Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Disyembre 26 San Esteban, unang martir (Kapistahan): Mateo 10:17-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:17-22

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Mag-ingat kayo, sapagkat may mga taong magkakanulo sa inyo sa mga hukuman; at hahagupitin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga. Dahil sa akin, ihaharap kayo sa mga gobernador at mga hari, at magpapatotoo kayo sa harapan nila at ng mga Hentil. 

Kapag nililitis na kayo, huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa sasabihin ninyo o kung paano ninyo sasabihin. Pagdating ng oras, ito'y ipagkakaloob sa inyo. sapagkat hindi kayo ang magsasalita kundi ang Espiritu ng inyong Ama ang magsasalita sa pamamagitan ninyo. 

"Ipagkakanulo ng kanyang kapatid ang kanyang kapatid upang ipapatay; gayon din ang gagawin ng ama sa kanyang anak. Lalabanan ng mga anak ang kanilang mga magulang, at ipapapatay. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin; ngunit ang manatiling tapat hanggang wakas ang siyang maliligtas.

Reflection for Monday December 25, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass during the Day: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

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

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ 

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a pregnant woman who was given a choice by her doctor: Her life or the life of the child in her womb. The woman was not able to immediately answer. The next day she was again asked the same question by her doctor.  She replied that she would choose the life of her child over her own life. 

The love of God for us is like the exercise of love of this woman; for the love of God for us is infinite. God gave to us His only begotten son so that we may live and have life no matter how sinful we are. 

A family to bond together needs infinite love, the secret to a long and lasting marriage is infinite love between the husband and the wife. Without this infinite love the family is bound to disintegrate same with the union of husband and wife. 

The birth of Jesus the word made flesh which we celebrate today is the result of God’s  infinite  love for us. What have we done with this gift of infinite love by the birth of Jesus through the Blessed Mother? Have we already shared this infinite love that we received from God in the person of Jesus? 

Many of us don’t have time anymore to share Jesus because of our many worldly preoccupations. We are so busy making a living for this world.    

But in the midst of these things we are being gently reminded that today our savior is born. And His coming into our midst is brought about by God’s infinite love. So, we have a duty to share the birthday of our savior so that they too would feel God’s infinite love as we feel it now.  

Those who will share the Lord will in so many ways be continuously be blessed by the Lord.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Disyembre 25, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon, Misa sa Araw: Juan 1:1-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection for Monday December 25, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Mass during the Night: Luke 2:1-14

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 

While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

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Reflection:

How do you celebrate your Christmas?

The gospel intimates to us the very simple birth of Jesus, bereft of any sign of affluence. This must also be our guide when we celebrate our Christmas; let us make it as simple as possible. Let us also see to it that we make others happy most especially the poor by sharing what we have with them. If we do this, they would see the person of Christ in us; the true meaning of Christmas will become a living reality for them through us.  

Let us also see to it that we attend Holy Mass for this is the best way to usher the birth of Jesus. The true reason for the season which is the birth of our savior is often times overcrowded by our many Christmas undertakings/celebrations. Thus, our celebration becomes the center of our Christmas; Jesus is set aside in favor of these many celebrations.

Our Responsorial Psalm which says: Today is born our savior Christ the Lord. This tell us that we must put more premium first on the birth of Jesus and not on our many celebrations. In our first reading the prophet Isaiah signified the importance of Jesus’ birth by saying that those who walked in darkness have seen a great light and those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 9:1).

How can we see the true light of Jesus that will brighten our life if we put first our celebrations in lieu of our presence in the Holy Mass? How can we discover the true essence of Christ simple birth if we will not share what we have with the poor? Which Jesus always love to be identified with. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Disyembre 25, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon, Misa sa Hatinggabi: Lucas 2:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:1-14

Noong panahong iyon, iniutos ng Emperador Augusto na magpatala ang lahat ng nasasakupan ng Imperyo ng Roma. Ang unang pagpapatalang ito’y ginawa nang si Cirenio and gobernador ng Siria. Kaya’t umuwi ang bawat isa sa sariling bayan upang magpatala.  

Mula sa Nazaret, Galilea, si Jose’y pumunta sa Betlehem, Judea, ang bayang sinilangan ni Haring David, sapagkat siya’y mula sa angkan at lahi ni David. Kasama niyang umuwi upang magpatala rin si Maria na kanyang magiging asawa na noo’y kagampan. Samantalang naroroon sila, dumating ang oras ng panganganak ni Maria at isinilang niya ang kanyang panganay at ito’y lalaki. Binalot niya ng lampin ang sanggol at inihiga sa isang sabsaban, sapagkat wala nang lugar para sa kanila sa bahay-panuluyan.  

Sa lupain ding yaon ay may mga pastol na nasa parang, nagpupuyat sa pagbabantay ng kanilang mga tupa. Biglang lumitaw sa harapan nila ang isang anghel ng Panginoon at lumaganap sa paligid nila ang nakasisilaw na kaningningan ng Panginoon.  

Natakot sila nang gayun na lamang, “Huwag kayong matakot! Ako’y may dalang mabuting balita para sa inyo na magdudulot ng malaking kagalakan sa lahat ng tao. Sapagkat isinilang ngayon sa bayan ni David ang inyong Tagapagligtas, ang Kristong Panginoon. Ito ang palatandaan: matatagpuan ninyo ang isang sanggol na nababalot ng lampin at nakahiga sa sabsaban.”  

Biglang lumitaw sa tabi ng anghel ang isang malaking hukbo ng kalangitan, na nagpupuri sa Diyos: “Papuri sa Diyos sa kaitaasan, at sa lupa’y kapayapaan sa mga taong kinalulugdan niya!”

1Reflection for Sunday December 24, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end."  

But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Among the many women during that time, why was Mary chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus? Mary was chosen because she was humble and obedient to the will of God. Mary did not say, 'I will not submit to the will of God because I have my own agenda to pursue for myself.

The Lord always chooses and uses the humble and the obedient for the realization of His plans in this world. Simply put, Mary humbly submitted her own life to God. Like Mary, do we always submit to the wisdom and intervention of God? Or do we only submit when we see that it would favor us? When it doesn’t favor us, we decline God’s wisdom and intervention.

God’s intervention in our lives is always for our own good and welfare. We may initially see it as something that is very hard to follow and understand because we would be pulled out from our comfort zones or from our sinful ways. However, in the end, we will realize that God's plan is right, for our own good and for own redemption. 

God has a beautiful plan for your life, He only ask you of one thing for that plan to become a reality. And that is to humbly submit to that plan and intervention of God.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Reflection for December 23, Saturday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:57-66

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 

But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

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Reflection:

“What then will this child be?” asked the neighbors about the newly born John. Perhaps, this is also the million dollar question that every parents ask themselves when their child is born.

A child’s future to a great extent depends on how their parents rear them. As for John the Baptist, even if his destiny was already carved in stone and even if the guidance of the Lord was with him he was also properly brought up by his parents: Elizabeth and Zechariah.

Baptism is the beginning of a child’s journey with God.  After baptism it is now the responsibilities of the parents to properly rear their child according to the teachings and values of the Catholic faith. What happens then if the parents are irresponsible and they failed to properly guide the child? The parents are partly to blame if the child ends up as a failure in his/her adult life.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were both good parents to John. They taught him discipline, simplicity, humility, and the like. John imbibed all of these values given to him by his parents. His parents' teachings were John’s guiding light that prepared him to become the precursor for Jesus.

How are you rearing your child or how did your parents raise you? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 23, Sabado sa Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:57-66

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66

Dumating ang oras ng panganganak ni Elisabet, at nagluwal siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki. Nabalitaan ng kanyang mga kapitbahay at mga kamag-anak na siya'y pinagpala ng Panginoon, at nakigalak sila sa kanya. Nang ikawalong araw, dumalo sila sa pagtutuli ng sanggol. Zacarias sana ang ipapangalan sa kanya -- gaya ng kanyang ama -- ngunit sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Hindi! Juan ang ipangangalan sa kanya." Subalit wala ni isa man sa inyong kamag-anak ang may ganyang pangalan," wika nila.  

Kaya't hinudyatan nila ang kanyang ama at itinanong kung ano ang ibig niyang itawag sa sanggol. Humingi siya ng masusulatan at sumulat ng ganito: "Juan ang kanyang pangalan." At namangha silang lahat. Pagdaka'y nakapagsalita siya, at nagpuri sa Diyos. Natakot ang kanilang kapitbahay, anupa't naging usap-usapan sa buong kaburulan ng Judea ang mga bagay na ito. Pinakaisip-isip ito ng lahat ng nakaalam at ang kanilang tanong: "Magiging ano nga kaya ang batang ito?" Sapagkat maliwanag na sumasakanya ang Panginoon. 

Reflection for December 22, Friday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:46-56

Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Mary said: 

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit.  

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” 

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

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Reflection:

Do you remember to proclaim the greatness of the Lord and does your spirit rejoice in God your savior? 

We may have different answers but the Blessed Mother pronounced these hymn of praise and thanksgiving (Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55). The Virgin Mary said this in response to the greeting of her relative Elizabeth during the Visitation. This is the Virgin Mary’s expression of humility, gratitude, and praise for the goodness and mercy of God.

The Magnificat of the Blessed Mother teaches us that we should also learn to proclaim and rejoice the greatness of Jesus we must thank Him for everything. In our triumphs and in our trials we must thank Him.  Because recognizing the goodness of God show’s that we greatly value the role of God in our lives, that without God we are nothing.

 Why should we also thank the Lord for our trials? For the simple reason that we also learn from our trials and there’s always a silver lining behind every trial if we would persevere and continue to have faith in God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 22, Biyernes sa Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:46-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:46-56

Noong panahong iyon, ipinahayag ni Maria ang awit na ito:

"Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri sa Panginoon, at nagagalak ang aking espiritu dahil sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas. Sapagkat nilingap niya ang kanyang abang alipin! At mula ngayon, ako'y tatawaging mapalad ng lahat ng sali't salinlahi, dahil sa mga dakilang bagay na ginawa sa akin ng Makapangyarihan -- Banal ang kanyang pangalan! 

Kinahahabagan siya ng mga may takot sa kanya, sa lahat ng sali't saling lahi, ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang mga bisig, pinakalat niya ang mga palalo ang isipan. Ibinagsak niya ang mga hari mula sa kanilang trono, at itinaas ang mga nasa abang kalagayan.  

Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom. At pinalayas niyang wala ni anuman ang mayayaman. Tinulungan niya ang bayang Israel, bilang pagtupad sa mga pangako niya sa ating mga magulang, kay Abraham at sa kanyang lahi, magpakailanman!" tumira si Maria kina Elisabet nang may tatlong buwan, at saka umuwi.

Reflection for December 21, Thursday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

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Reflection:

Who moves you to forget your own personal needs so that you could make life better for others? He is no other than Jesus. If Jesus is an integral part of your life you would easily forget yourself. And your own personal circumstances so that you could make life easier and comfortable for others. 

Let us take a deeper look on the actions of the Blessed Mother in the gospel. The Blessed Mother disregarded her own personal safety so she could give comfort and care to her cousin Elizabeth. What moved her to risk her life considering that she was also pregnant during that time? And considering also that she had to travel a very long distance going to her cousin Elisabeth?  It was the baby Jesus in her womb; she was carrying in her womb the greatest gift that we could ever have. She wanted therefore to share the blessing of Jesus to her cousin Elizabeth. 

During these days of materialism and consumerism Christmas is slowly becoming gift centered rather than Jesus centered. We have a tendency to focus more on gifts and not on Jesus. Jesus is slowly being eased out in place of materialism and consumerism. 

Many are also forlorn today brought about by the harsness of daily living. Let us bring Jesus to them by giving them something. Or if we can’t give them something we simply spend time with them and share Jesus with them. Many of the greatest treasures that last a lifetime are not material things but the things that are not measured by material things. 

Let us refocus our Christmas celebration to Jesus. Let us make the forthcoming birth of Jesus as our first priority and the gifts  our third priority only.  Hence let us emulate the Blessed Mother.  Let us forget ourselves and let us remember to share Jesus with our relatives in particular and with others in general. 

Would you share Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 21, Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-45

Hindi nagtagal at si Maria'y nagmamadaling pumunta sa isang bayan sa kaburulan ng Judea. Pagdating sa bahay ni Zacarias, binati niya si Elisabet. Nang marinig ni Elisabet ang bati ni Maria, naggagalaw ang sanggol sa kanyang tiyan.  

Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elisabet, at buong galak niyang sinabi, "Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaing lahat, at pinagpala naman ang iyong dinadalang anak! Sino ako upang dalawin ng ina ng aking Panginoon? Sapagkat pagkarinig ko ng iyong bati ay naggagalaw sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking tiyan. Mapalad ka sapagkat nanalig kang matutupad ang ipinasasabi sa iyo ng Panginoon!"

Reflection for December 20, Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.  

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren for nothing will be impossible for God.”  

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Was Mary prepared for the Angel Gabriel’s message? No, she was not, and this is evident when she questioned the Angel Gabriel’s announcement. Despite her lack of preparation, she soon embraced it with all of her immaculate heart.

How deep is your love for God or how profound is your love for God? Would you be willing to sacrifice something of yourself for God?  

When the Blessed Virgin Mary obeyed the will of God for her to be the mother of Jesus she sacrificed her own comfort and happiness for the will of God. The Blessed Mother put aside her own safety and honor so that she could honor the will of God and so that she could help bring salvation to all of humanity.     

When the Blessed Mother said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). There was already profound happiness in her heart for she knew that she would be doing something that is not only for herself but for God and humanity.  

Everyday God is challenging us to always be like Mary who embraced her role in the salvation history with faith, humility and obedience. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 19, Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

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Reflection:

Are you faithful to the Lord’s commands?

The couple Elizabeth and Zechariah were both well beyond their best years as far as having a child was concerned. But God unexpectedly blessed them with a child. Why did God elected to bless them with a child? Perhaps God did so because both were faithful to Him, both were righteous and they both observed blamelessly His commandments and ordinances.

There are things in life that may seem to be impossible already for us to achieve. But we must always remember that nothing is impossible for God.  Everything is possible for Him for so long as we have faith and are faithful to Him. This is evidenced by what happened to the righteous couple of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

What if they were not righteous? What if they did not faithfully observe the commandments of the Lord? Perhaps, the Good Lord wouldn’t have blessed them with a child. But they were faithful that’s why God rewarded them with a child.

I think that most of the blessing that God gives us is anchored on our faith, obedience  and faithfulness towards Him. This is perhaps the first requirement of God if we want to receive something from Him. But are we always faithful to God? Do we always follow His commandments? - Marino J. Dasmarinas