Reflection for April 7, Tuesday of Holy Week: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it? Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly. Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.

When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

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Reflection:

Have you already experienced how it is to be betrayed by a trusted friend? Have you already experienced being denied by somebody very close to you? Jesus experienced these all, He was betrayed by an apostle in Judas and He was denied also by an apostle who sworn allegiance to Him in Peter.

Just imagine the feelings of Jesus during that time; He knew that His world was getting smaller by the day. Then, came the betrayal and denial of Judas and Peter perhaps Jesus’ heart was already bleeding with sorrow. He was sorrowful but He never took it personally upon them for Jesus knew that something good would soon come out of these sorrows.

What was the good that came out from Judas betrayal? Jesus was able to unmask the traitor amongst His followers. What was the good that came from Peter’s denial? Jesus was able to discover that even those who profess to be loyal to Him would deny Him so that they could save their own lives. Nevertheless, Jesus never took this betrayal and denial personally; for He still forgave the two of them.

We too have denied and betrayed Jesus for countless times already. Has Jesus took our betrayals and denials personally? Of course not for Jesus doesn’t know how to harbour ill feelings in His heart.

But can we do something so that we could somehow show to Jesus that we are remorseful of our disloyalty to Him? Yes we can do something and we begin it during this Holy Week. By means of observing all the liturgical activities of the church through TV or facebook via live streaming. Such as The Way of the Cross, The Chrism Mass and the Mass of the Last Supper, The Veneration of the Holy  Cross and the Easter Vigil Mass.

If we would observe these Holy Liturgical Celebrations even if we are quarantined in our respective homes brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. We will not only signify our remorse to Jesus. Through these holy activities we also are opening ourselves for the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Would we make ourselves available for any of these sacred celebrations this Holy Week? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 7, Martes Santo: Juan 13:21-33, 36-38

Mabuting Balita: Juan 13:21-33, 36-38

21Nang masabing gayon ni Jesus, siya'y nagulumihanan sa espiritu, at pinatotohanan, at sinabi, Katotohanan, katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, na ako'y ipagkakanulo ng isa sa inyo. 22Ang mga alagad ay nangagtingintinginan, na nangagaalinlangan kung kanino niya sinasalita. 23Sa dulang ay may isa sa kaniyang mga alagad, na minamahal ni Jesus na nakahilig sa sinapupunan ni Jesus. 24Hinudyatan nga siya ni Simon Pedro, at sinabi sa kaniya, Sabihin mo sa amin kung sino ang sinasalita niya. 25Ang nakahilig nga sa dibdib ni Jesus ay nagsabi sa kaniya, Panginoon, sino yaon? 26Sumagot nga si Jesus, Yaong aking ipagsawsaw at bigyan ng tinapay ay siya nga. Kaya't nang maisawsaw niya ang tinapay, ay kinuha niya at ibinigay niya kay Judas, na anak ni Simon Iscariote. 27At pagkatapos na maisubo, si Satanas nga ay pumasok sa kaniya. Sinabi nga sa kaniya ni Jesus, Ang ginagawa mo, ay gawin mong madali. 28Hindi nga natalastas ng sinomang nasa dulang kung sa anong kadahilanan sinalita niya ito. 29Sapagka't iniisip ng ilan, na sapagka't si Judas ang may tangan ng supot, ay sinabi ni Jesus sa kaniya, Bumili ka ng mga bagay na ating kailangan sa pista; o, magbigay siya ng anoman sa mga dukha. 30Nang kaniya ngang matanggap ang subo ay umalis agad: at noo'y gabi na.

31Nang siya nga'y makalabas na, ay sinabi ni Jesus, Ngayon ay niluluwalhati ang Anak ng tao, at ang Dios ay niluluwalhati sa kaniya: 32At luluwalhatiin siya ng Dios sa kaniyang sarili, at pagdaka'y luluwalhatiin siya niya. 33Maliliit na anak, sumasa inyo pa ako ng kaunting panahon. Ako'y inyong hahanapin: at gaya ng sinabi ko sa mga Judio, Sa paroroonan ko, ay hindi kayo mangakaparoon: gayon ang sinasabi ko sa inyo ngayon.

36Sinabi sa kaniya ni Simon Pedro, Panginoon, saan ka paroroon? Sumagot si Jesus, Sa paroroonan ko, ay hindi ka makasusunod sa akin ngayon: nguni't pagkatapos ay makasusunod ka. 37Sinabi sa kaniya ni Pedro, Panginoon, bakit hindi ako makasusunod sa iyo ngayon? Ang aking buhay ay ibibigay ko dahil sa inyo. 38Sumagot si Jesus. Ang buhay mo baga'y iyong ibibigay dahil sa akin? Katotohanan, katotohanang sinasabi ko sa iyo, Hindi titilaok ang manok, hanggang ikaila mo akong makaitlo.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for April 6, Monday of Holy Week: John 12:1-11

Gospel: John 12:1-11

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.  Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

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Reflection:

A wealthy woman said: I love money and I can’t live without it. Do we also love money and can’t we also live without it?

The love for money is the root of all evils we saw this in Judas, he betrayed Jesus all because of his love for money (Matthew 26:15). The same thing in the gospel; Judas criticized Mary for anointing the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume. Judas said “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor (John 12:5)?” However, this statement of his was simply a charade for he is a thief of the highest degree.

Those who love money will never have enough of it. They will continue to amass it with greed and they will do every possible way (even ways that are contrary to morals) just to have it. Not knowing that at the end their greed for amassing money will eventually destroy them. The same greed will be their ticket to the kingdom of the evil one.

 Money is not everything! Money can buy us a house but not a home, money can buy us books but not knowledge. Money can bring us laughter but not true happiness, money can buy us temporary friends but not true friends who will be there through the highs and lows of our life. Money can buy us sex but not love and there are many more things that money can buy but will not give us true peace and happiness.

Do we sometimes allow ourselves to be enslaved by money? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 6, Lunes Santo: Juan 12:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:1-11

1Anim na araw nga bago magpaskua ay naparoon si Jesus sa Betania, na kinaroroonan ni Lazaro, na ibinangon ni Jesus mula sa mga patay. 2Kaya't iginawa siya doon ng isang hapunan: at si Marta ay naglilingkod; datapuwa't si Lazaro ay isa sa nangakaupo sa pagkain na kasalo niya. 3Si Maria nga'y kumuha ng isang libra ng unguentong taganas na nardo, na totoong mahalaga, at pinahiran ang mga paa ni Jesus, at kinuskos ang kaniyang mga paa ng kaniyang mga buhok: at ang bahay ay napuno ng amoy ng unguento. 4Datapuwa't si Judas Iscariote, na isa sa kaniyang mga alagad, na sa kaniya'y magkakanulo, ay nagsabi, 5Bakit hindi ipinagbili ang unguentong ito ng tatlong daang denario, at ibigay sa mga dukha? 6Ito'y sinabi nga niya, hindi sapagka't ipinagmalasakit niya ang mga dukha; kundi sapagka't siya'y magnanakaw, at yamang nasa kaniya ang supot ay kinukuha niya ang doon ay inilalagay. 7Sinabi nga ni Jesus, Pabayaan ninyong ilaan niya ito ukol sa araw ng paglilibing sa akin. 8Sapagka't ang mga dukha ay laging nasa inyo; nguni't ako'y hindi laging nasa inyo.

9Ang karaniwang mga tao nga sa mga Judio ay naalaman na siya'y naroroon: at sila'y nagsiparoon, hindi dahil kay Jesus lamang, kundi upang makita nila si Lazaro naman, na muling ibinangon niya mula sa mga patay. 10Datapuwa't nangagsanggunian ang mga pangulong saserdote upang kanilang maipapatay pati si Lazaro; 11Sapagka't dahil sa kaniya'y marami sa mga Judio ang nagsisialis at nagsisipanampalataya kay Jesus.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Sunday April 5, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: Matthew 27:11-54

Gospel: Matthew 27:11-54

Jesus stood before the governor, Pontius Pilate, who questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. 

While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”They answered, ABarabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 

But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha — which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. 

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.

From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, ‘Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.

And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said,

“Truly, this was the Son of God!”

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Reflection:

A famous man once said: “Victory has many fathers and defeat is an orphan.” This probably would explain the scenario of our Palm Sunday gospel. By virtue of His miraculous deeds Jesus gained many followers. But as He was being persecuted by the Jewish authorities the followers slowly evaporated from His sight.

This basically is how many people still follow Jesus today, it is loyalty based on what He can do for us. If He can’t do anymore miracles in our lives we slowly leave Him for the Gods of this world. Such as the God called greed, the God called lust, the God called power and many more false and fleeting Gods that this temporary world offers us.

Jesus becomes a God of convenience for many of us. If it’s convenient to follow the Lord we follow if it’s not we don’t follow. This is primarily the reason why many of us fall into the many temptations of this world. For example, if there’s a temptation to cheat on the marriage covenant. Many purposely dump the Lord to grab the temptation of Satan to cheat on their  marriage notwithstanding the misery that will befall them afterwards.  

When Jesus was entering Jerusalem riding an ass He was at the height of His popularity that’s why hundreds of people were rejoicing, crying and shouting, hosanna to the son of David.

Then after He was betrayed by Judas and subsequently caught by the Jewish authorities and tortured by the roman soldiers the followers started to walk away from Him.

We find in the Life of Jesus the paradox of human loyalty. That it is mainly based on what a person can do to us. If this person can give us what we want from him we would continue to follow. But the moment this person becomes powerless our loyalty evaporates as well.

It happened to Jesus, the very people who were shouting hosanna to the son of David upon His entry to Jerusalem. Were the very same people who shouted before Pilate: crucify him, crucify him!

As we journey this Holy Week quarantined in our respective homes because of the Covid-19 virus. We will once again go through the passion of Jesus and His death on the cross.

Let us reflect on the loyalty that we give to the Lord and let us ask ourselves this question: Is my loyalty to Jesus based on my own convenience only? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Abril 5, Linggo ng Palaspas sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon: Mateo 27: 11-54

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 27: 11-54

11Si Jesus nga ay nakatayo sa harap ng gobernador: at tinanong siya ng gobernador, na nagsasabi, Ikaw baga ang Hari ng mga Judio? At sinabi sa kaniya ni Jesus, Ikaw ang nagsasabi. 12At nang siya'y isakdal ng mga pangulong saserdote at ng matatanda, ay hindi siya sumagot ng anoman. 13Nang magkagayo'y sinabi sa kaniya ni Pilato, Hindi mo baga naririnig kung gaano karaming bagay ang kanilang sinasaksihang laban sa iyo? 14At hindi siya sinagot niya, ng kahit isang salita man lamang: ano pa't nanggilalas na mainam ang gobernador.

15Sa kapistahan nga ay pinagkaugalian ng gobernador na pawalan sa karamihan ang isang bilanggo, na sinoman ang kanilang ibigin. 16At noo'y sila'y may isang bilanggong bantog, na tinatawag na Barrabas. 17Nang sila'y mangagkatipon nga, ay sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, Sino ang ibig ninyong sa inyo'y aking pawalan? si Barrabas, o si Jesus na tinatawag na Cristo? 18Sapagka't natatalastas niya na dahil sa kapanaghilian ay ibinigay siya nila sa kaniya.

19At samantalang nakaupo siya sa luklukan ng pagkahukom, ay nagsugo sa kaniya ang kaniyang asawa, na nagsasabi, Huwag kang makialam sa matuwid na taong iyan; sapagka't ngayong araw na ito'y naghirap ako ng maraming bagay sa panaginip dahil sa kaniya. 20Inudyukan ng mga pangulong saserdote at ng matatanda ang mga karamihan na hingin nila si Barrabas, at puksain si Jesus. 21Datapuwa't sumagot ang gobernador at sa kanila'y sinabi, Alin sa dalawa ang ibig ninyong sa inyo'y aking pawalan? At sinabi nila, Si Barrabas. 22Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, Ano ang gagawin kay Jesus na tinatawag na Cristo? Sinabi nilang lahat, Mapako siya sa krus. 23At sinabi niya, Bakit, anong kasamaan ang kaniyang ginawa? Datapuwa't sila'y lalong nangagsigawan, na nangagsasabi, Mapako siya sa krus.

24Kaya't nang makita ni Pilato na wala siyang magawa, kundi bagkus pa ngang lumalala ang kaguluhan, siya'y kumuha ng tubig, at naghugas ng kaniyang mga kamay sa harap ng karamihan, na sinasabi, Wala akong kasalanan sa dugo nitong matuwid na tao; kayo ang bahala niyan. 25At sumagot ang buong bayan at nagsabi, Mapasa amin ang kaniyang dugo, at sa aming mga anak. 26Nang magkagayo'y pinawalan niya sa kanila si Barrabas; nguni't si Jesus ay hinampas at ibinigay upang ipako sa krus.

27Nang magkagayo'y dinala si Jesus ng mga kawal ng gobernador sa Pretorio, at nagkatipon sa kaniya ang buong pulutong. 28At siya'y kanilang hinubdan, at dinamtan siya ng isang balabal na kulay-ube. 29At sila'y nangagkamakama ng isang putong na tinik, at ipinutong sa kaniyang ulo, at inilagay sa kanang kamay niya ang isang tambo; at sila'y nagsiluhod sa harap niya at siya'y kanilang nilibak, na nagsisipagsabi, Magalak, Hari ng mga Judio! 30At siya'y kanilang niluluraan, at kinuha nila ang tambo at sinaktan siya sa ulo. 31At nang siya'y kanilang malibak, ay hinubdan nila siya ng balabal, at isinuot sa kaniya ang kaniyang mga damit, at kanilang inilabas siya upang ipako sa krus.

32At paglabas nila'y kanilang nasalubong ang isang taong taga Cirene, na ang pangala'y Simon: ito'y kanilang pinilit na sumama sa kanila, upang pasanin niya ang kaniyang krus. 33At nang sila'y magsirating sa isang dakong tinatawag na Golgota, sa makatuwid baga'y, Ang dako ng bungo, 34Ay pinainom nila siya ng alak na may kahalong apdo: at nang kaniyang matikman, ay ayaw niyang inumin.

35At nang siya'y kanilang maipako sa krus ay kanilang binahagi ang kaniyang mga damit, na kanilang pinagsapalaran; 36At sila'y nangagsiupo at binantayan siya roon. 37At inilagay nila sa kaniyang ulunan ang pamagat sa kaniya, na nasusulat: ITO'Y SI JESUS, ANG HARI NG MGA JUDIO. 38Nang magkagayo'y ipinakong kasama niya ang dalawang tulisan, isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa. 39At siya'y nililibak ng nangagdaraan, na iginagalaw ang kanilang mga ulo, 40At nangagsasabi, Ikaw na igigiba mo ang templo, at sa tatlong araw ay iyong itatayo, iyong iligtas ang sarili mo: kung ikaw ay Anak ng Dios, ay bumaba ka sa krus. 

41Gayon din naman ang paglibak sa kaniya ng mga pangulong saserdote, pati ng mga eskriba at ng matatanda, na nagsipagsabi, 42Nagligtas siya sa mga iba; sa kaniyang sarili ay hindi makapagligtas. Siya ang Hari ng Israel; bumaba siya ngayon sa krus, at tayo'y magsisisampalataya sa kaniya. 43Nananalig siya sa Dios; iligtas niya siya ngayon, kung siya'y iniibig: sapagka't sinabi niya, Ako'y Anak ng Dios. 44At minumura din naman siya ng mga tulisang kasama niyang nangapapako sa krus.

45Mula nga nang oras na ikaanim ay nagdilim sa ibabaw ng buong sangkalupaan hanggang sa oras na ikasiyam. 46At nang malapit na ang oras na ikasiyam ay sumigaw si Jesus ng malakas na tinig, na sinasabi: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? sa makatuwid baga'y, Dios ko, Dios ko bakit mo ako pinabayaan? 47At nang marinig ito ng ilan sa nangakatayo roon, ay sinabi, Tinatawag ng taong ito si Elias. 48At pagkaraka'y tumakbo ang isa sa kanila, at kumuha ng isang espongha, at binasa ng suka, saka inilagay sa isang tambo, at ipinainom sa kaniya. 

49At sinabi ng mga iba, Pabayaan ninyo; tingnan natin kung paririto si Elias upang siya'y iligtas. 50At muling sumigaw si Jesus ng malakas na tinig, at nalagot ang kaniyang hininga. 51At narito, ang tabing ng templo'y nahapak na nagkadalawa buhat sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba; at nayanig ang lupa; at nangabaak ang mga bato; 52At nangabuksan ang mga libingan; at maraming katawan ng mga banal na nangakatulog ay nangagbangon; 53At paglabas sa mga libingan pagkatapos na siya'y mabuhay na maguli ay nagsipasok sila sa bayang banal at nangapakita sa marami. 54Ang senturion nga, at ang mga kasamahan niya sa pagbabantay kay Jesus, nang mangakita nila ang lindol, at ang mga bagay na nangyari, ay lubhang nangatakot, na nangagsasabi, Tunay na ito ang Anak ng Dios.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Saturday April 4, Fifth Week of Lent: John 11:45-56

Gospel: John 11:45-56

Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him.

So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”

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Reflection:

Do you always make yourself available to the people? For example if you’re a politician are you always available to your constituents even if it’s not election time? Many politicians are only available when they campaign during election. But after the election has been won they are already hard to find.

If you’re a priest or a person of God do you always make yourself available to those who are in need of your time and advice? Many person of God discriminates; they are always available to those who are rich and powerful. But they are not always available to the poor and powerless. 

Aside from performing miraculous healings Jesus is also humble, approachable, and helpful. He always empathized with the poor and lowly. This is what made Jesus dear to the hearts of the people most especially the common people.

Through these virtues He galvanized into one the dispersed children of God. And it created a bandwagon effect that whoever saw or even heard about Him was captivated to follow Him. Thus, Jesus became a threat to the powers that be at that time.

We who follow Jesus must learn from these human qualities of Jesus. We may not have the gift to perform miraculous healings. But if we are humble, approachable and always available we could also be His representative to our fellowmen most especially to the poor and powerless. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Abril 4, Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma Juan 11:45-56

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:45-56

45Marami nga sa mga Judio ang nagsiparoon kay Maria at nangakakita ng ginawa ni Jesus, ay nagsisampalataya sa kaniya. 46Datapuwa't ang ilan sa kanila ay nagsiparoon sa mga Fariseo, at sinaysay sa kanila ang mga bagay na ginawa ni Jesus.

47Ang mga pangulong saserdote nga at ang mga Fariseo ay nangagpulong, at nagsipagsabi, Ano ang ginagawa natin? sapagka't ang taong ito'y gumagawa ng maraming tanda. 48Kung siya'y ating pabayaang gayon, ang lahat ng mga tao ay magsisisampalataya sa kaniya: at magsisiparito ang mga Romano at pagkukunin ang ating kinaroroonan at gayon din naman ang ating bansa. 

49Nguni't ang isa sa kanila na si Caifas, na dakilang saserdote nang taong yaon, ay nagsabi sa kanila, Kayo'y walang nalalamang anoman. 50Ni inyong niwawari na sa inyo'y nararapat na ang isang tao ay mamatay dahil sa bayan, at hindi ang buong bansa ay mapahamak. 

51Ito nga'y sinabi niya na hindi sa kaniyang sarili: kundi palibhasa ay dakilang saserdote nang taong yaon, ay hinulaan niya na si Jesus ay dapat mamatay dahil sa bansa; 52At hindi dahil sa bansa lamang, kundi upang matipon din naman niya sa isa ang mga anak ng Dios na nagsisipangalat.

53Kaya't mula nang araw na yaon ay pinagsanggunianan nilang ipapatay siya. 54Si Jesus ay hindi na naglalakad ng hayag sa gitna ng mga Judio, kundi naparoon doon sa lupaing malapit sa ilang, sa isang bayan na tinatawag na Efraim; at siya'y nanahanan doong kasama ng mga alagad.

55Ang paskua nga ng mga Judio ay malapit na: at maraming nagsiahon sa Jerusalem mula sa lupaing yaon bago magpaskua, upang magsipaglinis. 56Pinaghahanap nga nila si Jesus, at pinaguusapan ng isa't isa, samantalang nangakatayo sila sa templo, Anong akala ninyo? Na hindi na kaya siya paririto sa pista?

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Friday April 3, Fifth Week of Lent: John 10:31-42

Gospel: John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, 'You are gods"'? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.

He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true." And many there began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

Raffy was a popular figure in their parish church, he was being consulted every time there was problems and decisions to be made. Then a new figure in the parish came along a humble man whose wisdom was very profound. Suddenly the people in the parish gravitated to this humble and wisdom filled man. Therefore Raffy planned to bring down this humble man so that he could once again be the main man in their parish. 

The hatred of the Jews against Jesus was not only caused by His pronouncement that He and God are one and the same. Their hatred against Jesus was also caused by their envy with Jesus popularity with the people most especially with the ordinary people. The Jews were slowly losing grip of their authority because of Jesus. Therefore they must plot to kill Him at any cost.

There would also be people who will come along who are much better than us. Who are more humble than us (If at all we are humble!). Let us not envy them, let us not plot any untoward against them let us instead be happy for them. To rejoice with somebody who is taking the limelight from us is hard to do. But this is not impossible to do if we really are true followers of Jesus. 

The mistake of the Pharisees and scribes during the time of Jesus is they allowed envy and pride to control them. By doing so they in the process opened themselves up to the control of the devil. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Abril 3, Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma Juan 10:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 10:31-42

31Nagsidampot uli ng mga bato ang mga Judio upang batuhin si Jesus. 32Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Maraming mabubuting gawa na mula sa Ama ang ipinakita ko sa inyo; alin sa mga gawang yaon ang ibinabato ninyo sa akin? 33Sinagot siya ng mga Judio, Hindi dahil sa mabuting gawa ay binabato ka namin, kundi sa pamumusong; at sapagka't ikaw, bagaman ikaw ay tao, ay nagpapakunwari kang Dios. 

34Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Hindi baga nasusulat sa inyong kautusan, Aking sinabi, Kayo'y mga dios? 35Kung tinawag niyang mga dios, yaong mga dinatnan ng salita ng Dios (at hindi mangyayaring sirain ang kasulatan), 36Sinasabi baga ninyo tungkol sa kaniya, na pinabanal ng Ama at sinugo sa sanglibutan, Ikaw ay namumusong; sapagka't sinasabi ko, Ako ang anak ng Dios? 

37Kung hindi ko ginagawa ang mga gawa ng aking Ama, ay huwag ninyo akong sampalatayanan. 38Datapuwa't kung ginagawa ko, ang mga yaon kahit hindi kayo magsisampalataya sa akin, ay magsisampalataya kayo sa mga gawa; upang maalaman ninyo at mapagunawa na ang Ama ay nasa akin, at ako'y nasa Ama. 39Muling pinagsikapan nilang siya'y hulihin: at siya'y tumakas sa kanilang mga kamay.

40At siya'y muling naparoon sa dako pa roon ng Jordan sa dako nang una'y pinagbautismuhan ni Juan; at siya'y tumira doon. 41At marami ang mga nagsiparoon sa kaniya; at kanilang sinabi, Katotohanang si Juan ay hindi gumawa ng tanda: nguni't lahat ng mga bagay na sinalita ni Juan tungkol sa taong ito ay totoo. 42At marami ang mga nagsisampalataya sa kaniya roon.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for Thursday April 2, Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:51-59

Gospel: John 8:51-59

Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’

Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar.

But I do know him and I keep his word.  Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

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Reflection:

Are you always on the same page with Jesus?

It’s very obvious that Jesus and those who were listening to Him were not on the same page. Otherwise they would have understood each other. For example, Jesus told the Jews; whoever keeps my world will never see death and the Jews were mocking Jesus because they couldn’t believe this statement.

How about us? Do we believe this statement of Jesus that whoever keeps His word will never see death? For worldly people this is hard to believe they will even be mocking also those who would tell this to them. But come to think about it, how would those with deeper faith react to these pronouncements of Jesus?

Of course they will believe since they have deeper faith and they’ve already developed this personal and deep relationship with Jesus. This is what separates the believer from the unbeliever, the believer because of his deep and personal relationship with Jesus will always believe whatever Jesus tells him in the gospel.

The believer makes every pronouncement of Jesus in the scriptures as his guiding light. Jesus is not a historical figure to Him Jesus to him is an ever present guiding light that illuminates his life.

Invite Jesus to guide and illuminate your life too! -  Marino J. Dasmarinas