Reflection for June 14 Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:33-37

Gospel: Matthew 5:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. 

But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 

Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”

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Reflection:

Do we Stand by our word? 

Our words are more than just sounds—they are a reflection of who we are before God and others. As Scripture says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). When we speak, we reveal the state of our hearts. 

If we constantly make promises that we do not fulfill, we eventually lose our credibility—not only in the eyes of others but also in the eyes of God. People begin to doubt our sincerity because they have come to expect that we do not stand by what we say. 

But the moment we begin to value the virtue of word of honor, and the moment we choose to speak only what is true, our integrity becomes clear. We honor God by honoring our word. Our moral credibility becomes our silent testimony. 

Sadly, many today no longer value their word. Lying has become common—even casual—for some. It no longer disturbs our conscience. We forget that every lie not only damages our own reputation but also brings harm to others and distances us from God. 

We must remember that truth is not just a moral value—it is a person. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). To speak the truth is to walk in the light of Christ. To lie is to reject Him and follow the deceiver. 

As followers of God, we are called to live in truth and integrity. Word of honor is not optional—it is a fruit of a life grounded in God. We must reject all forms of lying and manipulation. Why? 

Because the one who makes a habit of lying, even in secret, aligns himself with Satan—the father of lies and the master manipulator. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 14 Sabado sa Ikasampung Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:33-37

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:33-37

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Narinig pa ninyo na noong una’y iniutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang sisira sa iyong pinanumpaang pangako bagkus ay tupdin mo ang iyong sinumpaan sa Panginoon.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag na kayong sumumpa kung nangangako kayo. 

 Huwag ninyong sabihing, ‘Saksi ko ang langit,’ sapagkat ito’y trono ng Diyos; o kaya’y ‘Saksi ko ang lupa,’ sapagkat ito’y tuntungan ng kanyang mga paa. Huwag din ninyong sabihing, ‘Saksi ko ang Jerusalem,’ sapagkat ito’y lungsod ng dakilang Hari.  

Ni huwag mong sabihing, ‘Mamatay man ako,’ sapagkat ni isang buhok sa iyong ulo’y hindi mo mapapuputi o mapaiitim. Sabihin mo na lang na ‘Oo’ kung oo at ‘Hindi’ kung hindi; sapagkat buhat na sa Masama ang anumang sumpang idaragdag dito.”

Reflection for Friday June 13 Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 5:27-32

Gospel: Matthew 5:27-32

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. 

It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna. 

“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”

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Reflection:

Why is there adultery?

It is because we no longer hold sacred the sanctity of the Sacrament of Matrimony. Marriage, once seen as a divine covenant sealed before God, is now often treated as a mere contract—something we feel free to break whenever it no longer serves our selfish desires. Why are many no longer afraid to violate their marriage covenant?

It is because we have drifted away from the love of God. When God is no longer at the center of our lives, we lose our moral compass. The reverence we once had for His commandments fades, and so too does our fear of sin.

At the heart of adultery is the absence of godly values—values that should be instilled early in life. And who is responsible for planting these values in the hearts of children? The answer is clear: the parents. 

Sadly, many parents today are more concerned with showering their children with material things—money, the latest gadgets, and other worldly possessions—than with nourishing their souls with the Word of God.

Children raised in such an environment may know about God, but they do not grow up with His values rooted in their hearts. They may be informed of His presence, but they do not fear Him, honor Him, or seek to live according to His will.

So what must we do?

As parents and as believers, we must return to our sacred duty. We must teach our children to love, fear, and obey God. We must lead them by example—by living faithfully and being steadfast in our own marriage vows. Parents are the first and most powerful teachers of faith. If children see their parents committed to their marriage and faithful to God, they too will be inspired to live lives of purity and commitment.

In today’s Gospel, we witness how deeply Jesus detests adultery. He does so not out of anger, but out of love—for He knows that marriage is meant to be a holy union, a lifelong journey of love, faithfulness, and sacrifice. It is not a union that ends the moment temptation arrives or someone more “desirable” appears.

Adultery brings not just momentary pain, but a lifelong spiritual burden. It is a wound on the soul that can lead to years of guilt, brokenness, and separation from God. Let us never forget: adultery is not merely a betrayal of one’s spouse—it is a betrayal of the covenant with God Himself.

May we recommit ourselves to upholding the sacredness of marriage, and may we ask the Lord for the grace to remain faithful—whether as spouses, parents, or future husbands and wives. May we always walk in the light of His love and truth. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hunyo 13 Paggunita kay San Antonio de Padua pari at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 5:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:27-32

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad,  "Narinig ninyo na noong una'y iniutos sa mga tao, 'Huwag kang makikiapid.' Ngunit ngayo'y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang sinumang tumingin nang may mahalay na pagnanasa sa isang babae, sa isip niya'y nakiapid na siya sa babaing iyon. 

Kung ang mata mo ang siyang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, dukitin mo at itapon! Sapagkat mabuti pang mawalan ka ng isang bahagi ng katawan kaysa buo ang iyong katawang itapon sa impiyerno. Kung ang iyong kamay ang siyang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, putulin mo at itapon! Mabuti pang mawalan ka ng isang bahagi ng katawan kaysa buo ang iyong katawang itapon sa impiyerno."

"Sinabi rin naman, 'Kapag pinahiwalay ng lalaki ang kanyang asawa, ito'y dapat bigyan niya ng kasulatan ng paghihiwalay.' Ngunit ngayo'y sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag pinahiwalay ng isang lalaki ang kanyang asawa nang hindi naman ito nangangalunya, at ito'y nag-asawang muli, ang lalaking iyo'y nagkasala -- itinulak niya ang kanyang asawa sa pangangalunya. At sinumang mag-asawa sa babaing hiniwalayan ay nangangalunya."    

Reflection for Thursday June 12 Memorial of Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Eternal High Priest: Matthew 5:20-26 (or John 17:1-2, 9, 14-26)

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.   

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court.

Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

What is the antidote to sin? What can truly defeat hatred and evil in our lives? It is humility, forgiveness, and love. 

When we fall into sin—especially when we hurt those closest to us, like our spouse—the way to healing begins with humility. If you have sinned against your spouse, the first step is to humble yourself before him or her. Say from the heart, “I’m sorry for hurting you,” or “I’m sorry for betraying your trust.” These words, though simple, carry the power to begin restoration.

If love remains in the heart of the one you have wounded, forgiveness will likely follow. But the door to that forgiveness is unlocked by your humility—your sincere acknowledgment of your fault. Without humility, healing cannot begin.

Yet, let’s be honest: saying "I’m sorry" is never easy. It’s one of the hardest things to say. Pride stands in the way. Many choose silence instead of apology. But when humility dwells in our hearts, we will not hesitate to ask for forgiveness—because we know it is the path to healing and reconciliation.

There’s a painful paradox at play: we are quick to sin, but slow to apologize. Some of us may not even be willing to apologize at all. And this unwillingness—this lack of humility—can break marriages, damage friendships, and divide families.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 5:23–25), Jesus gently reminds us of the importance of humility and the courage to admit our faults. He calls us to reconcile with one another before offering our gifts to God. Why? Because when we humble ourselves and confess our sins, we open our hearts to grace. We save ourselves from deeper wounds and greater troubles.

But when we choose pride over peace, when we let arrogance rule our hearts, conflict and unrest will never leave us.

Are you willing to humbly apologize to someone you’ve hurt? Yes, reaching out takes courage. Apologizing takes strength. But it is also a redemptive act—one that sets your soul free from the chains of pride, anger, and the influence of the devil.

Let humility lead you. Let love guide you. And let forgiveness restore what sin has broken. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Hunyo 12 Kapistahan ng Panginoong Hesukristo Walang Hanggan at Dakilang Pari: Juan 17:1-2, 9, 14-26

Mabuting Balita: Juan 17:1-2, 9, 14-26

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.

“Idinadalangin ko sila, hindi ang sanlibutan kundi ang lahat ng ibinigay mo sa akin, sapagkat sila’y iyo. 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, gayun din naman, sinusugo ko sila sa sanlibutan. At alangalang sa kanila’y itinalaga ko ang aking sarili, upang maitalaga rin sila sa pamamagitan ng katotohanan.”

“Hindi lamang ang aking mga alagad ang idinadalangin ko, kundi pati ang mga mananalig sa akin dahil sa kanilang pahayag. Maging isa nawa silang lahat, Ama. Kung paanong ikaw ay nasa akin at ako’y nasa iyo, gayun din naman, maging isa sila sa atin upang maniwala ang sanlibutan na ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin.

Ang karangalang ibinigay mo sa akin ay ibinigay ko sa kanila upang sila’y ganap na maging isa, gaya nating iisa: ako’y nasa kanila at ikaw ay nasa akin, upang lubusan silang maging isa. At sa gayun, makikilala ng sanlibutan na sinugo mo ako, at sila’y iniibig mo katulad ng pag-ibig mo sa akin.”

“Ama, nais kong makasama sa aking kinaroroonan ang mga ibinigay mo sa akin, upang mamasdan nila ang karangalang bigay mo sa akin, sapagkat inibig mo na ako bago pa nilikha ang sanlibutan.

Makatarungang Ama, hindi ka nakikilala ng sanlibutan, ngunit nakikilala kita; at nalalaman ng mga ibinigay mo sa akin na ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin. Ipinakilala kita sa kanila, at ipakikilala pa, upang ang pag-ibig mo sa akin ay sumapuso nila at ako nama’y sumakanila.”

Reflection for Wednesday June 11 Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle: Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.   

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

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Reflection:

What will happen to us if we always strive to observe the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2–17) and the two greatest commandments that Jesus gave us (Matthew 22:36–40)? Surely, we would draw closer to Jesus, grow in our faith, and experience the peace that only He can give.

This is the beautiful promise that awaits those who lovingly follow the laws of God. Without sincere obedience to His commandments, we cannot expect to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him. Just take a moment to reflect on those who choose to live apart from God’s commandments—or even examine your own heart during the times when you fall short.

What kind of life do you see? Isn’t it often marked by confusion, restlessness, and a lack of peace?

 

Indeed, the key to deep friendship with God is our faithful observance of His Word. But we are human—fragile and prone to weakness. We stumble, we sin, and sometimes we turn away. And in those moments, we become distanced from the warmth of God's love.

Yet in His great mercy, Jesus gave us the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation—a sacred refuge for our weary and repentant hearts. Whenever we fall, we can rise again through His grace. But let us not take this gift lightly. We must not say, “I will sin because I can confess later.” Such an attitude wounds the heart of our loving God.

Let us always remember: sin separates us from His love. That is why we must strive, day by day, to remain within the shelter of His presence. We must reject sin in all its forms and appearances, and instead choose holiness—because that is the only path to true peace, both in this life and in eternity. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for June 10 Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 

Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a young doctor who topped the medical board exam. Being a board topnotcher, she received an offer from a multinational pharmaceutical company. She was presented with a generous signing bonus, offered a high salary, and—to top it all—given the opportunity to pursue further studies abroad. The offer was indeed tempting, a dream come true for many.

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, she graciously declined the attractive financial windfall and benefits. When asked why, her humble yet profound response was this: "I intend to go back to my home province and make a big positive difference in the lives of my poor province mates, where I also belonged once upon a time."

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us: “You are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–14). These are not just beautiful words—they are a divine calling. What does it mean to be salt and light in this world? It means living a life that is purposeful, selfless, and rooted in love. A life not centered on personal success alone, but one that radiates goodness, especially to the poor and those in need.

Oftentimes, we become too focused on ourselves. We adopt a me first mentality—pursuing goals for personal gain, believing that we will give back only after we've secured our own comfort. But Jesus didn’t say, “Fulfill your dreams first. Become rich and successful. Then go and serve others.” No. His message is clear and immediate: Be salt. Be light. Now.

We are called to be a blessing to others not tomorrow, not when it's convenient, but today—in this very moment. Wherever we are, whatever our circumstances, we are invited to shine Christ’s light and preserve goodness in the world like salt that seasons and heals.

Let us then ask ourselves: Am I being salt and light where God has placed me? Am I living only for myself, or am I allowing God to use my life to bless others?

May the Lord give us the grace to say “yes” to this calling each day—to be His salt and His light in a world so hungry for both.— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Monday June 9 Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church: John 19:25-34

Gospel: John 19:25-34

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.  

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.”  There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.  

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first     and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately Blood and water flowed out.

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Reflection:

How do you feel after finishing a worthy undertaking?

You feel good, fulfilled, and triumphant—no matter how challenging the journey was. This must have been what Jesus felt when He uttered His final words on the cross: “It is finished.” It was not a cry of defeat, but a cry of victory. At last, the suffering is over. At last, the mission is fulfilled. At last, love has triumphed.

At that sacred moment, Jesus had crushed the voice of the enemy who relentlessly whispered to Him to turn away from His mission. He silenced every temptation and overcame every obstacle meant to hinder His salvific mission. Through His obedience and sacrifice, He redeemed us—sinful humanity—from the bondage of sin.

Yet, as for us, our mission is not yet finished. We are still on this earthly pilgrimage, still walking the narrow path that leads to eternal life. We continue to battle the many temptations and spiritual forces that whisper in our ears, trying to lead us astray from God's grace.

So we ask ourselves: What must we do so that one day, we too can say with conviction, “It is finished”?

We must remain faithful to the Lord until the end of our days. We must persevere in prayer, resist sin, and walk in the light of Christ, no matter how dark the road may seem. And when our time in this world comes to a close, may we look back and say: “It is finished.”

Not because we were perfect, but because we eventually repented. Because we did not allow the enemy to take even an inch of space in our hearts. Because we followed Jesus until the very end.

When the sun sets on our earthly life, will we be able to say, “It is finished,” not with fear, but with peace? Will we be able to say: It is finished, Lord. I have fought the good fight. I have kept the faith. I have defeated the demons that sought to take me away from you. I am Yours, now and forever. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Hunyo 9 Paggunita sa Mahal na Birheng Maria, Ina ng Sambayanan: Juan 19:25-34

Mabuting Balita: Juan 19:25-34

Noong panahong iyon: Nakatayo sa tabi ng krus ni Hesus ang kanyang ina at ang kapatid na babae nitong si Maria, na asawa ni Cleopas. Naroon din si Maria Magdalena. Nang makita ni Hesus ang kanyang ina, at ang minamahal niyang alagad sa tabi nito, kanyang sinabi, “Ginang, narito ang iyong anak!” At sinabi sa alagad, “Narito ang iyong ina!” Mula noon, siya’y pinatira ng alagad na ito sa kanyang bahay. 

Alam ni Hesus na naganap na ang lahat ng bagay; at bilang katuparan ng Kasulatan ay sinabi niya, “Nauuhaw ako!” May isang mangkok doon na puno ng maasim na alak. Itinuhog nila rito ang isang espongha, ikinabit sa sanga ng isopo at idiniit sa kanyang bibig. Nang masipsip ni Hesus ang alak ay kanyang sinabi, “Naganap na!” Iniyukayok niya ang kanyang ulo at nalagot ang kanyang hininga. 

Noo’y Araw ng Paghahanda, ay ayaw ng mga Judio na manatili sa krus ang mga bangkay sa Araw ng Pamamahinga sapagkat dakila ang araw ng Pamamahingang ito. Kaya’t hiniling nila kay Pilato na ipabali nito ang mga binti ng mga ipinako sa krus, at alisin doon ang mga bangkay. Naparoon nga ang mga kawal at binali ang mga binti ng dalawang ipinakong kasabay ni Hesus. 

Ngunit pagdating nila kay Hesus at makitang patay na siya, hindi na nila binali ang kanyang binti. Subalit inulos ng sibat ng isa sa mga kawal ang tagiliran ni Hesus, at biglang dumaloy ang dugo at tubig. 

Reflection for Sunday June 8, The Solemnity of Pentecost: John 20:19-23

Gospel: John 20:19-23

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.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of two brothers who lived in a remote rural area. These two had very different ways of life. Brother A was a good-natured man—kind-hearted, always willing to help his neighbors. He was humble, prayerful, and actively involved in their local church community.

Brother B, on the other hand, was the opposite. He was rude, addicted to vices, and full of pride. He didn’t attend church and would rather spend time with his drinking buddies than go to Sunday Mass.

Because of Brother A’s gentle and godly character, the people in their community naturally gravitated toward him. Whenever there was a conflict, they would seek his help to make peace. Every week, they would go to his house and ask him to guide and lead their prayer meetings.

Now, how does the Holy Spirit work in our lives? How does He make His presence known to us? This is a question many of us quietly carry in our hearts. Often, we long for a sign—something tangible that tells us the Holy Spirit is with us. But for many, that moment of certainty seems elusive.

The truth is this: God the Holy Spirit reveals Himself most clearly in the lives of those who walk humbly with Him—those who live in a way that is pleasing to God. The Spirit moves, like the people who were drawn to Brother A, toward hearts that are kind, prayerful, and obedient. If we desire to experience the Holy Spirit more fully, we must strive to live according to God’s Word.

In the Gospel this Sunday, we find the disciples hiding behind locked doors, afraid of those who were persecuting them. But what else were they doing there? Surely, they were also praying—asking for Jesus’ protection and strength. And their prayers did not go unanswered.

In the quiet of that locked room, Jesus appeared among them. He didn’t rebuke them for their fear. Instead, He lovingly said, “Peace be with you.” Not once, but twice. He gave them His peace—a peace that could calm any fear, a peace that promised His abiding presence. Then, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

The peace of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit are gifts that come to us when we live as faithful and prayerful followers of Christ. This divine peace does not mean we will no longer face problems or trials. Rather, it means that in the midst of life’s storms, we can remain calm, anchored in the assurance that the Holy Spirit is with us.

Do you feel His presence today? Do you sense His gentle guidance, His calming voice, His quiet strength? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hunyo 8, Linggo ng Pentekostes: Juan 20:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:19-23

Kinagabihan ng Linggo 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."

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Repleksyon:

May kwento tungkol sa dalawang magkapatid na naninirahan sa isang liblib na lugar sa kanayunan. Magkaibang-magkaiba ang kanilang mga pamumuhay. Si Kapatid A ay isang mabait at mahinahong tao—may malasakit, laging handang tumulong sa kaniyang mga kapitbahay. Siya ay mapagpakumbaba, paladasal, at aktibong kasapi ng kanilang simbahan. 

Samantalang si Kapatid B ay kabaligtaran. Hindi mabuti ang kanyang pag-uugali, alipin sya ng bisyo, at punong-puno ng kayabangan. Hindi siya nagsisimba at mas pinipili niyang makisama sa kaniyang mga kainuman kaysa dumalo sa Banal na Misa tuwing Linggo. 

Dahil sa kabutihan at maka-Diyos na pag-uugali ni Kapatid A, ang mga tao sa kanilang komunidad ay kusang-loob na lumalapit at nagtitiwala sa kanya. Kapag may alitan sa lugar, siya ang tinatakbuhan upang mamagitan at magpayapa. Linggo-linggo rin siyang dinadalaw sa kaniyang tahanan ng kanyang mga kabarangay upang imbitahang maging tagapamuno sa kanilang mga panalanging pagtitipon. 

Paano nga ba kumikilos ang Banal na Espiritu Santo sa ating mga buhay? Paano Niya ipinadarama ang Kaniyang presensya? Ito ang tanong ng marami sa atin. Madalas, tayo ay naghahangad ng tanda—isang bagay na nahahawakan o nararamdaman na magsasabing kasama natin ang Banal na Espiritu Santo. Ngunit sa marami, tila mailap ang sandaling ito ng katiyakan. 

Ang katotohanan ay ito: Ipinapahayag ng Diyos na Banal na Espiritu Santo ang Kaniyang sarili sa buhay ng mga taong lumalakad nang may kababaang-loob—sa mga taong namumuhay nang naaayon sa kagustuhan ng Diyos. Kumikilos ang Espiritu Santo katulad ng mga taong lumapit kay Kapatid A—dahil siya ay may pusong mabuti, mapanalanginin, at masunurin. Kung hangad nating maranasan ang presensya ng Banal na Espiritu Santo nang lubos, dapat tayong magsikap na mamuhay ayon sa Salita ng Diyos. 

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayong Linggo, makikita natin ang mga alagad na nagkukubli sa likod ng mga nakasaradong pinto ng isang bahay, natatakot sa mga taong umuusig sa kanila. Ngunit bukod sa pagtatago, ano pa kaya ang kanilang ginagawa? Tiyak na sila rin ay nananalangin—humihingi ng proteksyon at lakas mula kay Jesus. At hindi sila binigo ng Panginoon. 

Sa katahimikan ng silid na iyon, nagpakita si Jesus sa gitna nila. At buong pag-ibig Niyang sinabi, “Kapayapaan ang sumainyo.” Hindi lamang isang beses, kundi dalawang ulit. 

Ipinagkaloob Niya ang Kaniyang kapayapaan—isang kapayapaang kayang tangalin ang anumang takot, isang kapayapaang nagpapahayag ng Kaniyang patuloy na presensya. Pagkatapos, hiningahan Niya sila at sinabi, “Tanggapin ninyo ang Banal na Espiritu Santo.” 

Ang kapayapaan ng Diyos at ang presensya ng Banal na Espiritu ay mga kaloob na dumarating sa atin kapag tayo’y namumuhay bilang mga tapat na tagasunod ni Kristo. Ang kapayapaang ito ay hindi nangangahulugang wala na tayong mararanasang suliranin. Sa halip, ito’y nangangahulugang sa gitna ng mga unos ng buhay, mananatili tayong payapa at panatag, dahil alam nating kasama natin ang Banal na Espiritu Santo. 

Nararamdaman mo ba ang presensya ng Banal na Espiritu Santo ngayon? Nararamdaman mo ba ang Kaniyang pag-gabay? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for June 7 Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 21:20-25

Gospel: John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you? When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him? 

Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me. So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?  

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did but if these were to be described individually I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

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Reflection:

Are you sometimes too inquisitive about things that do not even concern you? 

In today’s Gospel, Peter shows a similar tendency—he becomes too curious about something that is not his concern. He asks Jesus about the beloved disciple, and we may wonder why. What was going through Peter’s mind at that moment? 

We may never know for sure. But one thing is clear: Peter was not fully focused on Jesus’ personal call for him to “Follow Me.” 

Like Peter, we too can sometimes lose focus. When we decide to follow Jesus, we are called to fix our eyes on Him—not on the lives of others in the parish, or even on the affairs of our neighbors. Rather, we are invited to reflect on our own journey, our own family, and the life God has entrusted to us. 

Many conflicts and misunderstandings begin when we allow ourselves to be overly involved in other people’s lives. Gossip, judgment, and comparisons only distract us from the peace and grace the Lord offers. 

So today, let us resolve to focus on our own walk with Christ. Let us allow others the space to live their lives in peace, free from our meddling or unsolicited opinions. 

Instead of wasting time speaking about others or prying into matters that do not help us grow spiritually, let us use our energy to deepen our relationship with Jesus. Let us spend more time in prayer, in quiet service, and in seeking how we can faithfully and silently follow the Lord—just as He calls us to do. 

May we always remember: Jesus does not compare us with others. He simply says to each of us, “Follow Me.” – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 7 Sabado sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:20-25

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:20-25

Noong panahong iyon, lumingon si Pedro at nakita niyang sumusunod ang alagad na minamahal ni Jesus - yaong humilig sa dibdib ni Jesus nang sila'y naghahapunan at nagtanong, "Panginoon, sino po ang magkakanulo sa inyo?" Nang makita siya ni Pedro, tinanong nito si Jesus, "Panginoon, ano po naman ang mangyayari sa taong ito?" 

Sumagot si Jesus, "Kung ibig kong mabuhay siya hanggang sa pagbabalik ko, ano sa iyo? Sumunod ka sa akin!" Kumalat sa mga kapatid ang balitang hindi mamamatay ang alagad na ito, bagama't hindi sinabi ni Jesus na hindi siya mamamatay, kundi, "Kung ibig kong mabuhay siya hanggang sa pagbabalik ko, ano sa iyo?" 

Ito nga ang alagad na nagpapatotoo tungkol sa mga bagay na ito; siya rin ang sumulat ng mga ito, at alam naming tunay ang kanyang patotoo. At marami pang ginawa si Jesus na kung susulating lahat, inaakala kong hindi magkakasya kahit sa buong daigdig ang mga aklat na masusulat.