Reflection for June 4 Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 17:11b-19

Gospel: John 17:11b-19

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.  

I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. “I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.  

Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. I pray for them.

I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.”

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Reflection:

There is a story told about a man known for being prayerful. But the irony was this: though he prayed often, his prayers were always only for himself.

When the man died, an angel welcomed him and led him into a beautiful room filled with everything he had ever prayed for. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the man thanked the angel for granting his desires. But then he noticed something unsettling—he was completely alone.

He turned to the angel and asked, “Why am I alone?”

The angel gently replied, “Because you always prayed only for yourself. You never lifted up anyone else in your prayers. And now, you are surrounded only by the things you asked for—but not by the people you could have prayed for.”

As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, He did not pray for Himself. Instead, He prayed for them. He interceded for their protection, their unity, and their strength. His heart was turned outward, filled with love and concern for others.

What about us?

When we come before God in prayer, is our focus always on ourselves? Are we the constant star of our conversations with God? Or do we sometimes set aside our own needs to pray for those we love—trusting that God, who knows all things, already understands our hearts and our needs?

God is all-knowing. He sees every joy and every burden we carry. And because He already knows what we need, perhaps we are called to lift up others more often in our prayers.

This does not mean we stop bringing our personal petitions before God. Not at all. But it does mean we learn to pray with the heart of Christ—placing the needs of others before our own. For God doesn’t want us to be people who live only for ourselves. He calls us to be people for others—just as Jesus was, and still is, for us. 

So today, reflect on this simple but profound question: Am I a person who prays only for myself, or am I becoming a person of prayer for others? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 4 Miyerkules sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 17:11b-19

Mabuting Balita: Juan 17:11b-19

Noong panahong iyo, si Hesus ay tumingala sa langit, nanalangin at ang wika: Amang banal, ingatan mo sila sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng iyong pangalan, pangalang ibinigay mo sa akin, upang sila'y maging isa, kung paanong tayo'y iisa. Habang kasama nila ako, iningatan ko sila sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng iyong pangalang ibinigay mo sa akin. 

Inalagaan ko sila at ni isa'y walang napahamak, liban sa taong humanap ng kanyang kapahamakan, upang matupad ang Kasulatan. Ngunit ngayon, ako'y papunta na sa iyo; at sinasabi ko ito habang ako'y nasa sanlibutan upang mapuspos sila ng aking kagalakan. Naibigay ko na sa kanila ang iyong salita; at kinapootan sila ng sanlibutan, sapagkat hindi na sila makasanlibutan, tulad kong hindi makasanlibutan. 

Hindi ko idinadalanging alisin mo sila sa sanlibutan, kundi iligtas mo sila sa Masama! Hindi sila makasanlibutan, tulad kong hindi makasanlibutan. Italaga mo sila sa pamamagitan ng katotohanan; ang salita mo'y katotohanan. Kung paanong sinugo mo ako sa sanlibutan, gayon din naman, sinusugo ko sila sa sanlibutan. At alang-alang sa kanila'y itinalaga ko ang aking sarili, upang maitalaga rin sila sa pamamagitan ng katotohanan." 

Reflection for Tuesday June 3 Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs: John 17:1-11a

Gospel: John 17:1-11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. 

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.  

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 

I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.

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Reflection:

What is the usual way we pray? 

Do we pray spontaneously, or do we follow a certain pattern? Whatever form our prayer takes, what truly matters is that we pour our hearts into it. A prayer that reaches the heart of God is one that flows sincerely from our own. 

In the Gospel for this Tuesday, we see Jesus lifting His eyes to heaven in prayer. It is a deeply personal moment between Him and the Father—yet even in that intimate conversation, He remembers His disciples and all those He dearly loves. 

If Jesus, the Son of God, prayed to the Father, how much more should we? We, too, are invited to come before Him—to offer our petitions, to seek His strength in our daily trials, and to ask for His light in moments of confusion. We can pray for a heart free from hatred, for healing from wounds we cannot see, and for grace to love even when it’s difficult. 

In prayer, we are drawn into union with God. Through it, we allow Him to touch the deepest parts of our being—to heal us not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. When we pray with sincerity, we make room for His presence to move in us. And often, we come away from prayer feeling lighter, comforted, and renewed. 

So let us turn to God with humble hearts. Let us ask Him to heal all that ails us and to bless us with the grace of deep connection with Him every time we pray. For without prayer, and without this living connection with our God, life becomes empty. But with Him—through prayer—we find fullness, peace, and purpose. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hunyo 3 Paggunita kay San Carlos Lwanga at mga kasama, mga martir: Juan 17:1-11a

Mabuting Balita: Juan 17:1-11a

Noong panahong iyon, tumingala si Hesus sa langit at ang wika, "Ama, dumating na ang oras: parangalan mo ang iyong Anak upang maparangalan ka naman niya. Sapagkat pinagkalooban mo siya ng kapangyarihan sa sangkatauhan, upang magbigay ng buhay na walang hanggan sa lahat ng ibinigay mo sa kanya. 

Ito ang buhay na walang hanggan: ang kilalanin ka nila, ang iisa at tunay na Diyos, at si Jesu-Cristo na iyong sinugo. Inihayag ko rito sa lupa ang iyong karangalan; natapos ko ang ipinagagawa mo sa akin. Kaya, Ama, ipagkaloob mo sa akin ngayon ang karangalang taglay ko sa piling mo bago pa likhain ang sanlibutan." 

"Ipinakilala kita sa mga taong ibinigay mo sa akin mula sa sanlibutan. Sila'y iyo; ibinigay mo sila sa akin, at tinupad nila ang iyong salita. Ngayo'y alam na nilang mula sa iyo ang lahat ng ibinigay mo sa akin; sapagkat itinuro ko sa kanila ang lahat ng aking nabatid sa iyo at tinanggap naman nila. Natitiyak nilang ako'y galing sa iyo, at naniniwala silang ikaw nga ang nagsugo sa akin." 

"Idinadalangin ko sila, hindi ang sanlibutan kundi ang lahat ng ibinigay mo sa akin, sapagkat sila'y iyo. Ang lahat ng akin ay iyo, at ang lahat ng iyo ay akin; at pararangalan ako sa pamamagitan nila. At ngayon, ako'y papunta na sa iyo; aalis na ako sa sanlibutan, ngunit nasa sanlibutan pa sila." 

Reflection for June 2 Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 16:29-33

Gospel: John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”  

Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

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Reflection:

Do you long for peace in your life? 

In a world filled with troubles, worries, and sickness, true peace often feels out of reach. But even when everything around us seems to fall apart, Jesus is always there—offering us His calming presence and the gift of peace that the world cannot give. 

Many of us believe that the things of this world—wealth, comfort, success—will bring us peace. But they never do. The more we chase peace in worldly things, the more it escapes us. Why? Because the world was never meant to satisfy the longing of our hearts. Instead of peace, it often gives us restlessness, distraction, and chaos. 

So where can we find real peace of mind? Only in Jesus. Only He can quiet our hearts. Only He can still the storms within us. No one and nothing else can give us the deep, lasting peace that our souls crave. But how many of us have truly experienced this peace that Jesus offers? 

Perhaps not many. And maybe it’s because we often remember Him only in moments of need or desperation. Or maybe we try to walk with Him—but when temptation calls, we’re quick to turn away, drawn by the fleeting pleasures of the world. 

Why not change this pattern? 

Why not make Jesus our first priority—not just in crisis, but every day? When we do, we begin to feel His peaceful presence in every part of our lives. And once we live in that peace—His peace—we are complete. We lack nothing. 

May we choose Jesus daily. May we seek His peace above all else. And may His presence quiet every worry and calm every storm in our hearts. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 2 Lunes sa Ikapitong na Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 16:29-33: Juan 16:29-33

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:29-33

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ng kanyang mga alagad kay Hesus, "Ngayon po'y tuwiran na ang inyong pangungusap sa amin at hindi na patalinghaga! Alam na naming batid ninyo ang lahat ng bagay, at hindi na kailangang tanungin ninuman. 

Dahil dito, naniwala kaming kayo'y mula sa Diyos." Sumagot si Jesus, "Naniniwala na ba kayo ngayon? Darating ang oras -- at ngayon na nga -- na magkakawatak-watak kayo, magkakanya-kanyang lakad kayo, at iiwan ninyo ako. Gayunma'y hindi ako nag-iisa sapagkat kasama ko ang Ama.

Sinasabi ko ito sa inyo upang kayo'y magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa pakikipag-isa sa akin. Mayroon kayong kapighatian dito sa sanlibutan; ngunit lakasan ninyo ang inyong loob! Napagtagumpayan ko na ang sanlibutan!"

Reflection for Sunday June 1, The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord: Luke 24:46-53

Gospel: Luke 24:46-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “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. 

And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. 

As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

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Reflection:

There is a story about a father who was preparing to leave for work in a faraway place. Before departing, he gathered his children and lovingly reminded them not to forget the responsibilities he had entrusted to each of them. He assured them that if any need or trouble arose, they could reach out to him anytime—and he would always be there for them. 

In much the same way, after forty days following His glorious resurrection, and after many sacred appearances to His disciples, Jesus—our Divine Lord—was ready to return to the Father. His earthly mission was complete. It was time for Him to ascend into heaven. 

But before He ascended, He entrusted a sacred task to His apostles—the mission to continue His work, to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, and to be His living witnesses. 

What does the Ascension signify to the apostles? It is both a moment of parting and a moment of commissioning. It signifies that the responsibility to spread the Good News now rests in their hands. They could no longer remain still. The torch had been passed. They were now called to carry the light of Christ into the world. 

Did they succeed? Yes, by the grace of God, they did. But it was no easy path. They endured persecution, trials, and hardships. Yet with unwavering faith and bold hearts, they fulfilled their mission with courage and joy. 

The Ascension of our Lord is not just a moment in salvation history—it is also a divine reminder to us today. We are now His modern-day disciples. The mission continues through us. Upon our shoulders rests this sacred responsibility to share the love and mission of Jesus and proclaim His truth. 

But we often hesitate. We feel unworthy. We say, “Lord, I am not a good speaker,” or “I don’t have the gifts, the talent, or the resources.” Yet evangelization is not limited to eloquence or ability. It flows from a heart in love with Christ. 

We evangelize through our compassion, our humility, and our daily acts of kindness. Our lives can become living testimonies of God’s love. Even a simple act of sharing a Gospel passage online, or offering a prayerful word to someone in need, is already a powerful form of evangelization. 

Sometimes, we are held back by fear—fear of rejection, fear of judgment, fear of not being good enough. But Scripture reminds us: “God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). When we step out in faith, the Holy Spirit empowers us. 

As Jesus ascends into heaven, He does not leave us alone. He promises to be with us always, and He sends the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. The mission is now ours. The question is: Will we answer His call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hunyo 1, Ang Pag-Akyat ng Panginoon:Lucas 24:46-53

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:46-53

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Ganito ang nasusulat: kinakailangang magbata ng hirap at mamatay ang Mesiyas 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 mga bagay na ito. Tandaan ninyo: susuguin ko sa inyo ang ipinangako ng aking Ama, kaya’t huwag kayong aalis sa lungsod hanggang hindi kayo napagkakalooban ng kapangyarihan mula sa itaas.” 

Pagkatapos, sila’y isinama ni Hesus sa labas ng lungsod. Pagdating sa Betania, itinaas niya ang kanyang mga kamay at pinagpala sila. Samantalang iginagawad niya ito, siya nama’y lumalayo paakyat sa langit. Siya’y sinamba nila; pagkatapos, sila’y nagbalik sa Jerusalem, taglay ang malaking kagalakan. Palagi sila sa templo at doo’y nagpupuri sa Diyos.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang ama na naghahanda nang umalis upang magtrabaho sa isang malayong lugar. Bago siya umalis, tinipon niya ang kaniyang mga anak at buong pagmamahal na pinaalalahanan silang huwag kalilimutan ang mga responsibilidad na ipinagkatiwala niya sa bawat isa sa kanila. Tiniyak din niya na kung sakaling may pangangailangan o problema, maaari siyang kontakin at palagi siyang magiging naroon para sa kanila.

Matapos ang apatnapung araw mula sa Kaniyang maluwalhating muling pagkabuhay at matapos ang maraming pagpapakita sa Kaniyang mga alagad, si Jesus — ay handa nang bumalik sa Ama. Tapos na ang Kaniyang misyon sa mundo. Panahon na upang Siya ay umakyat sa langit.

Ngunit bago Siya umakyat, ipinagkatiwala Niya ang isang banal na tungkulin sa Kaniyang mga apostol—ang misyon na ipagpatuloy ang Kaniyang gawain, ipahayag ang Mabuting Balita sa lahat ng bansa, at maging buhay na saksi ng Kaniyang presensya.

Ano ang kahulugan ng Pag-akyat sa Langit para sa mga apostol? Isa itong sandali ng pamamaalam ngunit isa ring sandali ng pagkatalaga. Ipinahihiwatig nito na ang pananagutan sa pagpapalaganap ng Mabuting Balita ay nasa kanilang mga kamay na ngayon. Hindi na sila maaaring manatiling walang ginagawa. Tinatawag na silang dalhin ang liwanag ni Kristo sa sanlibutan.

Nagtagumpay ba sila? Oo, sa biyaya ng Diyos, nagtagumpay sila. Ngunit hindi ito naging madali. Dumaan sila sa pag-uusig, mga pagsubok, at kahirapan. Gayunman, dahil sa matatag na pananampalataya ay tinupad nila ang kanilang misyon nang may kagalakan kahit na ito ay mahirap.

Ang Pag-akyat ng ating Panginoon ay hindi lamang isang pangyayari sa kasaysayan ng kaligtasan—isa rin itong banal na paalala sa atin sa kasalukuyan. Tayo na ngayon ang Kaniyang mga alagad sa makabagong panahong ito ng social media. Nagpapatuloy ang misyon sa pamamagitan natin. Nasa ating mga balikat ang banal na tungkulin na ibahagi ang pag-ibig ni Jesus at ipahayag ang Kaniyang katotohanan.

Ngunit kadalasan, tayo ay nag-aatubili. Pakiramdam natin ay hindi tayo karapat-dapat. Sinasabi natin, “Panginoon, hindi ako magaling magsalita,” o “Wala akong kakayahan, talento, o sapat na yaman.” Ngunit ang ebanghelisasyon ay hindi nakasalalay sa pagiging mahusay o may kakayahan. Ito ay nagmumula sa pusong umiibig kay Kristo.

Ipinapahayag natin ang Ebanghelyo sa pamamagitan ng ating pag mamalasakit at pagtulong sa ating kapwa, kababaang-loob, at araw-araw na mga gawa ng kabutihan. Maaaring maging buhay na patotoo ang ating mga buhay sa pag-ibig ng Diyos. Kahit isang simpleng pagbabahagi ng talata mula sa Ebanghelyo online, o pagbibigay ng payo sa isang nangangailangan, ay isang makapangyarihang anyo ng ebanghelisasyon.

Minsan tayo ay pinipigilan ng takot—takot na ma-reject, takot na husgahan, takot na hindi sapat ang ating kakayahan. Ngunit pinaaalalahanan tayo ng Kasulatan: “Sapagkat ang espiritung ibinigay sa atin ng Diyos ay hindi espiritu ng kahinaan, kundi espiritu ng kapangyarihan, pag-ibig, at pagpipigil sa sarili” (2 Timoteo 1:7). Kapag tayo’y kumilos sa pananampalataya, pinapalakas tayo ng Espiritu Santo.

Habang si Jesus ay umaakyat sa langit, hindi Niya tayo iniiwan. Ipinangako Niyang mananatili Siyang kasama natin magpakailanman, at isinugo Niya ang Espiritu Santo upang gabayan at palakasin tayo. Nasa atin na ngayon ang misyon. Ang tanong: Tutuparin ba natin ito? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday May 31 Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:39-56

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”   

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.  

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.”  

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

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Reflection:

Would you exert effort to give a relative a surprise visit?

Many of us are so caught up in the busyness of life that we hardly have time for this kind of simple but noble act of love. We are pulled in many directions by our worldly preoccupations, and oftentimes, reaching out to relatives or friends feels like a luxury we can no longer afford.

But even when we are too busy, the Blessed Mother always has time.

Imagine this: Mary, carrying Jesus in her womb, undertakes a long and difficult journey—riding on a donkey across hills and valleys—not for her own needs, but simply to be present to her cousin Elizabeth. She travelled not out of obligation, but out of love, humility, and self-giving concern.

Who among us would do the same today? Perhaps only a few—because many of us have allowed the world to dictate our pace, to tell us we must always be accomplishing something, always busy, always occupied with earthly concerns.

But what do we sacrifice in return? Our relationships. Our connections with family and friends. The joy of presence. The gift of simply being there for someone.

When we become too focused on the things of this world, the bonds that tie us to our loved ones begin to fade. That is never how God intended us to live.

How about Mary? She did not think of her own comfort or condition. She was pregnant too. She could have stayed home, rested, and waited. But no—she made time, because her heart overflowed with love, compassion, and deep faith in God’s mission.

She teaches us something timeless: True love makes time. True love shows up. How many of us are still willing to forget ourselves, even for a little while, to visit a relative or a friend? Not to bring anything grand, but simply to bring our presence—our love, our comfort, our joy. That is what Mary did.

May we learn from the Blessed Mother. May we find time—just as she did—to step out of ourselves and into the lives of those who need us most. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Friday May 30 of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 16:20-23

Gospel: John 16:20-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. 

So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy away from you. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.”

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Reflection:

Are you afraid to go through suffering? 

We all are. As much as possible, we try to avoid pain and hardship in life. Deep within, we long for a suffering-free existence. But for those who believe in and follow Jesus, a life without suffering is not part of our journey. 

Why? Because it is often through our sufferings that we come to deeply experience the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives. In our moments of weakness and sorrow, He draws nearer, reminding us that we are never alone. 

Jesus does not promise us a life without trials, but He does promise to walk with us and strengthen us—if we steadfastly hold on to Him. Even now, many of us carry silent burdens, unseen struggles. And yet, in the midst of our pain, we choose to cling tightly to our faith in Jesus. Through that unshakable faith, we find the strength to carry on, one day at a time. 

In our Gospel this Friday, Jesus tells His disciples: “You will weep and mourn...” (John 16:20) He spoke these words as His hour of suffering—His arrest, passion, and death—was drawing near. But He also assured them that joy would follow. Their sorrow would turn to rejoicing—a joy and triumph that no one could take away. This joy comes from His resurrection and His glorious victory over death. 

What matters most is that we continue to hold on to Jesus, no matter how intense the trials we face. For if we remain unwavering in our faith, there will surely come a day of triumph—a day when all our tears will be wiped away, and our pain will be transformed into divine joy. 

Let us not fear suffering, for in it, we are drawn closer to the heart of our Savior. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 30 Biyernes sa Ika-anim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 16:20-23

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:20-23

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tatangis kayo at magdadalamhati, ngunit magagalak ang sanlibutan. Matitigib kayo ng kalungkutan, subalit ito'y magiging kagalakan. Kapag nagdaramdam na ang isang babaing manganganak, siya'y nahahapis, sapagkat dumating na ang oras ng kanyang paghihirap. 

Ngunit pagkapanganak, hindi na niya naaalaala ang hirap; siya'y nagagalak dahil sa ipinanganak na sa sanlibutan ang isang sanggol. Gayon din naman kayo: nalulumbay kayo ngayon, ngunit muli akong makikipagkita sa inyo at mag-uumapaw sa puso ninyo ang kagalakang hindi maaagaw ninuman. 

"Hindi na kayo kailangang magtanong sa akin sa araw na iyon. " Tandaan ninyo: anumang hingin ninyo sa Ama sa aking pangalan ay ibibigay niya sa inyo.

Reflection for May 29 Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 16:16-20

Gospel: John 16:16-20

Jesus said to his disciples: "A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me." 

So some of his disciples said to one another, "What does this mean that he is saying to us, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" 

So they said, "What is this 'little while' of which he speaks? We do not know what he means." Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Are you discussing with one another what I said, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'? 

Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy."

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Reflection:

Are you afraid of separation? 

Separation from someone we have deeply loved or even idolized is one of the most painful emotions we can ever experience. When a loved one passes away, it can feel as though a part of our very being dies with them. From that moment on, something in us feels incomplete. Such is the heart-wrenching weight of certain separations. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. He knows that soon, He will be arrested, tortured, and crucified. He is saying goodbye—not out of fear, but out of love, to prepare their hearts. Yet He offers them hope: “In a little while, you will see me.” Jesus was referring to His resurrection, the glorious rising from the dead three days after His crucifixion. 

Unlike the finality of earthly separation, the disciples’ parting from Jesus was only temporary. He returned—victorious over death—to assure them, and all of us, that separation from Him is never permanent. 

As followers of Christ today, we are never truly separated from our Lord. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the sacraments, we are constantly united with Him. He is alive and present within us—especially when we open our hearts to His Word, live out His teachings, and express humble, selfless love to others. 

Let us not be afraid of separation, for the love of Christ bridges all distances. In prayer, in humility, and in love—we remain close to Him, and He remains within us. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 29 Huwebes sa Ika-anim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 16:16-20

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:16-20

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kaunting panahon na lamang at hindi na ninyo ako makikita; at pagkaraan ng kaunting panahon pa, ako'y inyong makikita uli." Nag-usap-usap ang ilan sa mga alagad, "Ano kaya ang ibig niyang sabihin? 

Bakit niya sinasabing kaunting panahon na lang at hindi na natin siya makikita uli? Sabi pa niya'y 'Sapagkat ako'y paroroon sa Ama.' Ano kaya ang ibig sabihin ng 'kaunting panahon na lamang'? Hindi natin maunawaan!"  

Naramdaman ni Jesus na ibig nilang magtanong, kaya't sinabi niya, "Nagtatanungan kayo tungkol sa sinabi kong kaunting panahon na lamang at hindi na ninyo ako makikita; at pagkaraan ng kaunting panahon, ako'y inyong makikita uli. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tatangis kayo at magdadalamhati, ngunit magagalak ang sanlibutan. Matitigib kayo ng kalungkutan, subalit ito'y magiging kagalakan.

Reflection for May 28 Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 16:12-15

Gospel: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.  

He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a prayerful wife who would always make the first move to reconcile with her husband whenever they had misunderstandings. In their twenty-five years of marriage, it was always she who humbly initiated reconciliation. And each time, by the grace of God, she was successful in her peace offerings toward her husband.

Who moves her heart to reconcile? It is the Holy Spirit. He gently guides her, speaks to her soul, and whispers to her mind, urging her to be humble and make the first move. Why does she listen? Because she is prayerful. In silence and in prayer, she discerns and recognizes the voice of the Holy Spirit.

God the Holy Spirit is our Advocate, our Comforter, our Divine Companion—ever present with us since the moment of our Baptism. His presence was sealed and deepened within us during our Confirmation. Yet sadly, not all of us are aware of His loving presence dwelling in our hearts.

The Holy Spirit is always there—ready to guide, to console, to lead us back to the path of peace and holiness. But why are we often unaware of Him? Because many of us do not live prayerfully. A heart that prays is a heart that hears. It is through a life of prayer that we begin to recognize the gentle stirrings of the Holy Spirit within us.

Are you living a prayerful life? Are you aware of the sacred and constant presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? If not yet, begin today. Start praying, even in small, quiet moments—and slowly but surely, your heart will awaken to the beautiful awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your life. — Marino J. Dasmarinas