Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hunyo 11 San Bernabe, apostol (Paggunita): Mateo 5:13-16

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:13-16

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Kayo’y asin sa sanlibutan. Kung mawalan ng alat ang asin, paano pang mapananauli ang alat nito? Wala na itong kabuluhan kaya’t itinatapon na lamang at niyayapakan ng mga tao. 

“Kayo’y ilaw sa sanlibutan. Hindi maitatago ang isang lungsod na nakatayo sa ibabaw ng burol. Walang nagsisindi ng ilaw at naglalagay nito sa ilalim ng takalan. Sa halip ay inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang matanglawan ang lahat ng nasa bahay. Gayun din naman, dapat ninyong paliwanagin ang inyong ilaw sa harapan ng mga tao, upang makita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa, at luwalhatiin ang inyong Amang nasa Langit.”

Reflection for June 10, Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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Reflection:

A mentally challenged boy was always made fun of by his friends and relatives because he found it hard to follow simple instructions and to read and write. His relatives told him not to study anymore because it was just a waste of time and money. Thus, he was forced to stop, as a result, he wasn’t able to finish his elementary studies.

At that tender age, he knew that he was being looked down by those around him, so he meekly took their insults. What they didn’t know was that the boy had enormous faith in Jesus. Every night, he would be on his knees, praying and asking the Lord to guide and strengthen him, for he had nothing except Him.

After a few years this boy perseveringly continued his studies again and was able to finish college and he lived a modest life.

In today’s gospel Jesus gives us the Beatitudes and one of the Beatitude is: Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the land (Matthew 5:5). That blessing is for this mentally challenged boy who was blessed by the Lord. And it’s also for those who are meek who silently, humbly and perseveringly take the insults hurled towards them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 10 Lunes ng Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Jesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya'y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila'y tinuruan ng ganito: "Mapalad ang mga aba na walang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian."

"Mapalad ang mga nahahapis, sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos." "Mapalad ang mga mapagpakumbaba, sapagkat tatamuhin nila ang ipinangako ng Diyos." "Mapalad ang mga nagmimithing makatupad sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat ipagkakaloob sa kanila ang kanilang minimithi."

"Mapalad ang mga mahabagin, sapagkat kahahabagan sila ng Diyos." "Mapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, sapagkat makikita nila ang Diyos." "Mapalad ang mga gumagawa ng daan sa ipagkakasundo, sapagkat sila'y ituturing ng Diyos na mga anak niya."

"Mapalad ang mga pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian." "Mapalad kayo kapag dahil sa aki'y inaalimura kayo ng mga tao, pinag-uusig at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na pawang kasinungalingan. Magdiwang kayo at magalak, sapagkat malaki ang inyong gantimpala sa Langit."

Reflection for Sunday June 9, Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:20-35

Gospel: Mark 3:20-35

Jesus came home with his disciples. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons."

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. 

But no one can enter a strong man's house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder the house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin." For they had said, "He has an unclean spirit."

His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

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Reflection:

What are the consequences that we would receive after we sin? There are many, foremost among these is the control of Satan over us. This is why we keep on sinning until we become numb to committing sin. 

Thus, sinning becomes a lifestyle, an ordinary act for many. However, what many of us don’t realize is that our numbness towards sin becomes an instrument leading to problem-filled and dysfunctional lives.

In the gospel, Jesus is accused by the scribes of being under the control of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Why were they accusing Jesus of being part of Beelzebul's team? Because Jesus was casting out demons from people who were possessed. By casting out demons, the power of Jesus over Satan and Beelzebul was revealed.

Sin is the most effective instrument of Satan to bring people to hell, even while they are still living in this world. This is primarily why Satan wants people to sin, but Satan is no match for Jesus because Satan cowers in fear the moment he hears the powerful name of Jesus.

Many are living in sin right now, leading meaningless lives without clear direction because they have decided to embrace Satan and his many sinful offerings. For those who continue to sin, be assured that the time of retribution will surely come.

For those who will decide to permanently walk away from Satan and his sinful offerings. For those who will decide to embrace the light of enlightenment being constantly offered by Jesus they will begin to live peaceful and meaningful lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Linggo Hunyo 9 Ikasampung Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:20-35

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:20-35

Pag-uwi ni Jesus, muling nagkatipon ang napakaraming tao, anupa't hindi man lamang makuhang kumain ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad. Nang mabalitaan ito ng kanyang mga mga kasambahay, sila'y pumaroon upang kaunin siya, sapagkat ang sabi ng mga tao, "Nasisiraan siya ng bait!"

Sinabi naman ng mga eskribang dumating mula sa Jerusalem, "Inaalihan siya ni Beelzebul, ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo. Ito ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo!" Kaya't pinalapit ni Jesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila ang talinghaga: "Paano mangyayaring palayasin ni Satanas si Satanas?" 

Kapag naglaban-laban ang nasasakupan ng isang kaharian, hindi mananatili ang kahariang iyon. At kapag naglaban-laban ang magkakasambahay, hindi mananatili ang sambahayang iyon. Gayon din naman, kapag naghimagsik si Satanas laban sa kanyang sarili at naglaban-laban ang kanyang nasasakupan, hindi magtatagal at darating ang kanyang wakas. "Walang makapapasok sa bahay ng isang taong iyon. Saka pa lamang niya malolooban ang bahay na iyon.

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

Dumating ang ina at mga kapatid ni Jesus. Sila'y nasa labas ng bahay at ipinatawag siya. Noon nama'y maraming taong nakaupo sa palibot ni Jesus, at may nagsabi sa kanya, "Nariyan po sa labas ang inyong ina at mga kapatid; ipinatatawag kayo." Sino ang aking ina at mga kapatid?" ani Jesus. Tumingin siya sa mga nakaupo sa palibot niya at nagwika: "Ito ang aking ina at mga kapatid! Sapagkat ang sinumang tumatalima sa kalooban ng Diyos, ay siya kong ina at mga kapatid."

Reflection for Saturday June 8 Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 2:41-51

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Reflection:

Mario was a good son and the sole provider to his siblings and parents. One day he said to his parents that he will get married, both parents were speechless and in shock. Being both retired they were full of trepidation they were silently asking themselves: Who will provide for us now?    

Just like in that short story, sometimes we make arbitrary actions that hurt and give apprehension to our relatives. They may not directly say their apprehensions because they deeply respect our independence but deep in their hearts they are anxious.   

This must be the feeling of both Joseph and Mary when Jesus purposely remained behind in Jerusalem. So they went back to Jerusalem full of anxiety and many thoughts were already running in their minds. After three days they found Jesus safe and sound in the temple intently listening to the lectures and asking questions. 

At the young age of twelve, Jesus already felt the need to hear the words of God in the temple. It was not an issue for Him if He was left behind by His parents and other companions, as long as He could be in the house of God. 

Don’t we also feel this urgency to hear God’s words in the celebration of the Holy Mass? The boy Jesus points us to the fact that we too must have this great need to hear the words of God and share it afterwards. 

We must find time to listen to the words of God. Being busy with our earthly concerns is not an excuse; we must find time for God. If we can’t go to church for Holy Mass, we can open the Bible and read it solemnly, for God speaks to us through His words in the Bible. 

Do you find time for God amidst your busy schedule? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Hunyo 8 Kalinis-linisang Puso ng Birheng Maria (Paggunita): Lucas 2:41-51

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2: 41-51

Taun-taon tuwing pista ng Paskuwa, ang mga magulang ni Jesus ay pumupunta sa Jerusalem. At nang labindalawang taon na siya, pumaroon sila gaya ng dati nilang ginagawa. Pagkatapos ng pista, sila'y umuwi na. Nagpaiwan si Jesus sa Jerusalem ngunit hindi ito napansin ng kanyang mga magulang.  

Sa pag-aakala ng isa na si Jesus ay kasama ng isa, nagpatuloy sila sa maghapong paglalakbay. Nang malaman nilang hindi siya kasama, siya'y hinanap nila sa kanilang mga kamag-anak at kakilala. Hindi nila siya matagpuan, kaya't bumalik sila sa Jerusalem upang doon hanapin. At nang ikatlong araw, natagpuan nila si Jesus sa loob ng templo, nakaupong kasama ng mga guro.  

Nakikinig siya sa kanila at nagtatanong, at ang lahat ng nakarinig sa kanya ay namangha sa kanyang katalinuhan. Nagtaka rin ang kanyang mga magulang nang siya'y makita. Sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Anak, bakit naman ganyan ang ginawa mo sa amin? Balisang-balisa na kami ng iyong ama sa paghahanap sa iyo." Sumagot siya, "Bakit po ninyo ako hinahanap? Hindi ba ninyo alam na ako'y dapat na nasa bahay ng aking Ama?" Ngunit hindi nila nauunawaan ang pananalitang ito. 

Siya'y umuwing kasama nila sa Nazaret, at naging isang masunuring anak. Ang lahat ng bagay na ito ay iningatan ng kanyang ina sa kanyang puso. 

Reflection for Friday June 7 Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: John 19:31-37

Gospel: John 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. 

For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

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Reflection:

Imagine seeing the lifeless Jesus on the cross. How does it move you? Imagine seeing the lifeless Jesus on the cross being brutally pierced by a lance that reached deep into his Sacred Heart. How does it move you? Let us never forget the sacrifice of Jesus for us, let us never forget that He gave His very life for us. 

Many have forgotten and mocked the supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross in exchange for this world. Where are they now? What happened to their lives? Many are despising Jesus as irrelevant and fit to be relegated into the dustbin of history. What is presently happening in their lives now?

We must never forget that Jesus gave His life for us. We must never forget that God gave His only begotten Son so that we may live and have life. Are we among those who never forget the many sacrifices of Jesus? 

Those who always pray to Jesus and are devoted to the Sacred Heart of the Lord are constantly being blessed by Him and His Sacred Heart. – Marino  J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hunyo 7 Kamahal-mahalang Puso ni Hesus (Dakilang Kapistahan): Juan 19:31-37

Mabuting Balita: Juan 19:31-37

Noo'y araw ng Paghahanda, at ayaw ng mga Judio na manatili sa krus ang bangkay sa Araw ng Pamamahinga sapagkat dakila ang Araw ng Pamamahingang ito. Kaya't hiniling nila kay Pilato na ipabali nito ang mga binti ng mga ipinako sa krus, at alisin doon ang mga bangkay. 

Naparoon nga ang mga kawal at binali ang mga binti ng dalawang ipinakong kasabay ni Jesus.Ngunit pagdating nila kay Jesus at makitang patay na siya, hindi na nila binali ang kanyang binti. Subalit inulos ng sibat ng isa sa mga kawal ang tagiliran ni Jesus, at biglang dumaloy ang dugo at tubig. 

Ang nakakita nito ang nagpapatotoo -- tunay ang kanyang patotoo at alam niyang katotohanan ang sinabi niya -- upang kayo'y maniwala. Nangyari ang mga ito upang matupad ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan, "Walang mababali isa man sa kanyang mga buto." At sinabi naman ng ibang bahagi ng Kasulatan, "Pagmamasdan nila ang kanilang inulos."

Reflection for June 6 Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 12:28-34

Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”  

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God. And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a pastor who was preaching about love for God and neighbor. Across his church was a man who would always create noise whenever he was preaching. And he would naturally be distracted by that man. One morning the pastor went to that man and angrily told him that he is disturbing him. The man said to the pastor: “Why are you angry with me, don’t you know that I am just testing you if you live what you are preaching?” 

Do you love God? Surely you do. How about your neighbor?  It’s easy to say I love God but to live this love of God is a different story altogether. Because if we would live this love of God. Then, we would be willing to love even our unlovable neighbor. 

But who is this neighbor? He/she could be anyone that you know who’ve hurt you. He/she could be your spouse, your relative, your friend or your literal house neighbor. The supreme test of our love for God is when we are willing to love even our unlovable neighbor.  

If we say we love God yet we hold deep resentment toward somebody who has hurt us badly. Then, our love of God is simply superficial. It becomes authentic when we hold no bitterness toward those who’ve hurt us no matter how deep the hurt they’ve inflicted upon us.  

What is the use of going to church, of giving offerings and doing other forms of sacrifices as an expression of our faith and love for God? Yet, we hold a grudge against someone? Thus, we are still wanting in our profession of our love for God. True love for God is when we are capable of forgetting and forgiving the hurt that had been inflicted upon us.  

What if the hurt is consistently being made afresh, there is no sign of remorse from that neighbor. Perhaps it’s about time to completely walk away from that neighbor. We walk away not because we don’t love that neighbor and God. We walk away because that is the most ethical act to do.  

In the gospel, Jesus talks about the two greatest commandments: Love for God and neighbor. These two expressions of love should always be together and it should not be separated. Does this mean that there’s always a happy ending when we love God and neighbor?     

Not always, there are also sad endings when we express and live our love for God and neighbor. However, these sad endings are temporary eventually there would be a happy ending. Why? Because we never give up on loving our God and our neighbor. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Wednesday June 5 Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr: Mark 12:18-27

Gospel: Mark 12:18-27

Some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and put this question to him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. 

The first married a woman and died, leaving no descendants. So the second brother married her and died, leaving no descendants, and the third likewise. And the seven left no descendants. Last of all the woman also died. At the resurrection when they arise whose wife will she be? For all seven had been married to her.” 

Jesus said to them, “Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. 

As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled.”

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Reflection:

Is there an afterlife or resurrection after our life in this world is over? There is but it's very different from the life that we have right now. 

In the gospel a religious group who do not believe in the resurrection asked Jesus about a woman who married seven brothers that subsequently died one after the other. They asked Jesus, whose wife would she be in the afterlife? 

 Jesus said to them, "Are you not misled because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God? When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angels in heaven. 

The resurrected life with Jesus in heaven is totally different from the life that we have right now. If here we have pains and sorrows there shall be no more there, what we shall have there is a life with Jesus that is blissful and heavenly. We must aspire for that heavenly life and we must start right now by following the teachings of Jesus. 

Do you follow the teachings of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Hunyo 5, San Bonifacio obispo at martir (Pagginita): Marcos 12:18-27

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 12:18-27

Noong panahong iyon, may ilang Saduseo na lumapit kay Jesus. Ang mga Saduseo ay naninindigan na hindi muling bubuhayin ang mga patay. "Guro," anila, "naglagda po si Moises ng ganitong batas para sa amin: 'Kung mamamatay ang isang lalaki at maiwang walang anak ang kanyang asawa, ang kapatid ng lalaki'y dapat pakasal sa balo upang magka-anak sila para sa namatay.' 

May pitong magkakapatid na lalaki. Nag-asawa ang panganay, at namatay na walang anak. Napakasal sa balo ang pangalawa, at namatay na wala ring anak. Gayon rin ang nangyari sa pangatlo at sa mga sumunod pa: isa-isang napangasawa ng babae ang pitong magkakapatid, at sila'y namatay ng walang anak. 

Sa kahuli-huliha'y namatay rin ang babae. Ngayon, sino po sa pito ang kikilalanin niyang asawa sa muling pagkabuhay, yamang napangasawa niya silang lahat?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Maling-mali kayo. Alam ninyo kung bakit? Hindi ninyo nababatid ang mga Kasulatan ni ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos. Sapagkat sa muling pagkabuhay, ang mga tao'y hindi na mag-aasawa; sila'y nagiging tulad ng mga anghel sa langit. 

Tungkol naman sa muling pagkabuhay-- hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa sa aklat ni Moises ang tungkol sa nagliliyab na mababang punongkahoy? Ganito ang nasusulat na sinabi ng Diyos kay Moises, 'Ako ang Diyos ni Abraham, ang Diyos ni Isaac at ang Diyos ni Jacob.' Ngunit ang Diyos ay hindi Diyos ng mga patay, kundi ng mga buhay. Maling-mali kayo!"

Reflection for June 4 Tuesday of the Ninth Week of Ordinary Time: Mark 12:13-17

Gospel: Mark 12:13-17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.  

Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at. They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this? They replied to him, “Caesar’s. So Jesus said to them “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. They were utterly amazed at him.

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Reflection:

What is our obligation to Jesus? Our obligation is to follow His teachings. And as stated by Jesus in the gospel paying the rightful tax to the government is one of them. We disobey Jesus when we don’t pay the taxes due to the government. 

The question of paying the census tax had a deeper meaning for it was created to trap Jesus. However, Jesus was able to wiggle out of this complicated situation. This is the reason why at the end of the gospel the emissaries of Jesus’ opponents were utterly amazed at Him (Mark 12:17). 

As shown in the gospel, Jesus always makes a way out, even when there seems to be no way. He will always make things possible for us too, even if they seem impossible, because He is always there to help us solve our problems, no matter how complicated they may seem.

Where are you in your life right now? Are you in a predicament where you think that you’re about to surrender to your problems? Call on Jesus and pray to Him. He is there just a prayer away, ever ready to help you extricate yourself out of your problem. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 4 Martes sa Ikasiyam na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon:Marcos 12:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 12:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, ilang Pariseo at ilang kampon ni Herodes ang pinapunta kay Hesus upang siluin siya sa kanyang pananalita. Lumapit sila sa kanya at ang sabi, “Guro, nalalaman po naming kayo’y tapat at walang pinangingimian, sapagkat pareho ang pagtingin ninyo sa lahat ng tao.

At itinuturo ninyo kung ano ang kalooban ng Diyos sa mga tao. Naaayon po ba sa Kautusan ang pagbabayad ng buwis sa Cesar? Dapat ba kaming bumuwis o hindi?” Ngunit batid ni Hesus na sila’y nagkukunwari, kaya’t sinabi niya sa kanila, “Bakit ba ibig ninyo akong siluin?

Bigyan ninyo ako ng isang denaryo. Titingnan ko.” At kanilang binigyan siya. “Kaninong larawan at pangalan ang nakaukit dito?” tanong ni Hesus. “Sa Cesar po,” tugon nila. Sinabi ni Hesus, “Ibigay ninyo sa Cesar ang sa Cesar, at sa Diyos ang sa Diyos.” At sila’y namangha sa kanya.