Monday, June 24, 2024

Reflection for June 25 Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:6, 12-14


Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.  

This is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”

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Reflection:

What is the difference between the narrow gate and the wide gate? It’s hard to enter the narrow gate, you may have to twist your body so that you could pass through it. How about the wide gate? You simply can walk through it no twisting and no discomfort whatsoever.  

You may ask, what is the relationship between the narrow gate and Jesus? The narrow gate is the gateway to knowing Jesus. The narrow gate is the gateway toward having a personal encounter with Jesus. In what way does this narrow gate lead you to Jesus? This narrow gate will require you to make some sacrifices. It will require you to do things that you are not normally used to doing.

For example, in fulfilling your Sunday Holy Mass obligation, abhorring sin, or reading the Holy Bible. You may not be comfortable doing these because they require effort and time. Yet if you dare to do them, they will lead you to Jesus and help you learn more about the many truths concerning the Catholic Church.

If you want to find the true meaning and purpose of your life and if you want to know Jesus more deeply. You have to pass thru this narrow gate for this is the way that would lead you to a life of purpose with Jesus. Forget the wide gate which consist of the many sinful worldly enjoyment, it will lead you nowhere it will even lead you to shame and self-destruction.  

Will you dare enter this narrow gate that leads to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 25 Martes ng Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:6, 12-14


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:6, 12-14
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong ibigay sa aso ang bagay na banal, sapagkat kayo'y babalingan at lalapain pagkatapos. Huwag ninyong ihagis sa mga baboy ang inyong mga perlas sapagkat yuyurakan lamang nila ang mga iyon." 

"Kaya gawin ninyo sa inyong kapwa ang ibig ninyong gawin nila sa inyo. Ito ang kahulugan ng Kautusan ni Moises at ng turo ng mga propeta." 

"Pumasok kayo sa makipot na pintuan; sapagkat maluwag ang pintuan at malapad ang daang patungo sa kapahamakan, at ito ang dinaraanan ng marami. Ngunit makipot ang pintuan at makitid ang daang patungo sa buhay at kakaunti lang ang nakasusumpong niyon." 

Sunday, June 23, 2024

Reflection for Monday June 24 Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist: Luke 1:57-66, 80


Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." 

But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 

Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a middle-aged married couple who was finally blessed by God with a child. They were so happy for they thought that they would not have a child anymore. Therefore, the married couple promised God that they would properly take care of this child. They also said to God that they would teach this child how to be simple and humble and they would introduce this child to Jesus by bringing the child with them whenever they would attend Holy Mass.  

What does a new born child brings to a family? It brings unfathomable joy and rejoicing. This was how the couple Elizabeth and Zechariah felt during that time. The new born child did not only bring joy to his parents, he also brought healing to his father Zechariah who had problem with speaking. 

Do you properly take care of your child? A child that is given to you as a blessing by God? Do you teach your child about God and your faith? Do you teach this child to be humble and to live simply? Do you bring this growing child to church for Holy Mass? 

What can we learn from the nativity of Saint John the Baptist? We learn that there is a reward that awaits parents who are faithful to the will of God. We learn that when a child is taught the values of simplicity and humility, the child will grow up to be simple and humble as well.

John grew up as a simple and humble man, he grew up faithful to God’s will for him. We cannot only attribute these virtues of John to God alone. Both Elizabeth and Zechariah (his parents) played also an important role in instilling him these virtues of humility and simplicity. Zechariah and Elizabeth did not only teach John about simplicity and humility. They spent time with the child John and both of them lived humility and simplicity also.    

Many children today are being pampered and spoiled by their parents. They buy their children the newest gadgets to supposedly show their love. However, giving them the latest gadgets is not a show of love. 

It’s in fact a testament of parent’s lack of real and unconditional love towards their children.  Real and unconditional love is when we spend time with our children and we don’t count the cost of the time that we spend with them. we simply savor and treasure that time for we know that the time spent with our children is a time well-spent which no money or gadgets can replace. 

Do you still bond with your children by giving them your time? Do you live the virtues of humility and simplicity and do you teach your child how to be humble and simple?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Reflection for Sunday June 23, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:35-41


Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?

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Reflection:   

The story is told about a man who was so afraid of darkness. He feared darkness because he imagines evil things coming out of it. For the same reason, when sleeping time comes in the evening he tells his wife not to turn off the lights.  

For many of us, evening or darkness depicts uncertainty and registers fear in our hearts. Notice what happens when there’s a brownout or blackout in the community. Everyone looks for their flashlights, candles, or anything that can defeat the darkness.

It was evening when Jesus and His disciples were crossing to the other side of the lake in a boat. Darkness pervaded their surroundings when suddenly, out of the blue, they encountered a violent storm. They were all scared  and the fear of the storm, combined with the darkness, momentarily made them forget that Jesus was with them.

And then, they remembered that Jesus, the light of their lives and ours too, was with them. Despite the violent storm, He was soundly asleep on a cushion in the stern. They woke Him up and asked for His help. Right before them, Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Quiet! Be still!' The wind ceased, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39).

All of us pass thru certain stretches of darkness and storms in our life and we naturally fear it. Many of us would want to avoid these stretches of darkness and storms. Yet we cannot avoid it for these are part and parcel of our life.  

So what are we going to do when we pass thru these episodes of storms and darkness? We always have to remember that Jesus the light of our lives is always with us. We always have to remember that no storms or darkness can break us down. For we have Jesus walking with us and lighting our paths.  

Do you always call on Jesus when you pass through storms and darkness in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for June 22 Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:24-34


Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34
Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.

But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat? or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ 

All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

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Reflection:

What does Jesus mean when He said that we need not worry for God will provide? Is He telling us to simply lie down and we don’t do anything? Of course not! Yes Jesus is telling us in the gospel that we should learn to trust in God. But Jesus did not tell us to be lazy and just open our mouths because food will simply fall down from heaven.

What we need to do is we have to have faith and trust in Jesus. Yet we also have to move and do something and in the process expect the good Lord to bless our efforts. So its trusting Jesus and we reinforce our trust by our action and then we leave it up all to the graciousness of the good Lord.

What makes a meaningful life in this world? It’s a life focused first on God not a life focused first on this world. When we fix first our attention on God we are properly guided as we go on and live our lives in this world. We are not easily tempted to do wrong for the very reason that God is our priority.

If God is the driver of our lives we have nothing to worry for we will be able to handle whatever trials that may come our way. We will certainly survive it splendidly for the very reason that Jesus occupies the driver’s seat.

Who is driving your life right now? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Friday June 21 Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious: Matthew 6:19-23


Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

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Reflection:

There’s a story of a young, bright man who declined every opportunity to get wealthy in favor of serving God. After twenty years, his batch had an alumni homecoming. And many of his batchmates were already executives of private and government corporations. 

How about him? He was still  serving God. Compared to them who were complaining of many sickness brought about by the pressure of this world. His batch mates noticed his refreshing and healthy physical appearance. 

When you focus on God rather than this world and when you store up treasures for heaven rather than this world. You will not only have good physical appearance you will also have a healthy spiritual life. You will also have a close relationship with Jesus. 

Spiritual health is the greatest wealth yet many of us are blinded by material riches that we consider it our greatest wealth. What good would it do us if we have accumulated all the wealth in this world if our spirits are in poor health? What good will it do us if we gain all the wealth in this world if we cannot go to heaven after our journey is over? 

Whatever we have in this world we will leave behind sooner or later or it may leave us behind. Yet, whatever we have invested for God in this world will be our passport to heaven to be with Jesus.  

What are you investing on right now? Are you still investing on the things of this world? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for June 20 Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:7-15


Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15
(Jesus said to his disciples) “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This is how you are to pray:

‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’  

“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

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Reflection:

How do you pray? 

Do you pray with a set of structured prayer such as the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be and many other Catholic prayers? Nothing is wrong with these prayers for it brings you closer to God. What is important is, when you pray you dive inside your prayer this means that your whole being is in communion with your prayer. 

There is no wrong either with your spontaneous/personal prayers for these are prayers that originate deep in your heart.  Your whole being should always  be with your prayers and by doing so you establish your connection with God. 

So you know how to pray and that is very good! But think about the many others who do not know ho w to pray (There are many of them). Perhaps you can make it your mission to teach them how to pray and in the process you bring them closer to Jesus. 

You become productive follower of Jesus when you pay forward whatever you know about Jesus most especially this prayer that HE taught the disciples and you too to pray. 

Have you already shared the Our Father prayer? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for June 19 Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: 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 alms giving 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 others 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:

What motivates us to do good? For example in giving to the poor, what motivates us to help them? In giving to the poor Jesus has a major requirement that we should follow. Do it in secret without anyone knowing about it.  

Why in secret? This is for the reason that secrecy and humility is the language of Jesus secrecy is also a close relative of humility which Jesus embodies to the hilt. 

The teaching of Jesus on almsgiving is totally opposed to the teachings of this world, which, unfortunately, many of us follow. This world teaches us to publicize and broadcast whatever good we do. It encourages us to post our acts of kindness on Facebook and other social media platforms so that those who know us may see them and consequently have a good impression of us.

Why publicize? Perhaps this is brought about by our hunger for recognition. And there’s no wrong about it for we simply want to be recognized.  But Jesus is challenging us not to go  after recognition and to not publicize what we do. Jesus is challenging us to silently fade away after we have done good to anyone. 

Can you measure up to this challenge of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Monday, June 17, 2024

Reflection for June 18 Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48


Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.  

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

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Reflection:

Would we obey the command of Jesus to love and pray for our enemy? 

Who are we to not obey the command of Jesus to love even our enemy? We are mere mortals and sinful beings of God. If God loves us unconditionally, why can’t we do the same to our fellow humans? 

Our problem is that we give so much importance to our high sense of ourselves, to our egos. That’s why we often say, 'If you don’t love me, I will not love you either,' or 'If you’re angry with me, then I will be angry with you too.' These kinds of reasoning reflect a person who is full of himself. 

The call of Jesus for us it to do away with our very high regard of ourselves and this would only be possible if we would become humble. Humility therefore is the key factor for us to be able to follow this command of Jesus: To love even our enemies. 

Let be humility an integral part of our way of life. Let us always learn to reach out, let us always be forgiving and let us not harbor ill feelings to those who’ve wronged us. If we’re able to do these, we can now say that we would be able to love and pray for everyone even our enemies. 

Are you capable of loving your enemy? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Friday, June 14, 2024

Reflection for June 17, Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:38-42


Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples: You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. 

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

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Reflection:

Do you know that exacting revenge against someone who wronged you will not do you any good? For example, if you discover that your spouse is unfaithful to you, and you get back at your spouse by being unfaithful as well, do you know that you are only enveloping yourself in sin? 

There’s a psychological study that says that when a person is at the height of his anger that person momentarily loses his rationality. This is the reason why a person commits sin that is unthinkable for that person to do. 

In the gospel passage this Monday Jesus told the disciples: “offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles (Matthew 5:39-41). 

Jesus did not retaliate for all the punishments and insults that His persecutors did to Him. He was always meek and humble. May we always be meek and humble also to those who sin against us most especially sin inside the marriage covenant. 

May we learn to turn the other cheek, hand our cloak and learn to walk some more miles for the sake of peace and eventual harmony inside the marriage covenant. 

Instead of retaliating with the betrayal of the marriage covenant, which will only lead to sin, why not engage in dialogue, prayer, and forgiveness? Or why not simply walk away and live a quiet and solitary life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Reflection for Sunday June 16, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34


Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” 

He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”

With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:
A woman would habitually share inspirational and wisdom-filled Bible verses to her friends thru Facebook and other social media platforms. Regardless of whether she received a reply of appreciation or not, she would always send them.

One day, she met by chance one of those friends who regularly read her inspirational Bible verses. Her friend told her, "Thank you for the daily inspirational verses that you’ve been tirelessly sending me. You’ve been planting the seeds of God’s kingdom in my heart. It gives me hope to move forward and it strengthens my faith in Jesus.

In the Gospel, Jesus used two comparisons to describe the Kingdom of God: the man who scattered seed and the mustard seed that became a great tree. Both seeds grew and became useful. The scattered seed grew and was harvested, while the small mustard seed that was sown became big and had large branches where birds dwelt in its shade.

Let us think about and ask ourselves if we have planted seeds of faith, goodness, and humility in the hearts of others. Let us reflect on whether we have planted the seed of Jesus in their hearts. So that it may also grow within them and become as big as the mustard seed, where others could benefit from it.

Let us also think and reflect on whether we have already sown or scattered the seeds of forgiveness, mercy, and love, so that they could grow and multiply in the hearts of others. Hence, they too could sow the seeds of forgiveness, mercy, and love to those around them.

Have you already done something to sow the seeds of Jesus' words and teachings? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for June 15 Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:33-37


Gospel: Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 

Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the Evil One."

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Reflection:
What is the secret to a successful marriage? It is simple: do not break the vows of marriage that state, 'I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.' This is essentially one of the secrets to a successful marriage. 

Nowadays the vows of marriage are violated with impunity this is the reason why many marriages are being torn apart. But we have nothing to blame except ourselves for many of us don’t value it anymore. 

In our gospel for this Saturday Jesus tells us to make good to the Lord all that we have vowed and this surely include our marriage vows. Which we stated before the Lord in the person of the priest who acts on behalf of Jesus. 

Jesus also tells us not to swear or promise. Why? For the simple reason that swears and promises are often broken. Instead of swearing or promising, let us simply do what we have to do. By doing so, we gain the respect and admiration of our fellowmen. In hindsight, isn’t it true that our actions speak louder than our words? 

In married life or in any instance of life, actions of love are always more powerful than words of love.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for June 14 Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5: 27-32


Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. 

It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. 

“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

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Reflection:
The story is told about a husband who got involved in an adulterous relationship. Eventually, the husband was caught. When the wife asked him why he did it, the husband simply replied, 'I don’t know.' This is the culture nowadays; the sacredness of marriage is no longer respected by married couples. Adultery and divorce are always tempting and despicable avenues for them. 

Why do couples succumb to the temptation of Satan? For the simple reason that they don’t value their faith in Jesus anymore. Yes, they worship Jesus at church during Holy Mass, but they purposely leave Jesus inside the four walls of the church afterward.  

They don’t bring Jesus with them, and they don’t allow Jesus to live in their hearts. If they lived by the teachings of Jesus, they would be afraid to even think of doing such evil, much less commit it and plunge their very selves into it. 

But all is not lost yet; there is still hope, and our hope is none other than Jesus. Let us bring Jesus with us, live His teachings, and make Him our armor so that we can easily protect ourselves from the schemes of the devil, who always seeks to destroy the sanctity of the Marriage Covenant. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Thursday June 13 Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 5:20-26


Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.  

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.  

Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a young man who was working as a houseboy, he was always being insulted by the family that he worked for. Name all the insulting words around and chances are that it could have been already hurled against him. Eventually the young man reached the limit of his patience so instead of doing something criminal to the family. He just walked away from them emotionally hurting and wounded.    

In the gospel Jesus reminds us to be careful with the words that we say for it can create a permanent wound in the emotions of our fellowmen. If the words that we will say are insulting it’s better not to say it. It’s better to simply be quite and let the anger be cured by time. 

Insulting words deeply hurts the receiver and it carves a permanent emotional wound in his/her being. But why do we say words that are not fit to be said? Why are we very quick to insult and belittle? This is primarily brought about by our arrogance, bloated egos and the feeling of superiority.  

What is the cure for this unhealthy behavior? The cure is Jesus, if we would follow Jesus and if we would allow Him to change us. He will cleanse us of our arrogance, egotism and feeling of superiority. – Marino J. Dasmarinas