Reflection for June 18 Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. 

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.   

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

 + + + +  + + +

Reflection:

Will You Follow These Three Commands of Jesus? 

1.      “When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others” (Matthew 6:2). 

2.      “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them” (Matthew 6:5). 

3.      “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance so that they may appear to others to be fasting” (Matthew 6:16). 

In these words, our Lord Jesus gently invites us to reflect: Why do we do what we do? He reminds us to pause, examine our hearts, and ask ourselves: Are we living for the eyes of others—or for the eyes of God? 

In our daily lives, especially in moments of charity, prayer, and sacrifice, do we quietly offer them to God? Or do we seek recognition and approval from people? For instance, why is it that when we do good deeds, some—if not many—feel compelled to post them on social media? Is it to inspire others—or is it to be noticed? 

Jesus sees through our intentions. He knows the true reason behind every word we speak and every act we perform. Nothing is hidden from Him—not even the secret desires of our hearts. If we are only using God to gain admiration or fulfill personal ambitions, then we have already received our reward—and it's fleeting. 

The Lord calls us to a higher path: the way of humility, silence, and secrecy in our relationship with Him. When we pray, give, or fast, we are invited to do so not for applause, but out of love for God. Quiet, unseen acts of faith are precious in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. 

Let us, then, re-orient our motives. Let us begin again—doing things not for praise but purely for God. May we embrace the hidden life, where no one knows what we do except us and the Lord. And in that quiet place, He who sees in secret will reward us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 18 Miyerkules sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Pag-ingatan ninyo na huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang paggawa ninyo ng mabuti. Kapag ganyan ang ginawa ninyo, wala kayong matatamong gantimpala buhat sa inyong Amang nasa langit. 

“Kaya nga, kapag naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipagmakaingay ito, katulad ng ginagawa ng mga mapagpaimbabaw doon sa sinagoga at sa mga lansangan. Ginagawa nila ito upang purihin sila ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kung naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipaalam ito kahit sa iyong pinakamatalik na kaibigan upang malihim ang iyong paglilimos. At gagantihan ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim.  

“At kapag nananalangin kayo huwag kayong tumulad sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Mahilig silang manalangin nang patayo sa mga sinagoga at sa mga panukalang-daan, upang makita ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kapag mananalangin ka, pumasok ka sa iyong silid at isara mo ang pinto. Saka ka manalangin sa iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita, at gagantihan ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim.  

“Kapag nag-aayuno kayo, huwag kayong magmukhang malungkot, tulad ng mga mapagimbabaw. Hindi sila nag-aayos upang malaman ng mga tao na sila’y nag-aayuno. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Kapag ikaw ay nag-aayuno, mag-ayos ka ng buhok at maghilamos upang huwag mapansin ng mga tao na nag-aayuno ka. Ang iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita ang siya lamang nakaaalam nito. Siya, na nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim, ang gaganti sa iyo.”

Reflection for June 17 Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. 

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

 + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Would you love your enemy? 

One of the most challenging calls of our Christian faith is this: to love our enemies. To love not only those who are kind to us, but even those who have hurt us—those who continue to cause us pain. 

How can we possibly love an unfaithful spouse? How can we embrace in our hearts someone who seems determined to make life difficult for us? These questions are difficult and deeply personal. And yes, such people are often the hardest to love… even harder to forgive. 

But then we turn our eyes to God—our merciful and loving Father. Despite our many failings, He never withholds His love. He forgives us even when we do not deserve it. If God, in His holiness, can love and forgive us, who are we to withhold love and forgiveness from others? 

Perhaps today, the Lord is inviting us to take a small step forward: to try loving those who have hurt us, to let go of even a little hatred that may be hiding in our hearts. When hatred is removed, love remains. Only love brings healing, peace, and freedom. 

To love and forgive someone who has wounded you deeply does not mean allowing yourself to be mistreated again. Rather, it means opening your heart to God and letting His love reign in you. 

The moment we choose to love instead of hate… to forgive instead of resent… we break free from the grip of the enemy. We step into the light and embrace the freedom that only Christ can give. We let go of the bitterness and pain that bind us, and we allow the healing grace of God to flow. 

Jesus loves us unconditionally—whoever we are and whatever we have done. His love is always available, always waiting. But we must also remember: there is a place far from His light—where those who refuse His love and continue to reject His ways will sadly dwell. 

Let us not be counted among them. Let us choose love. Let us forgive. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 17 Martes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:43-48

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:43-48

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Narinig na ninyong sinabi, ‘Ibigin mo ang iyong kaibigan at kapootan mo ang iyong kaaway.’ Ngunit ito naman sabi ko: ibigin ninyo ang mga umuusig sa inyo, upang kayo’y maging tunay na anak ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Sapagkat pinasisikat niya ang araw sa masasama at sa mabubuti, at pinapapatak niya ang ulan sa mga banal at sa mga makasalanan. 

Kung ang mga umiibig sa inyo ang siya lamang ninyo iibigin, ano pang gantimpala ang inyong hihintayin? Hindi ba’t ginagawa rin ito ng mga publikano? At kung ang binabati lamang ninyo’y ang inyong mga kapatid, ano ang nagawa ninyong higit kaysa iba? Ginagawa rin iyon ng mga Hentil! Kaya, dapat kayong maging ganap, gaya ng inyong Amang nasa Langit.” 

Reflection for June 16 Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.  

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

 + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What do we truly gain when we seek revenge on those who have hurt us? Nothing—except more pain, deeper wounds, and greater enmity. In the end, there are no victors in revenge… only broken hearts and lost peace. 

Think of the conflicts that arise in married life. If a wife, for instance, were to retaliate against her husband’s betrayal—say, through infidelity—what would follow? The sacred covenant of marriage would slowly fall apart. Not only would the couple suffer, but their children, too, would be caught in the heartbreak. Everyone loses when revenge takes the lead. 

But Jesus offers a better way. 

In giving His disciples a new command, Jesus goes beyond the old law of retaliation and retribution written in Leviticus and Deuteronomy. He invites us not to repay hurt with hurt—but to respond with humility, forgiveness, and grace. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us to build bridges, not walls. His words are not just wise—they are life-giving. His command leads us away from conflict and misunderstanding and toward peace and reconciliation. 

Can we truly live out these teachings of Jesus? Yes—if we abhor hostility, if we clothe ourselves in humility, and if we genuinely love the Lord. His grace makes it possible. 

Mohandas Gandhi, though not Christian, echoed a profound truth when he said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Indeed, no one wins when vengeance rules. The more we hunger for revenge, the more we destroy ourselves from within. 

So instead of fighting back, let us put on the armor of humility. Let us learn to pray for those who have wounded our pride and stepped on our dignity. This is not easy—it requires great strength, and greater love—but it is exactly what Jesus asks of us. 

Let us remember: If we choose retaliation, we risk losing ourselves. But if we choose Jesus’ way, we gain peace, healing, and eternal grace. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 16 Lunes ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga alagad, "Narinig ninyo na sinabi, 'Mata sa mata at ngipin sa ngipin.' Ngunit ngayo'y sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag ninyong labanan ang masamang tao. Kung may sumampal sa iyo sa kanang pisngi, iharap mo pa sa kanya ang kabila.  

Kung ipagsakdal ka ninuman upang makuha ang iyong baro, ibigay mo sa kanya pati ang iyong balabal. Kung sapilitang ipapasan sa iyo ng manlulupig ang kanyang dala nang isang kilometro, pasanin mo ito nang dalawang kilometro. Magbigay ka sa nanghihingi sa iyo, at huwag mong pahindian ang nanghihiram sa iyo.  

Reflection for Sunday June 15, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: 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." 

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a responsible husband who suddenly died—without any sign of sickness. His wife and children, grieving deeply, cried out to God, “Why did this happen?”

There truly are moments in our lives that are impossible to explain. Times when we are left in the dark, holding onto questions with no answers. Yet even in these painful mysteries, we are called to trust.

We may not understand God's ways, but we must believe that somewhere, somehow, light will break through the darkness. Acceptance will come—not because the pain disappears, but because our faith in God remains unshaken. 

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity—one of the deepest mysteries of our faith. One God in three Divine Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

How is this possible? How can three distinct Persons be one God? The answer is love. Love is the divine bond that unites the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. A love that is pure, selfless, and eternal. This same love is the foundation of unity in our families, friendships, and church ministries. Just as the Trinity is united in perfect love, we are called to reflect that unity in our relationships—with patience, humility, and compassion.

It may be difficult for many of us to grasp the mystery of the Trinity. But some truths of our faith are not meant to be fully explained—they are meant to be embraced. The Dogma of the Holy Trinity is one of them: a divine mystery revealed not to confuse us, but to draw us into deeper awe and worship.

But how can we embrace this sacred mystery if we seldom attend Holy Mass? If our Bible lies untouched in a forgotten corner of our home? If we rarely set aside time for prayer and do not live out our faith in action? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hunyo 15, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos: Juan 16:12-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:12 – 15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Marami pa akong sasabihin sa inyo, ngunit hindi pa ninyo kayang unawain ngayon. Pagdating ng Espiritu ng katotohanan, tutulungan niya kayo upang maunawaan ang buong katotohanan.  

Sapagkat magsasalita siya hindi sa ganang kanyang sarili; sasabihin niya sa inyo ang kanyang narinig, at ipapahayag ang mga bagay na darating. Pararangalan niya ako, sapagkat sa akin magmumula ang ipapahayag niya sa inyo. Ang lahat ng sa Ama ay akin; kaya ko sinabing sa akin magmumula ang ipapahayag niya sa inyo."

+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang responsableng asawa na bigla na lamang pumanaw—nang walang anumang palatandaan ng karamdaman. Labis ang dalamhati ng kanyang asawa at mga anak, at tinanong nila ang Panginoon ng ganito: “Panginoon, bakit ito nangyari?”

Tunay ngang may mga sandali sa ating buhay na hindi natin maipaliwanag. Mga panahong tila ba tayo'y nasa dilim, bitbit ang mga tanong na tila walang kasagutan. Ngunit kahit sa gitna ng mga pangyayaring masakit at mahirap intindihin, tayo ay tinatawagan ng Diyos na magtiwala.

Maaaring hindi natin maunawaan ang mga kaparaanan ng Diyos, ngunit dapat tayong manampalataya na sa kabila ng lahat, may liwanag na sisikat sa gitna ng dilim. Darating ang pagtanggap—hindi dahil nawala ang sakit, kundi dahil matatag pa rin ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos.

Ipinagdiriwang po natin ang Kapistahan ng Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos —isa sa pinakamalalim na misteryo ng ating pananampalataya. Isang Diyos sa tatlong Persona: ang Ama, ang Anak, at ang Espiritu Santo. Paano ito naging posible? Paano nagiging iisa ang tatlong natatanging Persona?

Ang kasagutan ay pag-ibig.

Ang pag-ibig ang banal na ugnayan na nagbubuklod sa Ama, sa Anak, at sa Espiritu Santo. Isang pag-ibig na dalisay, walang pag-iimbot, at walang hanggan. Ang parehong pag-ibig na ito rin ang pundasyon ng pagkakaisa sa ating pamilya, sa ating mga pagkakaibigan, at sa ating mga ministri sa simbahan.

Kung paanong ang Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos ay nagkakaisa sa ganap na pag-ibig, gayundin tayo'y tinatawag na ipamalas ang pagkakaisang ito sa ating mga ugnayan—sa pamamagitan ng pag papasensya, kababaang-loob, at pag mamalasakit.

Maaaring mahirap para sa marami sa atin na lubos na maunawaan ang misteryo ng Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos. Ngunit may mga katotohanan sa ating pananampalataya na kalagan tanggapin natin ng buong puso. Isa na rito ang Dogma ng Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos: isang banal na misteryong ipinahayag hindi upang tayo’y lituhin, kundi upang dalhin tayo sa mas malalim na pananampalataya. 

Ngunit paano natin maisasabuhay ang misteryong ito kung bihira tayong dumalo sa Banal na Misa? Kung ang ating Bibliya ay nananatiling nakatabi at inaagiw sa isang sulok ng ating tahanan? Kung hindi tayo naglalaan ng oras sa panalangin at hindi isinasabuhay ang ating pananampalataya? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.”

+ + + + + + +

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.”

 + + + + + + +

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.”

+ + + + + + +

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.”