Reflection for June 20, Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

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Reflection:

Are you capable of loving your enemies?

In the gospel Jesus calls us to a deeper form of love: “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44).

It’s not easy to give love to someone who betrayed your trust. But that’s what Jesus is telling us: to love unconditionally. Regardless of the hurts and betrayal done to us we still need to love and pray for those who’ve hurt us. 

There’s no winner when we respond betrayal with betrayal, anger with anger. Despite of the injury done to us, why not try to still be meek and forgiving and leave everything in the hands of the Lord? God doesn’t love us selectively; He doesn’t love us because we follow His commands. He still loves us even if we’ve betrayed Him so many times.    

God loves us without any preconditions; He lets the sun rise and the rain to fall on all of us sinners. Therefore we have to love even our enemies and one of the ways to do this is not to wish them harm. Notwithstanding  the hurts that they’ve inflicted upon us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for June 19, Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.”

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Reflection:

What will happen if we would become kind to our enemies, if we will not respond to their mocking? The enemy will simply go away or they might even become our friend. There is so much hatred in this world because we respond to hatred. We perpetuate the cycle of anger by anger. 

When we respond to hatred and violence we allow the devil one to take hold of us. And when the evil one takes control of us it will do nothing but destroy us. And bring us closer to his kingdom where everyone is evil and is not lacking in hatred.   

In our gospel Jesus convincingly destroys the evil of hatred by love and humility.  Jesus tells us this: “I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well (Matthew 5:39). 

Are we capable of loving those who despise us and are we willing to humble ourselves before them? Should we confront them or we simply ignore their insults and anger? Many regrettable acts of anger would have been avoided if only we have love and humility in our hearts. 

Prayer: O dear Lord we pray that you give us the virtue of Humility, Forgiveness and Love. Sow in our hearts everything that is good. Sow in our heart gentleness, forgiveness and compassion. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday June 18, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:36-10:8

Gospel: Matthew 9:36—10:8

At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” 

Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. 

Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

 

Reflection:

Do you have a heart for the poor?

We are in hard times right now, the global economy is in decline, prices of commodities are all surging at unbelievable pace. Many workers are being laid-off due to downsizing and the effect of artificial inteliigence we don’t know when will this end. The poor who are the vast majority are getting poorer by the day. Given the situation that we have right now, I am sure Jesus heart is bleeding with pity for us. 

The poor people of this world are so many but the laborers who are willing to sacrifice and help them are so few. There’s an imbalance so to speak. Like the apostles whom Jesus summoned; those who have in life are being called by Jesus to help those who have nothing. They are those who can barely afford to buy their food we just need to look around and we’ll see them. 

The apostles whom Jesus summoned were not wealthy they were ordinary people like, fishermen, tax collector and sinners. But Jesus had chosen them simply because they were ready to respond. 

The sign of the times calls for us to listen to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, to share our blessings no matter how small. Jesus further states: "Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." 

Would you care to listen the voice of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 18, Ika – 11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:36-10:8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:36-10:8

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Hesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga may sakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. 

Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila’y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sagana ang anihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang anihin.”

Tinipon ni Hesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman. Ito ang pangalan ng labindalawang apostol: si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; sina Felipe at Bartolome; si Tomas, at si Mateo na publikano; si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo; si Simong makabayan at si Judas Iscariote, ang nagkanulo kay Hesus.

Ang labindalawang ito’y sinugo ni Hesus at kanyang pinagbilinan: “Huwag kayong pupunta sa lugar ng mga Hentil, o sa alinmang bayan ng mga Samaritano. Sa halip ay hanapin ninyo ang mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel. Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos.”

Pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo. Yamang tumanggap kayo nang walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo nang walang bayad.” 

Reflection for Saturday June 17, Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Luke 2:41-51

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Reflection:

What breaks the heart of a mother? It is to see that her children are not successful in their own respective fields especially in their marriages.

Mary’s heart was also being torn to pieces as she discovered that her child Jesus was not with them as they return home to Nazareth. But the Blessed Mother trusted God and she surely prayed to God as well that they would be able to find Jesus.

Today we remember the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Immaculate means clean unsullied by any impurities that will make it unclean: that’s the heart of the Blessed Mother. However, her heart was not spared from sorrows, pains and apprehensions this was very vivid when she was at the foot of the cross crying and somberly looking up to his crucified and dying son.

However, amidst the sorrows; the Blessed Mother’s heart is also deeply humble and trusting to the will of God. She carried her sorrow with dignity and deep faith in God that’s why she quietly endured her sufferings until the death of Jesus on the cross.

For the mothers who carry their own sufferings may the Immaculate Heart of Mary be your own model of humility, trust and deep faith. Your sufferings may be caused by your children, by your husband or by a severe trial.

Never hesitate to ask the Blessed Mother to pray for you and to bring you closer to her son Jesus. – Marino j. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Friday June 16, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Matthew 11:25-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. 

No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Reflections:

Do you have a devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus?

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, through his Sacred Heart Jesus is telling us this: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Even if they were equal in stature Jesus always prayed to God the Father, Jesus always humbles Himself before God. A good question to ask ourselves: Do we always find time to pray to God to praise Him and thank Him? Do we always humble ourselves before God?

Sometimes there’s a tendency for us to forget God and be proud of our worldly achievements. For the reason that we have the education, power and money, we forget God and allow ourselves to be swept away from God by the temporal things of this world.  

Our earthly achievements and possessions may create a sense of security for us. However this is a big lie, no matter how learned we are, no matter how rich and powerful we are it will not guaranty our security and happiness in this world. For the simple reason that true happiness and security is only with Jesus.

On the latter part of the gospel Jesus invites us to come to Him for He will give us rest. Humbly come to Him by way of perpetually attending Holy Mass, humbly come to Him through the Sacrament of Confession/Reconciliation, and humbly come to Him through the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The moment we sincerely accept Jesus’ invitation. We would truly find rest in Him and we will never have the feeling of emptiness because the Lord is already with us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Inspirational Quotes and Words of Wisdom -19

 

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Biyernes Hunyo 16, Kamahal-mahalang puso ni Jesus: Mateo 11:25-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:25-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus, "Pinasasalamatan kita, Ama, Panginoon ng langit at lupa, sapagkat inilihim mo ang mga bagay na ito sa marurunong at matatalino at inihayag sa mga may kaloobang tulad ng sa bata. Oo, Ama, sapagkat gayon ang ikinalulugod mo.

"Ibinigay sa akin ng aking Ama ang lahat ng bagay. Walang nakakikilala sa Anak kundi ang Ama, at walang nakakikilala sa Ama kundi ang Anak at yaong marapating pagpahayagan ng Anak.

"Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at; nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y pagpapahingahin ko. Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok, at mag-aral kayo sa akin; ako'y maamo at mababang-loob, at makasusumpong kayo ng kapahingahan para sa inyong kaluluwa. Sapagkat maginhawang dalhin ang aking pamatok, at magaan ang pasaning ibibigay ko sa inyo."

Mga Salita ng Puno ng Aral na iyong Matututunan - 21

 

1Reflection 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.”

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Reflection:

What is the antidote to sin? What can truly defeat hatred and evil in our lives? It is humility, forgiveness, and love. 

When we fall into sin—especially when we hurt those closest to us, like our spouse—the way to healing begins with humility. If you have sinned against your spouse, the first step is to humble yourself before him or her. Say from the heart, “I’m sorry for hurting you,” or “I’m sorry for betraying your trust.” These words, though simple, carry the power to begin restoration.

If love remains in the heart of the one you have wounded, forgiveness will likely follow. But the door to that forgiveness is unlocked by your humility—your sincere acknowledgment of your fault. Without humility, healing cannot begin.

Yet, let’s be honest: saying "I’m sorry" is never easy. It’s one of the hardest things to say. Pride stands in the way. Many choose silence instead of apology. But when humility dwells in our hearts, we will not hesitate to ask for forgiveness—because we know it is the path to healing and reconciliation.

There’s a painful paradox at play: we are quick to sin, but slow to apologize. Some of us may not even be willing to apologize at all. And this unwillingness—this lack of humility—can break marriages, damage friendships, and divide families.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:23–25), Jesus gently reminds us of the importance of humility and the courage to admit our faults. He calls us to reconcile with one another before offering our gifts to God. Why? Because when we humble ourselves and confess our sins, we open our hearts to grace. We save ourselves from deeper wounds and greater troubles.

But when we choose pride over peace, when we let arrogance rule our hearts, conflict and unrest will never leave us.

Are you willing to humbly apologize to someone you’ve hurt? Yes, reaching out takes courage. Apologizing takes strength. But it is also a redemptive act—one that sets your soul free from the chains of pride, anger, and the influence of the devil.

Let humility lead you. Let love guide you. And let forgiveness restore what sin has broken. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.”

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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  

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.

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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

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."

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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."