Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 7 Huwebes sa Ika-18 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 16:13-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-23

Noong panahong iyon, nang dumating si Hesus sa lupain ng Cesarea ng Filipos, tinanong niya ang kanyang mga alagad, “Sino raw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa mga tao?” At sumagot sila, “Ang sabi po ng ilan ay si Juan Bautista kayo. Sabi naman ng iba, si Elias kayo. 

At may nagsasabi pang si Jeremias kayo o isa sa mga propeta.” “Kayo naman, ano ang sabi ninyo? Sino ako?” tanong niya sa kanila. Sumagot si Simon Pedro, “Kayo po ang Kristo, ang Anak ng Diyos na buhay.” 

Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Mapalad ka, Simon na anak ni Jonas! Sapagkat ang katotohanang ito’y hindi inihayag sa iyo ng sinumang tao kundi ng aking Amang nasa langit. At sinasabi ko naman sa iyo, ikaw ay Pedro, at sa ibabaw ng batong ito ay itatayo ko ang aking simbahan, at hindi makapananaig sa kanya kahit ang kapangyarihan ng kamatayan. 

Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng langit: ang ipagbawal mo sa lupa ay ipagbabawal sa langit, at ang ipahintulot mo sa lupa ay ipahihintulot sa langit.” At mahigpit niyang tinagubilin ang kanyang mga alagad na huwag sasabihin na siya ang Kristo.  

Mula noon ay ipinaalam na ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad na dapat siyang magtungo sa Jerusalem at magbata ng maraming hirap sa kamay ng matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga eskriba, at kanilang ipapapatay siya. Ngunit sa ikatlong araw siya’y muling mabubuhay. 

Niyaya siya ni Pedro sa isang tabi at pinagsabihan ng ganito: “Panginoon, huwag namang itulot ng Diyos! Hindi po dapat mangyari ito sa inyo.” Ngunit hinarap siya ni Hesus at sinabihan, “Lumayo ka, Satanas! Hadlang ka sa aking landas. Ang iniisip mo’y hindi sa Diyos kundi sa tao.”

Reflection for Wednesday August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Luke 9:28b-36

Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 

As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 

Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

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Reflection:

There’s a story about a man who deeply longed to experience a more intimate relationship with the Lord through prayer. Yet, every time he knelt in silence, his mind would wander. Thoughts unrelated to God would creep in, stealing his attention and disturbing the sacred space of his heart. 

No matter how much he tried to focus, he always found himself distracted. It became a painful pattern—every time he prayed, his thoughts pulled him away from the One he desired to encounter most. 

Perhaps this man’s struggle mirrors our own. We, too, yearn for deeper intimacy with God. We thirst for a prayer life that brings peace, clarity, and closeness with the Lord. But distractions—both external and internal—often cloud our hearts and minds. And so we ask: How can we truly enter into that sacred communion with God, where both mind and heart are in tune with Him? 

The Gospel reading today offers us a beautiful glimpse into this kind of prayer. Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, climbed a mountain to pray. For a brief moment, He withdrew from the noise and distractions of the world. He ascended to a place of solitude, a sacred height, to be alone with the Father. His heart and mind were completely attuned to God—free, focused, and full of love. 

Even His closest companions, overwhelmed by sleep, faded into the background, allowing Jesus to be completely immersed in divine communion. And then it happened—His face changed in appearance, and His garments became dazzling white. 

A holy radiance surrounded Him. It was the visible sign of a soul fully united with God. In that mountaintop silence, Jesus found what He longed for: profound intimacy with the Father through deep, unbroken prayer. 

This is an invitation for us, too. If we desire a deeper connection with the Lord, we must be willing to climb our own mountain of silence. We must set aside time, step away from distractions, and create a sacred space where we can meet God heart-to-heart. It is in the stillness—when we turn off the noise of the world and focus our full attention on Him—that we will encounter His presence most intimately. 

Silence is not empty. It is full of God. 

Let us not be afraid of this climb. Let us seek the face of God with the same desire Jesus had. Let us surrender our scattered thoughts, our burdens, and our distractions—and simply be still before the One who knows us, loves us, and waits for us. 

Do you make time each day to enter into prayerful silence before God? Have you found your own mountaintop, where your heart can rest in Him alone? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Agosto 6 Kapistahan ng Pagliliwanag sa Bagong Anyo ng Panginoon: Lucas 9:28b-36

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:28b-36

Noong panahong iyon: Umakyat si Hesus sa bundok upang manalangin. Isinama niya sina Pedro, Juan at Santiago. Samantalang siya’y nananalangin, nagbago ang anyo ng kanyang mukha, nagningning ang kanyang kasuutan na naging puting-puti. Di kaginsaginsa’y lumitaw ang dalawang lalaki – sina Moises at Elias na napakitang may kaning-ningan – at nakipag-usap sa kanya.  

Pinag-usapan nila ang nalalapit na pagpanaw ni Hesus na magaganap sa Jerusalem. Tulog na tulog si Pedro at ang kanyang mga kasama, ngunit sila’y biglang nagising at nakita nila si Hesus na nagniningning at ang dalawang lalaking nakatayo sa tabi niya. Nang papaalis na sa tabi ni Hesus ang mga lalaki, sinabi ni Pedro, “Guro, mabuti pa’y dumito na tayo. Gagawa po kami ng tatlong kubol: isa sa inyo, isa kay Moises, at isa kay Elias.”  

Ang totoo’y hindi niya nalalaman ang kanyang sinasabi. Nagsasalita pa siya nang matakpan sila ng isang ulap, at sila’y natakot. At may isang tinig mula sa alapaap na nagsabi, “Ito ang aking Anak, ang aking Hinirang. Siya ang inyong pakinggan.” Nang tumigil ang tinig, nakita nilang nag-iisa na si Hesus. At hindi muna sinabi ng mga alagad kaninuman ang kanilang nakita. 

Reflection for August 5 Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-36

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 

Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." 

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God." 

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

Have you ever paused and asked yourself, “Do I truly make time to deepen my friendship with God?” 

Jesus did. He always made it a point to withdraw from the crowd, to be alone in silence and prayer, communing with His Heavenly Father. Prayer was His lifeline. It was His source of strength, His spiritual nourishment. It was in those quiet moments with God that He drew the courage to embrace His painful mission of salvation—for you and for me. 

In our fast-paced, noisy world—one often ruled by selfish pleasures and relentless material pursuits—how easy it is to push God aside. We rush through our days with barely a whisper of prayer, and even less time to read the Gospels and reflect on the life of our Lord Jesus. 

Why does this happen? 

Because we allow the noise of this fleeting world to drown out the gentle voice of God. We find time to reconnect with friends and relatives. We spend hours scrolling through Facebook and other social media platforms. Yet when it comes to spending even a few quiet minutes with the Lord, we often say, “I’m too busy.” 

But if we can make time for the world, why can’t we make time for the One who created the world? 

Let us not forget: everything we have—our health, our family, our career, even our very breath—is a gift from God. Many may not acknowledge this truth, but it is God, and God alone, who is the author and sustainer of our lives. 

What if, in a moment we least expect, our life on earth comes to an end? What if we die without ever having cultivated a real friendship with Jesus? Would our souls be ready to meet Him? Or would the enemy—always lurking, always waiting—seize the chance to snatch us away from His light? 

But if we walk closely with Jesus now, if we speak to Him daily in prayer, it becomes far more difficult for the devil to deceive us. When Christ is the center of our lives, we are strengthened against temptation and darkness. 

You have to make time for God. Even just a few moments each day. Sit with the Lord. Speak to Him. Listen in silence. Offer your heart. This daily “quiet time” may be short, but it can transform your soul. It is in those sacred moments that grace flows, peace enters, and love grows. 

The Lord waits for you—not with judgment, but with arms wide open, longing for your presence. Come to Him. Make Him your priority. Deepen your friendship with the One who has loved you since before you were born. 

Let your life be a living prayer. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 5 Martes sa Ika-18 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 14:22-36

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:22-36

Matapos mabusog ang mga tao, agad pinasakay ni Hesus sa bangka ang kanyang mga alagad at pinauna sa kabilang ibayo samantalang pinauuwi niya ang mga tao. Pagkaalis ng mga ito, umahon siya sa burol upang manalangin.  

Nag-iisa siyang inabot doon ng gabi. Samantala, nasa laot na noon ang bangka at sinasalpok ng mga alon sapagkat pasalungat sa hangin.  

At nang madaling araw na’y sumunod sa kanila si Hesus na naglalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig. Kinilabutan sa takot ang mga alagad nang makita nilang may lumalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig.

“Multo!” sigaw nila. Ngunit agad siyang nagsalita at sinabi sa kanila, “Huwag kayong matakot; si Hesus ito!” At nagsalita si Pedro, “Panginoon, kung talagang kayo iyan, papariyanin ninyo ako sa ibabaw ng tubig.”  

Sumagot siya, “Halika.” Kaya’t lumunsad si Pedro sa bangka at lumakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, palapit kay Hesus. Ngunit nang mapansin niya ang hangin, siya’y natakot at nagsimulang lumubog.

“Sagipin ninyo ako, Panginoon!” sigaw niya. Agad siyang inabot ni Hesus. “Napakaliit ng iyong pananalig!” sabi niya kay Pedro. “Bakit ka nag-alinlangan?” 

Pagkasakay nila sa bangka, tumigil ang hangin. At sinamba siya ng mga nasa bangka. “Tunay na kayo ang Anak ng Diyos!” sabi nila. Tumawid sila ng lawa, at dumaong sa Genesaret. Nakilala si Hesus ng mga tagaroon.

Agad nilang ipinamalita sa buong palibot ng lupaing iyon ang pagdating ni Hesus kaya’t dinala nila sa kanya ang lahat ng maysakit. Hiniling nila sa kanya na ipahipo man lamang sa mga maysakit kahit ang laylayan ng kanyang kasuutan. At lahat ng makahipo nito ay gumagaling.

Reflection for Monday August 4 Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest: Matthew 14:13-21

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.  

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”  

But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.  

They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

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Reflection:

Do you truly believe that Jesus loves you—deeply and unconditionally—no matter who you are, no matter the sins you’ve committed? His love is not earned by merit or perfection. His love is freely given, especially to the humble and the brokenhearted. Jesus’ love for ordinary people—those who place their trust in Him—is immeasurable, and this is powerfully revealed in today’s Gospel.

The disciples were anxious. A great crowd had gathered to follow Jesus, the day was drawing to a close, and there was no food in sight. So they said to Him, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves” (Matthew 14:15).

But those very people the disciples wanted to send away were the same ones who had faithfully followed Jesus—many of whom had already experienced His healing touch. And with a heart full of compassion, Jesus responded, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves” (Matthew 14:16).

The disciples were stunned. How could they feed such a multitude? They momentarily forgot—or perhaps had taken for granted—that Jesus was with them. This was the same Jesus who had been performing miracle after miracle in their midst. Had they grown so accustomed to His presence that they began to see Him as ordinary?

How easy it is for us to fall into the same pattern. When the Lord walks beside us daily, we sometimes fail to recognize Him for who He truly is—our Savior, our Provider, our God. We forget that the One who multiplied bread for the hungry can also fill our emptiness and nourish our souls.

And so, we too take Him for granted. We grow indifferent to His love. We neglect the beauty of our Catholic faith. At times, we skip Holy Mass without a second thought, or we attend merely out of obligation rather than out of love, reverence, and longing for Him.

But Jesus never forgets us. His gaze never turns away. Even in our weakness and sin, His heart remains open, inviting us to come to Him. He sees our hunger—not only for food but for meaning, for peace, for love—and He longs to satisfy it.

So let us remember: Jesus is not just with us; He is for us. He longs to do great things in our lives. He desires a relationship with us that is alive, personal, and transforming. He wants to feed us—not only with bread, but with His very self.

How’s your relationship with the Lord? Is He someone you merely acknowledge from a distance—or is He the very center of your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Agosto 4 Paggunita kay San Juan Maria Vianney, pari: Mateo 14:13-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:13-21

Noong panahong iyon, nang marinig ni Jesus ang pagkamatay ni Juan Bautista, siya'y sumakay sa isang bangka at nag-iisang pumunta sa ilang na lugar. Nang mabalitaan naman iyon ng mga tao, sila'y lumabas ng bayan at lakad na sumunod sa kanya. Paglunsad ni Jesus sa dalampasigan, nakita niya ang napakaraming taong yaon.  

Nahabag siya sa kanila at pinagaling niya ang mga maysakit na dala nila. Nang dapit-hapon na'y lumapit sa kanya ang mga alagad. Sinabi nila, "Ilang ang pook na ito at malapit nang lumubog ang araw. Papuntahin na po ninyo sa mga nayon ang mga tao upang makabili ng kanilang makakain." "Hindi na sila kailangang umalis pa," sabi ni Jesus. "Kayo ang magbigay sa kanila ng makakain." Sumagot sila, "Lilima po ang tinapay at dadalawa ang isda natin."  

"Dalhin ninyo rito," sabi niya. Pinaupo niya sa damuhan ang mga tao, kinuha ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda; tumingala siya sa langit at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinagpira-piraso niya ang mga tinapay at iniutos sa mga alagad na ipamigay iyon sa mga tao. Kumain silang lahat at nabusog. Tinipon ng mga alagad ang lumabis, at sila'y nakapuno ng labindalawang bakol ng pira-pirasong tinapay. May limang libong lalaki ang kumain, bukod pa sa mga babae at mga bata.

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