1Reflection for March 30 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:

Would you agree that there are times that you sin and thus betray the Lord? 

Whether we admit it not there are really times that we succumb to the temptation of Satan. Thus, we sin and we create distance between us and the Lord Jesus Christ. However, even if we sin or betray the Lord we still are not beyond redemption. Jesus loves us so dearly that He will always forgive us no matter how many times we sin or betray Him. 

In the gospel we read about Jesus alluding to His betrayal by Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. How could Judas betray his Lord and Master? It seems unthinkable for this apostle to betray his teacher and master but it happened. Why? This is for the reason that Judas allowed Satan to take control of him. 

But what is sad in Judas betrayal is it led to his self-inflicted death. Judas could have returned to the Lord but he did not he instead chose to wallow in desperation and it culminated by his suicide. If only Judas knew that Jesus was waiting for his return he would not have killed himself. 

As long as we exist in this world Satan and his many sinful enticements would always be there to temp us. And many of us would succumb to these sinful temptations. However we must not forget that no matter how grave our sins are we are not beyond redemption. 

The Lord Jesus is always waiting for us to go back to Him! He is ever ready to embrace us again with His Forgiveness, Mercy and unconditional Love. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 30 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.  

Reflection for March 29 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:

Is money at the top of your priority list?  

Money was always in the mind of Judas, his obsession to possess it drove him to betray Jesus. If only Judas learned to detach himself from the love of money he would not have encountered a gruesome death. But he chose to be enslaved by money.  

Martha did not chose money over Jesus she instead preferred to serve Jesus. The same is true with Mary and Lazarus, she preferred to anoint Jesus with expensive perfume, while Lazarus was with Jesus on the table.  

If we want our lives to be serene and peaceful let us always prefer Jesus over the desire to have money. For example, which would you choose to go to Sunday Mass or to go somewhere else to earn money?  

Money will never satisfy us, the more that we have money the more that we would desire it.  And there is no end to the viciousness of this cycle brought about by our loved for money. The more that we desire money that more that our lives would become complicated, stress-filled and problematic.  

Try detaching yourself from the love of money and subsequently begin attaching yourself to the good Lord. And see for yourself the big positive impact that it will bring into your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 29 Lunes Santo: Juan 12:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:1-11

Anim na araw nga bago magpaskua ay naparoon si Jesus sa Betania, na kinaroroonan ni Lazaro, na ibinangon ni Jesus mula sa mga patay. Kaya'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.  

Si 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. Datapuwa't si Judas Iscariote, na isa sa kaniyang mga alagad, na sa kaniya'y magkakanulo, ay nagsabi, Bakit hindi ipinagbili ang unguentong ito ng tatlong daang denario, at ibigay sa mga dukha?  

Ito'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. Sinabi nga ni Jesus, Pabayaan ninyong ilaan niya ito ukol sa araw ng paglilibing sa akin. Sapagka't ang mga dukha ay laging nasa inyo; nguni't ako'y hindi laging nasa inyo.  

Ang 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. Datapuwa't nangagsanggunian ang mga pangulong saserdote upang kanilang maipapatay pati si Lazaro; Sapagka't dahil sa kaniya'y marami sa mga Judio ang nagsisialis at nagsisipanampalataya kay Jesus.

Reflection for Sunday March 28, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: Mark 14:1—15:47 (or 15:1-39)

Gospel: Mark 14:1—15:47 (or 15:1-39)

The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were to take place in two days’ time. So the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to arrest him by treachery and put him to death. They said, “Not during the festival, for fear that there may be a riot among the people.”  

When he was in Bethany reclining at table in the house of Simon the leper a woman came with an alabaster jar of perfumed oil costly genuine spikenard. She broke the alabaster jar and poured it on his head. There were some who were indignant. “Why has there been this waste of perfumed oil? It could have been sold for more than three hundred days’ wages and the money given to the poor.” They were infuriated with her. Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you make trouble for her? She has done a good thing for me. The poor you will always have with you,  and whenever you wish you can do good to them,  but you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has anticipated anointing my body for burial. Amen, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.”  

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests to hand him over to them. When they heard him they were pleased and promised to pay him money. Then he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.  

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread,  when they sacrificed the Passover lamb,  his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of his disciples and said to them,  Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples then went off, entered the city,  and found it just as he had told them;  and they prepared the Passover.  

When it was evening, he came with the Twelve. And as they reclined at table and were eating, Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him, one by one, “Surely it is not I?” He said to them, “One of the Twelve, the one who dips with me into the dish. For the Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.”  

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.

Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.  

Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed. But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.”Peter said to him, “Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be.” Then Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” But he vehemently replied, “Even though I should have to die with you,

I will not deny you.” And they all spoke similarly. Then they came to a place named Gethsemane,  and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be troubled and distressed. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death.  

Remain here and keep watch.” He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by him; he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will. When he returned he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing again, he prayed, saying the same thing. Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open and did not know what to answer him. He returned a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. See, my betrayer is at hand.”  

Then, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd with swords and clubs who had come from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. His betrayer had arranged a signal with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him and lead him away securely.” He came and immediately went over to him and said, “Rabbi.” And he kissed him. At this they laid hands on him and arrested him. One of the bystanders drew his sword, struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his ear. Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs, to seize me? Day after day I was with you teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me; but that the Scriptures may be fulfilled.” And they all left him and fled. Now a young man followed him wearing nothing but a linen cloth about his body. They seized him, but he left the cloth behind and ran off naked.  

They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. Peter followed him at a distance into the high priest’s courtyard and was seated with the guards, warming himself at the fire.The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none. Many gave false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. Some took the stand and testified falsely against him, alleging, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands.’” Even so their testimony did not agree.  

The high priest rose before the assembly and questioned Jesus, saying, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But he was silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him and said to him, “Are you the Christ, the son of the Blessed One?” Then Jesus answered, “I am; and ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.’ At that the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further need have we of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as deserving to die. Some began to spit on him. They blindfolded him and struck him and said to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards greeted him with blows.  

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest’s maids came along. Seeing Peter warming himself, she looked intently at him and said, “You too were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” So he went out into the outer court. Then the cock crowed. The maid saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, “Surely you are one of them; for you too are a Galilean.” He began to curse and to swear, “I do not know this man about whom you are talking.” And immediately a cock crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” He broke down and wept.  

As soon as morning came, the chief priests with the elders and the scribes, that is, the whole Sanhedrin held a council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate.Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” The chief priests accused him of many things. Again Pilate questioned him, “Have you no answer? See how many things they accuse you of.” Jesus gave him no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.  

Now on the occasion of the feast he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested. A man called Barabbas was then in prison along with the rebels who had committed murder in a rebellion. The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them as he was accustomed. Pilate answered, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate again said to them in reply, “Then what do you want me to do with the man you call the king of the Jews?” They shouted again, “Crucify him.” Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified.  

The soldiers led him away inside the palace, that is, the praetorium, and assembled the whole cohort. They clothed him in purple and, weaving a crown of thorns, placed it on him. They began to salute him with, AHail, King of the Jews!” and kept striking his head with a reed and spitting upon him. They knelt before him in homage. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him out to crucify him.  

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.  

They brought him to the place of Golgotha — which is translated Place of the Skull —They gave him wine drugged with myrrh, but he did not take it. Then they crucified him and divided his garments  by casting lots for them to see what each should take. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked him among themselves and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also kept abusing him.  

At noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemasabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “Look, he is calling Elijah. One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down.” Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.  

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.  

The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing him saw how he breathed his last he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene,  Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joses, and Salome. These women had followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him. There were also many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.  

When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was amazed that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died. And when he learned of it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. Having bought a linen cloth, he took him down, wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched where he was laid.

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Reflection:

Imagine the scene of Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem. Imagine that you’re there spreading your own cloak and waiving your own palm. While shouting hosanna, hosanna in the highest! To honor Him as He pass by you on a donkey. The mood is festive isn’t it?  

But after a few days the festiveness is replaced by somberness and isolation. The crowd shouting hosanna, hosanna has suddenly evaporated like the dew in the morning.  The crowd that has been with Jesus in His healing ministry was nowhere to be found. Where were they when Jesus needed them most? They simply abandoned Jesus because He was not doing anymore miracles and healings.  

They were the same crowd who allowed themselves to be dictated by the chief priests. That is why they shouted to release Barabbas instead of Jesus. And ironically the same crowd who loudly shouted: Crucify Him! Crucify him! With their betrayal Jesus’ went through His passion and death on the cross.  

Who are this modern day crowd? It’s no other than many of us if not all of us. We only acknowledge Jesus in our triumphs and victories, we recognize Jesus during the happy episodes of our lives and when we are in need of His help and guidance. But when we undergo trials and testing we sometimes question the Lord why we have to go through this challenging episode/s in our lives.  

We are in an extra ordinary time right now caused by this Covid-19 pandemic which has been continuously ravaging our country and our lives for more than a year right now. Let us use this Holy Week to pray, let us ask the Lord to heal our wounded land and people for everything is possible with God.  

We therefore have to watch online all the liturgical celebrations this Holy Week.   Let us begin today Palm Sunday until the Paschal/Easter Triduum (The Mass of the Lord’s Supper during Holy Thursday, the veneration of the cross during Good Friday and the Vigil Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection during Saturday evening).   

Let us make the most of this Holy week by strongly re-establishing our WIFI connection with God for we would always survive all the trials that we are going thru if we are always connected with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Marso 28, LInggo ng Palaspas sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon: Marcos 14:1—15:47 (or 15:1-39)

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 14:1—15:47 (or 15:1-39)

1 Dalawang araw bago mag-Paskuwa at mag-Piyesta ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura, nag­sikap ang mga punong-pari at mga guro ng Batas na gumawa ng pakana para ma­huli at mapatay si Jesus. 2 Ngu­nit sinabi nila: “Hindi ngayon sa piyestang ito, at baka magkagulo ang mga tao.” 3 Nang nasa Betania si Jesus at na­sa hapag sa bahay ni Simong ke­to­ngin, isang babae ang lumapit sa kanya, dala-dala ang isang sisidlang may purong pa­bangong-mira. Binasag niya ang sisidlan at ibinuhos ito sa ulo ni Jesus. 4 Kaya may ilang nagalit at kanilang si­nabi: “Bakit sinasayang ang pabangong ito! 5 Ma­ipagbibili sana ang mirang ito nang higit pa sa tatlundaang denaryo at maibibigay sa mga dukha.” At nagbulung-bulungan sila laban sa babae. 

6 Sinabi naman ni Jesus: “Bakit ninyo siya ginugulo? Huwag ninyo siyang paki­alaman. Mabuting gawain ang ginawa niya sa akin. 7 Ang mga dukha’y laging nasa inyo at matutulu­ngan ninyo sila ka­ilanman ninyo naisin pero ako’y hindi la­ging nasa inyo. 8 Ginawa niya ang para sa kanya: ini­handa na niya ngayon pa man ang aking katawan para sa pag­­li­libing. 9 Tala­­gang sinasabi ko sa inyo: saan man ipahayag ang Ebang­helyo – sa buong daigdig – mababanggit din ang ginawa niya sa akin bilang pag-alaala sa kanya.” 

10 At pumunta sa mga punong-pari si Judas Iskariote na isa sa Labin­dalawa para ibigay si Jesus sa kanila. 11 Natu­wa sila sa pagkarinig sa kanya at nanga­kong bibigyan siya ng pera. Kaya nag­hanap siya ng pagkakataong ma­ipag­kanulo siya. 12 Sa unang araw ng Piyesta ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura, nang ki­na­katay ang mga tupang pampaskuwa, sinabi kay Jesus ng kan­yang mga alagad: “Saan mo kami gus­tong pumunta para maghanda ng Ha­pu­nang Pampaskuwa para sa iyo?” 13 Kaya ipinadala niya ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad sa pagsasabing: “Pag­­punta ninyo sa lunsod, sasalu­­­­­­bungin kayo ng isang lalaking may pasang isang ba­ngang tubig. Sumunod kayo sa kanya 14 at sabihin ninyo sa may-ari ng bahay na pupun­tahan niya, ‘Ito ang sabi ng Guro: Nasaan ang ku­warto para sa akin para pag­saluhan namin ng aking mga alagad ang Hapu­nang Pam­pas­kuwa?’ 15 Ituturo niya sa inyo ang isang malawak na silid sa itaas na ayos na at may mga kagamitan. Doon kayo mag­handa para sa atin.”  

16 Umalis nga ang mga alagad at pu­mun­ta sa lunsod at nakita ang sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, at inihanda nila ang Paskuwa. 17 Pagkalubog ng araw, dumating si Jesus kasama ang Labindalawa. 18 Ha­bang nasa hapag sila at kumakain, si­nabi ni Jesus: “Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo: ipag­kakanulo ako ng isa sa inyo na kasalo ko.” 19 Nalungkot sila at isa-isang nagta­nong sa kanya: “Ako ba?” 20 Su­magot siya: “Isa sa Labindalawang kasabay kong mag­sasaw­saw ng tinapay sa plato. 21 Patuloy sa kanyang daan ang Anak ng Tao ayon sa isinulat tungkol sa kanya ngunit kawawa ang mag­kakanulo sa Anak ng Tao; mabuti pa para sa taong ito kung hindi na siya ipina­nganak.”  

22 Habang sila’y kumakain, kinuha niya ang tinapay, at matapos magpuri sa Diyos, pinaghati-hati niya iyon at ibinigay sa mga alagad habang sinasabi: “Kunin ninyo; ito ang aking kata­wan.” 23 Pag­katapos ay ki­nuha niya ang kalis, nagpa­salamat siya at ibinigay sa kanila, at uminom ang lahat. 24 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ito ang aking dugo, ang dugo ng Tipan, na ibinubuhos para sa marami. 25 Sinasabi ko rin sa inyo: hindi na ako iinom pa ng galing sa ubas hang­­gang sa araw na inumin ko ang bagong alak sa kaharian ng Diyos.”  

26 At pagkaawit ng mga salmo pu­mun­ta sila sa Bundok ng mga Olibo. 27 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Matitisod kayong lahat. Sinasabi nga ng Kasulatan: ‘Ha­ham­­pasin ko ang pastol at mangangalat naman ang mga tupa.’ 28 Ngunit pagkabuhay kong muli, mau­una ako sa inyo sa Galilea.”  

29 Sinabi ni Pedro: “Kahit na matisod man ang lahat dahil sa iyo, ako’y hindi.” 30 Su­magot si Jesus: “Talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo, sa gabi ring ito bago ma­ka­lawang tumi­laok ang tandang, tatlong beses mo akong itatatwa.” 31 Ngu­nit lalo pang sinabi ni Pedro: “Kahit mamatay pa akong kasama mo, hin­ding-hindi kita itatatwa.” Gayundin ang sinabi ng iba. 32 At nagpunta sila sa isang lugar na tinatawag na Getsemane at sinabi niya sa mga alagad: “Maupo kayo rito habang nag­darasal ako.”  

33 Isinama niya sina Pedro, Jaime at Juan, at nagsimula siyang labis na kilabutan at mamighati. 34 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Labis na kalungkutan na pa­rang kamatayan ang aking nada­rama. Manatili kayo rito at mag­puyat.” 35 At pumunta siya sa malayu-layo pa at napatirapa at dinasal na kung maaari’y lu­mayo sa kanya ang oras na ito. At sinabi: 36 “Abba (na ibig sabihi’y Tatay), lahat ay posible para sa iyo. Alisin mo sa akin ang kalis na ito. Ngunit hindi ayon sa aking kalooban kundi sa iyo.”  

37 At pagbalik niya nakita niya silang na­tutulog at sinabi niya kay Pedro: “Simon, natutulog ka ba? Hindi ka ba maka­pagpuyat nang kahit isang oras lamang? 38 Magpuyat at manalangin upang hindi kayo madaig ng tukso. Talagang masi­gasig ang espiritu ngu­nit mahina ang laman.” 

39 Umalis siya uli para manalangin at gayon din ang kanyang sinabi. 40 At pagbalik niya, muli niya silang naki­tang natutulog; mabigat nga ang kanilang mga mata at hindi nila alam kung ano ang sasabihin sa kanya. 41 Sa pangatlong balik niya, sinabi niya sa kanila: “Sige, matulog kayo at magpa­hinga! Tama na. Dumating na ang oras at ibinibigay na ang Anak ng Tao sa mga taong makasalanan. 42 Gumi­sing na kayo at tumindig. Narito na ang nagkakanulo sa akin.”  

43 Nagsasalita pa si Jesus nang duma­­ting si Judas na isa sa Labinda­lawa, at ma­rami siyang kasama na ­ipinadala ng mga punong-pari at mga guro ng Batas at Matatanda ng bayan. May dala silang mga tabak at pamalo 44 at nagtakda sa kanila ang taksil ng isang senyas: “Ang siya kong haha­likan, siya ang tao, hulihin ninyo siya at dalhin at bantayang mabuti.” 45 Kaya lumapit siya kay Jesus at sinabi: “Guro!” At hinalikan niya ito. 46 At si­nung­gaban nila siya at dinakip. 47 Hinu­got naman ng isa sa mga naroon ang isang tabak at tinaga ang isang katulong ng Punong-pari, at naputol ang tainga nito.

48 Nagsalita naman si Jesus: “Isa ba akong tulisan at pumarito kayong may mga tabak at pamalo para hulihin ako? 49 Nasa Templo ako araw-araw sa pi­ling ninyo at nagtuturo, at hindi ninyo ako hinu­li. Ngunit kailangang ma­tupad ang mga Kasulatan.” 50 At iniwan siya ng lahat at sila’y nag­si­takas. 51 Sinundan siya ng isang binata na  nakabalabal lamang ng telang lino at si­nunggaban nila siya. 52 Kaya nalaglag ang tela, at hubo’t hubad siyang tumakas.  

• 53 Dinala si Jesus sa bahay ni Caifas na Punong-pari, at doon nagtipon ang mga punong-pari, mga Matatanda ng bayan at mga guro ng Batas. 54 Si­nundan siya ni Pedro sa malayo hanggang pu­masok siya roon sa patyo ng Punong-pari, nakiupo sa mga utusan at nagpainit sa apoy.

55 Naghahanap ang mga punong-pari at ang Sanggunian ng patotoo laban kay Jesus para maipapatay siya pero wala silang na­kita. 56 Marami ngang bu­laang saksi ang nagprisinta laban sa kanya pero hindi mag­kaisa ang kanilang mga pato­too. 57 May dalawang bulaang saksing tumayo at nag­pahayag: 58 “Si­nabi nito: Magigiba ko ang Templong ito na gawa ng tao at itatayo sa loob ng tatlong araw ang ibang di gawa ng tao.” 59 Gayun­man, hindi nagkaisa ang ka­nilang patotoo. 

• 60 At pagtayo ng Punong-pari sa gitna, tinanong niya si Jesus: “Wala ka bang ma­isasagot sa lahat ng ito? Ano ang patotoo nilang ito laban sa iyo?” 61 Ngunit nanatiling tahimik si Jesus at hindi suma­got ni isa man. Kaya muli siyang tinanong ng Punong-pari: “Ikaw ba ang Kristo, ang Anak ng Pinagpala?” 62 At sumagot si Jesus: “Ako nga. At makikita ninyo ang Anak ng Tao na nakaupo sa kanang kamay ng Maka­pang­yarihang Diyos at dumarating sa mga ulap ng langit.” 63 Pinunit ng Punong-pari ang kanyang mga tunika habang sinasabi: “Ka­ilangan pa ba ang mga saksi? 64 Kayo na mismo ang nakarinig sa paglapastangang ito! Ano ang inyong pasya?” At nagpasya ang lahat na kamatayan ang dapat sa kanya. 65 At may mga nagsimulang dumura sa kanya; piniringan nila siya at sinuntok ha­bang sinasabi: “Manghula ka!” At sinampal siya ng mga bantay.  

• 66 Habang nakaupo naman si Pedro sa patyo sa ibaba, lumapit sa kanya ang isa sa mga batang utusang babae ng Punong-pari. 67 Pagkakita nito na nag­pa­painit siya, tiningnan siya nito at sinabing: “Kasama ka ni Jesus na taga-Nazaret.” 68 Ngunit ikinaila niya ito sa pag­sasabing “Hindi ko alam ni naiin­tin­dihan ang ibig mong sabi­hin.” Luma­yo si Pedro at pag­punta niya sa may pin­tuan, 69 nakita siya uli ng babae at sinabi sa mga naroon: “Isa sa kanila ang taong ito.” 70 Ngunit muli niya itong iki­naila. Ma­karaan ang ilang sandali, sinabi naman kay Pedro ng mga naka­tayo roon: “Isa ka nga sa kani­la. Taga-Galilea ka nga.” 71Ngunit nagsimulang magmura at manumpa si Pedro: “Hin­ding-hindi ko nakikilala ang tao.” 72 At noon ang ikalawang pagtilaok ng tandang. At naalaala ni Pedro ang mga si­nabi ni Jesus: “Bago tumilaok nang dalawang beses ang tandang, tatlong beses mo akong itatatwa.” At hu­magulhol siya.  

 15 1 Maagang-maaga pa’y naghanda ang mga punong-pari ng isang pulong kasama ang mga Matatanda at mga guro ng Batas – ang buong Sanhedrin. Igi­napos nila siya at ipinadala kay Pilato. 2 Tinanong siya ni Pilato: “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” Sumagot si Jesus: “Ikaw ang nagsasabi.” 3 Pinaratangan naman siya ng mga punong-pari at Ma­tatanda 4 kaya muli siyang tinawag ni Pilato: “Wala kang sagot? Naririnig mo ba? Kay dami ng mga sakdal laban sa iyo!” 5 Ngunit hindi siya umimik ni isa mang salita kaya nagtaka ang gobernador.  

6 Tuwing magpipiyesta, pinalalaya ng gobernador ang sinumang bilang­gong gus­tuhin ng mga tao. 7 At may isang bilanggo roon na nagngangalang Barabbas, na nadakip kasama ng ibang rebelde na may pinatay sa paghi­himagsik. 8 Pag-ahon ng bayan, sinimulan ni­lang hingin kay Pilato na gawin ang dati niyang ginagawa 9 at nagtanong si Pilato: “Gusto  ba ninyong pakawalan ko ang Hari ng mga Judio?” 10 Alam nga niya na ipinadala ng mga punong-pari si Jesus dahil sa inggit. 11 Sinul­sulan naman ng mga punong-pari ang mga tao para hingin na si Barabbas ang pakawalan. 12 Kaya tina­nong uli sila ni Pilato: “At ano ang gagawin ko kay Jesus na tinatawag nin­yong Hari ng mga Judio?” 13 At sumagot ang lahat: “Ipako siya sa krus!” 14 Iginiit naman ni Pilato: “Ano ang kanyang kasa­la­nan?” Ngunit lalo nilang nilakasan ang sigaw: “Ipako iyan sa krus!”  

15 Sa hangad ni Pilatong bigyang-kasi­yahan ang bayan, pinakawalan niya si Barabbas at ipinahagupit naman si Jesus at ibinigay para ipako sa krus. 16 At ipinasok ng mga sundalo si Jesus sa Pretorio o bulwagan at tina­wag ang buong hukbo. 17 Dina­mitan nila siya ng kulay-pulang balabal at pumilipit sila ng isang koronang tinik at ipinutong ito sa kanyang ulo. 18 At sinimulan nila siyang batiin: “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” 19 Pinagha­hampas nila ng patpat ang kanyang ulo at dinuraan nila siya at saka palu­hod na sinamba-samba. 20 Matapos nila siyang libakin, inalis nila ang pulang balabal, isinuot sa kanya ang sariling damit at inilabas para ipako sa krus.  

21 Pinilit nila ang isang nagdaraan, si Simon na taga-Cirene, na pasanin ang krus ni Jesus. Galing ito sa bukid nang masalubong nila. Siya ang ama nina Alejandro at Rufo. 22 Dinala nila si Jesus sa lugar na tinatawag na Golgota, na Bungo ang ibig sa­bihin, 23 at pinainom nila siya ng alak na hinaluan ng mira. Tinikman ito ni Je­sus ngunit hindi niya ito ininom. 24 At ipi­nako nila siya sa krus at pinag­hati-hatian sa sugal ang kanyang mga damit para ma­laman kung alin ang para ka­nino.  

25 Alas nuwebe ng umaga nang ipi­na­ko siya sa krus. 26 Ipinaskel naman nila sa ulunan niya ang nakasulat na sakdal laban sa kanya: “Ang Hari ng mga Judio.” 27 Ipi­nako rin nilang kasama niya ang dalawang kriminal, isa sa kanyang kanan at isa sa kanyang kaliwa. 28 Kaya natupad ang Kasulatan na nagsasa­bing “Ibinilang siya sa masa­sama.” 29 Umiiling ang mga nagdaraan at iniinsulto siya: “Aha! gigibain mo pala ang Templo at itatayong muli sa loob ng tat­long araw. 30 Kaya iligtas mo nga­yon ang iyong sarili at bumaba ka sa krus!” 31 Pinagtawanan din siya ng mga pu­nong-pari at mga guro ng Batas na nag-uusap-usap: “Nailigtas niya ang iba, at sarili niya’y di mailigtas! 32 Bu­maba nga­yon ang Mesiyas, ang Hari ng Israel, mula sa krus at nang makita na­min at kami’y maniwala sa kanya.” At ininsulto rin siya ng mga kriminal na kasama niyang ipinako.  

33 Mula tanghaling-tapat hang­gang alas tres, nagdilim ang buong lupain. 34 Nang ikatlo ng hapon, sumigaw si Jesus nang malakas: “Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabac­tani?” na ang kahuluga’y “Diyos ko, Diyos ko, bakit mo ako pina­baya­an?” 35 Nang marinig ito ng ilan sa mga naroon, sinabi nila: “Tinatawag niya si Elias.” 36 May tumakbo at inilagay sa patpat ang isang esponghang isinawsaw sa suka para ipa­inom sa kanya. At sinabi nito: “Tingnan natin kung ililigtas siya ni Elias.” 37 Muling sumigaw si Jesus nang ma­lakas at nalagutan ng hininga. 38 Sa sandaling iyon, napunit mula itaas hanggang baba ang kurtina ng Santuwar­yo. 39 Nang makita ng kapitang naroon sa tapat niya na ganoon siya nalagutan ng hininga, sinabi niya: “Totoo ngang Anak ng Diyos ang taong ito.”  

40 May mga babae ring nagmamasid mula sa malayo, kabilang sa kanila sina Maria Magdalena, Mariang ina nina Jaimeng Maliit at Joset, at si Salome. 41 Sinundan nila siya at pinag­lingkuran nang nasa Galilea siya, at naroon din ang marami pang babae na umahon sa Jeru­salem na kasama nila.

 42 Araw ng Paghahanda noon bago mag-Araw ng Pahinga kaya nang mag­tatakipsilim na, 43 dumating si Joseng taga-Arimatea na marangal na kagawad ng Sanhedrin. Hinihintay din niya ang kaharian ng Diyos, at buong tapang niyang nilapitan si Pilato at hiningi ang katawan ni Jesus. 44 Nagulat si Pilato na namatay na pala ito kaya ipinatawag niya ang kapitan at itinanong kung patay na nga si Jesus. 45 Nang malaman niya ito sa kapitan, ibinigay niya ang katawan kay Jose. 46 Bumili ito ng telang linen, at pagka­baba nito sa katawan ay ibinalot sa tela at inilagay sa libingang inuka sa bato. At saka niya pinagulong ang isang mala­king bato sa bukana ng libingan. 47 Tiningnan naman ni Maria Magdalena at ni Mariang ina ni Joset kung saan siya ini­lagay.

1Reflection for March 27, Saturday, the Fifth Week of Lent: John 11:45-56

Gospel: John 11:45-56

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him; 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council, and said, "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.  

48 If we let him go on thus, every one will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." 49 But one of them, Ca'iaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all; 50 you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish."  

51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they took counsel how to put him to death.  

54 Jesus therefore no longer went about openly among the Jews, but went from there to the country near the wilderness, to a town called  E'phraim; and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?"

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Reflection:

There’s a saying that, Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  

During the time of Jesus the Pharisees were the ruling class they were very powerful yet they were also afraid to lose power. Why were they afraid to lose power? For the reason that they were afraid to lose their influence in their territory.  

 After years of being in power the powerful Pharisees were suddenly being threatened by the powerful and charismatic personality of Jesus. So they must do everything to hold on to their power which include the plot to kill Jesus.  

But why were the Pharisees afraid to lose power? They were afraid that people would discover the many skeletons in their closets. That’s why they plotted to kill Jesus because they saw in Jesus someone who would finally unseat and expose them.  

What is the lesson for us here? 1. We should not be threatened by anyone who does good, instead of being threatened we should help that person who does good. 2. Our hands must always be clean and free from any form of sin otherwise there would come a time that we would be exposed eventually. 3. We must not use and manipulate our fellowmen to advance our own corrupt and selfish agenda/s. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 27 Sabado sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 11:45-56

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:45-56

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

 Ang 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. 50 Ni 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; 52 At 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. 54 Si 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?

1Reflection for March 26 Friday, the 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:

Do you sometimes feel unrewarded for the effort/s that you do? For example, you did something good to someone and then the person did not care to compliment or recognize your good deed.  

How would you feel? Perhaps you would be disheartened or even feel bad. On second thought instead of feeling disheartened or bad I think you should still feel good for the reason that you’ve done something worthy to someone.  

In the gospel, Jesus did everything for the Jews yet they never recognized Him. He instead was persecuted for doing good. Did He feel bad for not being given due recognition? Perhaps yes, because He was human like us. However Jesus did not allow their ingratitude to bring Him down and distract Him from His mission of salvation.   

This is the reality of life, there are those who would not compliment us for the good that we’ve done for them. Nevertheless let us continue to do good and not be disheartened for God knows everything and God will always reward those who do good.  

Do you sometimes feel disheartened when you are not recognized for the good that you do or you simply don't mind it? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 26 Biyernes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 10:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 10:31-42

31 Nagsidampot uli ng mga bato ang mga Judio upang batuhin si Jesus. 32 Sinagot 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? 33 Sinagot 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.  

34 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Hindi baga nasusulat sa inyong kautusan, Aking sinabi, Kayo'y mga dios? 35 Kung tinawag niyang mga dios, yaong mga dinatnan ng salita ng Dios (at hindi mangyayaring sirain ang kasulatan), 36 Sinasabi 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?  

37 Kung hindi ko ginagawa ang mga gawa ng aking Ama, ay huwag ninyo akong sampalatayanan. 38 Datapuwa'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. 39 Muling pinagsikapan nilang siya'y hulihin: at siya'y tumakas sa kanilang mga kamay. 

40 At siya'y muling naparoon sa dako pa roon ng Jordan sa dako nang una'y pinagbautismuhan ni Juan; at siya'y tumira doon. 41 At 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. 42 At marami ang mga nagsisampalataya sa kaniya roon.

Reflection for March 25 Thursday, The Annunciation of the Lord (Solemnity): Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”  

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Do you always humble yourself before God? 

There is something in the Blessed Mother that many of us don’t have. We may ask, what is it which the Blessed Mother have that we often don’t usually have?  It’s the humility and docility to follow the will of God.  

 After the angel Gabriel told her everything about the Lord’s plan for her. The blessed Mother simply said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)  

God speaks to us as well in so many ways, He even uses people and events in our lives to  convey His message to us. But we often chose to purposely ignore it and go on with what we want in our lives. What if the Blessed Mother chose to ignore the angel and move on with her life?  

But she chose to listen to the voice of God. Listening to the voice of God is something that is often lacking in our lives today more than ever. Yes we pray, yes we go to church for Holy Mass. But more often than not it’s still our selfish will that we follow.  

This is primarily the reason why we sin and why we have enormous problems. Because we often ignore the voice of God and we often don’t pay attention to the teachings of the church which always tells us to only do what is good and right. The Blessed Mother did not resist God’s will she simply believed and humbly submitted herself to the will of God.  

Do you always submit to the will of God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

1Reflection for March 24 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:31-42

Gospel: John 8:31-42

31 Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." 33 They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, `You will be made free'?" 

34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you.  

38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." 39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did, 40 but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. 41 You do what your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." 42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.

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Reflection:

What will happen to us if we give space for the words of Jesus in our hearts? Of course we will start to build a deeper friendship with Jesus. We will start to trust Jesus more than we trust ourselves and we will also become averse to sin. 

In our first reading, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted more on their faith in God than  obey the command of the king. They were being forced by king Nebuchadnezzar to worship his own God. But until the end the three did not follow the king’s order so they were thrown into the fiery furnace yet they were not hurt because God was with them. 

This is what would happen to us also if we faithfully follow Jesus, yes there would be instances of persecution. But if we remain faithful then our being persecuted is nothing compared to the glory or reward that awaits us.  

If there’s glory or reward for those who would remain faithful, why are we not faithful to Jesus? Why do we easily betray Him for the fleeting and sinful pleasures of this world?  This is so for the simple reason that we allow ourselves to succumb to the inducement of the devil. That’s how plain and simple it is, we give up Jesus for this world because we love this world more than we love Jesus. We love to satisfy our sinful human needs than satisfy the needs of our souls.  

As we approach the holiest of weeks let us reflect on how many times have we given up Jesus for the sinful pleasures of this world. And what have we gained for giving up Jesus for this world? Nothing except the continuous pilling up of emptiness and problems disguised as hedonistic pleasures. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 24 Miyerkules sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:31-42

Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judiong na nagsisisampalataya sa kaniya, Kung kayo'y magsisipanatili sa aking salita, kung magkagayo'y tunay nga kayong mga alagad ko;  At inyong makikilala ang katotohanan, at ang katotohana'y magpapalaya sa inyo.  Sa kaniya'y kanilang isinagot, Kami'y binhi ni Abraham, at kailan ma'y hindi pa naging alipin ninomang tao: paanong sinasabi mo, Kayo'y magiging laya? 

Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Katotohanan, katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, Ang bawa't nagkakasala ay alipin ng kasalanan.  At ang alipin ay hindi nananahan sa bahay magpakailan man: ang anak ang nananahan magpakailan man.  Kung palayain nga kayo ng Anak, kayo'y magiging tunay na laya.  Talastas ko na kayo'y binhi ni Abraham; gayon ma'y pinagsisikapan ninyong ako'y patayin, sapagka't ang salita ko'y hindi magkasiya sa inyo.  Sinasalita ko ang mga bagay na aking nakita sa aking Ama: at ginagawa rin ninyo ang mga bagay na inyong narinig sa inyong Ama.  

Sila'y nagsisagot at sa kaniya'y sinabi, Si Abraham ang aming ama. Sa kanila'y sinabi ni Jesus, Kung kayo'y mga anak ni Abraham, ay gagawin ninyo ang mga gawa ni Abraham.  Datapuwa't ngayo'y pinagsisikapan ninyo akong patayin, na taong sa inyo'y nagsaysay ng katotohanan, na aking narinig sa Dios: ito'y hindi ginawa ni Abraham.  Ginagawa ninyo ang mga gawa ng inyong ama. Sinabi nila sa kaniya, Hindi kami inianak sa pakikiapid; may isang Ama kami, ang Dios.  Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, Kung ang Dios ang inyong ama, ay inyong iibigin ako: sapagka't ako'y nagmula at nanggaling sa Dios; sapagka't hindi ako naparito sa aking sarili, kundi sinugo niya ako.