1Reflection September 19 Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. 

Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What is your mission as baptized followers of Jesus? It’s to share in the ministry of evangelization of Jesus, this means that whatever you know about the catholic faith you should learn to share. So that your faith would continue to grow and prosper in the process, you save more lives and you give spiritual direction and substance to others lives.  

In the midst of this world darkened by sin we should be like the lighted lamp that is placed on a lampstand that Jesus mentions in our gospel for today. We light this darkened world with the teaching of Jesus we light this darkened world by living our lives the way Jesus wants us to live it.  

Just imagine a family that does not talk about Jesus. This means that they do not know Jesus and it’s safe to assume that the same family does not go to church or seldom goes to church for Holy Mass. What would happen to this kind of family? This is where the critical role of parents comes in as bearers of the light of Jesus.  

As much as possible parents must take advantage of the docility of their children by giving and teaching them Jesus. Just imagine the life a child being lighted by Jesus as he/she grows. This means that this child is brought to Holy Mass by his/her parents. This means that the same child is introduce to Jesus by His life in the bible. And this means that this child is being lighted by the teachings of Jesus and the church.  

This kind of child will never go wrong as he/she grows up.  This kind of family will have no fear as it journeys through life because the light of Jesus is with them.  

Do you still share the light of Jesus to the social media savvy children of today? Is the lamp of Jesus always aflame in your family? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday September 18, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 16:1-13

Gospel: Luke 16:1-13

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward. The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me?

 I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes. He called in his master’s debtors one by one.

To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty. Then to another the steward said, ‘And you, how much do you owe? He replied, ‘One hundred kors of wheat. The steward said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ 

And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. “For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.

If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and mammon.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a man who dreamt that he was asked by the Lord if he was able to share his faith and if he was able to bring others closer to Him. The man said, I’m sorry I wasn’t able. Afterwards Jesus told the man, since you failed to share the faith and was not able to bring others closer to me I will take away everything that I’ve given you. The man bargained with Jesus to give him one more month before He is given his punishment and Jesus said yes.

In that one month he gave food to his poor neighbors, he brought to the hospital those who were sick and he built modest houses for his homeless neighbors. He told everyone that they’ve received from him was a gift from Jesus and in return Jesus wanted them to go to Mass, to read the bible and do good to their fellowmen.

We have in our gospel for this Sunday an unproductive steward who was told by his master that he would be loosing his job. The steward was obviously worried about his survival that’s why he arranged a meeting with his master’s two debtors. So he discounted all their debts, to the first one he said, pay only fifthly measures of olive oil instead of one hundred and to the second one he said, pay only eighty kors of wheat instead of one hundred kors of wheat. 

The steward did this crafty move for the reason that he was hopeful that they would help him also when he is already out of job which was soon forthcoming. The master in our gospel commended the dishonest steward for doing this scheme. 

All of us are mere stewards of everything that we have such as wealth, possession, intelligence and the like. All these years we may have been using all of these to serve our selfish ends only. We may have not thought yet of using these for the greater glory of God. For example, have we already harnessed our wealth and intelligence to bring others closer to Jesus? Have we already used the vast potential of cyberspace to spread our Christian faith?

Let us discard the me and me alone mentality for this is not our sole purpose in life. We must also be concerned with the welfare especially spiritual welfare of our fellowmen. If there’s a need for us to use our money and intelligence so that others may know Christ then by all means let us use it.

Let us not forget that we are mere stewards of what we have as such we must not allow ourselves to be controlled by it. Let us learn to share generously because it is in sharing what we have that we become productive and worthy stewards of the Lord. 

Are you a productive and worthy steward of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection September 17 Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:4-15

Gospel: Luke 8:4-15

When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” After saying this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 

Then his disciples asked him what the meaning of this parable might be. He answered, “Knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you; but to the rest, they are made known through parables so that they may look but not see, and hear but not understand. 

“This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those on the path are the ones who have heard, but the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts that they may not believe and be saved. Those on rocky ground are the ones who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, but they have no root; they believe only for a time and fall away in time of temptation. 

As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard, but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit. But as for the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What do you usually do when you encounter the words of God? For example, when you go to Holy Mass do you carefully listen to the readings most especially the gospel? Do you allow it to disturb your conscience? Do you allow it to carve a space in your heart that you think about it even if you’re already in your home? 

Do you read your bible regularly and when you read it do you allow it transform you?  The bible is the words of God, He created it to transform us. God created it also for us know Him more, so that the God who is distant would now become the God who is with us and the God who walks with us. 

The seeds that was sowed that Jesus mentions in the gospel are the very words of God. These words are very powerful it could transform our lives if we would allow it. It could create calmness and serenity within us if we would reflect on it.  

But many of us are so busy that we hardly have time for these seeds that God so generously showers us. Many of us do not mind it anymore until we hit a roadblock in our lives. Thus we are reminded of God and we instantly hurry to go to Him simply because we hit rock bottom.  

But why wait for that roadblock to hit us before we allow the words of God to flourish and bear much fruit in our hearts? – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Reflection for Friday September 16, Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs (Memorial): Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

How would you discern an authentic preacher from a fake preacher? 

The best guide is to look at his lifestyle. Does he conform to the life of Jesus? Is he not a lover of money and affluence? Does he live a simple life?  If he conforms with the life of Jesus, if he is not a lover of money and if he lives simply it is safe to say that he is a true preacher. 

Jesus is not only the Son of God; He is also the preacher of all preachers. He lived simply and he is not a lover of money. What is important for Jesus is to impart the salvific message of God. This He did through His preaching, healings and through His sacrificial death on the cross.  

On His last preaching mission Jesus hardly spoke. It was through His actions going to the cross and on the cross itself that He preached. Preaching therefore is not only about verbosity. Preaching is also living your life in harmony with the life of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Thursday September 15, Our Lady of Sorrows (Memorial): John 19:25-27

Gospel: John 19:25-27

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 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.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

How does it feel to see a son dying on the cross?  

It was heart-wrenching for Mary to see her son Jesus dying on the cross. It was doubly heart-wrenching also for Mary to hear her son Jesus entrusting her to the care of by His beloved disciple John.  

Separation like that of the separation of Jesus and His mother Mary is always painful and sorrowful. But such is life, all of us have to go through some pains and sorrows in our lives. Nobody is exempted from this process, whether we are rich or poor we have to go through the process of separation from our loved ones.  

In the midst of her sorrowful separation from her dying son. Mary was entrusted by her son Jesus to His beloved disciple John. In this gospel episode we see the great love of Jesus for her mother. We also see the great love of Mary for her son Jesus for Mary did not leave Jesus until His last gasp of breath on the cross.  

This gospel invites us to reflect on, how are we as a son/daughter to our mothers and how are we as mothers to our children. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Reflection for Wednesday September 14, Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Feast): John 3:13-17

Gospel: John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “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.” 

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:
What does the cross signify to you?

The cross is a sign of suffering for many but it is essentially a sign of triumph for without the cross where Jesus was nailed there would have been no salvation for all of us. Where would we be without Jesus giving His life on the cross?  

Let us not be intimidated by the daily cross that we carry for we have Jesus with us to help us carry it. We have Jesus to make this cross light. Let us always learn to entrust our cross to Jesus. Let us call on HIM and ask HIM to help us carry it.  

Count yourself fortunate if you know Jesus deeply because you have someone at your beck and call every time you have trials and crosses in your life. You have someone whom you can always look up whenever life’s trials come your way.  

How about those who do not know Jesus deeply or who do not know Jesus at all? Of course they are in a disadvantageous situation but all is not lost because you are there. And your role is to introduce and give Jesus to them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for Tuesday September 13, John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (M): Luke 7:11-17

Gospel: Luke 7:11-17

11 (Jesus) journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”  

14 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” 17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Imagine the sorrow, loneliness and perhaps the feeling of hopelessness of the widow whose son was to be buried. She had nothing more to rely on, her husband has died and her only son is to be buried. Thus the feeling of loneliness pervades all over her.  

Then came the unexpected encounter with Jesus who was going to a place called Nain. Jesus saw her, the Lord went to her and told her, Do not weep (Luke 7:13); after which Jesus raised back to life her dead son. Surely her feelings of loneliness was suddenly replaced by feelings of hope, optimism and gladness. For the reason that her only son was brought to life again by Jesus.  

We all go through this feeling of loneliness, emptiness and feeling of being alone as if nobody cares anymore with our plight. But make no mistake about it because somebody still cares and that somebody is no other than Jesus. Let us continue to have Faith and Hope in Him for He will always be there for us.  

Do you know how to avoid the feeling of being alone, the feeling of without hope and the feeling of emptiness?  Always have an encounter with Jesus through the Holy Mass through your personal prayer and by finding time to read the Holy Bible.  

Do you always seek an encounter with Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 12, Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:1-10

Gospel: Luke 7:1-10

When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.  

Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come here, and he comes; and to my slave, Do this, and he does it.” When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Are you concerned of the welfare of the less fortunate? 

When the centurion/soldier heard that Jesus was nearby he asked one of his people to ask Jesus to pass by his house so that the Lord can heal his slave.  

The concern of the centurion to his slave was very commendable. I wish that we are all like him: very concerned with the welfare of the less fortunate. But the reality of it all is many of us do not care for the slaves or the less fortunate.  

We just have to look around and we’ll see that poverty is all over the place. What are we doing about this? Are we doing something to help them in whatever way possible? Or we don’t mind them for the reason that they are poor and they can’t pay us back.  

Many are poor nowadays because many of us are indifferent to their plight. And many of these indifferent people are politicians who shamelessly steal money from the coffers of the government  which is supposed to be given to the poor. Let us become modern day centurions by being helpful to the slaves of our times none other than the poor people of our society.  

Jesus will surely be happy if we would help them and the Lord will surely give us back a hundred times the help that we would give the.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday September 11, 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 15:1-32

Gospel: Luke 15:1-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them he addressed this parable. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? 

And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

Then he said, “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.

Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ 

So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. 

But when your son returns, who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you sometimes doubt the infinite love and mercy of God? Do you sometimes feel that you are not anymore worthy of the love of God for the reason that you’ve offended God for so many times already.

God’s love is always there for you. No matter who you are and no matter how grave the sins that you have committed, God’s love is always there for you. As a matter of fact God is always seeking you and ever ready to embrace you with HIS unconditional love once again.

In our gospel for this Sunday, we have three stories of God’s love and mercy. The first story is about the lost sheep. The moment the owner discovered that one of HIS one hundred sheep was missing. HE left behind the ninety nine to look for the lost one; HE never stopped searching until HE found it. The same is true with the story of the lost coin, the woman did not stop searching for the lost coin until she found it. 

The third story is about the prodigal son, the younger son asked for his share of his inheritance from his father. So he was given his share then after a short time the younger son wasted his inheritance thru his life of dissipation. After realizing that he had nothing more left, he went back to his father and begged for his mercy and forgiveness. And that mercy and forgiveness were immediately bestowed upon him by his loving father without any precondition.

This is the love of God, it’s a love that is always seeking and forgiving. Let us therefore embrace  this love of God and let us permanently walk away from our sins. Let us ask God to forgive us of our many sins for He will surely forgive us. Let us never forget that Jesus is a God of mercy, a God who always seeks us no matter how wasted and sinful we are. – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Ika 11 ng Setyembre, Ika - 24 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon : Lucas 15:1-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 15:1-32

Ang mga publikano at ang mga makasalanan ay nagsisilapit upang makinig kay Jesus. Nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Pariseo at ang mga eskriba. Ang sabi nila, "Ang taong ito'y nakikisalamuha sa mga makasalanan at nakikisalo sa kanila." Kaya't sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus ang talinghagang ito:

"Kung ang sinuman sa inyo ay may 100 tupa, at mawala ang isa, ano ang gagawin niya? Iiwan ang siyamnapu't siyam sa ilang at hahanapin hanggang sa matagpuan, hindi ba? Kapag nasumpungan na'y masaya niyang papasanin ito. Pagdating ng bahay, aanyayahan niya ang kanyang mga kaibigan at mga kapitbahay. Sasabihin niya, "Makipagsaya kayo sa akin, sapagkat nasumpungan ko sa wakas ang tupa kong nawawala!' Sinasabi ko sa inyo, magkakaroon ng higit na kagalakan sa langit dahil sa isang makasalanang nagsisi't tumalikod sa kanyang kasalanan kaysa siyamnapu't siyam na matuwid na hindi nangangailangang magsisi." 

"O kaya, kung ang isang babae ay may sampung salaping pilak at mawala ang isa, ano ang gagawin niya? Sisindihan niya ang ilaw, wawalisan ang bahay at hahanaping mabuti hanggang sa masumpungan ito, hindi ba? Kapag nasumpungan na ito ay aanyayahan niya ang kanyang mga kaibigan at mga kapitbahay. Sasabihin niya, 'Makipagsaya kayo sa akin, sapagkat nasumpungan ko sa wakas ang nawala kong salaping pilak!' Sinasabi ko sa inyo, gayon din ang kagalakan ng mga anghel ng Diyos dahil sa isang makasalanang nagsisi't tumalikod sa kanyang kasalanan." 

Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Isang tao ang may dalawang anak na lalaki. Ang wika ng bunso, 'Ama, ibigay na po ninyo sa akin ang mamanahin ko.' At binahagi sa kanila ng ama ang kanyang ari-arian. Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, ipinagbili ng bunso ang kanyang ari-arian at nagtungo sa malayong lupain, taglay niya ang buo niyang kayamanan, at doo'y nilustay na lahat sa di wastong pamumuhay. 

Nang malustay na niya ang kanyang kayamanan, nagkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa lupaing yaon, at nagdalita siya. Kaya't namasukan siya sa isang mamamayan ng lupaing yaon. Siya'y pinapunta nito sa bukid upang mag-alaga ng baboy. Ibig sana niyang punan ang kanyang pagkain kahit ng mga bungang-kahoy na ipinakakain sa mga baboy ngunit walang magbigay sa kanya. 

Nang mapag-isip-isip niya ang kanyang ginawa, nasabi niya sa sarili, 'Ang mga alila ng aking ama ay may sapat na pagkain-- at lumalabis pa-- samantalang ako'y namamatay ng gutom dito! Babalik ako sa kanya, at sasabihin ko, "Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak; ibilang na lamang ninyo akong isa sa inyong mga alila." At tumindig siya at pumaroon sa kanyang ama.

"Malayo pa'y natanawan na siya ng ama at ito'y labis na nahabag sa kanya, kaya't patakbo siyang sinalubong, niyakap, at hinagkan. Sinabi ng anak, 'Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak.' Ngunit tinawag ng ama ang kanyang mga alila, 'Madali! Dalhin ninyo rito ang pinakamahusay na damit at isuot sa kanya. Suutan siya ng singsing at panyapak. Kunin ang pinatabang guya at patayin; kumain tayo at magsaya! Sapagkat namatay na ang anak kong ito, ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan.' At sila'y nagsaya. 

"Nasa bukid noon ang anak na panganay. Umuwi siya, at nang malapit na sa bahay ay narinig niya ang tugtugan at sayawan. Tinawag niya ang isa sa mga alila at tinanong: 'Bakit? May ano sa atin?' 'Dumating po ang inyong kapatid!' tugon ng alila, 'Ipinapatay ng inyong ama ang pinatabang guya, sapagkat nagbalik siyang buhay at walang sakit.' Nagalit ang panganay at ayaw itong pumasok sa bahay. Kaya't lumabas ang kanyang ama at inamu-amo siya.  

Ngunit sinabi nito, 'Pinaglingkuran ko po kayo sa loob ng maraming taon, at kailanma'y hindi ko kayo sinuway. Ngunit ni minsa'y hindi ninyo ako binigyan ng kahit isang bisirong kambing para magkatuwaan kami ng aking mga kaibigan. Subalit ng dumating ang anak ninyong lumustay ng inyong kabuhayan sa masasamang babae, ipinagpatay pa ninyo ng pinatabang guya!' Sumagot ang ama, 'Anak, lagi kitang kapiling. Ang lahat ng ari-arian ko'y sa iyo. Ngunit dapat tayong magsaya at magalak, sapagkat namatay na ang kapatid mo, ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan.'" 

Reflection for September 10, Saturday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:43-49

Gospel: Luke 6:43-49

Jesus said to his disciples: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.  

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when the flood came, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who listens and does not act is like a person who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it collapsed at once and was completely destroyed.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Are you easily affected by the worries of life? For example, a severe sickness or a family issue, do you allow these episodes in your life to blow you away? Or you remain calm because you believe that ultimately God is in charge and He will take care of everything.  

What is the advantage of having a deep friendship with Jesus? We remain strong even during the lowest point in our lives. As humans we are susceptible to be affected by the trials that we may encounter. But at the end of the day we will remain strong and we will certainly survive amidst these trials because we hold on to Jesus.  

Life is never permanent, there would be episodes of loneliness and happiness there may even be times that the loneliness are far more than the happiness. But we survive because we have Christ in our lives. For if we have Christ nobody can bring us down not even the severest problem that we may encounter. 

Let us therefore pray for a deeper encounter with Jesus, let us invite Him to come into our lives. So that we would always remain serene and calm amidst the trials and turbulence that we may go through.  

Would you want a deeper encounter with Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for September 9, Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:39-42

Gospel: Luke 6:39-42

Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?  

How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

 + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Before a judge gives his verdict or judgment he sees to it that every witness from the opposing sides are heard. This assures that whatever decision that the judge would give, is appropriate and based on the facts of the case.

Do we not oftentimes act as judge in our own sphere of environment? For example, a father or a mother acts as a judge when he/she gives orders to their children not to do this and that. They also act as judge when they admonish and give disciplinary actions to their children.

But do we see to it first if we are worthy to give judgment? If we are worthy of the judgment that we give then that is very good for our orders would be followed. But what if we are not good role models?

The gospel cryptically tells us that before we give judgment to anyone we must see to it first that we have the moral authority and ascendancy to give that judgment. And how would we do this? We always have to have a self-reflection about ourselves, such as, am I a good role model? Do I follow what I tell others to do? Well and good if you are a good role model and if you lead by example.

But what if you are not a good role model and if you don't lead by example? Then, the judgment or order that you give will simply not be heard it will simply fall on deaf ears. Therefore you have to be a good role model. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday September 8, The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Feast): Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.  

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.  

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.  

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Today Sept. 8 is the Nativity/Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Nativity of the Blessed Mother is celebrated as a liturgical feast in the Roman Catholic calendar nine months after the solemnity of her Immaculate Conception, celebrated on 8 December.  

We Catholics have this very deep devotion to the Blessed Mother for the reason that she is our universal mother. The respect and devotion that we give her should be the same respect and devotion that we gave our own mothers. How can we not venerate Mama Mary when she is the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ?  

In the gospel, Joseph was about to quietly divorce Mary whom he found to be pregnant already through the Holy Spirit. But the Lord intervened through an angel and it told Joseph not to leave Mary. For the reason that the child that she carries in her womb was conceived by the Holy Spirit.  

Joseph humbly listened to the Lord, he did not leave Mary and the salvific plan of God was realized in the birth of Jesus. We too have to listen to the voice of God who always whispers to us to do good, to avoid anything that is sinful and to always remain humble  no matter what status we have achieved in our respective lives.  

Do you always listen to the voice of the Lord? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for September 7, Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:20-26

Gospel: Luke 6:20-26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way.  

But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Would you be willing to be poor, to be hungry, to weep and to be insulted for your steadfast faith in Jesus? Surely, these questions will drive you to think hard because it’s not easy to be poor to be insulted, to weep and be hungry for the sake of your steadfast discipleship.  

But if this is the means for us to gain intimacy with Jesus we have no other way but to embrace these hard choices. But how many of us are willing to embrace this kind of life? Come to think of it, are these choices really hard? Is it really hard to be poor, hungry, to weep and to be insulted?  

It is hard if Jesus is not with us but if Jesus is with us and if He walks with us. To be poor, hungry, to weep and be persecuted becomes a blessing for us. For the simple reason that this assures us of a life with Jesus in heaven after our life in this world is over and done with already.  

What would it benefit us if we are rich, powerful and if everyone is praising us to high heavens if it drives us to sin? If Jesus is not in our life or if Jesus is just a miniscule particle in our life? The best choice is to have a life with Jesus even if it would entail sacrifices and hardship.  

What is your choice? - Marino J. Dasmarinas