Reflection for July 9 Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. 

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. 

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” 

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Reflection:

How can we effectively evangelize? We must always stay connected with Jesus in both our words and deeds. We can never be effective evangelizers of Jesus’ teachings if we only preach them but do not live them. Our actions must echo the Gospel we share. 

Except for Judas, who betrayed Jesus, the other eleven apostles were effective messengers of His teachings for a simple reason: they preached them, they lived them, and they even gave their lives for them out of love for the Lord. 

They were simple people—some were fishermen, and like us, they were sinners too. In the eyes of men, they may not have been worthy to become Jesus’ apostles, but Jesus called them, and He qualified them. His grace transformed them into courageous witnesses of His love. 

Jesus is neither a discriminating nor a condemning God. He is a God of love, mercy, and compassion. And because of His love, He calls each of us to turn our backs on our sinful ways and follow Him. He invites us to help Him advance the Good News of His love and compassion in a world that desperately needs Him. 

You may say that you are not worthy to be called, but who is worthy? None of us, for we are all sinners. Yet what Jesus is asking for is your yes to His call. He will take care of the rest, and through His grace, your life will become a living testimony of His love. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 8 Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:32-38

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”  

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

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Reflection: 

Are you quick to hurl accusations without careful thought? 

In today’s Gospel, after Jesus drove out the demon from the man, the Pharisees accused Him of being the prince of demons. A wild accusation with no basis at all, rooted only in their hatred toward Jesus. Why? Because Jesus was becoming popular among the people, and they saw Him as a threat to their authority. 

Perhaps, if we look into our hearts, we will see that we can be like the Pharisees at times. We may throw baseless accusations against others simply because we carry hurts and resentments within us. We may accuse others of wrongdoing simply because we want to get back at someone who has wronged us in the past. 

This tendency to hurl baseless accusations is not limited to church organizations; it also happens among friends, within families, and especially in politics, particularly during elections. But we must ask ourselves: Why throw baseless accusations? Why not choose peace, friendship, and understanding instead? If we truly follow Jesus, we will not seek to destroy the reputation of others but will strive to love and forgive, as Jesus has taught us. 

In the latter part of the Gospel, seeing the great crowd before Him, Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Indeed, the workers in the Lord’s vineyard remain few even today. Many people still do not know Jesus deeply and personally. We are invited, therefore, to share and live out His teachings so that those who do not know Him may come to know Him through our words, actions, and the way we live our daily lives. 

Would you allow yourself to be God’s instrument today? Would you help advance the teachings of Jesus, beginning by choosing peace over accusation, and love over hatred? 

May we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us so that, instead of tearing others down, we may lift them up and lead them closer to Jesus, our Savior and Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 7 Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:18-26

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.  

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. 

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

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Reflection: 

Do you always complement your faith with actions? Our faith in God is measured not just by what we believe but by how we live out that belief each day. 

In the Gospel, we read about a man who was full of faith and went to Jesus, saying, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live” (Matthew 9:18). His faith moved him to seek Jesus, even in his moment of deepest sorrow. 

There was also a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve long years. She came up behind Jesus and touched the tassel on His cloak, saying to herself, “If only I can touch His cloak, I shall be cured” (Matthew 9:21). Her faith led her to reach out to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal her. 

We, too, have our own stories of faith in Jesus. These stories did not happen by accident; they happened for a reason. We supported our faith with actions, and afterward, we entrusted everything to Jesus’ mercy, love, and compassion. 

It is the same mercy, love, and compassion that Jesus gave to the official’s daughter, and the same mercy and compassion He extended to the woman who had been suffering for so long. 

Let us, therefore, continue to have unwavering faith in Jesus. Let us support our faith with our actions—reaching out to Him in prayer, serving others, and trusting in His promises. When we do, God’s mercy, love, and compassion will surely be upon us. 

Do you always support your faith with action? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 6 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

At that time the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. 

Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.' Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town." 

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

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Reflection:

Is it hard to follow the way of Jesus? Yes, it’s hard. But will we stop following Him because it’s hard, or will we keep following Him even when the path is difficult? 

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two in pairs to prepare the way for Him, they knew it would not be a walk in the park. They knew there would be challenges and hardships along the way. 

Yet, knowing all these difficulties they would face, they still chose to go. Why? Why move forward when dangers and uncertainties awaited them? They moved forward because they trusted that the abiding presence of Jesus would be with them every step of the way. 

This is what often weakens our resolve as we follow Jesus: our fear of the difficulties and uncertainties ahead. But why should we fear when the abiding presence of Jesus is always by our side? 

If we let fear paralyze us, who will work in the vineyard of the Lord? Who will shepherd, care for, and minister to the abundant harvest that is waiting? 

Why fear when Jesus Himself has promised: "I am with you always, until the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) 

Let us continue to follow Jesus, even when the road is hard, trusting that He walks with us, strengthening us, and guiding us as we serve in His vineyard.– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Hulyo 6, Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 10: 1-12, 17-20

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10: 1-12, 17-20

Noong panahong iyon, ang Panginoon ay humirang pa ng pitumpu’t dalawa. Pinauna niya sila nang dala-dalawa sa bawat bayan at pook na patutunguhan niya. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mga manggagawa. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang bukirin. 

Humayo kayo! Sinusugo ko kayong parang mga kordero sa gitna ng mga asong-gubat. Huwag kayong magdala ng lukbutan, supot, o panyapak. Huwag na kayong titigil sa daan upang makipagbatian kaninuman. Pagpasok ninyo sa alinmang bahay, sabihin muna ninyo, ‘Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!’ 

Kung maibigin sa kapayapaan ang nakatira roon, sasakanila ang kapayapaan; ngunit kung hindi, hindi sila magkakamit nito. Manatili kayo sa bahay na inyong tinutuluyan; kanin ninyo at inumin ang anumang idulot sa inyo – sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatang tumanggap ng kanyang upa. Huwag kayong magpapalipat-lipat ng bahay. 

Kapag tinanggap kayo sa alinmang bayan, kanin ninyo ang anumang ihain sa inyo; pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit doon at sabihin sa bayan, ‘Nalalapit na ang paghahari ng Diyos sa inyo.’ Ngunit sa alinmang bayang hindi tumanggap sa inyo, lumabas kayo sa mga lansangan nito at sabihin ninyo, ‘Pati ang alikabok dito na dumikit sa aming mga paa ay ipinapagpag namin bilang babala sa inyo. 

Ngunit pakatandaaan ninyo nalapit na sa inyo ang paghahari ng Diyos!’ Sinasabi ko sa inyo: sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang kaparusahan ng mga tao sa bayang yaon kaysa dinanas ng mga taga-Sodoma!” Bumalik na tuwang-tuwa ang pitumpu’t dalawa. “Panginoon,” sabi nila. “kahit po ang mga demonyo ay sumusunod kapag inutusan namin, sa ngalan ninyo.” 

Sumagot si Hesus, “Nakita ko ang pagkahulog ni Satanas mula sa langit – parang kidlat. Binigyan ko kayo ng kapangyarihang tumapak sa mga ahas at mga alakdan, at yumurak sa kapangyarihan ng kaaway. Walang makapipinsala sa inyo. Gayunman, magalak kayo, hindi dahil sa suko sa inyo ang masasamang espiritu kundi dahil sa nakatala sa langit ang pangalan ninyo.”

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Repleksyon:

Mahirap bang sundan ang daan ni Jesus? Oo, mahirap. Pero titigil ba tayong sumunod sa Kanya dahil mahirap, o ipagpapatuloy pa rin natin ang pagsunod kahit mahirap ang daan? 

Nang isinugo ni Jesus ang pitumpu’t dalawa nang pares upang ihanda ang Kanyang daraanan, alam nila na hindi ito magiging madali. Alam nila na may mga pagsubok at hirap silang haharapin sa kanilang pag mimisyon. 

Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng lahat ng kahirapang ito na kanilang alam na daranasin nila, pinili pa rin nilang tumuloy. Bakit? Bakit pa sila nagpatuloy kung maraming panganib at hindi tiyak ang kanilang kahihinatnan? Nagpatuloy sila dahil nagtitiwala sila na ang presensya ni Jesus ay laging kasama nila sa bawat hakbang ng kanilang pag mimisyon. 

Ito rin ang madalas nagpapahina sa ating loob sa pagsunod kay Jesus: ang ating takot sa mga hirap at hindi tiyak na bukas. Pero bakit tayo matatakot kung ang presensya ni Jesus ay laging nasa ating tabi? 

Kapag hinayaan nating paralisahin tayo ng takot, sino pa ang maglilingkod sa ubasan ng Panginoon? Sino pa ang mag-aalaga, magpapastol, at maglilingkod sa masaganang ani na naghihintay? 

Bakit tayo matatakot kung si Jesus mismo ang nangako: “Ako ay laging kasama ninyo hanggang sa katapusan ng mundo.” (Mateo 28:20) 

Magpatuloy tayong sumunod kay Jesus kahit mahirap ang daan, nagtitiwala tayo na kasama natin Siya, na pinalalakas tayo ni Jesus, at ginagabayan tayo habang tayo ay naglilingkod sa Kanyang ubasan. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 5 Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:14-17

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.  

No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” 

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Reflection: 

Do you already have Jesus in your life? 

When you have Jesus in your life, you become like a fresh wineskin—strong, ready, and open to receive the new wine of His love and grace. A new wineskin is sturdy and can withstand the pressure when it is filled. In the same way, when we let Jesus dwell in us, we are able to endure the challenges and burdens of this life with hope and quiet strength. 

This is what happens when we allow Jesus to take His rightful place in our hearts. We become resilient, no matter what problems life may bring. No person and no problem, no matter how heavy, can break us because Jesus is with us. 

But why is it so hard for many of us to feel Jesus’ presence? It is because we often do not give Him our time. We say we are busy, but in truth, we find time for so many other things that do not nourish our souls. We invest countless hours on worldly concerns, scrolling endlessly on our smartphones, chasing temporary pleasures, yet we find it hard to spend even a few quiet moments with Jesus, our life-giver. 

This is the paradox of our modern life: we say we do not have time for Jesus, yet we have time for many things that leave our souls empty. 

If you want to have a fresh and hope-filled outlook on your future and on life itself, let Jesus into your heart today. Do not close your heart to the Lord for the sake of worldly things that will only bring you restlessness and emptiness in the end. Let Jesus, who alone can give true peace and joy, be the center of your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 4 Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.  

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” 

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Reflection: 

Why does Jesus call us to follow Him? 

He calls us because of His great love for us. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to be led astray by the many sins and distractions of this world. He doesn’t want any of us to suffer in hell when our life here on earth comes to an end. Instead, He longs for us to be with Him in heaven. 

In our Gospel today, we meet a man named Matthew, a corrupt tax collector, who was called by Jesus to follow Him. Even though Matthew was a sinner, deep in his heart, he knew Jesus. He knew that in Jesus, he would find healing, forgiveness, and a new life. Matthew knew that in Jesus, he would find someone who would not condemn him but would lovingly listen to his desire to repent and start anew as His follower. 

So when Jesus told Matthew, “Follow Me” (Matthew 9:9), Matthew immediately left everything behind and followed the Lord. At that moment, Matthew heard the sweetest words he could ever hear in his entire life. 

The call of Jesus made Matthew whole again. For years, sin had left him empty and broken, but Jesus’ call brought him freedom and new hope. Perhaps Matthew burst into tears when he heard Jesus calling him to follow Him. They were tears of indescribable joy, tears of relief, and tears of freedom from the chains of sin. 

Jesus is also calling you today. Will you leave everything behind and follow Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 4 Biyernes sa Ika-13 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:9-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:9-13

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus sa lugar na iyon. Sa kanyang paglalakad, nakita niya ang isang taong ang pangala'y Mateo; nakaupo ito sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya, "Sumunod ka sa akin." Tumindig si Mateo at sumunod sa kanya. 

Nang si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nasa bahay ni Mateo, dumating ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanan. At sila'y magkakasalong kumain. Nang makita ito nang mga Pariseo, tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, "Bakit sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan ang inyong guro?" 

Narinig ito ni Jesus at siya ang sumagot, "Ang mga maysakit ang siyang nangangailangan ng manggagamot, hindi ang mga walang sakit. Humayo kayo at unawain ang kahulugan nito, 'Habag ang ibig ko at hindi hain.' Sapagkat naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal."

Reflection for Thursday July 3 Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle: John 20:24-29

Gospel: John 20:24-29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 

Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

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Reflection:

Do we sometimes need an affirmation of our faith in Jesus? That is perfectly OK. It shows that our faith is alive, seeking, and growing. Whenever we long for our faith in Jesus to be affirmed, we simply need to become more sensitive to His gentle movements in our life. 

Each new morning is a gift from Him, a quiet miracle we often overlook. It is not a mere routine that we wake up each day; it is Jesus Himself giving us the grace of new life. If we open our hearts to the quiet stirrings of His presence, we will discover that the dawning of each day is His loving reminder that He is with us. 

Thomas, too, needed an affirmation of his faith from his Lord and Master (John 20:25). He longed to see and touch the wounds of Jesus before he could believe that Jesus had truly risen. In many ways, we are like Thomas. We, too, desire signs from Jesus to strengthen our faith. 

Yet, Jesus has been giving us signs of His presence every day. In the small blessings we receive, in the quiet moments of peace, and even in the challenges we face, He is there, moving and guiding us. We simply need to be sensitive and thankful for these signs, for in them, Jesus is affirming His love and presence in our life. 

May we always be attentive to the gentle movements of Jesus, and may our faith grow deeper as we recognize His hand in the everyday moments of our life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

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

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