Reflection for April 17 Holy Thursday -Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper: John 13:1-15

Gospel: John 13:1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.  

He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”  

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”  

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” 

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to emulate the humility of Jesus?

Aside from being the Son of God, what is the secret behind the endless longevity of Jesus’ teachings? Countless people have already belittled Jesus as an ordinary human being, yet His legacy and teachings still echo to this very moment—and will continue to echo for eternity. What is the secret to the permanence of Jesus’ teachings?

The secret is in His self-sacrifice; the secret is in His humility. Jesus never thought of His own safety. He never created comfort zones or anything that would ensure His own protection. Instead, He blazed the trail of self-sacrifice and humility.

In His self-sacrifice, Jesus instituted the Eucharist—the first Mass—on this very day to humbly keep Himself and His teachings alive. He did this so we would have something to hold on to as we face the many battles and struggles of our lives. Thus, He continuously strengthens us every time we make ourselves present in the sacrifice of the Holy Mass. He nourishes us each time we partake of His Body and Blood during Holy Communion.

Through His humility, Jesus embodied servant leadership. He showed the twelve apostles—and us—what it truly means to serve. He washed the feet of the apostles to signify that they must do the same for those they are called to serve. They would only become true leaders once they learned to give their lives in humble service to others.

Are you willing to follow the path of Jesus’ self-sacrifice and humility? If you are, your legacy will be forever etched in the hearts of those who know you—and they will remember you with fondness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 17 Huwebes sa Pagmimisa sa Pagtatakipsilim sa Paghahapunan ng Panginoon: Juan 13:1-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 13:1-15

Bisperas na ng Paskuwa. Alam ni Hesus na dumating na ang panahon ng kanyang paglisan sa sanlibutang ito upang bumalik sa Ama. Mahal niya ang kanyang mga tagasunod na nasa sanlibutan, at ngayo’y ipakikita niya kung hanggang saan ang kanyang pag-ibig sa kanila. 

Naghahapunan si Hesus at ang mga alagad. Naisilid na ng diyablo sa isip ni Judas, anak ni Simon Iscariote, ang pagkakanulo kay Hesus. Alam ni Hesus na ibinigay na sa kanya ng Ama ang buong kapangyarihan; alam din niyang siya’y mula sa Diyos at babalik sa Diyos. Kaya’t nang sila’y naghahapunan, tumindig si Hesus, naghubad ng kanyang panlabas na kasuotan, at nagbigkis ng tuwalya.

Pagkatapos, nagbuhos siya ng tubig sa palanggana, at sinimulang hugasan ang paa ng mga alagad at punasan ng tuwalyang nakabigkis sa kanya. Paglapit niya kay Simon Pedro, tumutol ito. “Panginoon,” sabi niya, “diyata’t kayo pa ang maghuhugas ng aking mga paa?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Hindi mo nauunawan ngayon ang ginagawa ko, ngunit mauunawaan mo rin pagkatapos.” Sinabi sa kanya ni Pedro. “Hinding-hindi ko po pahuhugasan sa inyo ang aking mga paa.”

“Kung hindi kita huhugasan, wala kang kaugnayan sa akin,” tugon ni Hesus. Kaya’t sinabi ni Pedro, “Panginoon, hindi lamang po ang mga paa ko, kundi pati ang aking kamay at ulo!” Ani Hesus, “Maliban sa kanyang mga paa, hindi na kailangang hugasan pa ang naligo na, sapagkat malinis na ang kanyang buong katawan. At malinis na kayo, ngunit hindi lahat.” Sapagkat alam ni Hesus kung sino ang magkakanulo sa kanya, kaya sinabi niyang malinis na sila, ngunit hindi lahat.

Nang mahugasan na ni Hesus ang kanilang mga paa, siya’y nagsuot ng damit at nagbalik sa hapag. “Nauunawaan ba ninyo kung ano ang ginawa ko sa inyo?” tanong niya sa kanila. “Tinatawag ninyo akong Guro at Panginoon, at tama kayo, sapagkat ako nga. Kung akong Panginoon ninyo at Guro ay naghugas ng inyong mga paa, dapat din kayong mahugasan ng paa. Binigyan ko kayo ng halimbawa at ito’y dapat ninyong tularan.”

Reflection for April 16 Wednesday of Holy Week: Matthew 26:14-25

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.  

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The teacher says, My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.'" The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.  

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said,

"Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" He said in reply, "He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born." Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" He answered, "You have said so."

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Reflection:

What happened to Judas Iscariot? He killed himself. But what if, instead of taking his own life, Judas had simply approached Jesus and said, “I’m sorry, Lord, for betraying You”? How would Jesus have reacted? Jesus would have forgiven him. 

But the sad part is that humbling himself before Jesus never came to Judas’ contemplation. For thirty pieces of silver, Judas Iscariot sold his soul to the devil. Obviously, Judas loved money more than the Lord—otherwise, he would not have betrayed Jesus.

Indeed, “the love of money is the root of all evil. Because of this greed, some have wandered away from the faith, bringing on themselves afflictions of every kind” (1 Timothy 6:10).

What power does money have that many of us are willing to sell our souls to the devil just to obtain it? What power does money have that we are willing to punish ourselves, even to the detriment of our health, just to have it?

Money per se is not evil; It becomes evil when we greed for it, and when we allow it to possess us. But what price are we willing to pay just to have money? Judas betrayed the Lord and eventually destroyed his very life because of his greed for money.

There is always a heavy price to pay when we allow ourselves to be possessed by greed. Just observe those people who are greedy for money—what happened to them? Where are they now?

The betrayal of Judas, bought for thirty pieces of silver, sends us a chilling lesson:
That our greed and love for money will bring us no good—only misery, and countless more miseries.

All the money in this world cannot buy us harmony in the family. All the money in this world cannot buy us peace of mind—and so forth. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 16 Miyerkules Santo: Mateo 26:14-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 26:14-25

Si Judas Iscariote, isa sa Labindalawa, ay nakipagkita sa mga punong saserdote. "Ano po ang ibibigay ninyo sa akin kung tulungan ko kayong madakip si Jesus?" tanong niya. Noon din ay binilangan niya siya ng tatlumpong salaping pilak. Mula noon, humanap na si Judas ng pagkakataon upang maipagkanulo si Jesus. 

Dumating ang unang araw ng Kapistahan ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura. Lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad at nagtanong, "Saan po ninyo ibig na ipaghanda namin kayo ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa?" Sumagot siya, "Pumunta kayo sa lunsod at hanapin ninyo ang taong ito. Sabihin sa kanyang ganito ang ipinasasabi ng Guro: 'Malapit na ang aking oras. Ako at ang mga alagad ko'y sa bahay mo kakain ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa.' " Sinunod ng mga alagad ang utos ni Jesus, at inihanda nila ang Hapunang Pampaskuwa. 

Nang gabing yaon, dumulog sa hapag si Jesus, kasama ang labindalawang alagad. Samantalang sila'y kumakain, nangusap si Jesus, "Sinasabi ko: isa sa inyo ang magkakanulo sa akin." Nanlumo ang mga alagad, at isa't isa'y nagtanong sa kanya, "Ako po ba, Panginoon?" Sumagot siya, "Ang kasabay kong sumawsaw sa mangkok ang siyang magkakanulo sa akin. 

Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa nasusulat, ngunit sa aba ng nagkanulo sa kanya! "Mabuti pang hindi na ipinanganak ang taong iyon." Si Judas, na magkakanulo sa kanya, ay nagtanong din, "Guro, ako po ba?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Ikaw na ang nagsabi."

Reflection for April 15 Tuesday of Holy Week: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it?” 

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night. 

When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” 

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

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Reflection:

Have you been betrayed already? 

How did you feel? You felt bad, of course—you felt anger and disappointment toward the person who betrayed you. 

When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He felt bad and disappointed, perhaps the same way when He was disowned by Peter—not once, not twice, but three times! However, after all was said and done, Jesus forgave them all. When Jesus was dying on the cross, He said: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). 

To be betrayed and disowned by those whom we thought were incapable of doing such a thing is very hard to accept. But that’s life. That’s how many of us are—when we are tempted by Satan, we easily embrace betrayal. 

For example, in the Sacrament of Marriage or Matrimony, how many times have we betrayed our sacred vows for fleeting, wicked self-gratification—without knowing the immense consequences that will befall us? 

Betrayal initially starts in the mind, when we conjure images of the person who attracts us—until he or she completely captures us. Yet betrayal is not just an act by the person alone; it is an act planted by the devil and fed into the person’s mind. And when that person has weak faith, he or she naturally succumbs to the wicked schemes of the devil—until it completely destroys them. 

When Jesus said on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34), He was not only referring to those who denied and betrayed Him during His passion. He was also referring to us—those of us who are easily swayed by the many temptations of the devil. 

On this Tuesday of Holy Week, let us ponder the many betrayals we’ve committed against Jesus—the many betrayals we've made within the Sacrament of Marriage. Let us beg for healing and forgiveness from Jesus. And lest we forget, let us also beg for forgiveness and restoration from the person we have betrayed. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 15 Martes Santo: Juan 13:21-33, 36-38

Mabuting Balita: Juan 13:21-33, 36-38

Noong panahong iyon, habang nakahilig kasama ng kanyang mga alagad, nagugulumihanang sinabi ni Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo: ako’y ipagkakanulo ng isa sa inyo.” Nagkatinginan ang mga alagad; hindi nila alam kung sino ang kanyang tinutukoy. Ang alagad na minamahal ni Hesus ay nakahilig na kalapit niya. Kinalabit siya ni Simon Pedro at sinabi, “Itanong mo kung sino ang tinutukoy niya.”  

Kaya humilig siya sa dibdib ni Hesus at itinanong: “Panginoon, sino po ba ang tinutukoy ninyo?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ang ipagsawsaw ko ng tinapay, siya na nga.” At nang maisawsaw ang tinapay, ibinigay niya ito kay Judas na anak ni Simon Iscariote. Nang matanggap na ni Judas ang tinapay, si Satanas ay pumasok sa kanya.  

Sinabi ni Hesus, “Gawin mo na ang gagawin mo!” Ngunit isa man sa mga kasalo niya ay walang nakaalam kung bakit niya sinabi ito. Sapagkat si Judas ang nag-iingat ng kanilang salapi, inakala nilang pinabibili siya ni Hesus ng kakailanganin sa pista o kaya’y pinapaglilimos sa mga dukha. Nang makain na ni Judas ang tinapay, siya’y umalis. Gabi na noon. 

Pagkaalis ni Judas ay sinabi ni Hesus, “Ngayo’y mahahayag na ang karangalan ng Anak ng Tao; at mahahayag din ang karangalan ng Diyos sa pamamagitan niya. At kung mahayag na ang karangalan ng Diyos, ang Diyos naman ang maghahayag ng karangalan ng Anak, at gagawin niya ito agad. Mga anak, kaunting panahon na lamang ninyo akong makakasama. Hahanapin ninyo ako; ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo ngayon ang sinabi ko sa mga Judio, ‘Hindi kayo makapupunta sa paroroonan ko.’” 

“Saan po kayo pupunta, Panginoon?” tanong ni Simon Pedro. Sumagot si Hesus, “Sa paroroonan ko’y hindi ka makasusunod ngayon, ngunit susunod ka pagkatapos.” “Bakit po hindi ako makasusunod sa inyo ngayon?” tanong ni Pedro. “Buhay ko ma’y iaalay ko dahil sa inyo.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Iaalay mo ang iyong buhay dahil sa akin? Tandaan mo: bago tumilaok ang manok, makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.”

Reflection for April 14 Monday of Holy Week: John 12:1-11

Gospel: John 12:1-11

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.  

Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."  

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

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Reflection:

Is money at the top of your priority list?

Money was always on the mind of Judas. His obsession with possessing it drove him to betray Jesus. If only Judas had learned to detach himself from the love of money, he would not have encountered a gruesome death. But he chose to be enslaved by money.

Martha did not choose money over Jesus; instead, she preferred to serve Him. The same is true with Mary and Lazarus. Mary chose to anoint Jesus with expensive perfume, while Lazarus was with Him at the table.

If we want our lives to be serene and peaceful, let us always prefer Jesus over the desire for money or anything that belongs to this world. For example, which would you choose: to go to Sunday Mass or to go somewhere else to earn money?

Money will never satisfy us. The more we have, the more we desire it. And there is no end to the vicious cycle brought about by our love for money. The more we desire money, the more our lives become complicated, stressful, and problematic.

Try detaching yourself from the love of money and, in turn, begin attaching yourself to the good Lord. See for yourself the profound positive impact it will bring into your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 14 Lunes Santo: Juan 12:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:1-11

Anim na araw bago mag-Paskuwa, si Hesus ay dumating sa Betania, sa bayan ni Lazaro na kanyang muling binuhay. Ipinaghanda siya roon ng hapunan; naglingkod si Marta, at si Lazaro’y isa sa mga kasalo ni Hesus. Kumuha si Maria ng mamahaling pabango, isang libra ng dalisay na nardo, at ibinuhos sa mga paa ni Hesus. Pagkatapos, pinunasan ng kanyang buhok. At humalimuyak sa buong bahay ang pabango.  

Si Judas Iscariote, ang alagad na magkakanulo kay Hesus, ay nagsabi, “Bakit hindi ipinagbili ang pabango at ibinigay sa mga dukha ang pinagbilhan? Maaaring umabot sa tatlong daang denaryo ang halaga niyan.” Hindi dahil sa siya’y may malasakit sa mga dukha kaya niya sinabi iyon, kundi dahil sa siya’y magnanakaw. Siya ang nag-iingat ng kanilang salapi at kinukupit niya ito. 

Sumagot si Hesus, “Ano’t siya’y ginugulo ninyo? Pabayaan ninyong ilaan niya ito para sa paglilibing sa akin. Habang panaho’y kasama ninyo ang mga dukha, ngunit ako’y hindi ninyo kasama sa habang panahon.” 

Nabalitaan ng maraming Judio na si Hesus ay nasa Betania kaya’t pumaroon sila, hindi lamang dahil sa kanya, kundi para makita si Lazaro na kanyang muling binuhay. Kaya’t binalak ng mga punong saserdote na ipapatay rin si Lazaro, sapagkat dahil sa kanya’y maraming Judio ang humihiwalay na sa kanila at nananalig kay Hesus.

Reflection for April 13 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: Luke 22:14 – 23:56

Gospel: Luke 22:14-23:56

When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”  

Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.  

“And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.” And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed.  

Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  

“Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.” He said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you.” But he replied, “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.”  

He said to them, “When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?” “No, nothing, “ they replied. He said to them, “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, He was counted among the wicked; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.” Then they said, “Lord, look, there are two swords here. ”But he replied, “It is enough!” 

Then going out, he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them,“Pray that you may not undergo the test.”After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me;still, not my will but yours be done.”

And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief.He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.” 

While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?”

And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!”Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”  

After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, “This man too was with him.” But he denied it saying, “Woman, I do not know him.”

A short while later someone else saw him and said, “You too are one of them”; but Peter answered, “My friend, I am not.” About an hour later, still another insisted, “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying, “Prophesy!  Who is it that struck you?” And they reviled him in saying many other things against him.  

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Christ, tell us, “but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”  

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Christ, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.”  

On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate.

Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”  

But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” — Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder. — Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him!  Crucify him!” Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.  

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him.Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.  

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”  

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”  

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.  

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.  

The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events. Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action. 

He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. It was the day of preparation, and the sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils.  Then they rested on the sabbath according to the commandment.

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 Reflection:

Denials and betrayals—perhaps these two words best describe the fate that sealed the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus would not have been crucified if He had not been denied and betrayed by the very people who followed Him—people who benefited from His miracles and people who were praising Him to high heavens as He entered Jerusalem astride a donkey. 

Why was Jesus betrayed? Jesus was betrayed because there were no more earth-shaking miracles coming from Him. There were no more displays of powerful healings and eloquence of speech. What they saw was a defeated and powerless man—a man who couldn’t defend Himself. So unlike the powerful image of Jesus before He entered Jerusalem, they left Him to fend for Himself. 

Such is our human behavior—we side with the powerful, and when the powerful are no longer powerful, we hastily abandon ship to cling to the new power. This is what happened to Jesus: He was abandoned by the very people who were supposed to defend Him. 

Perhaps in His humanity, Jesus was expecting to be defended by those who had benefited from Him. But His expectation did not become a reality. In His humanity, Jesus saw for Himself the pain and agony of betrayal. 

This was the reality of life during the time of Jesus, and it remains the reality of life today—at this very hour. We love to side with the powerful, even if they are already manipulating and using us to advance their own selfish agenda. They use fake news, lies, and historical revisionism to place and eventually perpetuate themselves in power. 

If we continue to side with the powerful—those who are simply using and manipulating us with their endless dispensing of fake news, lies, and historical revisionism to perpetuate their deceitful ambitions—we will not find Jesus, because Jesus is not with them. 

Jesus is with the powerless, those who are being oppressed, and those who have nothing in life except the tattered clothes they wear. Jesus is with those who fight and advance the welfare of the poor, the marginalized, and those whose integrity is beyond question. 

As we begin our journey this Palm Sunday, perhaps it’s good to ask ourselves these questions: Have I already encountered this Jesus who is with the poor? This Jesus who fights for the welfare of the poor and marginalized? This Jesus in the person of a politician whose character and intentions are beyond question? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 13, Linggo ng Palaspas sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon: Lucas 22:14 – 23:56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 22:14 – 23:56

Nang dumating na ang oras, dumulog si Hesus sa hapag, kasama ang kanyang mga apostol. At sinabi niya sa kanila, “Malaon ko nang inaasam-asam na makasalo kayo sa Hapunang Pampaskuwang ito bago ako magbata. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi na ako muling kakain nito hanggang sa ito’y maganap sa kaharian ng Diyos.” Hinawakan niya ang isang kalis, at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay ibinigay sa kanila. 

Sinabi niya, “Kunin ninyo ito, at paghati-hatian. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na mula ngayo’y hindi na ako iinom nitong katas ng ubas hangga’t hindi dumarating ang kaharian ng Diyos.” At dumampot siya ng tinapay at, matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos, kanyang pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa kanila. Sinabi niya, “Ito ang aking katawan na ibinigay para sa inyo. Gawin ninyo ito bilang pag-aalaala sa akin.” Gayon din naman, dinampot niya ang kalis pagkatapos maghapunan, at sinabi, “Ang kalis na ito ang bagong tipan ng aking dugo na mabubuhos dahil sa inyo.”

“Ngunit kasalo ko rito ang magkakanulo sa akin. Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao ayon sa itinakda ng Diyos; ngunit nakapangingilabot ang sasapitin ng taong magkakanulo sa kanya.” At sila’y nagtanung-tanungan kung sino sa kanila ang gagawa ng gayon. Nagtalu-talo ang mga alagad kung sino sa kanila ang kikilanling pinakadakila. At sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Ang mga hari sa mundong ito’y pinapanginoon ng kanilang nasasakupan, at ang mga maykapangyarihan ay napatatawag na mga tagatangkilik nila.

Ngunit hindi gayon sa inyo. Sa halip, ang pinakadakila ang dapat lumagay na siyang pinakabata, at ang namumuno’y tagapaglingkod. Sino ba ang higit na dakila, ang nakadulog sa hapag o ang naglilingkod? Hindi ba ang nakadulog sa hapag? Ngunit ako’y kasama-sama ninyo bilang isang naglilingkod. 

“Kayo ang nanatiling kasama ko sa mga pagsubok sa akin. Kung paanong pinaglalaanan ako ng Ama ng kaharian, gayun din naman, pinaglalaanan ko kayo ng dako sa aking kaharian. Kayo’y kakain at iinom na kasalo ko, at luluklok sa mga trono upang mamahala sa labindalawang angkan ng Israel. 

“Simon, Simon! Makinig ka! Hiniling ni Satanas at ipinahintulot naman sa kanya, na kayong lahat ay subukin. Subalit idinalangin ko na huwag lubusang mawala ang iyong pananampalataya. At kapag nagbalik-loob ka na, patatagin mo ang iyong mga kapatid.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Panginoon, handa po akong mabilanggo at mamatay na kasama ninyo!” “Pedro,” ani Hesus, “tandaan mo: bago tumilaok ang manok sa araw na ito ay makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” 

Pagkatapos, tinanong sila ni Hesus, “Nang suguin ko kayo nang walang dalang lukbutan, supot, o panyapak, kinulang ba kayo ng anuman?” “Hindi po,” tugon nila. Sinabi niya, “Ngunit ngayon, kung kayo’y may lukbutan o supot, dalhin ninyo. Ang walang tabak – ipagbili ang kanyang balabal at bumili ng isa. Sapagkat sinasabi ko sa inyo na dapat matupad sa akin ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan: ‘Ibinilang siya sa mga salarin.’ Sapagkat ang nasusulat tungkol sa akin ay natutupad na!” At sinabi ng mga alagad, “Panginoon, heto po ang dalawang tabak.” “Sapat na iyan!” tugon niya. 

Gaya ng kanyang kinaugalian, umalis si Hesus at nagtungo sa Bundok ng mga Olibo; at sumama ang mga alagad. Pagdating doo’y sinabi niya sa kanila. “Manalangin kayo, nang hindi kayo madaig ng tukso.” Lumayo siya sa kanila nang may isang pukol ng bato, saka lumuhod at nanalangin. “Ama,” wika niya, “kung maaari’y ilayo mo sa akin ang kalis na ito. Gayunma’y huwag ang kalooban ko ang masunod, kundi ang kalooban mo.” Napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel mula sa langit at pinalakas ang loob niya. Tigib ng hapis, siya’y nanalangin nang lalong taimtim; tumulo sa lupa ang kanyang pawis na animo’y malalaking patak ng dugo.

Tumindig siya pagkapanalangin at lumapit sa kanyang mga alagad. Naratnan niyang natutulog ang mga ito dahil sa tindi ng dalamhati. “Bakit kayo natutulog?” tanong niya. “Bumangon kayo at manalangin upang hindi kayo madaig ng tukso.” Nagsasalita pa si Hesus nang dumating ang maraming tao, na pinangungunahan ni Judas, kabilang sa Labindalawa.

Nilapitan niya si Hesus upang hagkan. Sinabi nito sa kanya, “Judas, ipagkakanulo mo ba ang Anak ng Tao sa pamamagitan ng isang halik?” Nang makita ng mga alagad na kasama niya kung ano ang mangyayari, sinabi nila, “Panginoon, mananaga na po kami!” At tinaga nga ng isa sa kanila ang alipin ng pinakapunong saserdote at natigpas ang kanang tainga niyon. Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, “Huwag! Hayaan ninyo sila!” Hinipo niya ang tainga ng alipin at pinagaling.

Pagkatapos, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga punong saserdote at sa mga pinuno ng mga bantay sa templo at sa matatanda ng bayan, na naparoon upang dakpin siya, “Ako ba’y tulisan, at naparito kayong may mga tabak at mga pamalo? Araw-araw, nagtuturo ako sa templo at naroon din kayo; ngunit hindi ninyo ako dinakip. Subalit panahon ninyo ngayon at ang kapangyarihan ng kadiliman ang namamayani.” 

Dinakip nga nila si Hesus at dinala sa bahay ng pinakapunong saserdote. Si Pedro nama’y sumunod sa kanya, ngunit malayo ang agwat. Nang maparikit na ang apoy sa gitna ng patyo, naupo sa paligid ang mga taong naroon; si Pedro nama’y nakiumpok sa kanila. Nakita siya ng isang utusang babae at siya’y pinagmasdang mabuti. “Kasama rin ni Hesus ang taong ito!” sabi niya. Ngunit itinatwa ito ni Pedro. “Aba, hindi!” sagot niya. “Ni hindi ko siya nakikilala!”

Pagkaraan ng ilang sandali, napansin siya ng isang lalaki at nagtanong ito, “Isa ka rin sa kanila, ano?” Ngunit sumagot siya, “Nagkakamali kayo, Ginoo!” Pagkalipas ng humigit-kumulang na isang oras ay iginiit naman ng isa, “Kasama nga ni Hesus ang taong ito. Isa rin siyang Galileo.” Ngunit sumagot si Pedro, “Ginoo, hindi ko nalalaman ang sinasabi ninyo!” Nagsasalita pa siya nang tumilaok ang manok. Lumingon ang Panginoon at tinitigan si Pedro. Naalaala nito ang sinabi ng Panginoon, “Bago tumilaok ang manok sa araw na ito ay makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” Lumabas si Pedro at nanangis nang buong saklap.

Samantala, si Hesus ay nililibak at hinahampas ng mga nagtatanod sa kanya. Siya’y piniringan nila at tinanong, “Sige, hulaan mo nga! Sino ang humampas sa iyo?” At kung anu-ano pang panlalait ang sinabi sa kanya. Kinaumagahan, nagtipon ang matatanda ng bayan, ang mga punong saserdote, at ang mga eskriba – ang Sanedrin – at iniharap si Hesus sa kanilang kapulungan. “Sabihin mo sa amin,” wika nila, “ikaw ba ang Mesiyas?”

Sumagot siya, “Sabihin ko man sa inyo, hindi kayo maniniwala, at kung tanungin ko kayo, hindi naman kayo sasagot. Ngunit mula ngayon, ang Anak ng Tao ay uupo sa kanan ng Makapangyarihang Diyos.” “Ibig mong sabihi’y ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos?” tanong ng lahat. “Kayo na rin ang nagsasabing ako nga,” tugon niya. Sinabi nila, “Ano pang patotoo ang kailangan natin? Tayo na ang nakarinig – mula sa sarili niyang bibig!” 

Tumindig ang buong kapulungan at dinala si Hesus kay Pilato. Sinimulan nilang paratangan siya. Anila, “Ang taong ito’y nahuli naming nanunulsol sa aming kababayan na maghimagsik, at nagbabawal ng pagbabayad ng buwis sa Cesar. Pinapaniwala pa niya ang mga tao na siya ang Kristo, isang hari.” At tinanong siya ni Pilato, “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” “Kayo na ang nagsasabi,” tugon ni Hesus. Sinabi ni Pilato sa mga punong saserdote at sa mga tao, “Wala akong makitang kasalanan sa taong ito.” Ngunit mapilit sila at ang wika, “Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga turo’y inuudyukan niyang maghimagsik ang buong Judea. Nagsimula siya sa Galilea at ngayo’y narito na.”

Nang marinig ito ni Pilato, itinanong niya kung taga-Galilea si Hesus. At nang malamang siya’y mula sa nasasakupan ni Herodes, kanyang ipinadala siya sa taong ito na noon nama’y nasa Jerusalem. Tuwang-tuwa ito nang makita si Hesus. Marami na siyang nabalitaan tungkol dito at matagal na niyang ibig makita. Umaasa siyang gagawa ito ng kababalaghan at ibig niyang makita iyon.

Kaya’t tinanong niya nang tinanong si Hesus, ngunit hindi ito sumagot kaunti man. Naroon ang mga punong saserdote at ang mga eskriba na walang tigil ng kapaparatang kay Hesus. Hinamak siya at tinuya ni Herodes, pati ng kanyang mga kawal. Sinuutan siya ng maringal na damit at ipinabalik kay Pilato. At nang araw ding iyon, naging magkaibigan sina Herodes at Pilato na dati’y magkagalit. 

Ipinatawag ni Pilato ang mga punong saserdote, ang mga pinuno ng bayan at ang mga tao, at sinabi sa kanila, “Isinakdal ninyo sa akin ang taong ito sa kasalanang panunulsol sa mga tao. Ngayon, siniyasat ko siya sa harapan ninyo, at napatunayan kong walang katotohanan ang mga paratang ninyo sa kanya. Gayon din si Herodes, kaya si Hesus ay ipinabalik niya sa akin. Hindi siya dapat hatulan ng kamatayan – wala siyang kasalanan. Kaya’t ipahahagupit ko lamang siya saka palalayain.” Tuwing Paskuwa, kinakailangang magpalaya si Pilato ng isang bilanggo para sa kanila. 

Subalit sabay-sabay na sumigaw ang madla, “Patayin ang taong iyan! Palayain si Barrabas!” Nabilanggo si Barrabas dahil sa paghihimagsik na nangyari sa lungsod, at dahil sa pagpatay. Minsan pang nagsalita sa kanila si Pilato, sa pagnanais na mapalaya si Hesus; ngunit sumigaw ang mga tao, “Ipako sa krus! Ipako sa krus!” Ikatlong ulit na sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Bakit, anong ginawa niyang masama?

Wala akong makitang dahilan upang siya’y ipapatay, ipahahagupit ko na lamang siya at saka palalayain.” Datapwa’t lalo nilang ipinagsisigawan na dapat ipako si Hesus sa krus; at sa wakas ay nanaig ang kanilang sigaw. Kaya’t ipinasiya ni Pilato na pagbigyan ang kanilang kahilingan. Pinalaya niya ang taong nabilanggo dahil sa paghihimagsik at pagpatay, ayon sa hinihingi nila, at ibinigay sa kanila si Hesus upang gawin ang kanilang kagustuhan.

Nang dala na nila si Hesus upang ipako, nasalubong nila ang isang lalaking galing sa bukid. Ito’y si Simon na taga-Cirene. Pinigil nila ito at ipinapasan sa kanya ang krus, kasunod ni Hesus.

Sinusundan si Hesus ng maraming tao, kabilang ang mga babaing nananaghoy at nananambitan dahil sa kanya. Nilingon sila ni Hesus at sinabi sa kanila, “Mga kababaihan ng Jerusalem, huwag ninyo akong tangisan. Ang tangisan ninyo’y ang inyong sarili at ang inyong mga anak. Tandaan ninyo: darating ang mga araw na sasabihin nila, ‘Mapalad ang mga baog, ang mga sinapupunang hindi nagdalantao, at ang mga dibdib na hindi nagpasuso.’ Sa mga araw na iyo’y sasabihin ng mga tao sa mga bundok, ‘Gumuho kayo sa amin!’ at sa mga burol, ‘Tabunan ninyo kami!’ Sapagkat kung ganito ang ginagawa sa kahoy na sariwa, ano naman kaya ang gagawin sa tuyo?”

May dinala pa silang dalawang salarin upang pataying kasama ni Hesus. Nang dumating sila sa dakong tinatawag na Bungo, ipinako nila sa krus si Hesus. Ipinako rin ang dalawang salarin, isa sa gawing kanan at isa sa gawing kaliwa. Sinabi ni Hesus, “Ama, patawarin mo sila, sapagkat hindi nila nalalaman ang kanilang ginagawa.” At nagsapalaran sila upang malaman kung alin sa kanyang kasuotan ang mapupunta sa isa’t isa.

Ang mga tao’y nakatayo roon at nanonood; nililibak naman siya ng mga pinuno ng bayan. Anila, “Iniligtas niya ang iba; iligtas naman niya ngayon ang kanyang sarili, kung siya nga ang Mesiyas, ang hinirang ng Diyos!” Nilibak din siya ng mga kawal, nilapitan at inalok ng maasim na alak. Sinabi nila, “Kung ikaw ang Hari ng mga Judio, iligtas mo ang iyong sarili.” At nakasulat sa ulunan niya sa wikang Griego, Latin at Hebreo, “Ito ang Hari ng mga Judio.” 

Tinuya siya ng isa sa mga salaring nakabitin, at ang sabi, “Hindi ba ikaw ang Mesiyas? Iligtas mo ang iyong sarili, pati na kami!” Ngunit pinagsabihan siya ng kanyang kasama, “Hindi ka ba natatakot sa Diyos? Ikaw ma’y pinarurusahang tulad niya! Matuwid lamang na tayo’y parusahan nang ganito dahil sa ating mga ginawa; ngunit ang taong ito’y walang ginawang masama.” At sinabi niya, “Hesus, alalahanin mo ako kapag naghahari ka na.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa iyo: ngayon di’y isasama kita sa Paraiso.”

Nang mag-iikalabindalawa ng tanghali, nagdilim sa buong lupain hanggang sa ikatlo ng hapon. Nawalan ng liwanag ang araw; at ang tabing ng templo’y napunit sa gitna. Sumigaw nang malakas si Hesus, “Ama, sa kamay mo’y ipinagtatagubilin ko ang aking espiritu!” At pagkasabi nito, nalagot ang kanyang hininga. 

Dito luluhod ang tanan at sandaling mananahimik.

Nang makita ng kapitan ang nangyari, siya’y nagpuri sa Diyos. “Tunay ngang matuwid ang taong ito!” sabi niya. Ang nangyaring ito’y nakita ng lahat ng taong nagkakatipon at nagmamasid; at umuwi silang dinadagukan ang kanilang dibdib. Nakatayo naman sa di-kalayuan ang mga kaibigan ni Hesus, pati ang mga babaing sumunod sa kanya mula sa Galilea, at nakita rin nila ang mga bagay na ito. 

May isang lalaki na ang ngala’y Jose, tubo sa Arimatea, isang bayan ng mga Judio. Mabuti at matuwid ang taong ito at kabilang sa mga naghihintay sa paghahari ng Diyos. Bagamat kagawad siya ng Sanedrin, hindi siya sang-ayon sa kanilang ginawa kay Hesus. Lumapit siya kay Pilato at hiningi ang bangkay ni Hesus. Nang maibaba na ang bangkay, binalot niya ito ng kayong lino at inilagay sa isang libingang inuka sa bato – hindi pa iyon napaglilibingan. Araw noon ng Paghahanda, at magsisimula na ang Araw ng Pamamahinga. 

Sumunod kay Jose ang mga babaing sumama kay Hesus mula sa Galilea, at nakita nila ang pinaglibingan, pati ang pagkakalagay doon ng bangkay ni Hesus. Pagkatapos, umuwi sila at naghanda ng mga pabango at mira.

Reflection for April 12 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 11:45-56

Gospel: John 11:45-56

Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” 

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish. He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.  

So from that day on they planned to kill him. So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves.

They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?

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Reflection:

What would be your reaction if someone you know achieved greatness? Would you envy them and eventually decide to bring them down? Or would you be happy for their success and even wish them more?

Because of His many miracles, Jesus was already becoming popular among the people, especially the poor. The ruling authorities (chief priests and the Pharisees) felt threatened by Jesus' growing popularity. So, they did what they thought was necessary to silence Him. They hatched an evil plan to kill Jesus, thinking that if He died, His popularity would die with Him. But it did not happen that way—their plan did not go as they intended.

What if the chief priest and the Pharisees had not envied Jesus? What if they had simply chosen to have a dialogue with Him so they could work hand in hand to help the poor? They could have been agents of positive change in the lives of the poor. But instead, they allowed the devil to sow envy and greed in their hearts. And so, they carried out a despicable plan to kill Jesus.

Can envy and greed do us any good?

No, they cannot. They will only push us to do evil, just as they did with the Pharisees. Let us therefore weed out any feeling of envy and greed in our hearts. Instead of being envious, let us be happy for those who succeed. Instead of being greedy, why not become generous? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 12 Sabado sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 11:45-56

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:45-56

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga Judiong dumalaw kay Maria ang nakakita sa ginawa ni Hesus, at nanalig sa kaniya. Ngunit ang ilan sa kanila’y pumunta sa mga Pariseo at ibinalita ang ginawa ni Hesus. Kaya’t tinipon ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo ang mga kagawad ng Sanedrin. 

“Ano ang gagawin natin?” wika nila. “Gumagawa ng maraming kababalaghan ang taong ito. Kung siya’y pababayaan natin, mananampalataya sa kanya ang lahat. Paririto ang mga Romano at wawasakin ang Templo at ang ating bansa.”  Ngunit isa sa kanila, si Caifas, ang pinakapunong saserdote noon ay nagsabi ng ganito: “Ano ba kayo? Hindi ba ninyo naiisip na mas mabuti para sa atin na isang tao lamang ang mamatay alang-alang sa bayan, sa halip na mapahamak ang buong bansa?” 

Sinabi niya ito hindi sa ganang kanyang sarili lamang. Bilang pinakapunong saserdote ng panahong iyon, hinulaan niyang mamamatay si Hesus dahil sa bansa – at hindi dahil sa bansang iyon lamang, kundi upang tipunin ang nagkawatak-watak na mga anak ng Diyos. Mula noon, binalangkas na nila kung paano ipapapatay si Hesus, kaya’t hindi na siya hayagang naglakad sa Judea. Sa halip, siya’y nagpunta sa Efraim, isang bayang malapit sa ilang. At doon siya nanirahang kasama ng kanyang mga alagad.  

Nalalapit na ang Pista ng Paskuwa. Maraming taga-lalawigang pumunta sa Jerusalem bago mag-Paskuwa upang isagawa ang paglilinis ayon sa Kautusan. Hindi nila nakita si Hesus sa templo, kaya’t nagtanungan sila,”Ano sa akala ninyo? Paririto kaya sa pista o hindi?” Ipinag-utos ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo na ituro ng sinumang nakaaalam kung nasaan si Hesus upang siya’y maipadakip nila. 

Reflection for April 11 Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 10:31-42

Gospel: John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” 

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, ‘You are gods”‘? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 

If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.  

He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

How deep is your faith in Jesus? 

As we near Holy Week, we hear Jesus inviting us all to believe in Him. Why is He inviting us to believe in Him? Because He wants us all to be saved from the evils of this world. This is the primary reason why Jesus wants us to believe. 

We will not lose anything—except our sins, worldliness, and vices—if we choose to believe in and embrace Jesus. Everything is ours to gain, including eternal life, if we decide to finally believe and follow Him. 

Everything in this world is passing and temporary. In fact, we are not in control of our lives. We can even vanish from this world at any time—and this is the reality. Life is so fragile and fleeting. 

Jesus invites us to believe in Him, for this will serve as our security blanket—our assurance that no matter what happens in our lives, we are firmly secured in the loving arms of Jesus. Let us not gamble our lives in this world by embracing its many evils, which are attractively packaged to entice us. 

Let us embrace the love of Jesus, which He generously offers to us—free of any cost. In doing so, we secure not only our lives in this world but also our future life after this world. 

Would you embrace Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas