Reflection for July 2, Thursday; Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming." Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, :Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"–he then said to the paralytic, "Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

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Reflection:

Who brought the paralytic to Jesus?

Nobody knows because their names were not mentioned by Jesus in the gospel. Jesus knew that those who brought the paralytic to Him were very humble and not very concerned with the credit that they would receive. It was enough for them that they’ve helped this paralytic go to Jesus.

 After they were through with their mission to bring the paralytic to Jesus they simply blended away with the multitude of people. Not concerned of their good deed and not concerned of the accolade that they could receive.

How many of us are like those who brought the paralytic to Jesus? They were very humble, very selfless not concerned of the credit and publicity that is rightly due them. 

In our world today where we can easily publicize via social media every good deed that we do. The gospel is teaching us be silent when we do good for the simple reason that every acts of goodness that we do in secrecy and silence is appreciated more by the Lord.

 Let us therefore help without any expectation of something in return. Let us help without trumpeting the good deeds that we do because God is more pleased by this kind of attitude. And certainly God rewards more those who help and those who do good in silence and secrecy.

What is our mentality when we help?– Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hulyo 2, Huwebes; Ika-13 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 9:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:1-8

1 Muling sumakay sa bangka si Jesus, tumawid sa lawa at bu­malik sa sariling bayan. 2 Dinala sa kanya roon ang isang paralitikong nakahiga sa papag. Nang makita ni Jesus ang kanilang pananalig, sinabi niya sa paralitiko: “Lakasan mo ang iyong loob, anak! Pinatawad na ang iyong mga kasalanan.”

3 Noo’y inisip ng ilang guro ng Batas: “Iniinsulto ng taong ito ang Diyos.” 4 Alam ni Jesus ang kanilang mga niloloob, at sinabi niya: “Bakit kayo nag-iisip ng masama? 5 Ano ba ang mas madaling sabihin: ‘Pinatawad na ang iyong mga kasalanan’ o ‘Tumayo ka at lumakad’? 6 Dapat n’yong mala­man na may kapang­yarihan sa lupa ang Anak ng Tao na mag­pa­tawad ng kasalanan.” At sinabi niya sa parali­tiko: “Buma­ngon ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan at umuwi.” 7 At buma­ngon ang tao at umuwi. 8 Nang makita naman ito ng mga tao, napuno sila ng pagkamangha at nagpuri sa Diyos sa pagbibigay ng gayong kapangyarihan sa mga tao.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for July 1, Wednesday; Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:28-34

Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.”

And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who believed in that satan can defeat God. Her belief in satan slowly but surely eroded her belief in God. After a period of time this woman was eventually possessed by satan.

Do we believe that satan can defeat God also? Better that we not believe because the moment we believe we somehow allow the power of satan to slowly seep into our life. Satan begins to become a reality in our life the moment we begin to believe in its power to defeat God.

In our gospel we read about the power of Jesus over demons they were actually no match to Jesus because they cowered before the Lord’s presence. What does this tell us? It tells us that Jesus is the supreme power.

Evil exist within us because we allow it to exist; we give it freedom to dwell in us. How does this transpire? This transpire when we commit sin even if we know that what we are doing is sinful.

Thus, we give freedom for satan to have an influence in our life. As it stays with us it also slowly but surely controls our minds that we start to begin of thinking of evil things also.

But all is not lost yet, If we know and have faith in Jesus and if we start to take Him and His teachings seriously. Satan will run away from us, evil or anything that is evil will have no place anymore in our value system and in our life.

Why? For the simple reason that Jesus is the supreme power. And when we are always connected with Jesus evil will not be able to become an influence in our life.– Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hulyo 1, Miyerkules; Ika-13 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 8:28-34

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:28-34

Pagdating ni Jesus sa lupain ng Gadara sa kabilang ibayo, sinalubong siya ng dalawang lalaking inaalihan ng demonyo, na galing sa mga libingan. Napakabangis nila kayat walang maka­­­­daan doon. 29 Bigla silang sumi­gaw: “Ano ang kailangan mo sa amin, ikaw na Anak ng Diyos! Puma­rito ka ba para pahirapan kami bago sumapit ang panahon?”

30 Sa may di-kalayua’y maraming baboy na nanginginain. 31 Kaya hiniling sa kanya ng mga demonyo: “Kung palala­yasin mo kami, ipadala mo kami sa mga baboy.” 32 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Umalis kayo.” Kaya pagka­layas ng mga demonyo’y pumasok ang mga ito sa mga baboy – at hayun! nahulog sa bangin ang lahat ng baboy papuntang dagat, at nalunod na lahat.

33 Tumakas naman ang mga nagba­bantay sa mga baboy. Pagdating nila sa bayan, ipinamalita nila ang lahat at kung ano ang nangyari sa mga ina­alihan ng mga demonyo. 34 Kaya luma­bas ang buong bayan para salubungin si Jesus; at pagkakita nila sa kanya, hiniling nilang umalis siya sa kanilang lugar.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for June 30, Tuesday; Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:23-27

Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a young man who was on the verge of giving-up on his life so he thought of hanging himself to end it all. But before doing it he said this silent prayer, Jesus if you are really alive let somebody come into my house and I will not push through anymore with my desperate plan. Lo and behold, after a few seconds a neighbor was knocking on his door inviting him to join their bible study.

We must always remember that God is alive. He is always a prayer away but often times we forget about this. Because of our worldliness we always focus on our struggles rather than our triumps in life. Thus, we forget that there’s a God who is ever ready to help and listen to us. A God who is always there to lift us up whenever we are feeling down and weary.     

In our gospel for today the disciples encountered a violent storm and in that desperate moment they had nothing to hold on but Jesus. So they said, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” After which there was great calm because Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea.

Whatever that we’re going through right now we have to always remember that Jesus is just a prayer away. Let us therefore Seek Him, Pray to Him and Invite Him to come into our life for He would surely be there for us.

Do we regularly pray to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 30, Martes; Ika-13 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 8:23-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:23-27

23 Sumakay si Jesus sa bangka at sumunod sa kanya ang mga alagad niya. 24 Walang anu-ano’y nagkaroon ng mala­kas na bagyo sa lawa at parang matata­bunan na ng mga alon ang bangka. Ngunit tulog si Jesus.

25 Ginising siya nila na sumisigaw: “Panginoon, saklolo! Mamamatay tayo!” 26 At sinabi ni Jesus:  “Ba’t kayo natatakot, kayong napakaliit ng paniwala?” Buma­ngon siya at inutusan ang mga alon at hangin, at tumahimik ang lahat. 27 Nagulat ang mga tao at sinabi nila: “Anong klaseng tao ito? Sumusunod sa kanya pati mga hangin at dagat.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for June 29, Monday; Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Matthew 16:13-19

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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Reflection:

If somebody would ask us this question: “Who is Jesus to you?” I am sure that our answer will depend on how well we know Jesus. Some of us may answer that Jesus is a friend who’s always there for us. Others may say that Jesus is a brother who is always ready to help us.

Today the church celebrates the Solemnity of Apostle Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Saint Peter is the most prominent apostle; Jesus built and founded the church thru him, he is also the leader of the twelve. Saint Paul was tasked to spread the gospel to the gentiles. Both Saints unwaveringly shared with the ministry of Jesus in spreading the good news at the cost of their lives.

In the gospel Jesus posed this question to His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is (Matthew 16:13)?” the disciples were not able to answer. Then Jesus asked the apostles: “But who do you say that I am (Matthew 16:15)?”

 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. Peter knew Jesus well because more than any other apostles he was always prominently with Jesus. (Mat. 10:2; 14:28; 15:15; 17:24; 19:27; Luke 8:51; 12:41).

Peter also initially did not want Jesus to wash his feet, (John 13:7-9). When Jesus was about to arrested by the roman soldiers it was Peter who drew his sword and cut off the ear of the soldier, (John 18:10) Peter was the first apostles to enter the empty tomb of Jesus, (Luke 24:12), Peter was the first apostles to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection, (Luke 24:34)

Like Peter, are we always prominently with Jesus through the Sacraments and by always being present during Holy Mass? Like Peter, do we have that desire to know Jesus fully well by regularly reading the Bible specially the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John?

On the other hand, Paul had a lesser close encounter with Jesus (Acts 9). But his zeal to advance the gospel of Christ is unmatched until now. Saint Paul allowed Jesus to work in his life for the advancement of the gospel.

Saint Paul also courageously advanced the teachings of Jesus to those who don’t know Jesus yet. He was also educated and he used it to write some books in the New Testament. Do we allow Jesus to move in our lives so that others may know more about Jesus?

If Jesus would ask us this question today: “Who do you say that I am?” Would we be able to satisfactorily reply? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 29, Lunes; San Pedro at San Pablo mga apostol (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 16:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-19

13 Pumunta noon si Jesus sa may dakong Cesarea ni Filipo. Tinanong niya ang kanyang mga ala­gad: “Ano ang Anak ng Tao para sa mga tao? Sino ako para sa kanila?” 14 Sumagot sila: “May nagsasa­bing si Juan Bautista ka; may iba pang nagsasabing si Elias ka o si Jeremias o isa sa mga propeta kaya.”

15 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ngunit sino ako para sa inyo?” 16 At sumagot si Simon Pedro: “Ikaw ang Mesiyas, ang Anak ng Diyos na Buhay.” 17 Sumagot naman si Jesus: “Mapalad ka, Simon Bar-Yona, hindi nga laman at dugo ang nagbunyag nito sa iyo kundi ang aking Amang nasa Langit.

18 At ngayon sinasabi ko sa iyo: Ikaw si Pedro (o Bato) at sa batong ito ko itatayo ang aking Iglesya; at hinding-hindi ito madadaig ng kapangyarihan ng kama­tayan. 19 Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng Langit: ang itali mo dito sa lupa ay itatali rin sa Langit, at ang ka­lagan mo dito sa lupa ay kakalagan din sa Langit.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for Sunday June 28, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:37-42

Gospel: Matthew 10:37-42

Jesus said to his apostles: "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because the little one is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a poor boy who would always pass by a store in their neighborhood to ask for food that he could bring home to feed his sick father. He would always do this every day for the simple reason that the store owner was kindhearted.

After a few days had passed the store owner was wondering how come the boy was not passing by his store anymore? So, he asked those around the neighborhood about the boy and he was told that the boy’s family transferred to the city to stay with a relative to earn a living.

After twenty years the store owner was now old and sickly thus he already closed the store because no one would tend to it anymore. One day a rich man was looking for the old man who owned the store. So the rich man was brought to the former store owner's house.

There he introduced himself to be the boy who would ask for food that he could bring to his sick father. The eyes of the sick man glowed and teary eyed he asked: "Why are you here?" The rich man said: “I am here to give back your goodness.” He therefore brought the sick man to the hospital and paid for all of his hospital bills. After the sick man was discharged he invited the old man to stay with him for good.

In the gospel for this Sunday, Jesus talks about giving back to those who do good to his followers. What does this mean? This simply means that whatever good that we do to those who follow Jesus we will receive back in so many ways a hundredfold.  

Of course we all know that Jesus doesn’t want us to limit our acts of goodness to His followers alone. Jesus wants us to do good to anyone who is in need today caused by the Covid-19 pandemic: To the poor and jobless who are somewhat imprisoned in their homes because of the lockdowns and quarantines. To the beggars asking for anything that we can give them. To a relative who doesn't ask for help yet we know deep in our hearts that he/she is in need of our help and the like. 

We do good not because we want something in return someday. We do good because we simply want to obey Jesus. Do we still remember the last time we did good to somebody in need? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 28, Ika-13 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 10:37-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:37-42

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 37 Ang mas nagmamahal sa kan­yang ama o ina kaysa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. Ang mas nag­ma­­­mahal sa kanyang anak kaysa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. 38 At ang hindi nag­pa­pasan ng kanyang krus at sumu­sunod sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. 39 Ang nagpa­pa­­halaga sa kanyang sarili ang siyang mawa­walan nito, at ang nawawalan naman ng kanyang sarili ang siyang maka­katagpo nito.

40 Kung may tumatanggap sa inyo, tinatanggap din niya ako; at kung may tumatanggap sa akin, tinatanggap din niya ang nagsugo sa akin. 41 Kung may tumanggap sa isang propeta dahil pro­peta ito, tatanggapin niya ang gantimpa­lang bagay sa isang propeta; kung may tumanggap sa isang ma­buting tao dahil marangal ito, tatang­gapin niya ang gantimpalang bagay sa isang ma­buting tao. 42 Kung may mag­painom ng malamig na tubig sa isa sa maliliit na ito dahil sa ala­­gad ko ito, sinasabi kong hindi siya mana­natiling wa­lang gantimpala.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for June 27, Saturday; Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:5-17

Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.

For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.

I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven, but the children of the Kingdom will be driven out into the outer darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour his servant was healed. Jesus entered the house of Peter, and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, the fever left her, and she rose and waited on him.

When it was evening, they brought him many who were possessed by demons, and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick, to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:

He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

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Reflection:

What is with the roman centurion that we often-times do not have?

 Its faith and humility, very profound faith and humility. The centurion/soldier is the personification of deep faith. He simply believed that Jesus would grant what he wished for and because of his deep faith Jesus healed his servant.

The centurion is also humble enough to beg the Lord for healing for his servant. He personally went to Jesus to ask Him to cure his servant. The Centurion could have simply sent an emissary to Jesus and let his emissary do everything for him. But he did not, in spite of his status as a ranking soldier he still humbled himself before Jesus.  

This is oftentimes what we lack, we don’t have deep faith and we are lacking in humility before the Lord. What if we would have faith if we would be humble before the Lord? He would surely grant us what we want from Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 27, Sabado; Ika-12 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 8:5-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:5-17

5 Pagdating ni Jesus sa Caper­naum lumapit sa kanya ang isang kapitan at nakiusap sa kanya: 6 “Ginoo, nakahiga sa bahay ang aking katulong. Lumpo siya at sobra na ang paghihirap…” 7 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Paroroon ako at paga­galingin ko siya.”

8 Sumagot ang kapitan: “Hindi ako karapat-dapat para tumuloy ka sa bahay ko. Mag-utos ka lang at gagaling na ang aking katulong. 9 May nag-uutos sa akin at may inuutusan din ako, at pag sinabi ko sa isa sa mga kawal na nasa ilalim ko: ‘Pumaroon ka,’ pumaparoon siya. At sinasabi ko naman sa isa pa: ‘Pumarito ka,’ at pumaparito siya; at sa aking katulong: ‘Gawin mo ito,’ at ginagawa niya ito.”

10 Nang marinig ito ni Jesus, humanga siya at sinabi sa mga sumu­sunod sa kanya: “Sinasabi ko sa inyo, wala pa akong natagpuang ganitong paniniwala sa Israel. 11 Sinasabi ko sa inyo: marami ang darating mula sa silangan at sa kanluran para makisalo kina Abraham, Isaac at Jacob sa kaha­rian ng Langit. 12 At itatapon naman sa kadiliman ang mga taga­pag­mana ng Kaha­rian; at doon ang iyakan at pag­nga­ngalit ng mga ngipin.”

13 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kapitan: “Umuwi ka at mangyayari ang pina­niniwalaan mo.” At gumaling ang katulong sa oras ding iyon. 14 Pagpasok naman ni Jesus sa bahay ni Pedro, nakita niya ang biyenan ni Pedro na may lagnat at naka­higa. 15 Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at nawala ang lagnat nito. Kaya bumangon ito at nagsimulang mag­lingkod sa kanya.

16 Pagkalubog ng araw, dinala nila kay Jesus ang mga taong inaalihan ng masasamang espiritu, at sa isang salita lamang ay napalayas niya ang mga ito. Pinagaling din niya ang mga maysakit. 17 Sa ganitong paraan natupad ang sinabi ni Propeta Isaias: Kinuha niya ang ating mga sakit at pinasan ang ating mga karamdaman.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for June 26, Friday; Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:1-4

Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean. His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

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Reflection:

Who is this leaper who courageously approached Jesus to beg for His healing? We don’t know but one thing is certain the leper is a believer of Jesus. He must have heard about the healing prowess of Jesus. He must have been longing for an opportunity to interact with Jesus for him to be healed also. That’s why when the opportunity presented itself he took advantage of it by approaching Jesus.

Have we also heard about the miracles that Jesus is capable of doing in our life? What would we do now if we heard about it? Should we remain static and do nothing or we become dynamic by hungering and thirsting for Jesus?

The leper even if he was considered as an outcast had that dynamic attitude for he went to see Jesus. He did not allow his dreaded sickness to prevent him from having that personal encounter with his savior and healer.

Do we also want to be healed from our sickness? Whatever our sickness may be let us humbly ask the Lord to heal us. For He would never refuse anyone who sincerely ask for his healing. He will never refuse anyone who would humbly approach Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 26, Biyernes; Ika-12 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 8:1-4

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:1-4

1 Pagkababa ni Jesus mula sa bundok, maraming tao ang su­mu­­­nod sa kanya. 2 Lumapit sa kanya ang isang may ketong, at paluhod na nagsabi: “Ginoo, kung gusto mo, mapalilinis mo ako.”  3 Iniunat ni Jesus ang kanyang kamay, hinipo siya at sinabi: “Gusto ko, luminis ka!” Nang oras ding iyo’y gumaling ang lalaki sa kanyang ketong. 4 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya: “Mag-ingat ka, huwag mong sasabihin ito kanino man, kundi pumunta ka sa pari para suriin ka niya at ialay ang handog na iniutos ni Moises upang magkaroon sila ng pa­tunay.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.