Reflection June 17, Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:19-23

Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

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

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

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Reflection:

A man had a dream that he would die soon, he took this seriously. So, he sold all his properties and gave the proceeds to the poor. When he was asked why he was selling everything he had. He simply said that he wants to travel light and without any excess baggage going to heaven.  

Many of us have this penchant of accumulating material things and wealth. We can’t let go of it much less give it away and this is influenced by our attachment to worldly things. But what good will it do us if we store for ourselves these material things? Nothing! It may even lead us to commit sin or it might make our lives more miserable and complicated.  

It’s useless to accumulate worldly treasures if we would only keep it to ourselves.  For the simple reason that we cannot bring it to our graves and it will also prevent our ascent to heaven someday.  

We must give away whatever wealth that we have while we still have time. If we can’t give it away let us share it because many right now are in need of it. This is brought about by the harsh economic situation right now influenced by Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and by  the Covid-19 pandemic.  

When we give it away or share what we have we are already investing for our real treasure in the kingdom of God someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Reflection June 16, Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

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

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

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

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Reflection:

What is the secret toward closeness with God? Its prayers that come from the depths of our beings. This is the foundation of our closeness with God. From the fountain of our prayerful life will emanate the God given desire to know more about God. Do we always pray with our hearts and minds on it? Or we only pray when we feel that we need to pray or when we have the time to pray?  

The most effective method of prayer is to pray without any excess baggage in our hearts. What does this mean? We pray without carrying any hatred in our hearts. For example if someone has done us wrong and this person is asking for our forgiveness. What would we do? Would we forgive or not forgive? Of course we have to forgive. For how can God forgive us when we ourselves are not willing to forgive? How can we be open to the many blessings of god ifour hearts are full of unforgiveness? We have to live forgiveness if we want God to hear and forgive us.  

We are mere passersby in this world, sooner or later the curtains of our life in this world will come to a close. How can we go to heaven if we carry the weight of unforgiveness in our hearts? And how can we go to heaven if we carry the weight of hatred in our hearts?  

When Jesus was dying on the cross He said a short yet very meaningful prayer to God. While gasping for breath Jesus prayed this: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) If Jesus can forgive why can’t we forgive?        

Do you have hatred or any form of unforgiveness in your heart right now? Let go of it and if you still cannot let go humbly pray to Jesus and ask Him to heal you.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection 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  

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

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

1Reflection 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. His wife and children, grieving deeply, cried out to God, “Why did this happen?” 

There truly are moments in our lives that are impossible to explain. Times when we are left in the dark, holding onto questions with no answers. Yet even in these painful mysteries, we are called to trust. 

We may not understand God's ways, but we must believe that somewhere, somehow, light will break through the darkness. Acceptance will come—not because the pain disappears, but because our faith in God remains unshaken. 

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity—one of the deepest mysteries of our faith. One God in three Divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

How is this possible? How can three distinct Persons be one God? The answer is love. Love is the divine bond that unites the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A love that is pure, selfless, and eternal. This same love is the foundation of unity in our families, friendships, and church ministries. Just as the Trinity is united in perfect love, we are called to reflect that unity in our relationships—with patience, humility, and compassion. 

It may be difficult for many of us to grasp the mystery of the Trinity. But some truths of our faith are not meant to be fully explained—they are meant to be embraced. The Dogma of the Holy Trinity is one of them: a divine mystery revealed not to confuse us, but to draw us into deeper awe and worship. 

But how can we embrace this sacred mystery if we seldom attend Holy Mass? If our Bible lies untouched in a forgotten corner of our home? If we rarely set aside time for prayer and do not live out our faith in action? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.”

 

1Reflection 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?

It is because we no longer hold sacred the sanctity of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Marriage, once seen as a divine covenant sealed before God, is now often treated as a mere contract—something we feel free to break whenever it no longer serves our selfish desires. Why are many no longer afraid to violate their marriage covenant?

It is because we have drifted away from the love of God. When God is no longer at the center of our lives, we lose our moral compass. The reverence we once had for His commandments fades, and so too does our fear of sin.

At the heart of adultery is the absence of godly values—values that should be instilled early in life. And who is responsible for planting these values in the hearts of children? The answer is clear: the parents. 

Sadly, many parents today are more concerned with showering their children with material things—money, the latest gadgets, and other worldly possessions—than with nourishing their souls with the Word of God.

Children raised in such an environment may know about God, but they do not grow up with His values rooted in their hearts. They may be informed of His presence, but they do not fear Him, honor Him, or seek to live according to His will.

So what must we do?

As parents and as believers, we must return to our sacred duty. We must teach our children to love, fear, and obey God. We must lead them by example—by living faithfully and being steadfast in our own marriage vows. Parents are the first and most powerful teachers of faith. If children see their parents committed to their marriage and faithful to God, they too will be inspired to live lives of purity and commitment.

In today’s Gospel, we witness how deeply Jesus detests adultery. He does so not out of anger, but out of love—for He knows that marriage is meant to be a holy union, a lifelong journey of love, faithfulness, and sacrifice. It is not a union that ends the moment temptation arrives or someone more “desirable” appears.

Adultery brings not just momentary pain, but a lifelong spiritual burden. It is a wound on the soul that can lead to years of guilt, brokenness, and separation from God. Let us never forget: adultery is not merely a betrayal of one’s spouse—it is a betrayal of the covenant with God Himself.

May we recommit ourselves to upholding the sacredness of marriage, and may we ask the Lord for the grace to remain faithful—whether as spouses, parents, or future husbands and wives. May we always walk in the light of His love and truth. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection 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 

Reflection for June 8, Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary time: Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.   

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

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Reflection:

What will happen to us if we would always observe the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17) and the two greatest commandments that Jesus gave us (Matthew 22:36-40)? We surely would move closer to Jesus, we would grow in faith and there would be peace in our lives.    

This is the price that awaits those who would observe the laws of God. Without close observance of God’s commandments there would also be no close relationship with God. Observe those who don’t follow the commandments of God or observe your very own self when you don’t follow God’s commandments. What kind of life do you have? Isn’t a life of chaos, disturbance and endless problems?   

Therefore the key to friendship with God is our faithful observance of His commandments. But human as we are we are subject to our own frailties. We fall and sin every once in a while and thus we are temporarily separated from the love of God.    

However Jesus also instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation so that whenever we sin we have a recourse out of sin. But even if we have a recourse let us not abuse it by saying that, we will sin because there is the Sacrament of Reconciliation anyway.   

Let us always be conscious that sin separates us from the love of God. We therefore have to endeavor to always remain within the ambit of the love of God. Hence, we always have to despise sin in whatever forms and shapes.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for June 7, Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary time: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a poor and sickly man who went to a doctor to ask if he could help him be confined in a hospital without paying anything. Seeing the plight of the poor man the doctor said yes without any hesitation. The doctor did not stop there he saw to it that he would extend the best possible help to the poor man by shouldering all the medicines that he would be needing.  

As the doctor made his many visits to him the poor man noticed a gleaming pin that was always attached to his collar. So he asked, what is that little pin on your collar? The doctor told him that it’s Jesus, the poor man simply smiled and told the doctor, Now I know why you’re so helpful and caring. 

In the gospel Jesus tells us that we must become the salt of the earth that gives meaning to the lives of our fellowmen. We must not become tasteless salt that does not give meaning anymore. Is it possible for us to become useless/tasteless salt of this world? Of course it is, this becomes a reality if we are uncaring, indifferent and numb to those who are in need.  

Why is there unfair distribution of wealth in this world? The rich and influential keeps getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. This is for the reason that many rich are unconcerned for the welfare of the poor. They are only concerned for their own wellbeing. There are even powerful politicians who without conscience steal money allocated for the benefit of the poor.  

Jesus tells us that we are to become the light of this world. What does this mean to you and me? What does this indicate to you as a father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister? This means that we must always become a positive influence, a good role model and a character formator.   

We must be somebody who brings the light of Jesus to our fellowmen. And we do these virtuous actions not for us to carve our personal glory. But we do these moral acts for the greater glory of God. 

Have you already become salt and light to your fellowmen? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for Monday June 6, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of the Church: John 19:25-34

Gospel: John 19:25-34

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.  

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.”  There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.  

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first     and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately Blood and water flowed out.

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Reflection:

How do you feel after finishing a worthy undertaking?

You feel good, fulfilled, and triumphant—no matter how challenging the journey was. This must have been what Jesus felt when He uttered His final words on the cross: “It is finished.” It was not a cry of defeat, but a cry of victory. At last, the suffering is over. At last, the mission is fulfilled. At last, love has triumphed.

At that sacred moment, Jesus had crushed the voice of the enemy who relentlessly whispered to Him to turn away from His mission. He silenced every temptation and overcame every obstacle meant to hinder His salvific work. Through His obedience and sacrifice, He redeemed us—sinful humanity—from the bondage of sin.

Yet, as for us, our mission is not yet finished. We are still on this earthly pilgrimage, still walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life. We continue to battle the many temptations and spiritual forces that whisper in our ears, trying to lead us astray from God's grace.

So we ask ourselves: What must we do so that one day, we too can say with conviction, “It is finished”?

We must remain faithful to the Lord until the end of our days. We must persevere in prayer, resist sin, and walk in the light of Christ, no matter how dark the road may seem. And when our time in this world comes to a close, may we look back and say: “It is finished.”

Not because we were perfect, but because we eventually repented. Because we did not allow the enemy to take even an inch of space in our hearts. Because we followed Jesus until the very end.

When the sun sets on our earthly life, will we be able to say, “It is finished,” not with fear, but with peace? Will we be able to say: It is finished, Lord. I have fought the good fight. I have kept the faith. I have defeated the demons that sought to take me away from you. I am Yours, now and forever. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday June 5, Solemnity of Pentecost: John 20:19-23

Gospel: John 20:19-23

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.”

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Reflection:

An old man was wondering how he could have an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life. He was often murmuring to himself, “I’m already old but I still don’t feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.” This old man is not alone in this predicament because many of us have no awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

What is the secret for us to become aware that the Holy Spirit is alive and working in our life? The secret to unleash the presence of the Holy Spirit is a prayerful life. Is not an intermittent prayer life but a life disposed to daily prayer. Perhaps we can allocate five to ten minutes every day for prayers and meditations. Then slowly but surely the Holy Spirit will manifest its presence within us.   

In our first reading we read about the disciples and the Blessed Mother who were together  in one place. What were they doing there? They were praying (Acts 1:14) until God the Holy Spirit blessed them with its indwelling presence in their lives (Acts 2:1-4).

The same occurrence happened in our gospel. The disciples were in one room because of their fear of the Jews and they were praying. Then suddenly Jesus appeared to them. He greeted them with peace; afterwards He breathed on them and gave them the  presence of the Holy Spirit.

If we want to have an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit there’s no other way for us to do but to have a regular prayerful life. So that we would be blessed by its presence and gifts such as: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Strength, Knowledge and Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).  

Are you already aware of the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas