Reflection for Sunday June 29 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Matthew 16:13-19

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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Reflection:

If someone were to ask you today: “Who is Jesus to you?” Your answer would likely depend on how well you know Him. 

Some of us may say, “Jesus is my friend—He’s always there for me.” Others might say, “He’s like a brother—always ready to help.” Indeed, the way we see Jesus reflects the depth of our personal relationship with Him. 

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul—two pillars of our faith.

Saint Peter was the foremost of the apostles. Jesus built His Church upon him, making him the visible head of the Twelve. Saint Paul, on the other hand, was called to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles—those who did not yet know Christ. Both saints faithfully shared in the ministry of Jesus. Both gave their lives for the sake of the Good News. 

In the Gospel, Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13) They gave different answers—some said John the Baptist, others Elijah or one of the prophets. But then Jesus asked a more personal question: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15) Simon Peter replied with deep conviction: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blessed him in return and affirmed that this truth was revealed to him by the Father. 

Peter knew Jesus intimately. Among all the apostles, he was frequently by the Lord’s side (see Matthew 10:2; 14:28; 15:15; 17:24; 19:27; Luke 8:51; 12:41). He was the one who initially resisted when Jesus wanted to wash his feet (John 13:7–9). He was the one who drew his sword to defend Jesus during His arrest (John 18:10). He was the first apostle to enter the empty tomb (Luke 24:12) and the first to whom the Risen Lord appeared (Luke 24:34). 

Like Peter, are we walking closely with Jesus—especially through the Sacraments and the Holy Mass? Like Peter, do we desire to know Jesus more deeply by reading the Holy Scriptures, especially the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? 

Saint Paul had a different path. He did not walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry, but after encountering Him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), his life was radically transformed. From being a persecutor of Christians, he became Christ’s most passionate missionary. His zeal for spreading the Gospel remains unmatched even today. 

Saint Paul allowed Jesus to move in his life so powerfully that he became a voice of Christ to the nations. He used his education and gifts to author many of the letters we now read in the New Testament—words that continue to inspire and guide the Church. 

Are we also allowing Jesus to work through us? Are we letting Him use our gifts, our knowledge, and our lives to help others know Him more? 

If Jesus were to look into your heart right now and ask: “Who do you say that I am?” Would you be able to respond with deep faith, love, and conviction? Let this question echo in your soul today. Let it lead you to a deeper relationship with the One who knows you best and loves you most. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hunyo 29, Dakilang Kapistahan nina San Pedro at San Pablo, mga apostol: Mateo 16:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-19

Noong panahong iyon, dumating si Jesus sa Cesarea ng Filipos, tinanong niya ang kanyang mga alagad, "Sino raw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa mga tao?" At sumagot sila, "Ang sabi po ng ilan ay si Juan Bautista kayo. Sabi naman ng iba, si Elias kayo. At may nagsasabi pang si Jeremias kayo o isa sa mga propeta." "Kayo naman, ano ang sabi ninyo? Sino ako?" tanong niya sa kanila.  

Sumagot si Simon Pedro, "Kayo po ang Cristo, ang Anak ng Diyos na buhay." Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Mapalad ka, Simon na anak ni Jonas! Sapagkat ang katotohanang ito'y hindi inihayag sa iyo ng ibang tao kundi ng aking Amang nasa langit. 

At sinasabi ko naman sa iyo, ikaw ay Pedro, at sa ibabaw ng batong ito ay itatayo ko ang aking simbahan, at hindi makapananaig sa kanya kahit sa kapangyarihan ng kamatayan.  Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng langit: ang ipagbawal mo sa lupa ay ipagbabawal sa langit, at ang ipahintulot mo sa lupa ay ipahihintulot sa Langit."

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Repleksyon:

Kung may magtatanong sa iyo ngayon: “Sino si Jesus para sa iyo?” Malamang ang iyong sagot ay nakabatay sa kung gaano mo Siya kakilala. Maaaring sabihin ng ilan sa atin, “Si Jesus ay kaibigan ko—lagi Siyang nariyan para sa akin.” Ang iba naman ay maaaring magsabi, “Si Jesus ay kapatid ko na—laging handang tumulong.”

Pero ang totoo ay ang ating pagsasabuhay sa kanyang mga utos ang tunay na    sumasalamin sa lalim ng ating personal na ugnayan sa Kanya. 

Sa araw na ito, ginugunita ng Simbahan ang Kapistahan nina San Pedro at San Pablo—dalawang haligi ng ating pananampalataya. Si San Pedro ang pangunahing apostol; ang unang Santo Papa. Itinatag ni Jesus ang Kanyang Simbahan sa pamamagitan nya at siya ang ginawang pinuno ng Labindalawa. 

Samantalang si San Pablo ay tinawag upang dalhin ang Mabuting Balita sa mga Hentil—yaong mga hindi pa nakakakilala kay Kristo.Tapat na ibinahagi nilang dalawa ang misyon ni Jesus, at inialay nila ang kanilang mga buhay alang-alang sa Ebanghelyo. 

Sa atin pong mabuting balita ay tinanong ni Jesus ang Kanyang mga alagad:“Ano ang sinasabi ng mga tao tungkol sa Anak ng Tao?” (Mateo 16:13) Iba’t ibang sagot ang kanilang ibinigay—may nagsabing si Juan Bautista, ang iba nama’y si Elias o isa sa mga propeta. 

Ngunit muling nagtanong si Jesus, sa mas personal na paraan:“Ngunit kayo, sino Ako para sa inyo?” (Mateo 16:15) Sumagot si Simon Pedro nang may buong pananalig:  “Ikaw ang Kristo, ang Anak ng Diyos na Buhay.” At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya: “Mapalad ka, Simon na anak ni Jonah.” Ipinahayag din ng Panginoon na ang katotohanang iyon ay galing mismo sa Ama. 

Malapit si Pedro kay Jesus. Sa lahat ng mga apostol, siya ang madalas na kasa-kasama ng Panginoon (Mateo 10:2; 14:28; 15:15; 17:24; 19:27; Lucas 8:51; 12:41). Siya rin ang unang tumutol nang gustong hugasan ni Jesus ang Kanyang mga paa (Juan 13:7–9). Nang aarestuhin si Jesus, si Pedro ang humugot ng tabak at tinaga ang alipin (Juan 18:10). Siya ang unang apostol na pumasok sa libingang walang laman (Lucas 24:12), at siya rin ang unang nakakita sa Muling Nabuhay na Panginoon (Lucas 24:34). 

Gaya ni Pedro, nakikipaglakbay din ba tayo kay Jesus—lalo na sa pamamagitan ng mga Sakramento at sa Banal na Misa? Gaya ni Pedro, nagnanais ba tayong higit na makilala si Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pagninilay sa Banal na Kasulatan, lalo na sa mga Ebanghelyo nina Mateo, Marcos, Lucas, at Juan? 

Si San Pablo naman ay may naiibang karanasan. Hindi siya nakasama ni Jesus noong Kanyang ministeryo sa lupa, ngunit matapos niyang makatagpo ang Panginoon sa daan patungong Damasco (Gawa 9), lubos na nabago ang kanyang buhay. Mula sa pagiging taguusig ng mga Kristiyano, siya'y naging isa sa pinaka-masidhing misyonero ni Kristo. Hanggang ngayon, walang kapantay ang kanyang sigasig sa pagpapalaganap ng Mabuting Balita. 

Lubos niyang pinahintulutan si Jesus na gumalaw sa kanyang buhay—at siya ay naging tinig ni Kristo sa maraming bansa.Ginamit niya ang kanyang kaalaman at karunungan upang isulat ang maraming liham na ngayon ay bahagi na ng Bagong Tipan—mga salitang patuloy na umaakay at nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa Simbahan. 

Hinahayaan din ba natin si Jesus na kumilos sa ating buhay? Ibinubukas ba natin ang ating puso, ang ating talino, at ang ating kakayahan upang ipakilala si Jesus sa iba? 

Kung titingnan tayo ngayon ni Jesus at tatanungin: “ Ikaw, sino Ako para sa iyo?” Ano po kaya ang ating maisasagot sa kanya? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Saturday June 28 Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 2:41-51

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.  

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 

But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Reflection:

Have we experienced the feeling of fear and uncertainty? 

Every one of us, at some point, has felt fear and uncertainty. For example, when a loved one is rushed to the hospital for an emergency, our hearts are gripped by fear, and our minds are clouded with worry about what might happen next. Amidst the anxiety and fear, who alone can give us the peace to calm down? It is none other than God, to whom we run in deep and humble prayer. 

When Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary realized that the child Jesus was not with them, they must have felt deep fear and anxiety as well. But even in the midst of these troubling emotions, they remained calm and peaceful because they were faithful worshippers of God, trusting fully in His divine providence. 

Perhaps deep in their hearts, they knew that God would lead them to find Jesus safe and sound. And so, they returned to search for Him, and they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. 

Today, as we celebrate the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we remember her heart overflowing with love for her Son and for Saint Joseph, her faithful spouse. We remember her Immaculate Heart, filled with humility and surrender to the will of God, even in the most painful moments of her life. 

May we pray that our hearts may become like the heart of our Blessed Mother: A heart overflowing with humility and trust in God.  A heart willing to embrace suffering for the love of God. A heart deeply rooted in faith, love, and service to others. A heart that remains pure, for it does not keep a record of wrongs nor harbor hatred, but instead forgives as God forgives us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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."