1Reflection for April 26, Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter John 3:7b-15

Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?  

Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

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Reflection:

Do you seek Jesus?  

Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin a Jewish judicial body. Why did he follow Jesus? He must have discovered something in Jesus that made him follow Him even until Jesus death on the cross. Nicodemus followership of Jesus did not stop on His death on the cross, Nicodemus also took care of the body of Jesus after His death (John 19:39).    

What would it take for us to become a follower of Jesus? Do we still need to see a miracle before we become a faithful follower? It might be too late already, why not follow Jesus now? Let us look up at Jesus on the cross, that man on the cross died for us! Would we not take a second look to that man on the cross? Would we not thank Him for giving His life for us?  

Nicodemus was initially not a follower of Jesus but when he heard about Jesus he strived to know Jesus until he met the Lord. From the point of hearing about the Lord transformation was also happening in the life of Nicodemus which led him to become a faithful follower of the Lord.

Nicodemus was initially not a follower of Jesus but when he heard about Jesus he strived to know Jesus until he met the Lord. From the point of hearing about the Lord transformation was also happening in the life of Nicodemus which led him to become a faithful follower of the Lord.

Nobody knows the deepest core of our lives; nobody knows our gravest sins except us. Notwithstanding our sins, we have to decide to follow the Lord now for He is ready to transform us. To give us peace in our lives which this world cannot give us. It’s no problem for Jesus if we would become a secret follower like Nicodemus what is important for Jesus is we follow Him.  

Would you follow the Lord beginning today? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 26, Martes sa Ika-2 Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:7b-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:7b-15

Sinabi ni Jesus kay Nicodemo 7 Huwag kang magtaka dahil sinabi ko sa iyong kailangan kayong isilang mula sa itaas. 6 Umihip ang hangin kung saan nito nais, at naririnig mo ang ihip nito pero hindi mo alam kung saan ito galing at kung saan ito patungo. Gayon din nga ang bawat isinilang mula sa Espiritu.”  

9 Sumagot sa kanya si Nicodemo: “Paano pupuwede ang mga ito?” 10 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Ikaw ang guro ng Israel at hindi mo alam ang mga ito?  • 11 Talagang-talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo: ang alam namin ang aming sinasabi at ang nakita namin ang aming pinatu­tunayan, at hindi naman n’yo tinatanggap ang aming patunay.  

12 Mga bagay na nga sa lupa ang sinasabi ko sa inyo at hindi kayo naniniwala, kaya paano kayo maniniwala kapag mga bagay sa langit ang sasabihin ko sa inyo. 13 Walang umakyat sa langit mali­ban sa bumaba mula sa langit – ang Anak ng Tao. 14 At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas sa disyerto, gayundin dapat itaas ang Anak ng Tao 15 upang mag­karoon ng buhay magpakailanman ang bawat nananalig sa kanya.

1Reflection for April 25, Monday Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist: Mark 16:15-20

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”  

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

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Reflection:

A soldier was about to be assigned in a faraway place so he said to his wife: “Take care of the children. Teach them about our faith so that they’ll grow up to become responsible and God loving individuals.”  

The wife followed the command of his husband. She taught their children the teachings of the faith, she introduced Jesus to them and she educated them about discipline good manners and values. After five years he came back. His children were all grown up and he was so happy because they were all wonderfully brought up by his wife.   

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples this marching order: “Proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) All the disciples lived to the hilt this command of Jesus. In fact majority of them were martyred for the sake of advancing the gospel of Jesus.  

The words of Jesus are like stream of water it endlessly flows with the passing of time and it speaks to us now so that we can respond to it. It tells us that we too have a mission and what is that mission? We are also tasked by Jesus to proclaim and live the good news. Have we shared and lived the gospel?  

Majority of us may have not shared and lived it yet we therefore have to live and share it. Not tomorrow, not next week but now, why now and not on a later date? This is for the reason that many are in need of the life transforming words of Jesus. Many are being eaten alive by worldliness, hedonism and sinfulness.  

We therefore should share the good news as the disciples shared it because the Lord is commanding us to do so. Let us share Jesus’ teachings by how we live. We have to remember that we become more fruitful and useful followers of Jesus when we obey Him and when we help Him advance His teachings.  

We allow ourselves to become blessings for others when we share and give Jesus to them. We also allow Jesus to bless us more not with material wealth but with spiritual gifts when we follow His marching order. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 25, Lunes San Marcos, manunulat ng Mabuting Balita (Kapistahan): Marcos 16:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-20

15 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga alagad: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal. 16 Maliligtas ang maniniwala at mag­papabinyag; ha­hatulan naman ang di maniniwala. 17 At ito ang mga tandang sasama sa mga mani­niwala: magpapalayas sila ng mga de­mon­­yo sa aking Pangalan, magsasa­lita sila sa iba pang mga wika, 18 hahawakan nila ang mga ahas, at di sila maaano kung iinom man sila ng may lason. Ipa­patong nila ang kanilang kamay sa mga maysakit at gagaling ang mga iyon.”  

19 Matapos silang kausapin ng Pangi­­noong Jesus, iniakyat siya sa langit at lumuklok sa kanan ng Diyos. 20 At umalis sila at nangaral sa lahat ng lugar. Kasama nilang gumagawa ang Panginoon at pinatatatag ang Salita sa tulong ng mga tandang kasa­ma nila.

Reflection for Sunday April 24, Second Sunday of Easter/ Divine Mercy Sunday: John 20:19-31

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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Reflection:

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the risen Lord Jesus Christ?

Thomas in the gospel wanted very much to have an up-close and personal encounter with his lord and master. He was yearning for it like a parched land longing for water. Therefore, when Thomas was told by his fellow disciples that the risen Jesus appeared to them. He perhaps pretended not to believe but deep inside his heart he already believed what his fellow disciples told him.

Thomas already believed but he still yearned for physical evidence and encounter. He wanted to see the Risen Christ in the flesh and he wanted to touch the wounds of the Lord Jesus.

Thomas desire to encounter Jesus came to fruition after a week when they were all in that upper room where Jesus first appeared. While all of them were inside the upper room, lo and behold Jesus suddenly appeared before them all!

Right after His appearance Jesus singled out Thomas. He invited Thomas to see the wounds on His hands and to touch the wound on the side of His body which was pierced by a lance by a roman soldier while He was on the cross.  

Is it OK to doubt the resurrection of the Lord? Yes it’s OK but after doubting replace that doubt with curiosity by asking the Lord to let you discover more about Him. Feed it some more by praying to Him.

Sooner you will discover and feel for yourself that Jesus is real. That Jesus is alive and that Jesus is just a prayer or even a whisper away from you. Why? Because Jesus has never failed anyone who yearned for a personal encounter with Him.

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the Risen Lord?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Abril 24, Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay/Linggo ng Banal na Awa ng Panginoon: Juan 20:19-31

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:19-31

19 Agaw-dilim na noon sa unang araw na iyon ng sanlinggo at nakasara ang mga pinto sa kinaroroonan ng mga alagad dahil sa takot sa mga Judio, dumating si Jesus at pumagitna. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Kapayapaan sa inyo!” 20 Pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang mga kamay at ang tagiliran. Kaya nagalak ang mga alagad pagka­kita nila sa Panginoon.  

21 At muli niyang sinabi sa kanila: “Kapa­­yapaan sa inyo! Kung paanong isinugo ako ng Ama, ipinadadala ko rin kayo.” 22 At pagkasabi nito, hiningahan niya sila at sinabi: “Tanggapin ang Espi­ritu Santo! 23 Patatawarin ang mga kasa­lanan ninu­man na inyong patawarin; at pana­natiliin naman sa sinuman ang in­yong panatiliin.”  

24 Hindi nila kasama si Tomas na tina­guriang Kambal, na isa sa Labin­dalawa, nang du­mating si Jesus. 25 Kaya sinabi sa kanya ng iba pang mga alagad: “Nakita namin ang Pangi­noon!” Sinabi naman niya: “Maliban lamang na ma­kita sa kanyang mga kamay ang tatak ng mga pako at maipasok ang aking daliri sa pinag­lagusan ng mga pako at maipasok ang aking kamay sa tagiliran niya, hinding-hindi ako mani­niwala!”  

26 Makaraan ang walong araw, mu­ling nasa loob ang kanyang mga ala­gad at kasa­ma nila si Tomas. Dumating si Jesus ha­bang nakasara ang mga pinto at puma­gitna. At sinabi niya: “Kapa­yapaan sa inyo!” 27 At sinabi niya kay Tomas: “Ilapit mo rito ang daliri mo at tingnan ang aking mga kamay. At ilapit ang kamay mo at ipasok sa aking tagiliran at huwag tumangging maniwala kundi ma­niwala!”  

28 Sumagot si Tomas sa kanya: “Pangi­noon ko at Diyos ko – ikaw!” 29 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Dahil ba sa nakita mo ako kaya ka naniniwala? Mapapalad ang mga hindi nakakita at naniniwala.” 30 Ngayon, marami pang ibang tan­dang ginawa si Jesus sa harap ng kanyang mga alagad, na hindi naman nasusulat sa kasulatang ito. 31 Isinulat naman ang mga ito upang maniwala kayo na si Jesus ang Kristo, ang Anak ng Diyos. At sa pani­niwala ninyo’y magkaroon kayo ng buhay sa bisa ng kanyang Pangalan.

Reflection for April 23, Saturday in the Octave of Easter: Mark 16:9-15

Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 

After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus has risen? Well and good if you believe for He has indeed risen and appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene believed this too for she saw Him personally and she conversed with the risen Lord. 

But when she told the disciples that Jesus had risen they did not believe they instead continued to mourn the death of Jesus. The disciples finally believed only when Jesus personally appeared before them. And right there Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith in His resurrection. 

Perhaps the guiding principle of the disciples who did not believe is to see is to believe. For they only believed in the resurrection when He personally appeared to them. Were they already lacking in faith when they did not believe what Mary Magdalene told them? Yes! Lack of faith was slowly but surely creeping into their system until they saw Jesus in the flesh! 

The folly of not believing or lack of faith is we will not be blessed by Jesus if we don’t have faith or we don’t believe. We will not be healed by Jesus if we lack faith or we don’t believe. 

Do you believe that Jesus has risen? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 23, Sabado sa Walong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Marcos 16:9-15

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:9-15

9 Pagkabuhay ni Jesus sa unang araw ng sanlinggo, una siyang napakita kay Maria Magdalena na mula rito’y pitong demonyo ang pinalayas niya. 10 Umalis ito at nag­balita sa mga ka­sama ni Jesus na noo’y umiiyak at nag­luluksa. 11 Ngunit hindi sila naniwala sa kanya nang marinig nilang buhay si Jesus at napakita sa kanya.   

12 Pagkatapos nito, napakita naman si Jesus sa ibang anyo sa dalawa sa kanila habang pa­punta sila sa labas ng bayan. 13 At pagbalik nila, ibina­lita rin nila ito sa iba pa pero hindi rin naniwala ang mga ito sa ka­nila. 14 Sa dakong huli, nang nasa hapag ang La­bing-isa, napakita sa kanila si Jesus at pinagsabihan sila dahil sa ka­wa­lang-paniwala nila at kati­gasan ng puso: hindi nga nila pinaniniwalaan ang mga nakakita sa kanya matapos siyang bu­hayin.  

15 At sinabi sa kanila: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal.

Reflection for April 22, Friday in the Octave of Easter: John 21:1-14

Gospel: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.”  

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.  

So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”  

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

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Reflection:

What is the scenario when fishermen arrive after long hours of fishing at sea? They naturally want to go home and rest their tired bodies.  

This was the situation when the fishermen arrived from their long hours of fishing without any catch. They simply want to go home and rest their very tired bodies.  But as they approach the shore, they saw Jesus who told the fishermen to put their empty nets back onto the sea.   

They simply obeyed Jesus and presto they’ve caught the biggest number of fish. We see here in the gospel that Jesus rewards those who obey Him. We see also the love and care that Jesus gave to His disciples. Love and care that never ends and not constrained by time and space.  

Why did Jesus appear to His disciples for the third time after His resurrection? Jesus wanted to reassure His disciples that He will never abandon them and that He is still with them in every step of the way. As if saying to His disciples, I am always with you wherever you go ever ready to guide and help you.  

Humans as we are we also pass through episodes of weariness, tiredness and frustrations brought about by our many life challenges. We are never alone when we pass through these challenging episodes of life. The Risen Christ is also with us ever ready to guide and help us.  

Let us always go to Him for the risen Christ is always there for us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 22, Biyernes sa Walong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:1-14

1 Muling ibi­nunyag ni Jesus ang sarili sa mga alagad sa may Dagat ng Tiberias. Ganito ang kanyang pagbu­bunyag.  

2 Magkasamang naroon sina Simon Pedro, Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, Natanael na taga-Cana ng Galilea, ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pa sa  mga alagad niya. 3 Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro: “Aalis ako para ma­ngisda.” Sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sasama kami sa iyo.” Lumabas sila at sumakay sa bang­ka nang gabing iyo’y wala silang nahuli.  

4 Nang madaling-araw na, nakatayo si Jesus sa dalampasigan pero hindi naki­lala ng mga alagad na si Jesus iyon. 5 Tina­tawag sila ni Jesus: “Mga bata, wala ba kayong isda?” Sumagot sila sa kanya: “Wala!” 6 Kaya sinabi niya sa kanila: “Iha­gis n’yo ang lambat sa bandang kanan ng bangka at ma­kakatagpo kayo.” Kaya ini­hagis nga nila at hindi na nila maka­yang hilahin iyon dahil sa dami ng isda.  

7 Kaya sinabi kay Pedro ng alagad na iyon na mahal ni Jesus: “Ang Pangi­noon siya!” Nang marinig ni Simon Pedro na ang Panginoon iyon, ibinigkis niya ang [kanyang] damit dahil hubad siya, at saka tumalon sa dagat. 8 Dumating namang sakay ng maliit na bangka ang iba pang mga alagad pagkat hindi sila kala­yuan mula sa pampang kundi mga sandaang metro lamang. Hila-hila nila ang lambat ng mga isda.  

9 At pagkalunsad sa lupa, nakita nilang may nagbabagang uling doon, na pinagiihawan ng isda, at may tinapay. 10 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Mag­dala kayo mula sa mga isdang nahuli n’yo ngayon.” 11 Kaya sumakay si Simon Pedro at hinila sa pampang ang lambat na puno ng sandaa’t limampu’t tatlong mala­laking isda. At kahit na napakarami’y hindi napunit ang lam­bat.  

12 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Hali­kayo’t mag-almusal!” Walang maka­pangahas sa mga alagad na mag-usisa sa kanya: “Sino ba kayo?” dahil alam nilang ang Pangi­noon iyon. 13 Lumapit si Jesus at ku­muha ng tinapay at ipinamahagi sa kanila. Gayun­din sa isda. 14 Ito ngayon ang ikatlong pagbu­bunyag ni Jesus sa mga alagad matapos siyang ibangon mula sa mga patay.

Reflection for April 21, Thursday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.  

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.  

Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.  

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

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Reflection:

How would you react if a dead friend suddenly appears before you? Of course you will be shocked and perhaps after a few seconds you will shout and run away. This reaction is human nature, a natural reaction because you are not used of seeing a ghost.  

This was also the reaction of the disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared before them and said to them: Peace be with you. They were startled and terrified; who would not be? Then, Jesus slowly opened Himself to His disciples by inviting them to look at His hands and feet. And touch it if they want so that He could prove to them that He has indeed risen and is with them.  

Perhaps some of us are troubled and worried because of our present life circumstances. If we are, Jesus would tell us: "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Firmly believe in me and I will take care of you. Call on me anytime and I will be with you, follow me and I will not disappoint you! I will give you peace, peace that this world can’t give you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid!  

The peace that Jesus will give us is beyond compare nothing in this world can approximate it. Some of us mistakenly look for peace and comfort in this world only to end up holding an empty bag. Why? Because it’s only through Jesus that we will find true peace. 

Look for the peace that only Jesus will give you and humbly ask Him to give it to you. If you will be persistent He surely will give it to you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 21, Huwebes sa Walong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:35-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:35-48

35 Isinalaysay ng dalawang alagad ang nang­yari sa daan at kung paano nila siya nakilala sa pagpipiraso ng tinapay. 36 Habang pinag-uusapan nila ang mga ito, tumayo siya mismo sa gitna nila (at sinabi sa kanila: “Huwag ka­yong  matakot, sumainyo ang kapaya­paan!”). 37 Nagulat nga sila at natakot, at akala’y nakakakita sila ng kung anong espiritu. 38 Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila: “Bakit kayo naliligalig at puma­pasok ang alinla­ngan sa inyong isipan?   

39 Ting­nan ninyo ang aking mga ka­may at mga paa, ako nga siya. Hipuin ninyo ako at unawain ninyo na walang laman at mga buto ang isang espiritu, at nakikita ninyo na meron ako.” (40 Matapos masabi ito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay at paa.)   

41 Hindi sila makapaniwala sa labis na galak at nagtataka pa rin kaya sinabi niya sa kanila: “May makakain ba kayo rito?” 42 At binigyan nila siya ng isang pirasong inihaw na isda (at pulot-puk­yutan). 43 Ki­nu­ha niya iyon at ku­main sa harap nila. 44 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Sinabi ko na sa inyo ang mga ito nang kasama ninyo ako: kailangang matupad ang lahat ng nasusulat tungkol sa akin sa Batas ni Moises, Mga Propeta at Mga Salmo.”   

45 At binuksan niya ang kanilang isipan para maunawaan nila ang mga Kasulatan. 46 Sinabi niya: “Ganito ang na­susulat: kailangang magdusa ang Mesiyas at pagkamatay niya’y buhayin sa ikatlong araw. 47 Sa ngalan niya ipahahayag sa lahat ng bansa ang pagsisisi at ang kapa­tawaran ng mga kasa­lanan – sa Jerusalem kayo mag­sisimula. 48 Kayo ang magiging mga saksi sa mga ito.

1Reflection for April 20, Wednesday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:13-35

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days? And he replied to them, “What sort of things? They said to him, The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.  

But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.  

And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.  

As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.  

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us? So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon! Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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Reflection:

A husband was always being urged by his wife to join his family to attend Sunday Mass. The husband would always say, I don’t want to go because I don’t understand what’s going on at Mass and I am also busy with other things.  

His wife told him, don’t you know that you always have a personal encounter with Jesus whenever you are at Holy Mass?  Don’t you know that the words of Jesus are always proclaimed to you at Holy Mass? And don’t you know that you always partake of Jesus Body and Blood during Holy Communion?  

In our gospel, while Cleopas and the other disciple were going to Emmaus, the risen Christ suddenly walked with them and conversed with them. They had no inkling that it was already the risen Christ who was with them. Why? This is for the reason that their focus was not on the risen Christ but on the Christ who died on the cross.  

When they reached Emmaus it was already night time so they invited Jesus to stay in their house. And while they were at a table Jesus took bread broke it said the blessings and shared it with the two of them. They immediately recognized that it was the risen Jesus who was with them. Because Jesus did the same sacred gesture before them and the apostles during the last supper in the upper room (Luke 22:19-20).  

Cleopas and the other disciple are not alone in this predicament of not immediately recognizing the presence of Jesus in their midst. For we too are often guilty of not recognizing that Jesus is always present at Holy Mass.  

And the reason behind not recognizing Jesus at Holy Mass is our lack of concentration and attention when we are at Mass. Our lack of interest with the Holy Mass readings and our failure to read Jesus life transforming words in the bible when we are in our homes.  

If only we would prioritize our presence at Holy Mass, if only we would focus our attention to what the priest does at Holy Mass. And if only we would find time to open and read the life giving words of Jesus in the bible every day. We would know and feel that Jesus is also walking with us and He is always ready to introduce Himself to us.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 20, Miyerkules sa Walong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:13-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:13-35

13 Nang araw ng Linggo, dalawa sa mga alagad ang naglalakad pa-Emmaus na isang nayong mga labin­limang kilo­metro mula sa Jerusalem. 14 Pinag-uusapan nila ang mga nangyari. 15 Sa kanilang pag-uusap at pagtatalakayan, lumapit si Jesus at nakisabay sa paglakad nila 16 pero parang may kung anong hadlang sa kanilang mga mata at hindi nila siya nakilala.  

17 Tinanong niya sila: “Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo sa daan?” Tumigil silang mukhang malungkot. 18 Suma­got ang isa sa kanila na nagnga­ngalang Cleofas: “Bakit, mukhang ikaw lang ang kaisa-isahan sa Jerusalem na di alam ang mga nangyari roon nitong mga ilang araw?”  

19 Itinanong niya: “Ano?” Sumagot sila: “Tungkol kay Jesus na taga-Nazaret. Sa paningin ng Diyos at ng buong baya’y isa siyang propetang maka­pang­­yarihan sa gawa at salita. 20 Ngunit isinakdal siya ng aming mga punong-pari at mga pinuno para mahatulang mamatay at ipinako siya sa krus. 21 Uma­asa pa naman kaming siya ang tutubos sa Israel ngunit ikatlong araw na ngayon mula nang mangyari ang lahat ng ito.  

22 Sa totoo’y ginulat kami ng ilang ba­baeng kasama namin. Maaga silang pu­munta sa libingan 23 pero hindi nila nakita ang kanyang katawan kaya du­mating sila at sinabi sa amin na naka­kita pa raw sila ng aparisyon ng mga anghel na nag­sabi sa kanila na buhay siya. 24 Nagpunta rin sa libingan ang ilan sa amin at natag­puan nga nila ang sinasabi ng mga babae pero hindi nila siya nakita.”  

25 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Mga hin­di makaunawa at mapupurol ang isip para maniwala sa lahat ng ipina­hayag ng mga propeta. 26 Di ba’t kaila­ngang mag­dusa nang ganito ang Mesiyas bago pu­masok sa kanyang Lu­walhati?” 27 At sinimulan niyang ipa­liwanag sa kanila ang lahat ng sinasabi ng Kasulatan tungkol sa kanya, mula kay Moises hanggang sa lahat ng Pro­peta.  

28 Nang malapit na sila sa nayong pu­puntahan nila, parang magpapatuloy pa siya ng paglakad. 29 Pero pinilit nila siya: “Manatili kang kasama namin dahil dapit­hapon na at lumulubog na ang araw.” Kaya pumasok siya at suma­ma sa kanila. 30 Nang nasa hapag na siyang kasalo nila, kumuha siya ng tinapay, nagpuri at piniraso ito at ibinigay sa kanila.  

31 At noo’y nabuksan ang kanilang mga mata at nakilala nila siya, at nawala siya sa kanilang paningin. 32 Nag-usap sila: “Hindi ba’t nag-aalab ang ating puso nang kinakausap niya tayo sa daan at ipinali­liwanag sa atin ang mga Kasulatan?”  

33 Noon di’y tumayo sila at nagbalik sa Jerusalem. Nakita nila roon na mag­ka­kasama ang Labing-isa at ang iba ni­lang kasamahan. 34 Sinabi ng mga iyon sa kanila: “Totoo ngang binuhay  ang Panginoon at napakita siya kay Simon.” 35 At isinalaysay naman nila ang nang­yari sa daan at kung paano nila siya nakilala sa pagpipiraso ng tinapay.