Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Hunyo 28 Paggunita sa Kalinis-linisang Puso ng Birheng Maria: Lucas 2:41-51

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2: 41-51

Taun-taon tuwing pista ng Paskuwa, ang mga magulang ni Jesus ay pumupunta sa Jerusalem. At nang labindalawang taon na siya, pumaroon sila gaya ng dati nilang ginagawa. Pagkatapos ng pista, sila'y umuwi na. Nagpaiwan si Jesus sa Jerusalem ngunit hindi ito napansin ng kanyang mga magulang.  

Sa pag-aakala ng isa na si Jesus ay kasama ng isa, nagpatuloy sila sa maghapong paglalakbay. Nang malaman nilang hindi siya kasama, siya'y hinanap nila sa kanilang mga kamag-anak at kakilala. Hindi nila siya matagpuan, kaya't bumalik sila sa Jerusalem upang doon hanapin. At nang ikatlong araw, natagpuan nila si Jesus sa loob ng templo, nakaupong kasama ng mga guro.  

Nakikinig siya sa kanila at nagtatanong, at ang lahat ng nakarinig sa kanya ay namangha sa kanyang katalinuhan. Nagtaka rin ang kanyang mga magulang nang siya'y makita. Sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Anak, bakit naman ganyan ang ginawa mo sa amin? 

Balisang-balisa na kami ng iyong ama sa paghahanap sa iyo." Sumagot siya, "Bakit po ninyo ako hinahanap? Hindi ba ninyo alam na ako'y dapat na nasa bahay ng aking Ama?" Ngunit hindi nila nauunawaan ang pananalitang ito. 

Siya'y umuwing kasama nila sa Nazaret, at naging isang masunuring anak. Ang lahat ng bagay na ito ay iningatan ng kanyang ina sa kanyang puso. 

Reflection for Friday June 27 Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Luke 15:3-7

Gospel: Luke 15:3-7

Jesus addressed this parable to the Pharisees and scribes: "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? 

 And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' 

I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance."

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Reflection:

A wayward daughter, who had four children from four different men, was disowned by her parents. With a heavy heart and nowhere to go, she wandered in confusion and pain. Longing for a fresh start and spiritual direction, she found herself at the door of a convent, seeking advice and temporary shelter from the nuns who welcomed her with compassion. 

There are moments in life when we find it so easy to give up on those who are lost and wayward. We judge their mistakes, forgetting that they too are capable of repentance and transformation. Often, we fail to remember that we, too, are sinners. Yet Jesus, in His boundless mercy, never gave up on us—no matter how many times we’ve turned away from Him. 

Today, as we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are reminded of the depth of His love and mercy. In the Gospel, we encounter the Sacred Heart of our Lord—a heart that never gives up. A heart that willingly leaves behind the ninety-nine to search for the one who is lost. A heart that is ever gentle, patient, and eager to embrace the sinner who returns. 

If we are quick to judge, Jesus is quick to forgive. If we walk away from the broken and misguided, Jesus runs after them. His love never gives up, never grows weary, never fails. 

Do you have a wayward or misguided relative or friend? Don’t give up on them. Pray for them. Reach out to them. And when the Lord gives you the opportunity, gently share with them the light and hope that Jesus has poured into your own life. You may be the vessel through which Christ reaches their heart. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hunyo 27 Dakilang Kapistahan ng Kamahal-mahalang Puso ni Jesus: Lucas 15:3-7

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 15:3-7

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Pariseo at mga eskriba ang talinghagang ito: “Kung ang sinuman sa inyo ay may sandaang tupa, at mawala ang isa, ano ang gagawin niya? Iiwan ang siyamnapu’t siyam sa ilang at hahanapin ang nawawala hanggang sa matagpuan, hindi ba? Kapag nasumpungan na’y masaya niyang papasanin ito.   

Pagdating ng bahay, aanyayahan niya ang kanyang mga kaibigan at mga kapitbahay. Sasabihin niya, ‘Makipagsaya kayo sa akin, sapagkat nasumpungan ko sa wakas ang tupa kong nawawala!’ Sinasabi ko sa inyo, magkakaroon ng higit na kagalakan sa langit dahil sa isang makasalanang nagsisisi’t tumatalikod sa kanyang kasalanan kaysa siyamnapu’t siyam na matuwid na hindi nangangailangang magsisi. 

Reflection for June 26 Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:21-29

Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? 

Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name? Then I will declare to them solemnly ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. 

And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

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Reflection:

What will ensure your entry into the Kingdom of God when your time in this world comes to an end? It is your faith—built and anchored like a solid rock in Jesus. 

But what kind of faith are we talking about? It is not merely faith in name, or faith that is declared only in words. It is living faith—faith that is visible in your actions, in your love, in your service to others. A faith that bears fruit and leads others closer to Christ. 

It is easy to say, “I have faith. I am a Christian. I am a follower of Jesus.” But do we give substance to these declarations? Do we allow our lives to reflect these words? If we do, then thanks be to God! But if not yet, take heart—it is never too late to renew and deepen your relationship with the Lord. 

Every moment of your life is an opportunity—an invitation from God—to awaken your sleeping faith. He patiently waits for you to make it come alive, so that you may become like the wise man in the Gospel—who built his house on the rock. 

A house that no storm could destroy, because it was grounded firmly on Christ. Yes, storms will come—trials, heartbreak, uncertainty, pain. We have faced them, and we will likely face more.

But do you know what will keep you standing firm through it all? It is your rock-solid faith in Jesus—not a private, hidden faith, but one that is lived and shared in daily life. 

So now, take a moment to pause, reflect, and ask yourself: How is my faith in the Lord right now? Is it alive? Is it growing? Is it bearing fruit? 

God is calling you—today, this very moment—to strengthen your foundation in Him. He longs for you to walk with Him more deeply, more faithfully and more sincerely. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 26 Huwebes sa Ika-12 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:21-29

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:21-29

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Hindi lahat ng tumatawag sa akin, ‘Panginoon, Panginoon,’ ay papasok sa kaharian ng langit, kundi yaon lamang sumusunod sa kalooban ng aking Amang nasa langit. 

Pagdating ng huling Araw, marami ang magsasabi sa akin, ‘Panginoon, nangaral po kami at nagpalayas ng mga demonyo, at gumawa ng mga kababalaghan sa inyong pangalan!’ At sasabihin ko sa kanila, ‘Kailanma’y hindi ko kayo nakilala. Lumayo kayo sa akin, mga mapaggawa ng masama!’

“Kaya’t ang bawat nakikinig at nagsasagawa ng mga salita kong ito ay matutulad sa isang taong matalino na nagtayo ng kanyang bahay sa ibabaw ng bato. Umulan nang malakas, bumaha, at binayo ng malakas na hangin ang bahay na iyon, ngunit hindi nagiba sapagkat nakatayo sa ibabaw ng bato.

Ang bawat nakikinig ng aking mga salita at hindi nagsasagawa nito ay matutulad sa isang taong hangal na nagtayo ng kanyang bahay sa buhanginan. Umulan nang malakas, bumaha, at binayo ng malakas na hangin ang bahay. Bumagsak ang bahay na iyon at lubusang nawasak.”

Nang masabi na ni Hesus ang mga pananalitang ito, ang mga tao’y namangha. Sapagkat nagturo siya na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba.

Reflection for June 25 Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 

Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”

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Reflection:

Do you value external appearance? 

To many people, first impressions matter a lot. External appearance is something they hold in high regard. But first impressions can be misleading, and outward appearances are often deceptive. So how can we truly know the heart of a person? We must listen to their words, observe their actions, and prayerfully seek to know their true character. 

There are moments when we are easily captivated by what is seen on the surface, only to realize later that it was not genuine. The world we live in today is filled with pretense and superficiality. As followers of Christ, we are called not to judge by appearances, but to discern with the eyes of faith. Let us not be swayed by what we see with our naked eyes, for appearances can easily deceive. 

In the Gospel, Jesus warns us about false prophets. Who are they? They are those who speak beautifully about God, yet fail to live according to His teachings. They project a holy image outwardly, but inwardly, their hearts are far from God. Their good appearance is a façade meant to hide who they truly are. 

These individuals lead others astray while securing their own comfort and power. They preach rituals and religious practices, yet they do not walk the path they teach. There are many such false prophets today. That is why we must always be prayerful, watchful, and discerning. Let us remain rooted in God’s Word and guided by the Holy Spirit, so we may not be misled by those who wear the mask of holiness but deny its true power. 

Let us look beyond what the eyes can see and seek to know others through the light of Christ. True goodness and holiness flow not from appearances but from a heart that sincerely loves and obeys the Lord. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

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