Reflection for Saturday February 10, Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin: Mark 8:1-10

Gospel: Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. 

If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?”  

Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish.

He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied.They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people. He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

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Reflection:

What happened to the crowd after they were fed by Jesus? 

Perhaps they went back to their respective environments satisfied and spiritually recharged. Did they lead transformed lives? Did they become fervent and true followers of Jesus? Obviously majority of them did not live transformed lives and they did not become full blooded followers. Otherwise they would have not deserted Jesus when He was being persecuted, tortured and nailed to the cross. 

What happens to us after attending Holy Mass wherein we listen to the words of God and partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus? Do we allow Jesus to transform us every time we listen to His words and every time we receive Him during Holy Communion? His fervent desire is to transform us so that we could become His true followers. This is always the Lord’s desire for us. 

But at the end of the day it’s still in our hands we still have the liberty to decide for ourselves. If we become His true followers or not.  Or if we allow His Body and Blood to transform us or not. The choice is ours to take but the wise choice is to allow Jesus to transform us. 

Look around and see the lives of those who did not allow Jesus to transform them. Look around and see those who followed in words only. They may be materially wealthy, they may be politically powerful. But do they have peace and serenity in their lives? – Marino J. Dasmarinas               

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Pebrero 10, Santa Escolastica, dalaga (Paggunita): Marcos 8:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:1-10

Noong mga araw na iyon, muling nagkatipon ang mga tao. Naubos nila ang kanilang pagkain, kaya’t tinawag ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, at sinabi sa kanila, “Nahahabag ako sa mga taong ito, sapagkat tatlong araw na ngayong kasama ko sila at wala na silang makain. Kung pauuwiin ko nang gutom, mahihilo sila sa daan – galing pa naman sa malayo ang ilan sa kanila.” 

“Saan po tayo kukuha ng tinapay dito sa ilang para magkasya sa ganito karaming tao?” tugon ng mga alagad. “Ilan ang tinapay ninyo riyan?” tanong ni Hesus. “Pito po,” sagot nila. Ang mga tao’y pinaupo ni Hesus sa lupa. Kinuha niya ang pitong tinapay, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinagpira-piraso niya ang mga iyon at ibinigay sa mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao. 

Gayun nga ang ginawa ng mga alagad. Mayroon din silang ilang maliliit na isda. Muli siyang nagpasalamat sa Diyos, at iniutos niyang ibigay din iyon sa mga tao. Kumain ang lahat at nabusog; at nang tipunin nila ang mga pira-pirasong tinapay na lumabis, nakapuno sila ng pitong bakol na malalaki. At may apat na libo ang kumain. Pinayaon ni Hesus ang mga tao, saka siya sumakay sa bangka, at nagtungo sa lupain ng Dalmanuta.

Reflection for February 9, Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:31-37

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. 

He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. 

He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

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Reflection:

How do you react when people praise you for the things that you've done and achieved? Do you gloat over it? Does it increase your sense of self-worth? Do you feel proud and feel that you are head and shoulders above others? These reactions are for those people who have a very high regard for themselves.

Those who are humble when they are praised for the things that they’ve done and achieved would point to God by saying: Thanks be to God, or Praise God. They would always deflect the credit out of themselves and give the glory to God. 

Let us look at the gospel and see the humble actions of Jesus when He was asked to heal the sick man. Instead of healing the sick man in front of the crowd. He took him away from the crowd then He cured him just the two of them. Afterwards, He told the healed man not to tell anyone. 

Many of us, when we've done something worthy, would want the whole world to know about it. This is the reason why several of us always post pictures/videos on Facebook and other social media platforms, which show that we're doing or have achieved something, so that we would have a positive image.

But not Jesus, He would always be non-assuming, self-effacing and low profile.  How about you? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for February 8, Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:24-30

Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

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Reflection:

Does Jesus favor a certain group of people? No, Jesus doesn’t not have a chosen group of people. Jesus came into this world not to save a select group of people but for everyone of us: Sinner, non-sinner and Christians and non-Christians alike. 

In the gospel, a Greek woman, a non-Jew and an outsider went to Jesus to beg for healing for her daughter. What did Jesus do? He tested the faith of the woman and when He saw her great faith Jesus granted her request for healing for her daughter. 

What does this tell us about Jesus? Jesus is for everyone of us regardless who we are and the sins that we have committed. What is important for the Lord is we humbly go to Him and reach out to Him with faith. For if we have faith nothing is impossible for Him, Jesus would grant us what we want for as long as we have faith. 

Do you want Jesus to do miracles in your life? Humbly beseech and beg Him. Simply trust Him and abandon yourself to Him. In His own perfect time, He will give you your heart’s desire.  Believe and have faith. - Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 8, Huwebes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:24-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagtungo si Hesus sa lupain ng Tiro at tumuloy sa isang bahay doon. Ayaw sana niyang malaman ninuman na naroon siya, subalit hindi gayon ang nangyari. Ang pagdating niya'y nabalitaan ng isang inang may maliit na anak na babaing inaalihan ng masamang espiritu. Pumunta siya kay Jesus at nagpatirapa sa kanyang harapan.                       

Ang babaing ito'y Hentil -- tubo sa Sirofenicia. Ipinamanhik niya kay Hesus na palayasin ang demonyo na nasa kanyang anak; ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, "Kailangang busugin muna ang mga anak. Hindi dapat kunin ang pagkain ng mga anak upang ihagis sa mga tuta." 

"Tunay nga po, Panginoon," tugon ng babae, "ngunit ang mga tuta mang nasa ilalim ng hapag ay naninimot ng mga mumong nalalaglag ng mga anak." Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Dahil sa sinabi mo, maaari ka nang umuwi. Iniwan na ng demonyo ang iyong anak." Umuwi ang babae, at naratnan niya sa higaan ang bata. Iniwan na nga ng demonyo. 

Reflection for Tuesday February 6, Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs: Mark 7:1-13

Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. 

And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.)  

 So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. 

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. 

Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban” (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

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Reflection:

Why is Jesus a compassionate, emphatic and an exceptional leader? Because Jesus’ dares to violate established rules to benefit the people. For Jesus it’s always the greater good of the people before the observance of any rules or laws. Which by the way was created to serve the whims and caprices of the ruling class (The Pharisees and scribes). 

Jesus violates the rules created by the ruling class because some were restrictive and oppressive. It makes the ordinary people servants of the ruling class. Ruling class who were good only with utterance of their laws but visibly wanting in human compassion. Truth to tell, the ruling class (Pharisees and scribes) sacrificed human compassion in exchange for the observance of their self-serving created laws. 

Case in point is the washing of hands before eating which was mentioned by the ruling class in the gospel. They asked Jesus: “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands (Mark 7:5)?” Jesus answered them by simply pointing at their hypocrisy, their lack of interior transformation and compassion toward the ordinary people. 

If we want others to truly respect and follow us we should not be imposing, we should not be dictators. Because if we are imposing and dictatorial our people will rebel against us, they may externally show their respect towards us but it’s a respect devoid of substance and spirit.  Instead we should always live the gentleness and compassion of Jesus. 

Do you live the gentleness and compassion of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Pebrero 6, Martes San Pedro Bautista, San Pablo Miki at mga kasama, mga martir (Paggunita): Marcos 7:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-13

May mga Pariseo at ilang eskribang galing sa Jerusalem, na lumapit kay Jesus. Nakita nila na ang ilan sa mga alagad ni Jesus ay kumain ng hindi muna naghugas ng kamay sa paraang naaayon sa turong minana nila.  

Ang mga Judio, lalo na ang mga Pariseo, ay hindi kumakain hangga't hindi nakapaghuhugas ng kamay ayon sa mga turong minana nila sa kanilang mga ninuno. Hindi rin sila kumakain ng anumang galing sa palengke nang hindi muna ito hinuhugasan. At marami pang ibang minanang turo ang kanilang sinusunod, tulad ng tanging paraan ng paghuhugas ng mga inuman, ng mga saro, ng mga sisidlang tanso [at mga higaan]. 

Kaya't tinanong si Jesus ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba, "Bakit hindi sumusunod ang mga alagad mo sa mga turo ng ating mga ninuno? Kumain sila nang hindi man lamang naghugas ng kamay ayon sa paraang iniutos!" Sinagot sila ni Jesus, "Tama ang hula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyo, gaya ng kanyang isinulat: 'Paggalang na handog sa 'kin ng bayan ko'y paimbabaw lamang, Sapagkat sa bibig at hindi sa puso ito bumubukal. Pagpupuri't pagsambang ginagawa nila'y walang kabuluhan, Ang utos ng tao ay itinuturong utos ng Maykapal.'  

Niwawalang-kabuluhan nga ninyo ang utos ng Diyos, at ang sinusunod ninyo'y ang turo ng tao."Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Kay husay ng paraan ninyo sa pagpapawalang-bisa sa utos ng Diyos masunod lamng ninyo ang mga turong minana ninyo! Tulad nito: iniutos ni Moises, 'Igalang mo ang iyong ama't ina'; at, 'Ang magsalita ng masama sa kanyang ama o ina ay dapat mamatay.'  

Ngunit itinuturo ninyo, 'Kapag sinabi ng isang tao sa kanyang ama o ina; Ang anumang maitutulong ko sa inyo ay Corban' (alalaong baga'y inihahain ko ito sa Diyos)-- hindi na ninyo siya pinahihintulutang tumulong sa kanyang ama o ina. Sa ganitong paraa'y niwawalang-kabuluhan ninyo ang salita ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga turong minana ninyo. at marami pang bagay na tulad nito ang ginagawa Ninyo.

Reflection for Monday February 5, Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr: Mark 6:53-56

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurry about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.  

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

 Do you have the habit of touching the image of Jesus in your house or when you are at church? Then, as you touch His image you say your silent prayer of petition and thanksgiving to Jesus? Continue doing it because that is a good habit it signifies your humility and surrender to the mighty power of Jesus.  

The healing crusade of Jesus continues in our gospel. Wherever He goes, those who were in need of His healing go also. The moment they receive the information that Jesus is near, they hurry to go to Him for a healing encounter with the Lord.They never mind if they are not able to talk to Jesus. It’s enough for them that they’re able to touch a tiny part of His clothes. Or to have a glimpse of Him is already enough for them to be healed by the mighty power of Jesus. 

Up to this very moment this mighty healing power of Jesus is very much present in our midst. Because the Lord is always a prayer away and His very image is within our reach too! Look at the cross in your house or in your church the image of Jesus is there. Touch Him and as you touch Him ask Him to heal you, ask Him to change you according to His will ask Him to make you more gentle, humble and forgiving.      

Surely, Jesus will never disappoint anyone who humbly surrenders themselves before Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.

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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.

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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.

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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