Reflection for January 3, Tuesday before Epiphany: John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.”  

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

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Reflection:

When John was asked by the priest and Levites to confirm if he is the messiah he instead said: “I am not the messiah” (John 1:20). It never came to the thought of John to assume and pretend that he was the messiah. From the very start John knew his role, he knew that he was just the precursor. That’s why he said: “I must decrease and He must increase” (John 3:30).  

Let us take a closer look at the life of John, he lived a simple life, he shunned publicity, he was humble, he never took credit for the things that was attributed to him. He instead always pointed to Jesus.  

John is the epitome of a self-assured humble man who is content to do the role that was given to him by God. Fame, power even fortune was within his reach but he was never tempted to grab it. John is so unlike with many of us who will always take hold of every opportunity to gain credit. 

By virtue of our baptism each and everyone of us especially those who know something about our faith are called by God to be like John. To let God shine at all times, and never be tempted to upend God for our own personal gains.  

We must not use God for us to become popular and powerful. For true service for God and His people are not about popularity or about power. True service for God happens when we silently and humbly do our task. And we do it for the greater glory of God and not for our own glory! 

John chose humility and simplicity; he chose to highlight Jesus more than himself.  Let us also choose humility and simplicity and let us also bring to light Jesus in our lives. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 3 Martes bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:29-34

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:29-34

Kinabukasan, nakita ni Juan si Hesus na lumalapit sa kanya. Sinabi niya, “Ito ang Kordero ng Diyos. Ito ang nag-aalis ng mga kasalanan ng sanlibutan! Siya ang tinutukoy ko nang sabihin kong dumarating na kasunod ko ang isang higit sa akin sapagkat siya’y siya na bago pa ako ipanganak. Hindi ko rin siya lubos na nakikilala noon, bagamat ako’y naparitong nagbibinyag sa tubig upang ipakilala siya sa Israel.”  

Ito ang patotoo ni Juan, “Nakita ko ang Espiritung bumababa buhat sa langit, gaya ng isang kalapati, at nanatili sa kanya. Hindi ko nga siya lubos na nakikilala noon, ngunit ang nagsugo sa akin upang magbinyag sa tubig ang nagsabi sa akin, ‘Makikita mo ang Espiritu na bababa at mananatili sa isang tao – siya ang magbibinyag sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo.’ Nakita ko ito, at pinatototohanan kong siya ang Anak ng Diyos.”

Reflection for Monday January 2, Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you? He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah? And he said, “I am not. “Are you the Prophet? He answered, No. So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 

He said: 

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said. Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet? John answered them “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize the one who is coming after me whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie. This happened in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

How would we start this New Year as followers of the Lord? 

Let us start the year right by emulating the humility of John; he purposely decreased as Jesus increased. John was not publicity hungry and he shunned honor even if he richly deserved it. John instead deflected the honor being given to him in favor of Jesus.  

A glass that is full of water will not anymore be able to contain the water that is being poured into it. But the glass that is half-full will still be able to accommodate water.   

This is basically the same with those who are so full of themselves they will not anymore grow in faith. For the simple reason that they think that they already know everything but those who are humble will still grow in faith. This is for the reason that they are like the half-full glass that yearns for more water. 

If we want to grow in faith; we must at all times be humble because humility is the password for us to further grow in faith. And this great virtue of humility was lived by John in favor of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Enero 2 San Basilio at San Gregorio Nasianseno mga Obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Juan 1:19-28

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:19-28

Nang suguin ng mga Judio sa Jerusalem ang ilang saserdote at Levita upang itanong kung sino siya, sinabi ni Juan ang katotohanan. Sinabi niyang hindi siya ang Mesias. “Kung gayo’y sino ka?” tanong nila. “Ikaw ba si Elias?” “Hindi po,” tugon niya. “Ikaw ba ang Propetang hinihintay namin?” Sumagot siya, “Hindi po.”  

“Sino ka kung gayun?” Tanong nila uli. “Sabihin mo sa amin para masabi namin sa mga nagsugo sa amin. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa iyong sarili?” Sumagot si Juan, “Ako ‘Ang tinig ng isang sumisigaw sa ilang: Tuwirin ninyo ang daraanan ng Panginoon!’” Ang Propeta Isaias ang maysabi nito.  

Ang mga nagtanong ay sugo ng mga Pariseo. Muli nilang tinanong si Juan, “Bakit ka nagbibinyag, hindi pala naman ikaw ang Mesias, ni si Elias, ni ang Propeta?” Sumagot siya, “Ako’y nagbibinyag sa tubig, ngunit nasa gitna ninyo ang isang hindi ninyo nakikilala. Siya ang susunod sa akin, subalit hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag man lamang ng tali ng kanyang panyapak.” Ito’y nangyari sa Betania, sa ibayo ng Jordan na pinagbibinyagan ni Juan. 

Reflection for Sunday January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

Do you submit to the will of God? 

The Blessed Mother humbly submitted herself to the will of God she quietly reflected on the uncertainties and surprises that went her way. In the midst of her trepidations she remained faithful to the will of God she was with her son Jesus until the very end of His life on the cross.  

As we begin our new year we will be swimming into the ocean of uncertainties and surprises. Let us be ready by having a positive mindset and by keeping our strong faith in our God. Let us continue to glorify and praise God and let us strive to share and deepen our faith.  

The Lord wants nothing but the best for us; He desires us peace and He wishes to always be with us. Let us open ourselves to the many blessings that the Lord wants to give us. But this will only materialize if we continue to be near His presence and by avoiding sin. 

As we step inside this New Year let us strive to always be near God, let us remain Hopeful and Optimistic for nothing is impossible with God. Let us make the Blessed Mother our prayer partner and our spiritual mother as we wade through the many surprises and uncertainties of this year.  - Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Enero 1, Dakilang Kapistahan ni Maria Ina ng Diyos: Lucas 2:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:16-21 

Noong panahong iyon: nagmamadali silang lumakad patungong Betlehem at nakita nila sina Maria at Jose at ang sanggol na nakahiga sa sabsaban. Kaya't isinaysay nila ang mga sinabi ng anghel tungkol sa sanggol na ito; at nagtaka ang lahat ng nakarinig sa sinabi ng mga pastol.

Natanim sa isip ni Maria ang mga bagay na ito at kanyang pinagbulay-bulay. Umalis ang mga pastol na nagpupuri sa Diyos at nagpapahayag ng kanyang kadakilaan dahil sa lahat ng narinig nila at nakita na ayon sa ibinalita sa kanila ng anghel.

Pagdating ng ikawalong araw ay tinuli ang bata at pinangalanang Hesus – ang pangalang ibinigay ng anghel bago pa siya ipinaglihi.

Reflection for Saturday December 31, The Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.  

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.  

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.  

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

Before the process of creation there was already God (Genesis Chapters 1 and 2). He is the same God who knocks in our hearts; who wants to permanently dwell in our lives. He is the same God who always tells us that we must always do good and be His light in this world.  

John was the precursor for Jesus, he humbly prepared the way for Jesus. John deflected all the attention that was being given to him when he said: "I am not the Christ and I am not even worthy to untie His sandals strap (John 1:27)."  

Do we zealously follow the example of John?   

It is always thru our daily lives that Jesus is best seen through us: The way we talk the way we behave. Most especially when nobody is looking at us and it is through these unguarded moments that Jesus is truly made visible through us.  

John lived his life with one sole purpose and that is to prepare the way of the Lord. There was no pretension nor double speak he humbly lived his purpose driven life for Jesus.  As we end  this year and we begin the coming New Year. We are challenged by the gospel to let the light of Christ shine brightly in our lives so that those who do not know Jesus very well may know Him deeply through us.  

Finally, before we depart 2022 let us reflect on the things that we’ve done to advance the Mission and Teachings of Jesus. Have we become His light in this world? Have we enlightened others about the true light that is Jesus?  

May we all have a prosperous, meaningful and Christ filled 2023 and God bless us all! – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Disyembre 31 Ikapitong Araw ng Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagsilang: Juan 1:1-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

Sa pasimula pa’y naroon na ang Salita. Kasama ng Diyos ang Salita at ang Salita ay Diyos. Kasama na siya ng Diyos sa pasimula pa. Sa pamamagitan niya nilikha ang lahat ng bagay, at walang anumang nalikha nang hindi sa pamamagitan niya. Mula sa kanya ang buhay, at ang buhay ay siyang ilaw ng sangkatauhan. Nagliliwanag sa kadiliman ang ilaw, at hindi ito kailanman nagapi ng kadiliman.  

Sinugo ng Diyos ang isang tao na nagngangalang Juan. Naparito siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw at manalig sa ilaw ang lahat dahil sa patotoo niya. Hindi siya ang ilaw kundi naparito siya upang magpatotoo tungkol sa ilaw. Ang tunay na ilaw na tumatanglaw sa lahat ng tao ay dumarating sa sanlibutan.  

Nasa sanlibutan ang Salita. Nilikha ang sanlibutan sa pamamagitan niya ngunit hindi siya nakilala ng sanlibutan. Naparito siya sa kanyang bayan ngunit hindi siya tinanggap ng kanyang mga kababayan. Ngunit ang lahat ng tumanggap at nanalig sa kanya ay pinagkalooban niya ng karapatang maging anak ng Diyos. Sila nga’y naging anak ng Diyos, hindi dahil sa isinilang sila ayon sa kalikasan, ni sa pita ng laman o sa kagagawan ng tao. Ang pagiging anak nila ay buhat sa Diyos.  

Naging tao ang Salita at siya’y nanirahan sa piling natin. Nakita namin ang kanyang kapangyarihan at kadakilaan, puspos ng pag-ibig at katapatan. Tinanggap niya mula sa Ama ang kapangyarihan at kadakilaang ito bilang bugtong na Anak.  

Nagpatotoo si Juan tungkol sa kanya. At ganito ang kanyang sigaw, “Siya ang tinutukoy ko nang aking sabihin, ‘Ang darating na kasunod ko’y higit sa akin, sapagkat siya’y siya na bago pa ako ipanganak.’” 

Dahil sa siya’y puspos ng pag-ibig, tayong lahat ay tumanggap mula sa kanya ng abut-abot na kaloob. Sapagkat ibinibigay ang Kautusan sa pamamagitan ni Moises ngunit ang pag-ibig at ang katotohanan ay dumating sa pamamagitan ni Hesukristo. Kailanma’y walang nakakita sa Diyos, subalit ipinakilala siyang bugtong na Anak – siya’y Diyos – na lubos na minamahal ng Ama.

Reflection for Friday December 30, Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.  

When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel.   

But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

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Reflection:

What are your plans this coming 2023? Is the welfare of your family first in that plan? 

We read in the gospel how Saint Joseph’s flawlessly executed his plan to protect the welfare of his family. When Joseph was told in his dream by an angel of God to bring his family to Egypt he did so without any question. Why? Because Joseph knew that it was for the welfare of his family.   

After the death of King Herod, Joseph dreamt of an angel telling him to bring Mary and the baby Jesus to Israel and he did so again for the welfare of his family. Eventually Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus settled in the town of Nazareth to fulfill the prophecy of the prophets.  

It was always family first for Joseph, everything else comes a far second. Many fathers and even mothers treat their family as second priority next only to their friends. But majority of our friends come and go very few friends stay with us until the end of our lives. It’s always our family who will be with us no matter what.      

Like Saint Joseph who prioritized his family we must also put first the welfare of our family this coming 2023 and beyond. Is your family always your priority? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Biyernes Disyembre 30 Banal na Mag-anak nina Jesus, Maria at Jose (Kapistahan): Mateo 2:13-15, 19-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:13-15, 19-23

Pagkaalis ng mga Pantas, napakita kay Jose sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sinabi sa kanya, “Magbangon ka, dalhin mo agad sa Egipto ang mag-ina. At huwag kayong aalis doon hangga’t hindi ko sinasabi sa iyo, sapagkat hahanapin ni Herodes ang sanggol upang patayin.” Kaya dali-daling bumangon si Jose at nang gabing iyo’y dinala sa Egipto ang mag-ina. Doon sila tumira hanggang sa mamatay si Herodes.  

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta, “Tinawag ko ang aking Anak mula sa Egipto.” Pagkamatay ni Herodes, isang anghel ng Panginoon ang napakita sa panaginip kay Jose sa Egipto. “Magbangon ka,” sabi sa kanya, “iuwi mo na sa Israel ang mag-ina, sapagkat patay na ang nagtangka sa buhay ng bata.” Nagbangon siya at iniuwi nga sa Israel ang mag-ina.  

Ngunit nang mabalitaan niyang si Arquelao ang naghahari sa Judea, kahalili ng kanyang amang si Herodes, siya’y natakot na pumunta roon. Muli siyang sinabihan sa panaginip, kaya’t nagtungo siya sa Galilea. Sa Nazaret sila nanirahan upang matupad ang sinabi ng mga propeta, “Siya’y tatawaging Nazareno.”

Reflection for Thursday December 29, 5th Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Luke 2:22-35

Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.” 

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

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Reflection:

Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? 

Surely the Holy Spirit was with Simeon because he knew beforehand the destiny of Jesus. Not everyone is given the kind of wisdom that Simeon had. Let us take a look how the gospel reading described Simeon: “This man was righteous and devote (Luke 2:25).” We know now the hidden secret on how to have the grace of the Holy Spirit: We have to be righteous and devout.  

Righteousness in terms of what? Righteousness in terms of how we live, we have to be morally upright at all times. We don’t have to do wrong or compromise with whatever is wrong.  This is hard to do initially but as we live and practice righteousness we would notice that it will become part of our life’s system already. Thus, we will now slowly but surely detest whatever form of sin and evil.  

We also have to be devout in the observance of our faith. When it’s time for Holy Mass we have to leave everything behind for our pious presence at Holy Mass. Same as when it’s time for our private moment with God through personal and structured prayers. Our devoutness to our faith will always bring us closer to Jesus.  

The Holy Spirit will not be upon us if we continue to sin and do things that are contrary to the will of God. When we begin to aspire to be righteous and devout we would see a positive transformation in our lives and in the lives of those around us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Huwebes Disyembre 29 Ikalimang Araw ng Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagsilang: Lucas 2:22-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-35

Nang dumating ang araw ng paglilinis sa kanila, ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, sila'y pumunta sa Jerusalem. Dala nila ang sanggol upang iharap sa Panginoon, sapagkat ayon sa Kautusan, "Ang bawat Panganay na lalaki ay nakatalaga sa Panginoon." At naghandog sila, ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon: "Mag-asawang batu-bato o dalawang inakay na kalapati."  

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem, ang pangala'y Simeon. Matapat at malapit sa Diyos ang lalaking ito at naghihintay ng katubusan ng Israel. Sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo na nagpahayag sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Mesias na ipinangako ng Panginoon.  

Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, pumasok siya sa templo. At nang dalhin doon ng kanyang mga magulang ang sanggol na si Jesus upang gawin ang hinihingi ng Kautusan, siya'y kinalong ni Simeon. Ito'y nagpuri sa Diyos, na ang wika, "Kunin mo na, Panginoon, ang iyong abang alipin. Ayon sa iyong pangako, yamang nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong pagliligtas, na inihanda mo para sa lahat ng bansa: liwanag itong tatanglaw sa mga Hentil, at magbibigay-karangalan sa iyong bayang Israel."  

Namangha ang ama't ina ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito ay nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel, isang tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit hahamakin ng marami kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil diyan, ang puso mo'y para na ring tinarakan ng isang balaraw."

Reflection for Wednesday December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs: Matthew 2:13-18

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him." Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. 

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

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Reflection:

Do you believe in angels? 

What if Joseph did not listen to the command of the angel of the Lord? 

The child Jesus would have been killed by the minions  of King Herod. But Joseph was a good, humble and obedient man of the Lord.  So, he listened and in the process he helped save the life of the child Jesus. 

Angels who act as messengers of God abound in this world and they are not the winged ones anymore. They are humans like us who would always advise us to avoid doing what is not good and sinful. Or they would advise us to do good always even if others are not doing good to them. Therefore, we have to listen because if we would not listen we would eventually be in a problematic situation.  

As Saint Joseph listened to the command of the angel of the Lord. We too have to listen to the wisdom filled advice/s being given to us by people who have nothing but concern and love for us. Because it is in listening and acting on what we have listened that we would be spared from many problems. 

Do you always listen to meaningful advice or counsel? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Miyerkules Disyembre 28 Mga Banal na Sanggol na walang Kamalayan, mga martir (Kapistahan): Mateo 2:13-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:13-18

Pagkaalis ng mga Pantas, napakita kay Jose sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sinabi sa kanya, "Magbangon ka, dalhin mo agad sa Egipto ang mag-ina. At huwag kayong aalis doon hangga't hndi ko sinasabi sa iyo. Sapagkat hahanapin ni Herodes ang sanggol upang patayin." Kaya dali-daling bumangon si Jose at nang gabing iyo'y dinala sa Egipto ang mag-ina. Doon sila tumira hanggang mamatay si Herodes. Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta, "Tinawag ko ang aking Anak mula sa Egipto." 

Galit na galit si Herodes nang malamang siya'y napaglalangan ng mga Pantas. Kaya't ipinapatay niya ang mga batang lalaki sa Betlehem at mga palibot na pook-- lahat na may gulang na dalawang taon pababa, alinsunod sa paglitaw ng tala na natiyak niyang sa mga Pantas.  

Sa gayo'y natupad ang sinabi ni Propeta Jeremias: "Narinig sa Rama ang malakas na panaghoy. Tinatangisan ni Raquel ang kanyang mga anak. Hindi siya maaliw sa tindi ng kalungkutan dahil sa pagkamatay nila."