Reflection for June 15, Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:20-26

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.  

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is the antidote to sin or what could defeat sin or hatred? Its humility, forgiveness and love. For example, if you sin against your spouse the cure for this sin is to humble yourself before your spouse. You do this by  saying, I’m sorry for hurting you or  I’m sorry for betraying your trust.  

If your spouse loves you dearly you can expect forgiveness, the mitigating factor here is  your humility to admit your offense or sin. But not everyone is willing to say, I’m sorry for to admit one’s mistake or to say I’m sorry is one  of the hardest words to say. But if there’s humility in us we would not think twice to apologize for this will once again heal the relationship. 

But the paradox is, we are quick to sin yet we are not quick to apologize  or some are not even willing to apologize. And this lack of humility on our part creates bigger trouble/s in our married relationship or any other kind of relationship for that matter.  

In our gospel Jesus is teaching us about humility and to have the courage to admit our own mistakes or shortcomings (Matthew 5:23-25). Why? Because if we are willing to humble ourselves and if we have the courage to admit our own sinfulness. We therefore save ourselves from further trouble. But if we continue to be dominating and arrogant then trouble/s would always be with us. 

Would you be willing to humbly apologize to somebody whom you have offended? To reach out or to apologize is hard to do but it’s also a redemptive experience for it will set you free from the bondage of arrogance and the devil.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Hunyo 15, Huwebes ng Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:20-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:20-26

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung ang pagsunod ninyo sa kalooban ng Diyos ay tulad lamang ng pagsunod ng mga eskriba at mga Pariseo, hindi kayo makapapasok sa kaharian ng Diyos.”  

“Narinig ninyo na noong una’y inutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang papatay; ang sinumang makamatay ay mananagot sa hukuman.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mapoot sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa hukuman; ang humamak sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa Sanedrin, at sinumang magsabi sa kanyang kapatid ‘ulol ka!’ ay mapapasaapoy ng impiyero.  

Kaya’t kung naghahandog ka sa Diyos, at maalaala mo na may sama ng loob sa iyo ang kapatid mo, iwan mo muna ang iyong handog sa harap ng dambana at makipagkasundo ka sa kanya. Saka ka magbalik at maghandog sa Diyos. 

“Kung may magsakdal laban sa iyo sa hukuman, makipag-ayos ka sa kanya habang may panahon, bago ka niya iharap sa hukom. At kung hindi’y ibibigay ka niya sa hukom, na magbibigay naman sa iyo ng tanod, at ikaw ay mabibilanggo. Sinasabi ko sa iyo: hindi ka makalalabas doon hangga’t hindi mo nababayaran ang kahuli-hulihang kusing.”

Reflection for June 14, Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

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

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

+ + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you obey, teach and live the laws of the Lord?   

Jesus in our gospel for today speaks about Himself as the fulfillment of the law. In effect Jesus was telling the disciples I am now the fulfilment of those commandments from the Old Testament.   

For example, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) which God gave to Moses in the mountain of Sinai. Jesus summarized these ten to become the two greatest commandments which states: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).”   

Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments thus it became the two greatest commandments of love. Indeed, if we really love Jesus there would be no room for hatred, condemnation, self-righteousness, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.   

What would remain in our hearts is love for love is the advocacy and language of Jesus. Jesus love for us is so unlike the love that we have. This is for the reason that Jesus’ love is not a selective kind of love but love for everyone of us no matter who we are.   

This is therefore the exercise of love that we have to emulate: To love everyone no matter if they don’t love us back and no matter the sins that they’ve committed against us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Hunyo 14, Miyerkules ng Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:17-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:17-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong akalaing naparito ako upang pawalang bisa ang Kautusan at ang aral ng mga propeta. Naparito ako, hindi upang pawalang-bisa kundi para ipaliwanag at ganapin ang mga iyon. 

Tandaan ninyo ito: magwawakas ang langit at ang lupa, ngunit ang kaliit-liitang bahagi ng Kautusan ay di mawawalan ng bisa hangga't hindi nagaganap ang lahat.   

Kaya't sinumang magpawalang-halaga kahit sa kaliit-liitang bahagi nito, at magturo nang gayon sa mga tao, ay ibibilang na pinakamababa sa kaharian ng Diyos. Ngunit ang gumaganap ng Kautusan at nagtuturo na tuparin iyon ay ibibilang na dakila sa kaharian ng Diyos."

Reflection for Tuesday June 13, Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

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

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

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A young doctor who topped the board exam was offered by a multinational pharmaceutical company to work for them. She was presented with a big signing bonus, offered a huge salary and to top it all was also offered further studies abroad. Yet she refused the very attractive financial windfall and benefits. 

When asked why? Her simple but very meaningful reply was this: I intend to go back to my home province and make a big positive impact in the lives of my poor province mates where I also belong once upon a time.  

Jesus in our gospel tells us: You are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-14). What does it mean to become salt and light of this world? Salt defines the taste of food and light brings brightness and hope to a dark environment. 

We need to become that salt and light that Jesus mentions in the gospel. This simply means that we have to live a meaningful life in this world! A life that is not lived for oneself alone but a life to be lived for others most especially the poor. 

Often times we get to fixated on ourselves. We have this me first mentality everything that we do is for ourselves first. Then when the time comes that we are able to achieve our objectives and goals. We think now of giving back to our community, church and the poor. 

When Jesus said that you are the salt and light of this world. He did not say fulfill first your dreams to be successful and rich. After which you think now of giving back to your community, church and the poor. 

We need to become salt and light for others not tomorrow and certainly not in the future. We need to become salt and light in the lives of our fellowmen today, right now during this very moment. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Martes Hunyo 13, San Antonio de Padua, pari at pantas ng Simbahan (Paggunita): Marteo 5:13-16

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:13-16

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Kayo’y asin sa sanlibutan. Kung mawalan ng alat ang asin, paano pang mapananauli ang alat nito? Wala na itong kabuluhan kaya’t itinatapon na lamang at niyayapakan ng mga tao. 

“Kayo’y ilaw sa sanlibutan. Hindi maitatago ang isang lungsod na nakatayo sa ibabaw ng burol. Walang nagsisindi ng ilaw at naglalagay nito sa ilalim ng takalan. Sa halip ay inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang matanglawan ang lahat ng nasa bahay. 

Gayun din naman, dapat ninyong paliwanagin ang inyong ilaw sa harapan ng mga tao, upang makita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa, at luwalhatiin ang inyong Amang nasa Langit.”

Reflection for June 12, Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

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. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a poor family. They were poor based on the standard of this world they live in a shanty, they wore tattered clothes yet they were happy. When they were asked on how come that they were happy in spite that they were materially poor the father said: “We follow Jesus, we subscribe to His teachings and He’s part of our family.  

After descending from the mountain Jesus sat down and taught those around Him about the Eight (8) blessings of the Beatitudes. What are these Beatitudes all about? It is the secret of true disciples for Christ. When Jesus told those around Him about these Beatitudes He was actually saying to them that this is how my life is in this world but don’t you all worry for I am happy in following all these. Jesus rejected the comforts of this world He never embraced it. 

The happiness of this world is extremely different from the happiness and fulfillment that Jesus offers us. He knew that what the world gives and dictates are nothing compared to what God would give Him. In effect, Jesus is telling us through these Beatitudes to be like Him, to follow Him to always be with Him for these are all His characteristics. 

But isn’t it hard to follow all these qualities of the Beatitudes? Isn’t it hard to follow Jesus?  Yes it’s hard for the simple reason that the life of Jesus in this world was full of hardship and persecution. However the hardship that Jesus went through was nothing compared to what was waiting for Him in heaven. 

Thus, our focus should always be heavenward never mind the present hardship that we may encounter. For it has a purpose which is to prepare us for our ascent to heaven someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Hunyo 12, Lunes ng Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Jesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya'y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila'y tinuruan ng ganito: "Mapalad ang mga aba na walang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian." 

"Mapalad ang mga nahahapis, sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos." "Mapalad ang mga mapagpakumbaba, 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 ipagkakasundo, 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."

Inspirational Quotes and Words of Wisdom -18

 

Mga Salita ng Puno ng Aral na iyong Matututunan - 20

 

Reflection for Sunday June 11, Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ: John 6:51-58

Gospel: John 6:51-58

Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:   

The story is told about a drug addict who voluntarily submitted himself to a rehabilitation center. While in the center he was required to be present at Holy Mass everyday. Every Holy Mass this man would always partake of the Body of Christ and he would silently ask Jesus to heal and transform him. 

After six months of stay in the rehabilitation center the man was already free from addiction. When he was asked to whom he would attribute his successful healing and rehabilitation. He humbly said, to Jesus the living Bread of Life which I regularly received everyday for six months. 

Unlike regular bread that fills us and after a few hours make us hungry again. The living Bread of Life which we partake during Holy Communion fills and heals our emotional and spiritual hunger. And this healing is continuous for as long as we continue to reverently partake of the Body of Christ. 

Perhaps many will not believe that regular partaking of the Body of Christ would fill and heal our emotional and spiritual hunger. But if we try it and be humble and docile to the will of Jesus, we would also feel His transforming power working within us. 

Nevertheless at the end of the day our healing and transformation are still dependent on how docile and humble we are before God. The Lord in His infinite wisdom has given us the freedom to allow or not to allow the living Bread of Life to heal us. This is the reason why many of us who partake of the Body of Christ, are not healed or transformed, because we are not docile and humble before Jesus. 

If only we would learn to always be docile and humble. If only we would allow the will of God to direct our lives. Transformation and healing would also happen to us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 11, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Kabanal-banalang Katawan at Dugo ng Panginoon Juan 6:51-58

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:51-58

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao: "Ako ang pagkaing nagbibigay-buhay na bumaba mula sa langit. At ang pagkaing ibibigay ko sa ikabubuhay ng sanlibutan ay ang aking laman." Dahil dito'y nagtalu-talo ang mga Judio. "Paanong maibibigay sa atin ng taong ito ang kanyang laman upang kanin natin?" tanong nila. 

Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus, "Tandaan ninyo: malibang kanin ninyo ang laman ng Anak ng Tao at inumin ang kanyang dugo, hindi kayo magkakaroon ng buhay. Ang kumakain ng aking laman at umiinom ng aking dugo ay may buhay na walang hanggan, at muli ko siyang bubuhayin sa huling araw. Sapagkat ang aking laman ay tunay na pagkain, at ang aking dugo, tunay na inumin. 

Ang kumakain ng aking laman at umiinom ng aking dugo ay nananahan sa akin, at ako sa kanya. Buhay ang Amang nagsugo sa akin, at ako'y nabubuhay dahil sa kanya. Gayon din naman, ang sinumang kumakain sa akin ay mabubuhay dahil sa akin. Ito ang pagkaing bumaba mula sa langit; ang kumakain nito'y mabubuhay magpakailanman. Hindi ito katulad ng kinain ng inyong mga magulang sa ilang; namatay sila bagamat kumain sila niyon."

Reflection for June 10, Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 12:38-44

Gospel: Mark 12:38-44

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation." 

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 

Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood."

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a rich man who suddenly died, when he was about to enter the heavenly gates. Jesus appeared before him and told him, you’re not destined to be here. The rich man said to Jesus, why my Lord? I regularly gave large amount of money to the church! I built many churches during my lifetime! I gave to the poor! The Lord said to him, Yes you did all of those things but you did it so that you would be praised and hailed as generous.    

In giving to the church or giving in general the best way to do it is to give from the heart and to give without anybody knowing it. We do not give out of our surplus and we don’t give because we want others to admire and praise us. 

The rich and powerful in our gospel who gave large amount of money to the treasury seems to be generous on the surface. But they are not for the reason that they gave from their surplus wealth or wealth that is not useful to them anymore. 

In contrast here is a poor and powerless widow who gave two small coins worth a few cents (Mark 12:42). This poor but truly generous widow gained the admiration of Jesus since she gave from her heart. The widow gave it all, no pretensions and no desire for earthly praise whatsoever. 

When we give to the church and when we give in general, let us give from our hearts. Let us not publicize our generosity and let us not seek praise and admiration in our giving. Let us also not count the cost of giving because what we give comes back to us in so many ways. 

When we are truly generous, we will not run out of things to give. In fact the more that we are truly generous the more that we would receive blessing from God. The more that we forget ourselves and our own needs for the welfare and need of others the more that Jesus would bless us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Reflection for June 9, Friday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 12:35-37

Gospel: Mark 12:35-37

As Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord,‘Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.’ David himself calls him ‘lord’; so how is he his son?”The great crowd heard this with delight.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Son of David, Messiah and Christ these three names have a common denominator one way or the other it means Savior. And who else is this savior? It’s none other than Jesus but unlike our common notion of a savior who comes in with swashbuckling powers ala avengers. Jesus our savior has none of their powers. 

His power is derived in His being powerless and His heroic action is not shown with swaggering super human exploits. It is rather shown in his humility and self-sacrifice. Let us reflect and ponder on the powerless Jesus on the cross and let us discover His power underneath it.  

During the time of Jesus, the scribes were Jewish scholars and teachers of the law they didn’t believe that Jesus was both human and divine. To them Jesus was only human and as they claim the human Jesus is the Son of David or descendant of King David. 

But David inspired by the Holy Spirit called Him Lord, Jesus was indirectly telling the Jews that if David called Him Lord. Then they should also believe in Him as the Son of God not as a son of David. 

There are many more who are not fully aware of Jesus’ humanity and divinity: we are therefore being challenged by the Lord to help Him spread His teachings. Would we help the Lord spread His teachings? – Marino J. Dasmarinas