Reflection for June 18 Friday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:19-23

Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a mother who pampered her children with material things. They had money they could almost buy anything that they wanted they could also travel to any place in this world.  Her children grew up embracing this mindset of good life and materialism.

What is the problem with this kind of lifestyle? This is temporary sooner or later this would come to an end and we end with nothing. There are even instances that this kind of worldly lifestyle may have tragic ending. For example every now and then there would be news of people committing suicide because they have no more material wealth that could comfort them. Or people who live wayward lives because they made their material wealth their god. 

In our gospel episode today Jesus talks about storing treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. What is this all about? This is all about sharing and living the faith that we have in our God which is our true and lasting treasure. 

For example, have we taught our children about the supremacy of God above all things in this world? Have we taught our children that everything in this world is temporary and passing? Have we brought our children to the church for Holy Mass or to watch online Holy Mass? Have we reflected on the words of God in the bible? 

All of these are pious acts of storing eternal treasures in heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. ( Matthew 6:20) – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 18, Biyernes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:19-23

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad 19 Huwag dito sa lupa kayo mag-ipon ng inyong mga iniipon sapagkat dito’y masisira ang mga iyon ng mga kulisap at kalawang, at mananakaw ng magna¬nakaw. 20 Sa piling ng Diyos kayo mag-ipon ng inyong iniipon; wala nga roong kulisap o kalawang na sisira, at walang magna¬nakaw. 21 Mala¬man mo nawa na kung nasaan ang iyong kaya¬manan, naroon din ang iyong puso.

• 22 Ang iyong mata ang lampara ng iyong katawan; kung malinaw ang iyong mata, nasa liwanag ang buo mong katawan. 23 Kung malabo naman ang iyong mata, nasa kadiliman ang buo mong katawan. At kung dumilim ang  liwanag na nasa iyo, gaano pa kaya ang madilim!

Reflection for June 17 Thursday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples, “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

“This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ 

“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

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Reflection:

How important is prayer to your life? If you have five things to do everyday, is prayer included in that five? 

When we pray with all our heart, we allow the good Lord to nourish our parched spirits. Through our prayers we also invite the good Lord to come into our lives. And it’s also through our humble prayers that we slowly but surely develop our profound friendship with Jesus. 

In our gospel Jesus teaches us how to pray: It’s simple, short and direct and it does not beat around the bush. We must be frank, persevering and honest to Jesus for He knows what we need beforehand. We must also be sincere and always humble in prayer before our God. 

For example, do we close our eyes when we pray the Our Father? Does this prayer make us sometimes cry when we pray it? Do we still kneel when we pray this prayer? These are all acts of faith that would help us have a more personal connection with Jesus.   

Jesus is also reminding us to re-examine our life of prayer. For we may be just praying for the sake of praying thus it’s without spirit and fire. 

How do you pray the Lord’s Prayer? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 17, Huwebes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:7-15

7 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad pag mananalangin kayo, huwag ka­yong magsalita nang magsalita gaya ng ginagawa ng mga pagano; nani­niwala nga sila na mas paki­kinggan sila kung marami silang sina­sabi. 8 Huwag kayong tumulad sa kanila. Alam ng inyong Ama ang mga panganga­ila­ngan ninyo bago pa man kayo humingi. 

9 Kaya, ganito kayo manalangin: Ama naming nasa Langit, sambahin ang Ngalan mo, 10 dumating ang Kaharian mo, sundin ang loob mo         dito sa lupa para nang sa Langit. 11 Bigyan mo kami ngayon ng aming kakanin sa araw-araw, 12 patawarin mo ang aming mga pagkakautang          gaya ng pagpapatawad namin sa mga nagkakautang sa amin. 

13 Huwag mo kaming dalhin sa tukso, at iligtas mo kami sa Masama. 14 Kung patatawarin ninyo ang mga nag­kasala sa inyo, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa Langit. 15 At kung hindi ninyo patatawarin ang mga nag­ka­sala sa inyo, hindi rin kayo patatawarin ng inyong Ama. 

1Reflection for June 16 Wednesday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your alms giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

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Reflection:

What motivates us to do good? For example in giving to the poor, what motivates us to help them? In giving to the poor Jesus has a major requirement that we should follow. Do it in secret without anyone knowing about it.  

Why in secret? This is for the reason that secrecy and humility is the language of Jesus secrecy is also a close relative of humility which Jesus embodies to the hilt. 

The teaching of Jesus on alms giving is totally opposed to the teachings of this world which unfortunately many of us follow. This world teaches us to publicize and to broadcast whatever good that we do. It teaches us to post in facebook and other platforms in the internet our acts of kindness. So that those who know us may see it and consequently they will have a good impression about us. 

Why publicise? Perhaps this is brought about by our hunger for recognition. And there’s no wrong about it for we simply want to be recognized.  But Jesus is challenging us not to go  after recognition and to not publicize what we do. Jesus is challenging us to silently fade away after we have done good to anyone. 

Can you measure up to this challenge of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 16, Miyerkules sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

1 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad  pag-ingatang huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang in­yong mabubuting gawa. Kung ganito ang ga­gawin ninyo, wala na kayong gantimpala sa inyong Amang nasa langit. 2 Kaya pag nagbibigay ka ng limos, huwag pahipan ang trumpeta sa unahan gaya ng gina­gawa ng mga mapagkunwari sa sinagoga at sa mga daan; gusto nilang mapuri ng mga tao. Sinisiguro ko sa inyo na nagan­timpala­an na sila nang husto.  

3 Kaya kung ikaw naman ang magbi­bigay ng limos, huwag ipaalam sa iyong kaliwang kamay ang ginagawa ng iyong kanang kamay; 4 at mananatiling lihim ang iyong pagli­limos at ang iyong Amang nakakakita sa mga lihim ang siyang ga­gantimpala sa iyo.  

5 Kung mananalangin kayo, huwag nin­yong tularan ang mga mapagkunwari. Gustung-gusto nilang tumayo sa mga sinagoga o sa mga daan para manala­ngin nang nakikita ng marami. Sinisi­guro ko sa inyo na nagantimpa­laan na sila nang husto. 6 At kung ikaw naman ang mana­nalangin, pumasok sa iyong silid, isara ang pinto at mana­langin sa iyong Ama na kasama mo nang lihim; at ang iyong Ama na naka­kakita sa ipinag­lilihim ang gagantimpala sa iyo.  

• 16 Pag mag-aayuno kayo, huwag magpakita ng lungkot sa mukha gaya ng mga mapagkunwari. Nagpapakita sila ng lungkot sa mukha para makita ng tao na nag-aayuno sila. Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo na nagantimpalaan na sila nang husto. 17 Kung ikaw naman ang mag-aayuno, maghilamos at ayusin ang sarili 18 sapagkat hindi ka nag-aayuno para pakitang-tao lamang kun­di para sa iyong Amang naka­kakita sa lahat. At gagantimpalaan ka ng iyong Amang nakakakita sa lahat ng lihim.

Reflection for June 15 Tuesday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

(Jesus said to his disciples) 43 "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Reflection:

Would you love your enemy? 

One of the most difficult actions to do is to love your enemy or to love those who’ve hurt you and those who continue to do no good to you. For example how can you love your unfaithful spouse? How can you love someone whose been making life so difficult for you? 

Indeed, these kinds of people are very hard to love much less forgive. But on the other hand if God can love and forgive us no matter our sins who are we not to love and forgive? And who are we to focus on hatred instead of love?

Why don’t we try loving those who are hurting us, why don’t we try to eliminate whatever hatred in our hearts? What would remain if we eliminate hatred? Only love would remain. Loving and forgiving the person who've hurt you doesn't mean that you would allow yourself to be taken for a ride again. It only means that you let the love of God reign in your heart.  

The moment we love those who hurt us, the moment we forgive and the moment we eliminate hatred in our hearts. We become free from the bondage of the Devil and we free ourselves from any form of negative, evil and hurtful emotions.  

Jesus loves us all whoever we are and whatever sins we have committed. This infinite love of Jesus is always there for us.  However, there is the kingdom of the devil where those who do no good and those who continue to refuse the love of Jesus are destined to dwell. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 15, Martes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 5:43-48

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:43-48

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 43 Narinig na ninyo na sinabi: Ma­ha­lin mo ang iyong kapwa at kamuhian ang iyong kaaway. 44 Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: Mahalin ninyo ang inyong ka­away, at ipagdasal ang mga umuusig sa inyo. 45 Sa ganito kayo magi­ging mga anak ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Sa­pagkat pinasisikat niya ang araw sa kap­wa ma­sama at mabuti, at pinapapatak niya ang ulan sa kapwa makatarungan at di-maka­tarungan.

 

46 Kung mahal ninyo ang nagma­mahal sa inyo, bakit kayo gagantim­palaan? Di ba’t ginagawa rin ito ng mga kolektor ng buwis? 47 At kung ang mga kapatid ninyo lamang ang inyong bina­bati, ano ang na­iiba rito? Di ba’t gina­gawa rin ito ng mga pagano? 

48 Kaya maging ganap kayo gaya ng pagiging ganap ng inyong Amang nasa langit.

Reflection for June 14 Monday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.  

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

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Reflection:

What would we gain if we exact revenge to those who’ve aggrieved and injured us? Nothing except further enmity and injury then at the end there will be no winners only losers. 

Take for example conflicts in married life, if a wife would take revenge for the injury that was caused her by her husband say for example infidelity. The marriage covenant would fall-apart and both parties including their children would end up as losers. With this new command to His disciples Jesus supersedes the law of retaliation and Judgment written in the Old Testament (Leviticus and Deuteronomy). 

In the gospel Jesus gives us valuable lessons on humility that can help us build bridges instead of walls. This command of Jesus will also help us avoid conflicts and misunderstanding.   Can we live these teachings of Jesus? If we abhor hostility, if we are humble and if we truly love Jesus we would be able to live these teachings.  

Mohandas Gandhi an Indian icon of non-violent political resistance had said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” This simply means that nobody wins with revenge, in the arena of life the more that we itch for revenge the more that we destroy ourselves.  

Instead of exacting revenge why not put on the armor of Humility, why not learn to pray for those who’ve stepped on our dignity. This is very hard to follow but we must follow because this is what Jesus is teaching us.  

If we would retaliate to an injury done to us we would only end up destroying ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 14, Lunes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 5:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:38-42

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang nga alagad, • 38 Narinig na ninyo na sinabi: Mata sa mata at ngipin sa ngipin. 39 Ngunit sina­sabi ko sa inyo: Huwag ninyong laba­nan ng masama ang masama. Kung sam­palin ka sa kanang pisngi, ibaling ang mukha at iharap ang kabilang pisngi.  

40 Kung may magdemanda sa iyo para kunin ang iyong sando, ibigay mo pati ang iyong kami­seta. 41Kung may pumilit sa iyong suma­ma sa kanya nang  isang  kilometro,  dala­wang kilometro ang la­ka­rin mong kasama niya. 42 Bigyan ang nanghi­hingi at huwag talikuran ang may hinihiram sa iyo. 

1Reflection for Sunday June 13, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who would habitually share inspirational and wisdom filled bible verses to his friends. He uses every means available to share it such as through facebook and other social media platforms. Regardless if he would get a reply of appreciation or not he would always send it to them. 

One day, she met by chance one of those friends who regularly read her inspirational bible verses. Her friend told her this: “Thank you for the daily inspirational bible verses that you’ve been tirelessly sending me, you’ve been planting the seeds of God’s kingdom in my heart. It gives me hope and it strengthens my faith in Jesus.” 

In today’s gospel Jesus made use of two comparisons to describe the kingdom of God: the man who scattered seed and the mustard seed that became a great tree. Both seeds grew fruitfully and became useful, the scattered seed grew and was usefully harvested. The small mustard seed that was sown became big and had large branches where birds dwelt in its shade.  

Let us think about and ask ourselves if we have planted seeds of faith, goodness and humility in the hearts of our fellowmen. Let us think about and ask ourselves if we have planted the seed of Jesus in their hearts. So that it may also grow within them and become as big as the mustard seed where others could benefit from it.  

Let us also think and reflect if we have already sown/scattered the seeds of forgiveness, mercy and love in the hearts of our fellowmen. So that it could grow and multiply in their hearts too so that they too could also sow the seeds of forgiveness, mercy and love to those around them.  

We might have not have sown anything yet that will grow and bear much fruit in their hearts. Lest we forget that one of our foremost Baptismal mission as Christians is to scatter and plant the seeds of Jesus and our faith by sharing and living it.  

Have you already done something to sow the seeds of Jesus words and teachings in the hearts of your fellowmen? – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 13 Ika – 11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:26-34

 

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

• 26 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao: “Maihahambing ang kaharian ng Diyos sa paghahasik ng isang tao ng buto sa lupa. 27 Tulog man siya o gising, sa gabi o araw, sumisibol ang binhi at lumalago nang hindi niya namama­layan. 28 Nagbu­bu­nga ang lupa sa ganang sarili nito: una’y ang usbong, saka ang uhay at ang butil na humihitik sa uhay. 29 At kapag nagbunga na ito, agad siyang mag­papadala ng karit sapagkat suma­pit na ang anihan.”

• 30 At sinabi niya: “Sa ano natin ma­iku­kumpara ang kaharian ng Diyos? Sa anong talinhaga natin ito mai­pakikilala? 31 Natutulad ito sa paghahasik ng buto ng mustasa na pinakamaliit sa mga binhing inihahasik sa lupa. 32 Ngunit pag­­ka­hasik nito, tumataas ito at lumalaki na higit pa sa lahat ng gulay at nag­sa­sanga nang malaki hanggang sumilong sa kanyang lilim ang mga ibon ng langit.”

33 Itinuro niya sa kanila ang lahat ng ito sa pamamagitan ng mga talinhagang gaya nito ayon sa kakayahan ng kani­lang isipan. 34 Hindi siya nag­turo sa ka­nila nang hindi guma­gamit ng mga ta­linhaga. Ngunit nilinaw niya ang lahat sa kanyang mga alagad nang sila-sila na lamang. 

Reflection for June 12 Saturday The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (M): Luke 2:41-51

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Reflection:

The story is told about an octogenarian mother who was confined by her children to a home care facility. After two years of confinement to the home care facility she died. When what was left of her belongings were turned over to her children. They found a daily journal that she wrote; it all contained her longing and prayers for her children and grandchildren.   

When Jesus went missing the most affected was the Blessed Mother. The anguish of Mary is very prominent in the gospel. Why is this so? This is for the reason that our mothers carried us in their wombs for nine months. They were already feeding us, taking care of us and loving us even while we were still in their wombs. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary took care of Jesus from His conception, birth and until death. There is that unbreakable bond that exists between the Blessed Mother and her son Jesus. In the immaculate heart of Mary resides the infinite love that only a mother can give to her son.  

Like the feelings of the Blessed Mother, this is also the thoughts of all mothers they always keep close in their hearts their children. They always pray for them and they always have this longing for them. Sometimes we don't see this externally expressed. But if we could only see what is in their hearts it’s always love, care and longing for their children. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 12, Sabado Kalinis-linisang Puso ni Maria (Paggunita) : Lucas 2:41-51

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:41-51

41 Pumupunta taun-taon sa Jeru­sa­lem ang mga magulang ni Jesus para sa Piyesta ng Paskuwa. 42 Kayat nang maglabindalawang taon na siya, umahon sila tulad ng nakaugalian para sa pagdiri­wang. 43 Subalit nang umuwi na sila pagkatapos ng mga araw ng piyesta, naiwan sa Jeru­salem ang ba­tang si Jesus nang hindi na­mamalayan ng kanyang mga magulang.  

44 Sa pag-aakalang kasama siya ng iba pang mga kasamahan, maghapon si­lang nakipaglakbay at noon nila hina­nap ang bata sa mga kamag-anakan nila’t mga kakilala. 45 Nang hindi nila siya ma­tag­puan, bumalik sila sa Jeru­salem sa pag­hahanap sa kanya. 46 At sa ikatlong araw, natag­puan nila siya sa Templo, naka­upong kasama ng mga guro at naki­kinig at nagtatanong sa kanila. 47 At na­mangha sa kanyang ta­lino at mga sagot ang mga nakarinig sa kanya.  

48 Nagulat ang kanyang mga magulang pagkakita sa kanya, at sinabi sa kanya ng kanyang ina: “Anak, bakit mo naman ito ginawa sa amin? Nag­dusa nga ang iyong ama at ako habang hinahanap ka namin.” 49 Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila: “At bakit ninyo ako hinahanap? Hindi ba ninyo alam na dapat ay nasa bahay ako ng aking Ama?” 50 Pero hindi nila naintindihan ang sinabi niya sa kanila.  

51 Kaya bumaba siyang kasama nila pa-Nazaret, at patuloy siya sa pagiging masunurin sa kanila. Iningatan naman ng kanyang ina ang lahat ng ito sa kanyang puso.