Reflection for January 30, Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:1-20

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.  

In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.  

Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.  

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. 

The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. 

Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

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Reflection:

Have you been possessed by the devil? 

This gospel episode of Jesus encounter with the man possessed by the evil spirit could happen to anyone of us. And the liberation from the possession of the evil spirit that Jesus did to this man could also happen to us. The conversion of this freed man who later became Jesus follower could also happen to us too! 

But why are there possessions by an evil spirit? This happens because we distance ourselves from Jesus. Or we don’t distance ourselves from Jesus but we don’t live His teachings. By doing so we give room for the devil to operate and take control of ourselves. 

For example, yes we pray and go to Holy Mass. But how come that when temptations come along we are not able to resist it? This occurs for the simple reason that we don’t let Jesus come into our hearts and take control of it. 

We are often times followers in name only. Therefore, we open ourselves to the possession of the many evils of our times. What are these? Lust, betrayal of the sacred marriage covenant, addiction to pornography, allowing ourselves to be possessed by our high-tech gadgets and the like.   

We therefore have to be faithful to our discipleship with Jesus. And we have to ask Jesus to protect us from whatever evils that lurks around us. And after that we now have to do our part because at the end of the day it's still in our hands, God has given us the freewill to decide. Would we allow ourselves to be tempted by the devil or we go and walk with Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Sunday January 29, fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:1-12a

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you

and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,

for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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Reflection:

What are the beatitudes all about? The beatitudes are guidelines for living that Jesus gave to His disciples. The beatitudes deal also with humility and total dependence upon God.      

We are being invited to take a closer look at our life, do we live it with humility and dependence on the Lord? Those who are humble are always close to God and they humbly submit everything to the will of God. Those who depend on God put first God above anything else, they trust in God and not in themselves for the realization of their endeavors.

We have to discard our selfish and self-centered ways because it will only lead us to the land of misery and desolation.  We instead have to humbly embrace the beatitudes of Jesus because this is the way to our salvation. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 29, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:1-12a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12a

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Hesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya’y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila’y tinuruan niya ng ganito:

“Mapalad ang mga aba na wala nang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.”

“Mapalad ang mga nahahapis sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga mapagkumbaba, sapagkat tatamuhin nila ang ipinangako ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga nagmimithing makatupad sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat ipagkakaloob sa kanila ang kanilang minimithi.”

“Mapalad ang mga mahabagin, sapagkat kahahabagan sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, sapagkat makikita nila ang Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga gumagawa ng daan sa ikapagkakasundo, sapagkat sila’y ituturing ng Diyos na mga anak niya.”

“Mapalad ang mga pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.”

“Mapalad kayo kapag dahil sa aki’y inaalimura kayo ng mga tao, pinag-uusig at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na pawang kasinungalingan. Magdiwang kayo at magalak, sapagkat malaki ang inyong gantimpala sa Langit.” 

1Reflection for Saturday January 28, Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.  

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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Reflection:

Are we easily rattled when we pass through stormy episodes in our life? Or we remain calm amidst the storms because we know that Jesus is always there for us.   

The disciples were in a boat together with Jesus when their boat suddenly encountered a violent storm. They were terrified for they thought that the boat might not be able to withstand the storm.  Why were they terrified when Jesus was with them? Perhaps they were overtaken by fear. 

For as long as we exist in this world, we would continue to encounter also our own share of storms and worrisome moments in our life. But let us not fear it, let us keep calm in the midst of our life storms. Let us learn to always trust the Lord for He knows what is best for us. The Lord will not let us down, the Lord will always be there for us to save us.   

We simply have to constantly be connected with the Lord for the reason that He will take care of everything. Jesus will calm us in the midst of our distressful storms. Jesus will make a way when there seems to be no way.   

 All He asks from us is to have faith and this we can have if we ask Him to give us the gift of faith. Because faith is a gift that Jesus gives to those who sincerely ask for it. 

Prayer:

O Lord in the midst of the many storms in our life we beseech you to give us the gift of faith. So that we would be able to withstand whatever worrisome situation that we may encounter. Forgive our feeble faith, forgive us for not trusting you and for not always recognizing that you’re always with us. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 27, Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come."  

He said, "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

Do you know that God has scattered the seeds of faith in your heart? 

Our knowledge of God always starts with a little idea in our minds. For example, when we were young we know that there’s a God but as to who is this God and what is the role of this God in our life we don’t know it yet. As we mature we nurture this idea by thinking  about God. By going to Holy Mass, by reading the scriptures and by researching about our faith on the internet. 

By doing all these things the little idea that God has given us would now grow bigger until God becomes the stronghold of our life. God now becomes our safe refuge that we always look for during our time of distress.  

However, not all nurture their idea about God and not all seek refuge in God. Many of us seek refuge in our vices and with our friends. Only to discover later that the refuge that they provide are short lived and passing. The only refuge that is forever is God all other refuges that others seek during their time of distress are all tied with the passing of time.  

What is our part in this scheme of scattering of seeds by God? Our part is to help this seeds grow in the hearts of our fellowmen. This we can best do by sharing what we know about God, by living the teachings of God. And by encouraging others to read the scriptures and to attend Holy Mass. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Reflection for Thursday January 26, Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops: Luke 10:1-9

Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.  

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment.  

Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

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Reflection:

Are you doing something to share the teachings of Jesus? 

Like the seventy two which Jesus sent ahead of Him. We too are laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, what is the implication of this to our life? We are also called to share and live the teachings of Jesus. 

Jesus told the disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” This is very true until to this very day. The harvest indeed is plentiful but the laborers are so few. Therefore in our own little way let us also be laborers like the seventy two. Let us spread and live the teachings of Jesus, let us not be afraid for God will be with us.  

Many of us invest so much of our time in laboring for this world alone that we forget to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. But where would our labors for this world bring us? Only here in this world but if we labor for the Lord we go to the Lord’s kingdom after the end of our journey in this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Jesus’ Powerful and Life-Changing Words - 2

 

Si Jesus at ang kanyang Makapangyarihang mga Pananalita - 2

 

Reflection for Wednesday January 25, Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle: Mark 16:15-18

Gospel Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.  

These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

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Reflection:

Do you know of someone who was formerly a critic of the church that eventually converted to become a follower of Jesus?

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how a persecutor of Jesus becomes a follower of Jesus. Often times we are skeptical about them, we don’t believe that they’ve turned a new page in their lives. But nothing is impossible for Jesus; He can do miracles in our lives He can convert us to become His followers. 

Today is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Saul who became Paul is a former persecutor of Jesus and the church that He built. He had nothing but hatred and scorn for the church and its people until Jesus converted Him. 

While he was on a journey going to Damascus he saw a blinding light and he heard a voice that asked him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me (Acts 9:3-4)?” This encounter with Jesus on the road of Damascus was the beginning of Saul’s conversion and it culminated when he regain his sight. 

Everyone of us has a dark past yet the good Lord is always there for us ever ready to convert us. What He only asks from us is our willingness to leave behind our sinful lives and start a new journey with the Lord for the rest of our life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Tuesday January 24, Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Mark 3:31-35

Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” 

But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

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Reflection:

Would you want to be a relative of Jesus? 

Jesus has a very simple requirement for us to become His brother, sister and mother and this is to do the will of God. What does this mean to us? We must feed the hungry, we must help those who need help, we must forgive and pray for those who’ve hurt us. And there are many more selfless actions that we can do, so that we can be called relatives of Jesus.  

It seems simple by reading through it but to live what Jesus wants us to do is another story. Do we really feed the hungry? Are we really quick to forgive? Are we really selfless? The challenge for all of us is to live our faith to the hilt. This means that we must at all times be like Jesus: through our actions, words and through our way of life.  

However, this is easier said than done, yet God in His infinite mercy gives us the opportunity everyday for us to become part of Him. He presents us life situations wherein we could always live what we have learned from Him. 

The reality of life is it’s hard to be a relative of Jesus because many of us don’t undress ourselves with everything that makes us creatures of this world. Such as self-centeredness, arrogance, greed and a lot more negative attitudes. Which makes us relatives of the evil one rather than a relative of Jesus.   

But all is not lost yet, if we want to be a relative of Jesus we must strive to be like Him: His humility, His acts of kindness and His countless selfless actions.  These are the challenges that we must ponder if we want be a true relative of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for January 23, Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:22-30

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 

And if a house is divided against itself that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man.  

Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin. For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.

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Reflection:

What is the antidote to evil possession or who can defeat the devil? It’s our faith in Jesus, only Jesus can defeat the devil. Before we only attribute the presence of the devil to evil possession.  But not anymore today!  

The devil of today doesn’t only present itself by way of evil possession. It presents itself in manifold ways such as: greed, lust, covetousness, enslavement to the modernity of time and so forth. Who can defeat the devil today? It’s still Jesus the same Jesus that defeated the devil in our gospel.    

Jesus doesn’t change He is the same Jesus yesterday, today and tomorrow. His power to defeat the devil is still present today as it was present in the gospel. But do we allow Jesus to dwell in our lives? Do we still have time for Him in this era of internet and high-tech gadgets?    

We must at all times give time for Jesus so that we could always ward off the devil from our midst. If we always have Jesus in our life we give no room for the devil to dwell in our life. How do we give time for Jesus? We have to read the inspiring life of Jesus in the bible, we have to be present at Holy Mass as often as we can. And we have to have our personal prayer time for Jesus every day.    

Do you give time for Jesus even for only a minute every day? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

The Life Changing and Powerful Words of Jesus - 1

 

Ang Nakapagbabago ng buhay at Makapangyarihang mga pananalita ni Jesus - 1

 

Reflection for Sunday January 22, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 4:12-23

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

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Reflection:

Have you had an experience of a call from Jesus which facilitated a much deeper friendship with the Lord? For example, you have read something about the words of Jesus in the bible and thereafter you felt that He was already directly speaking to you. Calling you to renew your life and become His faithful follower.  

Perhaps the four apostles (Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John) have already heard about Jesus. They might have heard about His baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). Until they saw and heard Jesus up close and personal, calling them to follow Him. That encounter with Jesus resulted to a lifetime discipleship. 

The four apostles were veteran fishermen but deep in their hearts there was still that empty space and they were yearning for something that would finally fill that empty space.

Until their yearning for fulfillment was addressed by their personal encounter with Jesus. After which their lives were never the same again and from thereon they lived their lives with deeper meaning and purpose.

Are you yearning for something meaningful in your life? Yes, you may be financially secure already, but deep inside; you are still looking for that something that is still lacking within you. 

That something is no other than Jesus, the same Jesus who called Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. - Marino J. Dasmarinas