Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Mayo 26 Paggunita kay San Felipe Neri, pari: Juan 15:26-16:4a

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:26-16:4a

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ngunit ang Patnubay, ang Espiritu ng Katotohan, ang paparito mula sa Ama. Susuguin ko siya sa inyo buhat sa Ama, at siya ang magpapatotoo tungkol sa akin. At magpapatotoo rin kayo tungkol sa akin, sapagkat sa pasimula pa'y kasama ko na kayo. 

"Sinasabi ko ito sa inyo upang huwag kayong mawalan ng pananalig sa akin. Palalayasin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga. Darating ang panahon na ang sinumang pumatay sa inyo ay mag-aakalang naglilingkod siya sa Diyos. At gagawin nila ito sapagkat hindi nila ako nakikilala ni ang Ama. Ito'y sinasabi ko sa inyo upang, pagdating ng oras na gawin nila, maalaala ninyong ipinagpauna ko na ito sa inyo." 

Reflection for May 25 Sixth Sunday of Easter: John 14:23-29

Gospel: John 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a woman who pledged her undying love for God through her active involvement in a charismatic prayer group. Yet, the irony of her loud profession of love was her quiet ambition—to assert leadership even when many in the group opposed it. One cannot help but ask: does this woman truly love God? And if she does, does she walk in His commandments?

In this Sunday’s Gospel, our Lord Jesus gently reminds us of the inseparable link between love, obedience, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He speaks not only of love, but of a love that proves itself through faithfulness—a love that brings peace, not division. How can we claim to love God if we disregard His word? How can we welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit if our lives are cluttered with self-interest and pride, dressed as devotion?

Many of us proclaim with our lips that we love the Lord. We profess our belief in the Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and faithfully attend Sunday Mass. Yet, how often do our actions betray our words? How often do we honor God with our lips while our hearts remain far from Him?

We are called to pause and reflect deeply. If we truly desire a life in Christ, then a radical transformation must take place within us—a conversion of the heart. Only then can we say, with sincerity and truth, that we are living His word and walking in His light.

For one day, we will leave this world behind. And when that hour comes, no earthly possession, power or title will matter. What will matter is whether we lived for Christ, loved Him, and kept His commandments.

Heaven is not earned by eloquent prayers or impressive positions—but by a heart wholly surrendered to God. The path to eternal life is simple, yet profound: to love God with all our heart, and to keep His commandments. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Mayo 25, Ikaanim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 14:23-29

Mabuting Balita: Juan  14:23-29

Noong panahong iyon: Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Ang umiibig sa akin ay tutupad ng aking salita; iibigin siya ng aking Ama, at kami’y sasakanya at mananahan sa kanya. Ang hindi umiibig sa akin ay hindi tumutupad sa aking mga salita. Hindi akin ang salitang narinig ninyo, kundi sa Amang nagsugo sa akin. 

“Sinabi ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito samantalang kasama pa ninyo ako. Ngunit ang Patnubay, ang Espiritu Santo na susuguin ng Ama sa pangalan ko, ang siyang magtuturo sa inyo ng lahat ng bagay at magpapaalaala ng lahat ng sinabi ko sa inyo. 

“Kapayapaan ang iniiwan ko sa inyo. Ang aking kapayapaan ang ibinibigay ko sa inyo; hindi ito katulad ng ibinibigay ng sanlibutan. Huwag kayong mabalisa; huwag kayong matakot. Sinabi ko na sa inyo, ‘Ako’y aalis, ngunit babalik ako.’ Kung iniibig ninyo ako, ikagagalak ninyo ang pagpunta ko sa Ama, sapagkat dakila ang Ama kaysa sa akin. Sinasabi ko na ito sa inyo bago pa mangyari upang, kung mangyari na, kayo’y manalig sa akin.

+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang babae na nangakong mamahalin ang Diyos nang walang hanggan sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagsali sa isang charismatic prayer group. Ngunit sa likod ng kanyang pagsali ay ang kanyang ambisyon—na pamunuan ang grupo par magamit niya sa kanyang pansariling interes. Hindi maiwasang itanong natin ang ganito: tunay ba ang pag-ibig ng babaeng ito sa Diyos? 

Sa atin pong Mabuting Balita ngayong Linggo, pinaaalala sa atin ng ating Panginoong Jesu- Kristo ang hindi mapaghihiwalay na ugnayan ng pag-ibig, pagsunod, at pananahan ng Banal na Espiritu sa ating puso. Hindi lamang si Jesus nagsasalita tungkol sa pag-ibig, kundi sa isang pag-ibig na pinatutunayan sa katapatan—pag-ibig na nagdudulot ng kapayapaan, hindi pagkakawatak-watak. 

Paano natin masasabing mahal natin ang Diyos kung binabale-wala natin ang Kanyang salita? Paano natin tatanggapin ang presensya ng Banal naEspiritu Santo kung ang ating buhay ay puno ng pansariling interes? 

Marami sa atin ang nagsasabing mahal natin ang Panginoon. Ipinahahayag natin ang ating pananampalataya sa Kabanal-banalang Santatlo—Ama, Anak, at Espiritu Santo—at dumadalo sa Banal na Misa tuwing Linggo. Pero kadalasan ay hindi naaayon ang ating mga gawa sa ating mga sinasabi. Gaano kadalas tayong nagpaparangal sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng ating mga labi, subalit ang ating mga puso ay malayo naman sa Kanya? 

Tayo ay inaanyayahan na magnilay nang malalim. Kung tunay nating hinahangad ang isang buhay kay Kristo, kinakailangan natin ng isang radikal na pagbabagong-loob—isang pagbabagong nagmumula sa puso. Tanging sa ganitong paraan natin masasabing may katapatan at katotohanan na isinasabuhay natin ang Kanyang Salita at lumalakad tayo sa Kanyang liwanag. 

Darating ang araw na iiwan natin ang mundong ito. At sa oras na iyon, wala nang halaga ang anumang kayamanan, kapangyarihan at katanyagan. Ang mahalaga ay kung tayo ba ay namuhay para kay Kristo, inibig Siya, at tinupad ang Kanyang mga utos. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 24 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:18-21

Gospel: John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples: "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. 

Remember the word I spoke to you, 'No slave is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me."

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:     

The story is told of a worldly and sinful man who, by the grace of God, experienced an unexpected spiritual awakening. It began when he opened his long-neglected Bible and was drawn to this passage: “You do not belong to the world” (John 15:19). 

Upon reading these words, something stirred within him. He began to abhor every sin he had been committing, and he turned away completely from his worldly companions—those who once influenced him to sin. Because of the radical change in his life, they mocked him and said he had lost his mind. 

Indeed, this world will hate us. Even those we once called friends may turn against us the moment we choose to follow Christ wholeheartedly. But we need not fear such rejection. As long as we walk with Jesus, we are never truly alone. As the Scriptures remind us: “If God is with us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) 

Choosing not to belong to this world requires courage and conviction, for it often means letting go of temporary comforts and worldly pleasures. Yet it is a choice filled with eternal reward. For if we have God, we have everything. If we have God, we possess peace that surpasses all understanding. And if we have God, we are assured of the joy of heaven one day. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 24 Sabado sa sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:18-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:18-21

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kung napopoot sa inyo ang sanlibutan, dapat ninyong malamang napoot na ito sa akin bago sa inyo. Kung kayo nga'y sa sanlibutan, iibigin kayo nito bilang kanya. Ngunit yamang hindi kayo sa sanlibutan, kundi pinili ko kayo mula rito, ito'y napopoot sa inyo.  

Alalahanin ninyo ang sinabi ko sa inyo: walang aliping higit kaysa kanyang panginoon. Kung ako'y inusig nila, uusigin din nila kayo; kung tinupad nila ang aking salita tutuparin din nila ang salita ninyo. Ngunit ang lahat ng ito'y gagawin nila sa inyo dahil sa akin, sapagkat hindi nila nakikilala ang nagsugo sa akin."

Reflection for Friday May 23 of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:12-17

Gospel: John 15:12-17

Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. 

I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What would happen if we follow this love commandment of Jesus? 

There would be no more betrayal, hatred, or separation among married couples—only love. But the sad reality is, we often choose to turn a deaf ear to this commandment of the Lord. Why? For the simple reason that we love ourselves more than we love Jesus and our fellowmen. 

There’s a saying that before we can give love, we must first love ourselves. After all, how can we know how to give love if we haven’t experienced loving ourselves first? However, this idea does not align with how Jesus defines love or how He gives the purest meaning of it. 

For Jesus, to love is not to love oneself first. To love is to lay down one’s life for the beloved. To love, in the way of Jesus, is to forgive the many hurts that have been hurled at us and inflicted upon us by those we hold dear. In the end, if we love as Jesus loves us, what will remain is love—no hatred, only love. 

But how do we love? Sadly, we often love selectively and with conditions. We measure the love we give by the love we receive. And many times, we fail to love others when they do not meet our selfish expectations. 

Let us love without condition, and let us love without expecting anything in return—for this is how Jesus loved us. 

How do you love? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 23 Biyernes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:12-17

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:12-17

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ito ang aking utos: mag-ibigan kayo gaya ng pag-ibig ko sa inyo. Walang pag-ibig na hihigit pa sa pag-ibig ng isang taong nag-aalay ng kanyang buhay para sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Kayo'y mga kaibigan ko kung tinutupad ninyo ang mga utos ko. 

Hindi ko na kayo inaaring alipin, sapagkat hindi alam ng alipin ang ginagawa ng kanyang Panginoon. Sa halip, inaari ko kayong mga kaibigan, sapagkat sinabi ko sa inyo ang lahat ng narinig ko sa aking Ama.

Hindi kayo ang pumili sa akin; ako ang pumili at humirang sa inyo upang kayo'y humayo at mamunga, at manatili ang inyong bunga. Sa gayon, ang anumang hingin ninyo sa Ama sa aking pangalan ay ipagkakaloob sa inyo. Ito ang iniuutos ko sa inyo: mag-ibigan kayo."

Reflection for May 22 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:9-11

Gospel: John 15:9-11

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What will separate us from the love of Jesus?

It is none other than sin. Every time we sin, we create a distance between ourselves and the Lord. But what about Jesus? Does He pull away from us when we sin? No—our Lord never turns away. On the contrary, He is always moving toward us, extending His arms in love, ever ready to offer us His mercy—even when we turn our backs on Him.

Such is the love of Jesus: patient, steadfast, and unfathomable. His love reaches into eternity, always ready to embrace us anew. But we must be careful not to test the depths of this divine love. Sometimes we fall into the trap of sinning repeatedly, comforted by the thought that we can return to Him anytime and ask for forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

But what if, in the very act of sin, we are suddenly taken from this life? What if death comes unexpectedly? Where will we find ourselves? It is saddening to realize that the answer may be separation from God for all eternity. The fiery furnace of hell is not a distant metaphor—it is a spiritual reality. That is why Jesus invites us today, while there is still time, to repent and remain in His love.

Let us not delay. Let us not presume upon His mercy. His invitation is gentle but urgent: “Remain in my love” (John 15:9). He waits for us in every moment, especially in the silence of our hearts.

Do you strive each day to remain in the love of Jesus? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 22 Huwebes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:9-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:9-11

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kung paanong iniibig ako ng Ama, gayon din naman, iniibig ko kayo; manatili kayo sa aking pag-ibig; Kung tinutupad ninyo ang aking mga utos, mananatili kayo sa aking pag-ibig; tulad ko, tinutupad ko ang mga utos ng aking Ama at ako'y nananatili sa kanyang pag-ibig.  

"Sinasabi ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito upang makahati kayo sa kagalakan ko at malubos ang inyong kagalakan."

Reflection for May 21 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:1-8

Gospel: John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. 

Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. 

Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about two neighbors. One had a bright and positive disposition in life, while the other was often gloomy and negative in almost every aspect of his life.

As we look more closely into their daily routines, we learn that the one with a joyful spirit made it a point to attend Holy Mass regularly and nurtured a deep and consistent prayer life. The other, sadly, did not believe in God.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower… Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me” (John 15:1, 4).

These words of Jesus are a powerful reminder of the necessity of staying connected to Him. When we look at the lives of people around us, we can often see that those who live in union with God—regardless of their religious affiliation or social standing—tend to experience more peace, inner joy, and serenity. On the other hand, those who are distant from God often find themselves burdened with restlessness, confusion, and unnecessary worries.

As we journey through this temporary life, it is essential that we remain connected to our true Vine—Jesus Christ. Of course, challenges, disappointments, and even suffering may still come our way. But all of these are part of the human experience. And amidst it all, Jesus lovingly assures us of His presence, His strength, and His peace—if we intentionally choose to stay close to Him in faith and prayer.

So let us ask ourselves with sincerity: Do I make it a priority to stay connected with the Lord every day? Do I allow Him to guide my thoughts, decisions, and way of life?

May we never forget that life with Jesus, even with trials, is always more meaningful, more peaceful, and more fruitful than life without Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 21 Miyerkules sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:1-8

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ako ang tunay na puno ng ubas at ang aking Ama ang tagapag-alaga. Pinuputol niya ang bawat sangang hindi namumunga; at kanya namang pinuputulan at nililinis ang bawat sangang namumunga upang lalong dumami ang bunga.  

Nalinis na kayo sa pamamagitan ng salitang sinabi ko sa inyo. Manatili kayo sa akin at mananatili ako sa inyo. Hindi makapamumunga ang sangang hindi nananatiling nakakabit sa puno. Gayon din naman, hindi kayo makapamumunga kung hindi kayo mananatili sa akin.

"Ako ang puno ng ubas, kayo ang mga sanga. Ang nananatili sa akin, at ako sa kanya, ang siyang namumunga ng sagana; sapagkat wala kayong magagawa kung kayo'y hiwalay sa akin. 

Ang hindi nananatili sa akin ay itatapon at matutuyo, gaya ng sanga. Ang gayong mga sanga ay titipunin at susunugin. Kung nananatili kayo sa akin at nananatili sa inyo ang mga salita ko, hingin ninyo ang inyong maibigan, at ipagkakaloob sa inyo. Napararangalan ang Ama kung kayo'y namumunga nang sagana at sa gayo'y napatutunayang mga alagad ko kayo.

Reflection for May 20 Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 14:27-31a

Gospel: John 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you,‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ 

If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Can we be vehicles of peace in this world? 

Yes, we certainly can. By the grace of God, it is possible. This becomes real when we are slow to judge, quick to forgive, and ready to let go of past hurts. When we choose peace, we choose freedom—freedom from the one who sows hatred and sin in our lives: none other than Satan. We also find ourselves free from anything that is not of God. 

The beauty of becoming instruments of peace is that we allow Jesus to take an active place in our hearts. And why is this important? Because Jesus Himself lived a life of peace. He chose peace over hatred. He chose mercy over revenge. 

In the Gospel for this Tuesday, Jesus tells His disciples: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). What a beautiful promise! This peace is not temporary, nor is it like the world gives. It is deep, enduring, and personal. Let us receive it with open hearts, for it is also meant for each of us today. 

One of the greatest—if not the greatest—gifts Jesus offers is the gift of peace. And how much we need this peace right now. In these uncertain times, many hearts are troubled—especially by fear, illness, and the ongoing reality of our struggle for a better life. But when we have Jesus, we also have peace, even in the midst of fear and suffering. 

Let us ask ourselves: Do I have peace in my life today? If not, am I willing to surrender my worries to Jesus, so He can fill me with His peace? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 20 Martes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 14:27-31a

Mabuting Balita: Juan 14:27-31a

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kapayapaan ang iniiwan ko sa inyo. Ang aking kapayapaan ang ibinibigay ko sa inyo; hindi ito katulad ng ibinibigay ng sanlibutan. 

Huwag kayong mabalisa; huwag kayong matakot. Sinabi ko na sa inyo, 'Ako'y aalis, ngunit babalik ako.' Kung iniibig ninyo ako, ikagagalak ninyo ang pagpunta ko sa Ama, sapagkat dakila ang Ama kaysa akin. Sinasabi ko na ito sa inyo bago pa mangyari upang kung mangyari na, kayo'y manalig sa akin. 

Hindi na ako pakahahaba ng pagsasalita sa inyo, sapagkat dumarating na ang pinuno ng sanlibutang ito. Wala siyang kapangyarihan sa akin, subalit dapat makilala ng sanlibutan na iniibig ko ang Ama at ang ginagawa ko'y ang iniuutos niya sa akin."

Reflection for May 19 Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 14:21-26

Gospel: John 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A retired man was often present at daily Mass. He looked pious and devoted to the faith, but when he’s at home, he unravels himself. He acts as the lord and master of their household.

Does he truly love God? I don’t think so. His love for God is superficial and confined within the four walls of the church. In the Gospel, Jesus says: “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

Certainly, Jesus and the Father—the first two persons of the Trinity—have not revealed themselves to this man. Jesus further states: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”

Sometimes, it’s very hard for us to understand the mysteries of our faith because we are not true to our faith. Yes, we worship Jesus at Holy Mass, but we don’t allow the grace of the Holy Mass to transform us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas