Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Pebrero 5, Santa Agueda, dalaga at martir (Paggunita): Marcos 6:53-56

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:53-56

Noong panahong iyon, sina Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay tumawid ng lawa, at pagdating sa Genesaret ay isinadsad nila ang bangka. Paglunsad nila, nakilala agad sila ng mga tao. Kaya't nagmamadaling nilibot ng mga ito ang mga pook sa paligid; at ang mga may sakit, na nakaratay na sa higaan ay dinala nila kay Jesus, saanman nila mabalitaang naroon siya. 

At saanman siya dumating maging sa nayon, lunsod, o kabukiran ay dinadala sa liwasan ang mga may sakit at isinasamo sa kanya na pahipuin sila kahit man lang sa palawit ng kanyang kasuutan. At lahat ng makahipo nito ay gumagaling. 

Reflection for Sunday February 4, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:29-39

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Are you afraid of getting sick? Of course, we all fear sickness, and as much as possible, we don’t want to fall ill. Some of us might even wish for instant death to avoid getting sick and being enslaved by illness. However, one of the undeniable truths about life is the inevitability of sickness and death. Somehow, it will catch up with us, no matter how hard we try to evade it."

What is your shield against sickness? Your money and health insurance? It will not be enough and it may run out before you get healed. So what is the ultimate cure for sickness? It’s your faith in Jesus! Your faith in Jesus can liberate you from various forms of sickness—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. 

Faith is a mystery that we should all embrace and faith is also a gift that we should ask Jesus to give us so that we would be able to feel His healing presence in our lives.

After preaching in the synagogue Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. He went there because Simon’s mother in-law was sick with fever. Jesus simply approached her grasped her hand and helped her get up and with those simple gestures from the Lord she regained back her health. It was not only Simon’s mother in-law who got healed; many more were brought to Jesus and all of them experienced healing.  

The important question here is this; did they all have faith in Jesus that’s why they were all healed? Yes of course, otherwise they would have not been healed.

Do you seek the gift of faith from Jesus? Do you pray to Him for healing in all aspects of your life?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 4, Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:29-39

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:29-39

Noong panahong iyon, mula sa sinagoga, sila'y nagtuloy sa bahay ni Simon at Andres. Kasama nila sina Santiago at Juan. Nararatay noon ang biyenan ni Simon Pedro, dahil sa matinding lagnat, at ito'y agad nilang sinabi kay Jesus. Nilapitan ni Jesus ang babae, hinawakan sa kamay at ibinangon. Noon di'y inibsan ito ng lagnat at naglingkod sa kanila.  

Pagkalubog ng araw, dinala kay Jesus ang lahat ng maysakit at ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo. At nagkatipon ang buong bayan sa may pintuan ng bahay. Pinagaling niya ang maraming maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman at nagpalayas sila ng mga demonyo. Hindi niya hinayaang magsalita ang mga ito, sapagkat alam nila kung sino siya. 

Madaling-araw pa'y bumangon na si Jesus at nagtungo sa isang ilang na pook at nanalangin. Hinanap siya ni Simon at ng kanyang mga kasama. Nang siya'y matagpuan, sinabi nila, "Hinahanap po kayo ng lahat." Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Kailangang pumunta rin naman tayo sa mga kalapit-bayan upang makapangaral ako roon -- ito ang dahilan ng pag-alis ko sa Capernaum." At nilibot niya ang buong Galilea, na nangangaral sa mga sinagoga at nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo.

Reflection for February 3 Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:30-34

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. 

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you want Jesus to teach you many things (Mark 6:34)? Therefore, you must thirst for Jesus, you must follow Jesus and you must hunger for Jesus. 

Many of us today do not feel Jesus in our life because we don’t thirst and hunger for Him anymore. We thirst and hunger more for the things of this world, we follow more the false teachings of this world than abide by the teachings of Jesus. 

What would it benefit you if you follow Jesus and If you give up everything for Jesus? You gain a foretaste of heaven while you are still in this world. This doesn’t mean that you will not experience anymore human difficulties once you choose Jesus over this world. 

Yet, you can be assured that as you go through your human difficulties or problems you are certain of Jesus abiding presence in your life. Jesus will make your difficulties lighter and Jesus will walk with you. 

In the gospel for this Saturday we read about the multitude of people chasing after Jesus and His disciples. Jesus and the disciples were about to rest and go through some physical and spiritual re-charging. Yet, when the multitude of people discovered it they hurriedly went there leaving behind whatever worldly undertaking/s that they were doing. 

When Jesus saw the vast crowd waiting for Him, He did not turn them away, never did He scold them or told them, why are you people disturbing our rest? Jesus instead pitied them. Then, He taught them and healed them of whatever sickness that they have. 

Are you willing to leave everything to have a precious encounter with Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 3, Sabado sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:30-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:30-34

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik kay Hesus ang mga apostol at iniulat ang lahat ng kanilang naisagawa at naituro. Napakaraming taong dumarating at umaalis, anupat hindi na makuhang kumain ni Hesus at ng kanyang mga alagad. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa mga ito, “Magtungo tayo sa isang ilang na pook upang malayo sa karamihan at makapagpahinga kayo nang kaunti.” Umalis silang lulan ng bangka, at nagpunta nga sa isang ilang na dako.  

Ngunit maraming nakakita sa kanilang pag-alis at nakilala sila. Kaya’t mula sa lahat ng bayan, ang mga tao’y patakbong tumungo sa dakong pupuntahan nina Hesus at nauna pang dumating doon kaysa kanila. Paglunsad ni Hesus, nakita niya ang napakaraming tao; nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang walang pastol. At sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay.

Reflection for Friday February 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: 

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted Band you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What do you get when you worship God as a family?  It strengthens your family; it eternally imprints in the minds of your children the primacy of God in their lives as they grow up. Many families have their own bonding moments; they go on family vacation some would embark on short trips to strengthen the bond of their family. Nothing is wrong with that for it will strengthen the unity of the family. 

However, how about bonding spiritually and how is this possible? Families can do this by praying the Holy Rosary as a family, by sharing and reflecting upon the words of Jesus in the bible as a family, by going to church for Holy Mass as a family and by having a regular family prayer time.    

There shall be unbelievable blessing for your family if you worship God as a family, when your children grow up they will also carry this holy tradition and pass it on to their respective children. And this holy tradition of family worshipping God will go on and on until your children’s children and its propagation will never stop.    

But of course like Mary whose heart was pierced with anguish as she saw the heart wrenching persecution and punishment of her son Jesus. There would also be moments of trials for your family it will be like your heart would be pierced also by a lancet. 

However for so long as you bring your family to the church to worship God at Holy Mass. Or for as long as you worship God inside your home as a family you have nothing to worry about for when God is with your family nobody can break it not even the severest family trial. 

In the gospel, Joseph and Mary brought to the temple the child Jesus not only to comply with the law of their faith. But also to introduce their family most especially their child Jesus to the Lord. Why? Because they knew the enormous blessings that would be upon their family the moment they do so.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Pebrero 2, Ang Pagdadala kay Jesus na Panginoon sa Templo (Kapistahan): Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

Nang dumating ang araw ng paglilinis sa kanila, ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, si Jesus ay dinala ng kanyang mga magulang sa Jerusalem upang iharap sa Panginoon, sapagkat ayon sa Kautusan, "Ang bawat panganay na lalaki ay nakatalaga sa Panginoon." At naghandog sila, ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon: "Mag-asawang batu-bato, o dalawang inakay na kalapati." 

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem, ang pangala'y Simeon. Matapat at malapit sa Diyos ang lalaking ito at naghihintay sa katubusan ng Israel. Sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo na nagpahayag sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Mesias na ipinangako ng Panginoon. Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, pumasok siya sa templo. At nang dalhin doon ng kanyang mga magulang) ang sanggol na si Jesus upang gawin ang hinihingi ng Kautusan, siya'y kinalong ni Simeon. 

Ito'y nagpuri sa Diyos, na ang wika, "Kunin mo na Panginoon ang iyong abang alipin, Ayon sa iyong pangako, Yamang nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong tagapagligtas, Na inihanda mo para sa lahat ng bansa: Liwanag itong tatanglaw sa mga Hentil, At magbibigay-karangalan sa iyong bayang Israel." 

Namangha ang ama't ina ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon tungkol sa kanya. Binasbasan sila ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito'y nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel, isang tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit hahamakin ng marami kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil diyan, ang puso mo'y para na ring tinarakan ng isang balaraw." 

Naroon din sa templo ang isang propetang babae na ang ngala'y Ana, anak ni Fanuel na mula sa lipi ni Aser. Siya'y napakatanda na. Pitong taon lamang silang nagsama ng kanyang asawa, nang siya'y mabalo, at ngayon, walumpu't apat na taon na siya. Lagi siya sa templo at araw gabi'y sumasamba sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pag-aayuno at pananalangin. 

Lumapit siya nang oras ding iyon at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Nagsalita rin siya tungkol kay Jesus sa lahat ng naghihintay sa pagpapalaya ng Diyos sa Jerusalem. Nang maisagawa nila ang lahat ng bagay ayon sa Kautusan, bumalik na sila sa kanilang bayan, sa Nazaret, Galilea. Ang bata'y lumaking malakas, marunong at kalugud-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos.

Reflection for February 1, Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:7-13

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. 

They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. 

So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

+ + + + + + 

Reflection:

Part of the growing-up experience of a child is to be summoned and instructed by his/her parents to do this and that. As the child enters school the teacher will also play the role of the parents by summoning and giving instructions to the child. 

The child will now become an adult and will be through with his college studies. Perhaps he will tell himself: At long last! I am through from being summoned and being instructed, but not yet. There shall be a very powerful voice that will perpetually summon, tell and guide him on how he must properly live his life. 

This very powerful voice is no other than the voice of Jesus who speaks to us thru the homily of a priest. The voice of Jesus who speaks to us thru the voice of a Godly relative or friend. And the voice of Jesus who will speak to us the moment we read the bible with reverence.  If we will listen to this powerful voice of Jesus we would be assured of a worthy and well lived life in this world. 

In the gospel the apostles were summoned, given authority and instructed by Jesus after which He sent them to their mission two by two. These were the instructions of Jesus: “Take nothing for the journey but a walking stick-- no food, no sack, no money, wear sandals, wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them." 

The apostles faithfully followed these instructions that’s why they were very successful with their given mission. One of the countless concrete evidence of their success is the faith that we have right now. We attribute the Catholic faith that we hold on today to their faithful discipleship to Jesus. They responded to the voice of Jesus and faithfully followed His instructions. 

We too are being summoned and instructed by Jesus to help Him and the apostles spread the faith. Are you doing something to help Jesus and the apostles propagate the faith? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 1, Huwebes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:7-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:7-13

Noong panahong iyon Tinawag niya ang Labindalawa, at sinugong daladalawa. Binigyan niya sila ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng masasamang espiritu, at pinagbilinan: "Sa inyong paglalakbay, huwag kayong magdala ng anuman, maliban sa tungkod. 

Ni pagkain, balutan, salapi sa inyong lukbutan o bihisan, ay huwag kayong magdala. Ngunit magsuot kayo ng panyapak." Sinabi rin niya sa kanila, "At sa alinmang tahanan na inyong tuluyan-- manatili kayo roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo sa bayang iyon. Kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang dako, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ninyo ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa bilang babala sa mga tagaroon." 

Kaya't humayo ang Labindalawa at nangaral sa mga tao na pagsisihan nila at talikdan ang kanilang mga kasalanan. Pinalayas nila ang maraming demonyo sa mga inaalihan nito; pinahiran nila ng langis at pinagaling ang maraming maysakit.

Reflection for Wednesday January 31, Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?"  

And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What usually happens when we belittle or look down on someone: For example a relative or friend. We normally are deprived of the privilege of knowing that person more deeply. Not only that we are deprived we also miss the opportunity to be blessed by that person’s insight and wisdom. 

In marriage there’s a saying that goes: “Familiarity breeds contempt” this means that once you know your spouse well enough you somehow stop respecting him or her. This frequently happens most especially when the couple has been together for several years already. This animosity could even lead to their separation. Thus, they are deprived of the many blessings that are due to couples that stay faithful to their vows of marriage.    

The moment these two relationships (friendship and marriage) fail to successfully materialize. There’s one common deprivation that happens: The deprivation of many blessings. The blessing of insight, wisdom, happiness, companionship and friendship just to name a few. 

The townmates of Jesus where amazed when they saw Jesus teaching and healing in the synagogue. They were wondering as to where did Jesus imbibed all of His wisdom and healing power. They said: “Where did this man get all this?” Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joset, Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" 

They were full of contemptuous feeling towards Jesus because they know Him well as an ordinary carpenter and as a son of a carpenter. They can not accept that this ordinary man that they know very well is now an emphatic speaker, preacher and healer. 

Since Jesus was ridiculed by His own townmates they missed the opportunity to know Him well, they missed the opportunity to partake of His wisdom and they missed the golden opportunity to be spiritually and physically healed by Him. 

This is also what we will miss if we would not listen and if we would continue to belittle  Jesus. Who continuously speaks to us through the daily events in our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Enero 31, San Juan Bosco, pari (Paggunita): Marcos 6:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, si Jesus at nagtungo sa sariling bayan, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pagdating ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, nagturo siya sa sinagoga, nagtaka ang maraming nakarinig sa kanya at nagtanong, "Saan niya nakuha ang lahat ng iyan? Anong karunungan itong ipinagkaloob sa kanya? Paano siya nakagagawa ng mga kababalaghan? 

Hindi ba ito ang karpinterong anak ni Maria, at kapatid nina Santiago,Jose, Judas, at Simon? Dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba?" At siya'y ayaw nilang kilanlin. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, "Ang propeta'y iginagalang ng lahat, liban lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan, mga kamag-anak, at mga kasambahay." 

Hindi siya nakagawa ng anumang kababalaghan doon, maliban sa pagpapatong ng kanyang kamay sa ilang maysakit upang pagalingin ang mga ito. Nagtaka siya sapagkat hindi sila sumampalataya. At nilibot ni Jesus ang mga nayon sa paligid upang magturo.

Reflection for January 30, Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him. 

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” 

 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer? Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

How strong is your faith in the Lord? 

Faith is what enables us to believe that we will receive what we ask for from Jesus. It is also what Jesus requires us to have whenever we present prayers and petitions to Him.  

In the gospel it is very obvious that Jairus has faith, same as with the sick woman who was cured by merely touching the cloak of Jesus. However, faith in itself is not enough we have to couple our faith with our actions. Jairus did not lay idle he personally went to Jesus and in front of Him Jairus beg for the life of his daughter.  

The woman did the same, even if she was sick she mightily tried to go near Jesus so that she could touch the Lord’s cloak. Perhaps the woman summoned every ounce of strength that she had so that she could squeeze herself near Jesus who at that time was surrounded by His many followers.  

We all have our prayers before Jesus. Whatever it may be, let us pray hard with faith and let us also work hard to achieve it. And then let us let the Lord do the rest for us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 30, Martes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:21-43

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:21-43

Noong panahong iyon, muling tumawid si Hesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakasakay sa bangka. Nasa baybay pa siya ng lawa ay pinagkalipumpunan na siya ng maraming tao. Dumating ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Jairo, isang tagapamahala ng sinagoga. Pagkakita kay Hesus, siya’y nagpatirapa sa kanyang paanan, at ang samo: “Agaw-buhay po ang anak kong dalagita. Kung maaari, sumama kayo sa akin at ipatong ninyo sa kanya ang inyong kamay upang siya’y gumaling at mabuhay!” Sumama naman si Hesus. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming taong nagsisiksikan, anupa’t halos maipit na siya. 

May isang babae roon na labindalawang taon nang dinudugo, at lubhang nahihirapan. Marami nang manggagamot ang tumingin sa kanya, at naubos na sa kapapagamot ang kanyang ari-arian, ngunit hindi siya napabuti kahit kaunti bagkus ay lalong lumubha. Narinig niya ang sinasabi ng mga tao tungkol kay Hesus, kaya’t nakipagsiksikan siya hanggang sa makalapit sa likuran ni Hesus. At hinipo niya ang damit nito. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, “Mahipo ko lang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako.” 

Biglang tumigil ang kanyang pagdudugo at naramdaman niyang magaling na siya. Naramdaman naman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa kanya, kaya’t bumaling siya sa mga tao at nagtanong, “Sino ang humipo sa akin?” Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad, “Nakikita po ninyong nagsisiksikan ang napakaraming tao, bakit itinatanong ninyo kung sino ang humipo sa inyo?” Subalit patuloy na luminga-linga si Hesus, hinahanap ang humipo sa kanya. Palibhasa’y alam ng babae ang nangyari, siya’y nanginginig sa takot na lumapit kay Hesus, nagpatirapa, at ipinagtapat ang buong katotohanan.  

Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Anak pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig sa akin. Umuwi ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban. Lubusan ka nang magaling sa iyong karamdaman.” Samantalang nagsasalita pa si Hesus, may ilang dumating mula sa bahay ni Jairo. “Patay na po ang anak ninyo,” sabi nila. “Bakit pa ninyo aabalahin ang Guro?” Hindi pinansin ni Hesus ang kanilang sinabi, sa halip ay sinabi sa tagapamahala, “Huwag kang mabagabag, manalig ka.”  

At wala siyang isinama kundi si Pedro at ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan. Nang dumating sila sa bahay ng tagapamahala, nakita ni Hesus na gulung-gulo ang mga tao; may mga nananangis pa at nananaghoy. Pagpasok niya ay kanyang sinabi, “Bakit kayo nagkakagulo at nananangis? Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lamang!” 

Ngunit pinagtawanan siya ng mga tao. Pinalabas niya ang lahat, maliban sa ama’t ina ng bata at sa tatlong alagad, at sila’y pumasok sa kinaroroonan ng bata. Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at sinabi, “Talita kumi,” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Ineng, sinasabi ko sa iyo, magbangon ka!” Pagdaka’y bumangon ang bata at lumakad. Siya’y labindalawang taon na. At namangha ang lahat. Mahigpit na ipinagbilin ni Hesus na huwag ipaalam ito kaninuman; at iniutos niyang bigyan ng pagkain ang bata.

Reflection for January 29, Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:1-20

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. 

In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. 

Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. 

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. 

The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. 

Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

+ + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you ask Jesus to change you and make you a better person? 

The man possessed by the legions of devil pleaded to Jesus not to drive them away from the territory instead they wanted Jesus to send them into the herd of pigs. So Jesus did what they wanted: He allowed them to enter the group of swine/pigs. However the herd rushed into the sea where they drowned. 

Why did Jesus did not annihilate the legion (evils) instantly instead He allowed them to transfer to the herd of swine only to die by drowning? Perhaps, Jesus acceded to their request because Jesus wanted them to convert and get rid of their evil ways, but they did not. 

In our own life we would always encounter life changing occurrences and experiences. Such as survive a major health problem, an accident or a problem in the family. And it serves as our wake-up call from God to change our ways and leave behind sinfulness. There are some of us who have an awareness of this life changing episode so we change and leave behind our sinfulness. However there are also those who refuse to change and so they move forward with their sinful ways. 

What would happen to those who refuse to leave behind sinfulness? To those who continue to ignore God’s call to conversion? To those who were given by God a second chance but refused to embrace it? – Marino J. Dasmarinas