Reflection for Thursday August 21 Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope: Matthew 22:1-14

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 

A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast. Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 

Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 

But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.

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Reflection:

Do we always find time for Holy Mass, especially on Sundays? Every Holy Mass is more than just a gathering—it is a sacred invitation to the Lord’s heavenly banquet. To be present there requires so little from us—just a portion of our time—yet what we receive in return is far beyond measure. It is we who are richly blessed by the Lord whenever we make ourselves available to encounter Him at Holy Mass. 

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us a parable about a king who invited guests to the wedding banquet of his son. Sadly, because of their worldly concerns and distractions, no one came to honor the king’s invitation. They turned away from a great feast of joy and missed the chance to share in the blessing of the king’s household. 

How often do we do the same? When we fail to attend Holy Mass, we miss the most precious opportunity—to break bread with Jesus, to partake of His Body and Blood, and to be spiritually strengthened by His grace. At the altar, heaven touches earth, and Jesus offers Himself fully to us. To miss this encounter is to miss the gift of divine intimacy and renewal that our souls long for. 

Let us not allow the busyness of life to rob us of this grace. Instead, let us always make time to respond to Jesus’ gentle invitation to be with Him at Holy Mass. No matter how heavy our schedules or burdens, the Lord awaits us with open arms. At every Holy Mass, He desires to bless us, to heal us, and to draw us close into His loving presence. 

Do you always find time to be with Jesus at Holy Mass? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Huwebes Agosto 21 Paggunita kay San Pio X, papa: Mateo 22:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22:1-14

Noong panahong iyon, muling nagsalita sa mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan si Hesus sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga. Sinabi niya, “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: naghandog ng isang piging ang isang hari sa kasal ng kanyang anak na lalaki.

Sinugo niya ang kanyang mga alipin upang tawagin ang mga inanyayahan ngunit ayaw nilang dumalo. Muli siyang nagsugo ng ibang mga alipin at kanyang pinagbilinan, ‘Sabihin ninyo sa mga inanyayahan na naihanda ko na ang aking piging: napatay na ang aking mga baka at mga pinatabang guya, at handa na ang lahat ng bagay. Halina kayo sa piging!’

Ngunit hindi ito pinansin ng mga inanyayahan. Humayo sila sa kani-kanilang lakad; ang isa’y sa kanyang bukid at sa kanyang pangangalakal naman ang isa. Sinunggaban naman ng iba ang mga alipin, hinamak at pinatay. Galit na galit ang hari. Pinaparoon niya ang kanyang mga kawal, ipinapuksa ang mga mamamatay-taong iyon at ipinasunog ang kanilang lungsod.

Sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alipin, ‘Nakahanda na ang piging, ngunit hindi karapat-dapat ang mga inanyayahan. Kaya’t pumunta kayo sa mga langsangang matao, at inyong anyayahan sa kasalan ang lahat ng makita ninyo.’ Lumabas nga sa mga pangunahing lansangan ang mga alipin at isinama ang lahat ng natagpuan, masasama’t mabubuti, anupat napuno ng mga panauhin ang bulwagang pangkasalan.

“Pumasok ang hari upang tingnan ang mga panauhin, at nakita niya roon ang isang taong hindi nakadamit pangkasalan. ‘Kaibigan, bakit ka pumasok dito nang hindi nakadamit pangkasalan?’ tanong niya. Hindi nakaimik ang tao. Kaya’t sinabi ng hari sa mga katulong, ‘Gapusin ninyo ang kanyang kamay at paa at itapon siya sa kadiliman sa labas. Doo’y mananangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.’ Sapagkat marami ang tinatawag, ngunit kakaunti ang nahihirang.”

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay laging naglalaan ng oras para sa Banal na Misa, lalo na tuwing Linggo? Ang bawat Banal na Misa ay higit pa sa isang pagtitipon—ito ay isang banal na paanyaya sa piging ng Panginoon. Kaunting oras lamang ang hinihingi sa atin, subalit kapalit nito ay biyayang hindi masukat. Tayo ang tunay na pinagpapala ng Panginoon sa tuwing binibigyan natin Siya ng pagkakataong makatagpo sa Banal na Misa. 

Sa Mabuting Balita, ibinahagi ni Jesus ang isang talinghaga tungkol sa isang hari na nag-anyaya ng mga panauhin sa kasalan ng kaniyang anak. Sa kasamaang-palad, dahil sa kanilang pagkakaabala sa makamundong bagay, walang sinumang pumunta upang parangalan ang paanyaya ng hari. Kanilang tinanggihan ang isang piging na puno ng kagalakan at pinalampas ang pagkakataong makibahagi sa biyaya ng sambahayan ng hari. 

Hindi ba’t madalas din nating nagagawa ang ganito? Kapag hindi tayo dumadalo sa Banal na Misa, ipinagkakait natin sa ating sarili ang pinakamahalagang pagkakataon—ang makisalo kay Jesus, ang tumanggap ng Kanyang Katawan at Dugo, at ang mapalakas ng Kanyang biyaya. Sa altar, ang langit ay dumadampi sa lupa, at iniaalay ni Jesus ang Kanyang sarili nang lubos sa atin. Ang hindi pagdalo ay ang pagpalampas sa biyaya ng isang personal na pakikipagtagpo kay Jesus na labis na inaasam ng ating kaluluwa. 

Huwag nating hayaang agawin ng pagkaabala ng buhay ang biyayang ito. Sa halip, lagi nating bigyang-oras ang pagtugon sa paanyaya ni Jesus na makasama Siya sa Banal na Misa. Anuman ang bigat ng ating gawain o pasanin, naghihintay ang Panginoon na yakapin tayo. Sa bawat Pagdiriwang ng Banal na Misa, nais Niya tayong pagpalain, pagalingin, at ilapit sa Kanyang mapagmahal na presensya. 

Ikaw ba, palagi ka bang naglalaan ng oras upang makapiling si Jesus sa Banal na Misa? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday August 20 Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 20:1-16

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.  

Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’  When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.  

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’  

He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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Reflection:

Do you, every once in a while, question the decisions of God in your life?

There are moments when His ways seem puzzling to us—when His plans don’t match our expectations. Yet God thinks differently from how we think, and His decisions are not based on our limited understanding.

In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, it seemed at first that the landowner—who represents the Lord—was unfair. He paid the same wage to those who worked all day and to those who worked only a few hours. Naturally, we might ask: Was he unjust to the ones who labored longer, or was he simply generous?

The truth is, the landowner was both generous and faithful. He gave each worker exactly what was promised. It did not matter to him who came first and who came last. What mattered was his commitment to the agreement, and his willingness to bless everyone equally.

So it is with God. We often measure, compare, and count. He does not. We hold back; He gives without limits. We discriminate; He embraces all without distinction. For the Lord, what is important is not how early or how late we respond to His call, but that we respond at all.

God does not dwell on the weight of your sins. He does not count how many years you may have wandered away. What matters to Him is the moment you turn back, the moment you say yes to His invitation of love and repentance. His mercy is never too late, His generosity never runs dry.

Perhaps you feel unworthy. Perhaps you think you’ve come too late to His vineyard. But to God, it is never too late. The door of His mercy remains open, the call of His love never ends.

Would you respond to God’s call today? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Miyerkules Agosto 20 Paggunita kay San Bernardo, abad at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 20:1-16

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:1-16

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: lumabas ng umagang-umaga ang may-ari ng ubasan upang humanap ng mga manggagawa. Nang magkasundo na sila sa upa na isang denaryo maghapon, sila'y pinapunta niya sa kanyang ubasan. Lumabas siyang muli nang mag-iikasiyam ng umaga at nakakita siya ng iba pang tatayu-tayo lamang sa liwasang-bayan.  

Sinabi nya sa kanila, 'Pumaroon din kayo at magtrabaho sa aking ubasan, at bibigyan ko kayo ng karampatang upa. At pumaroon nga sila. Lumabas na naman siya nang mag-iikalabindalawa ng tanghali at nang mag-iikatlo ng hapon, at gayon din ang ginagawa niya. Nang mag-iikalima ng hapon, siya'y lumabas uli at nakakita pa ng mga ibang wala ring ginagawa. Sinabi niya sa kanila, 'Bakit kayo tatayu-tayo lang dito sa buong maghapon?' 'Wala pong magbigay sa amin ng trabaho, e!' sagot nila. At sinabi niya, 'Kung gayun, pumaroon kayo at gumawa sa aking ubasan.' 

"Pagtatakip-silim, sinabi ng may-ari ng ubasan sa kanyang katiwala, 'Tawagin mo na ang mga manggagawa at sila'y upahan, magmula sa huli hanggang sa unang nagtrabaho.' Ang mga nagsimula ng mag-iikalima ng hapon ay tumanggap ng tig-iisang denaryo. At nang lumapit ang mga nauna, inakala nilang tatanggap sila ng higit doon; ngunit ang bawat isa'y tumanggap din ng isang denaryo. 

Pagkatanggap nito, nagreklamo sila sa may-ari ng ubasan. Sabi nila, 'Isang oras lang pong gumawa ang mga huling dumating, samantalang maghapon kaming nagpagal at nagtiis ng nakapapasong init ng araw. Bakit naman po ninyo pinagpare-pareho ang upa sa amin?' At sinabi niya sa isa sa kanila, 'Kaibigan, hindi kita dinadaya. Hindi ba't nagkasundo tayo sa isang denaryo? 

Kunin mo ang ganang iyo, at umalis ka na. Maano kung ibig kong upahan ang nahuli nang tulad ng upa ko sa iyo? Wala ba akong karapatang gawin ang aking maibigan sa ari-arian ko? O naiinggit ka lang sa aking kabutihang loob?' Kaya't ang nahuhuli ay mauuna, at ang nauuna ay mahuhuli."

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Repleksyon:

May mga sandali ba na dumarating sa iyo ang tanong: Bakit ganito ang pasya ng Diyos sa aking buhay?

May mga pagkakataon na tila hindi tugma ang Kanyang mga plano sa ating inaasahan. Subalit kakaiba ang pag-iisip ng Diyos kaysa sa atin, at ang Kanyang mga pasya ay hindi batay sa ating makitid na pang-unawa. 

Sa talinghaga ng mga manggagawa sa ubasan, wari bang naging hindi makatarungan ang may-ari ng ubasan—na siyang kumakatawan sa Panginoon. Binigyan niya ng parehong upa ang mga nagtrabaho nang buong araw at ang mga dumating lamang sa huling oras. Natural lamang itanong natin: Hindi ba’t hindi makatarungan ito sa mga nagpagod nang matagal, o sadyang napakabukas-palad lamang niya? 

Ang totoo, ang may-ari ng ubasan ay parehong tapat at mapagbigay. Ibinigay niya sa bawat isa ang kanilang napagkasunduan. Hindi mahalaga kung sino ang nauna o nahuli. Ang mahalaga sa kanya ay tinupad niya ang kanyang pangako at pinagpala ang bawat manggagawa. 

Ganyan din ang Diyos sa atin. Tayo ay laging nagbibilang, nagkukumpara, at nagdadamot. Ngunit Siya ay hindi. Tayo ay nag-aatubili; Siya ay nagbibigay nang walang hanggan. Tayo ay nagtatangi; Siya ay yumayakap sa lahat nang walang kinikilingan. Para sa Diyos, ang mahalaga ay hindi kung gaano kaaga o gaano kahuli ang ating pagtugon—ang tunay na mahalaga ay tumugon tayo sa Kanyang paanyaya. 

Hindi tinitingnan ng Diyos kung gaano kalaki ang iyong kasalanan. Hindi Niya binibilang ang mga taon ng iyong paglayo. Ang mahalaga sa Kanya ay ang sandaling ikaw ay magbalik, ang oras na sasabihin mong oo sa Kanyang paanyaya ng pag-ibig at pagbabalik-loob. Ang Kanyang awa ay hindi nauubos, at ang Kanyang biyaya ay kailanman hindi mauubusan. 

Marahil iniisip mo: Hindi na ako karapat-dapat. O baka naman: Huli na para sa akin. Ngunit para sa Diyos, hindi kailanman huli ang lahat. Ang pintuan ng Kanyang habag ay laging bukas, at ang tinig ng Kanyang paanyaya ay hindi titigil. 

Tutugon kana ba sa pa anyaya ng Panginoon? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 19 Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:23-30

Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. 

What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

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Reflection:

Can you truly achieve inner peace and serenity by chasing the fleeting offerings of this world? 

Fortune, fame, and even power can never give us the lasting peace our hearts long for. We may possess all the wealth this world has to offer, but it will amount to nothing if we do not have inner peace, serenity, and above all, God. Just look at the lives of many rich, famous, and powerful people who, despite having everything, ended their lives in despair. Their stories remind us that worldly riches cannot fill the emptiness of the soul. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus said to His disciples that it is hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. He was referring to the rich man who could not let go of his treasures for the sake of the poor and for the sake of following Him. Jesus lovingly invited this man to become His disciple, but he walked away from the glorious offer, clinging instead to his wealth. What a tragic choice—to reject eternal riches for temporary possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22) 

It is not a sin to be rich. But riches become a dangerous snare when they take the place of God in our hearts. When wealth becomes our idol, when we cannot let go even for the sake of God’s Kingdom, then we risk losing not only our peace but also our eternal life. When we fall in love with fleeting riches, we begin to justify anything—even the very sins that Jesus detests—all for the sake of keeping or gaining more wealth. 

For example, we may allow ourselves to be enslaved by greed, treating wealth as our god. Some may even engage in corruption or compromise their values just to gain more. This is the spiritual danger that Jesus warns us about when He said: “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” This powerful hyperbole is not meant to discourage us, but to awaken us. It calls us to examine: Do we serve God, or do we serve wealth? 

Come to think of it, is it bad to be rich? Certainly not—as long as we do not make our earthly wealth our god. Wealth, when placed at the service of God’s Kingdom, becomes a blessing. Imagine using our riches to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, build up the Church, and share the Gospel. The truth is this: the more we give away our wealth for the sake of love and service, the more we become fit for the Kingdom of God. 

God did not create us to be enslaved by riches that perish. He created us to freely aspire for His Kingdom in heaven, where true peace and serenity dwell forever. Let us not be imprisoned by the false security of wealth. Instead, let us hold on to Christ, the eternal treasure, for in Him alone lies the peace that no money can ever buy. 

Do you allow yourself to be enslaved by material riches? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 19 Martes sa Ika-20 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 19:23-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:23-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: napakahirap mapabilang ang mayayaman sa mga pinaghaharian ng Diyos! At sinasabi ko rin sa inyo: madali pang makaraan ang kamelyo sa butas ng karayom kaysa pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos ang isang mayaman.” 

Nagtaka ang mga alagad nang marinig ito, kaya’t naitanong nila. “Kung gayun, sino po ang maliligtas?” Tinitigan sila ni Hesus at sinabi, “Hindi ito magagawa ng tao, ngunit magagawa ng Diyos ang lahat ng bagay.”   

At nagsalita si Pedro, “Tingnan po ninyo: iniwan namin ang lahat at kami’y sumunod sa inyo. Ano po naman ang para sa amin?” Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo ito: kapag nakaluklok na ang Anak ng Tao sa kanyang maringal na trono sa bagong daigdig, kayong sumunod sa akin ay luluklok din sa labindalawang trono upang hukuman ang labindalawang lipi ng Israel.   

At ang sinumang magtiis na iwan ang tahanan, mga kapatid na lalaki at babae, ama, ina, mga anak, o mga lupain alang-alang sa akin ay tatanggap ng makasandaang ibayo, at pagkakalooban ng buhay na walang hanggan. Ngunit maraming una na magiging huli, at maraming huli na magiging una.”

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Repleksyon:

Tunay nga bang makakamtan natin ang kapayapaan at katahimikan ng kalooban sa pamamagitan ng paghabol sa mga panandaliang handog ng mundong ito? 

Ang kayamanan, katanyagan, at kapangyarihan ay hindi kailanman makapagbibigay ng tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Maaaring taglayin natin ang lahat ng yaman at kapangyarihan ng sanlibutan, ngunit wala itong saysay kung wala tayong kapayapaan, katahimikan, at higit sa lahat, kung wala ang Diyos sa ating puso. 

Tingnan na lamang natin ang ilang mga taong mayaman, tanyag, at makapangyarihan na sa kabila ng lahat ng kanilang tinamo ay nagtapos ang buhay sa kalungkutan at pagpapatiwakal. Ito’y paalala na hindi kayamanan ang makapupuno sa uhaw ng kaluluwa. 

Sa ating pong Mabuting Balita, sinabi ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga alagad na mahirap para sa taong mayaman ang makapasok sa Kaharian ng Langit. Tinukoy Niya ang isang mayamang lalaki na hindi kayang bitawan ang kanyang mga kayamanan alang-alang sa mahihirap at sa pagsunod kay Jesus. Siya mismo ay inimbitahan ng Panginoon upang maging Kanyang alagad, ngunit tinanggihan niya ang dakilang paanyayang ito dahil mas pinili niyang kumapit sa kanyang yaman. (Mateo 19:16-22) 

Kay lungkot isipin na ipinagpalit niya ang walang hanggang kayamanan sa mga bagay na panandalian. 

Hindi kasalanan ang maging mayaman. Subalit nagiging panganib ito sa ating kaligtasan kung gagawin natin itong diyus-diyosan. Kapag hindi natin kayang bitiwan ang ating mga ari-arian kahit para sa ikaluluwalhati ng Kaharian ng Diyos, nanganganib tayong mawalan ng hindi lamang kapayapaan, kundi pati ng ating buhay na walang hanggan. Kapag nahulog tayo sa labis na pagmamahal sa yaman, nagiging madali para sa atin ang gumawa ng mga bagay na kinamumuhian ng Panginoon. 

Halimbawa, hinahayaan nating alipinin tayo ng kasakiman, itinuturing ang yaman na parang diyos. May ilan na nagkakasala ng korupsiyon o nagsasakripisyo ng kanilang dangal alang-alang sa pera. Ito ang panganib na ipinapakita sa atin ni Jesus nang sabihin Niya: “Mas madali pang makaraan ang isang kamelyo sa butas ng karayom kaysa sa isang mayamang tao na makapasok sa Kaharian ng Diyos.” Isang matindi at makapangyarihang pahayag na hindi upang takutin tayo, kundi upang gisingin tayo—sino ba talaga ang ating pinaglilingkuran: ang Diyos ba, o ang kayamanan? 

Pero, masama ba ang yumaman? Hindi—kung hindi natin ito ginagawang diyos sa ating buhay. Ang yaman, kapag inilagay sa paglilingkod sa Diyos, ay nagiging biyaya. Isipin natin: kung gagamitin natin ang ating yaman upang pakainin ang nagugutom, damitan ang mga nangangailangan, palakasin ang Simbahan, at ibahagi ang Mabuting Balita, nagiging daan ito ng ating kabanalan. Sapagkat ang totoo: habang mas bukal sa ating loob ang pagbibigay, lalo tayong nagiging karapat-dapat sa Kaharian ng Diyos. 

Hindi po tayo nilikha ng Diyos upang maging alipin ng kayamanang kumukupas. Nilikha Niya tayo upang malayang hangarin ang Kanyang Kaharian sa langit—ang Kaharian ng walang hanggang kapayapaan at katahimikan. Huwag tayong magpaloko sa huwad na kapanatagan na dala ng yaman. Sa halip, kumapit tayo kay Kristo—ang tunay na kayamanang walang kapantay. Sapagkat sa Kanya lamang matatagpuan ang kapayapaan na hindi kayang ibigay ng salapi at kapangyarihan kailanman. 

Ikaw ba ay nagpapaalipin sa kayamanang materyal?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 18 Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:16-22

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 

He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  

The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

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Reflection:

Would you give up everything to follow Jesus?

So near and yet so far—this was perhaps the predicament of the young man who approached Jesus and asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. He had already followed the commandments faithfully, but when Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and then follow Him, the man’s heart grew heavy. He quietly walked away, unable to let go of his many earthly possessions.

This young man mirrors many of us today. Deep within, we desire to follow the Lord fully, yet we struggle to release our grip on the things of this world. Wealth, comfort, and security whisper to us, “hold on,” but Jesus lovingly invites us to “let go.” What is it about wealth that enslaves our hearts? We cannot carry it to our graves. We cannot cling to it when age weakens our hands, for eventually it will pass to someone else—or even be lost altogether.

Saint Francis of Assisi understood this truth. Though born into wealth and nobility, he gave everything away so he could respond wholeheartedly to God’s call. His radical surrender reminds us that true joy and freedom come not from possessing much, but from giving much. God’s will for us, too, is to share our blessings so that others may live and hope through them. Such surrender is never easy—it requires a change of heart, a reordering of priorities, and a lifestyle rooted not in self, but in Christ.

Yet perhaps God is not asking you to abandon everything as Francis did. Many of us have families to feed, children to raise, and responsibilities to fulfill. Still, we are not exempt from generosity. What matters is not the amount we give, but the love with which we give it. A small offering, when it springs from a heart of faith, becomes a great treasure in the eyes of God.

Following Jesus always costs something. To walk in His footsteps means releasing what we cling to most tightly—whether riches, pride, ambitions, or even our fears. But when we let go, we make room for Him to fill us with something infinitely greater: His love, His peace, His eternal life.

Are you like the young man in today’s Gospel, who walked away sorrowful because he had many possessions? Or are you like Saint Francis of Assisi, who surrendered everything in order to embrace the call of the Lord? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 18 Lunes sa Ika-20 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 19:16-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:16-22

Noong panahong iyon, may isang lalaking lumapit kay Hesus at nagtanong, "Guro, ano pong kabutihan ang kailangan kong gawin upang magkamit ng buhay na walang hanggan?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Bakit mo ako tinatanong kung ano ang mabuti? Iisa lamang ang mabuti. Kung ibig mong magkamit ng buhay, sundin mo ang mga utos."

"Alin-alin po?" tanong niya. Sumagot si Jesus, "Huwag kang papatay; huwag kang mangangalunya; huwag kang magnanakaw; huwag kang magsisinungaling sa iyong pagsaksi; igalang mo ang iyong ama at ina; at ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa, gaya nang pag-ibig mo sa iyong sarili."

Sinabi ng binata, "Tinutupad ko na pong lahat iyan. Ano pa po ang dapat kong gawin?" "Kung ibig mong maging ganap, humayo ka, ipagbili mo ang iyong ari-arian at ipamahagi sa mga dukha ang pinagbilhan. Kapag ginawa mo iyan, magkakaroon ka ng kayamanan sa langit.

Pagkatapos, bumalik ka at sumunod sa akin." sagot ni Jesus. Pagkarinig nito, malungkot na umalis ang binata, sapagkat siya'y napakayaman.

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Repleksyon:

Handa ka bang isuko ang lahat upang sumunod kay Jesus? 

Kay lapit na, ngunit kay layo pa rin—ito marahil ang sinapit ng binatang lumapit kay Jesus upang itanong kung ano ang dapat niyang gawin upang magmana ng buhay na walang hanggan. Sinunod na niya ang mga utos ng Diyos nang tapat, subalit nang sabihin sa kanya ni Jesus na ipagbili ang lahat ng kanyang ari-arian, ipamigay sa mga dukha, at saka sumunod sa Kanya—nabagabag ang kanyang puso. Siya ay tahimik na lumayo, sapagkat hindi niya kayang bitiwan ang kanyang maraming kayamanan. 

Ang binatang ito ay larawan ng marami sa atin ngayon. Nais nating sundan ang Panginoon nang buo ang puso, ngunit hirap tayong pakawalan ang mga bagay ng sanlibutan. Bulong ng yaman, kaginhawaan, at kasiguruhan: “hawakan mo ako,” ngunit paanyaya ni Jesus: “ Sumunod ka.” Ano ba ang nasa kayamanan na tila’t alipin tayo nito? Hindi natin ito madadala sa ating libingan. Hindi natin ito mahahawakan kapag tayo’y tumanda at nanghina, sapagkat ito’y mapupunta rin sa iba—o baka tuluyang mawala. 

Nauunawaan ito ni San Francisco ng Assisi. Siya ay isinilang sa mayamang angkan, ngunit kanyang isinuko ang lahat upang buong-pusong tumugon sa tawag ng Diyos. Ang kanyang radikal na pagsuko ay nagpapaalala sa atin na ang tunay na kagalakan at kalayaan ay hindi galing sa pagkakaroon ng marami, kundi sa pagbibigay ng marami. 

Ang kalooban din ng Diyos para sa atin ay ang ibahagi ang ating mga biyaya upang ang iba ay magkaroon ng buhay at pag-asa. Totoo, mahirap itong gawin—dahil nangangailangan ito ng pagbabagong-loob, pagbabago ng pamumuhay, at pagkiling hindi sa sarili kundi kay Kristo. 

Subalit hindi lahat ay tinatawag na iwan ang lahat gaya ni San Francisco. Marami sa atin ang may pamilyang binubuhay, mga anak na inaalagaan, at mga tungkuling ginagampanan. Ngunit hindi ibig sabihin nito ay hindi na tayo magbibigay. 

Ang halaga ay hindi nakasalalay sa laki ng ating naibibigay, kundi sa pagmamahal na pinagmumulan nito. Ang maliit na handog, kung ito ay nagmumula sa pusong may pananampalataya, ay nagiging isang dakilang kayamanan sa paningin ng Diyos. 

Ang pagsunod kay Jesus ay laging may kapalit. Ang paglakad sa Kanyang mga yapak ay nangangahulugang pakakawalan natin ang mga bagay na mahigpit nating hinahawakan—maaaring ito ay kayamanan, kayabangan, ambisyon, o kahit ang ating mga takot. Ngunit kapag tayo’y bumitaw, nagbibigay daan tayo para punuin Niya tayo ng higit na dakilang bagay: ang Kanyang pag-ibig, Kanyang kapayapaan, at Kanyang buhay na walang hanggan. 

Ikaw ba ay gaya ng binata sa Mabuting Balita ngayon, na lumayo nang malungkot sapagkat siya’y maraming tinatanganang ari-arian? O gaya ka ba ni San Francisco ng Assisi, na isinuko ang lahat upang buong puso’y tumugon sa tawag ng Panginoon? 

Nawa’y pagkalooban tayo ng Espiritu Santo ng lakas ng loob upang bitawan ang mga bagay na panandalian lamang, upang tayo’y makakapit sa kayamanang kailanman ay hindi kumukupas—si Jesucristo mismo. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 17, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:49-53

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

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Reflection:

Has there been a time in your family when, in your desire to correct a wrong, you found yourself creating conflict? Perhaps you gently reminded your spouse to come home early and not linger with friends after work—not out of control or nagging, but out of love and concern—because you knew that arriving late often meant coming home a little drunk. 

In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to courage. He invites us to speak out whenever we see a loved one straying from the right path. Sometimes, speaking the truth in love may build temporary walls between us. Yet if these walls are built by truth, they are worth it—for truth is the very thing that will set us free. 

Think about it: if we witness immorality within the family—a husband or wife “playing with fire”—should the other spouse simply ignore it, pretending to see and hear no evil in the face of such blatant disrespect and satanic behavior? Of course not! Love demands that we speak up. Silence in such a moment is not kindness—it is surrender to sin’s slow corrosion of the soul. 

The tragedy for some of us is that we choose passivity. We close our eyes to wrongdoing, not because we approve of it, but because we fear the division or conflict that may follow. But this fear is misplaced. Jesus does not call us to comfort—He calls us to holiness, and holiness often requires confrontation with what is wrong. 

This mindset of silence is dangerously wrong. Our Lord asks us, whenever we see sin at work, to denounce not only the act but the evil that lurks within it—even if doing so means enduring strained relationships for a season. Why? Because wrong will never right itself through silence. 

So instead of sealing our lips, let us, in love and humility, speak out. Let us not tire of exposing wrongdoing until the darkness is driven out and the wrongdoer is set free. 

May we remember: in Christ, the goal is never to destroy, but to heal; never to condemn, but to restore. Speaking the truth in love is not about winning an argument—it is about winning a soul for God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 17, Ika-20 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:49-53

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:49-53

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Naparito ako upang magdala ng apoy sa lupa -- at sana'y napagningas na ito! May isang binyag pa na dapat kong tanggapin, at nababagabag ako hangga't hindi natutupad ito! Akala ba ninyo'y pumarito ako upang magdala ng kapayapaan sa lupa? 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi kapayapaan kundi pagkabaha-bahagi. Mula ngayon, ang lima katao sa isang sambahayan ay mababahagi: tatlo laban sa dalawa at dalawa laban sa tatlo. Maglalaban-laban ang ama at ang anak na lalaki, ang ina at ang anak na babae, at gayon din ang biyenang babae, at manugang na babae."

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Repleksyon:

Mayroon bang pagkakataon sa inyong pamilya na sa kagustuhan mong ituwid ang mali ay nakalikha ka ng alitan?

Maaaring marahan mong pinaalalahanan ang iyong asawa na umuwi nang maaga at iwasan munang makipagkwentuhan sa mga kaibigan pagkatapos ng trabaho. Hindi dahil sa pagdidikta kundi dahil sa pagmamahal at pag-aalala—sapagkat alam mong kapag siya’y umuuwi nang gabi na, kadalasan ay may tama ng alak.

Sa Mabuting Balita po, tayo’y tinatawag ni Jesus na maging matapang. Inaanyayahan Niya tayong magsalita at kumilos kapag nakikita nating ang isang minamahal ay nalilihis ng landas. Minsan, ang pagsasabi ng katotohanan nang may pagmamahal ay maaaring magtayo ng pansamantalang pader sa pagitan natin. Ngunit kung ang pader na ito ay itinayo ng katotohanan, ito’y mahalaga—sapagkat ang katotohanan mismo ang magpapalaya sa atin.

Isipin natin ito: kung masaksihan natin ang imoralidad sa pamilya—isang asawa na “nakikipaglaro sa apoy”—dapat ba na magbulag-bulagan at magbingi-bingihan sa harap ng hindi mabuting gawain na ito? Siyempre hindi! Ang dapat gawin ay magsalita tayo. Ang katahimikan sa ganitong pagkakataon ay hindi kabutihan—ito ay tahimik na pagsuko sa demonyo o kay satanas.

Nakakalungkot, ngunit may ilan sa atin na pinipiling manahimik. Ipinipikit natin ang ating mga mata sa mali, hindi dahil sang-ayon tayo rito, kundi dahil sa takot na baka magdulot ito ng hidwaan o pagkakawatak-watak. Subalit ang takot na ito ay maling-mali. Hindi tayo tinawag ni Jesus para ipikit ang ating mga mata sa mga kasalanan—tinawag Niya tayo para sa kabanalan. At ang kabanalan ay kadalasang nangangailangan ng pagtindig laban sa kasalanan.

Ang pananahimik ay lubhang mapanganib. Hiniling sa atin ng Panginoon na tuwing makakakita tayo ng kasalanan, ito ay ating tutulan—kahit pa ang pagtutol na ito ay magdulot ng pansamantalang lamat sa relasyon. Sapagkat hindi kailanman maitatama ang mali kung mananatili tayong tahimik.

Kaya sa halip na manahimik, magsalita tayo nang may pagmamahal at pagpapakumbaba. Huwag tayong magsawang ilantad ang kasamaan hanggang sa tuluyang mapalayas si satanas para mapalaya ang nagkakasala. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 16 Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:13-15

Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

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Reflection:

Do you bring your children to church for Holy Mass? Do you take time to tell them about Jesus? Do you read to them the life of Jesus in the Bible? These are not just casual acts of parenting—they are sacred opportunities to lead the hearts of our children closer to the One who loves them most. 

Why is it so important to bring our children to Jesus? First and foremost, it assures them of a good future—not just in this fleeting world but in eternity. This is the promise of Jesus: to give our children a bright and godly future, measured not by the shallow standards of this world but by His own divine standard. 

Just imagine—if our children grow up close to Jesus, how different their lives will be. We would have fewer worries and heartaches because they would be guided daily by His hand. His presence in their hearts would serve as a compass, directing their steps toward what is pure, true, and holy. 

Yet, some parents today hesitate to bring their children closer to Christ. They fear that their sons or daughters might feel called to the priesthood or religious life. And their reason? “There’s no money in that.” True—there may be little financial gain in these vocations. But let us remember: we were not created to live for money alone. We were created to live the teachings of Jesus, to love as He loves, and to journey toward heaven. 

What would it profit our children to have all the wealth the world can give, yet lack the presence of Jesus in their lives? When we lead our children to Christ, we are not only investing in their eternal future—we are also securing our own place with Him in the life to come. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 16 Sabado sa Ika-19 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 19:13-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:13-15

Noong panahong iyon, may nagdala ng mga bata kay Jesus upang hilinging ipatong niya sa mga ito ang kanyang kamay at ipanalangin.

Ngunit pinagwikaan sila ng mga alagad. Datapwat sinabi ni Jesus, "Hayaan ninyong lumapit sa akin ang mga bata. Huwag ninyo silang hadlangan, sapagkat sa katulad nila naghahari ang Diyos." Ipinatong niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay, saka umalis.

Reflection for Friday August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:39-56

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 

He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. 

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Reflection: 

Is selfless love still relevant today? 

Selfless love is a rare and precious virtue in our world today. What we often see is a me-first or self-centered mindset—love redefined as self-care or self-love, as they say. We make sure that our needs are met first before we even think of giving ourselves to others. And so, slowly, we forget how to live as a person for others. 

Yet in doing so, we miss a profound truth: when we are selfless, we breathe life, joy, and hope into the hearts of others. We bless them when we give of ourselves without counting the cost. And the blessings we pour out quietly find their way back to us—sometimes in ways we least expect, but always in ways that touch our soul. 

The Blessed Mother shows us the beauty of such love. She was not consumed by her own comfort or convenience. Even in the tender months of her own pregnancy, she made the long journey to her cousin Elizabeth—offering her presence, her care, and her love. She stayed until Elizabeth gave birth, ensuring she was supported and comforted during a delicate time. What love could be greater than giving yourself fully when you, too, are in need? 

In this age, when so many are preoccupied with personal happiness, social media validation, and self-fulfillment, Mary’s example stands as a gentle but firm invitation: Look beyond yourself. See the needs of others. Love even when you long to be loved. 

Who are those who need our love the most? Let us begin with our mothers. Like Elizabeth, they have carried us, nurtured us, and prayed for us. They are growing older with each passing day, and though we may not notice the quiet changes, there will come a day when they will no longer be with us. While they are still here, let us love them in ways they can feel—in words, in actions, in time shared. What will it cost us? Almost nothing, yet the joy it will bring them is immeasurable. 

And beyond our mothers, there are countless others who need our love—friends who are silently struggling, neighbors carrying heavy burdens, strangers longing for a kind word. They may never say it, but they are waiting for someone to see them, to care for them, to love them without asking for anything in return. 

The truth is, life is never measured by the wealth we accumulate or the possessions we own. It is measured by the selfless acts of love, kindness, and mercy we offer to others. 

Do you love as Mary loves? Do you go out of your way to bring Christ’s presence into the lives of others? Do you allow God to use you as an instrument of His agape—love that gives without expecting anything back? 

May the Blessed Mother lead us to her Son, who is Love Himself. And may our hearts learn the joy of loving without measure, for in giving ourselves away, we discover the fullness of life. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Agosto 15 Ang Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pag-akyat sa Langit sa Mahal na Birheng Maria : Lucas 1:39-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-56

Si Maria'y nagmamadaling pumunta sa isang bayan sa kaburulan ng Juda. Pagdating sa bahay ni Zacarias, binati niya si Elisabet. Nang marinig ni Elisabet ang bati ni Maria, naggagalaw ang sanggol sa kanyang tiyan. Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elisabet, at buong galak na sinabi, "Pinagpala ka sa mga babae, at pinagpala rin ang dinadala mo sa iyong sinapupunan! 

Sino ako upang dalawin ng ina ng aking Panginoon? Sapagkat pagkarinig ko ng iyong bati ay naggagalaw ang sanggol sa tuwa sa aking tiyan. Mapalad ka sapagkat nanalig kang matutupad ang ipinasasabi sa iyo ng Panginoon!"  

At sinabi ni Maria, "Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri sa Panginoon, at nagagalak ang aking espiritu dahil sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas. Sapagkat nilingap niya ang kanyang abang alipin! At mula ngayon, ako'y tatawaging mapalad ng lahat ng salinlahi. Dahil sa mga dakilang bagay na ginawa sa akin ng Makapangyarihan -- Banal ang kanyang pangalan!  

Kinahahabagan niya ang mga may takot sa kanya, sa lahat ng sali't-saling lahi. Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang mga bisig, pinangalat niya ang mga palalo ang isipan. ibinagsak niya ang mga hari mula sa kanilang trono, at itinaas ang mga nasa abang kalagayan.  

Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom, at pinalayas niyang wala ni anuman ang mayayaman. Tinulungan niya ang kanyang bayang Israel, bilang pagtupad sa pangako niya sa ating mga magulang, kay Abraham at sa kanyang lahi, magpakailanman!"  

Tumira si Maria kina Elisabet nang may tatlong buwan, at saka umuwi.