Reflection for August 10, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:32-48

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.  

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 

And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 

Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 

Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

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Reflection:

There is a story of an elderly woman whose days were never too busy for God. Every morning, she could be found at Holy Mass, her quiet devotion was a steady light to those around her. Yet her faith did not end at the church doors — she carried it into the streets, offering her time, her hands, and her heart to anyone in need of her help.  

When people asked why he lived that way, he would gently answer, “This is my way of preparing for the coming of the Lord.” He likened the coming of the Lord to death—an event that arrives without any warning, yet one that we must always be ready to face.  

In our Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus reminds us to always be prepared and to be vigilant servants of the Lord—like the Israelites in our first reading, who patiently waited with faith and courage for God to set them free from the bondage of the Egyptians. They trusted in His promise, even when the night seemed long, and they acted in faith until the hour of deliverance came.  

How, then, can we become vigilant and prepared servants of the Lord? By serving and obeying Him without reservation, and by nurturing a faith that is alive, active, and visible in the way we live each day. True readiness is not about fear of the unknown—it is about love for the One we are waiting for. 

If death should come to us—which will certainly happen at God’s appointed time—then, if we have lived in faith and obedience, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we will look forward to meeting our Lord and being with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom. 

But what if we are not prepared? What if we have lived distracted, careless, or indifferent? Where will we end up then? 

Today, the Lord’s message is clear: Be ready. Stay faithful. Live as though you could meet Him at any moment. Let every act of kindness, every prayer, every choice for good be your way of saying, “Lord, I am ready when You call.” – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 10, Ika-19 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:32-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:32-48

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Maging handa kayo at sindihan ang inyong mga ilawan. Tumulad kayo sa mga taong naghihintay sa pag-uwi ng kanilang panginoon mula sa kasalan, para pagdating niya ay mabuksan agad ang pinto. Mapalad ang mga alipin na abutang nagbabantay pagdating ng kanilang panginoon. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo, maghahanda siya, padudulugin sila sa hapag, at maglilingkod sa kanila. Mapapalad sila kung maratnan niya silang handa, dumating man siya ng hatinggabi o madaling-araw siya dumating. Tandaan ninyo ito: kung alam lamang ng puno ng sambahayan kung anong oras darating ang magnanakaw, hindi niya pababayaang pasukin ang kanyang bahay. Kayo ma’y dapat humanda, sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao sa oras na hindi ninyo inaasahan.” 

Itinanong ni Pedro, "Panginoon, sinasabi po ba ninyo ang talinghagang ito para sa amin o para sa lahat?" Tumugon ang Panginoon, "Sino nga ang tapat at matalinong alipin? Hindi ba siya ang pamamahalain ng kanyang panginoon sa sambahayan nito, upang magbigay sa ibang mga alipin ng kanilang pagkain sa karampatang panahon? Mapalad ang aliping iyon, kapag dinatnan siyang gumagawa ng gayon pagbabalik ng kanyang panginoon. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: pamamahalain siya ng kanyang panginoon, at simulan niyang bugbugin ang ibang aliping lalaki at babae, at kumain, uminom, at maglasing, darating ang panginoon ng aliping yaon sa araw na hindi niya inaasahan at sa oras na hindi niya alam. Buong higpit na parurusahan siya ng panginoon, at isasama sa mga di-tapat. 

"At ang aliping nakaaalam ng kalooban ng kanyang panginoon ngunit hindi naghanda ni sumunod sa kalooban nito ay tatanggap ng mabigat na parusa. Ngunit ang aliping hindi nakaaalam ng kalooban ng kanyang panginoon at gumawa ng mga bagay na nararapat niyang pagdusahan ay tatanggap ng magaang na parusa. Ang binigyan ng maraming bagay ay hahanapan ng maraming bagay; at ang pinagkatiwalaan ng lalong maraming bagay ay pananagutin sa lalong maraming bagay."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang senior citizen na babae na laging naglalaan ng oras para sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kanyang presensya sa Banal na Misa at para sa mga taong nangangailangan ng kanyang tulong.  

Kapag tinatanong siya kung bakit ganoon ang kanyang pamumuhay, marahan niyang sinasabi, “Ito ang aking paraan ng paghahanda para sa muling pagdating ng Panginoon.” Inihahalintulad niya ang pagdating ng Panginoon sa kamatayan—isang pangyayaring dumarating nang walang anumang babala, ngunit isang bagay na dapat lagi nating paghandaan. 

Sa ating mabuting balita ngayong Linggo, pinaaalalahanan tayo ni Jesus na laging maging handa at maging mapagmatyag na mga lingkod ng Panginoon—gaya ng mga Israelita sa ating Unang Pagbasa, na matiyagang naghintay nang may pananampalataya hanggang sa sila’y palayain ng Diyos mula sa pagkaalipin sa mga Egipcio. Nagtitiwala sila sa Kanyang pangako, kahit tila napakahaba ng gabi, at kumilos sila ayon sa pananampalataya hanggang sumapit ang oras ng pagliligtas. 

Paano nga ba tayo magiging mapagmatyag at handang mga lingkod ng Panginoon? Sa pamamagitan ng taos-pusong paglilingkod at pagsunod sa Kanya nang walang alinlangan, at sa pamamagitan ng paglinang ng pananampalatayang buhay, masigla, at nakikita sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ang tunay na kahandaan ay hindi bunga ng takot sa hindi natin alam—ito ay bunga ng pag-ibig sa Kanya na ating hinihintay. 

Kapag dumating ang kamatayan—na tiyak na mangyayari sa itinakdang oras ng Diyos—at kung tayo’y namuhay sa pananampalataya at pagsunod, wala tayong dapat ikatakot. Sa halip, pananabikan natin ang sandaling makaharap ang ating Panginoon at makapiling Siya magpakailanman sa Kanyang kaharian sa langit. 

Ngunit paano kung hindi tayo handa? Paano kung tayo’y patuloy na namumuhay sa kasalanan at walang malasakit sa ating kapwa? Saan tayo hahantong? 

Ngayon, malinaw ang mensahe ng Panginoon: Maging handa. Manatiling tapat. Mamuhay na parang maaari Siyang dumating anumang oras. Nawa’y bawat gawa ng kabutihan, bawat panalangin, at bawat pagpili sa tama ay maging paraan natin ng pagsasabi, “Panginoon, handa po ako kapag ako’y Iyo ng tatawagin.” – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 9 Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 17:14-20

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 

Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out? 

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

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Reflection: 

What can your faith in Jesus do for you? 

It can stir hope deep within your heart, and it can move you to hold on to Jesus with unwavering trust, even in the most difficult and painful moments of your life. 

Consider the man in the Gospel who approached Jesus, begging for the healing of his son. He came with faith—quiet, desperate, but strong. Without that faith, he wouldn’t have dared to approach the Lord. But because he believed, he came. And because he came, he received the grace he sought. 

Now contrast his faith with the doubts of Jesus’ own disciples. Why did they falter? Perhaps they began to see Jesus as just another man, someone familiar and ordinary. Maybe the burdens of their mission—the trials and frustrations—slowly wore down their sense of awe and reverence for the Master. 

The same can happen to us. When we begin to treat Jesus as a mere figure from history, or when we only remember Him during convenient moments, we, too, become vulnerable to a quiet and dangerous illness: the erosion of faith. And when our faith erodes, we become lukewarm—disconnected, unmotivated, and spiritually tired. We lose our desire to pursue Jesus. Doubts creep in. Our love grows cold. 

But take heart—there is a remedy. 

When we feel our faith beginning to fade, let us fall to our knees and pray. Let us ask Jesus, with the humility of the man in the Gospel, “Lord, increase my faith.” Let us go to Him with open hearts at the Eucharistic Celebration. Be fully present. Listen to His voice. Receive His Body with longing and love. Read His words in Scripture, not as ink on paper, but as a personal message from the One who loves us most. 

If we commit ourselves to doing these things—not out of obligation, but out of love—we will be strengthened. Our faith will become firm, like a house built on rock. And then, no storm in life, no matter how fierce or overwhelming, will be able to shake us. Jesus will hold us steady. He will walk with us. And we will know, deep in our souls, that nothing is impossible with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 9 Sabado sa Ika-18 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 17:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:14-20

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit ang isang lalaki, lumuhod sa harapan ni Hesus at ang sabi, “Ginoo, mahabag po kayo sa anak kong lalaki! Siya po’y himatayin at lubhang nahihirapan kung sinusumpong, sapagkat madalas siyang mabuwal sa apoy o kaya’y mahulog sa tubig.  

Dinala ko na siya sa inyong mga alagad, ngunit hindi nila mapagaling.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Lahing walang pananampalataya at matigas ang ulo! Hanggang kailan dapat akong manatiling kasama ninyo? Hanggang kailan ko kayo pagtitiisan? Dalhin ninyo rito ang bata!” Pinagwikaan ni Hesus ang demonyo at lumabas ito, at ang bata’y gumaling agad. 

Pagkatapos ay lumapit ang mga alagad kay Hesus at nagtanong nang walang ibang nakaririnig, “Bakit hindi po namin mapalayas ang demonyo?” Sumagot siya, “Dahil sa kaliitan ng inyong pananalig. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung maging sinlaki man lamang ng butil ng mustasa ang inyong pananalig sa Diyos, masasabi ninyo sa bundok na ito, ‘Lumipat ka roon!’ at lilipat ito. Walang bagay na hindi ninyo mapangyayari.”

Reflection for Friday August 8 Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest: Matthew 16:24-28

Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

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Reflection:

What is a meaningful and well-lived life? 

It is a life lived for the greater glory of God—a life not centered on ourselves or our fleeting earthly achievements, but on our relationship with the One who created us. 

So often, we fall into the trap of living only for what this world can give. We chase success, wealth, recognition, and pleasure, believing that these things will fill the deepest longings of our hearts. 

But even after achieving all these, we may still find ourselves asking: Why am I not truly happy? Worse, we may feel empty and alone—surrounded by abundance yet starving for meaning. 

Why does this happen? 

Because our hearts were not made for this world. We were created by God and for God, and our souls will always remain restless until they rest in Him. We desire the things of this world, yet we fail to see that many of them enslave us—binding us with false promises that can never satisfy the soul. 

Everything we have here is temporary. Even we, who walk this earth today, are but pilgrims—passing through this world on our way to our true home in heaven. 

God did not create us for earthly riches but for eternal joy in His presence. And yet, many still don’t understand this. We accumulate more than we need. Some even go so far as to sacrifice their values and sell their souls just to gain what the world calls "success." 

But in today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of a powerful truth: the true meaning of life is found only in living for Him. We will never find lasting peace or purpose in wealth, power, or glamour. These things will fade. Only a life rooted in Christ—a life of faith, surrender, and love—will endure. 

Let us ask ourselves today: Am I living for the glory of God or for the fleeting glories of this world? May we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us back to what truly matters: a life lived in union with Jesus, full of grace, purpose, and eternal hope. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Agosto 8 Paggunita kay Santo Domingo, pari: Mateo 16:24-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:24-28

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Kung ibig ninumang sumunod sa akin, limutin niya ang ukol sa kanyang sarili, pasanin ang kanyang krus at sumunod sa akin. Ang naghahangad na magligtas ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito; ngunit ang mag-alay ng kanyang buhay alang-alang sa akin ay siyang magkakamit noon.  

Ano nga ang mapapala ng isang tao, makamtan man niya ang buong daigdig kung ang katumbas naman nito’y ang kanyang buhay? Ano ang maibabayad ng tao para mabalik sa kanya ang kanyang buhay? Sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao na taglay ang dakilang kapangyarihan ng kanyang Ama at kasama ang kanyang mga anghel.  

Sa panahong yao’y gagantihan niya ang bawat tao ayon sa kanyang ginawa. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: may ilan sa inyo rito na hindi mamamatay hangga’t di nila nakikita ang Anak ng Tao na pumaparito bilang Hari.”

Reflection for August 7 Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:13-23

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-23

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.  

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

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Reflection:

Is there a reward for a person who exerts effort to know Jesus deeply? Yes, there is—and this is beautifully revealed in today’s Gospel reading. 

When Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “But who do you say that I am?” it was Simon Peter who responded with a heart full of conviction and faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Peter didn’t arrive at this truth by chance. Yes, it was a divine gift from the Father—but Peter also nurtured that gift. He spent time with Jesus. He listened. He observed. He loved. He allowed himself to be transformed by the presence of the Lord. Without that effort, that deep longing to know Jesus personally, Peter would not have been able to make such a profound confession of faith. 

What was Peter’s reward? Jesus looked into his heart and entrusted him with a divine mission: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” (Matthew 16:18) What an extraordinary reward—to be chosen as the foundation upon which the visible Church of Christ would stand! 

And what about us? What will we receive if we, too, exert effort to know Jesus more intimately? The rewards are immense and eternal—peace that surpasses understanding, a life anchored in grace, hearts that forgive, families that flourish in love, and a soul that rests securely in the arms of God. These are treasures the world cannot give, and the world cannot take away. 

Through our Baptism, the gift of a relationship with Jesus has already been placed in our hands. But a gift left unopened remains useless. Let us not neglect this divine gift. Instead, let us unwrap it each day with eagerness and joy by deepening our love and knowledge of Christ. 

We open this gift when we immerse ourselves in His life through the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We open it when we live out His teachings in our daily choices, in our forgiveness, in our sacrifices, in our love. We open it when we participate fully, consciously, and joyfully in the celebration of the Holy Mass—where heaven meets earth and Christ gives Himself to us again and again. 

Do you also long to receive the Lord’s rewards? Draw near to Him. Desire Him. Spend time with Him. Because those who seek Him with all their hearts will never walk away empty. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

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.