Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Pebrero 5, Santa Agueda (Agata), dalaga at martir (Paggunita): Marcos 6:30-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:30-34

30 Pagbalik ng mga apostol kay Jesus, isinalaysay nila sa kanya ang lahat nilang ginawa at itinuro. 31 Sinabi naman niya sa kanila: “Tayo na sa isang ilang na lugar para mapag-isa tayo at makapagpahinga kayo nang kaunti.” Sapagkat doo’y marami ang paroo’t parito at hindi  man lamang sila makakain. 32 Kaya lumayo sila at namangka na sila-sila lang patungo sa ilang na lugar.  

33 Ngunit nakita silang umalis ng ilan at nabalitaan ito ng marami. Kaya nagtakbuhan sila mula sa kani-kanilang bayan at nauna pang dumating na lakad kaysa kanila. 34 Pagdating ni Jesus sa pampang, nakita niya ang maraming taong nagkakatipon doon at naawa siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang walang pastol. At nagsimula siyang magturo sa kanila nang matagal.

Reflection for February 4, Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:14-29

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets. But when Herod learned of it, he said “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.  

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. 

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.  

He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist. The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.  

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What does it mean when we are constantly being bothered by our conscience? It simply means that we’ve done something wrong and the only cure for this wrongdoing is to correct it. For example, if a believer has cheated on his/her spouse she/he would naturally be bothered by her/his conscience. And this torment will not end until there’s a closure or admission of sin.  

When King Herod heard about the miraculous actions of Jesus and the popularity that He was earning from the people. Herod thought of John whom he ordered beheaded, it suddenly came to his mind that John was still alive. But it was very clear to King Herod that he ordered John killed.  

So why did King Herod thought of John when he heard about Jesus? This is for the reason that King Herod was already being bothered by his conscience. Herod did something which is terribly wrong and the price that he has to pay for his wrongdoing was the guilt of conscience which was constantly bothering him.  

Aren’t we like that also when we do wrong? But what separates us from Herod is we have an opportunity to repent and admit our wrongdoing. And once we do so the guilty feeling will not be there anymore.  

But why allow ourselves to be pestered by our guilt? Why not permanently delete guilt from our minds by not committing sin? Some of us may say that it’s impossible not to commit a wrongdoing or sin. Yes it may be impossible but, why not try asking Jesus to help us be clean all the time? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 4, Biyernes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:14-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:14-29

14 Nabalitaan din ni Haring Herodes ang tungkol kay Jesus sapagkat tumanyag na ang kanyang pangalan. May nag­sasabing nabuhay si Juan Bautista mula sa mga patay kaya nagkakabisa sa kanya ang makalangit na kapang­yarihan. 15 Si­nabi naman ng iba: “Si Elias nga ito,” at ng iba pa: “Ito ay isang propeta gaya ng mga propeta noon.” 16 Nang mabalitaan ito ni Herodes ay sinabi niya: “Nabuhay nga sa mga patay si Juan na pinapugutan ko ng ulo.”   

17 Si Herodes nga ang nagpahuli kay Juan, at ipinakadena ito sa kulungan dahil kay Herodias na asawa ng kanyang kapatid na si Felipe. Pinakasalan ni Herodes si Herodias 18 at sinabi ni Juan kay Herodes: “Hindi mo puwe­deng kasamahin ang asawa ng iyong kapatid.” 19 Talaga ngang matindi ang galit ni Hero­dias kay Juan at gusto niya itong patayin pero hindi niya ma­gawa. 20 Iginagalang nga ni Herodes si Juan dahil itinuturing niya itong mabuti at banal na tao, kaya pinanatili niya itong buhay. Nalilito siya matapos ma­kinig kay Juan, gayunma’y gusto pa rin niyang marinig ito.   

21 At nagkaroon ng pagkakataon sa kaarawan ni Herodes nang maghanda siya para sa kanyang mga opisyal, mga pinuno ng hukbo at mahalagang tao ng Galilea. 22 Pagpasok ng anak ni Herodias, nagsayaw ito at nasiyahan naman sa kanya si Herodes at lahat ng nasa handaan. Sinabi ng hari sa dalagita: “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang anu­mang hingin mo.” 23 At sinumpaan pa niya ang pa­ngakong ito: “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang anumang hingin mo, kahit na ang kala­hati ng aking kaha­rian.” 24 Lu­mabas ang anak at tinanong ang kanyang ina: “Ano ang hihingin ko?” At sumagot naman ito: “Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista.” 25 Agad niyang pinuntahan ang hari at sinabi: “Gusto kong ibigay mo agad sa akin ang ulo ni Juan Bautista sa isang bandeha.”   

26 Nabalisa ang hari ngunit ayaw niyang tumanggi dahil sa sinumpaan niyang pangako sa harap ng mga bisita. 27 Kaya iniutos ng hari sa isa niyang guwar­diya na dalhin ang ulo ni Juan. Pinu­gutan nito si Juan sa kulu­ngan, 28 inilagay sa isang bandeha ang kanyang ulo, ibinigay sa dalaga, at ibinigay naman ito ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. 29 Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, dumating sila para kunin ang kanyang katawan at ini­libing.

Reflection for February 3, Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:7-13

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.  

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

+ + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you share in the mission of Jesus and the apostles?  

According to a written commentary in Judaism there is a need for two witnesses to attest to the reality of a completed accomplishment. That’s why Jesus sent the apostles two by two to serve as witness to each other’s good deeds. 

But more than that I think the twelve were sent two by two to be of help to each other, to strengthen each other whenever they feel like giving up in their mission of evangelization.  

Jesus emphasized to the apostles that they should have complete trust and confidence on Him because He will provide for them. That’s why He said: “Take nothing with you except for your walking stick: “No food, no sack, no money in your belts.”  

By our Baptism we also share in the mission of Jesus and the twelve apostles. We are also being commissioned by Jesus to heal those who are emotionally and spiritually wounded. And this is brought about by the harsh realities of life most especially now primarily brought about by covid-19.  

There are many who still needs to be helped and to be evangelized let us therefore take part in the mission of the apostles. Let’s not worry about ourselves Jesus will take care of us in return as what He did for the apostles. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 3, Huwebes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:7-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:7-13

Naglibot naman si Jesus sa mga nayon sa paligid sa kanyang pagtuturo. 7 At tinawag niya ang Labindalawa at sinimulang isugo sila nang dala-dalawa. Binigyan niya sila ng kapangyarihan sa mga maruming espiritu. 8 At sinabihan niya silang huwag magdala ng anuman para sa paglalakbay kundi tungkod lamang. Walang pagkain, walang pitaka o pera sa sinturon. 9 Nakasandalyas at may isang damit lang.  

10 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Pagtuloy ninyo sa isang bahay, manatili kayo roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo mula roon. 11 Kung may lugar na hindi tatanggap o makikinig sa inyo, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ang alikabok sa inyong mga paa bilang sakdal sa kanila.”  

12 At pag-alis nila, ipinangaral nila ang pagbabalik-loob. 13 Maraming demonyo ang kanilang pinalayas at marami ring maysakit ang pinagaling nila sa pagpapahid ng langis.

Reflection for Wednesday February 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses. Mary and Joseph took Jesus 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: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go  in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for 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.”  

There was also 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.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story  is  told about a dying man who had one fervent wish before he dies. His fervent wish was to see Jesus in the flesh and to talk to Him even for a short while. Unfortunately, his wish did not become a reality for he died without seeing Jesus. Is there a magic word for us to see Jesus? Or is there a secret for us to see Jesus?  

When the child Jesus was brought into the temple to present Him before the Lord. It was in fulfillment of the Jewish law which states that a child should be brought into the temple to present him before God forty days after its birth.”  

We have in our gospel a Holy man named Simeon who has one wish before he dies which is to see Jesus. And Simeon was very blessed to see and hold in his arms the child Jesus. Was it pure luck that he was able to be with Jesus and His parents up close and personal? No, luck had nothing to do with Simeon’s meeting with the Holy family. Simeon as stated in our gospel was a righteous and devout man.  

He was a good man; he was a man who wholeheartedly strived to follow the teachings of his faith. That’s why God through the Holy Spirit gifted Simeon the very rare opportunity to be with the child Jesus in the temple before he dies. What a way to die! Isn’t this our wish also before we die? We would want to see Jesus and we would want to hold the hand of Jesus as we take our last gasp of breath?  

When a person is near death, he/she would normally say that he is already seeing his departed relatives around him. Rarely would we hear a dying person say that he now see Jesus by his side.  

By the life of Simeon, we now know the secret as to how we would be able to see Jesus as we fade out of this world. We have to be righteous and we have to be devout followers of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Pebrero 2, Ang Pagdadala kay Jesus na Panginoon sa Templo (Kapistahan): Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

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.”    

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 February 1, Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.  

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.  

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”  

 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer? Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Sickness and death are words that we are afraid to hear much less experience. Who wants to get sick and who wants to die? Nobody for we all want to enjoy life. Yet, Physical death brought about by our being human is a certainty of life nobody can get away from it. It will visit us one day; because physical death is part of the natural process of life.  

There is another form of death that is more dangerous; this is called spiritual death and this is always being enticed to us by the devil. The evil one always invites us to commit sin and if we are not careful we may fall into this trap. This would result in our permanent separation from the love of God unless we are willing to humbly submit ourselves into the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession.  

In the gospel a sick woman of great faith wished to touch even the tassel of Jesus clothes. For she believed that the moment she does, it would cure her of her sickness. Therefore, while Jesus was passing her way she touched His clothes and immediately she was healed.  

Jesus felt that power had gone out of Him so He asked the crowd: “Who touched my clothes?” hearing this; the woman fell down and told Him the whole truth. He said to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."  

In that situation there were a lot who were in contact with Jesus clothes and He never felt that power has gone out of Him. Why is it that when the sick woman touched Him he felt the loss of His power? The woman was in need of Jesus healing, she also had great faith and she knew that Jesus would heal her the moment she touch His clothes.  

There will come a time that we too will be in need of Jesus healing. When that time comes let us not doubt the power of the Lord to heal us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 1, Martes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:21-43

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:21-43

21 Pagkatawid ni Jesus sa lawa na sakay sa bangka, pinagkalipumpunan siya ng maraming tao sa tabing-dagat. 22 At may dumating na isang pinuno ng sinagoga na nagngangalang Jairo. Nagpatirapa ito sa kanyang paanan 23 at pilit na ipinakiusap sa kanya: “Naghihingalo ang aking dalagita kaya halika para maligtas siya at mabuhay sa pagpapatong ng iyong mga kamay.”  

24 Kaya umalis si Jesus kasama niya at sumunod din sa kanya ang mga tao na gumigitgit sa kanya. 25 May isa namang babae na labindalawang taon nang dinudugo. 26 Marami na ang tiniis niya sa kamay ng mga doktor at nagastos na niya ang lahat ng meron siya pero hindi pa rin siya umigi kundi lumala pa ang lagay niya. 27 At nang mabalitaan niya ang tungkol kay Jesus, nilapitan niya ito sa likuran sa gitna ng mga tao at hinipo ang damit nito, 28 sapagkat naisip niya: “Kung mahihipo ko lamang ang kanyang mga damit, gagaling na ako.”  

29 At agad na naampat ang pag-agos ng kanyang dugo at naramdaman niyang gumaling na ang kanyang sakit. 30 Ngunit agad din namang nadama ni Jesus na may lakas na lumabas sa kanya kaya lumingon siya sa gitna ng mga tao at nagtanong: “Sino ang humipo sa mga damit ko?” 31 Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad: “Nakikita mo nang ginigitgit ka ng napakaraming tao. Bakit mo pa itatanong: Sino ang humipo sa akin?” 32 At patuloy siyang tumingin sa paligid para makita kung sino ang gumawa nito. 33 Kaya lumapit na nanginginig sa takot ang babae. Namamalayan nga nito ang nangyari kaya lumapit ito at nagpatirapa sa harap niya at inamin sa kanya ang buong katotohanan.  

• 34 At sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Anak, iniligtas ka ng iyong pananalig. Humayo kang mapayapa at magaling ka na sa iyong sakit.” 35 Nagsasalita pa si Jesus nang may dumating galing sa bahay ng pinuno ng sinagoga, at sinabi nila: “Patay na ang iyong anak na babae. Bakit mo pa iniistorbo ngayon ang Guro?” 36 Ngunit hindi sila inintindi ni Jesus at sinabi sa pinuno: “Huwag kang matakot, manampalataya ka lamang.” 37 At wala siyang pinayagang sumama sa kanya liban kina Pedro, Jaime at Juang kapatid ni Jaime.  

• 38 Pagdating nila sa bahay, nakita niya ang kaguluhan: may mga nagiiyakan at labis na nagtataghuyan. 39 Pumasok si Jesus at sinabi: “Bakit nagkakagulo at nag-iiyakan? Hindi patay ang bata kundi natutulog lang.” 40 At pinagtawanan nila siya. Ngunit pinalabas ni Jesus ang lahat, at ang ama at ina lamang nito ang isinama at ang kanyang mga kasamahan. 41 Pagpasok niya sa kinaroroonan ng bata, hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at sinabi: “Talita kum”, na ibig sabihi’y “Nene, sinasabi ko sa iyo, bumangon ka.”  

42 At noon di’y bumangon ang bata at nagsimulang maglakad. (Labindalawang taon na nga siya.) At nagkaroon ng pagkamangha, malaking pagkamangha. 43 Mahigpit na iniutos ni Jesus sa kanila na huwag itong sabihin kaninuman, at sinabi sa kanila na bigyan ng makakain ang bata.

Reflection for Monday January 31 Saint John Bosco, Priest (M): Mark 5:1-20

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. 

In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. 

Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. 

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. 

The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine.  

Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Is there anyone in this world that is more powerful than Jesus? No one for the simple reason that  even demons and unclean spirits are afraid of Him. If this is so; how come not everyone of us gravitate towards Jesus? Because the power of Jesus is not of this world and besides we normally equate power with position of influence and money.  

Does Jesus occupy a position of influence? Does Jesus have money? Jesus has none of these worldly trappings! If we would follow Jesus He would dislodge us from our corrupt and worldly comfort zones and many who are already enslaved by this world will not like this.  

Jesus power is something that we feel in our hearts; it is something that He gives us freely and  something that is not felt and seen by worldly people. And people who love this present life more than the real life after this present life is over and done with already.  

How about us? We who profess to know Jesus and we who says that Jesus is in our hearts already. What are we going to do? We have to find time to share Jesus no matter how busy we are. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Enero 31 , San Juan Bosco, pari (Paggunita): Marcos 5:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:1-20

Dumating si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad sa lupain ng mga Geraseno.^[a] 2 Pagbaba ni Jesus sa bangka, sinalubong siya ng isang lalaking galing sa kwebang libingan. Ang lalaking itoʼy sinasaniban ng masamang espiritu, ³ at doon na siya nakatira sa mga libingan. Hindi siya maigapos ng matagal kahit kadena pa ang gamitin nila. ⁴ Ilang beses na siyang kinadenahan sa kamay at paa, pero nalalagot niya ang mga ito. Walang nakakapigil sa kanya. ⁵ Nagsisisigaw siya araw at gabi sa mga libingan at kaburulan, at sinusugatan ang sarili ng matatalas na bato. 

⁶ Malayo pa si Jesus ay nakita na siya ng lalaki. Patakbo siyang lumapit kay Jesus at lumuhod sa harapan niya. ^7-8 Sinabi ni Jesus sa masamang espiritu, “Ikaw na masamang espiritu, lumabas ka sa taong iyan!” Sumigaw ang lalaki, “Ano ang pakialam mo sa akin, Jesus na Anak ng Kataas-taasang Dios? Nakikiusap ako, sa pangalan ng Dios, huwag mo akong pahirapan!” ⁹ Tinanong siya ni Jesus, “Ano ang pangalan mo?” Sagot niya, “Kawan, dahil marami kami.” ¹⁰ At paulit-ulit na nagmakaawa ang masamang espiritu kay Jesus na huwag silang palayasin sa lupaing iyon.

¹¹ Sa di-kalayuan ay may malaking kawan ng mga baboy na nanginginain sa gilid ng burol. ¹² Nagmakaawa ang masasamang espiritu na kung maaari ay payagan silang pumasok sa mga baboy. ¹³ Kaya pinayagan sila ni Jesus. Lumabas ang masasamang espiritu sa lalaki at pumasok sa mga baboy. Nagtakbuhan ang may dalawang libong baboy pababa ng burol, nagtuloy-tuloy sa lawa at nalunod.

 ¹⁴ Tumakbo ang mga tagapag-alaga ng baboy papunta sa bayan at ipinamalita roon at sa mga kalapit-nayon ang nangyari. Kaya pumunta roon ang mga tao para alamin ang tunay na nangyari. ¹⁵ Pagdating nila kay Jesus, nakita nila ang taong dating sinasaniban ng kawan ng masasamang espiritu. Nakaupo siya at nakadamit, at matino na ang pag-iisip. Kaya natakot ang mga tao. ¹⁶ Ikinuwento sa kanila ng mga nakakita kung ano ang nangyari sa taong iyon at sa mga baboy. ¹⁷ Kaya pinakiusapan nila si Jesus na umalis sa kanilang lugar.  

¹⁸ Nang sumasakay na si Jesus sa bangka, nakiusap sa kanya ang lalaking gumaling na isama siya. ¹⁹ Pero hindi pumayag si Jesus. Sa halip, sinabi niya sa lalaki, “Umuwi ka sa pamilya mo at sabihin mo sa kanila ang lahat ng ginawa sa iyo ng Panginoon at kung paano ka niya kinaawaan.” ²⁰ Kaya umalis ang lalaki at ipinamalita sa Decapolis,^[b] ang ginawa sa kanya ni Jesus. At namangha ang lahat ng nakarinig tungkol sa nangyari. 

Reflection for Sunday January 30, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:21-30

Gospel: Luke 4:21-30

Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’ And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 

Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.  

Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do we have an attitude of exclusivity? For example we want to reside in an exclusive community so that those who are not members and those who are not rich will not be able to disturb our peace. We want to be in the company of those who are rich because it enhances our status of being member of an exclusive group of people.  

Jesus is not in favor of this exclusive mentality, Jesus mindset is inclusive regardless of who we are. Even if we  are poor, sinner and uneducated.  Jesus desires everyone to come to Him and He reaches out to everyone regardless of faith Jesus welcomes everyone for He is for everyone.

In the gospel, Jesus town mates got angry with Him because they wanted Him to be their exclusive property. His town mates wanted Jesus to exclusively heal and do miracles for them only: The Jewish people.  But Jesus would have none of their exclusive mentality.

Our exclusive mentality if we allow it to capture us would detach us from reality. It will dictate upon us to have a superiority mindset. It will force us to look down on others especially the poor and unlearned and regard them as good for nothing which the Lord is not in favor.

Do you sometimes have an exclusive mentality?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 30, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:21-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:21-30

21 Sinimulan ni Jesus magsalita sa ka­nila: “Isinaka­tuparan ang Kasula­tang ito ngayon ha­bang naki­kinig kayo.”  

22 At sumang-ayon silang lahat sa kanya habang nagtataka sa gayong pagpapahayag ng kabutihang-loob ng Diyos na nangga­ling sa kanyang bibig. At sinabi nila: “Hindi ba’t ito ang anak ni Jose?” 23 Nagsalita si Jesus sa kanila: “Tiyak na babanggitin ninyo sa akin ang kasabihang: ‘Manggagamot, paga­lingin mo ang iyong sarili! Gawin mo rin dito sa iyong bayan ang mga bagay na narinig naming ginawa mo sa Capernaum’.”

24 At idinagdag niya: “Talagang sinasabi ko: walang propetang katanggap-tanggap sa sarili niyang bayan. 25 Tinitiyak ko sa inyo na maraming babaeng balo noon sa kapana­hunan ni Elias nang sarhan ang langit sa loob ng tatlo’t kala­hating taon at nagkaroon ng matin­ding taggutom sa buong lupain. 26 Gayon pa ma’y hindi ipinadala si Elias sa isa man sa kanila kundi sa baba­eng balo ng    Sarepta sa may Sidon. 27 Marami ring may­ketong sa Israel sa kapana­hunan ni Propeta Eliseo pero wala sa kanilang pinaga­ling kundi ang Siriong si Naaman.”

28 Napuno ng galit ang lahat sa sinagoga pagkarinig dito, 29 tumindig sila at ipinagtulakan siya sa labas ng bayan. Dinala nila siya sa gilid ng burol na ki­na­­­ta­tayuan ng kanilang bayan para ihu­log. 30 Ngunit du­maan siya sa gitna nila at umalis. 

1Reflection for January 29 Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:   

The story is told about a man who was so afraid of darkness. He feared darkness because he imagines evil things coming out from it. For the same reason, when sleeping time comes in the evening he tells his wife not to turn off the lights.  

For many of us evening or darkness depicts uncertainty, it registers fears in our hearts. Notice when there’s brownout/blackout in the community. Everyone would look for their flashlights, candles or anything that could defeat darkness.  

It was evening when Jesus and His disciples were crossing to the other side of the lake. They were in a boat and darkness pervades their environment, when out of the blue they suddenly encountered a violent storm. All of them were scared (who wouldn’t be?) the fear of the violent storm coupled with darkness made them momentarily forgot that Jesus was with them.  

And then they remembered that Jesus (the light of their lives and our lives too!) was with them. He was soundly asleep (notwithstanding the violent storm) in the stern on a cushion. So they woke Him up and they asked Jesus for help. And right in front of them Jesus rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm (Mark 4:39).  

All of us pass thru certain stretches of darkness and storms in our life and we naturally fear it. Many of us would want to avoid these stretches of darkness and storms. Yet we cannot avoid it for these are part and parcel of our life.  

So what are we going to do when we pass thru these episodes of storms and darkness? We always have to remember that Jesus the light of our lives is always with us. We always have to remember that no storms or darkness can break us down. For we have Jesus walking with us and lighting our paths.  

Do you always call on Jesus when you pass thru storms and darkness in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas