Reflection for December 24 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:67-79

Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David.  

Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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Reflection:

Have you already done something to prepare the way of the Lord? Have you already called for repentance like what John did? By virtue of our Baptism we also share in the mission of John, we also take into our hearts what his father Zechariah had said to him.  

Imagine these words of Zechariah for his son John being addressed to you as well: You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:76-79).”  

The Christmas season is the best time to share Jesus with others; we do this by giving something from ourselves especially to those who are in need. Many of us tend to forget that Christmas is not about us. 

Christmas is about Jesus, so we have to share Him with others. God shared His only begotten Son with us so that we could also share Him with others. The true essence of Christmas is not only the sharing of gifts but, most importantly, the sharing of Jesus, the incarnate God, who is known to many of us but still unknown to many more.

When we share Jesus we also prepare His way and we become like His precursor John. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 24, Martes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:67-79

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:67-79

Noong panahong iyon, napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Zacarias na ama ni Juan at nagpahayag ng ganito: 

“Purihin ang Panginoong Diyos ng Israel!

Sapagkat nilingap niya at pinalaya ang kanyang bayan, at nagpadala siya sa atin ng isang makapangyarihang Tagapagligtas, mula sa lipi ni David na kanyang lingkod. Ipinangako niya sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga banal na propeta noong una, na ililigtas niya tayo sa ating mga kaaway, at sa kamay ng lahat ng napopoot sa atin. Ipinangako rin niya na kahahabagan ang ating mga magulang at aalalahanin ang kanyang banal na tipan. 

Iyan ang sumpang binitawan niya sa ating amang si Abraham, na ililigtas tayo sa ating mga kaaway, upang walang takot na makasamba sa kanya, at maging banal at matuwid sa kanyang paningin, habang tayo’y nabubuhay. Ikaw naman, anak, ay tatawaging propeta ng Kataas-taasan; sapagkat mauuna ka sa Panginoon upang ihanda ang kanyang mga daraanan, at ituro sa kanyang bayan ang landas ng kaligtasan, ang kapatawaran ng kanilang mga kasalanan. 

Sapagkat lubhang mahabagin ang ating Diyos; magbubukang-liwayway sa atin ang araw ng kaligtasan upang magbigay-liwanag sa mga nasa kadiliman at nasa lilim ng kamatayan, at patnubayan tayo tungo sa daan ng kapayapaan.”

Reflection for December 23 Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:57-66

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

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."

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Reflection:

Do you always follow the will of the Lord? No you do not that is why you have problems every now and then that you create for yourself. For example, in the covenant of the Sacrament of Marriage: To have and to hold for richer or for poorer in sickness and in health till death do us part. 

But sad to say this is not followed by couples who wed in the church. We create problems for ourselves that is actually avoidable but we don’t avoid. This is the reason why we suffer because of our lack of fidelity to the marriage vows. There’s a whole lot more problems that we create for ourselves for the simple reason that we don’t follow God we’re not faithful to what God wants us to do. 

In today's Gospel, the couple Elizabeth and Zechariah are faithful to what God wants them to do: to name their newborn son John (Luke 1:13). Many suggested naming the child after his father, Zechariah. However, Elizabeth insisted on naming him John. When they asked Zechariah, he wrote the name John, and immediately after that, he was freed from the curse of being unable to speak. 

It always pays to be faithful to God for there’s always a reward. And it always pays to be faithful to the Sacrament of Matrimony for you will have peace of mind and you will not be at the beck and call of the devil who’s end in mind is to destroy you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas         

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 23, Lunes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:57-66

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66

Dumating ang oras 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 ipapangalan sa kanya -- gaya ng kanyang ama -- ngunit sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Hindi! Juan ang ipangangalan sa kanya." Subalit wala ni isa man sa inyong 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, anupa't 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. 

Reflection for Sunday December 22, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about an adopted man who wanted to find out who his real mother was. He asked his adoptive parents about the whereabouts of his biological mother, and they told him that she lived in a faraway place. He replied to his parents, "Even if she lives in a faraway place, I will go and find her, for I owe my life to her.

So he went to the faraway place, and there he found his mother, already very old and sickly. The son told his mother, "I am your son. I am here to take care of you, and I will never leave you alone from now on." The mother unabashedly cried and said, "Thank you for finding me and for bringing joy and hope into my life. 

Mary and Elizabeth must have been very close relatives and may have known each other since childhood. Otherwise, Mary would not have endeavored to travel to that faraway place to visit and stay with her cousin Elizabeth for six months.

In her visit to her cousin Elizabeth, Mary imparts the importance of showing concern for the welfare of others. She teaches us to set aside our own needs in favor of those who are in greater need of our help and care.

Mary teaches us the importance of reaching out and building bridges instead of walls. Last but certainly not least, Mary shows us the significance of giving Jesus to others. This is the greatest gift of love that Mary brought to her cousin: she brought and gave Jesus to her.

Let us think of our relatives or friends whom we have not seen or been in touch with for a long time. Why don’t we reach out to them? If our physical presence is not possible, we can connect with them through the internet. A simple "hello" or "how are you?" will surely lift their morale and spirits. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Disyembre 22 Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-45

Hindi nagtagal at si Maria'y nagmamadaling pumunta sa isang bayan sa kaburulan ng Judea. Pagdating sa bahay ni Zacarias, binati niya si Elisabet. Nang marinig ni Elisabet ang bati ni Maria, naggagalaw ang sanggol sa kanyang tiyan.   

Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elisabet, at buong galak niyang sinabi, "Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaing lahat, at pinagpala naman ang iyong dinadalang anak! Sino ako upang dalawin ng ina ng aking Panginoon? Sapagkat pagkarinig ko ng iyong bati ay naggagalaw sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking tiyan. Mapalad ka sapagkat nanalig kang matutupad ang ipinasasabi sa iyo ng Panginoon!"  

Reflection for December 21 Saturday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to forgo your own welfare for the welfare of others? 

Aside from the birth of the Lord, one of the enduring and relevant messages of Christmas is self- emptying of ourselves. Self-emptying means to look less on our personal needs and focus it on the needs of others. 

Considering that she was also pregnant at that time. Mary did not focus on her own needs and safety. She looked outside of herself or emptied herself to make an impact on the life of her cousin Elizabeth: This is what we must always emulate every Christmas time and even every day, to empty and make ourselves available for others. 

Children usually focus their Christmas celebrations and expectations for themselves. That's why during Christmas they ask for gifts from their parents and god parents. Nothing is wrong with this but in a deeper sense Christmas is not about ourselves. 

Christmas is about others most especially those who are poor, unwanted, abandoned, the suffering or anyone who is going through a difficult episode during this time. Like Mary who went out of her way to give cheer to her cousin Elizabeth we too must go out of our way to give cheer to someone who is in need.

And who are they? They could be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or a complete stranger in need of our attention and care.– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 21, Sabado sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-45

Hindi nagtagal at si Maria'y nagmamadaling pumunta sa isang bayan sa kaburulan ng Judea. Pagdating sa bahay ni Zacarias, binati niya si Elisabet. Nang marinig ni Elisabet ang bati ni Maria, naggagalaw ang sanggol sa kanyang tiyan.  

Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elisabet, at buong galak niyang sinabi, "Bukod kang pinagpala sa babaing lahat, at pinagpala naman ang iyong dinadalang anak! Sino ako upang dalawin ng ina ng aking Panginoon? Sapagkat pagkarinig ko ng iyong bati ay naggagalaw sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking tiyan. Mapalad ka sapagkat nanalig kang matutupad ang ipinasasabi sa iyo ng Panginoon!" 

Reflection for December 20 Friday of the Third Week of Advent: 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:

Why is the Blessed Mother favored by God? Why was she chosen among many women? She is favored because of her humility and docility. God saw her saintly character, which He did not find in any other women during that time. Therefore, the Blessed Mother was given the singular honor to carry in her womb our Savior.

So you might say I would also want to be humble because I also expect to receive some blessings from God. That’s ok nothing is wrong with this kind of mindset. However, we must remember that the Blessed Mother is humble and docile not because she was vying to be chosen as the dwelling place of God. 

To be humble and docile was her natural character. There was no pretension or any sort of fake humility in her system.  In other words as far as the Blessed Mother is concerned, what we see is what we get from her. If we see her as humble and docile to the will of God she really is humble and docile. 

In so many ways, God also announces His will for us and what is His will for us? It’s for us to live simple and humble lives. Many of us live complicated lives and lifestyles and this results to problematic lives. Thus, we fail to hear the voice of God and we fail to hear the guidance of God us well. 

The Blessed Mother lived a simple and humble life, thus she was chosen by God. How are you living your life?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 20, Biyernes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:26-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:26-38

Nang ikaanim na buwan na ng pagdadalantao ni Elisabet, ang anghel Gabriel ay sinugo ng Diyos sa Nazaret, Galilea, sa isang dalaga na ang pangala'y Maria. Siya'y nakatakdang ikasal kay Jose, isang lalaki buhat sa lipi ni Haring David. Paglapit ng anghel sa kinaroroonan ng dalaga, binati niya ito.  

"Matuwa ka! Ikaw ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos," wika niya. "Sumasaiyo ang Panginoon!" Nagulumihanan si Maria sa gayong pangungusap, at inisip niyang mabuti kung ano ang kahulugan niyon. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng anghel, "Huwag kang matakot, Maria, sapagkat kinalulugdan ka ng Diyos. Makinig ka! Ikaw ay maglilihi at manganganak ng isang lalaki, at siya'y tatawagin mong Jesus. 

Magiging dakila siya, at tatawaging Anak ng Kataas-taasan. Ibibigay sa kanya ng Panginoong Diyos ang trono ng kanyang amang si David. Maghahari siya sa angkan ni Jacob magpakailanman, at ang kanyang paghahari ay walang hanggan." "Paanong mangyayari ito, gayong ako'y dalaga?" tanong ni Maria. Sumagot ang anghel, "Bababa sa iyo ang Espiritu Santo, at lililiman ka ng kanyang kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasan.  

Kaya't banal ang ipanganganak mo at tatawaging Anak ng Diyos. Natatandaan mo ang iyong kamag-anak na si Elisabet? Alam ng lahat na siya'y baog, ngunit naglihi siya sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan. At ngayo'y ikaanim na buwan na ng kanyang pagdadalantao -- sapagkat walang hindi mapangyayari ang Diyos." Sumagot si Maria, "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon. Mangyari sa akin ang iyong sinabi." At nilisan siya ng anghel.

Reflection for December 19 Thursday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

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Reflection:

Do you have a prayer request before God and do you believe that your prayer request will be granted by God? You must always believe that God will grant your prayer request. Because when you believe that you will have what you want from God what you want from Him is already within your reach. 

In today's Gospel, the couple Zechariah and Elizabeth are praying to God for the gift of a child. Yet, when the angel of God appeared to Zechariah in the sanctuary and told him that his wife would become pregnant, Zechariah suddenly had doubts. His doubt had a basis, as both of them were already old.

However, it is so uncharacteristic for Zechariah to doubt considering that he was a priest serving God. Zechariah forgot that nothing is impossible for God, did he forget or he simply had weak and feeble faith? Perhaps Zechariah had weak faith during that moment when the angel of God appeared to him. Perhaps Zechariah was overwhelmed by their personal circumstances (Old age).

However, nothing is impossible with God because God makes all things possible.  Hence, let us not doubt when we have prayers for God. Let us firmly believe and have faith that God will grant us what we want from Him.  

Do you have a prayer request before God? Believe, have faith and you shall have it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 19, Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:5-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:5-25

Nang si Herodes ang hari ng Judea, may isang saserdote na ang ngala'y Zacarias, sa pangkat ni Abias. At mula rin sa lipi ni Aaron ang kanyang asawang si Elisabet. Kapwa sila kalugod-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos, namumuhay ng ayon sa mga utos at tuntuning mula sa Panginoon. Wala silang anak pagkat baog si Elisabet, at sila'y matanda na.  

Ang pangkat ni Zacarias ang nanunungkulan noon, at sila'y naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos bilang saserdote. Nang sila'y magsapalaran, ayon sa kaugalian ng saserdote, siya ay nahirang na maghandog ng kamanyang. Kaya't pumasok siya sa templo ng Panginoon sa oras ng pagsusunog ng kamanyang, samantalang nagkakatipon sa labas ang mga tao at nananalangin.  

Walang anu-ano'y napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel ng Panginoon, nakatayo sa gawing kanan ng damabanang sunugan ng kamanyang. Nagulat si Zacarias at sinidlan ng matinding takot nang makita ang anghel. Ngunit sinabi nito sa kanya, "Huwag kang matakot, Zacarias! Dininig ng Diyos ang panalangin mo. Kayo ni Elisabet ay magkakaanak ng isang lalaki, at Juan ang ipapangalan mo sa kanya. 

Ikaw ay matutuwa at magiging maligaya, at maraming magagalak sa kanyang pagsilang sapagkat siya'y magiging dakila sa paningin ng Panginoon. Hindi siya iinom ng alak o anumang inuming nakalalasing. Sa sinapupunan pa lamang ng kanyang ina, mapupuspos na siya ng Espiritu Santo. Marami sa mga anak ng Israel ang panunumbalikin niya sa Panginoon, taglay ang espiritu at kapangyarihan ni Elias, upang pagkasunduin ang mga ama at mga anak, at panumbalikin sa matuwid ang mga suwail.  

Sa gayon, ipaghahanda niya ng isang bayan ang Panginoon." Sinabi ni Zacarias sa anghel, "Paano ko po matitiyak na mangyayari ito? Sapagkat ako'y napakatanda na at gayon din ang aking asawa." Sumagot ang anghel, "Ako si Gabriel ang anghel na naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos. Sinugo ako upang ihatid ang mabuting balitang sinabi ko sa iyo. At ngayon, mabibingi ka't hindi makapagsasalita hangang sa araw na maganap ang mga bagay na ito, sapagkat hindi ka naniniwala sa mga sinabi ko na matutupad pagdating ng takdang panahon." 

Samantala, naghihintay naman kay Zacarias ang mga tao. Nagtaka sila kung bakit nagtagal siya ng gayon sa loob ng templo. Paglabas niya ay hindi na siya makapagsalita, mga senyas na lamang ang ginagamit niya; kaya natanto nila na nakakita siya ng pangitain. At siya'y nanatiling pipi. Nang matapos ang kanyang paglilingkod ay umuwi na siya. Hindi nga nagtagal at naglihi si Elisabet, at hindi ito umalis ng bahay sa loob ng limang buwan. "Ngayo'y nilingap ako ng Panginoon," wika ni Elisabet. "Ginawa niya ito upang alisin ang aking kadustaan sa harapan ng mga tao!" 

Reflection for December 18 Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:18-25

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.  When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son and he named him Jesus.

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Reflection:

What would have happened if Joseph did not listen to the angel of God? 

Mary could have died violently by way of stoning because, during that time, death by stoning was the punishment for those caught cheating on their betrothed husband. But Joseph listened to the voice of the angel of God, who told him that the fruit of Mary’s womb was brought to her by the Holy Spirit.

We see humility in Joseph, we see obedience and love for God in Joseph and we also see the great love of Joseph for Mary. Deep in his heart Joseph loved Mary to the deepest core of his being. Mary was his everything so to speak and Joseph loved Mary more than his life. If Joseph did not love Mary more than his life, he could have easily left Mary and told the authorities about her out of wedlock pregnancy. 

Aside from Joseph’s love for Mary, Joseph also loved God for if he did not love God he could have simply brushed aside the angel of God and move on with his plan of divorcing Mary. But Joseph loved God this is the reason why he listened to the voice of God coursed through an Angel. 

In the Sacrament of Matrimony the voice of God is an ever present guiding light that couples must always follow. God tells the couples to stay with the Marriage covenant no matter the challenges until mortal death breaks it. Of course no marriage is made in heaven, husbands and wives have their own shortcomings. 

However, if couples would make the humility, the commitment, the love of God and the holiness of both Joseph and Mary their role model in their married life. There would be no divorce; no deception and lies. 

What would remain is love, love that is humble, love that is truthful and love that is forgiving and eternal. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 18, Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:18-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-25

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, Si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito ng lihim. 

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito'y panganganlan mong Jesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan." 

Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta:"Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at manganganak ng isang lalaki; at tatawagin itong Emmanuel" ang kahuluga'y "Kasama natin ang Diyos". 

Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang anghel ng Panginoon; pinakasalan niya si Maria. Ngunit hindi ginalaw ni Jose si Maria hanggang sa maipanganak nito ang isang sanggol na lalaki na pinanganlan nga niyang Jesus.