Reflection for Friday January 26, Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

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

He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade. 

With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

Do you want to feel the kingdom of God in your life? If your answer is yes, you should open your life to God. In everyday of your life God showers you with every blessing that He could give you. But do you notice and acknowledge these blessings that God gives you?  

For example, the blessing of a new life when you wake up in the morning, the sunlight, the air that you breathe and so forth. Do you care to thank God for all of these blessings?  

Acknowledgement of God’s many blessings is the first step for you to feel the kingdom of God in your life. When you recognize the majesty and power of God you also open your life to His kingdom. And you let God come into your life and eventually you let God rule your life.  

Then, little by little you let God take charge of your life and not you anymore taking charge of your own life. Thus, you would be able to avoid sin no matter how tempting. And you would be able to carefully discern right from wrong.  

This is where the kingdom of God begins to take root in your life. It grows little by little until it blooms wherein you would be able to fight temptation in whatever forms and shapes.   

Jesus in our gospel for this Friday mentions about the small mustard seed which is none other than Himself and His kingdom. This small mustard seed once acknowledged and recognized by the soil (Which is no other than you). Begins to sprout until it blooms and eventually grows bigger so that those who need shelter can go there. 

Do you always acknowledge, recognize and discern the presence of God’s kingdom in your life? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Enero 26, San Timoteo at San Tito mga obispo (Paggunita): Marcos 4:26-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

Noong panahong iyon, Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad sa isang naghahasik ng binhi sa kanyang bukid. Pagkatapos niyon, magpapatuloy siya sa kanyang pang araw-araw na gawain, tutubo at lalago ang binhi nang hindi niya nalalaman kung paano. Ang lupa'y siyang nagpapasibol at nagpapabunga ng mga pananim: usbong muna, saka uhay na pagkatapos ay mahihitik sa mga butil. Pagkahinog ng mga butil, agad itong ipagagapas sapagkat dapat ng anihin."  

"Sa ano natin ihahambing ang paghahari ng Diyos?" sabi pa ni Jesus. "Anong talinghaga ang gagamitin natin upang ilarawan ito? Tulad ito ng butil ng mustasa na siyang pinakamaliit sa lahat ng binhi. Kapag natanim at lumago, ito'y nagiging pinakamalaki sa lahat ng puno ng gulay; nagkakasanga ito nang malalabay, anupat ang mga ibon ay nakapamumugad sa mga sanga nito."  

Ang Salita'y ipinangaral ni Jesus sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maraming talinghaga tulad nito, ayon sa makakaya ng kanilang pang-unawa. Hindi siya nangaral sa kanila nang hindi gumagamit ng talinghaga; ngunit ipinaliwanag niya nang sarilinan sa kanyang mga alagad ang lahat ng bagay.

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

Gospel: Mark 16:15-18

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

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

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Reflection:

There is a story of a woman who would always share pictures of herself on social media. Her husband who was a pastor would always tell her to share instead bible quotations so that she could inspire others to know more about God and in the process share in the mission of Jesus as well. 

Transmission of communication nowadays is very fast, for example if we post something on the internet. And if the content of what we post is good, we could be assured that it will go viral and it can reach the farthest corner of the world thru internet. 

During the time of Jesus transmission of communication was on a word of mouth basis. No smart phone, social media and other high-end form of communication. It was simple word of mouth only. And yet the gospel was able to spread until it reached us. The key element in the spread of the gospel was the committed apostles and followers of Jesus such as Saint Paul whose conversion we celebrate today. 

Paul whose former name was Saul of Tarsus was a persecutor of the faith until God converted him. Thus, Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles. Before his conversion, Paul was a Pharisee and a zealous Jew who persecuted early Christians. But,  while on his way to Damascus Saul of Tarsus had a dramatic encounter with Jesus. After that encounter with the Lord he underwent  an unbelievable transformation and became committed to preaching the Gospel not only to Jews but also to Gentiles.

The desire of Jesus today is for us to become the modern day Saint Paul to whom he could entrust the mission of evangelization. He trusts us that we could also proclaim the gospel not only by way of word of mouth but through using social media.

There’s no more excuse for us not to help Jesus spread the gospel because we have in our fingertips the internet. Let us exploit the use of this technology to reach as many as possible.  

For example, if you’ve been posting updates about yourself using facebook, twitter, instagram and other forms of social media portals. Why not post quotations from the bible instead and why not post the picture of Jesus? Why not post something that would inspire others to take seriously their faith?  By doing so you inspire others, you change lives and you help Jesus spread the gospel.  

Have you already propagated the faith by word of mouth and social media? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Enero 25, Pagbabagong-Buhay ni Apostol San Pablo (Kapistahan): Marcos 16:15-18

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-18

Noong panahong iyon, nagpakita si Hesus sa Labing-isa at sinabi sa kanila, “Humayo kayo sa buong sanlibutan at ipangaral ninyo sa lahat ang Mabuting Balita. Ang sumasampalataya at magpabinyag ay maliligtas, ngunit ang hindi sumampalataya ay parurusahan.  

Ang mga sumampalataya ay magtataglay ng ganitong tanda ng kapangyarihan: sa pangalan ko’y magpapalayas sila ng mga demonyo at magsasalita sila ng mga demonyo at magsasalita ng ibang wika; sila’y hindi maaano dumampot man ng ahas o uminom ng lason; at gagaling ang mga maysakit na mapatungan ng kanilang kamay.” 

Reflection for Wednesday January 24 , Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Mark 4:1-20

Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,  “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. 

And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed 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 and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.”

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. 

And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. 

But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

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Reflection:

Do you want to grow in faith?

Sometimes we may wonder why others do not grow in faith yet others grow in faith? The secret for those who grow in faith is the time that they invest with God. For example if we would have a solemn daily prayer life we would be assured that God would look kindly upon us and He will give us the gift of faith.

We have in our gospel the parable of the sower who is no other than God. He sows the seeds of faith in our hearts but not everyone of us are able to grow and deeply nurture the seeds of faith that He sows. For the reason that we lack time for God but the paradox is we have time for this world and we even create time for this world. But do we have time for God? Do we create time for God?

Faith is a gift from God but at the same time we have to open and use this gift of faith we should not take it for granted. Otherwise this gift will not blossom, grow and have deep roots within us. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why our faiths don’t blossom because we take it for granted.

When are we going to get serious with our faith in God? When are we going to live our faith? So that it could finally blossom and bear abundant fruit? When we are already sickly and near death? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Enero 24, San Francisco de Sales, obispo at pantas ng Simbahan (Paggunita): Marcos 4:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:1-20

Noong panahong iyon, muling nagturo si Hesus sa tabi ng Lawa ng Galilea. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng napakaraming tao, kaya’t lumulan siya sa isang bangkang nasa tubig at doon naupo. Ang karamihan nama’y nasa dalampasigan, nasa gilid na ng tubig. At sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng talinhaga. 

Ganito ang sabi niya: “Pakinggan ninyo! May isang magsasaka na lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Agad sumibol ang mga iyon, sapagkat manipis lamang ang lupa doon; ngunit nang tumindi ang sikat ng araw, nalanta at natuyo ang mga binhing tumubo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat. 

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga binhing tumubo kaya hindi nakapamunga. At may binhing nalaglag sa matabang lupa, at ito’y tumbo, lumago, at nag-uhay na mainam – may uhay na tigtatatlumpu, tig-aanimnapu, at tigsasandaan ang butil.” Sinabi pa ni Hesus, “Ang may pandinig ay makinig.” 

Nang nag-iisa na si Hesus, ang ilang nakarinig sa kanya ay lumapit na kasama ang Labindalawa, at hiniling na ipaliwanag ang talinghaga. Sinabi niya, “Sa inyo’y ipinagkaloob na malaman ang lihim tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos; ngunit sa iba, ang lahat ng bagay ay itinuturo sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga. Kaya nga’t, ‘Tumingin man sila nang tumingin ay hindi sila makakita. At makinig man nang makinig ay hindi makaunawa. Kundi gayon, marahil sila’y magbabalik-loob sa Diyos at patatawarin naman niya.’”

Pagkatapos tinanong sila ni Hesus, “Hindi pa ba ninyo nauunawaan ang talinghagang ito? Paano ninyo mauunawaan ang ibang talinghaga? Ang inihahasik ay ang Salita ng Diyos. Ito ang mga nasa daan, na nahasikan ng Salita: pagkatapos nilang mapakinggan ito, pagdaka’y dumarating si Satanas, at inaalis ang Salitang napahasik sa kanilang puso.

Ang iba’y tulad naman ng napahasik sa kabatuhan. Pagkarinig nila ng Salita, ito’y agad nilang tinatanggap na may galak. Ngunit hindi naman ito tumitimo sa kanilang puso, kaya’t hindi sila nananatili. Pagdating ng kahirapan o pag-uusig dahil sa Salita, agad silang nanlalamig. Ang iba’y tulad ng napahasik sa dawagan. Dininig nga nila ang Salita, ngunit sila’y naging abala sa mga bagay ukol sa mundong ito, naging maibigin sa mga kayamanan, at mapaghangad sa iba pang mga bagay, anupa’t ang Salita’y nawalan na ng puwang sa kanilang mga puso kaya’t hindi sila nakapamunga.

Ngunit ang iba’y tulad sa binhing napahasik sa matabang lupa: pinakikinggan nila at tinatanggap ang Salita, at sila’y nagsisipamunga – may tigtatatlumpu, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigsasandaan.”

Reflection for January 23, Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:31-35

Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

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

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

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Reflection:

In what way could we become relatives of Jesus? It’s when we do acts of love, mercy and compassion toward anyone in need. It’s when we help Jesus spread His good news of salvation to others most especially to those who have not heard yet of His gospel message. 

To do good to our blood relatives is already a given fact of life. We help them because we are connected with them by consanguinity or through common family tree. Jesus in the gospel wants to stretch further our acts of mercy and compassion He wants us not to limit these acts of mercy and compassion to our own family circle only. 

Say for example, what if Jesus would ask us, could you also give the same help to a stranger in need? The same help that you would normally give to your relative/s? This is very difficult to do: To give help to a stranger with the same amount of help that we would normally do to our blood relative/s. 

Nonetheless, this is the challenge for all of us if we want to be called a relative of Jesus: We must help anyone in need! In hindsight, why did Jesus said that whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother? Perhaps the purpose of which is to measure our desire to become a relative of Jesus. 

Come to think of it, who wouldn’t want to become a relative of Jesus? Of course we all want. Therefore, we must do good at all times to anyone and we must extend help to anyone for this is the will of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 23, Martes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:31-35

Noong panahong iyon, dumating ang ina at mga kapatid ni Hesus. Sila’y nasa labas ng bahay at ipinatawag siya. Noon nama’y maraming taong nakaupo sa palibot ni Hesus, at may nagsabi sa kanya, “Nariyan po sa labas ang inyong ina at mga kapatid; ipinatatawag kayo.”  

“Sino ang aking ina at mga kapatid?” ani Hesus. Tumingin siya sa mga nakaupo sa palibot niya at nagwika: “Ito ang aking ina at mga kapatid! Sapagkat ang sinumang tumatalima sa kalooban ng Diyos; ay siya kong ina at mga kapatid.”  

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

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables “How can Satan drive out Satan? 

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

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

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Reflection:

What comes to your mind when you hear or read about Satan? Is it the usual concept of a dark and frightening figure with horns and tail? 

The Satan is real but it doesn’t appear as what we’ve usually conceived it to be. Often times it disguises itself using other means so that we would not be able to identify it. Satan is real, in fact he is always around us taking his time until it sees an opportunity to take control of us. 

It disguises itself in the appearance of an attractive woman or an attractive man   whom we still crave to covet even if we’re already committed or married. It disguises itself through a friend who wants to bring us to sleazy clubs and other sinful places. 

 It masquerades as an uncontrollable sexual desire that tries very hard to take control of us. It presents itself in the form of money that will try to enslave and control us until such time that we already make it our God hence it will eventually destroy us. 

Who can defeat Satan or the Devil? It’s Jesus! We therefore have to know more about Jesus by reading the bible most especially the gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and by our frequent presence at Holy Mass. So that we can easily ward off Satan the moment he presents himself to us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Enero 22, Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng mga eskribang dumating mula sa Jerusalem, “Inaalihan siya ni Beelzebul, ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo. Ito ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo!” Kaya’t pinapalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila ang ilang talinghaga: “Paano mangyayaring palayasin ni Satanas si Satanas?” 

Kapag naglaban-laban ang nasasakupan ng isang kaharian, hindi mananatili ang kahariang iyon. At kapag naglaban-laban ang magkakasambahay, hindi mananatili ang sambahayang iyon. Gayun din naman, kapag naghimagsik si Satanas laban sa kanyang sarili at naglaban-laban ang kanyang nasasakupan, hindi magtatagal at darating ang kanyang wakas. 

“Walang makapapasok sa bahay ng isang taong malakas at makaaagaw ng kanyang ari-arian, malibang gapusin muna niya ang taong iyon. Saka pa lamang niya malolooban ang bahay na iyon. 

“Tandaan ninyo ito: maaaring ipatawad sa mga tao ang lahat ng kasalanan at panlalait nila sa Diyos, ngunit ang sinumang lumait sa Espiritu Santo ay hindi mapatatawad. Ang kanyang kasalanan ay hindi mapapawi kailanman.” Sinabi ito ni Hesus sapagkat ang sabi ng ilan, “Inaalihan siya ng masamang Espiritu.”

Reflection for Sunday January 21, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:14-20

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. 

Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

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Reflection:

What is the prerequisite for following Jesus? It is repentance and belief in His gospel message, we cannot follow without repentance and firm belief in His gospel message.

 When Simon, Andrew, James and John responded to His call they did not simply respond. Along with their response to Jesus came their desire to repent. They also did not only leave behind their livelihood and families they also left behind their sinfulness and anything that made them sin.

When the four of them joined Jesus to become fishers of men, they were already renewed by the Lord. Additionally, Jesus equipped them with everything they would need as they embarked on their mission.

What is the relevance of the gospel to us and to our faith life? We too are being called by Jesus to a life of renewal and repentance. We too are being called by Jesus to follow Him and become fishers of men. Why does Jesus calls us to a life of renewal and repentance? This is for the reason that we are all sinners, no one of us is without sin.  

Will you respond to this call of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 21, Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Mark 1:14-20

Pagkatapos dakpin si Juan, si Hesus ay nagtungo sa Galilea at ipinangaral ang Mabuting Balitang mula sa Diyos: “Dumating na ang takdang panahon, at malapit na ang paghahari ng Diyos! Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan at maniwala kayo sa Mabuting Balitang ito.”

Samantalang naglalakad si Hesus sa tabi ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya ang magkapatid na Simon at Andres na naghahagis ng lambat, “Sumama kayo sa akin at kayo’y gagawin kong mamamalakaya ng tao.” Pagdaka’y iniwan nila ang kanilang lambat, at sumunod sa kanya.

Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad, at sa di kalayuan ay nakita niya ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo. SIla’y nasa kanilang bangka at naghahayuma ng mga lambat. Tinawag din sila ni Hesus at sumunod naman sa kanya. Iniwan nila sa bangka ang kanilang ama, kasama ng mga taong upahan. 

Reflection for Sunday January 21, Feast of the Sto. Nino in the Philippines: Mark 10:13-16

Gospel: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 

Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

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Reflection:

Today is the Feast of the Santo Niño or Holy Child, this is a special feast celebrated by the church here in the Philippines, authorized by the Vatican. 

Have you already educated your children about Jesus?

Jesus rebuked the disciples who prevented the children from approaching Him. He said, 'Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these' (Mark 10:14). This is because children are still untainted by sin and they are innocent.

The words of Jesus are timeless, it is always in season. So, when He said, let the children come to me it is also for the parents today. He tells us today, bring your children to me; teach them about me and introduce them to me because if you will not, they will become creatures of this world.

Many modern parents today don’t care to educate their children about Jesus. Yet they care to introduce even teach them how to operate modern gadgets. Such as smartphones and other hi-tech gadgets, which do no good to their eyesight and distract them from developing good study habits.

The mistake of many parents nowadays is this; they forget to educate their children about Jesus. Because they were not brought up that way thus they perpetuate this mistake. Let us correct this error by teaching and bringing closer our children to Jesus.  Why? Because, if we do that we are assuring our children of a safe and bright future ahead of them. 

Have you educated your children about Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 21 Linggo, Kapistahan ng Santo Nino: Marcos 10:13-16

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:13-16

Noong panahong iyon, may nagdala ng mga bata kay Hesus upang hilinging ipatong niya sa mga ito ang kanyang kamay; ngunit pinagwikaan sila ng mga alagad. Nagalit si Hesus nang makita ito, at sinabi sa kanila, “Pabayaan ninyong lumapit sa akin ang mga bata, huwag ninyo silang sawayin, sapagkat sa mga katulad nila naghahari ang Diyos. 

Ito ang tandaan ninyo: ang sinumang hindi tumatanggap sa paghahari ng Diyos tulad ng isang maliit na bata ay hindi mapapabilang sa mga pinaghaharian niya.” At kinalong ni Hesus ang mga bata, ipinatong ang kanyang mga kamay sa kanila at pinagpala sila.