Reflection for December 16 Friday of the Third Week in Advent (1st day of Missa de Gallo): John 5:33-36

Gospel: John 5:33-36

(Jesus said to the Jews) You sent emissaries to John and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being but I say this so that you may be saved. 

He was a burning and shining lamp and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.   

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Reflection:

Today is the first day of Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. As we go through this nine days novena Mass let us try to prepare ourselves to be worthy to the coming birth of our savior. This we could do best by having an interior renewal of ourselves. For example, by reconciling with our enemies, by forgiving those who have done us wrong and by not focusing on the material side of Christmas focusing rather on the true essence of Christmas which is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. 

Have you testified for Jesus by the way you talk and live? Have you humbly called for repentance and renewal? John humbly did all of these noble things, he was sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. Have you done something also to prepare the way for the coming birth of the Lord? 

For example, if you’re a parent, have you taught your children that the true essence of Christmas is not the material gifts that they would be receiving not either the appearance of Santa Claus? Have you pointed out to your children that the essence of Christmas is about Jesus our savior? 

Slowly but surely the true meaning of Christmas is being overpowered already by materialism and commercialism. In our own little way, we could be like John also if we would try to highlight the true reason for this Christmas season no other than the birth of Jesus.   

Have you done something or are you doing something to gently point out that the true essence of Christmas are not the glittering lights, the abundance of food  and material gifts? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 16 Biyernes sa Ika-3 Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon (Simula ng Simbang Gabi): Juan 5:33-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:33-36

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judio, “Nagpasugo kayo kay Juan, at nagpatotoo siya tungkol sa katotohanan. Hindi sa kailangan ko ang patotoo ng tao; sinasabi ko lamang ito para maligtas kayo. Si Juan ay parang maningas na ilaw na nagliliwanag noon, at kayo’y sandaling nasiyahan sa kanyang liwanag. 

Ngunit may patotoo tungkol sa akin na higit sa patotoo ni Juan: ang mga gawang ipinagagawa sa akin ng Ama, at siya ko namang ginaganap – iyan ang nagpapatotoo na ako’y sinugo niya.”  

Reflection for December 15 Thursday of the Third Week in Advent: Luke 7:24-30

Gospel: Luke 7:24-30

When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. 

Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”  

All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.

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Reflection:

Why is Jesus speaking about John in the gospel for today? Because John fulfilled his mission as the precursor of the Lord with utmost humility. John never had any fantasy of upstaging Jesus, so John lived simply and humbly as what is expected of anyone who follow the Lord. 

We ask ourselves this question, “Am I also living a life of simplicity and humility.” Every follower of the Lord is required to live simply and humbly these are the requirements simplicity and humility. Why? For the simple reason that Jesus is the role model of living a life of simplicity and humility. Hence, as followers of the Lord it is incumbent upon us to live his life also. Because it is only thru living the life of the Lord that we can become his true and faithful followers. 

Jesus mentions also that the least in the kingdom is greater than John. Who are these people that Jesus mentions as the least in the kingdom that is greater than John? It’s us, everyone of us who are striving very hard to follow in the footsteps of John and Jesus. Why? Because sinners as we are we have been redeemed by the Lord through His sacrificial and salvific death on the cross. 

Do you live your life according to the footsteps of John and Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 15 Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:24-30

Pagkaalis ng mga sinugo ni Juan, si Hesus ay nagsalita sa mga tao tungkol kay Juan. “Bakit kayo lumabas sa ilang? Ano ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang tambong inuugoy ng hangin? Ano nga ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang taong may maringal na kasuutan? Ang mga nagsusuot ng maringal at namumuhay sa karangyaan ay nasa palasyo ng mga hari.  

Ano nga ba ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang propeta? Oo. At sinasabi ko sa inyo, higit pa sa isang propeta. Sapagkat si Juan ang tinutukoy ng Kasulatan: ‘Ipadadala ko ang aking sugo na mauuna sa iyo, Ihahanda niya ang iyong daraanan.’ Sinasabi ko sa inyo: si Juan ang pinakadakila sa mga isinilang, ngunit dakila kaysa kanya ang pinakaaba sa mga taong pinaghaharian ng Diyos.”  

Pinakinggan siya ng mga mamamayan, pati ng mga publikano. Ang mga ito’y sumunod sa kalooban ng Diyos nang pabinyag sila kay Juan. Subalit tinanggihan ng mga Pariseo at ng mga eskriba ang layunin ng Diyos sa kanila sapagkat hindi sila nagpabinyag kay Juan.

Reflection for Wednesday December 14 Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Luke 7:18b-23

Gospel: Luke 7:18b-23

At that time, John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” When the men came to the Lord, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? 

At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

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Reflection:

Jesus and John the Baptist go a long way as far as their association is concerned. Their mothers (Mary and Elizabeth) were cousins that makes both Jesus and John related. During the sixth (6) month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy she was visited by Mary who stayed with her until she gave birth. 

Then, when Jesus was thirty years old, John appeared preaching in the desert of Judea calling for repentance. At the same time saying that somebody much greater than him is coming; alluding to Jesus. 

John denounced the immorality of Herod for coveting the wife (Herodias) of his brother (Philip) this is one of the primary reasons why Herod ordered the arrest and imprisonment and eventual beheading of John. So, we see the close kinship of John and Jesus they go a long way.   

The gospel for today brings us to this situation wherein John was in prison while there he told his disciples to go and ask Jesus if He was the one.  

Being a close relative and a collaborator in the salvific mission of Jesus perhaps John was expecting Jesus to pay him a visit and boost his morale. Don’t we expect a visit from our close relatives if we’re sick, in difficult predicament and in prison? Of course we do! 

But Jesus did not visit John it was enough for Him that He told the disciples: “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” 

We must not expect any form of reward in serving/following Jesus we should just be content on doing our mission for Him. If there would be people who will detest and persecute us in following Jesus so be it.  

John did not complain about his predicament in prison he continued to be faithful to his assigned mission. John even gave his very life for the mission of Jesus. Perhaps even then, John already knew that there was an everlasting life. Where he will finally taste the sweetness of the reward that God will give him for his faithfulness to his mission.   

We have to expect hardships, we have to expect people to persecute us and we have to expect moments of loneliness and isolation. Amidst these factors let us continue to be faithful to Jesus and to our mission for His people. 

There may not be rewards here in this world but there will surely be after our lives come to an end in this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Miyerkules Disyembre 14 San Juan dela Cruz, pari at pantas ng Iglesya (Paggunita): Lucas 7:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:19-23

Noong panahong iyon, tinawag ni Juan ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad at pinapunta sa Panginoon upang itanong, “Kayo po ba ang paririto, o maghihintay pa kami ng iba?” Pagdating nila kay Hesus ay kanilang sinabi, “Pinaparito po kami ni Juan Bautista at ipinatatanong kung kayo ang paririto o maghihintay pa kami ng iba.”  

Nang mga sandaling yaon ay maraming pinagaling si Hesus: mga pinahihirapan ng karamdaman, at mga inaalihan ng masasamang espiritu. Ipinagkaloob niyang makakita ang mga bulag. Sinabi niya sa kanila pagkatapos, “Bumalik kayo kay Juan at sabihin ang inyong nakita at narinig: nakakikita ang mga bulag, nakalalakad ang mga pilay, gumagaling ang mga ketongin, nakaririnig ang mga bingi, muling nabubuhay ang mga patay, at ipinangangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita. Mapalad ang taong hindi nag-aalinlangan sa akin!” 

Reflection for Tuesday December 13 Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr: Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.  

Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

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Reflection:

Is there hope of redemption for sinners like us? Yes there is always hope for us for as long as we change our ways. God’s love for us is without limit and it’s always there for us and it’s ours to take anytime we want it.  

Aside from Jesus and the man and his two sons there are others who play an important role in this Sunday’s gospel reading. They are the following: Chief Priest, Elders of the people, Tax collectors, the prostitutes and John the Baptist.  

The chief Priest and the elders of the people are those who are authorities of the faith. They are always in their place of worship but ironically they oftentimes are wanting or lacking in terms of living their faith. Jesus is actually subtly telling the chief Priest and the elders of the people about their faith that lacks life and action.  

The chief Priest and the elders of the people  represents the Son who said, Yes, sir, but did not go to work in the vineyard. They also did not listen to the call of John the Baptist to turn away from their sins and completely repent.  

The tax collectors and the prostitutes were obviously the sinners that repented. They represent the Son who said: “I will not go to the vineyard”, but afterwards changed his mind and went and did his father’s will. They listened to the call of John the Baptist: “Repent and change your ways for the kingdom of God is forthcoming.”  

What is the relevance of the gospel to our lives? We who are all sinners like the tax collectors and prostitutes. We are being called by Jesus to repent from our sinful ways. It’s not anymore John who calls us out to repentance but Jesus Himself.   

Life is so fragile it can end anytime we are alive and well today but we never know if we would still be alive tomorrow. Therefore, we must listen to this clarion call of Jesus while we still have time for this is what He desires for us all: To lead lives according to His will and not according to our selfish and sinful will. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Disyembre 13 Santa Lucia, dalaga at martir (Paggunita): Mateo 21:28-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:28-32

Noong panahong iyon, tinanong ni Hesus ang mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan: “Ano ang palagay ninyo rito? May isang tao na may dalawang anak na lalaki. Lumapit siya sa nakatatanda at sinabi, ‘Anak, lumabas ka at magtrabaho sa ubasan ngayon.’ ‘Ayoko po.’ tugon niya. Ngunit nagbago ang kanyang isip at siya’y naparoon.  

Lumapit din ang ama sa ikalawa at gayon din ang kanyang sinabi. ‘Opo’ tugon nito, ngunit hindi naman naparoon. Sino sa dalawa ang sumunod sa kalooban ng kanyang ama?” “Ang nakatatanda po,” sagot nila. Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mga publikano at masasamang babae’y nauuna pa sa inyong pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos. 

Sapagkat naparito sa inyo si Juan at ipinakilala ang matuwid na pamumuhay, at hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan. Ngunit pinaniwalaan siya ng mga publikano at ng masasamang babae. Nakita ninyo ito, subalit hindi pa rin kayo nagsisi at naniwala sa kanya.” 

Reflection for Monday December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Patroness of the Philippines (M): Matthew 21:23-27

Gospel: Matthew 21:23-27

When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?  

Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.  Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?  

But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know. He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

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Reflection:

Where does Jesus’ authority come from? We know that it comes from God, God gave Jesus the authority to preach, heal, exorcise those who are possessed by the devil and so forth.  

The ruling class at that time (Pharisees, chief priest and elders of the people) were questioning Jesus’ authority because Jesus’ authority was more powerful than theirs. People were starting to flock more to Jesus than to them therefore they have to question the legitimacy of Jesus’ authority.  

Parent’s authority over their children is encompassing this means that for as long as parents live they have authority over their children until mortal death ends this authority. But why is it that many parents are being disrespected by their children?  

This is for the reason that many parents failed to properly role model their authority over their children. They did not discipline their children; they spoiled their children by showering them material things. But they failed to lead by example and they failed to impose discipline upon their children.    

They also failed to introduce God to their children by teaching them about Jesus and by bringing them to church for Holy Mass.  Thus they end up losing their authority over their children and the respect of their children.  

If we want to have authority over our children and with other people under our care we must therefore be like Jesus. For Jesus exercised His authority by being a good role model, Jesus led by example until the end, even at the cost of His very own life. 

How do you exercise your authority? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Disyembre 12 Mahal na Birhen ng Guadalupe Makalangit na Patrona ng Pilipinas (Paggunita): Mateo 21:23-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:23-27

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Hesus sa templo. Samantalang nagtuturo siya, lumapit sa kanya ang mga punong saserdote at ang matatanda ng bayan at siya’y tinanong, “Ano ang karapatan mong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito? Sino ang nagbigay sa iyo ng karapatang ito?”  

Sumagot si Hesus, “Tatanungin ko rin kayo. Kapag sinagot ninyo ako, saka ko naman sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito. Kanino nagmula ang karapatan ni Juan upang magbinyag – sa Diyos ba o sa tao?” At sila’y nagusap-usap: “Kung sabihin nating mula sa Diyos, sasabihin naman niya sa atin, ‘Bakit hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan?’  

Ngunit kung sabihin nating mula sa tao baka naman kung ano ang gawin sa atin ng bayan, sapagkat kinikilala ng lahat na si Juan ay isang propeta.” Kaya’t sumagot sila kay Hesus, “Hindi namin alam!” Sinabi niya, “Hindi ko rin sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga ginagawa ko.”

Reflection for Sunday December 11, Third Sunday of Advent: Matthew 11:2-11

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” 

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

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Reflection:

What do you do when you are in a difficult situation?

There’s a lot of second guessing as to why did John (while in prison) sent his followers to Jesus to ask Him if he is the one. Perhaps, John wanted Jesus to help him to bolt out of prison. Perhaps, John wanted to be assured of Jesus’ support because to begin with he baptized Jesus in the river Jordan (Matthew 3:13). 

Jesus affirmed the question by saying to John’s followers: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 

Perhaps, the disciples of John were expecting Jesus to say, let us go to John. And reassure him of my support in whatever way possible, but he did not. Jesus then said: “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Possibly to say to John’s followers, don’t get disappointed if I will not help John in his most difficult time. 

We may also have this feeling of being abandoned by Jesus. And we may also have questions like: Why is this happening to me and my family considering that I’m following God?  Why am I still poor and in difficult predicament when I am faithfully following God?  We may have countless whys before God; we may have this emotion of being abandoned by Jesus in our most difficult time as well.   

So what must we do if we are in this situation? We must continue to follow Jesus we must continue to be faithful to Him even if He seems to be far and unconcerned with us. We must not veer away from Jesus and not blame Him for whatever difficulties we are in. 

To follow Jesus or to always pray to Jesus is not an assurance that we would be free from trials and persecutions. And John is the best evidence of this for the reason that John humbly and faithfully followed Jesus. Yet he was persecuted, imprisoned and beheaded. 

Will you still follow Jesus amidst your trials and difficulties? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Disyembre 11 Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon : Mateo 11:2-11

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:2-11

Noong panahong iyon: Nabalitaan ni Juan Bautista, na noo’y nasa bilangguan, ang mga ginagawa ni Kristo. Kaya’t nagsugo si Juan ng kanyang mga alagad at ipinatanong sa kanya, “Kayo po ba ang ipinangakong paririto, o maghihintay pa kami ng iba?”

Sumagot si Hesus, “Bumalik kayo kay Juan at sabihin sa kanya ang inyong narinig at nakita: nakakikita ang mga bulag, nakalalakad ang mga pilay, gumagaling ang mga ketongin, nakaririnig ang mga bingi, muling nabubuhay ang mga patay, at ipinangangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita. Mapalad ang taong hindi nag-aalinlangan sa akin!”

Pag-alis ng mga alagad ni Juan, nagsalita si Hesus sa mga tao tungkol kay Juan: “Bakit kayo lumabas sa ilang? Ano ang ibig ninyong makita? Isa bang tambo na inuugoy ng hangin? Ano nga ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang taong may maringal na kasuutan? Ang mga nagdaramit ng maringal ay nasa palasyo ng mga hari! Ano nga ba ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang propeta? Oo. At sinasabi ko sa inyo, higit pa sa propeta.

Sapagkat si Juan ang tinutukoy ng Kasulatan: ‘Narito ang sugo ko na aking ipinadadalang mauuna sa iyo; ihahanda niya ang iyong daraanan.’ Sinasabi ko sa inyo: sa mga isinilang, wala pang lumilitaw na higit na dakila kay Juan Bautista; ngunit ang pinakaaba sa mga taong pinaghaharian ng Diyos ay dakila kaysa kanya.”

Reflection for December 10 Saturday of the Second Week of Advent: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down from the mountain the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. 

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

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Reflection:

Do you have the courage to advice a person to repent? 

The call of Jesus for repentance continuous until this very hour, he speaks to us through people around us and through our conscience. We should not ignore it, we should listen to it because to listen and repent is the right course of action that we must take. 

Like John who prepared the way for Jesus, we too should become the modern day John. Thus we should also gently call for repentance to those within our sphere of environment. This is for the reason that this is a call of duty for us Christians. 

Lest we forget that by virtue of our Baptism we also become a modern-day John. Therefore, we have to call for repentance and conversion as well. For this call to be effective we have to do this with gentleness, with mercy and compassion. 

It is obvious that Jesus was pertaining to John as the second coming of the prophet Elijah. But majority of the people then did not listen to John’s call because they were busy with the things of this world. They had no time to listen to the messenger of God. 

You have nothing to lose if you tread the way of John. Yes, it will not be a walk in the park and there will be challenges as well. But if Christ is with you who will be against you? Nobody for you have Jesus at your back silently supporting you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 10 Sabado sa Ika-2 Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Mateo 17:10-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:10-13

Habang bumababa sila sa bundok, tinanong si Hesus ng mga alagad, "Bakit po sinasabi ng mga eskriba na dapat munang pumarito si Elias?" Sumagot siya, “Paririto nga si Elias upang ihanda ang lahat ng bagay. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na pumarito na si Elias, ngunit hindi siya nakilala ng mga tao. 

At kanilang ginawa sa kanya ang gusto nila. Gayon din naman, pahihirapan nila ang Anak ng Tao." At naunawaan ng mga alagad na si Juan Bautista ang tinutukoy niya.