Reflection for Sunday January 12 The Baptism of the Lord: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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Reflection:

A man wanted to become a Catholic, so he inquired about the process of membership. He was told that he needed to be baptized first. In addition, he was told that he needed to turn away from his life of sinfulness and be ready to help Jesus carry his cross.

Before the baptismal scene in the Gospel, John first called for repentance of sins as a way to prepare the way for Jesus. Those who responded to his call for repentance went to the River Jordan to be baptized by him, and they soon became John’s followers.

After everyone was baptized, Jesus also submitted Himself to baptism by John. During the process of Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended upon Him. But why did Jesus submit Himself to John’s baptism when He could have easily avoided it? After all, He is the Son of God! Jesus underwent baptism because it was the will of God. Through His baptism, Jesus demonstrated solidarity with the people who had undergone the same baptism from John.

Through His baptism, Jesus was reaching out to us. He wanted to show that, although He could have easily avoided being baptized, He chose to undergo it as a way of immersing Himself with us and making Himself accessible to us. After His baptism, Jesus also began His ministry, which would ultimately lead Him to endure suffering, persecution, and the harrowing death on the cross.

By Jesus’ baptism we too are reminded about our own baptism. Baptism which call upon us to walk away from all forms of sinfulness. Baptism which reminds us to courageously spread and share our faith. Baptism which reminds us that like Jesus we should also be ready to go through the process of sufferings and sacrifices if need be. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.”

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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

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.

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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.

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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