Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Hulyo 3 Kapistahan ni Santo Tomas, apostol: Juan 20: 24-29

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:24-29

Si Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, isa sa Labindalawa, ay wala roon nang dumating si Jesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng ibang alagad, "Nakita namin ang Panginoon!" Sumagot si Tomas, "Hindi ako naniniwala hangga't di ko nakikita ang butas ng mga pako sa kanyang mga kamay, at naisusuot dito ang aking daliri, at hangga't hindi ko naipapasok ang aking kamay sa kanyang tagiliran." 

Makalipas ang walong araw, muling nagkatipon sa bahay ang mga alagad; kasama nila si Tomas. Nakapinid ang mga pinto, ngunit pumasok si Jesus at tumayo sa gitna nila. Sinabi niya, "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" Saka sinabi kay Tomas, "Tingnan mo ang aking mga kamay at ilapit dito ang iyong mga daliri.

Ipasok mo ang iyong kamay sa aking tagiliran. Huwag ka nang magalinlangan, maniwala ka na." Sumagot si Tomas, "Panginoon ko at Diyos ko!" Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Naniniwala ka na ba sapagkat nakita mo ako? Mapapalad ang mga naniniwala kahit hindi nila ako nakita."

Reflection for July 2 Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:28-34

Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? 

Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 

And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who believed that Satan could defeat God. Soon after, her belief in Satan slowly but surely eroded her faith in God. After a period of time, this woman was eventually possessed by Satan. 

Do we also believe that Satan can defeat God? It is better that we do not, because the moment we believe, we allow the power of Satan to slowly seep into our lives. Satan begins to become a reality in our life the moment we begin to believe in his power to defeat God. 

In our Gospel, we read about the power of Jesus over demons. They were no match for Jesus because they cowered before the Lord’s presence. What does this tell us? It tells us that Jesus is the supreme power above all, and that nothing can stand against Him. 

Evil exists within us because we allow it to exist; we give it the freedom to dwell in our hearts. How does this happen? It happens when we commit sin even when we know that what we are doing is wrong in the eyes of God. Thus, we give Satan the freedom to influence our lives. As it stays with us, it slowly but surely begins to control our minds, leading us to think of evil things and to do what is not pleasing to God. 

But all is not lost. If we know and have faith in Jesus, and if we begin to take Him and His teachings seriously, Satan will flee from us. Evil, or anything that is evil, will have no place in our values, our choices, and our lives. 

Why? For the simple and comforting reason that Jesus is the supreme power. And when we remain connected with Jesus through prayer, His Word, and obedience to His will, evil will not be able to influence our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 2 Miyerkules sa Ika-13 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:28-34

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:28-34

Noong panahong iyon, nang dumating si Jesus sa ibayo, sa lupain ng mga Gadenero, sinalubong siya ng dalawang lalaking galing sa libingan. Sila'y inaalihan ng mga demonyo at napakababangis kaya't walang mangahas na dumaan doon. Pagdaka'y sumigaw sila: "Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Anak ng Diyos? Naparito ka ba upang pahirapan kami nang hindi pa panahon?" 

Sa di kalayuan ay may malaking kawan ng baboy na nanginginain. At namanhik sa kanya ang mga demonyo, "Kung kami'y palalayasin mo, bayaan mo kaming pumasok sa mga baboy na iyon." Sinabi ni Jesus, "Humayo kayo." Kaya't lumabas sila sa dalawang lalaki at pumasok sa mga baboy. Ang buong kawan ay biglang sumibad ng takbo tungo sa bangin, nahulog sa lawa, at nalunod. 

Patakbong umuwi ng bayan ang mga tagapag-alaga ng kawan at pagdating doon ay ipinamalita ang lahat ng bagay, pati ang nangyari sa mga inalihan ng demonyo. Kaya't lumabas ang buong bayan upang salubungin si Jesus. Pagkakita sa kanya, ipinamanhik nilang siya'y umalis sa kanilang lupain.

Reflection for July 1 Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:23-27

Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”  

He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

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Reflection: 

What is faith? 

Faith is the fuel that keeps us moving forward, even in the midst of life’s uncertainties. When the disciples were being tossed by a violent storm, fear suddenly overcame them. They did not cling to their faith in Jesus, even though He was right there with them. That is why Jesus gently rebuked them, saying: “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26) 

Don’t we also allow ourselves to be paralyzed by our unfounded fears? The fear of dying, the fear of sickness, the fear of the unknown—these often creep into our hearts and steal our peace. We oftentimes allow these uncertainties to paralyze us. 

But what if, instead of giving in to fear, we turn to Jesus in prayer and ask Him to help us befriend death, sickness, and everything else we fear? When we do this, fear will gradually lose its grip on our hearts, and our minds will find true peace in Jesus. 

If we have faith in Jesus, there is nothing in this world that we need to fear. We will remain calm, even when uncertainties swirl around us, because we know that Jesus is with us. Our faith in Him is more than enough to strengthen us and to conquer every worry that weighs us down. 

The next time we face storms in our lives, let us be still, keep calm, and firmly hold on to our faith in Jesus. Even when the path ahead seems unclear, let us continue to trust. Let us continue to believe that Jesus will never forsake those who believe in Him. 

Let us strive to keep a laser-like focus on Jesus, refusing to give fear any space in our hearts. Remember, fear is a tool the devil uses to sway us away from the loving care and protection of Jesus. 

And if you ever feel that your faith is lacking, do not hesitate to humbly ask Jesus to give you the gift of faith. Nourish and strengthen this faith through an active prayer life, by reading the Holy Bible, and by being present at Holy Mass, where Jesus Himself is waiting to embrace you. 

May we all continue to walk each day in faith, choosing Jesus over fear, trusting that He will carry us through every storm we may encounter. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 1 Martes ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:23-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:23-27

Noong panahong iyon, sumakay si Jesus sa bangka, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Bumugso sa lawa ang isang malakas na unos, at halos matabunan ng mga alon ang bangka. ngunit natutulog noon si Jesus. 

Kaya't nilapitan siya ng mga alagad at ginising. "Panginoon, tulungan ninyo kami!" sabi nila. "Lulubog tayo!" At sinabi niya sa kanila, "Ano't kayo'y natatakot? 

Napakaliit naman ng pananalig ninyo!" Bumangon siya, sinaway ang hangin at ang dagat, at tumahimik ang mga ito. Namangha silang lahat at ang sabi, "Anong tao ito? Kahit ang hangin at dagat ay tumatalima sa kanya!"

Reflection for June 30 Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:18-22

Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” 

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

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Reflection:

Up to where are you willing to follow Jesus? Would you still follow Him if He leads you to care for the poor and the sick? Would you still follow Him if He leads you to a life of poverty? Would you still follow Him if He leads you to a life of sacrifice and perseverance? 

These questions are not easy to answer, especially since many of us have grown accustomed to a life of comfort and ease. Yet, throughout history and even today, there are people who have left everything behind—including their comfort and their treasures—to embrace a life of sacrifice and poverty for the sake of following Jesus. 

If we ask them how they are now after choosing to leave everything behind to follow Jesus, they will simply tell us that they have never been happier. They will tell us that walking closely with Jesus, even in simplicity and hardship, is the best life they have ever lived. 

A life with Jesus is always the best life. It remains the best even if it leads us to poverty, even if it calls us to care for the poor and the sick, and even if it invites us to a life of sacrifice and perseverance. 

For in following Jesus, we discover a joy that the world can never give, and a peace that only He can provide. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 30 Lunes ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:18-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:18-22

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Hesus ang makapal na tao sa kanyang paligid, iniutos niya sa mga kasama na maghandang tumawid sa ibayo. Nilapitan siya ng isang eskriba at sinabi sa kanya, “Guro, susunod po ako sa inyo saan man kayo pumaroon?” 

Sumagot si Hesus: “May mga lungga ang mga asong-gubat, at may mga pugad ang mga ibon, ngunit ang Anak ng Tao’y wala man lamang matulugan o mapagpahingahan.”  

Isa naman sa mga alagad ang nagsabi sa kanya, “Panginoon, maaari po bang umuwi muna ako upang ipalibing ang aking ama?” Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Sumunod ka sa akin, at ipaubaya mo na sa mga patay ang paglilibing ng kanilang mga patay.” 

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