Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 10 Biyernes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Lucas 5:12-16

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:12-16

Noong si Hesus ay nasa isang bayan, isang lalaking ketongin ang lumapit sa kanya. Pagkakita ng ketongin sa kanya, ito’y nagpatirapa at namanhik sa kanya. “Ginoo, kung ibig po ninyo, ako’y inyong mapagagaling.” Hinipo siya ni Hesus at ang sabi, “Ibig ko; gumaling ka!” Pagdaka’y nawala ang kanyang ketong.

At pinagbilinan siya ni Hesus: “Huwag mong sasabihin ito kaninuman. Sa halip ay pumunta ka sa saserdote at pasuri. Pagkatapos, maghandog ka ng haing iniuutos ni Moises, bilang patotoo sa mga tao na magaling ka na.” Ngunit lalo pang kumalat ang balita tugkol kay Hesus, kaya’t dumagsa ang napakaraming tao upang makinig at magpagamot sa kanya. At si Hesus ay laging nagpupunta sa ilang na pook at nananalangin.   

Reflection for January 9 Thursday after Epiphany: Luke 4:14-22

Gospel: Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. 

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing. And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

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Reflection:

Do you always see to it that the words that you say are always motivating and remarkable? For example, in your house, do you always see to it that you avoid negative words or words that creates stigma to those who hear and receive it? 

Your words are very powerful it can build or destroy a person or a child. If your words are always words that condemns or words that brings down the dignity of a person or a child. You can be sure that this person or child will have an inferiority complex. He will lose confidence in himself which is very important for a person growth and development. 

When Jesus preached in their synagogue He spoke words that builds, words that gently informs and words that heals and motivates. Why? Because this is the innate character of Jesus, He would always see to it that when He speaks His words would be forever treasured in the hearts of those who receive it. And up until today when His words are read in the bible or at Holy Mass those who read and hear it are moved and changed toward a better life.   

In our gospel, after Jesus preached in the synagogue those who’ve heard Him had nothing but respect and admiration toward Him (Luke 4:22). This is for the fact that Jesus words are always healing and motivating. Never words that curses, never words than injures the feelings and never words that downgrades the human dignity. 

What are the usual words that emanates from you? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 8 Wednesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:45-52

Gospel: Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. 

Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. 

They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

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Reflection:

What does our closeness to Jesus do to us when we are in the midst of waves of problems? It calms us, it gives us hope and it assures us that everything will be OK for as long as we have faith in Him. All of us have been into many difficult situations and time and again our faith in Jesus is always our safe refuge. 

In our gospel the disciples were being heavily battered by huge waves. Perhaps they already thought that it was already the end of their lives. Then, lo and behold in the midst of the violent storm here comes Jesus walking on sea going to them. After that Jesus told His disciples, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! He got into the boat with them and the wind died down (Mark 6:50-51). 

From being hopeless, from being on the verge of disaster even death the disciples were miraculously saved by Jesus. They did not call on Jesus to save them yet Jesus came to rescue them. 

What is the implication of this saving action of Jesus to us? Nobody of us have a worry free life in this world, we will be encountering trials and problems for as long as we live. Nevertheless we have nothing to fear and there’s always hope for as long as we have Jesus in our lives. 

Do you have Jesus in your life? Do you always reach out to Him through your prayers, through your presence at Holy Mass and by reading His living words in the bible? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 7 Tuesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:34-44

Gospel: Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. 

Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?” 

He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. 

The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all. 

They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

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Reflection:

A woman was generous to a fault. She would always give whatever she has and she would do it without expecting something back. As she observed it, the more that she was generous the more blessings she would receive. She therefore decided to increase some more her generosity. 

Generosity always pays, the more that we are generous the more that God will bless us. Just try to be generous and you’ll see that blessings will be plowed back to you a hundred-fold. 

Oftentimes we don’t dare to give because we are afraid that there will be nothing left for us to keep. But why not try to be generous and see for yourself the wonderful blessing that will be brought back to you? The blessing of good health, the blessing of a wonderful family, the blessings of peace of mind and a lot more blessing that is anchored on our being generous. 

If Jesus was not generous or if Jesus was not moved with pity for those who were following Him. He would have not been able to feed the vast crowd (More than five thousand) and there would have not been twelve wicker baskets full of fragments. 

Do you live generosity? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 6 Monday after Epiphany: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: 

Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. 

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. 

His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

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Reflection:

Why did Jesus withdraw to Galilee? Perhaps, to rest, think and ponder deeply about His mission. Every once in a while, it’s good to withdraw/retreat from the hustle and bustle of life so that we’ll have time for ourselves and for God. 

Withdrawal from this busy life means that we have time to reflect as to where are we in our relationship with Jesus. Where are we being directed by our materially driven world. We must always be watchful that we are not carried away or eaten up by the cycle of busy life.  

Otherwise we would be like zombies who mechanically walk to a single direction that directs us away from God. Then at the end we forget God, thus we easily sin without any guilt of conscience. Because we allowed ourselves to be misled by this busy life. 

Take time once in a while to withdrew/retreat from this busy life and get connected with God for it will further strengthen you spiritually as you face the challenges of your busy life. Remember that Jesus withdrew after which He proceeded to do His mission with vigor and determination. 

So, you too should withdraw even for a short while to primarily assess your life and most importantly your relationship with Jesus.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday January 5 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled and all Jerusalem with him. 

Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah are by no means least among the rulers of Judah since from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. 

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word that I too may go and do him homage.” 

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. 

They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures  and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod they departed for their country by another way.
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Reflection:
Are you yearning for the presence of Jesus in your life? What do you do when you are yearning for Him? Do you read your Bible and meditate on His living words? Do you go to church for Holy Mass, or do you spend time with Him in the Adoration Chapel?

We have searched for Jesus in one way or another, and our search for Him has always borne fruit, for Jesus never hides Himself from us. He is always there for us when we diligently seek Him. The moment we encounter Him, we will never be the same, for He will change and complete us according to His will.

The three Magi in our Gospel were also searching for Jesus. But why were they searching for the child Jesus? Of course, we all know that they had something special to give Him. However, aside from the gifts they wanted to offer, why were they searching for Jesus?

They were searching for Jesus because something was deeply missing in their lives, a void that could only be filled by finding Him. So, they searched diligently. They went to Jerusalem and looked for Him there. Eventually, they were guided by the star to Bethlehem, where they found the baby Jesus. 

Upon finding Him, they paid homage to the Lord by offering their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But this is not the end of the story. For when they found Jesus, they also found inner healing that only He could give. Their encounter with the child Jesus completely changed and renewed them.

Let us also seek the Lord with all our hearts, for those who seek Jesus will find Him and be enormously renewed and blessed by Him.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 4 Saturday before Epiphany: John 1:35-42

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?"  

They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.  

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

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Reflection:

Would you respond to Jesus if He calls you? The call of Jesus comes in so many ways. He would indirectly call you using a friend, a written commentary, an event in your life and there are many more ways when the Lord calls.    

We have to respond when Jesus calls us, we must not ignore His call. What is the centerpiece of Jesus call? It’s always to walk away from sinfulness. Therefore, when God calls us it’s an offer to take away our problems, problems that we create for ourselves brought about by our sinfulness.     

Let us respond to this call of Jesus and we would see that little by little there will be less sin related problems in our life. Problems that we create for ourselves because we refuse to hear the call of Jesus.  

What else would happen when we respond to Jesus call? We will know more about Jesus and His life. There would be strengthening of our faith and we will have a sturdy wall to lean on whenever we pass through the many challenges of life.  

In our gospel when Andrew and his companion heard John said: “Behold the Lamb of God.” The phrase uttered by John struck a chord in them that they decided to follow Jesus. As they were following they asked Him: Where are you staying?” And Jesus gave them a very meaningful response by saying: “Come and you will see.” (John 1:39)  

This is also what Jesus is telling us, come because you will discover more of me. Come because I am here to help you carry whatever burdens that you have. Come for I will walk with you from now on. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 4 Sabado bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:35-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:35-42

Noong panahong iyon, naroon uli si Juan at ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad. Nakita niya si Jesus na nagdaraan, at kanyang sinabi, "Ito ang Kordero ng Diyos!" Narinig ng dalawang alagad ang sinabi niya, at sumunod sila kay Jesus. Lumingon si Jesus at nang makitang sumusunod sila ay kanyang tinanong, "Ano ang hinahanap ninyo?"  

Sumagot sila, "Saan po kayo nakatira, Rabi?" Ang kahulugan ng salitang ito'y Guro. "Halikayo at tingnan ninyo," ani Jesus. Sumama sila at nakita nila ang kanyang tinitirhan; at tumuloy sila roon ng araw na yaon. Noo'y mag-iikaapat na ng hapon. Ang isa sa dalawang nakarinig kay Juan at sumunod kay Jesus ay si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro. 

Una niyang hinanap ang kapatid niyang ito, at kanyang sinabi sa kanya, "Natagpuan namin ang Mesias!" Ang kahulugan ng salitang ito'y Cristo. At siya'y isinama ni Andres kay Jesus. Tiningnan ni Jesus si Simon at sinabi sa kanya, 'Ikaw si Simon na anak ni Juan. ang ipangangalan sa iyo'y Cefas." Ang katumbas ng pangalang ito'y Pedro. 

Reflection for January 3 Friday before Epiphany: John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." 

John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

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Reflection:

Do you live the virtue of Humility? CS Lewis once said: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” 

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he said this: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. John recognized the true identity of Jesus because he lived the virtue of humility to the core of his bones. There was no fakery and pretension, it was authentic humility. 

We also always hear these words of John when we go to Holy Mass. The priest raises the Sacred Host and pronounces these very words of John at Holy Mass before Holy Communion as the faithful kneel and fix its gaze upon it with deep reverence. 

Jesus will heal us from all of our sins no matter how grave. But we have to humble ourselves before our Lord. This kind of humble demeanor without a doubt was with John thus John was able to recognize the majesty of Jesus over anyone else.         

We will never recognize the magnificence of Jesus if we don’t have humility. And we will never fully grasp the reason why John called Jesus the lamb of God. If we are not ready to strip ourselves with anything that is contrary to the virtue of humility. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for Thursday January 2 Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you? He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah? 

And he said, “I am not. “Are you the Prophet? He answered, No. So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 

He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said. Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet? 

John answered them “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize the one who is coming after me whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie. This happened in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

How can we remain in the perpetual grace of God? We would always remain in the perpetual grace of God when we are always humble. But it’s hard to be humble all the time, it’s hard to always bow; it’s hard to always bend in humility. It’s hard to conquer our egos most especially when we are doing well. 

John the Baptist remained in the perpetual grace of God for he was always humble. He did not salivate for power and fame; he never had an awareness of the word ego for he remained humble and self-effacing throughout his short life.   

We know now how to be in the perpetual grace of God. But then again we will say, “It’s hard to be humble all the time.” It’s hard indeed to be humble all the time for the simple reason perhaps that we think that humility is a byproduct of our own effort. 

We don’t dispense humility to ourselves, its God through the graciousness of the Holy Spirit who gives us the grace of humility. We therefore pray to Jesus to grant us the grace of humility for He freely dispense it to those who humbly ask for it. 

Have you already asked Jesus to dispense unto you the virtue of humility? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday January 1 Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (World Day of Prayer for Peace) Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. 

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

How did The Blessed Mother feel when she saw the shepherds? How did the Blessed Mother feel when she was told by the shepherds of the message that was told to them by an angel? 

It was perhaps mixed emotion of gladness and trepidations. Notwithstanding the message the Blessed Mother took everything in stride, in good spirit and with calmness. Mary’s attention was focused on her newly born child perhaps the Blessed Mother was already thinking how he can be a good mother to her new born child.    

In the motherhood of Mary came our Savior. In Mary, we have a humble and simple mother who stayed with her Son until His last gasp of breath on the cross. Do you wish to be like Mary? Of course, we want to be like Mary in a very special way—minus her sufferings. 

But did Mary suffer? Yes, Mary suffered in silence. For as Jesus suffered, His mother Mary was suffering also—perhaps even double the sufferings that her Son, Jesus, was going through at that time. As Mary suffered in silence, caused by her Son’s sufferings, she was also drawing strength from Him. It’s hard to explain, but in her suffering, Mary was also drawing strength from her Son, Jesus. 

But come to think of it, where do we draw strength when we are overwhelmed by our problems or when we are suffering also? Don’t we also draw strength from Jesus?  Of course we draw strength from Jesus we pray to Jesus. And we ask Jesus to help us for we know that it’s only Jesus who can strengthen us. 

As we start this New Year let us all find strength in Jesus and let us never forget to ask for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For she is the mother of Jesus and being so the Blessed Virgin Mary is closest to the heart of Jesus. 

Do you always find strength in Jesus? Do you always ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for you? - Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for Tuesday December 31 The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.   

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.  

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

Do we perceive the presence Jesus in our life? Do we feel His abiding love and care? Jesus was born into this world for us. God so love us that He became human like us. He walked in this world and mingled with the ordinary people of His time. For what reason did God do this? The reason is none other than love, God so love us dearly that He willingly gave His only begotten son for us.  

Jesus descended into this world through Mary to let us know that He is not a distant God. To let us know that He is a God amongst us, a God who walks with us, a God who cries with us during our sorrows and pains and a God who is always there for us. 

If through His birth Jesus humbled Himself for us so that we may live and have life, in what way do we humble ourselves before God? Are we silently doing our share to help Jesus advance His mission in this world? Do we invite others to go to church for Holy Mass so that they too would feel the love of God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Monday December 30 the Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas: Luke 2:36-40

Gospel: Luke 2:36-40

There was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. 

She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Reflection:

Do you observe that those who are always at church for prayers and Holy Mass are women most especially senior citizens and retired but not tired women? These women of faith are always at church offering their humble prayers before God. I think they are always at church not anymore to pray for themselves but to pray for those whom they love and care.  

What lesson do these women of faith convey to us? They convey to us that we too have to be prayerful, we too have to be present at church most especially during Holy Mass and we too have to always pray for those whom we love and care. 

In the gospel, we read about the prophetess Anna, a widower and well advance in her years; she’s eighty four years old (84) to be exact. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

Why did Anna worship night and day with fasting and prayer? Because our prayers bring us closer to God. Through our being prayerful the God that is distant to us becomes the God that is beside us. When we are prayerful we have this unique awareness of the presence of God beside us. 

Anna’s prayers were also coupled with fasting. Why? Because fasting makes us more reliant on God and not on ourselves – fasting opens us to the many graces that God wants to shower upon us. It also shields us from the many evils of this world. Why? Because when we fast, we focus our whole being on God alone and shut ourselves off from any earthly, self-centered, or evil disturbances.

Are you always prayerful and do you often practice fasting? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday December 29 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Luke 2:41-52

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 

But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

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Reflection:

A child was adopted by a childless couple. As he grew, they treated him as their own. They taught him about the faith, disciplined him, and regularly brought him to church for Holy Mass.

When he was fourteen years old, his biological parents approached his adoptive parents to take him back. The couple who adopted him asked if he was willing to return to his biological family, but the child chose to stay with his adoptive family.

What made the child choose his adoptive family over his biological parents? It was the parental love and discipline he experienced, as well as the strong foundation of faith they instilled in him. These important family values were also provided by Mary and Joseph to the twelve-year-old Jesus.

The Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph instilled in the young mind of Jesus the importance of love, discipline, and church worship. That is why they frequently brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem for the yearly Feast of Passover. They both wanted the young Jesus to grow into a God-centered man rather than a man focused on worldly matters.

In these social media-driven times, many parents are forgetting the crucial responsibility of instilling the basics of faith in their children’s hearts. They often prioritize material things over bringing their children to church for worship. What kind of children are we raising if we neglect our parental duty to teach them about our faith and fail to bring them to church for worship?

As a result, we raise children who do not know how to respect their parents. We raise children who view sex without any sense of sacredness. These scenarios are real and are happening today for the simple reason that some parents neglect their fundamental duty to introduce their children to God.

The Feast of the Holy Family is a wake-up call for all of us. It reminds us to prioritize God above all else in this world. It calls us to worship God at church as a family and to teach our children about our faith. As parents, we are meant to be the first catechists and faith formators of our children.

Before children go to church for Holy Mass, it is assumed that they have already been taught the fundamentals of our faith within the domestic church, which is none other than our own home.

Let us, therefore, emulate the holy family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Let us follow the unconditional love of Mary and Joseph, and imitate how they lovingly cared for the young Jesus. Let us also emulate how they brought the child Jesus to the temple to worship God.

Do you raise your child the way Jesus was raised by Joseph and Mary? – Marino J. Dasmarinas