Reflection for February 17, Saturday after Ash Wednesday: Luke 5:27-32

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me. And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.  

The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

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Reflection:

There is a story of a sinner who wanted to change his ways. So he gathered enough courage and presented himself to his parents to ask for forgiveness. But the parents did not forgive him they instead condemned him as good for nothing and useless. 

In the days that followed they received a call that their son ended his life. If only they were not judgmental they could have saved a life and became an instrument of conversion. But they choose not to forgive. 

How do you treat sinners? Are you quick to condemn them for who they are? Or you are patient with them and even build bridges with them so that they would also feel the love and forgiveness of Jesus? 

When we judge sinners we also immediately cut off the chance for us to be an instrument of their healing and conversion. We are also pushing them deeper into the mud of sin. But why are we judgmental when we are sinners as well? Why are we judgmental when we are not perfect, when we too are subject to judgment? 

When Jesus saw the tax collector named Levi who was labelled as a sinner by those who knew him. Jesus did not condemn the tax collector He instead asked Levi to follow Him and this sinner left everything to follow the Lord. Here we see the redemptive result when we don’t judge and condemn. 

In the heart of hearts of every sinner rest a sacred place that is reserved for someone who will not judge them. A sacred place exclusively for those who would be willing to forgive them and help them get up and start a new life hand in hand with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 17, Sabado kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 5:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:27-32

Noong Panahong iyon, nakita ni Jesus ang isang publikano na nagngangalang Levi, nakaupo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Sumunod ka sa akin." Tumindig si Levi, iniwan ang lahat, at sumunod kay Jesus.  

Si Jesus ay hinandugan ni Levi ng isang malaking piging sa kanyang bahay. Nakasalo niya roon ang mga publikano at ang iba pang mga tao. Nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Pariseo at ang kanilang mga kasamang eskriba. Sinabi nila sa mga alagad ni Jesus, "Bakit kayo kumakain at umiinom na kasalo ng mga publikano at ng mga makasalanan?"  

Sinagot siya ni Jesus, "Hindi nangangailangan ng manggagamot ang walang sakit kundi ang may sakit. Naparito ako, hindi upang tawagin ang mga matuwid kundi ang mga makasalanan upang magsisi."

Reflection for February 16, Friday after Ash Wednesday: Matthew 9:14-15

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

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Reflection:

Do you practice fasting?  

The church teaches us that we have to practice fasting during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Does it have any basis in the Bible? Yes just to name a few: Jonah 3:7, Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. 

Matthew 4:2: “He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” 

Matthew 6:16: When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. 

To practice fasting is an edifying experience, for we would discover that we can still be productive even if we are fasting, as long as we focus our attention on Jesus, who observed fasting for forty days in the desert and, in the process, was tempted in vain by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). 

But more than the voluntary denial of food it also requires us to fast from doing anything that would offend God and our fellowmen. From doing anything that would defile us physically and spiritually. For example we fast from committing sin, we fast from judging our neighbor and so forth.   

In the gospel Jesus was asked by the Pharisees and John’s disciples why His followers were not fasting. Jesus answered them that there’s no reason yet for them to fast because He is with them (Matthew 9:15). 

When are we, therefore, going to be with Jesus so that we will no longer practice fasting? It’s when we die and eventually ascend to heaven, which is sure to come if we continue to live our lives worthy in the eyes of God until our last breath in this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 16, Biyernes kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Mateo 9:14-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:14-15

Noong Panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista at ang wika, "Malimit kaming mag-ayuno, gayon din ang mga Pariseo. Bakit po hindi nag-aayuno ang inyong mga alagad?" Sumagot siya, "Maaari bang magdalamhati ang mga panauhin sa kasalan habang kasama nila ang lalaking ikinasal? Kapag wala na siya, saka pa lamang sila mag-aayuno."   

Reflection for February 15, Thursday after Ash Wednesday: Luke 9:22-25

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

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Reflection:

What would you do after hearing Jesus say this: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 

What will register in your mind for sure is Jesus statement about His suffering and death. What will register in your mind is His statement that those who would want to follow Him must learn how to deny himself and carry his cross daily.

This is for the reason that we are normally unenthusiastic with suffering, death and sacrifice. Who would want to suffer, who would want to die at a young age and who would want sacrifice in his life? We don’t want all of these because this entails hardship, perseverance and the like. 

But this is the reality of life with Jesus, if we really want to feel His abiding presence in our lives. Then, we must be prepared to suffer, for what reason would we suffer for? We will suffer in our discipleship with Jesus because Jesus Himself suffered. Even if He has the power He did not exempt Himself from suffering.    

What would you gain after suffering for the mission of Jesus? You will be with Jesus in heaven someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 15, Huwebes kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 9:22-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:22-25

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ang Anak ng Tao'y dapat magtiis ng maraming hirap. Itatakwil siya ng matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga eskriba. Ipapapatay nila siya, ngunit sa ikatlong araw ay muling mabubuhay." At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Kung ibig ninumang sumunod sa akin, limutin niya ang ukol sa kanyang sarili, pasanin araw-araw ang kanyang krus at sumunod sa akin. 

Ang naghahangad magligtas ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito; ngunit ang mag-alay ng kanyang buhay alang-alang sa akin ay siyang magkakamit niyon. Ano nga ang mapapala ng tao, makamtan man niya ang buong sanlibutan kung ang katumbas naman nito'y ang kanyang buhay? Ano nga ang mapapala niya kung siya’y mapapahamak?”

Reflection for February 14, Ash Wednesday (Fasting and Abstinence): Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. 

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that you may not appear to be fasting except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

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Reflection:

How will this 2024 season of Lent affect you? Does this bring you closer to God? There are three keys for you to have a meaningful observance of Lent. The first is Almsgiving, the second is Prayer, and the third is Fasting. In all of these three, Jesus advocates silence and self-introspection. What Jesus advocates contradicts what this world would normally dictate you to do.

In Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting Jesus advocates doing it in the privacy of your heart. Nobody will know except you and God alone not even your closest relative or friend.  Why? Because it is in silence and secrecy that you would also receive blessings from God (Most especially spiritual blessings!).  For example, how could you have peace of mind? It’s through silence. How would you feel the presence of God in your life it’s in silence also.  

God is not a loud God He is a God that loves silence.  He is not like the many artificial Gods of this secular world that thrives in noise and publicity. Come to think of it, is it possible to have communion with God through noise and publicity? Never. We will never have connection with Jesus through noise, publicity and other acts of self-promotion.     

As we begin our forty (40) day’s journey this lent let us look back on the loudness of our life. Let us look at our Facebooks, Instagrams and other social media platforms and observe how we loudly promoted our life there. And let us ask ourselves this question: Has this self-promotion and loud lifestyle led me in close communion with Jesus? 

Lent is the time of year that the Good Lord gives us so that we could get closer and intimate with Him. So that we could repent from all of our sins. It is His hope that through lent we could have a close encounter with Him and this we can best do in silence.

As the priest and other deputized ministers of the church apply the ash in the shape of a cross on your forehead, close your eyes and silently pray this to the Lord: 'Cleanse me, O Lord, for I am a sinner. Forgive me, O Lord, for I have sinned. Heal me, O Lord, for I have been deeply wounded by sin.’ – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 14, Miyerkules ng Abo (Pag-aayuno at Abstinensya): Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Pag-ingatan ninyo na huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang paggawa ninyo ng mabuti. Kapag ganyan ang ginawa ninyo, wala kayong matatamong gantimpala buhat sa inyong Amang nasa langit. 

“Kaya nga, kapag naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipagmakaingay ito, katulad ng ginagawa ng mga mapagpaimbabaw doon sa sinagoga at sa mga lansangan. Ginagawa nila ito upang purihin sila ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kung naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipaalam ito kahit sa iyong pinakamatalik na kaibigan upang malihim ang iyong paglilimos. At gagantihin ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim.  

“At kapag nananalangin kayom huwag kayong tumulad sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Mahilig silang manalangin nang patayo sa mga sinagoga at sa mga panukalang-daan, upang makita ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kapag mananalangin ka, pumasok ka sa iyong silid at isara mo ang pinto. Saka ka manalangin sa iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita, at gagantihin ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim.  

“Kapag nag-aayuno kayo, huwag kayong magmukhang malungkot, tulad ng mga mapagimbabaw. Hindi sila nag-aayos upang malaman ng mga tao na sila’y nag-aayuno. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Kapag ikaw ay nag-aayuno, mag-ayos ka ng buhok at maghilamos upang huwag mapansin ng mga tao na nag-aayuno ka. Ang iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita ang siya lamang nakaaalam nito. Siya, na nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim, ang gaganti sa iyo.” 

Reflection for February 13, Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:14-21

Gospel: Mark 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. 

When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up? 

They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

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Reflection:

What do you do when you go through life's trials? Do you fully trust the Lord to make things better for you? Do you say, 'Lord, I give you all my worries, trusting that you will take care of them.  

If your mindset is to surrender everything to the Lord, it speaks volumes about your enormous faith in Jesus. Come what may, you will trust Jesus more than yourself or anybody else. Is your faith in Jesus as strong as this, that you trust Him more than anybody else? 

In the gospel, when the disciples together with Jesus were already in the boat they found out that they had only one bread. And they were naturally worried, for how could this one bread fill all of their hungry stomachs? 

In the midst of their worries Jesus reminded them about His miracle of the loaves where He feed the thousands. As if Jesus was telling them: Why are you worried that you will not be able to eat when I am with you? 

The disciples failed their test of faith; they doubted if Jesus would be able to help them. Did they doubt or they momentarily forgot that Jesus was with them in that boat? 

We all face our own set of test of faith. Perhaps many of us also fail this test of faith and we doubt if we would be able to achieve what we want in life. Or for the reason of our many worries we simply forget that we have a powerful friend and God in Jesus. 

Let us doubt no more let us fully trust Jesus for He will never fail us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 13, Martes sa ikaanim na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:14-21

Noong panahong iyon, nalimutan ng mga alagad na magdala ng tinapay, at iisa lang ang kanilang tinapay sa bangka. "Kaiingat kayo! Ilagan ninyo ang lebadura ng mga Pariseo at ang lebadura ni Herodes," babala ni Jesus sa kanila. Nag-usap-usap ang mga alagad, "Wala kasi tayong dalang tinapay kaya niya sinabi iyon." 

Alam ito ni Jesus, kaya't sila'y tinanong niya, "Bakit ninyo pinag-uusapan na kayo'y walang dalang tinapay? Hindi pa ba kayo nakababatid o nakauunawa? Hindi pa ba abot ng inyong isip? Wala ba kayong mata? Wala ba kayong tainga? Nakalimutan na ba ninyo nang pagpira-pirasuhin ko ang limang tinapay para sa limanlibo? 

Ilang bakol ang napuno ninyo sa mga lumabis na tinapay?" "Labindalawa po," tugon nila. "At nang pagpira-pirasuhin ko ang pitong tinapay para sa apatnalibo, ilang bakol na malalaki ang napuno ninyo?" tanong niya. "Pitong bakol po," tugon nila. "At hindi pa rin ninyo nauunawaan?" wika niya.

Reflection for February 12, Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:11-13

Gospel: Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation. Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

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Reflection:

A man would always be bothered whenever he watches news about earthquakes, storms, and other natural calamities on the internet. He would always tell himself, 'Is this a sign that the end of this world is near?' Then he would calm down by saying, 'I trust the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore, I am not disturbed nor bothered.

Why is it that many of us are easily bothered whenever we see disasters and calamities? This is for the simple reason that we lack faith otherwise if we don’t lack faith we would not be easily bothered. Human as we are it’s natural for us to be bothered by these natural calamities. However, we should always quickly assure ourselves that Jesus is in control we therefore have to regain our confidence under this disturbing situation.  

In the gospel for today the Pharisees were asking for a sign from the Lord. Why? Because they were testing Him and aside from that they simply don’t have faith in Jesus.  

How about you? Are you easily disturbed by the many wars, calamities and disasters that are unfolding before your eyes? Are you easily bothered by the many problems that you are facing right now?  

Do not be bothered for Jesus is in control, no sign is stronger than Jesus Himself. He is more than enough to calm you amidst your fears and problems whatever those problems are. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 12, Lunes sa Ikaanim na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:11-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:11-13

Noong panahong iyon, may dumating na mga Pariseo at nakipagtalo kay Hesus. Ibig nilang masila siya kaya hiningi nila na magpakita si hesus ng isang tanda mula sa langit.  

Napabuntong-hininga nang malalim si Hesus at ang wika, “Bakit naghahanap ng tanda ang lahing ito? Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi sila pagpapakitaan ng anumang tanda.” Iniwan niya sila, at pagkasakay sa bangka ay tumawid sa ibayo. 

Reflection for Sunday February 11, Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:40-45

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 

He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

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Reflection:

How would you react if you were the leper who was healed by Jesus? Should you just keep silent about your miraculous healing or you tell everyone how Jesus healed you? Perhaps you would also spread the good news of your healing from Jesus for this is basic human nature. 

The healed leper disobeyed Jesus' command not to tell anyone about the miracle he received from Him (Mark 1:44). Did Jesus become angry due to his disobedience? Of course not! Jesus perfectly understood that his disobedience served a good reason.

The healed leper was eager for everyone to know that Jesus heals! He simply wanted to share the good news of his healing so that others could also receive healing from the Lord. Soon after, news of the healing that Jesus performed for the leper spread like wildfire, resulting in people from everywhere coming to Jesus.

Have you received a miracle from Jesus? For example, healing from your sickness, healing of a family relationship or healing from an emotional/spiritual sickness and so on. Don’t keep it within yourself!

Share with everyone the miracle that Jesus has done for you. Humbly speak about the greatest healer to ever walk this earth—none other than Jesus Himself! So that they too would experience healing from the Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 11, Ikaanim na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:40-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:40-45

Noong panahong iyon, may isang ketonging lumapit kay Hesus, nanikluhod at nagmakaawa: “Kung ibig po ninyo’y mapagagaling ninyo ako.” Nahabag si Hesus at hinipo siya, sabay ang wika, “Ibig ko. Gumaling ka!” Noon di’y nawala ang ketong at gumaling ang tao. Pinaalis siya agad ni Hesus matapos ang ganitong mahigpit na bilin: “Huwag mong sasabihin ito kaninuman.  

Sa halip ay pasuri ka sa saserdote. Pagkatapos, maghandog ka ayon sa iniutos ni Moises, upang patunayan sa mga tao na ikaw ay magaling na.” Ngunit umalis siya at bagkus ipinamalita ang nangyari, anupat hindi na hayagang makapasok ng bayan si Hesus. Naroon na lamang siya sa labas, sa mga ilang na pook, at doon pinagsasadya ng mga tao buhat sa iba’t ibang dako.