Reflection June 15, Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

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

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

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

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

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Reflection:

In the gospel Jesus gives us three commands: 

1. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others (Matthew 6:2). 

2.  When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them (Matthew 6:5).  

3. When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting (Matthew 6:16). 

Jesus reminds us to have a self-examination about our life.  How are we living it right now? Do we live our life so that others may notice us? For example, in doing good deeds, why is it that some if not many of us post it on social media? Is it for others to know that we are doing good?  Are we only using God so that we will gain the admiration of our fellowmen? 

Jesus advocates humility and secrecy in doing things for Him. We should not boast of the things that we do for God and for our fellowmen. Otherwise it’s all useless and chasing the wind. Jesus knows everything about us; our motives and the real reason why we do things for Him. He knows if we are only using Him to advance our own self-serving agendas.    

Let us re-direct our motives and from now on let us do things for the Lord in silence and secrecy. Without posting it on facebook and other social media platforms. No one will know except us and the Lord.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 15, Miyerkules ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Pag-ingatan ninyo na huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang paggawa ninyo ng mabuti. Kapag ganyan ang ginawa ninyo, wala kayong matatamong gantimpala buhat sa inyong Amang nasa langit.  

"Kaya nga, kapag naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipagmakaingay ito, katulad ng ginagawa ng mga mapagpaimbabaw doon sa sinagoga at sa mga lansangan. Ginagawa nila ito upang purihin sila ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kung naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipaalam ito kahit sa iyong pinakamatalik na kaibigan upang malihim ang iyong paglilimos. at gagantihin ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim."  

"At kapag nananalangin kayo, huwag kayong tutulad sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Mahilig silang manalangin nang patayo sa mga sinagoga at sa mga panulukang-daan, upang makita ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kapag mananalangin ka, pumasok ka sa iyong silid at isara mo ang pinto. Saka manalangin sa iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita, at gagantihin ka ng iyong amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim. 

"Kapag nag-aayuno kayo, huwag kayong magmukhang malungkot, tulad ng mga mapagpaimbabaw. Hindi sila nag-aayos upang malaman ng mga tao na sila'y nag-aayuno. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Kapag ikaw ay nag-aayuno, mag-ayos ka ng buhok at maghilamos upang huwag mapansin ng mga tao na nag-aayuno ka. Ang iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita ang siya lamang nakaaalam nito. Siya, na nakakakita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim, ang gaganti sa iyo."

Reflection June 14, Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.  

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

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Reflection:

What is genuine love?  

It’s a love that doesn’t discriminate a love that embraces everybody including those who are not lovable to our eyes. The beauty of loving even those who do not love us is we show them what true love is all about. True love that emanates from Jesus Himself.  

When we love even those who are not lovable we don’t only give them our unconditional love. We also teach them to give love, never mind if they will not love us in return. What is important is we teach them the language of unconditional love so that they would learn from it and hopefully be converted by it.  

But is unconditional love still relevant today? For many of us today love is a two way street: You love me and I give you love in return if you will not love me I will not give you my love. But if this is our mentality the language of true love will not anymore have life. There would be no more true love and true sacrifice for the person that we love.  

True love or genuine love therefore is to love without any condition/s and to love without expecting love in return. Hard to do, right? But if we truly love Jesus we would be able to freely give love, love which is not bound by the laws of reciprocity. – Marino  J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 14, Martes ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:43-48

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:43-48

Noong Panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Narinig na ninyong sinabi, 'Ibigin mo ang iyong kaibigan at kapootan mo ang iyong kaaway.' Ngunit ito naman ang sabi ko: ibigin ninyo ang inyong mga kaaway, at idalangin ninyo ang mga umuusig sa inyo, upang kayo'y maging tunay na anak ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Sapagkat pinasisikat niya ang araw sa masasama at sa mabubuti, at pinapapatak niya ang ulan sa mga banal at sa mga makasalanan.  

Kung ang mga umiibig sa inyo ang siya lamang ninyong iibigin, ano pang gantimpala ang inyong hihintayin? Hindi ba't ginagawa rin ito ng mga publikano? At kung ang binabati lamang ninyo'y ang inyong mga kapatid, ano ang nagawa ninyong higit kaysa iba? Ginagawa rin iyan ng mga Hentil! Kaya, dapat kayong maging ganap, gaya ng inyong Amang nasa langit."

Reflection for Monday June 13, Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church (M): Matthew 5:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

(Jesus said to his disciples) 38 "You have heard that it was said, `An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 

 42 Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.

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Reflection:

What would we gain if we exact revenge to those who’ve aggrieved and injured us? Nothing except further enmity and injury.  

Take for example disagreements and quarrels, if a person would exact revenge for the injury that was caused her/him.  It would only become a vicious cycle of disagreements and quarrels that has no ending. This is the result of our unforgiveness but what if we take the high road of forgiveness and humility? Then things will be OK,  because there’s no hatred or any kind of bad feeling in our hearts.  

It’s hard to be humble, it’s hard to forgive and it’s hard not to retaliate for the injury that is done to us. But let us look at Jesus on the cross and reflect on the wounds that we have carved on HIS body by our sinfulness. What if HE has not forgiven us, what if HE did not humble himself for us?  

What Jesus gives us today are valuable lessons on humility and forgiveness that will help us build bridges instead of walls. The gospel reading for today is very easy to look at and read. But can we live it? If we abhor hostility, if we are humble and if we are truly passionately in love with Jesus we would be able to live these teachings. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Hunyo 13, San Antonio de Padua, pari at pantas ng Simbahan (Paggunita): Mateo 5:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Naririnig ninyo na sinabi, 'Mata sa mata, at ngipin sa ngipin.' Ngunit ngayo'y sinsabi ko sa inyo: huwag ninyong labanan ang masamang tao. Kung may sumampal sa iyo sa kanang pisngi, iharap mo pa sa kanya ang kabila.  

Kung ipagsakdal ka ninuman upang makuha ang iyong baro, ibigay mo sa kanya pati ang iyong balabal. Kung sapilitang ipapasan sa iyo ng manlulupig ang kanyang dala nang isang kilometro, pasanin mo ito nang dalawang kilometro. Magbigay ka sa nanghihingi sa iyo, at huwag mong pahindian ang nanghihiram sa iyo."

Reflection for Sunday June 12, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: John 16:12-15

Gospel: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.

He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a responsible husband who suddenly died without any sign of sickness. The bereaved wife and her children were asking God, why it happened? There really are events in our life that are very hard to explain.

However we have to accept these mysterious events that are very hard to comprehend and accept. We have to believe that somewhere or somehow there shall be enlightenment and acceptance for so long as we never lose our faith in God.

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the three Gods that became one or the three persons in one God. How can it be that God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit who are all distinct and separate from each other could become one?

The secret of the oneness and unity of the Blessed Trinity is love. What makes God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit one is love and what binds them together is love. Love at its purest and love without envy and deceit. Come to think of it what unifies a family, what makes friendship true and forever? It’s also love the same love that is always present in the Holy Trinity.

For many of us this is very hard to explain let alone believe. However there are teachings of the church that we have to embrace without a single doubt. And the Dogma about the Holy Trinity is one of these teachings.  

But, how can we embrace this dogma/teaching about the Holy Trinity if we seldom go to church for Holy Mass? If the bible is only gathering dust in the lonely corner in our respective homes?  If we seldom reserve daily time for God and if we do not put life to our faith? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 12, Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos (Dakilang Kapistahan): Juan 16:12-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:12-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Marami pa akong sasabihin sa inyo, ngunit hindi pa ninyo kayang unawain ngayon. Pagdating ng Espiritu ng katotohanan, tutulungan niya kayo upang maunawaan ang buong katotohanan. Sapagkat magsasalita siya hindi sa ganang kanyang sarili; sasabihin niya sa inyo ang kanyang narinig, at ipapahayag ang mga bagay na darating.

Pararangalan niya ako, sapagkat sa akin magmumula ang ipapahayag niya sa inyo. Ang lahat ng sa Ama ay akin; kaya ko sinabing sa akin magmumula ang ipapahayag niya sa inyo."

Reflection for Saturday June 11, St. Barnabas apostle and martyr (M):M atthew 10:7-13

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-13

(Jesus said to the twelve disciples) As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick.  

The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. 

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Reflection:

What was the intention of Jesus when he told the disciples: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Matthew 10:8) Jesus said this to convey the message that whatever that they have is a gift that they have received from God. Thus, they have to pay it forward or give it away also without expecting anything in return and this applies to us too.  

Whatever we have is a gift from God also, hence God expects us to give what we have without expecting anything in return. And this is not solely limited to material giving this also includes intellectual giving this means that we have to share what our minds have so that it can help educate others.  Let us not hold back in our giving because it is in giving that we would receive unfathomable blessings from God.     

Some may say that this is not true but this is true! We would not run out of anything that we need if we are generous for the reason that the more that we are generous the more that God would supply us of whatever that we need. Why is this so? Because generosity breeds good karma and generosity breeds generosity and blessings as well.  

We therefore have to be generous all the time without expecting anything in return. Because God takes care of those who are generous. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Hunyo 11, San Bernabe, apostol (Paggunita): Mateo 10:7-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:7-13

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Narinig pa ninyo na noong una’y iniutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang sisira sa iyong pinanumpaang pangako bagkus ay tupdin mo ang iyong sinumpaan sa Panginoon.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag na kayong sumumpa kung nangangako kayo. Huwag ninyong sabihing, ‘Saksi ko ang langit,’ sapagkat ito’y trono ng Diyos; o kaya’y ‘Saksi ko ang lupa,’ sapagkat ito’y tuntungan ng kanyang mga paa.  

Huwag din ninyong sabihing, ‘Saksi ko ang Jerusalem,’ sapagkat ito’y lungsod ng dakilang Hari. Ni huwag mong sabihing, ‘Mamatay man ako,’ sapagkat ni isang buhok sa iyong ulo’y hindi mo mapapuputi o mapaiitim. Sabihin mo na lang na ‘Oo’ kung oo at ‘Hindi’ kung hindi; sapagkat buhat na sa Masama ang anumang sumpang idaragdag dito.”

 

Reflection for June 10, Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary time: Matthew 5:27-32

Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32

(Jesus said to his disciples) 27 "You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.  29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than your whole body  be thrown into hell.  

30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole  body go into hell.  31 "It was also said, `Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'  But I say to you that every one who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

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Reflection:

Why is there adultery? This is for the reason that we don’t value the sanctity of the Sacrament of Matrimony anymore. We treat marriage as a contract that we can violate anytime we want to violate it.  Why do many of us are not afraid to violate our marriage covenant? This is for the reason that we don’t love God anymore.  

The root cause of adultery is our lack of proper instillation of the values of God. And who is the culprit about our lack of values about God?  No other than the parents! Many of today’s parents pamper their children with the material things of this world. Such as money, latest gadgets and other material things, but when it comes to the values about God they seldom care to teach them. Parents such as these rear children that are not anymore afraid of God and children that have no values about God yet they know God.   

What must we do therefore? We must teach our children about the values of God and as parents we must also see to it that we are committed until the end to the marriage covenant. Parents are the best role models for their children. If children see that their parents are committed to their married life. They too would grow up to become committed to their own marriage.  

In our gospel for today we see how Jesus abhors adultery. For the simple reason that the mission and reason of marriage is a union for life. not a union until the spouse sees someone who can satisfy his/her evil desires. 

The danger of adultery or engaging in an adulterous relationship is this is a curse for life that the person who jumps into it will be burdened for as long as he/she lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 10, Biyernes ng Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:27-32

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Narinig ninyo na noong una’y iniutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang makikiapid.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang sinumang tumingin nang may mahalay na pagnanasa sa isang babae, sa isip niya’y nakiapid na siya sa babaing iyon.  

Kung ang mata mo ang siyang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, dukutin mo at itapon! Sapagkat mabuti pang mawalan ka ng isang bahagi ng katawan kaysa buo ang iyong katawang itapon sa impiyerno. Kung ang iyong kamay ang siyang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, putulin mo at itapon! Mabuti pang mawalan ka ng isang bahagi ng katawan kaysa buo ang iyong katawang itapon sa impiyerno.  

“Sinabi rin naman, ‘Kapag pinahiwalay ng lalaki ang kanyang asawa, ito’y dapat niyang bigyan ng kasulatan ng paghihiwalay.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag pinahiwalay ng isang lalaki ang kanyang asawa nang hindi naman ito nangangalunya, at ito’y nag-asawang muli, ang lalaking iyo’y nagkasala – itinulak niya ang kanyang asawa sa pangangalunya. At sinumang mag-asawa sa babaing hiniwalayan ay nangangalunya.”

1Reflection for June 9, Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary time: Matthew 5:20-26

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.  

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.  

Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a young man who was working as a houseboy, he was always being insulted by the family that he worked for. Name all the insulting words around and chances are that it could have been already hurled against him. Eventually the young man reached the limit of his patience so instead of doing something criminal to the family. He just walked away from them emotionally hurting and wounded.    

In the gospel Jesus reminds us to be careful with the words that we say for it can create a permanent wound in the emotions of our fellowmen. If the words that we will say are insulting it’s better not to say it. It’s better to simply be quite and let the anger be cured by time. 

Insulting words deeply hurts the receiver and it carves a permanent emotional wound in his/her being. But why do we say words that are not fit to be said? Why are we very quick to insult and belittle? This is primarily brought about by our arrogance, bloated egos and the feeling of superiority.  

What is the cure for this unhealthy behavior? The cure is Jesus, if we would follow Jesus and if we would allow Him to change us. He will cleanse us of our arrogance, egotism and feeling of superiority. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 9, Huwebes ng Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:20-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:20-26

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung ang pagsunod ninyo sa kalooban ng Diyos ay tulad lamang ng pagsunod ng mga eskriba at mga Pariseo, hindi kayo makapapasok sa kaharian ng Diyos."  

"Narinig ninyo na noong una'y iniutos sa mga tao. 'Huwag kang papatay; ang sinumang makamatay ay mananagot sa hukuman.' Ngunit ngayo'y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mapoot sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa hukuman; ang humahamak sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa Sanedren, at sinumang magsabi sa kanyang kapatid, 'Ulol ka!' ay mapapasaapoy ng impyerno. Kaya't kung naghahandog ka sa Diyos, at maalaala mo na may sama ng loob sa iyo ang kapatid mo, iwan mo muna ang iyong handog sa harap ng dambana at makipagkasundo ka sa kanya. Saka ka magbalik at maghandog sa Diyos.  

"Kung may magsakdal laban sa iyo sa hukuman, makipag-ayos ka sa kanya habang may panahon, bago ka niya iharap sa hukom. At kung hindi'y ibibigay ka niya sa hukom, na magbibigay naman sa iyo sa tanod at ikaw ay mabibilanggo. Sinasabi ko sa iyo: hindi ka makalalabas doon hangga't hindi mo nababayaran ang kahulihulihang kusing."