Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 12 Ang Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon: Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22

Noong panahong iyon: Naghahari sa mga tao ang pananabik sa pagdating ng Mesiyas at ang akala ng marami’y si Juan ang kanilang hinihintay. Kaya’t sinabi ni Juan sa kanila, “Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, ngunit ang darating na kasunod ko ang magbibinyag sa inyo sa Espiritu Santo at sa apoy. Siya’y makapangyarihan kaysa sa akin, at ni hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang panyapak.”

Nabinyagan na noon ang lahat ng tao, gayun din si Hesus. Nang siya’y nananalangin, nabuksan ang langit at bumaba sa kanya ang Espiritu Santo sa anyong kalapati. At isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi, “Ikaw ang minamahal kong Anak; lubos kitang kinalulugdan.”

Reflection for January 11 Saturday after Epiphany: John 3:22-30

Gospel: John 3:22-30

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. 

So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. 

You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete.  He must increase; I must decrease.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is the usual downfall of those who preach about Jesus? It’s to present themselves bigger than Jesus. They use Jesus as their vehicle so that they could attain their selfish objective rather than advance the objectives of Jesus.

John did not experience any downfall in his mission as the precursor or herald of Jesus. His disciples always looked up to him with respect because never did he advance himself, Jesus was always first in his mind. This is the reason why John said, He must increase and I must decrease (John 3:30).

John was content to be in the background, he rejoiced as he humbly erased himself from the limelight so that Jesus could be in the spotlight. This is so difficult to do! To give way when we actually could have our own way!     

Many of us have this mistaken notion that to be respected we always have to be in the forefront.  To be respected our voice must always be heard and we must always be popular and visible.

But John proves us all wrong because even if he decreased himself and even if he faded away for the sake of Jesus. His act of humility remains to be one of the biggest guiding lights of our time.

Would you be like John? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 11 Sabado kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagpunta sa lupain ng Judea. Nanatili siya roon ng kaunting panahon kasama nila, at nagbinyag. Si Juan ay nagbibinyag rin naman sa Enon, malapit sa Salim, sapagkat maraming tubig doon. Pumupunta sa kanya ang mga tao at nagpapabinyag. Hindi pa nakabilanggo noon si Juan.

Minsan, nakatalo ng mga alagad ni Juan ang isang Judio tungkol sa tanging paraan ng paglilinis. Kaya’t pumunta sila kay Juan at sinabi sa kanya, “Rabi, yaon pong lalaking kasama ninyo sa ibayo ng Jordan, na inyong pinatotohanan ay nagbibinyag rin at nagpupunta sa kanya ang lahat!” Sumagot si Juan, “Walang tatanggapin ang tao malibang ipagkaloob sa kanya ng Diyos.

Kayo na rin ang makapagpapatunay na sinabi kong hindi ako ang Kristo; sugo lamang akong mauuna sa kanya. Ang babaing ikakasal ay para sa lalaking ikakasal. Ang abay na naghihintay sa pagdating ng lalaking ikakasal ay lubos na nagagalak pagkarinig sa tinig nito. Gayun din naman, lubos na ang kagalakan ko ngayon. Kinakailangang siya ay maging dakila, at ako nama’y mababa.”

Reflection for January 10 Friday after Epiphany: Luke 5:12-16

Gospel: Luke 5:12-16

It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 

Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 

The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

+ + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you remember the thief who was on the cross with Jesus that got an instant salvation? The thief humbled himself before Jesus that’s why he said: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom” Jesus immediately replied and said: “Today you will be with me in paradise (Luke 23:42-43).

In today’s gospel we have a man sick with leprosy; he humbled himself before Jesus and said: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately.

The man on the cross and the man sick with leprosy both got what they wanted from Jesus for they both humbled themselves before Him. If they did not humble themselves before Jesus, they would have not received their request from Jesus.

What does this gospel episode convey to us? It tells us that we must at all times be humble when we approach the Lord. Whatever burdens that we have we bring it to Jesus with humility because humility is the key to obtain blessings from Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.

+ + + + + + +

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 9 Huwebes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Lucas 4:14-22

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:14-22

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Galilea, at sumasakanya ang kapangyarihan ng Espiritu Santo. Kumalat sa palibot na lupain ang balita tungkol sa kanya. Nagturo siya sa kanilang mga sinagoga; at dinakila siya ng lahat. 

Umuwi si Hesus sa Nazaret na kanyang nilakhan. Gaya ng kanyang kinagawian, pumasok siya sa sinagoga nang Araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumindig siya upang bumasa; at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni propeta Isaias. Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito: “Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, Sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita.

Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag sa bihag na sila’y lalaya, At sa mga bulag na sila’y makakikita; Upang bigyang-kaluwagan ang mga sinisiil, At ipahayag ang pagliligtas na gagawin ng Panginoon.”

Binalumbon niya ang kasulatan, at matapos isauli sa tagapaglingkod, siya’y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Natupad ngayon ang bahaging ito ng Kasulatan samantalang nakikinig kayo.” Pinuri siya ng lahat, at namangha sila sa kanyang napakahusay na pananalita.  

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.

+ + + + + + +

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 8 Miyerkules kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Marcos 6:45-52

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:45-52

Matapos mapakain ang limang libong lalaki, agad pinasakay ni Hesus sa bangka ang mga alagad at pinauna sa Betsaida, sa kabilang ibayo ng lawa, samantalang pinauuwi niya ang mga tao. Pagkaalis nila, siya’y umahon sa burol upang manalangin. Sumapit ang gabi. Nasa laot na noon ang bangka, samatalang si Hesus ay nag-iisa sa katihan. 

Nakita niyang nahihirapan sa pagsagwan ang kanyang mga alagad, sapagkat pasalungat sila sa hangin. At nang madaling-araw na, sumunod sa kanila si Hesus na naglalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig. Lalampasan niya sana sila, ngunit nakita ng mga alagad na siya’y lumalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, kaya’t napasigaw sila. 

Ang akala nila’y multo, at kinilabutan silang lahat. Ngunit agad niyang sinabi sa kanila, “Huwag kayong matakot, si Hesus ito! Lakasan ninyo ang inyong loob!” Sumakay siya sa bangka, at tumigil ang hangin. Sila’y lubhang nanggilalas, sapagkat hindi nila naunawaan ang nangyari sa tinapay; hindi pa ito abot ng kanilang isip.

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.

+ + + + + +

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 7 Martes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Marcos 6:34-44

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:34-44

Noong panahong iyon, nakita ni Hesus ang napakaraming tao; nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang walang pastol. At sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay. Nang dapit-hapon na, lumapit sa kanya ang mga alagad at ang sabi, “Ilang ang pook ng ito at malapit nang lumubog ang araw.

Payaunin na po ninyo ang mga tao sa mga karatig-nayon at bayan upang makabili ng pagkain.” Ngunit sinabi niya, “Kayo ang magbigay sa kanila ng makakain.” “Bibili po ba kami ng halagang dalawandaang denaryong tinapay upang ipakain sa kanila?” Tanong ng mga alagad. “Ilan ba ang dala ninyong tinapay? Tingnan nga ninyo,” wika niya. Pagkatapos tingnan ay kanilang sinabi, “Lilima po, at dalawang isda.”

Iniutos ni Hesus na ang lahat ay maupo nang pulu-pulutong sa damuhan. Kaya’t naupo sila nang manda-mandaan at lima-limampu. Kinuha ni Hesus ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda, tumingala sa langit, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinaghati-hati niya ang mga tinapay at ibinigay sa mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao. 

At pinaghati-hati niya ang dalawang isda at ipinamahagi rin. Ang lahat ay nakakain at nabusog. Nang tipunin ng mga alagad ang lumabis na hati-hating tinapay at isda, nakapuno sila ng labindalawang bakol. Sa mga nagsikain, limanlibo ang mga lalaki.   

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.

+ + + + + + +

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 6 Lunes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

Noong panahong iyon, nabalitaan ni Hesus na ibinilanggo si Juan, kaya’t bumalik siya sa Galilea. Ngunit hindi na siya sa Nazaret nanirahan kundi sa Capernaum. Ang bayang ito’y nasa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea, sa mga hangganan ng Zabulon at Neftali.

Sa gayo’y natupad ang sinabi ni propeta Isaias: “Ang lupain ng Zabulon at lupain ng Neftali – daanan sa gawing dagat sa ibayo ng Jordan, Galilea ng mga Hentil! Itong bayang nag-apuhap sa gitna ng kadiliman sa wakas ay nakakita ng maningning niyang ilaw! Liwanag na taglay nito’y siya ngayong tumalanglaw sa lahat ng nalugami sa lilim ng kamatayan!”

Magmula noon ay nangaral na si Hesus. Ang sabi niya, “Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, sapagkat malapit nang maghari ang Diyos.”

Nilibot ni Hesus ang buong Galilea. Nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at ipinangangaral ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos. Pinagaling din niya ang mga tao sa kanilang mga sakit at karamdaman.

Siya’y nabantog sa buong Siria kaya’t dinadala sa kanya ang lahat ng maysakit at mga pinahihirapan ng iba’t ibang karamdaman: mga inaalihan ng mga demonyo, mga himatayin, mga paralitiko. Silang lahat ay kanyang pinagaling. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao buhat sa Galilea, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, at maging sa ibayo ng Jordan.

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.
+ + + + + + +
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