Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 27 Huwebes ng Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:21-29

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:21-29

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Hindi lahat ng tumatawag sa akin, ‘Panginoon, Panginoon,’ ay papasok sa kaharian ng langit, kundi yaon lamang sumusunod sa kalooban ng aking Amang nasa langit. Pagdating ng huling Araw, marami ang magsasabi sa akin, ‘Panginoon, nangaral po kami at nagpalayas ng mga demonyo, at gumawa ng mga kababalaghan sa inyong pangalan!’ At sasabihin ko sa kanila, ‘Kailanma’y hindi ko kayo nakilala. Lumayo kayo sa akin, mga mapaggawa ng masama!’

“Kaya’t ang bawat nakikinig at nagsasagawa ng mga salita kong ito ay matutulad sa isang taong matalino na nagtayo ng kanyang bahay sa ibabaw ng bato. Umulan nang malakas, bumaha, at binayo ng malakas na hangin ang bahay na iyon, ngunit hindi nagiba sapagkat nakatayo sa ibabaw ng bato. Ang bawat nakikinig ng aking mga salita at hindi nagsasagawa nito ay matutulad sa isang taong hangal na nagtayo ng kanyang bahay sa buhanginan. Umulan nang malakas, bumaha, at binayo ng malakas na hangin ang bahay. Bumagsak ang bahay na iyon at lubusang nawasak.”

Nang masabi na ni Hesus ang mga pananalitang ito, ang mga tao’y namangha. Sapagkat nagturo siya na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba.

Reflection for June 26 Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them."

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you know of people who say that they speak for God but their actions say otherwise? 

There were many false prophets during the time of Jesus and even before the time of Jesus. They would claim to speak for God but their actions betray their true motives. There are also many false prophets nowadays, by their glib tongues they gather many adherents but soon enough they’re exposed as frauds by their own words and actions. 

Good relatives and friends are somewhat like prophets they guide us and they bring us closer to God. But we should also be wary because there are friends and even relatives who would bring us away from God. 

They only take advantage of us and the moment they already achieve their objective they immediately evaporate from our sights. We therefore have to be discerning and careful. 

So, we must be watchful and careful of these people. They are like leeches that will cling to us only to leave us in a huff when they find out that we are no longer useful to them. False prophets are like that as well; they are good at manipulating and using their followers to serve their selfish agendas.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 26 Miyerkules ng Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:15-20

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Mag-ingat kayo sa mga bulaang propeta; nagsisilapit sila sa inyo na animo'y tupa, ngunit ang totoo'y mababangis na asong-gubat. Makikilala ninyo sila sa kanilang mga gawa. Napipitas ba ang ubas sa puno ng dawag, o ang igos sa puno ng aroma? 

Nagbubunga ng mabuti ang bawat mabuting punongkahoy, subalit nagbubunga ng masama ang masamang punongkahoy. Hindi maaaring magbunga ng masama ang mabuting punongkahoy, ni ng mabuti ang masamang punongkahoy. Ang bawat puno na di nagbubunga ng mabuti ay pinuputol at itinatapon sa apoy. Kaya nga, makikilala ninyo sa kanilang mga gawa ang mga bulaang propeta."

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.”

+ + + + + + +

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." 

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.

+ + + + + + +

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  

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Hunyo 24 Ang Pagsilang ni San Juan Bautista (Dakilang Kapistahan) Lucas 1:57-66, 80

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66, 80

Dumating ang araw ng panganganak ni Elisabet, at nagluwal siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki. Nabalitaan ng kanyang mga kapitbahay at mga kamag-anak na siya'y pinagpala ng Panginoon, at nakigalak sila sa kanya. 

Nang ikawalong araw, dumalo sila sa pagtutuli ng sanggol. Zacarias sana ang ipangangalan sa kanya -- gaya ng kanyang ama -- ngunit sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Hindi! Juan ang ipapangalan sa kanya." "Subalit wala isa man sa iyong mga kamag-anak ang may ganyang pangalan," wika nila. 

Kaya't hinudyatan nila ang kanyang ama at itinanong kung ano ang ibig niyang itawag sa sanggol. Humingi siya ng masusulatan at sumulat ng ganito: "Juan ang kanyang Pangalan." At namangha silang lahat. Pagdaka'y nakapagsalita siya, at nagpuri sa Diyos. 

Natakot ang kanilang kapitbahay, anupat naging usap-usapan sa buong kaburulan ng Judea ang mga bagay na ito. Pinakaisip-isip ito ng lahat ng nakaalam at ang kanilang tanong: "Magiging ano nga kaya ang batang ito?" Sapagkat maliwanag na sumasakanya ang Panginoon. Lumaki ang bata at naging malakas ang kanyang espiritu. Siya'y tumira sa ilang hanggang sa araw na magpakilala siya sa Israel.

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?

+ + + + + + +

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 

Ang Mabuting Balita Linggo Hunyo 23 Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:35-41

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:35-41

Noong panahong iyon, habang nagtatakip-silim na, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Tumawid tayo sa ibayo." Kaya't iniwan nila ang mga tao, at sumakay sa bangkang kinalululanan ni Jesus upang itawid siya. May kasabay pa silang ibang mga bangka. Dumating ang malakas na unos. Hinampas ng malalaking alon ang bangka, anupa't halos mapuno ito ng tubig.  

Si Jesus nama'y nakahilig sa unan sa may hulihan ng bangka at natutulog. Ginising siya ng mga alagad, "Guro," anila, "di ba ninyo alintana? Lulubog na tayo!" Bumangon si Jesus at iniutos sa hangin, "Tigil!" At sinabi sa dagat, "Tumahimik ka!" Tumigil ang hangin at tumahimik ang dagat.  

Pagkatapos, sinabi niya sa mga alagad, "Bakit kayo natatakot? Wala pa ba kayong pananampalataya?" Sinidlan sila ng matinding takot at panggigilalas, at nagsabi sa isa't isa, "Sino nga kaya ito, at sinusunod maging ng hangin at ng dagat?"

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.”

+ + + + + + +

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 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 22 Sabado ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:24-34

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:24-34

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad:

"Walang makapaglilingkod ng sabay sa dalawang panginoon sapagkat kapopootan niya ang isa at iibigin ang ikalawa, paglilingkuran ng tapat ang isa at hahamakin ang ikalawa. Hindi kayo makapaglilingkod ng sabay sa Diyos at sa kayamanan.

"Kaya't sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag kayong mabagabag, tungkol sa pagkain at inumin na kailangan ninyo upang mabuhay, o tungkol sa damit na kailangan ng inyong katawan. Hindi ba't ang buhay ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pagkain, at ang katawan kaysa pananamit? Masdan ninyo ang mga ibon: hindi sila naghahasik ni nag-aani o kaya'y nagtitipon sa bangan.

Gayunman, pinakakain sila ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Hindi ba't higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga ibon? Sino sa inyo ang makapagpapahaba ng kanyang buhay nang kahit isang oras sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagkabalisa? "At bakit kayo nababagabag tungkol sa pananamit? Isipin ninyo kung paanong sumisibol ang mga bulaklak sa parang; hindi sila nagpapagal ni humahabi man.

Ngunit ito ang sasabihin ko sa inyo: maging si Solomon ay hindi nakapagsuot ng kasingganda ng isa sa mga bulaklak na ito, bagamat napakariringal ang mga damit niya. Kung ang mga damo sa kabukiran, na buhay ngayon at kinabukasa'y iginagatong sa kalan, ay dinaramtan ng Diyos, kayo pa kaya? Kay liit ng pananalig ninyo sa kanya! Kaya't huwag kayong mabalisa sa inyong kakanin, iinumin, o daramtin.

Sapagkat ang mga bagay na ito ang kinahuhumalingan ng mga taong wala pang pananalig sa Diyos . Alam ng inyong Amang nasa langit na kailangan ninyo ang lahat ng ito. Ngunit pagsumakitan ninyo ng higit sa lahat ang pagharian kayo ng Diyos at mamuhay nang ayon sa kanyang kalooban, at ipagkakaloob niya ang lahat ng kailangan ninyo. Kaya, huwag ninyong ikabahala ang para sa araw ng bukas; saka na ninyo harapin kapag ito'y dumating. Sapat na sa bawat araw ang kanyang mga suliranin."

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.”

+ + + + + + +

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 

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hunyo 21 San Luis Gonzaga, namamanata sa Diyos (Paggunita): Mateo 6:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:19-23

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Huwag kayong mag-impok ng kayamanan dito sa lupa; dito'y may naninirang tanga at kalawang, at may nakapapasok na magnanakaw. Sa halip, impukin ninyo ang mga kayamanan sa langit; doo'y walang naninirang tanga at kalawang, at walang nakapapasok na magnanakaw. 

Sapagkat kung saan naroon ang inyong kayamanan, naroon din naman ang inyong puso." "Ang mata ang pinakailaw ng katawan. Kaya't kung malinaw ang iyong mata, maliliwanagan ang iyong katawan. Ngunit kung malabo ang iyong mata, madirimlan ang buo mong katawan. Kaya't kung ang liwanag na nasa iyo ay kadiliman pala, napakadilim niyan!"

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.”

 + + + +  + +

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