Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 25 Miyerkules sa Ika-12 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:15-20

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Mag-ingat kayo sa mga bulaang propeta; nagsisilapit sila sa inyo na animo'y tupa, ngunit ang totoo'y mababangis na asong-gubat. Makikilala ninyo sila sa kanilang mga gawa. Napipitas ba ang ubas sa puno ng dawag, o ang igos sa puno ng aroma? 

Nagbubunga ng mabuti ang bawat mabuting punongkahoy, subalit nagbubunga ng masama ang masamang punongkahoy. Hindi maaaring magbunga ng masama ang mabuting punongkahoy, ni ng mabuti ang masamang punongkahoy. Ang bawat puno na di nagbubunga ng mabuti ay pinuputol at itinatapon sa apoy. Kaya nga, makikilala ninyo sa kanilang mga gawa ang mga bulaang propeta."

Reflection for Tuesday June 24 Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist: Luke 1:57-66, 80

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”  

But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. 

Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

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Reflection:

Are you faithful to the Lord?

In many families, it is customary to name a newborn child after the father as a way of continuing the family name and legacy. This was the very thought in the minds of Elizabeth’s relatives when they insisted that her newborn son be named after his father, Zechariah.

But something greater had already taken place. Earlier, the Angel Gabriel had appeared to Zechariah while he was serving in the sanctuary. The angel brought with him a divine message—that the child was to be named John (Luke 1:13). This name was not chosen by man, but by God.

Faithful and obedient, both Elizabeth and Zechariah held firm to God’s word. They did not yield to the pressure of tradition or the expectations of others. Instead, they honored their covenant with the Lord. And what followed was a blessing: Zechariah’s tongue was loosened, and he was able to speak again—a reward for his trust and obedience.

What does this mean for us today? It is a reminder that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him. The Lord never forgets those who keep His word and walk in His ways.

We are being invited by this Gospel to reflect on our own promises and commitments to God. You may ask yourself: What is my covenant with the Lord?

There are many. For example, if you are married, one of your sacred covenants is to remain faithful to your spouse—through joy and sorrow, health and sickness, until the very end.

As baptized Christians, we have promised to follow Christ and to remain true to the teachings of His Church. But let us ask: Have we been faithful to this call? Have we lived and shared the truths of our faith in our words and actions?

The Lord, who saw the faithfulness of Elizabeth and Zechariah, rewarded them. And He will do the same for us—if we remain true to Him.

Let us not lose heart. Let us renew our promise to God every day, in the quiet moments of prayer, in the small acts of love, and in the courage to live our faith boldly. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hunyo 24 Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagsilang ni San Juan Bautista: Lucas 1:57-66, 80

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66, 80

Dumating ang araw ng panganganak ni Elisabet, at nagluwal siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki. Nabalitaan ng kanyang mga kapitbahay at mga kamag-anak na siya'y pinagpala ng Panginoon, at nakigalak sila sa kanya. 

Nang ikawalong araw, dumalo sila sa pagtutuli ng sanggol. Zacarias sana ang ipangangalan sa kanya -- gaya ng kanyang ama -- ngunit sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Hindi! Juan ang ipapangalan sa kanya." "Subalit wala isa man sa iyong mga kamag-anak ang may ganyang pangalan," wika nila. 

Kaya't hinudyatan nila ang kanyang ama at itinanong kung ano ang ibig niyang itawag sa sanggol. Humingi siya ng masusulatan at sumulat ng ganito: "Juan ang kanyang Pangalan." At namangha silang lahat. Pagdaka'y nakapagsalita siya, at nagpuri sa Diyos. 

Natakot ang kanilang kapitbahay, anupat naging usap-usapan sa buong kaburulan ng Judea ang mga bagay na ito. Pinakaisip-isip ito ng lahat ng nakaalam at ang kanilang tanong: "Magiging ano nga kaya ang batang ito?" Sapagkat maliwanag na sumasakanya ang Panginoon. Lumaki ang bata at naging malakas ang kanyang espiritu. Siya'y tumira sa ilang hanggang sa araw na magpakilala siya sa Israel.

Reflection for June 23 Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:1-5

Gospel: Matthew 7:1-5

Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?  

How can you say to your brother ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye, while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

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Reflection:

What do we truly gain by judging others? 

Nothing—except the burden of hatred slowly building in our hearts. And if this is not corrected through humility, it can lead to inner unrest, emotional sickness, or even physical illness. Hatred festers quietly, yet it can destroy us deeply. 

But what if we choose not to judge—or at least, are not quick to judge? Then peace will reign within. Our hearts will be lighter, our faces more radiant with grace. Even our bodies may be spared the stress that judgment often brings. We may not realize it, but freedom from judgment brings freedom of the soul. It allows us to live with joy and compassion, not bitterness or comparison. 

Why are we often quick to judge others? It is because we unconsciously place ourselves above others. We believe we know better, act better, or are better. This sense of superiority takes root when God is no longer the center of our hearts. When we remove Him from His rightful place, pride slips in and convinces us that we are better than our neighbor. 

But why should we feel superior when we are all created in the image and likeness of God? Where does this feeling come from? It comes from our failure to let God dwell in us permanently. His absence creates a void, and that void is often filled with ego, pride, and judgment. 

There is a story of a woman who was very active in her parish church. She was always present, always involved. Yet many avoided her—not because she wasn’t devout, but because she was harsh, judgmental, and self-righteous. She looked down on others and thought too highly of herself. 

And if we’re honest, aren’t we sometimes the same? Quick to criticize, slow to understand? Full of pride, yet blind to our own faults? 

In the Gospel for this Monday, Jesus speaks plainly: “Stop judging.” Why? Because when we judge, we separate ourselves from the person we judge. We put up walls instead of building bridges. We close our hearts instead of opening them. And when we do this, how can others feel the warmth of Jesus through us? How can we help lead them to His love, if we have already condemned them in our hearts? 

Let us ask the Lord to purify our thoughts. May we learn to see others with His eyes—eyes of mercy, compassion, and love. Instead of judgment, may we offer understanding. Instead of condemnation, may we extend forgiveness and love. Only then can the light of Christ shine through us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 23 Lunes ng Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:1-5

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:1-5

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong hatulan ang inyong kapwa, upang hindi kayo hatulan ng Diyos. Sapagkat hahatulan kayo ng Diyos ayon sa hatol na inihahatol ninyo sa iba. Ang panukat ninyo sa iba ay siya ring ipanunukat sa inyo.  

Bakit mo nakikita ang puwing sa mata ng iyong kapatid, ngunit hindi mo pinapansin ang puwing mong gatahilan sa iyong mata? Paano mong masasabi sa iyong kapatid, 'Halika't aalisin ko ang puwing mo,' gayong gatahilan ang nasa mata mo? Mapagpaimbabaw! Alisin mo muna ang puwing na gatahilan at sa gayo'y makakikita kang mabuti at maaalis mo ang puwing ng iyong kapatid."

Reflection for Sunday June 22, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: Luke 9:11b-17

Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17

Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." 

He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." 

They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

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Reflection:

What happens when we become too familiar with someone special to us? 

When we become overly familiar with someone who is special to us, the tendency is that we may eventually begin to see that person as ordinary. For example, during courtship, a man or woman would go to great lengths to show affection to their future spouse—through thoughtful words, kind deeds, and frequent gifts. 

But after years of being married, the once-special treatment often fades. The gestures that once sparked joy become routine, and what was once extraordinary becomes ordinary. Why? Because they have grown too familiar with each other. 

Perhaps this is what happened to the twelve apostles. They had walked with Jesus for almost three years. Day and night, they witnessed Him perform miracles—healing the sick, feeding thousands, casting out demons. But over time, even the miraculous became part of the daily rhythm, something almost expected rather than deeply revered. 

That may be why, as the day was drawing to a close, the apostles approached Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions, for we are in a deserted place here” (Luke 9:12). 

In their familiarity, they forgot who Jesus truly is. They forgot that He could feed thousands with a few loaves and fish. They forgot the power that flowed from Him—the power they had seen again and again. The awe in their hearts had slowly dimmed, replaced by routine and expectation. 

This can happen to us, too. When our relationship with Jesus becomes routine, we may begin to see Him as ordinary. We forget that He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the source of every miracle in our lives. We forget the power and grace that flow from His Body and Blood—offered to us in every Holy Mass. 

Whenever we approach the Holy Eucharist, we are not partaking of a mere symbol—we are receiving the true Body and Blood of Christ. And through this divine gift, Jesus longs to reinvigorate our tired bodies, refresh our weary spirits, and pour new life into our anxious hearts. 

Are you feeling burdened by life’s challenges? Worn out by problems that never seem to end? Perhaps now is the time to return to the One who gives rest to the weary and strength to the faint. Attend Holy Mass. Receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Allow Jesus to breathe new life into your soul. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hunyo 22, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Kabanal-banalang Katawan at Dugo ng Panginoon: Lucas 9:11b-17

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:11b-17

Noong panahong iyon, nagsalita si Hesus sa mga tao tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos; pinagaling niya ang mga may karamdaman. 

Nang dumidilim na’y nilapitan siya ng Labindalawa at sinabi sa kanya, “Paalisin na po ninyo ang mga tao nang makaparoon sila sa mga nayon sa kabukiran sa paligid upang humanap ng makakain at matutuluyan. Nasa isang ilang na lugar po tayo.” 

Ngunit sinabi niya, “Kayo ang magbibigay sa kanila ng makakain.” Sumagot sila, “Wala po tayo kundi limang tinapay at dalawang isda, kaya kailangang bumili kami ng pagkain para sa mga taong ito. May limanlibong lalaki ang naroon. Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, “Paupuin ninyo sila nang pulu-pulutong na tiglilimampu.” 

Gayun nga ang ginawa nila – pinaupo ang lahat. Kinuha ni Hesus ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda, tumingala sa langit, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinaghati-hati niya ang mga ito, at ibinigay sa kanyang mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao. Nakakain ang lahat at nabusog. Tinipon ng mga alagad ang lumabis; at nakapuno sila ng labindalawang bakol.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang nangyayari kapag sobrang nagiging pamilyar na tayo sa isang taong espesyal sa atin? 

Kapag tayo ay sobrang nagiging pamilyar na sa isang taong mahalaga sa atin, may posibilidad na mawala ang ating paghanga sa kanya. Ang dating kakaiba at espesyal ay nagiging karaniwan na lang. Halimbawa, noong panahon ng panliligaw, ang lalaki o babae ay todo ang pagpapakita ng pagmamahal—may mga regalo, matatamis na salita, at espesyal na pagtrato. 

Ngunit paglipas ng maraming taon ng pagsasama bilang mag-asawa, unti-unting nababawasan ang mga pagpapakitang iyon. Ang dating nakakapagpasaya ay nagiging bahagi na lang ng araw-araw. Bakit? Sapagkat sila ay masyado nang nasanay sa isa’t isa. 

Ganyan din marahil ang nangyari sa labindalawang alagad ni Jesus. Halos tatlong taon silang laging kasama ni Jesus—umaga’t gabi. Nasaksihan nila ang napakaraming himala: pagpapagaling ng maysakit, pagpaparami ng pagkain, pagpapalayas ng masasamang espiritu. Ngunit habang tumatagal, tila naging ordinaryo na lamang para sa kanila ang mga kamangha-manghang ito. 

Kaya’t nang gumagabi na, sinabi nila kay Jesus: “Paalisin na po ninyo ang mga tao upang makapunta sila sa mga nayon at sakahan sa paligid upang makahanap ng matutuluyan at makakain, sapagkat narito po tayo sa ilang na lugar” (Lucas 9:12). 

Dahil sa labis na pagiging pamilyar nila kay Jesus, nakalimutan nilang Siya’y makapangyarihan. Nakalimutan nilang kayang-kaya Niyang pakainin ang napakaraming tao. Nakalimutan nila ang napakaraming himalang nakita at naranasan nila. Nawalan na ng ningning ang pananampalataya sa kanilang mga mata—dahil sa pagiging kampante at pamilyar. 

At tayo rin ay maaaring dumaan sa ganitong karanasan. Kapag palagian na nating naririnig ang pangalan ni Jesus, kapag paulit-ulit na ang ating pagdarasal at pagsisimba, may tsansa na ang ating pananampalataya ay maging malamig at karaniwan. Nakakalimutan natin na si Jesus ay Diyos na buhay. Nakakalimutan natin na ang Kanyang Katawan at Dugo ay tunay na naroroon sa bawat Banal na Misa—handa tayong pagpalain, palakasin, at bigyan muli ng positibong pananaw sa buhay. 

Sa bawat paglapit natin sa Banal na Komunyon, hindi lamang tayo nakikibahagi sa isang ritwal. Tinatanggap natin mismo si Jesus—ang pagkaing nagbibigay-buhay. Siya ang nagpapalakas sa ating katawang pagod, Siya ang nagbibigay sigla sa ating pusong nalulumbay, at Siya ang nagbibigay ng kapanatagan sa ating isipang balisa. 

Pagod ka na ba sa dami ng suliraning hinaharap mo? Nanghihina ka na ba sa bigat ng buhay? Marahil ito na ang panahon upang lumapit kay Jesus—dumalo sa Banal na Misa at tanggapin ang Kanyang Katawan at Dugo. Hayaan mong Siya ang magbigay sa iyo ng lakas at pag-asa. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday June 21 Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious: Matthew 6:24-34

Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34

Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them. 

If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. 

Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

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Reflection:

There was once a man who deeply desired to test the providence of God. With bold faith, he prayed and said: “Lord, I will go to a remote mountain. I will stay there for a whole month. I will bring nothing with me—only the clothes I am wearing. I trust that You will provide.” 

During the first week, he survived by picking fruits that grew within his reach. Then, as the second week began, he unexpectedly came across a small, community of tribesmen. When they saw him, they were astonished. He was unlike anyone they had ever encountered. In their hearts, they said, “This man must be sent by God.” They welcomed him with great kindness and treated him like a king. 

In return, he taught them simple but meaningful lessons—things that could help them in their daily lives. It became a beautiful exchange of grace and generosity. 

When the month had passed, the man bade them farewell. His heart was overflowing with gratitude. He was now fully convinced of the boundless and eternal providence of God. 

In the Gospel, Jesus lovingly reminds us: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will He not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:30–32) 

The secret to a joyful and meaningful life is not found in material abundance, but in serving God with whatever we have and surrendering ourselves to His divine providence. He will surely provide—just as He always has—for those who trust in Him. 

Let us not be anxious. Let us not be afraid. God knows our needs, even before we ask. And to calm our restless hearts, Jesus Himself assures us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me.” (John 14:1) – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Hunyo 21 Paggunita kay San Luis Gonzaga namamanata sa Diyos: Mateo 6:24-34

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:24-34

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad:"Walang makapaglilingkod ng sabay sa dalawang panginoon sapagkat kapopootan niya ang isa at iibigin ang ikalawa, paglilingkuran ng tapat ang isa at hahamakin ang ikalawa. Hindi kayo makapaglilingkod ng sabay sa Diyos at sa kayamanan. 

"Kaya't sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag kayong mabagabag, tungkol sa pagkain at inumin na kailangan ninyo upang mabuhay, o tungkol sa damit na kailangan ng inyong katawan. Hindi ba't ang buhay ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pagkain, at ang katawan kaysa pananamit? Masdan ninyo ang mga ibon: hindi sila naghahasik ni nag-aani o kaya'y nagtitipon sa bangan. 

Gayunman, pinakakain sila ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Hindi ba't higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga ibon? Sino sa inyo ang makapagpapahaba ng kanyang buhay nang kahit isang oras sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagkabalisa? "At bakit kayo nababagabag tungkol sa pananamit? Isipin ninyo kung paanong sumisibol ang mga bulaklak sa parang; hindi sila nagpapagal ni humahabi man. 

Ngunit ito ang sasabihin ko sa inyo: maging si Solomon ay hindi nakapagsuot ng kasingganda ng isa sa mga bulaklak na ito, bagamat napakariringal ang mga damit niya. Kung ang mga damo sa kabukiran, na buhay ngayon at kinabukasa'y iginagatong sa kalan, ay dinaramtan ng Diyos, kayo pa kaya? Kay liit ng pananalig ninyo sa kanya! Kaya't huwag kayong mabalisa sa inyong kakanin, iinumin, o daramtin. 

Sapagkat ang mga bagay na ito ang kinahuhumalingan ng mga taong wala pang pananalig sa Diyos . Alam ng inyong Amang nasa langit na kailangan ninyo ang lahat ng ito. Ngunit pagsumakitan ninyo ng higit sa lahat ang pagharian kayo ng Diyos at mamuhay nang ayon sa kanyang kalooban, at ipagkakaloob niya ang lahat ng kailangan ninyo. 

Kaya, huwag ninyong ikabahala ang para sa araw ng bukas; saka na ninyo harapin kapag ito'y dumating. Sapat na sa bawat araw ang kanyang mga suliranin."

Reflection for June 20 Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:19-23

Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

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Reflection:

There were two friends named Glenn and Juan. Glenn was a man of the world—his heart was set on becoming rich. He poured much of his time and energy into growing his business, constantly thinking of ways to increase his wealth. In the eyes of the world, he was a great success; he eventually became one of the richest men in their town. But in the process, he became so consumed by worldly pursuits that God no longer had a place in his life. 

Juan, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. He wasn’t driven by a desire for riches. He was content with his simple job in the government. What mattered most to him was his relationship with the Lord. He was a devout man, never failing to attend Holy Mass and always ready to lend a helping hand in the community. His life radiated quiet faithfulness. 

In time, both friends passed away. Juan had a peaceful journey into eternal life and was welcomed into heaven. But Glenn was not as fortunate. Saint Peter denied him entry, for he had spent his life storing up treasures on earth—where moth and decay destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 

Whether we realize it or not, many of us tend to live like Glenn. We become overly concerned with material things and how others perceive us. We chase success, comfort, and recognition, forgetting that all of these are temporary. As Scripture reminds us, it’s like “chasing the wind.” All these earthly things will eventually slip through our fingers. 

What truly matters is that we store up treasures in heaven—where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. We do this by staying close to God, living with a spirit of humility and gratitude, and expressing our love for Him through acts of mercy, kindness, and compassion. 

Let us always remember that this world is not our final home. We are just pilgrims passing through. Therefore, let us put God first, above all else. May our hearts be set not on the passing things of this world, but on the eternal joy that awaits us in His Kingdom. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 20 Biyernes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:19-23

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Huwag kayong mag-impok ng kayamanan dito sa lupa; dito'y may naninirang tanga at kalawang, at may nakapapasok na magnanakaw. Sa halip, impukin ninyo ang mga kayamanan sa langit; doo'y walang naninirang tanga at kalawang, at walang nakapapasok na magnanakaw. 

Sapagkat kung saan naroon ang inyong kayamanan, naroon din naman ang inyong puso." "Ang mata ang pinakailaw ng katawan. Kaya't kung malinaw ang iyong mata, maliliwanagan ang iyong katawan. Ngunit kung malabo ang iyong mata, madirimlan ang buo mong katawan. Kaya't kung ang liwanag na nasa iyo ay kadiliman pala, napakadilim niyan!"

Reflection for June 19 Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  

“This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’

“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

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Reflection:

What is the prayer that reaches God? 

It is the prayer that springs from the heart—a prayer whispered in the quiet of our soul. Whether long or short, it is the sincerity of our hearts that matters most. 

Our Lord Jesus gave us the perfect prayer: the Our Father. It is perfect not only because it came from His lips, But because it draws us directly into the heart of God. Jesus Himself taught us to pray it. What a sacred gift! 

But let us ask ourselves honestly: Do we pray it with our hearts fully present? Or do we recite it while our minds wander? 

Think of those moments at Holy Mass—How do we pray the Our Father? Do we close our eyes to shut out distractions? Or do we pray it half-aware, our thoughts elsewhere? 

One beautiful way to pray this prayer is with our eyes closed—to remove all that might steal our attention, so we may focus entirely on the One who listens. 

Deep within, we long for that holy connection—to feel God’s nearness through this prayer, and through the silent prayers we offer from our hearts.  We especially feel this longing in times of loneliness, trials, and discouragement. It is in these sacred valleys of our lives that we hunger and thirst most deeply for God. 

Why? Because only God can truly satisfy. Only He gives meaning to our lives. So today, let us pray not just with our lips, But with hearts lifted in love, humility, and reverence. 

Let us allow every word of the Our Father to draw us closer to Him— The Father who sees in secret, And who hears every prayer spoken from the depths of the soul. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.”

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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

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.”

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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