Reflection for December 10 Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent: Matthew 18:12-14

Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? 

 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

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Reflection:

Can we compare the love of Jesus with how we exercise our love for our fellowmen?  

No, we cannot compare because majority if not all of us love with preconditions and conditions. We love with limitations and we love only those who give us love. Jesus loves us without any preconditions, limitations and He loves us even if we don’t love Him in return. 

We all know that Jesus is alluding about His infinite love for us when He told this story of the lost sheep.  By way of this story He is also telling us that His love for us is always there no matter how sinful we are and no matter who we are. 

As we follow Jesus, we must also ask Him to deepen our faith and to erase our preconditions and conditions when we love. For example, if before we could only love those who give us love, now that we have become mature followers of Jesus. We would love even those who do not give us love and those people who do not love us anymore. 

To love even those who do not love us and those who hurt us is very hard to do. But if we really are sincere in following Jesus, we would be able to love them. And we would search for them until we find them and forgive them without any precondition. 

Let us find those who went astray, let us forgive them and give them the unconditional love of Jesus. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 10, Martes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 18:12-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:12-14

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ano sa akala ninyo ang gagawin ng isang taong may isang daang tupa kung maligaw ang isa sa mga iyon? Hindi kaya niya iiwan ang siyamnapu't siyam na nanginginain sa kaburulan upang hanapin ang naligaw? 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo; kapag nasumpungan niya ito, higit niyang ikinagagalak ang isang ito kaysa siyamnapu't siyam na hindi naligaw. Gayon din naman, hindi kaloob ng inyong Amang nasa langit na mapahamak ang isa sa maliliit na ito."

Reflection for Monday December 9 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 

Then the angel said to her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.   

But Mary said to the angel “How can this be since I have no relations with a man? And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren for nothing will be impossible for God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

We celebrate today the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was approved in 1476 by Pope Sixtus IV and later extended to the universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1708. 

Recognizing the belief held for centuries by the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, Pope Pius IX solemnly proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854. 

This dogma affirms that “the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, was preserved free from all stain of original sin” (Ineffabilis Deus, 1854). 

What would you do if you received a shocking announcement? Perhaps the first thing that would come to your mind is to pray and ask for guidance and strength from God. 

When Mary received the Annunciation from the angel Gabriel—that she would be pregnant with the baby Jesus—she might have been in shock for a moment. Then, perhaps she prayed to God for guidance and strength. Afterward, she was at peace and, with faith, accepted the will of the Lord for her. 

The pregnancy of the Blessed Virgin Mary conveys to us that nothing is impossible for God—that He can do miracles, just as He did with Mary. It reminds us that our God is a God of possibilities, blessings, and miracles. He can make things happen for us, as long as we have faith and maintain unwavering belief in Him. 

Because of the many challenges you face, you may at times feel weary in your journey through this world. Do not lose heart. Continue to journey with God. Continue to pray for whatever you desire from Him. 

Continue to work hard for the aspirations you hold in your heart. Continue to live a clean life, and continue to have faith and hope—for the Lord will never abandon those who continue to trust in Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for Sunday December 8, Second Sunday of Advent: Luke 3:1-6

Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. 

John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 

Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

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Reflection:

A powerful and learned man saw a simple and humble man preaching about the teachings of Jesus. The powerful man became curious about what the simple and humble man was saying. Hence, he got out of his car and listened to the simple man's preaching. 

The powerful man was so captivated by the preaching that he listened intently. After the preaching was over, he said to himself, “I wish God had also given me the same gift of preaching.” 

In the Gospel for this Second Sunday of Advent, Saint Luke presents us with the names of powerful people, such as Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, and many other figures who ruled over their respective kingdoms. 

However, Luke also mentions the name of John, a simple man chosen by God to be the herald for Jesus. God did not choose any of the powerful figures mentioned in the Gospel to prepare the way for Jesus. Despite their influence, God could have easily selected any of them. Instead, He chose John, the humble man from the desert, to be the precursor of Jesus. 

What is the message for us in God’s anointing of John? It tells us that God comes to those who are simple and humble—those who do not allow themselves to be consumed by the trappings and influences of this world. Such as, riches, power, influence, social media and so on. 

John is also preaching to us about repentance and abhorrence of our many sins. In addition, John is preaching to us that we need to lead and live simple lives. For it’s only in the simplicity of our lifestyle that we would be able to hear the voice of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Disyembre 8 Ikalawang Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 3:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 3:1-6

Ikalabinlimang taon noon ng paghahari ni Emperador Tiberio. Si Poncio Pilato ang gobernador sa Judea, si Herodes ang tetrarka sa Galilea at ang kapatid naman niyang si Felipe, sa lupain ng Iturea at Traconite. Si Lisanias ang tetrarka sa Abilinia. Sina Anas at Caifas naman ang mga pinakapunong saserdote noon. 

Nang panahong iyon, nasa ilang si Juan na anak ni Zacarias. Dumating sa kanya ang salita ng Diyos, kaya’t nilibot niya ang mga lupain sa magkabilang panig ng Jordan at nangaral. “Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan at pabinyag kayo upang kayo’y patawarin ng Diyos,” wika niya. “Sa gayo’y natupad ang nasusulat sa aklat ni propeta Isaias” 

“Ito ang sabi ng isang sumisigaw sa ilang: ‘ihanda ninyo ang daraanan ng Panginoon, tuwirin ninyo ang kanyang mga landas! Tatambakan ang bawat lambak, at titibagin ang bawat burol at bundok.Tutuwirin ang daang liku-liko, at papatagin ang daang baku-bako.

At makikita ng lahat ng tao ang pagliligtas na gagawin ng Diyos.

Reflection for Saturday December 7 Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Gospel: Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.  

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest." Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.  

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, "Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: 'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."

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Reflection:

Do we hear Jesus speaking to us through this gospel? Jesus commands His disciples to spread His good news this command is for us also. Have we already creatively shared the good news about the transforming words of Jesus by how we live our lives?  

Can we share Jesus without uttering a single word? Yes! By our way of life we can share Jesus. This we can do through humility, through serving others and by living our lives according to the life of Jesus.  

The most powerful method of witness for Jesus and for our faith are not words the most powerful witness are our actions. Mother Teresa of Calcutta is so revered by millions from different faiths because her selfless actions toward the poor speak volumes about her faith. Let us therefore be conscious about how we live our life and faith because through these we can convert others to become followers of Jesus. 

How do you live? Do you live your life according to the teachings of the Lord? Or you live your life according to the teachings of this world? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Disyembre 7, Paggunita kay San Ambrosio, obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:35-10, 1, 6-8

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Hesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga may sakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila’y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol.  

Kaya’t sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sagana ang anihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang anihin.” Tinipon ni Hesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman.  

Sila’y pinagbilinan ni Hesus: “Hanapon ninyo ang mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel. Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo. Yamang tumanggap kayo nang walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo nang walang bayad.”

Reflection for December 6 Friday of the First Week of Advent: Matthew 9:27-31

Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. 

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.

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Reflection:

What compels you to go to church to attend Holy Mass? It’s your faith! When you are sick and in need of healing, what moves you to pray and ask Jesus to heal you? It is your deep faith! When you learn to ask with faith, Jesus will certainly grant it to you!

Faith is the healing balm that we receive from God, but not everyone has this faith yet. Therefore, those who have faith must do something so that those who do not have faith will have it. And this we can do best if we learn to share our faith in Jesus and the many miracles that He has done in our life. 

The two blind men in the gospel obviously had faith for they shouted to Jesus, “Son of David have pity on us!” Who gave them faith? It was somebody who shared to them Jesus and in sharing Jesus with them they slowly but surely gained faith. 

Let us also have the courage to share our faith and friendship with Jesus. For it’s in sharing our faith that we grow in faith and it’s in sharing our faith that we make a positive difference in the lives of others. 

Have you already shared your faith? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for December 5 Thursday of the First Week of Advent: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.  

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.

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Reflection:

Who do you listen to in this world? Do you listen to Jesus and shut out what this world is trying to dictate upon you? When you always listen to Jesus you have an impregnable wall that nobody can destroy. Even the strongest of calamities will not be able to destroy much less discourage you for the simple reason that you have Jesus in your life. 

Often times we are defeated by our problems, worries and sickness because Jesus plays no role in our life. What rules our lives are the many worldly attachments which only make our life in this world burdensome, problematic and heavy. So when we encounter trials many of us are not able to withstand it. 

Indulgence with the pleasures of this world makes us fragile physically and emotionally; it could even make us suicidal. We will be left with nothing except emptiness which will quickly lead us to nothingness. 

Try making Jesus the anchor of your life and you will see that not even the worst of problems can defeat you or bring you down. Even the worst sickness will not be able to conquer you, yes it may conquer your physical being but your spiritual being will remain strong.  And this is because Jesus is the rock solid foundation of your life. 

Is Jesus the foundation of your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 4 Wednesday of the First Week of Advent: Matthew 15:29-37

Gospel: Matthew 15:29-37 

At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. 

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” 

Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who was sick of cancer. Before going to her doctor she would never forget to pray to the Lord for her healing. It was always like that for many years until she got cured of her cancer. 

What do you do when you are sick? Of course you go to the doctor, but have you thought of going to Jesus first? To ask Him to cure you with His mighty healing power. Many of us perhaps have forgotten already that Jesus is the greatest healer who ever walked on this earth. That’s why we sometimes forget to go to Him first in deep prayer before we go to the doctor. 

In our gospel, great crowds went to Jesus, with them were the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many more sick people. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them all. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel. 

Whenever we are sick: Whatever it may be and no matter how grave it may be. Let us not forget to remember to go to Jesus first in deep prayer and let us ask Him to heal us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Tuesday December 3 Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest: Luke 10:21-24

Gospel: Luke 10:21-24

Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. 

Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” 

Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

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Reflection:

What do we need to do to fully grasp the grace of the Holy Spirit in our life? We need to be humble, we need to be childlike for such is the life of Jesus: full of humility and full of childlike trust. 

The Holy Spirit would reveal itself to us once we become humble and childlike. Thus, the Holy Spirit will give us something that others don’t have and that is the enlightenment to discern the workings of God in our life. 

Notice the childlike excitement of those who volunteer their time to serve during Holy Mass or to do volunteer work for the church. Observe their readiness to submit themselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But not everyone has this gift of feeling the profound presence of God in their lives. This is given free without any cost by the Holy Spirit to those who strive to dive deeper into our Catholic faith. 

We impede the grace of the Holy Spirit, as well as invite some misfortunes into our lives when we trust more in our wealth than in God, when we don’t attend Holy Mass, when we are self-righteous, when we are corrupt, when we curse, when we use profanities and swearwords, or when we seek pornography and other sins of the flesh.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 2 Monday of the First Week of Advent: Matthew 8:5-11

Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, "Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully." He said to him, "I will come and cure him." The centurion said in reply, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.  

For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come here,' and he comes; and to my slave, 'Do this,' and he does it."

 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven."

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Reflection:

Do you have deep faith in the Lord?  

Jesus wanted to go to the house of the centurion to personally cure the centurion’s ailing servant. However, the centurion said to Jesus, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8). What a display of deep faith! It was enough for the Roman centurion that he had spoken to Jesus about his wish for the healing of his servant.

We can’t help but compare the faith of the centurion with our personal faith in Jesus. We can’t help also but compare our concern for the poor with the centurion’s concern for his servant. In both instances many of us pale in comparison for our faith in Jesus is not as strong as the centurion. And our concern for the poor is not as much as his concern for his servant.  

Jesus would certainly want us to have more faith in Him and have more concern for the poor. But how can we increase of faith in Jesus? We must pray often and in our prayers we must include our desire to have an increase of faith.  

Of course our desire for increase of faith must not end with our vocal prayers. We must concretely show it also through our actions of faith. For example if we desire to have something from Jesus we should show Jesus that we want it by doing something to have it. We must not lie idly and just pray, we must act, exert our best effort and let Jesus do the rest.  

This is what the centurion did, he went to Jesus, he saw Jesus, he talked to Jesus and he told Jesus that he wants his ailing servant healed by Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas       

Reflection for Sunday December 1, First Sunday of Advent: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Gospel: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was diagnosed with cancer. Sensing that the end of his earthly journey was about to come, he went to a priest and asked to be administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The man, in the throes of death, was able to properly prepare himself for the coming of his own end-times experience in this world.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. What is the meaning of Advent? In the Christian faith, Advent means "coming"—someone very important is about to come into our lives. Of course, we all know who this very important person is: He is none other than Jesus, our Savior.

Outside of the Christian faith, Advent could also mean "coming." Coming of what? It could signify the arrival of a turbulent episode in our lives, such as sickness, as illustrated in our story. It could also mean the coming of a problem we create for ourselves.

Nevertheless, let us not allow ourselves to be distracted by these tragic human events that may come into our lives. The focus of Advent is Jesus’ coming into our lives. The Savior will come to save us from anything that troubles us.

In the first part of the Gospel, Jesus tells us this: "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Luke 21:25-26).

Of course, we have only two choices for how we would face this seemingly calamitous end. The first is to be afraid—who wouldn’t be afraid when the earth is crumbling before us? The second is to remain calm, be hopeful, and not fear, because there is a God who is in charge of everything and a God who will come to save us.

In the midst of life’s uncertainties, let us still be filled with hope and positivity, because our Savior will come to save us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Disyembre 1 Unang Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 21:25-28, 34-36

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:25-28, 34-36

Noong panahong iyon: Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Magkakaroon ng mga tanda sa araw, sa buwan, at sa mga bituin. Sa lupa, ang mga bansa ay masisindak at malilito dahil sa ugong at mga daluyong ng dagat. Ang mga tao’y hihimatayin sa takot dahil sa pag-iisip sa mga sakunang darating sa sanlibutan; sapagkat mayayanig at mawawala sa kani-kanilang landas ang mga planeta at iba pang katulad nito na nasa kalawakan. 

Sa panahong iyon, ang Anak ng Tao’y makikita nilang dumarating na nasa alapaap, may dakilang kapangyarihan at malaking karangalan. Kapag nagsimula nang mangyari ang mga bagay na ito, magalak kayo sapagkat malapit na ang pagliligtas sa inyo.”

“Mag-ingat kayo na huwag magumon sa katakawan at paglalasing at mabuhos ang inyong isip sa mga intindihin sa buhay na ito; baka abutan kayo ng Araw na yaon na hindi handa. Sapagkat darating iyon nang di inaasahan ng tao sa buong daigdig. Kaya’t maging handa kayo sa lahat ng oras. Lagi ninyong idalangin na magkaroon kayo ng lakas upang makaligtas sa lahat ng mangyayaring ito at makaharap sa Anak ng Tao.”