Reflection for January 3, Monday after Epiphany: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: 

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.  

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  

He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

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Reflection:

Do we know that we would be joyful and we would feel complete if we decide to follow Jesus? 

The gospel tells us that great crowds followed Jesus for His healings, miracles and life changing words. And it is still the same today in our time: many of us follow Jesus to be healed by Him, to experience His miracles and to hear His life changing words. This is only the other side or the other half of Jesus. 

The other side/half of Jesus is Jesus who suffered for us. Yes He is God and He could have avoided sufferings yet He chose to suffer out of His love for us. In His humanity there were times that He was praying to God that He be steered out of sufferings. But God prevailed upon Him. Therefore, Jesus humbly followed the mission given to Him by God and that is to die on the cross for our salvation.  

WE should not only follow Jesus for our own selfish interest, we also follow Jesus because we want to partake of His sufferings too! By doing so we would be deepening our friendship and communion with Him. We have to continue to follow Jesus in good times and in bad.  

Go on with your journey with Jesus through your pains, heartaches and sufferings. In His own perfect time He surely will make things right for you. In His own perfect time He will cure all your pains, your heartaches and sufferings. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 3, Lunes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

12 Nang marinig ni Jesus na dinakip si Juan, lumayo siya pa-Galilea. 13 Hindi siya tumigil sa Nazaret, kundi sa Capernaum nanirahan, sa may baybayin ng lawa ng Galilea, sa teritoryo ng Zabulon at Neftali. 14 Kaya natupad ang salita ni Propeta Isaias: 15 “Makinig kayo, mga lupain ng Zabulon at Neftali, mga daang patungo sa Dagat, kabilang ibayo ng Jordan; pa­-king­gan ako, Galileang lupain ng mga pagano.  

16 Nakakita na ng malaking liwa­nag ang mga lugmok sa kadiliman. Sumikat na ang liwanag sa mga nasa anino ng kamatayan.”  17 At magmula noon, sinimulang ipa­hayag ni Jesus ang kanyang mensahe: “Magbagong-buhay; lumapit na nga ang Kaharian ng Langit.” 23 Nagsimulang maglibot si Jesus sa buong Galilea. Nagturo siya sa kani­lang mga sinagoga, ipinahayag ang Mabu­ting Balita ng Kaharian at pina­galing ang kung anu-anong klase ng sakit at kapansanan ng mga tao.  

24 Lumaganap sa buong Siria ang ba­li­ta tungkol sa kanya. Kaya dinala sa kan­ya ang mga may karamdaman, ang lahat ng naghihirap dahil sa sakit, ang mga ina­alihan ng demonyo, ang mga nasisi­raan ng bait, ang mga para­litiko, at pina­galing niya silang lahat. 25 Sinun­dan siya ng maraming taong galing sa Galilea, sa Sampung Lunsod, sa Jerusalem, sa Judea at sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan.

Reflection for Sunday January 2, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”  

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out.  

And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a mother who was on the verge giving up on her wayward son until she was advised by her friend to continue to be persevering with him. In addition she was told to bring her son closer to Jesus through her prayers and not to give up on praying for his conversion. The mother heeded the advice of her friend and true enough after years of patiently praying and guiding her son. Her son finally found Jesus and had a conversion.

Today is the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord; Jesus’ manifestation to the gentiles represented by the Magi. These three wise men diligently looked for Jesus to honor Him with their presence and gifts. With their diligence they found Him in a house with His mother Mary and offered their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.

 These three wise men from the east meticulously searched for Jesus until they finally found Him. Let us also continue to search and thirst for Jesus in our life. If we say that we’ve already found Him and that He is already in our hearts let us not be content with this. Let us dig deeper into the life of Jesus and let us discover more about Him. Jesus will never disappoint anyone who diligently searches for Him; He will make Himself available to them.

As the Magi were very diligent in their search for the Lord. We are also challenged to continuously search for the Lord and to continue to thirst and hunger for Him. Let us look for Jesus in the poor and homeless, let us look for Jesus in the oppressed and in those many that are neglected. For He is always with them and let us give them the best that we could give them. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 2, Pagpapakita ng Panginoon (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:1-12

1 Pagkapanganak kay Jesus sa Betlehem sa Judea, sa panahon ni Haring Herodes, dumating sa Jerusalem ang ilang pantas mula sa Silangan. 2 Nag­tanong sila: “Nasaan ang bagong silang na hari ng mga Judio? Nakita namin ang pagsikat ng kanyang tala sa Silangan at naparito kami para sambahin siya.” 3 Nang marinig ito ni Herodes, na­ligalig siya at ang buong Jerusalem. 4 Ipinatawag niya kaagad ang buong kaparian at ang mga dalubhasa sa Batas, at itina­nong sa kanila kung saan ipanganganak ang Me­siyas.  

5 At sinabi nila: “Sa Betlehem ng Juda sapagkat ito ang isinulat ng Propeta: 6 “At ikaw, Betlehem, sa lupain ng Juda, hindi ikaw ang pinakaaba sa mga angkan ng Juda, sapagkat sa iyo magmumula ang isang pinuno: siya ang magiging pastol ng aking bayang Israel.” 7 Kaya lihim na tinawag ni Herodes ang mga pantas at hiningi sa kanila ang mga impormasyon tungkol sa sumikat na tala. 8 At saka niya sila pina­punta sa Betlehem at sinabi: “Pumunta kayo at alamin ang tung­kol sa bata. Pagkakita ninyo sa kan­ya, bumalik kayo sa akin para maka­punta rin ako sa kanya at makasamba.”  

9 Umalis sila pagkarinig nila sa hari. Nagpauna sa kanila ang tala na nakita nila sa Silangan, at tumigil ito sa itaas ng lugar na kinaroroonan ng sanggol. 10 Labis na natuwa ang mga pantas nang makita nilang muli ang tala! 11 Pumasok sila sa bahay at nakita nila ang sanggol kasama ni Mariang kan­yang ina. Lumu­hod sila at sumam­ba, at binuksan ang kanilang mga mama­haling dala at hinandugan siya ng mga regalong ginto, kamanyang at mira. 12 At nag-iba sila ng daan pag-uwi nila sa kanilang lupain dahil binilinan sila sa pana­ginip na huwag nang bumalik kay Herodes.

Reflection for Saturday January 1, Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.  

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

A Blessed New Year to everyone!  

What are your plans and expectations as you are ushered into this year 2022? Whatever it is let us not forget that there’s a God who is in-charge of it all. Yes, we have to create our own plans but the final approval will come from God. It’s not our aspirations that will be followed we’re simply planners and the approval for our plans for this year will come from God.  

When Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus were told by the shepherds on what was said to them by the angel. The Blessed Mother kept it in her heart, she reflected on it, Perhaps the Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph had their own plans for their family. Perhaps both of them were wandering why it was happening to them why all these trials?  

 But they both listened to the message of God given to them by the shepherds coursed thru an angel. And what was the message? It was the birth of the Savior: That is the Messiah and the Lord. 

As we walk the first baby steps of this infant year let us not forget to listen to the voice or messages of God for us. It may be disguised with trials, hardship and with persecution to boot! However, amidst these all let us steadfastly hold on to our faith in God for He will not fail us!  

As the Blessed Mother reflected on what was told to her by the shepherds, we too are encouraged to deeply reflect on what is in store for us for this year 2022. And as we reflect on it let us not forget to ask the guidance of God and to ask the Blessed Mother to pray for us.  

May we all have a Blessed and Prosperous New Year ahead of us and God bless us all! – Marino J. Dasmarinas       

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Enero 1, Maria, Ina ng Diyos: Lucas 2:16-21

 

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:16-21

16 Nag mamadaling pumunta ang mga pastol sa betlehem at natag­puan nila si Maria at si Jose at ang sang­gol na nakahiga sa sabsaban. 17 Pagkakita rito, pinatotohanan nila ang pahayag na binig­kas sa kanila tungkol sa batang ito. 18 Namangha rin ang mga nakarinig sa mga sinasabi ng pastol sa kanila. 

19 Iningatan naman ni Maria ang mga ito at pinagnilay-nilay sa kanyang puso. 20 Umuwi ang mga pastol na nilu­luwalhati at pinupuri ang Diyos dahil na­kita nila ang lahat ng kanilang na­rinig ayon sa ipinasabi sa kanila. 21 Pagsapit ng ikawalong araw, kaila­ngan nang tuliin ang bata; noon siya pinangalanang Jesus, ang itinawag sa kan­ya ng anghel bago pa siya ipinag­lihi.

Reflection for Friday December 31, Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.  

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

What kind of mindset do we have this Christmas season?  

During Christmas season there are two primary mindsets that envelopes our mind: The mindset of receiving and the mindset of giving or making a positive difference in the lives of others. The mindset of receiving creates a feeling of expectation and excitement.  

However, the mindset of giving creates a burning desire within us which is fueled by Jesus Himself. We give something that comes from our heart we give something that would be very useful and meaningful to the receiver. We don’t only give for the sake of giving we give out of love.  

God gave us His Son Jesus, the word that became flesh that dwelt amongst us. The light that shines in the darkness, the light that gives life, enlightenment and hope. 

The true essence of the Christmas season is the mindset of giving; it doesn’t matter if we don’t receive anything for so long as we give. This is what God wants us to do; to learn how to give as He had given to us His only begotten son so we must give.  

What a big difference would it make to a poor family this season of Christmas if we would give them something to eat (not from our excess). What a huge difference would it make if we would give them something to wear (not from our surplus).  

In the process of our giving we silently bring to them as well the greatest gift that they will receive and that is Jesus. Do you have the mindset of giving during Christmas season?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Disyembre 31 Ikapitong Araw sa Pagdiriwang ng Pasko: Juan 1:1-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

1 Sa simula’y naroroon na nga ang Wikang Sali­ta, at naroroong kaharap ng Diyos ang Salita,at Diyos ang Salita. 2 Naroroon na nga siyang kaharap ng Diyos sa simula. 3 Sa pamamagitan niya nayari tanang mga bagay, at hiwalay sa kanya’y walang anumang nayari. Ang niyari 4 ay sa kanya nagkabuhay, at ang buhay ang liwanag para sa mga tao. 5 Nagningning sa karimlan ang liwanag at di ito nasugpo ng karimlan.  

6 May taong sugo ang Diyos –Juan ang kanyang pangalan. 7 Dumating siya para sa pagpapatunay, para magpatunay tungkol sa Liwanag, upang makapanalig ang lahat sa pama­magitan niya. 8 Hindi siya mismo ang Liwanag, kundi para magpatunay tungkol sa Liwanag.  

9 Pagkat paparating noon sa mundo ang Liwanag na totoo na siyang nagliliwanag sa bawat tao. 10 Nasa mundo na nga siya, ang mundong nayari sa pamamagitan niya, at di naman siya kinilala ng mundo. 11 Sa sariling kanya siya dumating at hindi siya tinanggap ng mga kanya. 12 Ngunit sa lahat ng tumanggap sa kanya sa pananalig sa kanyang Pangalan, binigyang-kakayahan nga niya sila na maging mga anak ng Diyos. 13 Ipinanganak nga sila, hindi mula sa dugo, ni mula sa kagustuhan ng laman, ni sa kagustuhan ng lalaki kundi mula sa Diyos. 

14 At naging laman ang Wikang-Salita, at itinayo ang kanyang Tolda sa atin, at nakita natin ang kanyang Luwal­hati, Luwalhating mula sa Ama na bagay sa bugtong na Anak, lipos ng Kagandahang-loob at Katoto­hanan. 15 Nagpapatunay sa kanya si Juan at isinisigaw: “Siya ang sinabi kong ‘Nauna na sa akin ang dumating na kasunod ko, pagkat bago ako’y siya na’.” 16 Mula sa kanyang kapuspusan nga tumanggap tayong lahat – oo, abut-abot na kagandahang-loob.  

17 Sa pamamagitan ni Moises ibinigay ang Batas, sa pamamagitan naman ni Jesucristo dumating          ang Kagandahang-loob at Katotoha­nan. 18 Kailanma’y walang sinumang naka­kita sa Diyos; ang Diyos na Anak na bugtong siyang nasa kandungan ng Ama – ang nagpahayag sa kanya.

Reflection for Thursday December 30, Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Luke 2:36-40

Gospel: Luke 2:36-40

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.  

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Reflection:

What should we do to grow in wisdom about God? We should invest time with God. This is the secret on how to grow in wisdom about God. The prophetess Anna was eighty four years old, because of her advance age she could have simply stayed in their house, take things easy and do things her way but she did not.  

She invested the remaining years of her life with God she stayed in the temple she fasted and prayed there. No wonder she was filled with wisdom about God, if she did not spend time with God she surely wouldn’t be wisdom filled.  

Where do we spend most of our time in this world right now? Do we spend most our time by chasing the many pleasures of this world and we only give God a little of our time if at all we give God our time? 

 When are we going to spend more time with God? When we are already sickly and old for the reason that we are already retired and in need of God for the reason of our sickness? Let us not wait to grow old before we take God seriously, let us not wait for us to get sickly before we invest time with God.  Let us give God our time right now while we are young and strong.  

The mistake of many is they only go to God when they are already old and sickly. Some would even say this; “I will serve God now because I am already retired and have nothing to do anymore.”  

In our gospel the prophetess Anna was a constant presence in the temple she worshipped God day and night with fasting and prayer. Did she only give her time for God when she became old? Of course not! Even when she was younger she was already a fervent worshipper of God.  

How about us when are we giving some of our precious time for God? The best time to invest with God is now not tomorrow, not in the coming days or months but now. For we don’t know what may happen to our tomorrow we have to seize the moment now and lean towards God now.   

Are you willing to give God some of your time? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Disyembre 30 Ikaanim na Araw sa Pagdiriwang ng Pasko: Lucas 2:36-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:36-40

36 May isa ring babaeng propeta, si Ana na anak ni Panuel na mula sa tribu ng Aser. Matandang-matanda na siya. Pag­kaalis sa bahay ng kanyang ama, pitong taon lamang silang nagsama ng kanyang asawa, 37 at nagbuhay-biyuda na siya at hindi siya umaalis sa Templo.

Araw-gabi siyang sumasamba sa Diyos sa pag-aayuno at pana­nalangin. Wa­lum­pu’t apat na taon na siya. 38 Sa pag-akyat niya sa sandaling iyon, nagpuri rin siya sa Diyos at nag­pa­hayag tungkol sa bata sa lahat ng naghihintay sa katubusan ng Jeru­salem.  

39 Nang matupad na ang lahat ng ayon sa Batas ng Panginoon, umuwi sila sa kanilang bayan, sa Nazaret sa Galilea. 40 Lumalaki at lumalakas ang bata; napus­pos siya ng karunungan at sumasakanya ang kagandahang-loob ng Diyos.

Reflection for Wednesday December 29, Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Luke 2:22-35

Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. 

He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”  

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

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Reflection:

Do you know how it feels to hope on nobody but the Lord Jesus? Simeon the man from Jerusalem certainly knew this unique feeling, he was already ready to go out if this world upon seeing the child Jesus. His hope and salvation rested on nobody but Jesus, is Jesus the Hope and Salvation of your life? 

Simeon was searching for Jesus and guided by the Holy Spirit he was able to find Jesus in the temple being offered to God by his parents. Do we search for Jesus and do we thirst for Him? We will certainly find Jesus when we search and thirst for Him.   

But many of us don’t even bother to search for Jesus and we hardly have time for Jesus. So what happens to our life? We have so many fears in life; the fear of dying, the fear of sickness and we also have no more fear of sin. Simeon in our gospel reading is not fearful of anything even death! He is even ready to die already for he already found Jesus.  

As we continue our journey in this world we will be going after so many worldly things such as riches, power, higher learning and so forth. All of these worldly things will not give us peace of mind these things may even disturb our mind.  

For a change, why not stop going after these worldly things and instead begin our search for Jesus? He’s just around the bend waiting for us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 29 Miyerkules Ikalimang Araw sa Pagdiriwang ng Pasko: Lucas 2:22-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-35

22 Nang dumating na ang araw ng paglilinis nila ayon sa Batas ni Moises, dinala ang sanggol na si Jesus sa Jerusalem para iharap sa Panginoon – 23 tulad ng nasu­sulat sa Batas ng Panginoon: Lahat ng panganay na lalaki ay ituturing na banal para sa Panginoon. 24 Dapat din silang mag-alay ng sakripisyo tulad ng binabanggit sa Batas ng Panginoon: isang pares na batubato o dalawang inakay na kalapati.  

25 Ngayon, sa Jerusalem ay may isang taong nagngangalang Simeon; totoong matuwid at makadiyos ang taong iyon. Hinihintay niya ang pagpapaginhawa ng Panginoon sa Israel at sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo. 26 Ipinaalam naman sa kanya ng Espi­ritu Santo na hindi siya mamamatay hangga’t hindi niya naki­kita ang Mesiyas ng Pangi­noon. 27 Kaya pumunta siya ngayon sa Templo sa pag­tutulak ng Espiritu, nang dalhin ng mga magulang ang batang si Jesus para tu­parin ang kaugaliang naa­ayon sa Batas tungkol sa kanya.  

28 Kinalong siya ni Simeon sa kanyang mga braso at pinuri ang Diyos, at sinabi: 29 “Mapayayaon mo na ang iyong utusan, Panginoon, nang may kapayapaan ayon na rin sa iyong wika; 30 pagkat nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong pagliligtas 31 na inihanda mo sa paningin ng lahat ng bansa, 32 ang liwanag na ibubunyag mo sa mga bansang pagano at ang luwalhati ng iyong bayang Israel.”  

33 Nagtataka ang ama at ina ng bata sa mga sinasabi tungkol sa kanya. 34 Pinag­pala naman sila ni Simeon at sinabi kay Mariang ina ng bata: “Dahil sa kanya, ba­bagsak o babangon ang mga Israelita at magiging tanda siya sa harap nila at ka­nilang sasalungatin. 35 Kaya mahaha­yag ang lihim na pag-iisip ng mga tao. Ngu­nit paglalagusan naman ng isang pun­yal ang puso mo.”

1Reflection for Tuesday December 28, The Holy Innocents, martyrs (Feast): Matthew 2:13-18

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.  

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:  

A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

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Reflection:

What fuels extreme anger? It’s arrogance of power, it’s the mindset of ego and superiority. But the trouble with extreme anger is it makes us capable of doing extreme and dangerous acts too.  

For example, in a quarrel between husband and wife. When the quarrel reaches its highest point both spouses could say and do things that they would regret. There are times that the damage done would be irreversible no matter the regret and remorse. 

So, what should we do to avoid being sucked into this troublesome situation? Avoid the mindset of superiority and arrogance. Even if we have all the power and authority in this world let us not allow ourselves to be possessed by that power otherwise it will eventually destroy us. 

Be humble instead, be considerate and be gentle. Be calm and collected under pressure of anger for this is how we can best live the teachings of Jesus.  

When King Herod ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity within the age of two years and below (Matthew 2:16). His order was certainly fueled by his arrogance, ego, abuse of power and the mindset of superiority.  

Did Herod suffer for his despicable act? He did certainly, he suffered in silence and he had no peace of mind for the rest of his life. This could happen to us also when we are arrogant and when we allow blind and extreme anger to rule over us.  

So, instead of allowing ourselves to be controlled by our anger and arrogance let us be calm. And think of the irreversible consequences that may come if we allow anger and arrogance to take control of us.   – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 28 Martes, mga Banal na Sanggol na walang kamalayan, mga martir (Kapistahan): Mateo 2:13-18

Mabuting Balita: Matthew 2:13-18

13 Pagkaalis ng mga pantas, napa­kita kay Jose ang Anghel ng Panginoon sa panaginip at sinabi: “Buma­ngon ka, dal­hin ang sanggol at ang kanyang ina at tumakas pa-Ehipto. Manatili ka roon hang­gang sa tawagin ko kayo. Hahanapin nga ni Herodes ang sanggol para pata­yin.”  

14 Bumangon si Jose, at nang gabi ring iyo’y dinala ang sanggol at ang ina nito pa-Ehipto. 15 Doon sila nanirahan hang­gang mamatay si Herodes. Sa ga­nito natupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pama­magitan ng Propeta: “Tina­wag ko ang aking anak mula sa Ehipto.” 

16 Nagalit naman si Herodes nang ma­laman nito na napaglalangan siya ng mga pantas. Kaya iniutos niyang patayin ang lahat ng batang lalaki sa Betlehem at mga karatig nito, mga batang may dalawang taong gulang pababa, batay sa pa­nahon ng pagsikat ng tala ayon sa mga pantas. 

17 Kaya nagkatotoo ang sinabi ni Pro­pe­ta Jeremias: 18 “Narinig sa Rama ang pag­tangis, iyakan at malakas na panag­huyan: iniiyakan ni Raquel ang kanyang mga anak at ayaw paaliw pagkat wala na sila.”