Reflection for Sunday July 30, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:44-52

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52

(Jesus told his disciples) “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 

When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. 

What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who had six children from six different men. She was on the verge of giving up on her life because she was already disowned by her family for the reason of her wayward lifestyle. "She said to herself, “I feel alone because nobody trusts and loves me anymore, but I don’t blame anyone but myself."

While aimlessly walking she saw a sign with these words, If you feel nobody wants you anymore, come to us: We will take care of you. So she went and she found out that it was a shelter for unwanted mothers run by nuns. To make a long story short, the nuns cared for her unconditionally and through them she discovered the unconditional love of Jesus.

Through Jesus and the nuns she found restoration, hope and healing. With gratitude she said to the nuns; you took care of me when nobody else cared. You gave me the unconditional love of Jesus when no one else bothered to give it to me. Through you I found the greatest treasure in this world which is Jesus.

Everyone of us has a purpose and mission in this world. And this is none other than to introduce the greatest treasure in this world which is rarely found by others. This greatest treasure is Jesus. We must take time therefore to know Him and share Him so that others may discover Jesus through us.

How could others discover Jesus through us? We must give hope and have a listening ear instead of condemnation.  We must be forgiving rather than be unforgiving and we must always sow love rather than hatred, judgment and arrogance. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hulyo 30, Ika – 17 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:44-52

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:44-52

Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad ng kayamanang nakabaon sa isang bukid. Nahukay ito ng isang tao at tinabunan uli. Sa laki ng tuwa, siya'y humayo at ipinagbili ang lahat ng ari-arian niya at binili ang bukid na iyon.

"Gayon din naman, ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang mangangalakal, na naghahanap ng isang mamahaling perlas. Nang makakita ng isang perlas na napakahalaga, siya'y humayo at ipinagbili ang lahat ng kanyang ari-arian at binili iyon."

"Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad din ng isang malaking lambat na inihahagis sa dagat at nakahuli ng sari-saring isda. Nang mapuno ay hinila ito sa pampang. At naupo ang mga tao upang pagbukod-bukurin ang mga isda: tinipon nila sa mga sisidlan ang mabubuti, ngunit itinapon ang mga walang kwenta. 

Gayon din ang mangyayari sa katapusan ng daigdig. Darating ang mga anghel at ihihiwalay ang mga makasalanan sa mga banal, at ihahagis ang mga makasalanan sa maningas na pugon. Doo'y mananangis sila at magngangalit ang kanilang ngipin."

"Nauunawaan na ba ninyo ang lahat ng ito?" tanong ni Jesus. "Opo," sagot nila. At sinabi niya sa kanila, "Kaya nga, ang bawat eskriba na kumikilala sa paghahari ng Diyos ay tulad ng isang puno ng sambahayan na kumukuha ng mga bagay na bago at luma sa kanyang taguan."

Reflection Saturday July 29 Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus (M): John 11:19-27

Gospel: John 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 

But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.

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Reflection:

Who is Jesus to you? Is He your best friend that you always go to whenever you are disturb by the many worries of this world? Jesus is the best friend of Martha and Mary they have that close interaction with Him. 

 When Jesus was going to their house to comfort them about the death of their brother Lazarus. Martha went to meet Jesus while He was still on His way to their house.  Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died (John 11:21). 

 If Jesus was an ordinary friend Martha would not have bothered to meet Jesus, she would simply wait for Jesus to arrive in their house. But Jesus was their close friend, thus Marta met Him while He was on His way to their house. 

How could we have a close friendship with Jesus? We have to become prayerful. We have to ask Jesus to increase our faith. We have to attend Holy Mass as frequent as we can and we have to give time to read the bible about the life of Jesus. 

The best thing that could ever happen to our life is not to have the riches of this world. For it will fade away and we will leave it someday. The best thing that could ever happen to us is to have the friendship of Jesus. For He will always be there for us forever. This is the best thing that could ever happen to us in this world. 

Is Jesus your friend? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 29, Sabado ng Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Juan 11:19-27

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:19-27

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga Judio ang dumalaw kina Marta at Maria upang sila’y aliwin. Nang marinig ni Marta na dumarating si Hesus, sinalubong niya ito; ngunit si Maria’y naiwan sa bahay. Sinabi ni Marta, “Panginoon, kung kayo po’y narito, hindi sana namatay ang aking kapatid.  

Ngunit nalalaman kong kahit ngayo’y ibibigay sa inyo ng Diyos ang anumang hingin ninyo sa kanya.” “Muling mabubuhay ang iyong kapatid,” wika ni Hesus. Sumagot si Marta, “Nalalaman ko pong siya’y mabubuhay uli sa huling araw, sa muling pagkabuhay.” Sinabi naman ni Hesus, “Ako ang muling pagkabuhay at ang buhay.   

Ang nananalig sa akin, kahit mamatay ay muling mabubuhay, at sinumang nabubuhay at nananalig sa akin, kahit mamatay ay mabubuhay kailanman. Pinaniniwalaan mo ba ito?” “Opo, Panginoon!” sagot niya. “Nananalig ako sa inyo. Kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos, ang Mesiyas na inaasahang paparito sa sanlibutan.”

Reflection July 28 Friday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:18-23

Gospel: Matthew 13:18-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Hear the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. 

The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. 

The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

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Reflection:

Do you allow the words of Jesus to transform you? For example, you attend Holy Mass or you read the bible after doing it what happens to you? Do you allow these sacred experiences to slowly transform you to become a better follower of the Lord?  Or nothing happens for it is just a passing experience that you did not treasure. 

When you encounter the words of Jesus you must always allow it to create a transformation within you. It doesn’t matter how slow the transformation what is important is you are being transformed to become a better and productive followers of Jesus. 

God would always want to connect Himself with us yet it’s us who creates distance from God. We don’t respond to God’s desire to connect because we fear that God would restrict our movement and behaviors.  But this is who God is the moment you get serious with Him. If you allow Him, He will truly restrict your movements and behaviors but you have nothing to worry because this is for your own good.

For example, God will restrict you from doing bad, God will restrict you from continuing with your vices. Vices that do nothing to you except to destroy you and your loved ones. But you need not worry about  these restrictions because these restrictions are for your own good. Not for anyone’s good but for our own good! 

When you allow the words of God to grow and bear fruit in your heart you become like the seed sown on rich soil. Do you allow the words of God to transform you? Do you allow it to bear good and useful fruits in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 28, Biyernes ng Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:18-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:18-23

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Pakinggan nga ninyo ang kahulugan ng talinghaga tungkol sa manghahasik. Ang mga nakikinig ng Salita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos ngunit hindi nakauunawa nito ay katulad ng mga binhing nahasik sa tabi ng daan. 

Dumarating ang Masama at inaagaw ang nahasik sa kanilang puso. Inilalarawan ng binhing nahasik sa kabatuhan ang nakikinig ng Salita at masayang tumatanggap nito kaagad. Ngunit hindi ito tumitimo sa puso nila kaya’t hindi sila nananatili. Pagdating ng mga kapighatian o pag-uusig dahil sa Salita, agad silang nanlalamig. 

Inilalarawan naman ng naghasik sa dawagan ang nakikinig ng Salita, ngunit naging abala sa mga bagay ukol sa mundong ito, at naging maibigin sa mga kayamanan anupat ang Salita’y nawalan na ng puwang sa kanilang puso, kaya’t hindi makapamunga. At inilalarawan ng naghasik sa matabang lupa ang mga nakikinig ng Salita at nakauunawa nito. Sila’y namumunga: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpu.”

Do you know the health benefits of eating apple?/Alam mo ba ang mga benepisyo ng pagkain ng mansanas?

 

Reflection July 27, Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:10-17

Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?" He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven    has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. 

To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.  

Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them. 

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

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Reflection:

Do you discern the intervention of Jesus in your life through real life stories that you go through? 

The disciples were discerning of these stories coursed through parables.  However, the fickle crowd was not discerning. Why? This is for the reason that they only follow because of their need of Jesus. After they’ve gotten what they want they once again detach themselves from Jesus in other words the fickle crowd were followers in need only. 

There are still many nowadays who are like the fickle crowd they go to Jesus because they are in need. For instance, those who are carrying many burdens. After they’ve been relieved of their burdens they somewhat distance themselves once again until their next need comes around. 

We must follow Jesus the way the disciples followed Him they were not followers in need only, they were always there for Him; in good times and in bad. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 27, Huwebes ng Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:10-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:10-17

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit ang mga alagad at tinanong si Jesus: "Bakit po ninyo dinadaan sa talinghaga ang inyong pagsasalita sa kanila?" Sumagot siya, "Ipinagkaloob sa inyo na malaman ang mga lihim tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, ngunit hindi ito ipinagkakaloob sa kanila. 

Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Nagsasalita ako sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga, sapagkat tumitingin sila ngunit hindi nakakikita, at nakikinig ngunit hindi nakaririnig ni nakauunawa.  

Natutupad nga sa kanila ang hula ni Isaias na nagsasabi: 'Makinig kayo nang makinig, hindi kayo makauunawa, at tumingin man kayo nang tumingin, hindi kayo makakikita. Sapagkat naging mapurol ang isip ng mga taong ito; mahirap makarinig ang kanilang mga tainga, at ipinikit nila ang kanilang mga mata. Kung di gayon, disin sana'y nakakita ang kanilang mga mata. Nakarinig ang kanilang mga tainga, nakaunawa ang kanilang mga isip, at nagbalik-loob sa akin, at pinagaling ko sila, sabi ng Panginoon.'   

Mapalad kayo, sapagkat nakakikita ang inyong mga mata at nakaririnig ang inyong mga tainga! Sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming propeta at matutuwid na tao ang nagnanasang makakita sa inyong nakikita, ngunit hindi ito nakita, at makarinig sa inyong narinig, ngunit hindi ito napakinggan."

Do You Know the Health Benefits of eating Tomatoes?/ Alam Mo ba ang Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Kamatis?

 

Reflection for Wednesday July 26, Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary (M): Matthew 13:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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Reflection:

Why does Jesus sometimes tell parables?

Jesus often tells parables to His disciples for them to have something to reflect, ponder and think about. These parables are also for us to reflect and discover the lesson that it tries to convey to us.

The sower in the gospel parable is actually God, the seeds that He sowed were His teachings and the environments which the seeds fell are us. Obviously the first three environments on which the seeds fell were not ideal because the seeds did not grew and bear fruit as it should be.

We become the first three environments when we intentionally turn a deaf ear to God’s teachings. For example, in matters of sin, we all know that sin is evil. But sad to say many of us shun God in favor of sin. Many of us favor sin because we love this world than God.  

No matter how much God wants us to know more about Him if we are not willing to listen He cannot do anything about it. He will not be able to take root and grow in our hearts because we simply don’t want it. We want more to get busy with the things of this world which is oftentimes sinful than the things of God.

The last environment: The rich soil could also be us. This happens when we open our whole being to God’s teachings. We listen to it, we imbibed it, we live it and we share it. It grows within us and in that process we bear fruit. In bearing fruit God uses us to touch lives thus we become an instrument of His blessings for others. The desire of God is for us to always become the rich soil wherein we touch lives and make a positive difference in the lives of our fellow human beings.

God wants us to be transformed to become the rich, productive and responsive soil. So that we can touch lives and be a force for good towards others. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Hulyo 26, San Joaquin at Santa Ana mga magulang ng Mahal na Birheng Maria (Paggunita): Mateo 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:1-9

Noon ding araw na iyon, si Hesus ay lumabas ng bahay at naupo sa tabi ng lawa. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng makapal na tao, kaya sumakay siya sa isang bangka at doon naupo. Nasa dalampasigan naman ang mga tao. At nagturo siya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga.  

“May isang magsasakang lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Sapagkat manipis lang ang lupa roon, sumibol agad ang binhing iyon, ngunit nang mapabilad sa matinding sikat ng araw ay natuyo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat.   

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga iyon. Ngunit ang binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa ay nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. Ang may pandinig ay making!”

Reflection for Tuesday July 25, Feast of Saint James, Apostle: Matthew 20:20-28

Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” 

Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 

But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

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Reflection:

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? Does it mean to wield power and influence? Does it mean to be popular in your community? None of the above actually, to be a follower is to be ready to serve without any hidden agenda. To be a follower is not to desire greatness or any form of influence and popularity. 

The mother of the sons of Zebedee desired her two sons to sit beside Jesus in His kingdom. Why did she ask for this? She asked because she did not know the real essence of a follower of Jesus. If only she knew that a follower must be the epitome of humility she would have not asked for that exalted position. 

The mother of the two sons is the typical representation of the many modern parents of today. They want their children to be in the spotlight. To be in front and have all the attention that they could gather. 

But if this is the mindset of many parents today, what are they teaching their children? They’re teaching their children to have an arrogant mindset instead of a mindset of humility. Their teaching their children to seek prominence whenever they do good instead of simply fading away.  

If we want to grow in faith and if we want to be exalted by Jesus we have to learn to be humble. We have to learn not to desire greatness in whatever forms and shapes. Because in due time greatness will naturally come to those who are as humble as Jesus. –Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hulyo 25, San Santiago, apostol (Kapistahan): Mateo 20:20-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:20-28

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang asawa ni Zebedeo, kasama ang kanyang mga anak. May ibig siyang hingin, kaya't lumuhod siya sa harapan ni Jesus. "ano ang ibig mo?" tanong ni Jesus. Sumagot siya, "Sana'y ipagkaloob ninyo sa dalawa kong anak na ito ang karapatang makaupong katabi ninyo sa inyong kaharian -- isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa."   

"Hindi ninyo nalalaman ang inyong hinihingi," sabi ni Jesus sa kanila. "Mababata ba ninyo ang hirap na babatahin ko?" "Opo," tugon nila. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang hirap na babatahin ko'y babatahin nga ninyo. Ngunit wala sa akin ang pagpapasiya kung sino ang mauupo sa aking kanan at sa aking kaliwa. Ang mga luklukang sinasabi ninyo'y para sa pinaghandaan ng aking Ama."  

Nang marinig ito ng sampung mga alagad, nagalit sila sa magkapatid. Kaya't pinalapit sila ni Jesus at sinabi sa kanila, "Alam ninyo na ang mga pinuno ng mga Hentil ay naghahari sa kanila, at ang mga dinadakila ang siyang nasusunod. 

Ngunit hindi dapat ganyan ang umiral sa inyo. Sa halip, ang sinuman sa inyo na ibig maging dakila ay dapat maging lingkod. At sinumang ibig maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ninyo, tulad ng Anak ng Tao na naparito, hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at iaalay ang kanyang buhay upang matubos ang marami.