Reflection for April 16, Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter: John 6:30-35

Gospel: John 6:30-35

The crowd said to Jesus: “What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do? Our ancestors ate manna in the desert, as it is written:

He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 

So they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.”

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Reflection:

Would we be willing to give our very life for Jesus? 

In the first reading, Stephen was killed because of his unending profession of faith in Jesus. He could have saved his life if he had not proclaimed his love for Jesus, but he chose to boldly declare it. As a result, he was stoned to death. 

What a price to pay for professing his faith and love for the Lord. But this is the reality with our discipleship for Jesus. If we really are true and faithful followers we would not hesitate to give a certain part of our life or even our own life for our love for Jesus.  

Every now and then there would be instances wherein the steadfastness of our faith in Jesus would be tested. It may not cost our life anymore; perhaps the test of our commitment to Jesus may come through many forms of temptations and trials. For example, temptation such as temptation of the flesh and trial such as unexpected sickness. Would we still be faithful to Jesus amidst these temptations and trials?  

It’s really not easy to follow Jesus, some of us may have already given up on Jesus and we instead chose to follow the many temptations of this world.  

But if we would not follow Jesus and if we will not sacrifice a part of ourselves for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Who are we going to follow? We follow the devil and his master, the supreme manipulator and deceiver Satan? Those who chose to follow Satan lived miserably until the end of their lives.– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Abril 16, Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:30-35

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:30-35

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng mga tao kay Hesus:"Ano pong kababalaghan ang maipakikita ninyo upang manalig kami sa inyo ? Ano po ang gagawin ninyo?" tanong nila. "Ang aming magulang ay kumain ng manna sa ilang, ayon sa nasusulat, 'Sila'y binigyan niya ng pagkaing mula sa langit,'" dugtong pa nila.

Sumagot si Jesus, "Dapat ninyong malamang hindi si Moises ang nagbigay sa inyo ng pagkaing mula sa langit, kundi ang aking Ama. Siya ang nagbibigay sa inyo ng tunay na pagkaing mula sa langit. Sapagkat ang pagkaing bigay ng Diyos ay yaong bumaba mula sa langit at nagbibigay-buhay sa sanlibutan."

"Ginoo," wika nila, "bigyan po ninyo kaming lagi ng pagkaing iyon." "Ako ang pagkaing nagbibigay-buhay," sabi ni Jesus. "Ang lumalapit sa akin ay hindi na magugutom, at ang nananalig sa akin ay hindi na mauuhaw kailanman."

Reflection for April 15, Monday of the Third Week of Easter: John 6:22-29

Gospel: John 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks.  

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled.  

Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

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Reflection:

Why do we go to church for Mass or why do we pray? Is it for our love of Jesus or for our need of Jesus? Some of us go to church for Holy Mass because of our need for Jesus, some of us pray for the same reason as well.  

 After our need for Jesus has been addressed already many of us would  slacken and go back to our old ways. Until such time that we again encounter humps and bumps in our lives then we again will need Jesus and we naturally attend Holy Mass again.  

The people who were following Jesus were looking for Him because they saw how He feed them in the miracle of the loaves and fish. It was not for the love of Jesus that they were looking for Him neither for their desire to join Jesus disciples in their mission of evangelization.  

If we look for Jesus let us not look for Him because of our need for Him alone. We look for Him because we love Him and we want to share in His mission of evangelization. It’s always better to look for Jesus rooted in our love for Him.  Since this love that we have for Him is always rewarded by Jesus in many ways: such as good health, peace of mind, peace in the family. feeling of contentment and the like. 

Why do you look for the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes, Abril 15, Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:22-29

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:22-29

Kinabukasan, nakita ng mga taong nanatili sa ibayo ng lawa na naroon pa ang isang bangka. Alam nilang si Hesus ay hindi kasama ng mga alagad, sapagkat ang mga ito lamang ang sumakay sa bangka at umalis. 

Dumating naman ang ilang bangkang galing sa Tiberias at sumadsad sa lugar na malapit sa kinainan nila ng tinapay matapos magpasalamat sa Panginoon. Nang makita ng mga tao na wala na roon si Hesus, ni ang kanyang mga alagad, sila’y sumakay sa mga bangka at pumunta rin sa Capernaum upang hanapin si Hesus.   

Nakita nila si Hesus sa ibayo ng lawa, at kanilang tinanong, “Rabi, kailan pa kayo rito?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hinahanap ninyo ako, hindi dahil sa mga kababalaghang nakita ninyo, kundi dahil sa nakakain kayo ng tinapay at nabusog. Gumawa kayo, hindi upang magkaroon ng pagkaing hindi nasisira at nagbibigay ng buhay na walang hanggan.  

Ibibigay ito sa inyo ng Anak ng Tao, sapagkat siya ang binigyan ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos Ama.” Kaya’t siya’y tinanong nila, “Ano po ang dapat naming gawin upang aming maganap ang kalooban ng Diyos?” “Ito ang ipinagagawa sa inyo ng Diyos: manalig kayo sa sinugo niya,” tugon ni Hesus.

Reflection for Sunday April 14, Third Sunday of Easter: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread.  

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. 

Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” they gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.  

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 

And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.”

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Reflection:

A compassionate woman would always go to a poor community to give food to those who are hungry. The poor, whom she had helped, would ask her, 'Why are you doing this to us?' The woman would reply, 'I want to share the love and compassion of Jesus with you.'

How would we know that we are witnessing for the risen Christ? It’s when we hunger to do the things that Jesus did when He walked for three years in this world. For example, we saw a poor begging for food and we felt compassion for that person which led us to give food. Or whenever we see a person in need we always feel the drive to help.  

If we feel these emotions in our hearts we are in fact already witnessing for the Risen Christ. The Lord is manifesting Himself through us and we become the living and breathing witnesses that Jesus has indeed risen!  

Why are we witnessing for Jesus? We witness for Jesus because we want others to experience Him as close as we do in our own lives. Our witnessing for the Lord is a reflection of the positive impact that Jesus has made in our lives. And we desire the same transformative encounter for others too. Through our witness, others can come to know Jesus and feel His presence and love through us.

In the gospel, the two disciples recounted to their fellow disciples Jesus’ manifestation to them in the breaking of the bread. When we break bread or share our food with the poor and hungry, we are doing acts of mercy and compassion. By breaking bread or sharing our food with the hungry, we bear witness for Jesus and become His face to them. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Abril 14, Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:35-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:35-48

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang isinalaysay ng mga alagad ni Hesus ang nangyari sa daan, at kung paano nila siyang nakilala nang pagpira-pirasuhin niya ang tinapay. Samantalang pinag-uusapan nila ito, si Hesus ay tumayo sa gitna nila. "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" sabi niya sa kanila. Ngunit nagulat sila at natakot sapagkat ang akala nila'y multo ang nasa harapan nila. 

Kaya't sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, "Ano't kayo'y nagugulumihanan? Bakit nag-aalinlangan pa kayo? Tingnan ninyo ang aking kamay at paa, ako nga ito. Hipuin nga ninyo at pagmasdan. Ang multo'y walang laman at buto, ngunit ako'y mayroon, tulad ng nakikita ninyo." At pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay at mga paa. Nang hindi pa rin sila makapaniwala dahil sa malaking galak at pagkamangha, tinanong sila ni Hesus, "May makakain ba riyan?" Siya'y binigyan nila ng kaputol na isdang inihaw, kinuha niya ito at kinain sa harapan nila. 

Pagkatapos, sinabi sa mga alagad, "Ito ang tinutukoy ko nang sabihin ko sa inyo noong kasama-sama pa ninyo ako: dapat matupad ang lahat ng nasusulat tungkol sa akin sa Kautusan ni Moises sa mga aklat ng mga propeta at sa aklat ng mga Awit." At binuksan niya ang kanilang mga pag-iisip upang maunawaan nila ang mga Kasulatan. 

Sinabi niya sa kanila. "Ganito ang mga nasusulat: kinakailangang magbata ng hirap at mamatay ang Mesias at muling mabuhay sa ikatlong araw. Sa kanyang pangalan, ang pagsisisi at kapatawaran ng mga kasalanan ay dapat ipangaral sa lahat ng bansa, magmula sa Jerusalem. Kayo ang mga saksi sa bagay na ito."

Reflection for April 13, Saturday of the Second Week of Easter: John 6:16-21

Gospel: John 6:16-21

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.  

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

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Reflection:

Where do you go when you are fearful or when there’s an absence of peace in your life? Do you go to Jesus and ask Him to calm you and give you peace?  

 As we continue to with our temporary journey we would be encountering many fears and many of these fears will certainly unsettle us. Yes, we would worry about these fears but after a while we also learn to submit everything to Jesus and the moment we do we already have peace. 

While the disciples were on a boat on their way to Capernaum they encountered a strong wind and they were certainly bothered by it. What would have happened if Jesus was with them? Jesus would have told them, keep calm don’t worry for I am with you. But Jesus was not with them so they were all fearful.  

Many fears bother us when there’s an absence of Jesus in our lives. Why? Because there’s an absence of stability, serenity and peace. Even if a person is rich or powerful if he/she doesn’t have Jesus there would certainly be absence of peace and calmness.  

You will only have peace in your life if you have Jesus, if you don’t have Jesus expect the absence of peace to bother you. Wealth will not give you peace; power will not give you peace only Jesus will give you this elusive peace.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Abril 13 Sabado sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:16-21

Nang nagtatakipsilim na, ang mga alagad ay pumunta sa tabi ng lawa, sumakay sa bangka, patawid sa Capernaum. Madilim na'y wala pa si Jesus. Lumakas ang hangin at lumaki ang alon. Nang makagaod sila nang lima o anim na kilometro, nakita nila si Jesus na lumalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, palapit sa bangka. 

At sila'y natakot. Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila, "Huwag kayong matakot, ako ito!" Tuwang tuwa nilang pinasakay si Jesus sa bangka; at pagdaka'y sumadsad ang kanilang bangka sa kanilang patutunguhan.

Reflection for April 12, Friday of the Second Week of Easter: John 6:1-15

Gospel: John 6:1-15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. 

When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” 

One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. 

So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” 

So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

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Reflection:   

The story is told about a married couple who always find it hard to sustain their family's basic needs. A relative advised them to always be present at the Holy Mass celebration in their village's chapel. The married couple asked their relative, "Why is there a need for us to always be present during Holy Mass?" Their relative told them that they need to be present because this is where they meet, interact, and become one with the Bread of Life, which is Jesus Himself. 

The big crowd in the gospel was running after Jesus, primarily because of His miracles, healings, and life-changing sermons. The crowd numbered more than five thousand, and Jesus was naturally concerned for their welfare. Therefore, He wanted to feed them, but there was not enough bread and fish. So what Jesus did was ask for whatever bread and fish they had. 

Upon receiving the bread and fish, He looked up in thanksgiving to God. Thereafter, Jesus distributed the bread and fish to the crowd, and He was able to feed them all! They even had plenty to spare: twelve wicker baskets full of fragments. Jesus not only satisfied the crowd's physical hunger but also quenched their spiritual thirst. 

When we attend Holy Mass, we are also fed by Jesus with the same bread which He gave the crowd. It happens the moment we partake of His Body and Blood during Holy Communion. During Holy Communion, we are also nourished physically and spiritually by the Bread of Life which is Jesus Himself!  

This is what occurs when we attend Holy Mass. We are always being nourished by Jesus Himself! The same Jesus that fed the crowd who were following Him in the gospel. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita, Abril 12 Biyernes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:1-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:1-15

Noong panahong iyon, tumawid si Jesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, na tinatawag ding Lawa ng Tiberias. Sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao sapagkat nakita nila ang mga kababalaghang ginawa niya sa pagpapagaling sa mga maysakit. Umahon si Jesus sa burol kasama ang kanyang mga alagad at naupo roon. Malapit na noon ang Pista ng Paskua ng mga Judio. 

Tumanaw si Jesus, at nakita niyang dumarating ang napakaraming tao. Tinanong niya si Felipe, "Saan tayo bibili ng tinapay upang makakain ang mga taong ito?" Sinabi niya ito upang subukin si Felipe, sapagkat alam ni Jesus ang kanyang gagawin. Sumagot si Felipe, "Kahit na po halagang dalawandaang denaryong tinapay ang bilhin ay di sasapat para makakain ng tigkakaunti ang mga tao." 

Sinabi ng isa sa kanyang mga alagad, si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro, "Mayroon po ditong isang batang lalaki na may dalang limang tinapay na sebada at dalawang isda. Ngunit gaano na ito sa ganyang karaming tao?" "Paupuin ninyo sila," wika ni Jesus. Madamo sa lugar na yaon. Umupo ang lahat -- humigit-kumulang sa limang libo ang mga lalaki.  

Kinuha ni Jesus ang tinapay at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay ipinamahagi sa mga tao; gayon din ang ginawa niya sa isda. Binigyan ang lahat hangga't gusto nila. at nang makakain na sila, sinabi niya sa mga alagad, "Tipunin ninyo ang mga lumabis para hindi masayang." Gayon nga ang ginawa nila, at nakapuno sila ng labindalawang bakol.  

Nang makita ng mga tao ang kababalaghang ginawa ni Jesus, sinabi nila, "Tunay na ito ang propetang paririto sa sanlibutan!" Nahalata ni Jesus na lalapit ang mga tao at pilit siyang kukunin upang gawing hari, kaya muli siyang umalis na mag-isa patungo sa kaburulan.

Reflection for Thursday April 11, Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr: John 3:31-36

Gospel: John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.  

For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

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Reflection:

Why is it hard for many of us to convince others to go to church for Holy Mass and why can’t we share Jesus with them? This is for the reason that many of us don’t live the teachings of Jesus we don’t live our faith in other words.  

What must we do if we are in this kind of predicament?  Should we easily give up or should we change our ways and live our faith? It’s no brainer that the right choice is to change our ways and not give up. Because if we would give up, who will evangelize them? We leave them to be evangelized by those from other faiths?  

We must teach our faith but we must do it with humility, patience and love. We have to employ humility, patience and love so that we could open their hearts to the teachings of Jesus and our faith. For example our gospel for today tells us about the love of God for His Son. How would they know about this if we would not teach them if we would not practice love?  

We have to teach them using humility, patience and love. We will always become effective evangelizers/sharers of our faith if we are humble, patient and loving. For these are the qualities of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Abril 11 San Estanislao obispo at martir (Paggunita): Juan 3:31-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:31-36

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus  kay Nicodemo: Ang mula sa itaas ay dakila sa lahat; ang mula sa lupa ay taga lupa at nagsasalita tungkol sa mga bagay sa lupa. Ang mula sa langit ay dakila sa lahat. Pinatototohanan niya ang kanyang nakita at narinig, ngunit walang maniwala sa kanyang patotoo. Ang naniniwala sa kanyang patotoo ay nagpapatunay na tapat ang Diyos.  

Sapagkat ang sinugo ng Diyos ay nagpapahayag ng salita ng Diyos; at walang sukat ang kanyang pagkakaloob ng Espiritu Santo. Minamahal ng Ama ang Anak, at ibinigay sa kanya ang kapamahalaan ng lahat ng bagay. Ang nananalig sa Anak ay may buhay na walang hanggan; ngunit ang hindi tumatalima sa Anak, hindi magkakaroon ng buhay -- mananatili sa kanya ang poot ng Diyos.

Reflection for Wednesday April 10, Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter: John 3:16-21

Gospel: John 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. 

Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. 

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

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Reflection:

Can we be saved by simply believing in Jesus? Is it enough to believe and not live that belief? 

We must believe and we must live and give substance to what we believe by making a positive difference in the lives of others and by detesting sin. For example, if we say that we love Jesus but we ignore the cry for help of those who are in need what then is the use of saying we believe and love Jesus? If we say that we believe yet we continue to allow ourselves to sin and be captured by the devil. What then is the use of our profession of belief in Jesus? 

When we say we believe we should firmly stand by our word by detesting sin in whatever forms and shapes. For the simple reason that this is the only way to Jesus, we are simply fooling ourselves if we say we believe yet we continue to sin. 

There are many of us who continue to say that we believe in Jesus but when testing comes. We push aside the light of Jesus to plunge into the darkness to be in the company of the devil. And then what comes after that are the many punishments that we impose upon ourselves thru our engagement with sin and the devil. 

So, why go with sin and the devil when Jesus is always there for us patiently asking us to leave sin and the devil? We therefore have to confront and then leave behind our sinful lives so that the Lord can embrace us with His forgiveness, mercy and love.

Would you confront and leave behind sin and satan? You may ask, why is their a need to confront? Why not simply leave behind? You need to confront sin and satan first because when you confront you immediately and permanently bury whatever relationship you have with sin and satan.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Abril 10, Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:16-21

Gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Sapagkat sinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, hindi upang hatulang maparusahan ang sanlibutan, kundi upang iligtas ito sa pamamagitan niya.  

"Hindi hinahatulang maparusahan ang nananampalataya sa Anak ng Diyos; ngunit hinatulan nang parusahan ang hindi nananampalataya sa kanya. Hinatulan sila sapagkat naparito sa sanlibutan ang ilaw, ngunit inibig pa ng tao ang dilim kaysa liwanag, sapagkat masama ang kanilang mga gawa.  

Ang gumagawa ng masama ay ayaw sa ilaw, at hindi lumalapit dito upang hindi mahayag ang kanyang mga gawa. Ngunit ang namumuhay sa katotohanan ay lumalapit sa ilaw; sa gayon, nahahayag na ang kanyang mga ginagawa'y pagsunod sa Diyos.