Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 10 Huwebes sa Ika-14 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:7-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga may sakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo. Yamang tumanggap kayo nang walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo nang walang bayad. 

Huwag kayong magdala ng salapi -- maging ginto, pilak, o tanso -- sa inyong mga lukbutan. Huwag din kayong magdala ng supot sa inyong paglalakbay, ni bihisan, pampalit na panyapak, o tungkod; sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatan sa kanyang ikabubuhay. 

"At saanmang bayan o nayon kayo dumating, humanap kayo ng taong karapat-dapat pakituluyan, at manatili kayo roon habang kayo'y nasa lugar na iyon. Pagpasok ninyo sa bahay, sabihin ninyo, 'Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!' Kung karapat-dapat ang mga tao sa bahay na iyon, panatilihin ninyo sa kanila ang inyong bati. 

Ngunit kung hindi, bawiin ninyo ito. At kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang tahanan o bayan, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang ipaparusa sa mga tao sa bayang yaon kaysa dinanas ng mga taga-Sodoma at taga-Gomorra."

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 9 Miyerkules sa Ika-14 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:1-7

Noong panahong iyon, tinipon ni Jesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpapalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman. 

Ito ang pangalan ng labindalawang apostol: si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; sina Felipe at Bartolome; si Tomas, at si Mateo na publikano; si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo; si Simong Makabayan at si Judas Iscariote, ang nagkanulo kay Jesus.  

Ang labindalawang ito'y sinugo ni Jesus at kanyang pinagbilinan: "Huwag kayong pupunta sa lugar ng mga Hentil, o alinmang bayan ng mga Samaritano. Sa halip ay hanapin ninyo ang mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel. Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos."

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 8 Martes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:32-38

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:32-38

Noong panahong iyon, dinala kay Jesus ang isang piping inaalihan ng demonyo. Pinalayas ni Jesus ang demonyo at nakapagsalita ang pipi. Namangha ang mga tao, at sinabi nila, "Kailanma'y walang nakitang katulad nito sa Israel!" Datapwat sinabi ng mga Pariseo, "Ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo." 

Nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila'y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol. 

Kaya't sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang aanihin."

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 7 Lunes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:18-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:18-26

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang nagsasalita si Jesus, may dumating na isang pinuno ng mga Judio. Lumuhod sa harapan niya at ang sabi, "Kamamatay lang po ng aking anak na babae; ngunit sumama lang kayo sa akin at ipatong ang inyong kamay sa kanya ay mabubuhay siya." Tumindig si Jesus at sumama sa kanya, gayon din ang kanyang mga alagad. 

Sumunod din ang isang babaing may labingdalawang taon nang dinudugo. Lumapit ito sa likuran ni Jesus at hinipo ang laylayan ng kanyang damit. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, "Mahipo ko lamang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako." Bumaling si Jesus at pagkakita sa kanya'y sinabi, "Anak, lakasan mo ang iyong loob! Pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig." Noon di'y gumaling ang babae. 

Nang dumating si Jesus sa bahay ng pinuno, nakita niya ang mga manunugtog ng plauta at ang maraming taong nagkakaingay. Sinabi niya, "Magsilabas kayo! Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lang!" At siya'y pinagtawanan nila. Ngunit nang mapalabas na ang mga tao, pumasok siya, hinawakan sa kamay ang bata at ito'y nagbangon. At ang balita tungkol sa pangyayaring ito ay kumalat sa buong lupaing iyon.   

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 5 Sabado sa Ika-13 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:14-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:14-17

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit kay Hesus ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista at ang wika, “Malimit kaming mag-ayuno, gayun din ang mga Pariseo. Bakit po hindi nag-aayuno ang inyong mga alagad?” Sumagot siya, “Maaari bang magdalamhati ang mga panauhin sa kasalan habang kasama nila ang lalaking ikinasal? Kapag wala na siya, saka pa lamang sila mag-aayuno. 

“Walang nagtatagpi ng bagong kayo sa isang lumang kasuutan; sapagkat mababatak nito ang tinagpian, at lalong lalaki ang punit. Wala ring nagsisilid ng bagong alak sa lumang sisidlang-balat. Kapag gayon ang ginawa, puputok ang balat, matatapon ang alak, at mawawasak ang sisidlan. Sa halip ay isinisilid ang bagong alak sa bagong sisidlang-balat, at sa gayo’y kapwa nagtatagal.”

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