1Reflection for September 28, Monday; St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions, martyrs (M): Luke 9:46-50

Gospel: Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Who is the greatest? It’s the humble one, the one who is always willing to serve us, always willing to be with us. We may not know it but Jesus has been serving us since time immemorial. He is in the person of the priest during the Sacrament of Reconciliation forgiving us of our sins.

He is always present in the Eucharistic or Holy Mass celebration humbly giving His Body and Blood to nourish our bodies and our souls. He is the greatest treasure that we can ever have! But His greatness is a paradox to many of us because we measure greatness by our worldly standards. Such as greatness thru power and influence this is mostly fueled by political power, position in government and in the private sector and the size of our bank accounts. But these greatness are passing and temporary; the time will come that it shall pass us and we shall be forgotten.

Jesus is the personification of true greatness: His humility, His self-sacrifice and His refusal to wield power for His own self interest. This greatness of Jesus is usually unheard in this world nevertheless we should emulate the greatness of Jesus and shun the greatness that this world offers us.

Which greatness do you prefer? – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

1Reflection for Sunday September 27, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.

Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Is there hope of redemption for a sinner like everyone of us? Yes there is always hope for us for as long as we change our ways. God’s love for us is without limit and it’s always there for us and it’s ours to take anytime we want it. 

Aside from Jesus and the man and his two sons there are others who play an important role in this Sunday’s gospel reading. They are the following: Chief Priest, Elders of the people, Tax collectors, the prostitutes and John the Baptist. 

The chief Priest and the elders of the people are those who are authorities of the faith. They are always in their place of worship but ironically they oftentimes are wanting or lacking in terms of living their faith. Jesus is actually subtly telling the chief Priest and the elders of the people about their faith that lacks life and action. 

The chief Priest and the elders of the people  represents the Son who said, Yes, sir, but did not go to work in the vineyard. They also did not listen to the call of John the Baptist to turn away from their sins and completely repent. 

The tax collectors and the prostitutes were obviously the sinners that repented. They represent the Son who said: “I will not go to the vineyard”, but afterwards changed his mind and went and did his father’s will. They listened to the call of John the Baptist: “Repent and change your ways for the kingdom of God is forthcoming.” 

What is the relevance of the gospel to our lives? We who are all sinners like the tax collectors and prostitutes. We are being called by Jesus to repent from our sinful ways. It’s not anymore John who calls us out to repentance but Jesus Himself. 

Life is so fragile it can end anytime most especially right now caused by this Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, we must listen to this clarion call of Jesus while we still have time for this is what He desires for us all: To lead lives according to His will and not according to our selfish and sinful will. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Setyembre 27, Ika-26 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 21:28-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:28-32

28 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga saserdote at matatanda ng bayan: “Ano sa palagay ninyo? May dalawang anak ang isang tao. Lumapit siya sa isa at sinabi: ‘Anak, pumunta ka ngayon at magtrabaho sa aking ubasan.’ 29 Sumagot ang anak: ‘Ayoko.’ Ngunit pagkatapos ay nagbagong-isip siya at pumunta. 

30 Pinuntahan din ng ama ang pangalawang anak at gayundin ang sinabi. Sumagot naman ang anak: ‘Opo.’ Pero hindi siya pumunta.” 31 At itinanong ni Jesus: “Sino sa dalawang anak ang tumupad sa gusto ng ama?” Sumagot sila: “Ang una.” At sinabi ni Jesus: “Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo: mas nauuna sa inyo patungo sa kaharian ng Langit ang mga publi-kano at mga babaeng bayaran. 

32 Dumating nga si Juan para ipakita sa inyo ang daan ng kabutihan pero hindi kayo naniwala sa kanya, samantalang naniwala naman ang mga publikano at mga babaeng bayaran. Nakita ninyo ito at hindi kayo nagsisi o naniwala sa kanya.

Reflection for September 26, Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:43b-45

Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

When Jesus told His disciples that he was to be handed over to men they were not able to comprehend it. Why? Because at that time Jesus was doing miracles left and right. And perhaps they were asking themselves, how could this be possible that this miracle man will be handed over to authorities and afterwards suffer? 

The disciples were oblivious because they did not fully know His mission. Otherwise, if they knew, they would have understood this pronouncement of Jesus.  The moment we decide to follow Jesus we must prepare ourselves for the sufferings that we have to go through. 

Because we cannot separate our discipleship with the Lord  with sufferings. To follow Jesus is to embrace suffering also. However, there are people who would say, simply follow Jesus and you will have a problem free life. This is farthest from the truth because everyone of us who truly follow Jesus will have our own share of sufferings and tribulations. 

But let us not bedevil ourselves with the thought of these sufferings because Jesus will not give us trials that we can’t handle. We simply have to have faith in Jesus and that is more than enough to conquer our sufferings.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 25, Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:18-22

Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Why does Jesus always remind his disciples about his impending sufferings? Why not keep His coming sufferings only to Himself? Come to think of it, if Jesus had concealed His suffering from His disciples He could have attracted more disciples. But Jesus did not lie to them, He did not sugar coat His words to attract them.  He was brutally honest and He laid down everything to them.  

Many of us don’t want to talk of sufferings when following Jesus. However the moment we take away sufferings then there’s no more authentic discipleship for Jesus. This is for the reason that discipleship without going through suffering is fake discipleship.

How could we have a clearer picture of Jesus if we wouldn’t go through pains and sufferings? How could we know Jesus more deeply if we are not willing to suffer for Him? If we say that we follow Jesus and we are afraid of sufferings then we are not really a follower. We are simply bystanders who don’t care much about the mission of Jesus.

As they say, No Pain No Gain if we relate this with our discipleship with Jesus. This now becomes, No Pain No Date in Heaven with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for September 24, Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:7-9

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Are you sometimes being haunted by a wrong which you’ve done in the past?

The wrongs that we’ve done will continue to haunt us for so long as there is no closure to it. It happened to Herod the tetrarch when he ordered his soldiers to kill John at the behest of the woman who lustfully danced in front of them.

We need to be careful of the actions/decisions that we make in our lives. Impulsive or spur of the moment decisions are usually wrong. Like when Herod to impress his friends impulsively decided to kill John.

These thoughtless decisions that we’ve made or we’ll make in the future will bother us, in will constantly pop in our minds until we do something to close it. So what is the cure to this dilemma?

We have to seek closure, if we have to walk an extra mile for us to obtain closure so be it. We obtain closure by making amends with the person concerned. Another avenue to erase our guilt of conscience is to humbly submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Confession. 

When was your last Confession? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

1Reflection for September 23, Wednesday Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest (M): Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.  

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

When Jesus said to the twelve, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” He was espousing absolute detachment from any kind of worldly things. He was telling them to rely in no one except in Himself for He would provide for them.

This is how Jesus also lived His ministry, He relied in no one except in the providence of God. God provided for Him for He trusted His life in Him. In our present materially driven world it’s so difficult to solely trust in God. For example, how could we advance His teachings without any material provisions? How could we keep going without financial help? These are valid questions that are so difficult to ignore.

Nevertheless, if we really have rock solid faith, we would let go of our worldly worries and rely on no one but God alone. This is the challenge for all of us believers, to rely on no one except God. Often times we do not recognize how God is moving in our lives because we don’t totally rely on Him. We rely more on ourselves and those around us rather than Jesus.

We would not be able to feel the presence of Jesus in our lives if we continue to rely on ourselves. Let us continue to have faith for Jesus has not forsaken anyone who followed Him. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for September 22, Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:19-21

 

Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Who would not want to become a relative of Jesus? Of course we all want to become His relatives. But Jesus has one important requirement for all of us so that we could become His relatives: Hear His word and act on it (Luke 8:21). 

Do we hear the word of God and act upon it? For example the commandment of Jesus to love our enemies and to do good to those who hurt us (Matthew 5:44). Do we love our enemies and do good to them?  Or we immediately follow our natural instinct not to love those who don’t love us and hurt those who hurt us. 

But what would happen if we follow our selfish human instinct? There would be more hatred and hurt, more walls than bridges. Mahatma Gandhi once said: An Eye for an eye would only make the whole world blind. 

It’s not easy to become a relative of Jesus if we put so much value to ourselves. If we look at ourselves so highly and we immediately despise those who’ve hurt and disrespected us. But Jesus himself has forgiven those who’ve hurt, persecuted and killed Him.   

Though it’s difficult to become a relative of Jesus for it requires humility and forgetting of ourselves. Nevertheless, we must aspire to become a relative of Jesus and not aspire to become a lover of unforgiveness, ego and pride. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 21, Monday Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast) Matthew 9:9-13

 

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

+ + + +  + + +

Reflection:
Why does Jesus calls us to follow Him? He calls us out of His great love for us. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to be lead astray by the many sins of this world. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to suffer in hell after our mortal life in this world is over and done with already.

We have in our gospel a character named Matthew a corrupt tax collector who was called by Jesus to follow Him. Even if Matthew is a sinner deep in his heart he knows Jesus. Matthew knows deep in his heart that in Jesus he would find healing, forgiveness and a new life. Matthew knows deep in His heart that in Jesus he has somebody who will not condemn him but would be very much willing to listen to his desire to repent and become His follower.

Therefore, when Jesus told Matthew to follow Him (Matthew 9:9) he immediately left everything behind him and followed Jesus. When Matthew heard Jesus telling him to follow Him, Matthew heard the sweetest words that he could ever hear in his entire life. It made Matthew whole once again for he has been broken by sin throughout his adult life. Perhaps Matthew burst into tears when he heard Jesus told him to come and follow Him. It was tears of unexplained happiness, tears of relief and freedom from the enslavement of the devil.

 Do you also want to feel how Matthew felt during that very day that Jesus called him to come and follow Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for Sunday September 20, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew Matthew 20:1-16

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.

Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’  When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you sometimes think that God is not treating you fairly? For example, you are faithful to Him, you follow the commandments and you always try to do your best to do good. But you still encounter trials and problems in your life.

The ways of God are unfathomable there are times that HIS decisions are hard for us to comprehend. But that’s how God is; HE does not think the way we think. HE doesn’t decide the way we decide. God is infinite and we are simply finite beings of this world.

We will not be able to comprehend the ways of God no matter how hard we try to comprehend it, we will not. But come to think of it, who are we to question God’s decisions and  infinite goodness? We are mere mortals with a very limited shelf life in this world. Instead of questioning the mysterious ways of God in our lives, why not simply work hard, be a good and faithful follower and trust HIM our lives no matter what may befall us?

In the gospel Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who invited workers to work in his vineyard. Many were invited to work at different hours during that day. Some were invited presumably at 8 in the morning, some during 9 in the morning. And then the last group of workers that were invited was during 5 pm the last hour of work already.   

When evening came every worker was summoned to receive their wages for their day’s work. The first batch that received their wages were those who came at 5 pm the last hour of work and to their surprise they received the full wage for the day.

Therefore those who reported to work the first hour of the morning were expecting a bigger wage. But to their disappointment they received the same wage with those who worked at 5 pm. So, they complained to the landowner for what they perceived to be an injustice that was done to them. However, the landowner told them that there was no injustice and cheating on the wages that was paid because they agreed to be paid with that amount from the outset.   

There may be times that we may feel that God is not treating us fairly. For the reason of the many challenges and trials that we face in our lives. But that feeling is wrong because God is always good and fair to us. It is rather us who fail to discern the goodness, wisdom and infinite mercy and generosity of God.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for September 19, Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:4-15

Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand.

“This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation.

As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is the essence of life if it’s not lived with God? A meaningful life is always a life lived with God. If we live life without God life automatically becomes meaningless. Even if we have all the material wealth and power if we have no God life is still without meaning.

Jesus gives us a parable about the seeds that fell on four different surfaces. The first three surfaces were empty of the presence of God therefore the seeds that fell on these surfaces eventually died.

The fourth surface or soil is the perfect one because it is the good and productive soil. Don’t we also want to be connected with this productive soil? When we are connected with this productive  soil we live a meaningful life in this world. Thus, we can only become good and productive citizens of this world if we would always be connected with this productive soil which is Jesus.

For without connection with the Lord we wouldn’t be able to grow in wisdom. And we certainly will not be able to live a profound and meaningful life in this world.

Are you always connected with Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Setyembre 19, Sabado; sa Ika-24 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 8:4-15

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:4-15

4 Napakakapal na tao ang nagkakati­pon dahil pinupuntahan si Jesus ng mga tao mula sa kani-kanilang mga ba­yan. Kaya nagsalita siya sa talinhaga: 5 “Lumabas ang manghahasik para maghasik ng kanyang binhi. Sa kanyang paghahasik, may ilang butong nahulog sa tabi ng daan at tinapak-­tapakan at kinain ng mga ibon sa langit. 6 Nahulog ang iba sa batuhan, at nang sumibol ay nalanta dahil sa kawalan ng halumigmig. 7 Nahulog ang iba pang buto sa gitna ng tinikan, at sa sabay nilang paglaki, sinikil ito ng mga tinik. 8 Nahulog naman ang iba pa sa matabang lupa at nang sumibol ay nagbunga nang tig-iisang daan.” Pag­kasabi nito’y sumigaw siya: “Makinig ang may tainga.”

9 At tinanong siya ng kanyang mga alagad kung ano ang kahulugan ng talin­­hagang ito. 10 Kayat sinabi niya: “Sa inyo ipinagkaloob na malaman ang mga lihim ng kaharian ng Diyos, at sa iba nama’y sa mga talinhaga lamang para tumingin sila at hindi makakita, makinig at hindi makaunawa.

11 Ito ang kahulugan ng talinhaga. Ang binhi ay ang salita ng Diyos. 12 Ang mga nasa tabi ng daan ay ang mga naka­karinig nito pero agad namang dumarating ang diyablo; inaagaw niya ang salita mula sa kanilang isipan upang huwag silang ma­nalig at malig­tas. 13 Ang mga nasa batu­han ay ang mga nakaka­rinig na masayang tinatanggap ang salita. Ngunit wala silang ugat kaya sandali silang nananalig at tumitiwalag naman sa panahon ng tukso.

14 Ang na­hulog naman sa mga tini­kan ay ang mga nakakarinig ngunit sa pagpapatuloy nila’y sinikil ng mga kabalisahan, ng kayamanan at ng mga kasiyahan sa buhay kaya hindi sila nakapagbunga. 15 Ang nahulog naman sa matabang lupa ay ang mga naka­karinig sa salita at iniingatan ito nang may dakila’t mabuting loob at nagbubunga sila sa kanilang pagti­tiyaga.

1Reflection for September 18, Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Who are the majority crowd during Sunday Holy Mass or daily Holy Mass for that matter? The majority are women, who are the majority who volunteers for church work? It’s women again! During the time of Jesus and as it is today the silent workers and supporters of Jesus and His church are women.

When Jesus was dying on the cross the majority of those who remained loyal to Him are women too (Luke 23:49)! The same when Jesus resurrected, the loyal woman supporters of Jesus saw Him first (Luke 24:9–11).

The gospel this Friday mentions Jesus, the twelve apostles and a number of women with different backgrounds. Some are sinners, some are rich and some are poor also. What brought these women with diverse background together? What made them silently support Jesus?

It’s their love and loyalty to Jesus. The same love and loyalty to Jesus that fuels the many women of today who silently support Jesus and the church that He founded through peter.   

Like the women in the gospel who followed and provided help for Jesus. We too are being challenged to humbly follow Jesus and provide support for the church that He founded. We all know that because of the Covid-19 pandemic the church is financially suffering also. So we have to help the church in whatever way we can.

What can you contribute to Jesus and the church today? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for September 17, Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:36-50

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears.

Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.”

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus would forgive you of your many sins? The woman in the gospel who is a big time sinner and presumably a prostitute believe in her heart that Jesus would forgive her. Uninvited she went to the house of the Pharisee where Jesus was. And there she humbled herself before Jesus by kissing his feet, washing the same feet with her own tears, anointing it with an ointment and wiping it with her own hair.

What the woman did is a humble gesture of repentance and submission. It was her way of telling Jesus that she now wants to lead a new life. A life free from any form of sin, her gesture is also a gesture of love and repentance. Thus, she was forgiven by Jesus and thereafter renewed by the power of forgiveness by Jesus.

All of us commit sin and through this sin that we commit we also offend Jesus. But we have nothing to fear for all of our sins can be forgiven and thereafter wiped out by Jesus. All we have to do is to humble ourselves before Him, tell Jesus our sins and ask for His forgiveness.   

Perhaps you’re asking yourself this question: How would I be forgiven by Jesus of my many sins? Jesus forgives us of our many sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation/ Confession.

Do you want to lead a new life? A life free from the enslavement of the devil a life free from sin and guilt? If your answer is yes, humbly submit yourself to this Healing and liberating sacrament. The moment you do you would feel that something heavy has been taken off from your back. 

Would you have the humility to submit yourself to this healing and renewing sacrament? – Marino J. Dasmarinas