Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 21 Lunes ng Ika-16 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng ilang eskriba at Pariseo kay Hesus, “Guro, maaari po bang pagpakitaan ninyo kami ng tanda mula sa langit?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Lahing masama at di-tapat sa Diyos! Naghahanap kayo ng tanda ngunit walang ipakikita sa inyo maliban sa palatandaaang inilalarawan ng nangyari kay Propeta Jonas.

Kung paanong si Jonas ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing nasa tiyan ng dambuhalang isda, gayun din ang Anak ng Tao ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing sasailalim ng lupa. Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom, titindig ang mga taga-Ninive laban sa lahing ito at ito’y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nagsisi sila dahil sa pangangaral ni Jonas; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay Jonas ang naririto!

Sa araw na yaon, titindig ang Reyna ng Timog laban sa lahing ito at ito’y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nanggaling siya sa dulo ng daigdig upang pakinggan ang karunungan ni Solomon; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay solomon ang naririto!”

Reflection for July 20, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:38-42

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”  

The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” 

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Reflection: 

What does habitual prayer do to your soul? What does daily Bible reading awaken in your heart? What does your consistent presence at the celebration of the Holy Mass nurture within you? These sacred actions, when done with love and piety, draw us gently and deeply into the embrace of Jesus. 

In today’s gospel, our hearts are invited to reflect on the actions of Mary and Martha, with Jesus at the center of it all. 

When Mary recognized her Lord and Savior, she simply sat at His feet, quietly listening to His wisdom-filled and life-changing words. This is what we do when we pray. This is what we do when we open the Bible and allow its words to speak to us. This is what we do when we reverently worship Jesus in the Holy Mass. 

Jesus cherished Mary’s reverence and stillness because, in that quiet listening, she grew closer to Him. And this is what Jesus desires for each of us: to draw near to Him, to sit at His feet, and to listen. 

What happens when we allow ourselves to be close to Jesus? We begin to see that life in this world is fleeting and temporary. We realize that all the wealth and accolades we chase are nothing compared to the treasure of being with Him. 

His presence opens our eyes to the countless blessings we receive when we choose to spend time with Him. It softens our hearts, teaching us to live with compassion and to share our lives generously, especially with those in need. 

And what about Martha? She did nothing wrong. Her service was for Jesus, yet she missed the opportunity to first sit with Him and let His words nourish her soul. It would have taken only a few moments, yet it would have made all the difference in her heart. 

As we continue this temporary journey, the world will keep pulling us into busyness, into the endless rush for survival, into a rat race that slowly and deceitfully tries to separate us from Jesus. 

We must not allow this. For what good will it do us if we gain the world yet lose our closeness with God? Let us choose to listen to Jesus first before we plunge into the demands of the day. For it is in listening to Him first that we gain the true wisdom and peace that this world can never give, no matter how hard we work. 

Do you always take time to listen first to the Lord? Let us never be too busy for Jesus, for in Him, we find the true rest and love our hearts deeply long for. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Hulyo 20, Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 10:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Jesus sa isang nayon. Malugod siyang tinanggap ng isang babaing nagngangalang Marta sa tahanan nito. Ang babaing ito'y may isang kapatid na Maria ang pangalan. Naupo ito sa paanan ng Panginoon at nakinig sa kanyang itinuturo. 

Alalang-alala si Marta sapagkat kulang ang kanyang katawan sa paghahanda, kaya't lumapit siya kay Jesus at ang wika, "Panginoon, sabihin nga po ninyo sa kapatid kong tulungan naman ako." 

Ngunit sinagot siya ng Panginoon, "Marta, Marta, naliligalig ka at abalang-abala sa maraming bagay, ngunit isa lamang ang talagang kailangan. Pinili ni Maria ang lalong mabuti, at ito'y hindi aalisin sa kanya."

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang nagagawa ng palagiang pananalangin sa iyong kaluluwa? Ano ang ginagawa ng araw-araw na pagbabasa ng Biblia sa iyong puso? Ano ang nangyayari sa iyong palagiang pagdalo sa Banal na Misa? Ang mga banal na gawaing ito, kapag isinagawa nang may pagmamahal at debosyon, ay mas nagpapalapit sa atin kay Jesus. 

Sa atin pong Mabuting Balita, tayo ay inaanyayahan na magnilay sa mga ginawa nila Marta at Maria habang si Jesus ay nasa kanilang tahanan. 

Si Maria ay umupo lamang sa paanan ni Jesus, tahimik na nakikinig sa Kanyang mga salitang nakapagbabago ng buhay. Ganito rin ang ginagawa natin kapag tayo ay nananalangin. Ganito rin ang ginagawa natin kapag binubuksan natin ang Biblia at hinahayaan ang Salita ng Diyos na mangusap sa atin. Ganito rin ang ginagawa natin pag ang ating boung atensyon ay nasa Banal na Misa. 

Binigyang halaga ni Jesus ang tahimik na pakikinig ni Maria at ito rin ang nais ni Jesus para sa ating lahat: ang umupo tayo sa Kanyang paanan, at tahimik na makinig sa Kanya. 

Ano ang nangyayari kapag tayo ay may personal na ugnayan kay Jesus? Nagsisimula nating makita na ang buhay sa mundong ito ay pansamantala at mabilis lumilipas. Napagtatanto natin na lahat ng yaman, kapangyarihan at katanyagan na ating hinahabol ay walang halaga kung wala tayong personal na ugnayan kay Jesus. 

Kapag pinipili nating maglaan ng oras kay Jesus ay binubuksan ng Kanyang presensya ang ating mga mata sa napakaraming biyayang natatanggap natin. Tinuturuan tayo ni Jesus na mamuhay nang may malasakit sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. 

Paano naman si Marta? Wala siyang ginawang mali. Ang kanyang paglilingkod ay para din kay Jesus, ngunit nakaligtaan niya ang pagkakataon na umupo at makinig kahit sandal lang kay Jesus. Kaunting sandali lamang sana ang gugugulin nya ngunit napakalaki sana ang magiging epekto nito sa kanyang pagkatao. 

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating pansamantalang paglalakbay, patuloy tayong tutuksuhin ng mundo sa pagkaabala, sa walang katapusang paghahabol sa mga bagay ng mundo na naghihiwalay sa atin kay Jesus. 

Hindi dapat ito mangyari. Sapagkat anong halaga kung makamtan man natin ang lahat sa mundong ito ngunit wala naman tayong  ugnayan sa Diyos? Palagi tayong maglaaan ng kahit maikling  panahon kay Jesus  bago tayo sumuong sa mga gawain ng bawat araw. Sapagkat sa pakikinig lamang sa Kanya  natin  matatamo ang tunay na karunungan at kapayapaang hindi kayang ibigay ng mundong ito. 

May oras ka paba para makinig kay Jesus? Huwag nating kalilimutang mag laan ng oras para kay Jesus, sapagkat sa Kanya lamang natin matatagpuan ang tunay na kapayapaan na matagal nang hinahangad ng ating mga puso. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 19 Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:14-21

Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. 

This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 

He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

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Reflection:

What do we do when there is a threat to our safety? 

When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were planning to kill Him, He quietly withdrew from the place to avoid them. Why did Jesus withdraw? Because it was not yet time for Him to face His accusers, and it was never in the nature of Jesus to be violent. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, a wellspring of love and compassion. Never was He a hothead or a troublemaker. 

Sometimes, when we avoid trouble, people may think we are cowards. But the truth is, it is not cowardice to walk away from conflict. It takes strength and wisdom to choose peace over unnecessary confrontation. A person who avoids trouble is not weak but prudent, filled with wisdom, discernment, and godly judgment. 

What would we truly gain if we confront a troublesome person or meet trouble with trouble? Nothing, except another burden and deeper wounds in our hearts. There are many ways to address conflict and trials, and charging head-on in anger is rarely the path God calls us to take. 

When Jesus avoided those who were running after Him, He was teaching us that prudence is the better part of valor. What does this mean for us? It means it is better to be careful and to guard the peace God has given us than to take reckless risks driven by pride or anger. Battles in life are not always won by brute force. Many victories are secured through wisdom-filled decisions, prayerful discernment, and Spirit-led strategies. 

What should we do when faced with a troublesome person or a difficult situation? We turn to Jesus, our example, and ask for the grace to respond with humility, peace, and prudence. We pray for the Spirit to guide us so that in all things, we may act with love and trust in God’s perfect timing. 

May we learn to step back when needed, to hold our peace, and to walk away from conflict when it is not yet God’s time for us to face it. In doing so, we honor God, protect our hearts, and keep the peace that surpasses all understanding. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 19 Sabado sa Ika-15 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:14-21

Noong panahong iyon, umalis ang mga Pariseo at nag-usap-usap kung paano ipapapatay si Jesus. Alam ito ni Jesus kaya't umalis siya roon. Maraming sumunod sa kanya at pinagaling niya ang lahat ng maysakit, ngunit mahigpit nilang ipinagbilin sa kanila na huwag ipamamalita ang tungkol sa kanya.  

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ni propeta Isaias: "Narito ang lingkod ko na ako rin ang humirang, minamahal ko nang labis, lubos kong kinalulugdan; ang banal kong Espiritu sa kanya ay ibibigay, sa lahat ng mga bansa ibabadha'y katarungan.  

Hindi siya makikipagtalo, mahinahon kung mangusap, ang tinig niya sa lansanga'y tinig lamang na paanas; Hindi niya puputulin yaong tambong nakahapay, ni hindi rin papatayin ang umaandap na ilawan, hanggang itong katarunga'y mapagtagumpay niyang ganap; At ang pag-asa ng tao sa kanya ay ilalagak."

Reflection for July 18 Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.”  

He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.  

If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” 

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Reflection:

The story is told of a disciplinarian father who suddenly realized that his strictness with his children was slowly building an invisible wall between them. 

One day, he sat in silence, reflecting deeply on how he could tear down the wall that he himself had built. And with humility, he said to himself, “From now on, I will not be strict anymore. I will be more compassionate, approachable, and merciful.” 

After a week, the wall that had created a gap between the father and his children completely vanished. From then on, his children became more open to him, and a beautiful relationship blossomed between father and children. 

Mercy, understanding, and openness are always higher and holier than rigidity and strictness. Rigidity and strictness tear people apart; they create walls in our relationships and foster coldness and distance. But mercy, understanding, and openness draw us closer, break down walls, and heal wounds in our hearts. 

Let go, therefore, of your anger. Let go of your hidden hurts. Let go of your pride, and let the mercy of Jesus rule your heart. Allow His compassion to soften you, to free you, and to restore your relationships. 

Let us always desire to be merciful because Jesus Himself is merciful. As we choose mercy, we allow His love to flow through us, bringing healing where there is pain, and unity where there is division. 

Lord Jesus, soften our hearts and teach us to be merciful, just as You are merciful. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 18 Biyernes sa Ika-15 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:1-8

Noong panahong iyon, isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, naparaan si Jesus sa triguhan. Nagutom ang kasama niyang mga alagad kaya't nangitil sila ng uhay at kinain ang mga butil. Nang makita ito ng mga Pariseo, sinabi nila sa kanya, "Tingnan mo ang ginagawa ng iyong mga alagad. Bawal iyan kung Araw ng Pamamahinga."  

Sumagot si Jesus, "Hindi ba ninyo nabasa ang ginawa ni David nang magutom siya at ang kanyang mga kasama? Pumasok siya sa bahay ng Diyos at kumain ng tinapay na handog sa Diyos at pinakain din niya ang kanyang mga kasama. Labag sa Kautusan na kanin nila ang tinapay na iyon sapagkat ang mga saserdote lamang ang may karapatang kumain niyon.  

Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa sa Kautusan ni Moises na tuwing Araw ng Pamamahinga, lumalabag sa batas tungkol sa araw na ito ang mga saserdote sa templo, gayunmay hindi nila ipinagkakasala iyon? Sinasabi ko sa inyo, naririto ang higit na dakila kaysa templo. Hindi sana ninyo hinatulan ang mga walang sala kung alam ninyo ang kahulugan ng mga salitang ito, 'Habag ang ibig ko, hindi hain.' Sapagkat ang Araw ng Pamamahinga ay nasa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ng Anak ng Tao."

Reflection for July 17 Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

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Reflection:

Are you sometimes feeling weary and burdened by the daily challenges and problems of life? You are not alone. All of us, at some point, carry the weight of trials and struggles that drain our strength and shake our spirit. Yet, in the quiet moments of prayer, these heavy burdens are miraculously made light when we learn to surrender them to Jesus, trusting Him to help us carry what we cannot bear alone. 

Why do you continue to carry the burdens of someone you love, or choose to suffer quietly for their sake? It is because love unites you to the one you love, making you one with him or her in their joys and in their pains. Think about married life: when your spouse is sick, you willingly set aside your comfort to care for him or her until he or she is well. At times, you may even wish that you could be the one who is sick so that he or she would not have to suffer. 

Why is this so? Because Jesus, through the Sacrament of Matrimony, has bonded you and your spouse to become one. Remember the words of your marriage vows: “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.” If marriage makes you one with your spouse, know that through your Baptism, you have also been made one with Jesus. You are yoked with Him, and He walks with you in every burden you carry. 

Let us therefore always respond to the gentle invitation of Jesus, who calls out to each of us who are oftentimes burdened by the difficulties of life. In Him, we will find rest, healing, and strength that the world cannot give. Are you burdened by your problems right now? Bring them to Jesus. Humbly lay them at His feet and ask Him to help you carry them, for He will never abandon you in your struggles. 

May you feel the comforting presence of Jesus today and always, reminding you that no burden is too heavy when you are yoked with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 16 Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:25-27

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

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Reflection: 

What is the life of Jesus? 

It is a life of simplicity, prayer, sacrifice and humility. 

Simplicity is deeply connected with humility, and this is the life Jesus embraced—and the life He lovingly invites us to live as well. Though Jesus is equal with God, He always found time to withdraw in prayer, seeking the Father’s presence, unburdening His heart to Him, and offering Him praise. This is an invitation for us too: to seek the Father daily, to pour out our hearts, and to lift up our gratitude to Him. 

If we desire to grow in wisdom, we need hearts that are simple and humble. God does not delight in self-righteous, self-centered, and ego-driven lives. Often without our awareness, when we choose simplicity and humility, we create a welcoming space in our hearts for God to dwell. Unknown to us, our simplicity and humility shine through our presence, and others can sense God’s gentle touch through us. 

Just as Jesus did, it is essential that we set aside time each day to be with God—to speak to Him and to listen for His voice in the stillness of our hearts. It is in these sacred moments that we grow closer to Him and allow Him to shape us. A beautiful way to begin is by offering our first moments upon waking in the morning, and our last moments before sleeping at night, to prayer and thanksgiving. 

In the quiet of the morning, before the concerns of the day fill our minds, we can turn our hearts to God and invite Him to guide us. At night, as we prepare to rest, we can speak to Him once more, thanking Him for the day He has given us, entrusting to Him our hopes and burdens, and asking Him to watch over us through the night. 

If we feel we do not yet have the virtue of humility, let us be patient with ourselves and continue to ask the Lord to bless us with this grace. For it is only through humility that we truly come to know God, to hear His voice, and to discover the beautiful plans He has prepared for us. 

Do you live with humility? Do you find time each day to be with Jesus and allow Him to fill your heart with His love? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 16 Miyerkules sa Ika-15 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 11:25-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:25-27

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus, "Pinasasalamatan kita, Ama, Panginoon ng langit at lupa, sapagkat inilihim mo ang mga bagay na ito sa marurunong at matatalino at inihayag sa mga may kaloobang tulad ng sa bata.   

Oo, Ama, sapagkat gayon ang ikinalulugod mo. "Ibinigay sa akin ng aking Ama ang lahat ng bagay. Walang nakakikilala sa Anak kundi ang Ama, at walang nakakikilala sa Ama kundi ang Anak at yaong marapating pagpahayagan ng Anak."

Reflection for Tuesday July 15 Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 11:20-24

Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. 

But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum:  Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the nether world. 

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 

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Reflection: 

Why do we sin? 

We sin because, at times, we allow the devil to take control of our lives. When we let him in, sinning can slowly become an ordinary routine. We lose the voice of guilt in our conscience, and our hearts grow numb to criticism and to the consequences of our actions. We even find ourselves becoming angry with those who try to correct us. 

Why is this so? Because sin often offers us fleeting moments of earthly pleasure, promising us gratification that never truly satisfies. We continue in this path until the day comes when we get caught and receive the punishment we deserve. But why wait for that day? Why continue to walk a path that leads us away from God’s love and peace? 

Why don’t we stop, turn around, and embrace the unconditional love that Jesus is offering us every single day? 

In our gospel reading today, we hear Jesus reproaching the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they refused to listen to God’s call to turn away from their sinful ways. Like them, we, too, often close our hearts to God’s gentle invitation to change. Yet even in our stubbornness, the Lord never stops reaching out to us, patiently calling us back to Him. 

Every now and then, God will gently nudge us, reminding us that there is no good in sin, that sin will bring us nothing but trouble, sorrow, and regret. We may enjoy the fruits of our sinfulness for a while, but this kind of enjoyment is shallow and short-lived. Eventually, we will face the consequences of our choices. 

God’s love is far greater than any temporary pleasure that sin can offer. His forgiveness is waiting for us. His mercy is ready to embrace us. His love can heal us and restore our peace. 

Why not walk away from sin today and run into the forgiving, merciful, and loving arms of God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hulyo 15 Paggunita kay San Buenaventura, Obispo at pantas ng simbahan: Mateo 11:20-24

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:20-24

Noong panahong iyon, sinumbatan ni Jesus ang mga bayang ginawan niya ng maraming kababalaghan sapagkat hindi sila nagsisi't tumalikod sa kanilang mga kasalanan. "Kawawa ka, Corazin! Kawawa ka Betsaida! Sapagkat kung sa Tiro at Sidon ginawa ang mga kababalaghang ginawa sa inyo, malaon na sanang nagdaramit ng sako at nauupo sa abo ang mga tagaroon upang ipakilalang sila'y nagsisisi.  

Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang sasapitin ninyo kaysa sasapitin ng mga taga-Tiro at taga-Sidon. At ikaw, Capernaum, ibig mong maging mataas kaysa langit? Ibabagsak ka sa Hades! Sapagkat kung sa Sodoma ginawa ang kababalaghang ginawa rito sa inyo, sana'y nananatili pa ito hanggang ngayon. Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo, sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang ipaparusa sa inyo kaysa dinanas ng Sodoma."

Reflection for July 14 Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:34—11:1

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1

Jesus said to his Apostles: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household. 

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. 

Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." 

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns. 

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Reflection: 

There once lived a man of profound generosity, and many of his neighbors envied him. No matter how often he gave money and food to the poor around him, he never seemed to run out of resources. One day, a curious friend finally asked, “What is your secret? Why do you never seem to run out of money?” The generous man simply smiled and replied, “There is no secret at all. I give because it is in my heart to give.” 

Whatever we give with a sincere and generous heart will return to us a hundredfold in ways we may never expect. If we struggle to believe this, let us try to live generously for even a week and witness how God, in His faithfulness, pours blessings back into our lives. These blessings are not confined to financial gain alone; they come in the form of good health, peace of mind, restored relationships, and a sense of deep joy that the world cannot give. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures us that even the smallest act of kindness and generosity does not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father. Why is this so? Because it is in giving that we truly receive, and the more we give from a place of love, the more we open our hearts to receive the grace and abundance God desires to bestow upon us. 

May we learn to give without counting the cost, to love without expecting anything in return, and to trust that our Father in Heaven sees every act of generosity, no matter how small. For in His perfect timing, He will return it to us in ways that will draw us closer to His heart. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 14 Lunes ng Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:34—11:1

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:34 – 11:1

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Huwag ninyong isiping naparito ako upang magdala ng kapayapaan sa lupa; naparito ako upang magdala ng tabak, hindi kapayapaan. 

Sapagkat naparito ako upang papaglabanin ang anak na lalaki at ang kanyang ama, ang anak na babae at ang kanyang ina, ang manugang na babae at ang kanyang biyenang babae. at ang kaaway ng isang tao'y ang kanya na ring kasambahay. 

"Ang umiibig sa ama o sa ina nang higit sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. At ang umiibig sa anak na lalaki o babae nang higit sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. Ang hindi nagpapasan nang kanyang krus at sumusunod sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. Ang nag-iingat ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito, at ang nawawalan ng kanyang buhay dahil sa akin ay magkakamit nito."  

"Ang tumatanggap sa inyo ay tumatanggap sa akin, at ang tumatanggap sa akin ay tumatanggap sa nagsugo sa akin. Ang tumatanggap sa isang propeta dahil sa siya'y propeta ay tatanggap ng gantimpala ukol sa propeta. At ang tumatanggap sa isang taong matuwid dahil sa siya'y matuwid ay tatanggap ng gantimpalang nauukol sa taong matuwid.

At sinumang magbigay ng kahit isang basong tubig na malamig sa isa sa maliliit na ito dahil sa ito'y alagad ko-- tinitiyak kong tatanggap siya ng gantimpala." Matapos tagubilinan ang labingdalawang alagad, umalis si Jesus upang magturo at mangaral sa mga bayang malapit doon.