Will we answer His call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas
Saturday, May 25, 2019
Reflection for June 1, Saturday: Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr; John 16:23b-28
Reflection for May 31, Friday: Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Luke 1:39-56
Friday, May 24, 2019
Reflection for May 30, Thursday: Sixth Week of Easter; John 16:16-20
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Reflection for May 29, Wednesday: Sixth Week of Easter; John 16:12-15
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Reflection for May 28, Tuesday: Sixth Week of Easter; John 16:5-11
Reflection for May 27, Monday: Sixth Week of Easter; John 15:26—16:4a
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
1Reflection for Sunday May 26, Sixth Sunday of Easter: John 14:23-29
The story is told of a woman who pledged her undying love for God through her active involvement in a charismatic prayer group. Yet, the irony of her loud profession of love was her quiet ambition—to assert leadership even when many in the group opposed it. One cannot help but ask: does this woman truly love God? And if she does, does she walk in His commandments?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, our Lord Jesus gently reminds us of the inseparable link between love, obedience, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He speaks not only of love, but of a love that proves itself through faithfulness—a love that brings peace, not division. How can we claim to love God if we disregard His word? How can we welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit if our lives are cluttered with self-interest and pride, dressed as devotion?
Many of us proclaim with our lips that we love the Lord. We profess our belief in the Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and faithfully attend Sunday Mass. Yet, how often do our actions betray our words? How often do we honor God with our lips while our hearts remain far from Him?
We are called to pause and reflect deeply. If we truly desire a life in Christ, then a radical transformation must take place within us—a conversion of the heart. Only then can we say, with sincerity and truth, that we are living His word and walking in His light.
For one day, we will leave this world behind. And when that hour comes, no earthly possession, power or title will matter. What will matter is whether we lived for Christ, loved Him, and kept His commandments.
Heaven is not earned by eloquent prayers or impressive positions—but by a heart wholly surrendered to God. The path to eternal life is simple, yet profound: to love God with all our heart, and to keep His commandments. — Marino J. Dasmarinas







