Reflection for August 3, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:13-21

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” 

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’  

But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

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Reflection:

What is material wealth that many of us struggle to let go of? Why do we cling to it so tightly, as if it were our ultimate security?  

Many are even willing to sacrifice family relationships just to possess this fleeting treasure. Some will go so far as to compromise their integrity, even tarnishing their name and reputation, for the sake of gaining wealth—regardless of whether that wealth is clean or tainted. 

How tragic it is when our desire for material things blinds us to what truly matters. This insatiable hunger for wealth often becomes our passport to hell—one we experience not in the afterlife, but here and now, in this earthly journey. And if left unchecked, this same desire may one day lead us to eternal separation from God. 

Who among us would willingly choose hell in exchange for earthly riches? None of us, of course! Yet, many continue to chase after wealth with such obsession, punishing themselves in the process—perhaps unaware that this greed will only lead to greater misery, anxiety, and emptiness. 

Wealth, in itself, is not evil. It is neutral. It becomes evil only when we allow it to control us—when we let it sit on the throne of our hearts, where only God belongs. So, what must we do? 

We must guard our hearts. We must be vigilant. Let us not allow wealth to manipulate our decisions or define our worth. Let us not permit the fleeting treasures of this world to dictate the direction of our souls. 

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a profound warning. He says: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Luke 12:15) 

Jesus is not condemning prosperity. He is reminding us that our true life—our eternal life—does not depend on what we own, but on how we live, how we love, and how we serve. 

One day, all of us will leave this world. And when that moment comes, the key that will open the gates of heaven will not be the wealth we accumulated, but the love we shared, the mercy we extended, and the sacrifices we made to advance the mission of Jesus in this materialistic world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 3, Ika-18 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:13-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:13-21

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi kay Hesus ng isa sa mga tao, “Guro, iutos nga po ninyo sa kapatid ko na ibigay sa akin ang bahagi ko sa aming mana.” Sumagot siya “Ginoo, sino ang naglagay sa akin bilang hukom o tagapaghati ng mana ninyo?” At sinabi niya sa kanilang lahat: “Mag-ingat kayo sa lahat ng uri ng kasakiman; sapagkat ang buhay ng tao ay wala sa laki ng kayamanan.” 

At pagkatapos ay isinaysay ni Hesus ang talinhagang ito: “Ang bukirin ng isang mayaman ay umani nang sagana. Kaya’t nasabi niya sa sarili, ‘Ano ang gagawin ko? Wala na akong paglagyan ng aking ani! A, gigibain ko ang aking mga kamalig, at magtatayo ako ng lalong mas malaki. 

Doon ko ilalagay ang aking ani at ari-arian. At sasabihin ko sa aking sarili, Ayan, marami naman na akong ari-arian! Hindi na ako kukulangin habambuhay! Kaya’t mamamahinga na lang ako, kakain, iinom, at magsasaya!’ 

Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ng Diyos, ‘Hangal! Sa gabing ito’y babawian ka ng buhay. Kanino mapupunta ang mga bagay na inihanda mo?’ Ganyan ang sasapitin ng nagtitipon ng kayamanan para sa sarili, ngunit dukha naman sa paningin ng Diyos.”

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Repleksyon:

Ano ba ang materyal na kayamanan na tila hindi natin kayang bitiwan? Bakit marami sa atin ang mahigpit na kumakapit dito na para bang ito na ang ating kaligtasan? 

May mga tao na handang isakripisyo ang magandang samahan sa pamilya, makamtan lamang ang yamang materyal. May ilan pa ngang hinahayaan masira ang kanilang pangalan at dangal, para lang magkamal ng salapi—kahit ito'y galing sa masama o maruming paraan. 

Nakakalungkot. Ang ating labis na paghahangad sa kayamanan ay nagiging daan upang malasap natin ang impiyerno—hindi sa kabilang buhay, kundi habang tayo'y nabubuhay pa rito sa lupa. At kung hindi natin ito titigilan, maaaring ito rin ang maghahatid sa atin sa walang hanggang kapahamakan. 

Sino ba sa atin ang gustong pumunta sa impiyerno kapalit ng kayamanang makamundo?

Wala, syempre! Ngunit, tila hindi natin ito napapansin. Patuloy nating sinusubok pagurin at pahirapan ang ating mga sarili upang makamtan ito, na hindi natin namamalayang ang kasakiman sa yaman ay hindi magdudulot ng tunay na kapayapaan, kundi ng dalamhati at kaguluhan. 

Ang kayamanan ay hindi naman likas na masama. Nagiging masama lamang ito kapag hinayaan nating ito ang magdikta sa ating puso at isip—kapag pinayagan nating ito ang magkontrol sa ating mga desisyon at layunin sa buhay. 

Ano nga ba ang dapat nating gawin? Bantayan natin ang ating mga puso. Huwag nating hayaan na tayo’y alipinin ng salapi. Huwag nating hayaang ang makamundong yaman ang magtakda ng ating halaga o humubog sa ating pagkatao. Ang ating tunay na yaman ay wala sa dami ng ating ari-arian kundi nasa lalim ng ating ugnayan sa Diyos. 

Sa ating Mabuting Balita ay may paalala si Jesus: “Mag-ingat kayo sa lahat ng uri ng kasakiman, sapagkat ang buhay ng tao ay hindi nasusukat sa dami ng kanyang kayamanan.” (Lucas 12:15) 

Hindi sinasabi ni Jesus na masama ang umunlad o yumaman. Ang paalala Niya ay malinaw: Ang tunay na buhay—ang buhay na walang hanggan—ay hindi nakasalalay sa kung anong meron tayo, kundi sa kung paano tayo nabuhay, nagmahal, at naglingkod. 

Darating ang araw na lahat tayo'y lilisan sa mundong ito. At sa sandaling iyon, ang susi sa pintuan ng langit ay hindi ang yamang naipon natin, kundi ang kabutihang ginawa natin sa ngalan ni Kristo—ang pagmamahal, ang awa, at ang pagtulong natin sa kapwa, lalo na sa mga kapos at nangangailangan. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 2 Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”  

Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”  

The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

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Reflection:

Do you always make sure to do good so that you can have a clear conscience? 

A clear conscience is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and others. On the other hand, guilt of conscience is perhaps the worst enemy we can ever face—it is invisible, yet it quietly eats away at our peace. It follows us when we lie down at night and whispers to us when we rise in the morning. 

When King Herod heard about Jesus, fear immediately gripped his heart. He thought that John the Baptist had come back from the dead. Why was John on his mind? Because Herod knew deep within him that he was responsible for John’s unjust and undeserved death. The weight of that sin—of that injustice—was like a shadow that never left his side. It haunted him, pierced his conscience, and robbed him of peace. 

This is what guilt does when left unaddressed. It doesn’t shout—it lingers. It had haunted Herod for the longest time. So when news of Jesus’ miracles began to spread, Herod’s guilty conscience trembled. He feared the light because it reminded him of the darkness he had never truly faced. 

The wrongs we’ve done in the past can hang around our necks like an albatross, weighing us down and reminding us of wounds left unhealed. Unless we confront them with humility and repentance, they will continue to follow us. But thanks be to God—He is a God of mercy and new beginnings. When we take the first step toward healing, He meets us with open arms. 

Let us strive each day to avoid doing anything that could hurt others—through our words, our actions, or even our silence. Let us always choose what is good, what is kind, and what is pleasing to the Lord. Let us walk humbly, live peacefully, and love sincerely. 

And if ever we offend or hurt someone, may we have the courage to ask for forgiveness, the grace to forgive ourselves, and the strength not to fall into the same sin again. 

Because in doing so, we will begin to live not only with a clear conscience—but also with a heart that is free, and a soul that is truly at peace. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 2 Sabado sa Ika-17 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 14:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, nang makarating kay Herodes na tetrarka ang balita tungkol kay Jesus, sinabi niya sa kanyang mga lingkod, "Siya'y si Juan Bautista na muling nabuhay, kaya siya nakagagawa ng himala!"  

Si Herodes ang nagpahuli, nagpagapos at nagpabilanggo kay Juan. Ang dahilan ay si Herodias na asawa ng kapatid niyang si Felipe. Laging sinasabi ni Juan kay Herodes, "Hindi matuwid na magsama kayo ng asawa ng inyong kapatid." Ibig ni Herodes na ipapatay si Juan ngunit natatakot siya sa mga Judio, sapagkat kinikilala nilang propeta si Juan Bautista.  

Nang dumating ang kaarawan ni Herodes, sumayaw sa harapan ng mga panauhin ang anak na babae ni Herodias. Labis na nasiyahan si Herodes, kaya't isinumpa niyang ibibigay sa dalaga ang anumang hingin nito. Sa udyok ng kanyang ina ay sinabi ng dalaga, "Ibigay po ninyo sa akin ngayon din, sa isang pinggan, ang ulo ni Juan Bautista. "  

Nalungkot ang hari, ngunit dahil sa kanyang pangakong narinig ng mga panauhin, iniutos niyang ibigay iyon sa dalaga. Kaya't pinapugutan niya si Juan sa bilangguan. Inilagay ang ulo sa isang pinggan at ibinigay sa dalaga; dinala naman ito ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. Dumating ang mga alagad ni Juan, kinuha ang kanyang bangkay at inilibing. Pagkatapos, ibinalita nila ito kay Jesus.

Reflection for Friday August 1 Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 13:54-58

Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 

Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

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Reflection:

Do we sometimes treat our fellow men and women selectively? 

Perhaps we do, often without even realizing it. We look at someone’s background, their education, their occupation, or the family they come from—and in a dark corner of our heart, we judge. We assume they are not capable of wisdom, goodness, or greatness simply because of where they came from. 

This was exactly what happened to Jesus in His own hometown. The people who had known Him since childhood—His neighbors, relatives, and friends—treated Him with disdain. Why? Because they could not believe that someone they had seen grow up among them, someone from a family of humble laborers, could now speak with such authority and wisdom in their synagogue. 

Instead of welcoming Him, they dismissed Him. Instead of opening their hearts, they closed them. They could not accept that this man—whom they thought they knew—was now teaching with divine insight. What led them to reject the Lord? It was pride. It was their arrogance and their inflated view of themselves that blinded them to the truth standing right in front of them. 

Jesus’ own townspeople missed the opportunity to receive the grace and blessings He had brought. Because of their unbelief, their spiritual pride and their unwillingness to believe that God could work through someone so familiar, they were deprived of miracles and teachings that could have transformed their lives. 

Let us not fall into the same trap. Our pride and self-importance will never lead us to Jesus—they only lead us away from Him. They close our hearts to His presence, especially when He comes to us in unexpected forms: through the poor, the uneducated, the quiet, or the ordinary. How many blessings have we missed because we failed to recognize Christ in others? 

Instead of pride, let us choose humility. Let us be respectful, gentle, and open-hearted to everyone, regardless of their status in life or level of education. For it is often through the humble and lowly that Jesus speaks most powerfully. 

Let us not strive to exalt ourselves in the eyes of others. Let us surrender that desire to the Lord. If we allow Him to lift us according to His will and time, we will gain the kind of respect that truly matters—the kind that comes from love, not pride. 

May we never overlook the divine simply because it appears in the ordinary. May we never miss Jesus simply because we think we know better. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Agosto 1 Paggunita San Alfonso Maria Liguori, Obispo at pantas ng simbahan: Mateo 13:54-58

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:54-58

Noong panahong iyon, umuwi si Hesus sa kanyang bayan at nagturo sa sinagoga. Nagtaka ang mga nakarinig sa kanya. Sabi nila, “Saan kumuha ng karunungan ang taong ito? Paano siya nakagagawa ng kababalaghan? Hindi ba ito ang anak ng karpintero? Hindi ba si Maria ang kanyang ina, at sina Santiago, Jose, Simon, at Judas ang kanyang mga kapatid na lalaki?  

At dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba? Saan niya natutunan ang lahat ng ito?” At ayaw nilang kilanlin siya. Kaya’t sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Ang propeta’y iginagalang kahit saan, liban sa kanyang sariling sambahayan.” At dahil sa di nila pagsampalataya hindi siya gumawa roon ng maraming kababalaghan.

Reflection for Thursday July 31 Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest: Matthew 13:47-53

Gospel: Matthew 13:47-53

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. 

Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” 

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

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Reflection:

There is a story about a middle-aged man who often found himself pondering a question that many of us quietly carry in our hearts: “Where will I go when I die? Will I end up in heaven or in hell?” This question would echo within him, especially in the stillness of night. 

One night, he had a dream. In that dream, he heard the thunderous yet tender voice of God saying, “You must turn over a new leaf. Repent completely of all the sins you have committed. Otherwise, you will surely end up in hell.” It was a wake-up call—a divine invitation to change, to return to the path of grace. 

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that at the end of the age, there will be a separation between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked will be cast into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and the grinding of teeth. What a sobering and terrifying image this is! Yet, it is not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to stir our hearts into deep reflection and urgency. 

But let us not forget—our Lord is a God of love, mercy, and unfathomable forgiveness. He does not desire that any of His children be lost. That’s why He constantly reaches out to us: through people He sends into our lives, through the Sacraments, and even through trials and hardships. These may seem painful, but they are often disguised invitations to draw closer to Him and walk away from sin. 

Still, the choice remains ours. At the end of the day, we hold the key to our eternal destiny. God has given us the freedom to choose: Will we turn away from sin, or will we cling to it? If we choose to walk away, we step out of the chains of Satan and into the light of God's grace. But if we continue in sin, we must also be prepared to face its eternal consequences. 

Right now, Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, offering us His mercy, love, and forgiveness. He is not condemning us—He is calling us. He longs to embrace us, to heal us, to restore us. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Hulyo 31 Paggunita San Ignacio de Loyola, pari: Mateo 13:47-53

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:47-53

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad din ng isang malaking lambat na inihagis sa dagat at nakahuli ng sari-saring isda. Nang mapuno ay hinila ito sa pampang. At naupo ang mga tao upang pagbukud-bukurin ang mga isda: tinipon nila sa mga sisidlan ang mabubuti, ngunit itinatapon ang mga walang kwenta.  

Gayon din ang mangyayari sa katapusan ng daigdig. Darating ang mga anghel at ihihiwalay ang mga makasalanan sa mga banal, at ihahagis ang mga makasalanan sa maningas na pugon. Doo'y mananangis sila at magngangalit ang kanilang ngipin."  

"Nauunawaan na ba ninyo ang lahat ng ito?" tanong ni Jesus. "Opo," sagot nila. At sinabi niya sa kanila, "Kaya, nga ang bawat eskriba na kumikilala sa paghahari ng Diyos ay tulad ng isang puno ng sambahayan na kumukuha ng mga bagay na bago at luma sa kanyang taguan."

Nang masabi na ni Hesus ang mga talinghagang ito, siya’y umalis doon.

Reflection for July 30 Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:44-46

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a wealthy man who gave up all his material possessions to serve in the Church. When asked why he made such a drastic choice, he simply replied: “I have found the greatest treasure and the most precious pearl that anyone can ever possess in this world—and that is Jesus.” Such a statement may sound foolish to the world—but to those who have tasted the goodness of the Lord, it rings with eternal truth. 

Every now and then, we hear heartbreaking news of rich, powerful, and famous people taking their own lives. And we are left wondering: Why would they do such a thing? From the outside, it seems like they had everything. Fame. Wealth. Influence. Comfort. But do they truly have everything? 

If they did, why would they choose to end their lives? Perhaps they had everything that this fleeting world could offer—but something eternal, something divine, was missing. And that missing piece is none other than the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Many of us long to be successful—to be wealthy, influential, or admired. And there’s nothing wrong with hard work and ambition. But even if we reach the top of the world, a silent emptiness can still echo within. A hunger that money cannot satisfy. A thirst that power cannot quench. 

What is this emptiness? Who is this missing piece in our hearts? It is Jesus. To encounter Him is to discover the treasure of all treasures—the pearl of great price. To find Him is to find the very reason we were created. 

But how can we find Jesus when our lives are cluttered with distractions? How can we hear His gentle voice when we are drowning in noise? How can we draw near to Him when we rarely enter the sacred silence where He speaks? 

How can we know Him if we seldom open the Scriptures—His living Word? How can we grow in love for Him if we neglect the Holy Mass, the source and summit of our faith? How can we truly encounter Him if we have become slaves to social media, entertainment, or worldly pursuits? 

Life is fragile. It could end when we least expect it. One day, sickness may knock. And one day—sooner than we think—our earthly journey may come to a close. 

When that moment comes, what will matter most? Will we be ready to meet the Lord face to face? Will we have found the One who gives life true meaning? Or will we leave this world still searching—empty-handed, soul-weary, and lost? 

The greatest treasure is not found in bank accounts, in fame, or in power. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Seek Him. Listen to Him. Love Him. For when you find Him, you find everything your heart has ever longed for. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 30 Miyerkules sa Ika-17 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:44-46

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:44-46

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad ng kayamanang nakabaon sa isang bukid. Nahukay ito ng isang tao at tinabunan uli. Sa laki ng tuwa, siya’y humayo at ipinagbili ang lahat ng ari-arian niya at binili ang bukid na iyon.  

“Gayun din naman, ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang mangangalakal na naghahanap ng mamahaling perlas. Nang makakita ng isang perlas na napakahalaga, siya’y humayo at ipinagbili ang lahat ng kanyang ari-arian at binili iyon.”  

Reflection for Tuesday July 29 Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: John 11:19-27

Gospel: John 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 

But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.”  Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a young man who wandered through life without any clear direction. His days were filled with worldly pleasures—especially drinking—and his heart felt empty. One day, his loving mother, with tears in her eyes, said to him, “My son, if you do not change, you may leave this world earlier than you should.” 

Her words pierced his soul. He looked at her with sincerity and said, “Help me live a new life, Mama.” With faith and hope, his mother replied, “Come with me to Holy Mass every day.” 

He obeyed. Slowly but surely, as grace flowed into his heart through the Eucharist and the Word of God, his life began to change. The darkness lifted, and he began to walk in the light of Christ. His renewed life was a testimony to the power of God’s mercy and the quiet strength of a mother’s love. 

When Lazarus died, his sisters—Martha and Mary—were crushed. Their world seemed to collapse under the weight of grief and loss. But everything changed the moment Jesus arrived. His presence brought light to their darkness. His words brought hope to their despair. And His power brought life where there was death. 

Yes, Jesus raised Lazarus—but more than that, He raised the spirits of Martha and Mary. That encounter with Jesus turned sorrow into joy and despair into renewed faith. 

Do you feel hopeless today? Are you overwhelmed by the burdens of life, weighed down by pain, failure, or sin? Take heart. Jesus is near. 

Just as He visited the home of Martha and Mary, He longs to enter your life today. His presence brings peace. His voice brings healing. His love brings new life. 

No matter how dark your situation may seem, there is hope—and that hope is found in Jesus.

He is not only offering you comfort; He is offering you a new beginning. A fresh start. A renewed life in Him. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hulyo 29 Paggunita Santa Marta, Santa Maria at San Lazaro: Juan 11:19-27

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:19-27

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga Judio ang dumalaw kina Marta at Maria upang sila’y aliwin. Nang marinig ni Marta na dumarating si Hesus, sinalubong niya ito; ngunit si Maria’y naiwan sa bahay. Sinabi ni Marta, “Panginoon, kung kayo po’y narito, hindi sana namatay ang aking kapatid.  

Ngunit nalalaman kong kahit ngayo’y ibibigay sa inyo ng Diyos ang anumang hingin ninyo sa kanya.” “Muling mabubuhay ang iyong kapatid,” wika ni Hesus. Sumagot si Marta, “Nalalaman ko pong siya’y mabubuhay uli sa huling araw, sa muling pagkabuhay.” Sinabi naman ni Hesus, “Ako ang muling pagkabuhay at ang buhay.  

Ang nananalig sa akin, kahit mamatay ay muling mabubuhay, at sinumang nabubuhay at nananalig sa akin, kahit mamatay ay mabubuhay kailanman. Pinaniniwalaan mo ba ito?” “Opo, Panginoon!” sagot niya. “Nananalig ako sa inyo. Kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos, ang Mesiyas na inaasahang paparito sa sanlibutan.”

Reflection for July 28 Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:31-35

Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” 

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: 

I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. illustrate the same point: the amazing contrast between the small beginnings of the kingdom and its marvelous expansion.

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Reflection:

How does the Kingdom of God begin in our hearts? 

It begins in the quietest of ways—like a tiny seed planted deep within us. At first, it may seem small and insignificant. But when we nurture it with prayer, soak it in the wisdom of the Bible, and remain faithfully present at Holy Mass, it begins to grow. Slowly, gently—little by little—it flourishes. And when it does, it becomes a source of blessing, not just for us, but for those around us. 

Yet not everyone experiences this growth. For many of us, the Kingdom also begins small—but instead of growing, it fades and dies. Why does this happen? Because we often fail to nurture it. We neglect to ask Jesus to bless our faith. We forget that faith, like any living thing, needs care, time, and intentional effort to thrive. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the parable of the mustard seed—a beautiful image of how faith begins and how He longs for it to grow within us. This seed was first planted in our hearts at baptism. And just as we grow in years and wisdom, Jesus desires that we grow in faith—so that we may be witnesses of His love and truth to others. 

So now I ask you: How is the seed of faith that Jesus sowed in your heart at baptism? Have you allowed it to take root and grow? Have you nurtured it with prayer, strengthened it with the Word of God, and fed it with the grace of the sacraments? Have you made the effort to ask Jesus to help your faith grow stronger each day? 

And if it has grown—thanks be to God! But let me also ask: Has anyone been blessed through the faith that now lives in you? Because when faith is real and alive, it bears fruit. It blesses others—just as God continues to bless you. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 28 Lunes ng Ika-17 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13-31-35

Noong panahong iyon, isa na namang talinghaga ang inilahad ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang taong nagtanim ng isang butil ng mustasa sa kanyang bukid.

Pinakamaliit ito sa lahat ng binhi, ngunit kapag natanim na at lumago ay nagiging pinakamalaki sa lahat ng puno ng gulay. Ito’y nagiging punongkahoy, anupat napamumugaran ng mga ibon ang mga sanga nito.”

Nagsalaysay pa siya ng ibang talinghaga. “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad ng lebadura na inihalo ng isang babae sa tatlong takal na harina, at umalsa ang buong masa.” Sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao ang lahat ng ito sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga at wala siyang sinabi sa kanila nang hindi gumagamit ng talinghaga.

Ginawa niya ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng propeta:“Magsasalita ako sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga, ihahayag ko sa kanila ang mga bagay na nalihim mula nang likhain ang sanlibutan.”