Reflection for Thursday August 14 Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-19:1

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 

Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 

But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! 

I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” 

When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan. 

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Reflection:

The story is told about a philandering husband who was finally caught by his wife. The husband realized his mistake, so he humbly asked for forgiveness. After days of prayer and deep contemplation, the wife finally found it in her heart to forgive her unfaithful husband. 

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us about the beauty and depth of true forgiveness. His forgiveness is not partial, hesitant, or tinged with resentment—it is a forgiveness that is complete and unconditional. 

It is a forgiveness without a trace of bitterness or hatred, a forgiveness that can wash away even the darkest stains of our past and paint over them with the bright and gentle colors of hope, healing, and new beginnings. 

But in moments of honest reflection, we might ask ourselves: Can I truly forgive the way Jesus forgives? Many of us would instinctively say, “I cannot.” Why? Because we think, I am only human and Jesus is God. I am finite, and He is infinite. 

Yet, if this is our reasoning, we must remember this truth: Jesus not only forgave us—He also offered His very life for us. On the cross, He forgave those who betrayed Him, denied Him, and crucified Him. His mercy is beyond measure, and His example is meant not only to inspire us but to transform us. 

Who is your role model when it comes to forgiveness? Is it Jesus, whose love knows no bounds, or the unforgiving servant in the Gospel, who could not pass on the mercy he had received? 

Forgiveness is not weakness—it is the power of God at work in the human heart. When we choose to forgive, we choose to let God’s grace flow through us. And in doing so, we not only free others, but we also free ourselves. — Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Agosto 14 Paggunita kay San Maximilliano Maria Kolbe, pari at martir: Mateo 18:21-19:1

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:21-19:1

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit si Pedro at nagtanong kay Jesus."Panginoon, makailan kong patatawarin ang aking kapatid na paulit-ulit na nagkakasala sa akin? Makapito po ba? Sinagot siya ni Jesus, Hindi ko sinasabing makapito, kundi pitumpung ulit pa nito. Sapagkat ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito ipinasiya ng isang hari na pagbayarin ng kanyang mga lingkod na may utang sa kanya.  

Unang dinala sa kanya ang isang may utang na sampung milyong piso. Dahil sa siya'y walang ibayad, iniutos ng hari na ipagbili siya, ang kanyang asawa, mga anak, at lahat ng ari- arian, upang makabayad. Nanikluhod ang taong ito sa harapan ng hari at nagmakaawa. Bigyan pa ninyo ako ng panahon at babayaran ko sa inyo ang lahat. Naawa sa kanya ang hari kaya ipinatawad ang kanyang mga utang at pinayaon siya, Ngunit pagkaalis niya roon ay nakatagpo niya ang isa sa kanyang kapwa lingkod na may utang na limandaang piso sa kanya.  

Sinunggaban niya ito at sinakal sabay wika. 'Magbayad ka ng utang mo!' Naglumuhod iyon at nagmakaawa sa kanya. Bigyan mo pa ako ng panahon at babayaran kita. Ngunit hindi siya pumayag, sa halip ipinabilanggo niya ang kayang kapwa lingkod hanggang sa ito'y makabayad. Nang makita ng kanyang mga kapwa lingkod ang nangyari, sila'y labis na nagdamdam; pumunta sila sa hari at isinumbong ang nangyari.  

Kaya't ipinatawag siya ng hari. 'Ikaw--napakasama mo!' sabi niya. 'Pinatawad kita sa utang mo sapagkat nagmakaawa ka sa akin. Nahabag ako sa iyo hindi ba dapat ka ring mahabag sa kapwa mo?' At sa galit ng hari, siya'y ipinabilanggo hanggang sa mabayaran niya ang kanyang utang. Gayon din ang gagawin sa inyo ng aking Amang nasa langit kung hindi ninyo patatawarin ang inyong kapatid.  

Pagkatapos sabihin ni Jesus ang mga bagay na ito, siya'y umalis na sa Galilea at nagtungo sa lupain ng Judea, sa kabila ng Ilog Jordan. 

Reflection for August 13 Wednesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

(Jesus said to his disciples) “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” 

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Reflection: 

The story is told of a mother who would always shout at her daughter whenever she committed a mistake. This was her behavior until her child grew up; eventually, the child learned to answer back. Thus, whenever the mother shouted at her, she would also shout back to reciprocate the insult. In time, when the daughter matured, she became aloof and distant toward her mother. 

What is the importance of having a one-on-one talk with someone who has offended you or someone who is at fault? It shows your sincerity to help the person grow and be restored. It sends the message that you wish to address the matter with love, resolve the problem without grandstanding, and avoid wounding anyone further. By doing so, you communicate that you desire to build bridges of understanding rather than walls of separation. 

Yet many of us fall into the mistake of correcting someone in front of a crowd. Instead of bringing the person closer to correction, healing, and reconciliation, such public rebuke often drives them farther away. It inflicts deeper emotional wounds that may leave scars for life. Words spoken in public anger can echo in a person’s heart far longer than we realize. 

Jesus teaches us the gentle art of private correction. He calls us to approach others with humility and kindness, especially when they have gone astray. But often, our pride overpowers our compassion, and we allow arrogance to guide our actions rather than love. We must ask ourselves: What is the value of power if it only divides and wounds? What is the point of correcting someone in full public view if it sows resentment and hatred that might later bear bitter fruit? 

The way of Jesus in resolving conflict is always marked by diplomacy, fraternal correction, and gentleness—never arrogance or power-tripping to prove one’s influence. He invites us to follow His example, to speak truth in love, and to seek reconciliation over self-justification. 

How do you exercise your power and authority? Do you use it to build others up, or to tear them down? May we all choose the way of Christ—restoring with love, healing with gentleness, and leading with humility. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 13 Miyerkules sa Ika-19 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 18:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:15-20

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kung magkasala sa iyo ang kapatid mo, puntahan mo siya at kausapin nang sarilinan. Kapag nakinig siya sa iyo, ang pagsasama ninyong magkapatid ay napanauli mo sa dati at napapanumbalik mo siya sa Ama.  

Ngunit kung hindi siya makinig sa iyo, magsama ka pa ng isa o dalawang tao upang ang lahat ng pinag-uusapan ninyo ay mapatunayan ng dalawa o tatlong saksi. Kung hindi siya makinig sa kanila, sabihin mo ito sa pagtitipon sa simbahan.  

At kung hindi pa siya makinig sa natitipong simbahan, ituring mo siyang isang Hentil o isang publikano." "Sinasabi ko sa inyo: anumang ipagbawal ninyo sa lupa ay ipagbabawal sa langit, at anumang ipahintulot ninyo sa lupa ay ipahihintulot sa langit."

"Sinasabi ko pa rin sa inyo: kung ang dalawa sa inyo dito sa lupa ay magkaisa sa paghingi ng anumang bagay sa inyong panalangin, ipagkakaloob ito sa inyo ng aking Amang nasa langit. Sapagkat saanman may dalawa o tatlong nagkakatipon dahil sa akin, naroon akong kasama nila."

Reflection for August 12 Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. 

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

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Reflection:

Many of us, if not all, place a premium on recognition. We naturally feel good when others notice our efforts, appreciate our hard work, and commend us for what we do. We nod in silent approval, and deep within, there’s a quiet sense of satisfaction. Recognition in itself is not wrong — but if it becomes our primary motivation, we risk missing something far greater. 

In today’s Gospel, the disciples approached Jesus with a question: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” In response, Jesus called a little child to stand among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” It was a simple but powerful gesture — an object lesson in humility.  

Perhaps in that moment, Jesus was silently asking Himself: Do they follow Me because they seek greatness in My Kingdom? Do they follow Me for the applause and recognition of others? Do they understand that following Me means letting go of oneself, laying down personal ambitions, and embracing humility? Do they realize that the very heart of discipleship is not self-exaltation but self-emptying? 

We, too, are often like the disciples. We may work hard for the Church or serve our fellowmen, yet in the depths of our hearts, we may long for affirmation, applause, or praise. But God did not create us to chase after titles, honor, or human recognition. He created us to reflect His heart — a heart that is meek and humble. 

Therefore, in all that we do, let us resist the temptation to seek greatness for ourselves. Instead, let us faithfully and humbly do what is asked of us, knowing that this is what Jesus desires. Recognition, honor, and reward will come in God’s perfect time — not as the goal we strive for, but as a grace we receive when our hearts are set only on glorifying Him.  

When we serve in humility, we find the true joy of discipleship. And in God’s Kingdom, it is not the proud, but the humble, who are truly great. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Monday August 11 Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin: Matthew 17:22-27

Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.   

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?    

From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

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Reflection:

Do you generously give to your church? 

In today’s Gospel, we hear about the payment of the temple tax. Although Jesus and His disciples were exempt from paying it, our Lord still instructed Peter to go and pay the tax. Why? because Jesus wanted to set an example — to willingly contribute to the upkeep of the house of God and to the work done in His name. 

This simple yet profound act of generosity invites us to look within and ask ourselves: How generous am I to my church? Do I give with an open heart during the offertory, not out of obligation, but out of love for God and His people? 

Our giving is not merely about maintaining church buildings and facilities. It is also about supporting the ministers and workers who serve the community and reaching out to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. 

We may not always see it, but the church quietly and faithfully cares for those in need, often without making any public announcement. This unseen service is sustained by the offerings we place before the Lord. 

When we give generously, we are not losing anything — in fact, we are sowing seeds that will return to us a hundredfold. The blessings that come back may not always be financial. They may come in the form of peace and harmony in our family, good health, protection from harm, and other graces that no amount of money can buy. 

Let us remember: every gift we give to God through His church is a declaration of our trust in Him. And our God is never outdone in generosity. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Agosto 11 Paggunita kay Santa Clara, dalaga: Mateo 17:22-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:22-27

Noong panahong iyon, nang nagkakatipon sa Galilea, ang mga alagad, sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, "Ang Anak ng Tao ay ipagkakanulo at papatayin, ngunit muling mabubuhay sa ikatlong araw," At sila'y lubhang nagdalamhati. Pagdating nila sa Capernaum, lumapit kay Pedro ang mga maniningil ng buwis para sa templo. Tinanong siya, "Nagbabayad ba ng buwis para sa templo ang inyong Guro?" "Opo," sagot ni Pedro.  

At nang dumating siya sa bahay, tinanong na agad siya ni Jesus: "Ano ba ang palagay mo, Simon? Kanino sumisingil ng bayad sa lisensiya o buwis ang mga hari sa lupa? Sa mga mamamayan ba o mga dayuhan?"  

"Sa mga dayuhan po," tugon niya. sinabi ni Jesus, "Kung gayon, hindi pinagbabayad ang mga mamamayan. Gayunaman, para wala silang masabi sa atin, pumaroon ka sa lawa at ihagis mo ang kawil. Kunin mo ang unang isdang mahuhuli. Ibuka mo ang bibig nito at may makikita kang isang salaping pilak. Kunin mo ito at ibayad mo sa buwis nating dalawa."

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