Reflection for Tuesday April 29 Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church (M): John 3:7b-15

Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?  

Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

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Reflection:

Who is Nicodemus and how does his situation relate to us?

He is a Pharisee, a secret but faithful follower of Jesus. He visited Jesus during the night (John 3:1–21). Nicodemus also appeared after the Crucifixion of Jesus to provide the embalming ingredients for His body. He assisted Joseph of Arimathea in preparing the body of Jesus (John 19:39–42).

Like Nicodemus, we too must become faithful followers of Jesus—followers who are averse to sin, followers in words and in deeds, and followers who will stay with Jesus no matter how strong the temptation to betray Him.

We should aspire to become modern-day Nicodemuses who will support Jesus, work for Jesus, and do things for Jesus even outside the glare of lights. For this is the challenge before us who are followers of the Lord.

But are we really His true followers?

Or are we followers only in good times, but when the testing of our faith comes, we easily betray Jesus in favor of the many sinful enticements of this world? Like Nicodemus, are we also followers who are ever ready to leave behind everything for Jesus?

Leaving everything behind means leaving everything that made us sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Abril 29 Paggunita kay Santa Catalina de Siena dalaga at pantas ng Simbahan: Juan 3:7b-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:7b-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus kay Nicodemo: Huwag kayong magtaka sa sinabi ko sa inyo, 'Lahat ay kailangang ipanganak na muli.' Umiihip ang hangin kung saan ibig at naririnig ninyo ang ugong nito, ngunit hindi ninyo alam kung saan nanggagaling at kung saan naparoroon. 

Gayon din ang bawat ipinanganak sa Espiritu." "Paano pong mangyayari ito?" tanong ni Nicodemo. Sumagot si Jesus, "Guro pa naman kayo sa Israel ay hindi ninyo nauunawaan ang bagay na ito? Tandaan ninyo: ang aming nalalaman ang sinasabi namin, at ang aming nasaksihan ang pinatototohanan namin, ngunit hindi ninyo tinatanggap ang aming patotoo. 

Kung hindi ninyo paniniwalaan ang sinasabi ko tungkol sa mga bagay sa sanlibutang ito, paano ninyo paniniwalaan kung ang sabihin ko'y tungkol sa mga bagay sa langit? Walang umakyat sa langit kundi ang bumaba mula sa langit -- ang Anak ng Tao."

"At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas doon sa ilang, gayon din naman, kailangang itaas ang Anak ng Tao, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa kanya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.

Reflection for April 28 Monday of the Second Week of Easter: John 3:1-8

Gospel: John 3:1-8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot re-enter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?”  

Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

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Reflection:

Are you already born again? 

Every Catholic who is faithful to the faith is born again. Being born again means we practice the sacred teachings and rituals of our faith and are faithful to our fidelity to Jesus. We have already been born again by virtue of our baptism; this means that we are new individuals in Christ. As such, we have to do good all the time, and we have to follow the teachings of the Church. 

If we are fair-weather Catholics, we have not yet been truly born again. Therefore, we need to be born again by having a personal relationship with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. This personal relationship with Jesus will facilitate our being born again in the faith. 

In our Gospel, Nicodemus took literally the meaning of being born again. This is the reason why he said to Jesus, "Surely he cannot re-enter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?" (John 3:4). Yet Jesus reminded Nicodemus that the essence of being born again is to be born of water and Spirit — which actually refers to our baptism. 

By virtue of our baptism, all of us have already been born again — that was years and years ago. There’s no need for any of us to change our religion to be born again. What we need is to have a personal encounter with Jesus within our Roman Catholic Church. 

How would we do this? 

We go to Holy Mass faithfully and humbly beg God the Holy Spirit to enlighten us, so that we may understand what goes on within the celebration of the Holy Mass. We visit the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel as often as possible, speak to Jesus there, and ask Him to renew us according to His will. And we open and read our Bible, so that we may have a personal encounter with the very words and life of Jesus. 

Are you already a born-again Catholic? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 28 Lunes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:1-8

May isang Pariseo at pinuno ng mga Judio, na nagngangalang Nicodemo. Isang gabi, siya'y nagsadya kay Jesus, "Rabi," sabi niya, "nalalaman po naming kayo'y isang gurong mula sa Diyos, sapagkat walang makagagawa ng mga kababalaghang ginagawa ninyo malibang sumasakanya ang Diyos." 

Sumagot si Jesus, "Sinasabi ko sa inyo: maliban na ipanganak na muli ang isang tao, hindi siya paghaharian ng Diyos." Paano pong maiipanganganak na muli ang isang tao kung matanda na siya? Makapapasok pa ba siya sa tiyan ng kanyang ina para ipanganak uli?" tanong ni Nicodemo.

"Sinasabi ko sa inyo," ani Jesus, "maliban na ang tao'y ipanganak sa tubig at Espiritu, hindi siya paghaharian ng Diyos. Ang ipinanganak sa laman ay laman, at ang ipinanganak sa Espiritu ay espiritu. Huwag kayong magtaka sa sinabi ko sa inyo, 'Lahat ay kailangang ipanganak na muli.'

Umihip ang hangin kung saan ibig at naririnig ninyo ang ugong nito, ngunit hindi ninyo alam kung saan nanggagaling at kung saan naparoroon. Gayun din ang bawat ipinanganak sa Espiritu."

Reflection for April 27 Second Sunday of Easter Sunday of Divine Mercy: John 20:19-31

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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Reflection:

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the Risen Lord Jesus Christ?

Thomas, in the Gospel, deeply longed to have an up-close and personal encounter with his Lord and Master. He was yearning for it like a parched land longing for water.

So when Thomas was told by his fellow disciples that the Risen Jesus had appeared to them, he may have pretended not to believe—but deep in his heart, he already believed what they told him.

Thomas believed, but he still yearned for physical evidence and a personal encounter. He wanted to see the Risen Christ in the flesh and to touch His wounds.

Thomas’s desire to encounter Jesus came to fulfillment a week later, when all of them were gathered once again in the upper room—where Jesus had first appeared. And while they were inside, lo and behold, Jesus suddenly appeared before them!

Immediately after His appearance, Jesus singled out Thomas. He invited him to look at the wounds in His hands and to touch the wound in His side—the one pierced by a Roman soldier’s lance while He hung on the cross.

Is it okay to doubt the resurrection of the Lord? Yes, it’s okay. But after doubting, let that doubt turn into curiosity. Ask the Lord to help you know Him more. Feed that longing by praying to Him.

Soon, you will discover and feel for yourself that Jesus is real—that Jesus is alive, and that He is just a prayer or even a whisper away from you. Why? Because Jesus has never failed anyone who has yearned for a personal encounter with Him.

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the Risen Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Abril 27, Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay Linggo ng Panginoon ng Banal na Awa: Juan 20:19-31

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:19-31

Kinagabihan ng araw ding iyon, ang mga alagad ay nagkakatipon. Nakapinid ang mga pinto ng bahay na kanilang pinagtitipunan dahil sa takot nila sa mga Judio. Dumating si Jesus at tumayo sa gitna nila. "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" sabi niya. 

Pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya ang kanyang mga kamay at ang kanyang tagiliran. Tuwang-tuwa ang mga alagad nang makita ang Panginoon. Sinabi na naman ni Jesus, "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan! Kung paanong sinugo ako ng Ama, gayon din naman, sinusugo ko kayo." Pagkatapos, sila'y hiningahan niya at sinabi, "Tanggapin ninyo ang Espiritu Santo. Ang patawarin ninyo sa kanilang mga kasalanan ay pinatawad na nga; ang hindi ninyo patawarin ay hindi nga pinatawad."

Ngunit si Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, isa sa Labindalawa, ay wala roon nang dumating si Jesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng ibang alagad, "Nakita namin ang Panginoon!" Sumagot si Tomas, "Hindi ako maniniwala hangga't di ko nakikita ang butas ng mga pako sa kanyang mga kamay, at naisusuot dito ang aking mga daliri, at hangga't hindi ko naipapasok ang aking kamay sa kanyang tagiliran."

Makalipas ang walong araw, muling nagkatipon sa loob ng bahay ang mga alagad; kasama nila si Tomas. Nakapinid ang mga pinto, ngunit pumasok si Jesus at tumayo sa gitna nila. Sinabi niya, "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" Saka sinabi kay Tomas, "Tingnan mo ang aking mga kamay at ilapit dito ang iyong daliri. 

Ipasok mo ang iyong kamay sa aking tagiliran. Huwag ka nang mag-alinlangan, maniwala ka na." Sumagot si Tomas, "Panginoon ko at Diyos ko!" Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Naniniwala ka na ba sapagkat nakita mo ako? Mapapalad ang mga naniniwala kahit hindi nila ako nakita."

Marami pang kababalaghang ginawa si Jesus na nasaksihan ng mga alagad, ngunit hindi natatala sa aklat na ito. Ang mga natala rito'y sinulat upang sumampalataya kayong si Jesus ang Mesias, ang Anak ng Diyos, at sa gayo'y magkaroon kayo ng buhay sa pamamagitan niya. 

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Repleksyon:

Nais mo bang makaranas ng isang malalim at personal na pakikipagtagpo sa Muling Nabuhay na Panginoong HesuKristo? 

Sa Mabuting Balita, si Tomas ay hindi basta nagduda lamang—siya ay nanabik. Labis ang kanyang pagnanais na makita at maranasan mismo ang kanyang Panginoon. Ang kanyang puso ay uhaw, tulad ng tuyong lupa na sabik sa patak ng ulan. Kaya’t nang sabihin sa kanya ng kanyang mga kapwa alagad na nagpakita si Jesus sa kanila, kunwari ay ipinakita niyang hindi siya naniniwala—ngunit sa totoo lang, may paniniwala na siya sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso. 

Pero hindi sapat kay Tomas ang kwento. Gusto niya ng katunayan. Nais niyang makita si Jesus sa Kanyang muling pagkabuhay. Nais niyang mahawakan ang mga sugat sa Kanyang mga kamay at sa Kanyang tagiliran. Kaya hindi siya binigo ni Jesus. 

Makalipas ang isang linggo, habang ang mga alagad ay muling nagtipon sa silid sa itaas, bigla na lamang nagpakita si Jesus sa gitna nila. Hindi Siya pumasok sa pinto. Siya'y basta na lang naroroon—tanda ng Kanyang kaluwalhatian bilang Muling Nabuhay na Panginoon. 

At ang una Niyang ginawa? Tinawag Niya si Tomas at sinabi sa kanya. "Tingnan mo ang Aking mga kamay. Ilapit mo ang iyong kamay at ipasok sa Aking tagiliran. Huwag ka nang mag-alinlangan—manampalataya ka." (Juan 20:27) 

Isang tagpo ng pag-ibig, ng pang-unawa, at ng biyaya. Hindi sinermonan si Tomas. Bagkus, tinugunan ni Jesus ang kanyang pananabik at pagkauhaw sa Kanya. 

May puwang ba ang pagdududa sa pananampalataya? 

Oo, may puwang ito. Ngunit huwag nating hayaang manatili lamang tayo sa duda. Gawin natin itong pagkakataon para mas hanapin si Jesus. Ipanalangin natin sa Kanya ang ating mga tanong. Hayaan natin Siyang sagutin tayo sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang presensya, pag gabay at pagmamahal. 

At sa takdang panahon, matutuklasan natin na si Jesus ay totoo. Siya ay buhay. At Siya ay palaging naririyan—isang panalangin, isang bulong, o isang luha lamang ang layo mula sa atin.

Dahil kailanman, hindi pa binigo ni Jesus ang sinumang tapat na naghahangad ng personal na ugnayan sa Kanya. 

Naghahangad ka rin ba ng personal na ugnayan sa Panginoon? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 26 Saturday in the Octave of Easter: Mark 16:9-15

Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 

After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus has risen? 

Well and good if you do, for He has indeed risen and first appeared to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene believed this too, for she saw Him personally and conversed with the Risen Lord. 

But when she told the disciples that Jesus had risen, they did not believe. Instead, they continued to mourn the death of Jesus. The disciples finally believed only when Jesus personally appeared before them. And right then, Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith in His resurrection. 

Perhaps the guiding principle of those disciples was: “to see is to believe.” For they only believed in the resurrection when He personally appeared to them. Were they already lacking in faith when they did not believe what Mary Magdalene told them? Yes! Lack of faith was slowly but surely creeping into their hearts—until they saw Jesus in the flesh. 

The folly of not believing—or having little faith—is that we will not be blessed by Jesus if we don’t believe. We will not be healed by Jesus if we lack faith. 

Do you believe that Jesus has risen? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 26 Sabado sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Marcos 16:9-15

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:9-15

Umagang-umaga ng araw ng Linggo, matapos na muling mabuhay si Hesus, siya’y unang napakita kay Maria Magdalena. Pitong demonyo ang pinalayas ni Hesus sa babaing ito. Pumunta siya sa mga alagad ni Hesus, na noo’y nahahapis at umiiyak, at ibinalita ang kanyang nakita. 

Ngunit hindi sila naniwala sa sinabi ni Maria na buhay si Hesus at napakita sa kanya. Siya’y napakita rin sa dalawang alagad na naglalakad patungo sa bukid, ngunit iba ang kanyang kaanyuan. Bumalik sa Jerusalem ang dalawa at ibinalita sa kanilang kasamahan ang nangyari, ngunit sila ma’y hindi pinaniwalaan. 

Pagkatapos, napakita siya sa Labing-isa samantalang kumakain ang mga ito. Pinagwikaan niya sila dahil sa hindi nila pananalig sa kanya, at sa katigasan ng ulo, sapagkat hindi sila naniwala sa mga nakakita sa kanya pagkatapos na siya’y muling mabuhay. At sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Humayo kayo sa buong sanlibutan at ipangaral ninyo sa lahat ang Mabuting Balita.”

Reflection for April 25 Friday in the Octave of Easter: John 21:1-14

Gospel: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.”  

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.   

So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”  

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

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Reflection:

What is the scenario when fishermen arrive after long hours of fishing at sea?

They naturally want to go home and rest their tired bodies. This was the situation when the fishermen arrived from their long hours of fishing—without any catch. They simply wanted to go home and rest their very tired bodies. But as they approached the shore, they saw Jesus, who told them to put their empty nets back into the sea. 

They simply obeyed Jesus—and presto! they caught the largest number of fish. We see here in the Gospel that Jesus rewards those who obey Him. We also see the love and care that Jesus gave to His disciples—a love and care that never ends and is not constrained by time or space. 

Why did Jesus appear to His disciples for the third time after His resurrection? Jesus wanted to reassure His disciples that He would never abandon them and that He is still with them every step of the way. As if saying to His disciples: I am always with you wherever you go, ever ready to guide and help you. 

Humans as we are, we also pass through episodes of weariness, tiredness, and frustrations brought about by the many challenges of life. But we are never alone when we go through these difficult moments. The Risen Christ is with us—ever ready to guide and help us.  

Let us always go to Him, for the Risen Christ is always there for us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 25 Biyernes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:1-14

Noong panahong iyon, muling napakita si Jesus sa mga alagad sa tabi ng Lawa ng Tiberias. Ganito ang pangyayari. Magkakasama sina Simon Pedro, Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, Natanael na taga-Cana, Galilea, ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pang alagad. Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro, "Mangingisda ako." "Sasama kami," wika nila.  

Umalis sila at lumulan sa bangka, subalit walang nahuli nang gabing iyon. Nang magbubukang-liwayway na, tumayo si Jesus sa pampang , subalit hindi siya nakilala ng mga alagad. Sinabi niya, "Mga anak, mayroon ba kayong huli?" "Wala po," tugon nila. "Ihulog ninyo ang lambat sa gawing kanan ng bangka, at makahuhuli kayo," sabi ni Jesus. Inihulog nga nila ang lambat at hindi nila ito mahila sa dami ng huli.  

Sinabi kay Pedro ng alagad na minamahal ni Jesus, "Ang Panginoon iyon!" Nang marinig ito ni Simon Pedro, siya'y nagsuot ng Damit sapagkat hubad siya at tumalon sa tubig. Ang kasama niyang mga alagad ay sumapit sa pampang, sakay nang munting bangka, hila-hila ang bangka na puno ng isda. Hindi sila gaanong kalayuan sa pampang -- mga siyamnapung metro lamang. 

Pag-ahon nila sa pampang ay nakakita sila roon ng mga baga na may isdang nakaihaw, at ilang tinapay. "Magdala kayo rito ng ilang isdang nahuli ninyo," sabi ni Jesus. Kaya't sumampa sa bangka si Simon Pedro at hinila sa pampang ang lambat na puno ng malalaking isda -- sandaan at limampu't tatlong lahat.  

Hindi napunit ang lambat, kahit ganoon karami ang isda. Halikayo at mag-almusal tayo" sabi ni Jesus. Isa man sa mga alagad ay walang nangahas magtanong kung sino siya, sapagkat alam nila na siya ang Panginoon. Lumapit si Jesus, kinuha ang tinapay at ibinigay sa kanila, gayon din ang isda.  

Ito ang ikatlong pagpapakita ni Jesus sa mga alagad pagkatapos na siya'y muling mabuhay.

Reflection for April 24 Thursday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.  

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.  

Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.  

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 

And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.” 

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Reflection:

How would you react if a dead friend suddenly appeared before you? 

Of course, you would be shocked—and perhaps after a few seconds, you would shout and run away. This reaction is human nature; it's a natural response because you are not used to seeing a ghost. 

This was also the reaction of the disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared before them and said, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified—who wouldn’t be? Then, Jesus slowly revealed Himself to His disciples by inviting them to look at His hands and feet, and even to touch them if they wanted, to prove that He had indeed risen and was truly with them. 

Perhaps some of us are troubled and worried because of our present life circumstances. If we are, Jesus would tell us:

“Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Firmly believe in me and I will take care of you. Call on me anytime and I will be with you. Follow me and I will not disappoint you! I will give you peace—peace that this world cannot give. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid!” 

The peace that Jesus gives us is beyond compare—nothing in this world can equal it. Some of us mistakenly look for peace and comfort in the world, only to end up holding an empty bag. Why? Because it is only through Jesus that we will find true peace. 

Look for the peace that only Jesus can give, and humbly ask Him for it. If you are persistent, He surely will give it to you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 24 Huwebes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:35-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:35-48

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang isinalaysay ng mga alagad ni Hesus ang nangyari sa daan, at kung paano nila siyang nakilala nang pagpira-pirasuhin niya ang tinapay. Samantalang pinag-uusapan nila ito, si Hesus ay tumayo sa gitna nila. "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" sabi niya sa kanila. Ngunit nagulat sila at natakot sapagkat ang akala nila'y multo ang nasa harapan nila. 

Kaya't sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, "Ano't kayo'y nagugulumihanan? Bakit nag-aalinlangan pa kayo? Tingnan ninyo ang aking kamay at paa, ako nga ito. Hipuin nga ninyo at pagmasdan. Ang multo'y walang laman at buto, ngunit ako'y mayroon, tulad ng nakikita ninyo." At pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay at mga paa. Nang hindi pa rin sila makapaniwala dahil sa malaking galak at pagkamangha, tinanong sila ni Hesus, "May makakain ba riyan?" Siya'y binigyan nila ng kaputol na isdang inihaw, kinuha niya ito at kinain sa harapan nila. 

Pagkatapos, sinabi sa mga alagad, "Ito ang tinutukoy ko nang sabihin ko sa inyo noong kasama-sama pa ninyo ako: dapat matupad ang lahat ng nasusulat tungkol sa akin sa Kautusan ni Moises sa mga aklat ng mga propeta at sa aklat ng mga Awit." At binuksan niya ang kanilang mga pag-iisip upang maunawaan nila ang mga Kasulatan. 

Sinabi niya sa kanila. "Ganito ang mga nasusulat: kinakailangang magbata ng hirap at mamatay ang Mesias at muling mabuhay sa ikatlong araw. Sa kanyang pangalan, ang pagsisisi at kapatawaran ng mga kasalanan ay dapat ipangaral sa lahat ng bansa, magmula sa Jerusalem. Kayo ang mga saksi sa bagay na ito."

Reflection for April 23 Wednesday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:13-35

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.

But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”

And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”

So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel down, hopeless, and discouraged because of the many challenges you are going through in your life right now? In the midst of your life’s trials, you must continue to remain hopeful, for there is no hopeless situation as long as your life is centered on God.

The two followers who were going to Emmaus were clearly discouraged—they were feeling down and somewhat hopeless. They were in such a mood because their Lord and Master had suffered a violent death on the cross. They thought that Jesus was their powerful Savior, but they were disappointed when He died, badly bruised and beaten.

Their expectations of a mighty Jesus were suddenly replaced by feelings of loneliness, defeat, and hopelessness—until the Risen Christ walked with them, conversed with them, and eventually went to their house to break bread with them.

After breaking bread, Cleopas and his companion recognized that it was Jesus who had walked with them, talked with them, and shared a meal with them. Upon discovering the identity of Jesus, their loneliness and despair were immediately replaced by joy. Their discouragement was overpowered by encouragement. Their hopeless spirits were suddenly aflame and glowing.

What do we do when we feel hopeless, sad, and discouraged? Do we just sulk in a corner, as if we are the most miserable and hopeless person in the world? Or do we call on Jesus to give us hope and strength?

When we are at our lowest, we must always remember that Jesus is always there for us and ever ready to listen. He wants to give us hope. He wants to inspire us and say this to us: "Be full of hope, for I will never, ever abandon you." — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 23 Miyerkules sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:13-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:13-35

Nang araw ding iyon, ang dalawa sa mga alagad ay patungo sa isang nayong tinatawag na Emaus, may labing-isang kilometro ang layo sa Jerusalem. Pinag-uusapan nila ang mga pangyayari. Samantalang nag-uusap sila at nagtatanungan, lumapit si Hesus at nakisabay sa kanila.  

Siya'y nakita nila, ngunit hindi nakilala agad. Tinanong sila ni Hesus, "Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo?" At tumigil silang nalulumbay. Sinabi ng isa na ang ngala'y Cleopas, "Kayo po lamang yata ang dayuhan sa Jerusalem na hindi nakaaalam sa mga bagay na katatapos pa lamang nangyari roon." "Anong mga bagay?" tanong niya. At sumagot sila, "Tungkol kay Hesus na taga-Nazaret, isang propetang makapangyarihan sa gawa at sa salita, maging sa harapan ng Diyos at ng mga tao.  

Isinakdal siya ng aming mga punong saserdote at mga pinuno upang mahatulang mamatay, at siya'y ipinako sa krus. Siya pa naman ang inaasahan naming magpapalaya sa Israel. Hindi lamang iyan. Ikatlong araw na ngayon mula nang mangyari ito, nabigla kami sa ibinalita ng ilan sa mga babaing kasamahan namin. 

Maagang-maaga raw silang nagpunta sa libingan, at di nila natagpuan ang kanyang bangkay. Nagbalik sila at ang sabi'y nakakita raw sila ng isang pangitain -- mga anghel na nagsabing buhay si Hesus. Pumunta rin sa libingan ang ilan sa mga kasama namin at gayon nga ang natagpuan nila, ngunit hindi nila nakita si Hesus."  

Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, "Kay hahangal ninyo! Ano't hindi ninyo mapaniwalaan ang lahat ng sinabi ng mga propeta? Hindi ba't ang Mesias ay kailangang magbata ng lahat ng ito bago niya kamtan ang kanyang marangal na katayuan?" At ipinaliwanag sa kanila ni Hesus ang lahat ng nasasaad sa Kasulatan tungkol sa kanyang sarili, simula sa mga aklat ni Moises hanggang sa sinulat ng mga propeta. 

Malapit na sila sa nayong kanilang patutunguhan, at si Hesus ay waring magpapatuloy pa ng lakad. Ngunit siya'y pinakapigil-pigil nila. "Tumuloy na po kayo rito sa amin," anila, "sapagkat palubog na ang araw at dumidilim na." Kaya't sumama nga siya sa kanila. Nang siya'y kasalo na nila sa hapag, dumampot siya ng tinapay at nagpasalamat sa Diyos, saka pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa kanila.  

Nabuksan ang kanilang paningin at nakita nila si Hesus, subalit ito'y biglang nawala. At nawika nila, "Kaya pala gayon ang pakiramdam natin habang tayo'y kinakausap sa daan at ipinapaliwanag sa atin ang mga Kasulatan!"

Noon di'y tumindig sila at nagbalik sa Jerusalem. Naratnan nilang nagkakatipon ang Labing-isa at ang ibang mga kasama nila na nag-uusap-usap, "Muli ngang nabuhay ang Panginoon! Napakita kay Simon!" At isinalaysay naman ng dalawa ang nangyari sa daan, at kung paano siyang nakilala nang paghati-hatiin niya ang tinapay.