Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Setyembre 1 Ika-22 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Noong panahong iyon, may mga Pariseo at ilang eskribang galing sa Jerusalem, na lumapit kay Hesus. Nakita nila na ang ilan sa mga alagad ni Hesus ay kumain nang hindi muna naghugas ng kamay sa paraang naaayon sa turong minana nila.

Ang mga Judio, lalo na ang mga Pariseo, ay hindi kumakain hangga’t hindi nakapaghuhugas ng kamay ayon sa mga turong minana nila sa kanilang mga ninuno. Hindi rin sila kumakain ng anumang galing sa palengke nang hindi muna ito hinuhugasan. At marami pang ibang minanang turo ang kanilang sinusunod, tulad ng tanging paraan ng paghuhugas ng mga inuman, ng mga saro, ng mga sisidlang tanso, at mga higaan.

Kaya’t tinanong si Hesus ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba, “Bakit hindi sumusunod ang mga alagad mo sa mga turo ng ating mga ninuno? Kumain sila nang hindi man lamang naghugas ng kamay ayon sa paraang iniutos!” Sinagot sila ni Hesus, “Tama ang hula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyo. Mapagpaimbabaw nga kayo, gaya ng kanyang isinulat:

‘Paggalang na handog sa ‘kin ng bayan ko’y paimbabaw lamang, sapagkat sa bibig at hindi sa puso ito bumubukal. Pagpuri’t pagsambang ginagawa nila’y walang kabuluhan, ang utos ng tao ay itinuturong utos ng Maykapal.’ Niwawalang-kabuluhan nga ninyo ang utos ng Diyos, at ang sinusunod ninyo’y ang turo ng tao.”

Muling pinalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila, “Makinig kayong lahat, at unawain ang aking sasabihin! Hindi ang pumapasok sa bibig ng tao ang nakapagpaparumi sa kanya sa mata ng Diyos kundi ang mga nagmumula sa kanya.

“Sapagkat sa loob – sa puso ng tao – nagmumula ang masasamang isipang nag-uudyok sa kanya na makiapid, magnakaw, pumatay, mangalunya, mag-imbot, at gumawa ng lahat ng kabuktutan, tulad ng pagdaraya, kahalayan, pagkainggit, paninirang-puri, kapalaluan, at kahangalan. Ang lahat ng ito’y nanggagaling sa puso ng tao, at siyang nagpaparumi sa kanya.” 

Reflection for August 31 Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:14-30

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability.

Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.  

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?  

Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’” 

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 Reflection:

The story is told about an elderly woman who died. While her soul was on a journey he saw two portals which were near each other. One portal had the markings of heaven and the other had hell, the elderly woman chose the heavenly portal of course. When she was about to enter the heavenly portal she was asked by an angel about the things that she did while she was alive. And he rattled off her impressive worldly achievements.     

Then, the angel asked her again, “How about regarding your faith what have you done? The elderly woman said: “I went to Holy Mass every day” then, the angel said: “Have you shared your Catholic faith and have you helped those who were in need?” The elderly woman said: No.   

Do we recognize that the Lord has given us talent/s to help Him advance His teachings in this world? Many of us are not aware of it because we are busy investing our God given talents for this world alone. But truth be told, we are mandated by God to use whatever talents that we have not for this world alone. The Lord mandates us also to use our talents to grow and propagate our faith.  

Whether we like it or not our day of reckoning will eventually come. When it comes God will ask us this question: What have you done to the talent/s that I had given you? Did you properly use it to help those who were in need? Did you use it to advance my teachings?  

Some of us will answer in the affirmative. Others will be on the negative for the reason that they only used their God given talents for their own self interest: To earn a living, to fulfill a lifelong ambition, to get busy online and so on.   

Others would even have excuses like: How can I use my talents for the church when I don’t know anybody there? How can I give my talents for the church when I don’t even have enough time for my family? However, if there’s a will to be of service to God there would be a way. God will find that way for us. We simply have to initiate it first and God will be there to see us through.

 Someday God will ask you: What have you done to the talent/s that I gave you? How will you answer God during that time? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 31 Sabado sa Ika-21 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo:25:14-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:14-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad dito: May isang taong maglalakbay, kaya tinawag niya ang kanyang mga alipin at ipinagkatiwala sa kanila ang kanyang ari-arian. Binigyan niya ng salapi ang bawat isa ayon sa kanya-kanyang kakayahan: binigyan niya ang isa ng limang libong piso, ang isa nama’y dalawang libong piso, at ang isa pa’y isang libong piso.  

Pagkatapos, siya’y umalis. Humayo agad ang tumanggap ng limang libong piso at ipinangalakal iyon. At nagtubo siya ng limang libong piso. Gayun din naman, ang tumanggap ng dalawang libong piso ay nagtubo ng dalawang libong piso. Ngunit ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso ay humukay sa lupa at itinago ang salapi ng kanyang panginoon.  

Pagkaraan ng mahabang panahon, bumalik ang panginoon ng mga aliping iyon at pinapagsulit sila. Lumapit ang tumanggap ng limang libo. Wika niya, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang limang libo na bigay ninyo sa akin. Heto pa po ang limang libo na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi sa kanya ng panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Yamang naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan!’  

Lumapit din ang tumanggap ng dalawang libo, at ang sabi, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang ibinigay ninyong dalawang libo. Heto naman po ang dalawang libong piso na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi ng kanyang panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, kaya pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan.’  

At lumapit naman ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso. ‘Alam ko pong kayo’y mahigpit,’ aniya. ‘Gumagapas kayo sa hindi ninyo tinamnan, at nag-aani sa hindi ninyo hinasikan. Natakot po ako, kaya’t ibinaon ko sa lupa ang inyong salapi. Heto na po ang isang libo ninyo.’ ‘Masama at tamad na alipin!’ tugon ng kanyang panginoon. ‘Alam mo palang gumagapas ako sa hindi ko tinamnan at nag-aani sa hindi ko hinasikan!  

Bakit hindi mo iyan inilagak sa bangko, di sana’y may nakuha akong tubo ngayon? Kunin ninyo sa kanya ang isang libong piso at ibigay sa may sampung libo. Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Itapon ninyo sa kadiliman sa labas ang aliping walang kabuluhan. Doo’y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.’”

Reflection for August 30 Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:1-13

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. 

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  

But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 

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Reflection: 

Is there a magic word for a successful marriage? Yes, there is and the magic word is preparation. When a couple decides to marry they have to ensure that they plunge into the marriage covenant prepared. 

They have to be prepared spiritually by putting God at the center of their lives. They have to be prepared for the emotional and financial stress that they will be going through. They have to be prepared to swallow their own prides/egos. If there are no preparations their marriage would simply break apart sooner or later. 

In the gospel the five foolish virgins went unprepared to meet the bridegroom. They have no knowledge of the time of the bridegroom’s arrival yet they did not bring extra oil for their lamps. Hence, the five who were unprepared went out for a while to buy oil.  

But upon returning, nobody was present anymore because the bridegroom had already arrived, and everybody was inside at the wedding feast. Despite knocking on the door and begging to be allowed entry, the door was not opened for them.  

Preparation is important in any event of life. For example, a student who prepares for an examination would be able to pass. A soldier who carefully  prepares his battle plan will be able to fight properly.  

A Priest who prepares for his homily will be able to touch and change hearts and minds.  And a person who only has a few months to live and who prepares for his death will be able to die without excess baggage in his heart.  

Should you also prepare as early as now for your ascent to heaven someday? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 30, Biyernes sa Ika-21 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 25:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:1-13

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Dito maitutulad ang pagpasok sa kaharian ng Diyos: may sampung dalagang lumabas upang sumalubong sa lalaking ikakasal. Bawat isa'y may dalang ilawan.  

Ang lima sa kanila'y hangal at ang lima'y matalino. Ang mga hangal ay nagdala ng ilawan ngunit hindi nagbaon ng langis. Subalit ang matatalino'y nagdala ng langis bukod pa sa kanilang ilawan. Nabalam ang dating ng lalaking ikakasal, kaya't inantok silang lahat at nakatulog. 

"Ngunit nang hatinggabi na'y may sumigaw: 'Narito na ang lalaking ikakasal! Salubungin ninyo!' Agad nagbangon ang sampung dalaga at inayos ang kanilang ilawan. Sinabi ng mga hangal sa matatalino, 'Bigyan naman ninyo kami ng kaunting langis. Aandap-andap na ang aming mga ilawan, e!' 'Baka hindi magkasya ito sa ating lahat,' tugon ng matatalino. ' 

Mabuti pa'y pumunta muna kayo sa nagtitinda at bumili ng para sa inyo.' Kaya't lumakad ang limang hangal na dalaga. Samantalang bumibili sila, dumating ang lalaking ikakasal. Ang limang nakahanda ay kasama niyang pumasok sa kasalan, at ipininid ang pinto. 

"Pagkatapos, dumating naman ang limang hangal na dalaga. 'Panginoon, papasukin po ninyo kami!' sigaw nila. Ngunit tumugon siya, 'Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi ko kayo nakikilala.' Kaya, magbantay kayo, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam ang araw ni ang oras." 

Reflection for Thursday August 29 Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist: Mark 6:17-29

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” 

She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her.

So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

Would you have the courage to denounce an adulterous relationship? You surely will think and ponder very hard about the consequence of your action. Or perhaps you will not have the courage to speak against it for fear of being rebuked or even killed.

John the Baptist is a man of courage for he did not fear speaking against the adulterous relationship of King Herod and Herodias. John told them that it was wrong for them to be in that relationship because Herodias was married to his brother Philip. Yet, by speaking about what was moral and true John was imprisoned and eventually beheaded.

There comes a time in our lives that we need to make a stand or speak out against what is wrong, evil and immoral. To remain silent against a wrongdoing is never an option because how can we correct a wrong if we would just be silent? How would others know that what they are doing is wrong if we would remain silent? It’s like we are consenting to what is wrong if we will pretend to hear no evil and see no evil.

We therefore have to speak out but this does not necessarily mean that we will be angry and there would be shouting and cursing. We can speak out in a civil manner to those whom we perceive to be at fault. What is important is we point out what is wrong and we let others know that we are not consenting to their actions.

Like John the Baptist, let us also have the courage to denounce anything that is wrong and evil. We can do this by speaking to the concerned individual/s with civility and without implying that we are more holy, powerful and superior than them. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday August 28 Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 23:27-32

Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out! 

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Reflection: 

Why is Jesus so aghast with the scribes and the Pharisees? Because they don’t walk their talk, what they say is contrary to what they do. They tell their people to do this and that yet they don’t do it themselves. They are only good at giving command and it ends with the giving of command.  

They also are very much conscious of their outside appearance. They always put their best foot forward so to speak yet they don’t care about their manipulative behaviors.  

They are very much like many powerful people who project clean public image but lacking in integrity. They manipulate people for them to be looked up to as if they are more powerful than God. But nothing last forever in this world; eventually the powerful will become without power and the arrogant will be crushed and shamed.  

We therefore have to become transparent and sincere toward our fellowmen. No manipulation, no arrogance and superficiality because Jesus’ abhors these kinds of pharisaic attitudes and behaviors. – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Agosto 28, Paggunita kay San Agustin, obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 23:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:27-32

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, "Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ang katulad ninyo'y mga libingang pinaputi, magaganda sa labas, ngunit sa loob ay puno ng kabulukan at buto ng mga patay. Ganyang-ganyan kayo! Sa paningin ng tao'y mabubuti kayo, ngunit ang totoo, punong-puno kayo ng pagpapaimbabaw at kasamaan."

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ipinagtatayo ninyo ng mga libingan ang mga propeta at ginagayakan ang mga puntod ng mga taong namuhay nang matuwid. At sinasabi ninyo, 'Kung kami sana'y nabuhay sa kapanahunan ng aming mga ninuno, hindi namin ipapapatay ang mga propeta.' Sa sinabi ninyong iyan, inaamin ninyong kayo'y mga anak ng mga nagpapatay sa mga propeta! Sige! Tapusin ninyo ang pinasimulan ng inyong mga ninuno!  

Reflection for Tuesday August 27 Memorial of Saint Monica: Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.

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Reflection:

Which is more important to you? The outside appearance of a person (what is seen) or the interior attitude of a person (what is not seen)? For Jesus it is always the interior, the content of a person’s heart and thought.

What is seen doesn’t matter for what good it is to have a handsome/beautiful face, to have nice houses and to have wealth. If the content of our hearts and minds are filthy and toxic? What good it is to have all the material wealth and power in this world if we have no God in our heart and if we have no compassion and love?

What is seen is temporary but if we have God in our heart, if we have compassion and love, we  are forever peaceful until the end.  

The Pharisees in the gospel which were the ruling religious power during Jesus’ time were the recipient of Jesus woes. For they were always looking good and pious on the outside but morally and spiritually bankrupt in the inside. Thus, Jesus wanted them to change and to have an interior cleansing and renewal.

Let us reflect on these pronouncements of Jesus for He is speaking to us as well. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Agosto 27 Paggunita kay Santa Monica: Mateo 23:23-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:23-26

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus, Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ibinibigay ninyo ang ikapu ng gulaying walang halaga ngunit kinaliligtaan ninyong isagawa ang lalong mahahalagang aral sa Kautusan: ang katarungan, ang pagkahabag, at ang katapatan. Tamang gawin ninyo ang mga ito, ngunit huwag naman ninyong kaliligtaang gawin ang iba. Mga bulag na tagaakay! Sinasala ninyo ang niknik sa inyong inumin, ngunit nilulunok ninyo ang kamelyo! 

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Nililinis ninyo ang tasa at ng pinggan, ngunit ang loob nito'y puno ng nahuthot ninyo dahil sa kasakiman at pagsasamantala. Bulag na Pariseo! Linisin mo muna ang mga nasa loob ng tasa at ng pinggan, at magiging malinis din ang labas nito! 

Reflection for August 26 Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:13-22

Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves. 

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’ Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ 

You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.”+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is the meaning of the word woe? 

Woe is a word that has a negative meaning and Jesus has three woes addressed to the Pharisees and the Scribes. Why? Because many of the Pharisees and scribes were hypocrites. They teach their subjects to practice this and that yet they themselves are not practicing what they are teaching and preaching. 

These woes are not exclusively addressed to the Pharisees and Scribes, this is also for many of us who are hypocrites. We who are not true to our word and we who often are good only with worship for God yet very much wanting in living our faith. 

But it’s not yet late for us to turn things around, to make amends with God. For the simple reason that all of us no matter how sinful have hope before the Lord. For Jesus condemnation is not forever because He can easily erase His condemnation and replace it with mercy, forgiveness  and love.   

Remember the sinner who was crucified with Jesus? He was originally sinful but he repented, thus Jesus brought him along to paradise. (Luke 23:43). Let us therefore repent from our sinfulness while we still have the luxury of time. – Marino J. Dasmarinas          

Reflection for Sunday August 25, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time: John 6:60-69

Gospel: John 6:60-69

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?  

 It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” 

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

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Reflection:

A man would always attend Sunday Holy Mass, but suddenly, he stopped attending. When he was asked why, he said, “I cannot believe that the ordinary bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus.” After not attending Holy Mass for a long time, he felt empty, even though he was materially wealthy. He then decided to attend Holy Mass again, and from that moment on, he felt well and fulfilled.

Do you believe the claim of Jesus that He is the Bread of Life? Many of the followers of Jesus were scandalized by His pronouncement that He is the Bread of Life, and that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst (John 6:35).

After detaching themselves from Jesus, they subsequently returned to their former way of life—possibly for many of them – life of sin and emptiness. They chose to regress rather than progress with Jesus. Why did they walk away? It was influenced by their unbelief in Jesus.

Those followers who chose to walk away missed the golden opportunity to know more about the Lord. They also missed the chance to witness more miracles from Jesus. What else did they miss? They were deprived of Jesus' daily abiding presence, protection, and guidance.

Those who walked away simply did not believe and saw it fit to trust in their own understanding rather than have faith in the pronouncements of Jesus. This is what ails many of us: we trust more in ourselves than have faith in the Lord.

Are you also walking away from the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday August 24 Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle: John 1:45-51

Gospel: John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth. But Nathanael said to him “Can anything good come from Nazareth? Philip said to him, “Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel.  

There is no duplicity in him. Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me? Jesus answered and said to him “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree. Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.  

Jesus answered and said to him “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this. And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

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Reflection:

How do you encounter Jesus in your life? The best encounter with Jesus that you could ever have is through the Holy Mass, prayer and reflections of His words in the bible. Because it’s through these sacred acts that you always unite with Jesus.  

Nathanael in the gospel had an encounter with Jesus. And he was never the same again after that encounter for he was profoundly blessed by Jesus.  

Our spiritual development hinges on our hunger and thirst for Jesus. The more that we hunger for it the more that Jesus becomes more real to us. And the more that we feel His abiding presence in our lives.  

The more also that we are freed from our fears, worries and vulnerabilities from the scheming of the Devil. Let us therefore create time for the Lord because this is the key for us to have an encounter and friendship with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas         

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Agosto 24 Kapistahan ni San Bartolome, apostol: Juan 1:45-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:45-51

Noong panahong iyon, hinanap ni Felipe si Natanael, at sinabi rito, "Natagpuan namin si Jesus na taga-Nazaret, ang anak ni Jose. Siya ang tinutukoy ni Moises sa kanyang Kautusan, at gayon din ng mga propeta." "May magmumula bang mabuti sa Nazaret?" tanong ni Natanael. Sumagot si Falipe, "Halika tingnan mo."  

Nang malapit na si Natanael ay sinabi ni Jesus, "Masdan ninyo ang isang tunay na Israelita; siya'y hindi magdaraya!" Tinanong siya ni Natanael, "Paano ninyo ako nakilala?" Sumagot si Jesus, Bago ka pa tawagin ni Felipe, nakita na kita nang ikaw ay nasa ilalim ng puno ng igos."  

"Rabi, kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos! Kayo ang Hari ng Israel" wika ni Natanael. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Nananampalataya ka ba dahil sinabi kong nasa ilalim ka ng puno ng igos? Makakakita ka ng mga bagay na higit kaysa rito!" At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Tandaan ninyo: makikita ninyong bukas ang langit, at ang anghel ng Diyos ay manhik-manaog sa kinaroroonan ng Anak ng Tao!"