Reflection for September 25 Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.  

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

When Jesus said to the twelve, 'Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic,' He was espousing absolute detachment from any kind of worldly things. He was telling them to rely on no one except Himself, for He would provide for them. 

This is how Jesus also lived His ministry—He relied on no one except the providence of God. God provided for Him because He entrusted His life to Him. In our present, materially driven world, it’s difficult to solely trust in God. For example, how can we advance His teachings without any material provisions? How can we keep going without financial help? These are valid questions that are difficult to ignore. 

Nevertheless, if we truly have rock-solid faith, we would let go of our worldly worries and rely on no one but God alone. This is the challenge for all of us believers: to rely on no one except God. Often, we fail to recognize how God is moving in our lives because we don’t fully rely on Him. We tend to rely more on ourselves and those around us rather than on God. 

We would not be able to feel the presence of Jesus in our lives if we continue to rely on ourselves. Let us continue to have faith, for Jesus has not forsaken anyone who follows Him. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 25, Miyerkules ng Ika-25 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 9:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, tinawag ni Jesus ang Labindalawa at binigyan sila ng kakayahan at kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo at magpagaling ng mga karamdaman. At sinugo niya sila upang ipahayag ang paghahari ng Diyos at magpagaling ng mga maysakit. 

Sila'y pinagbilinan niya: "Huwag kayong magbaon ng anuman para sa inyong paglalakbay -- kahit tungkod, supot, tinapay, salapi o bihisan. Makituloy kayo sa alinmang bahay na tumanggap sa inyo, at manatili roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo sa bayang iyon.

 At sakaling hindi kayo tanggapin, umalis kayo roon, at ipagpag ninyo ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa bilang babala sa kanila." Kaya't humayo ang mga alagad at naglakbay sa mga nayon, na ipinangangaral ang Mabuting Balita at nagpapagaling ng mga maysakit sa lahat ng dako.

Reflection for September 24 Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:19-21

Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” 

He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Who would not want to become a relative of Jesus? Of course we all want to become His relatives. But Jesus has one important requirement for all of us so that we could become His relatives: Hear His word and act on it (Luke 8:21). 

Do we hear the word of God and act upon it? For example the commandment of Jesus to love our enemies and to do good to those who hurt us (Matthew 5:44). Do we love our enemies and do good to them?  Or we immediately follow our natural instinct not to love those who don’t love us and hurt those who hurt us. 

But what would happen if we follow our selfish human instinct? There would be more hatred and hurt, more walls than bridges. Mahatma Gandhi once said: An Eye for an eye would only make the whole world blind. 

It’s not easy to become a relative of Jesus if we place too much value on ourselves. If we hold ourselves in such high regard, we may quickly despise those who have hurt or disrespected us. However, Jesus himself forgave those who hurt, persecuted, and killed Him.

Though it’s difficult to become a relative of Jesus for it requires humility and forgetting of ourselves. Nevertheless, we must aspire to become a relative of Jesus and not aspire to become a lover of unforgiveness, ego and pride. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 24 Martes ng Ika – 25 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 8:19-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:19-21

Noong panahong iyon, dumating ang ina at kapatid ni Jesus, ngunit hindi sila makalapit dahil sa dami ng tao. May nagsabi sa kanya, "Nasa labas po ang inyong ina at mga kapatid; ibig nilang makipagkita sa inyo."  

Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang mga nakikinig ng salita ng Diyos at tumutupad nito ang siya kong ina at mga kapatid."

Reflection for Monday September 23 Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest: Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.  

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away. 

+ + + + + + +

Reflection: 

The story is told about a long dormant lighthouse that was revived and brightly lighted by the community around it.  The voyagers and fishermen were very happy to see its light once again. For it gave them direction and it made their life easier at sea.  

By virtue of our faith and what we know about Jesus we also have the potential to become a bright lighthouse. That gives direction, inspiration and hope to our fellowmen. This could happen provided we have the courage to live and share Jesus through our words and actions.  

But how many of us have become the living light of Jesus to our fellowmen? How many of us have dared to live and share the teachings of Jesus? If we don’t dare live and share Jesus we simply become an unlighted lighthouse. A lighthouse that is overcome by darkness it doesn’t give hope, inspiration and direction.  

Let us never forget to remember that we can always become a lighted lamp that is placed on a lampstand that Jesus mentions in the gospel. In that way we can bless others by sharing and living our faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas       

Ang Mabuting Balita: Lunes Setyembre 23, Paggunita kay San Pio ng Pietrelcina, pari: Lucas 8:16-18

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Walang taong nagsisindi ng ilaw at pagkatapos ay tatakluban ng banga o ilalagay kaya sa ilalim ng higaan. Sa halip, inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang makita ng mga pumapasok ang liwanag. 

Walang natatago na di malalantad, at walang lihim na di malalaman at mabubunyag. Kaya pagbutihin ninyo ang inyong pakikinig; sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, ngunit ang wala ay aalisan pati ng inaakala niya nasa kanya.”

Reflection for Sunday September 22, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:30-37

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 

Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a man who heard an announcement in their parish church about its need for those who would be interested to volunteer for parish work. Thus, he volunteered and he went through the formation process.  

However, he had this thought that his volunteer parish work was an opportunity to become popular and influential in the community. He was already imagining that his newfound popularity would lead him into politics.

In the Gospel, while journeying through Galilee, Jesus heard His disciples arguing. When they were in a house in Capernaum, He asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the way?' (Mark 9:33). They were unable to answer because they had been arguing about who was the greatest among them.

Who is the greatest in the eyes of the Lord? For Jesus, the greatest is the one who is willing and ready to serve and not be served. The greatest is the one who humbles himself despite the temptation to boast and be arrogant. The greatest are those who quietly fulfill their vocation for the Lord without expecting anything in return.

Many of us love to project power and feel superior because we hold exalted positions in our work, church, or community. However, this is of no importance in the eyes of the Lord. What matters to Jesus is our childlike humility and our willingness to follow Him without expecting anything in return.

Are you ready to humbly follow the Lord without expecting anything in return? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Setyembre 22 Ika-25 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:30-37

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:30-37

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagdaan sa Galilea. Ayaw ni Hesus na malaman ito ng mga tao, sapagkat tinuturuan niya ang kanyang mga alagad. Sinabi niya: “Ang Anak ng Tao ay ipagkakanulo at papatayin, ngunit muling mabubuhay sa ikatlong araw.” Hindi nila naunawaan ang sinabi niya, ngunit natatakot naman silang magtanong sa kanya. At dumating sila sa Capernaum.

Nang sila’y nasa bahay na, tinanong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, “Ano ba’ng pinagtatalunan ninyo sa daan?” Hindi sila kumibo, sapagkat ang pinagtatalunan nila’y kung sino sa kanila ang pinakadakila. Naupo si Hesus, tinawag ang Labindalawa at sinabi, “Ang sinumang nagnanais maging una ay dapat maging huli sa lahat, at maging lingkod ng lahat.”

Tinawag niya ang isang maliit na bata, at pinatayo sa harapan nila. Pagkatapos, kinalong niya ito at sinabi, “Ang sinumang tumanggap sa isang maliit na batang tulad nitong alang-alang sa akin ay tumatanggap sa akin; at sinumang tumanggap sa akin – hindi ako ang kanyang tinatanggap kundi ang nagsugo sa akin.”

Reflection for Saturday September 21 Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 

  

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

+ + + + + + + 

Reflection:

Does Jesus have a soft spot for sinners? Yes, Jesus has a soft spot for all of us sinners. For example, in the Gospel, He called a tax collector and a sinful man named Matthew. After calling Matthew, Jesus went to Matthew’s house to dine with tax collectors and sinners. 

All of us are sinners, and Jesus is continuously calling us to leave our sinful lives for good and follow Him. The gravity of our sins is no longer important to Jesus. What matters to Him is that we respond to His call, just as Matthew did in the Gospel. 

Perhaps we may ask, why is Jesus calling us to follow HIM? Among many other reasons Jesus wants us to be freed from the bondage of sin; HE wants us to be enlightened by HIS grace. And Jesus wants to save us from hell where Satan holds court. These are the reasons why Jesus is calling us to follow HIM.   

Our lives will never be the same again the moment we accept this call of Jesus. There will be healing in the family; we will now become averse to commit any form of sin and we will be freed from its bondage.  We have nothing to lose if we would follow the Lord in fact we gain everything including our future dwelling in heaven someday. 

Would you respond to the Lord’s call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Setyembre 21, Apostol San Mateo, manunulat ng Mabuting Balita (Kapistahan): Mateo 9:9-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:9-13

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus sa lugar na iyon. Sa kanyang paglalakad, nakita niya ang isang taong ang pangala'y Mateo; nakaupo ito sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya, "Sumunod ka sa akin." Tumindig si Mateo at sumunod sa kanya. 

Nang si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nasa bahay ni Mateo, dumating ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanan. At sila'y magkakasalong kumain. Nang makita ito nang mga Pariseo, tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, "Bakit sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan ang inyong guro?" 

Narinig ito ni Jesus at siya ang sumagot, "Ang mga maysakit ang siyang nangangailangan ng manggagamot, hindi ang mga walang sakit. Humayo kayo at unawain ang kahulugan nito, 'Habag ang ibig ko at hindi hain.' Sapagkat naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal."

Reflection for Friday September 20 Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. 

Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Who are the majority crowd during Sunday Holy Mass or daily Holy Mass for that matter? The majority are women, who are the majority who volunteers for church work? It’s women again! During the time of Jesus and as it is today the silent workers and supporters of Jesus and His church are women.

When Jesus was dying on the cross the majority of those who remained loyal to Him are women too (Luke 23:49)! The same when Jesus resurrected, the loyal woman supporters of Jesus saw Him first (Luke 24:9–11).

The gospel this Friday mentions Jesus, the twelve apostles and a number of women with different backgrounds. Some are sinners, some are rich and some are poor also. What brought these women with diverse background together? What made them silently support Jesus?

It’s their love and loyalty to Jesus. The same love and loyalty to Jesus that fuels the many women of today who silently support Jesus and the church that He founded through peter.   

Like the women in the gospel who followed and provided help for Jesus. We too are being challenged to humbly follow Jesus and provide support for the church that He founded through Peter. 

What can you contribute to Jesus and the church today? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Setyembre 20, San Andres Kim Taegon, pari, San Pablo Chong Hasang at mga kasama, mga martir (Paggunita): Lucas 8:1-3

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:1-3

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon. Nangaral siya at nagtuturo ng Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos.

Kasama niya ang Labindalawa, at ilang babaing pinagaling niya sa masasamang espiritu at mga karamdaman: si Maria na tinatawag na Maria Magdalena mula sa kanya'y pitong demonyo ang pinalayas; si Juanang asawa ni Cusa na katiwala ni Herodes; si Susana at marami pang iba. Ang ari-arian nila ang itinustos nila sa pangangailangan ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad.

Reflection for September 19 Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:36-50

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. 

Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 

“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. 

You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Why is it that many of us are very quick to condemn those who are supposedly sinners? I for one is oftentimes like that I’m very quick at judging people but on second thought who are we to judge them? When we in fact are sinners too! We are quick to judge because we see them as bigtime sinners so we condemn or judge them. 

How about the private sins that we commit? Those sins that nobody else knows except us and God only. Most of the time those who are self-righteous are sinners too. They only refuse to admit that they are for they are blinded by the very high esteem that they give to themselves. 

Regardless if we are a public sinner of private sinner Jesus wants us to have a renewal in our lives. This we do by means of humbly approaching Him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession. 

Most of the time repentant public sinners are the most effective bearers of Jesus love and forgiveness. Why? For the reason that they have nothing to hide anymore they humbly open themselves to God’s infinite grace, mercy and forgiveness. 

Are you a sinner who is very much willing to repent? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 19, Huwebes ng Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 7:36-50

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:36-50

Noong panahong iyon, inanyayahan si Hesus ng isa sa mga Pariseo upang makasalo niya. Pumaroon siya sa bahay nito at dumulog sa hapag. Sa bayan namang yaon ay may isang babae na kilalang makasalanan. Nabalitaan niyang kumakain si Hesus sa bahay ng Pariseo, kaya’t nagdala siya ng pabangong nasa sisidlang alabastro. 

At lumapit siya sa likuran ni Hesus, sa gawing paanan. Siya’y nanangis at nabasa ng kanyang luha ang mga paa ni Hesus. Pinunasan niya ang mga ito ng kanyang buhok, hinagkan, at pinahiran ng pabango. Nang makita ito ng Pariseong nag-anyaya kay Hesus, nasabi nito sa sarili, “Kung talagang propeta ang taong ito, alam niya kung sino at kung anong uri ng babae ang humihipo sa kanya — isang makasalanan!” 

Bilang tugon sa iniisip ni Simon, sinabi ni Hesus, “Simon, may sasabihin ako sa iyo.” Sumagot siya, “Ano po iyon, Guro?” Sinabi ni Hesus, “May dalawang taong nanghiram sa isang nagpapautang; ang isa’y limandaang denaryo at ang isa nama’y limampu. Nang hindi makabayad, pareho silang pinatawad. Ngayon, sino sa kanila ang lalong nagmamahal sa nagpautang?” Sumagot si Simon, “Sa palagay ko po’y ang pinatawad ng malaking halaga.” 

“Tama ang sagot mo,” ang tugon ni Hesus. Nilingon niya ang babae, at sinabi kay Simon, “Nakikita mo ba ang babaing ito? Pumasok ako sa iyong bahay at hindi mo man lamang ako binigyan ng tubig para sa aking mga paa; ngunit binasa niya ng luha ang aking mga paa at pinunasan ng kanyang buhok. Hindi mo ako hinagkan, ngunit siya, mula nang pumasok siya ay hindi tumigil sa paghalik sa aking mga paa. Hindi mo pinahiran ng langis ang aking ulo, subalit pinahiran niya ng pabango ang aking mga paa. 

Kaya’t sinasabi ko sa iyo, ang malaking pagmamahal na ipinamalas niya ang nagpapatunay na ipinatawad na ang marami niyang kasalanan; ngunit ang pinatawad ng kaunti ay kaunti lang ang pagmamahal na ipinamamalas.” Saka sinabi sa babae, “Ipinatawad na ang iyong mga kasalanan.” At ang kanyang mga kasalo sa pagkain ay nagsimulang magtanong sa sarili, 

“Sino ba itong pati pagpapatawad sa kasalanan ay pinangangahasan?” Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus sa babae, “Iniligtas ka ng iyong pananalig; yumaon ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban.”