Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Setyembre 5 Biyernes sa Ika-22 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 5:33-39

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:33-39

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba kay Jesus: "Ang mga alagad ni Juan ay malimit mag-ayuno at manalangin. Gayon din ang alagad ng mga Pariseo. Ngunit ang mga alagad mo'y patuloy ang pagkain at pag-inom." Sumagot si Jesus, "Pag-aayunuhin ba ninyo ang mga panauhin sa kasalan samantalang kasama pa nila ang lalaking ikinasal? Kung wala na ang ikinasal, saka pa lamang sila mag-aayuno."  

Sinabi rin niya sa kanila ang isang talinghaga; "Walang pumiraso sa bagong damit upang itagpi sa luma. Kapag ginawa ito, masisira ang bagong damit at ang tagping bago ay hindi babagay sa damit na luma. Wala ring nagsisilid ng bagong alak sa lumang sisidlang-balat. Kapag gayon ang ginawa, papuputukin ng bagong alak ang balat, matatapon ang alak, at masisira ang sisidlan.  

Sa bagong sisidlang-balat dapat ilagay ang bagong alak. at walang magkakagustong uminom ng bagong alak kapag nakainom na ng inimbak, sapagkat sasabihin niya, 'Masarap ang inimbak.

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Repleksyon:

Masusukat ba natin ang kadalisayan ng puso ng isang tao sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagsunod sa mga tradisyon o ritwal gaya ng pag-aayuno? Ang sagot ay hindi. Sapagkat ang mga panlabas na gawaing ito, bagama’t nakikita, ay nananatiling mababaw; hindi nito ganap na naipapakita ang tunay na laman ng kalooban.

Halimbawa, kung ang isang tao ay palaging nasa simbahan, masasabi ba agad nating siya ay banal? Hindi! Sapagkat ang kabanalan ay hindi nasusukat sa madalas na pagpunta sa banal na lugar kundi sa kadalisayan ng puso at sa kabutihan ng kanyang mga gawa. Kinakailangan nating suriin nang mas malalim ang ating kapwa upang makilala natin ang tunay nyang pagkatao.

Minsan, tinanong si Jesus ng mga eskriba at Pariseo kung bakit hindi nag-aayuno ang Kanyang mga alagad gaya nila at ng mga tagasunod ni Juan Bautista. Simple ang sagot ni Jesus: “Hindi sila maaaring mag-ayuno habang kasama pa nila ako.” Ipinahihiwatig Niya na ang Kanyang presensya ay higit na mahalaga kaysa panlabas na ritwal.

Tunay na mabuti ang pag-aayuno. Nakapaglilinis ito ng katawan at nakatutulong upang mapadalisay ang kaluluwa. Ngunit ano ang saysay ng pag-aayuno kung patuloy pa rin tayong nagkakasala? Ano ang silbi ng pag-aayuno kung ginagawa lamang natin itong pamantayan upang husgahan ang iba? Ano ang kabuluhan ng pag-aayuno kung hindi naman ito nagdudulot ng pagbabagong-buhay at pagbabalik loob sa Diyos?

Ang buhay kasama ang Panginoon ay hindi umiikot lamang sa panlabas na pagsunod sa tradisyon, kundi higit sa lahat, sa pagbabagong nagmumula sa ating kalooban. Ang pagbabagong-loob ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pag-aayuno. Ang kababaang-loob ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pag-aayuno. Ang awa, pagmamahal, at pagpapatawad ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pag-aayuno. At higit sa lahat, ang buhay na nakaugat kay Jesus ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pag-aayuno. 

Kaya’t huwag lamang tayong tumingin sa panlabas na kaanyuan o ginagawa, kundi sikapin natin na magkaroon tayo ng tunay na pagbabago ng ating mga puso. Sapagkat ito ang gusto ni Jesus at sa piling lamang Nya natin matatagpuan ang tunay na kabanalan. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 4 Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 5:1-11

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.   

Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.  

They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” 

For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

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Reflection:

A married couple was once being invited by their neighbor to join them in their weekly Bible sharing. The couple humbly replied that they were not worthy to be with them because they were sinners. But their persistent neighbor lovingly reminded them: “Nobody is perfect. We are all sinners, for we have offended God so many times. Yet in His infinite love and mercy, God is still calling us to follow Him and to serve Him.” 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus told Simon to put out into the deep and lower their nets. Simon, weary from a long night of fruitless labor, said, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” 

Obedient to the Lord’s word, they were blessed with such an abundant catch that their nets began to break. Overwhelmed by this miracle, Simon fell to his knees and confessed his unworthiness: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” 

And here lies the truth for us all: Who is truly worthy before the Lord? Who among us is qualified to follow Him? None of us, for we are all sinners. Yet our sinfulness should never be an excuse to turn away from God. Instead, it should be the very reason we draw closer to Him and leave behind our life of sin. 

Jesus is the One who qualifies the unqualified. He is the One who purifies the impure. He is the One who makes the unworthy worthy in His sight. His infinite love and mercy are always waiting for us—ready to embrace us, to heal us, and to transform us no matter who we are or how far we have fallen. 

So let us not be afraid to follow Him. Let us come before Him just as we are, trusting that His grace is greater than our sins. For in His eyes, even the most broken can be made whole, and the most unworthy can be made worthy. 

Will you follow the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Setyembre 4 Huwebes sa Ika-22 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 5:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:1-11

Noong panahong iyon, nakatayo si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Generaset. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng napakaraming tao na ibig makarinig ng salita ng Diyos. May nakita siyang dalawang bangka sa baybayin; nakalunsad na ang mga mangingisda at naghuhugas ng kanilang mga lambat. Lumulan siya sa isa sa mga bangka at hiniling kay Simong may-ari nito, na ilayo nang kaunti sa tabi. Naupo siya sa bangka at nangaral sa mga tao.  

Pagkatapos niyang magsalita ay sinabi niya kay Simon, “Pumalaot kayo at ihulog ang mga lambat upang manghuli.” Sumagot si Simon, “Guro, magdamag po kaming nagpagod at wala kaming nahuli! Ngunit dahil sa sinabi ninyo, ihuhulog ko ang mga lambat.” Gayun nga ang ginawa nila at sa dami ng kanilang huli ay halos magkansisira ang kanilang mga lambat.  

Kaya’t kinawayan nila ang kanilang mga kasamahang nasa ibang bangka upang patulong, at lumapit naman ang mga ito. Napuno ang dalawang bangka na halos lumubog. Nang makita iyon ni Simon Pedro, siya’y nagpatirapa sa paanan ni Hesus at nagsabi, “Lumayo po kayo sa akin, Panginoon, sapagkat ako’y makasalanan.”  

Nanggilalas siya at ang kanyang mga kasama dahil sa dami ng kanilang huli; gayun din sina Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo, na mga kasosyo ni Simon. At sinabi ni Hesus kay Simon, “Huwag kang matakot. Mula ngayo’y mamamalakaya ka ng mga tao.” Nang maitabi na nila ang kanilang mga bangka, iniwan nila ang lahat at sumunod kay Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa mag-asawa na inimbitahan ng kanilang kapitbahay upang sumama sa kanilang lingguhang Bible sharing. Pero sumagot sila na hindi sila karapat-dapat dahil sila ay makasalanan. 

Ngunit ang kanilang masigasig na kapitbahay ay mahinahong nagpapaalala: “Walang sinuman ang perpekto. Tayong lahat ay makasalanan, sapagkat napakaraming beses na nating nasaktan ang Diyos. Subalit sa Kanyang walang hanggang pag-ibig at awa, patuloy Niya tayong tinatawag upang sumunod at maglingkod sa Kanya.” 

Sa atin pong Mabuting Balita, inutusan ni Jesus si Simon na pumalaot at ibaba ang kanilang mga lambat. Pero pagod na pagod na sila mula sa magdamagang pangingisda na walang nahuli, kaya sumagot si Simon: “Guro, magdamag kaming nagsikap at wala kaming nahuli, ngunit sa iyong salita ibababa ko ang mga lambat.” 

At sa kanilang pagsunod, sila ay pinagpala ng napakaraming isda—higit pa sa kanilang inaasahan—hanggang sa halos mapunit ang kanilang mga lambat. Nabigla si Simon at bumagsak sa paanan ni Jesus, nagsasabing: “Lumayo ka sa akin, Panginoon, sapagkat ako’y isang makasalanang tao.” 

Sino ba ang tunay na karapat-dapat sa Panginoon? Sino ba ang ganap na kwalipikadong sumunod sa Kanya? Wala ni isa. Sapagkat tayong lahat ay makasalanan. Ngunit hindi kailanman dapat maging dahilan ang ating pagiging makasalanan upang iwasan natin ang Diyos. Sa halip, ito ang dapat maging dahilan upang lalo tayong lumapit sa Kanya at talikuran ang ating buhay ng kasalanan. 

Pag sumunod tayo kay Jesus at tuluyan ng iwan ang ating buhay ng pagkakasala tayo po ay lilinisin nya. Kalilimutan nya ang ating madilim na nakaraan. 

Kaya’t huwag tayong matakot na sumunod kay Jesus. Lumapit tayo nang may pagpapakumbaba sapagkat higit ang Kanyang biyaya at awa para sa atin kaysa ating mga kasalanan. 

Susunod kaba kay Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday September 3 Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church: Luke 4:38-44

Gospel: Luke 4:38-44

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.  

 

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.  

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

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Reflection:

What do you do after you wake up in the morning? Do you seek to be alone to commune with God? At daybreak, Jesus went to a deserted place to commune with God. 

Jesus always found time for God no matter how busy He was. Why? Because Jesus derived strength from His communion with God. Do you also draw strength from God? Do you seek communion with Jesus every day? 

The importance of always being in touch with Jesus is that we will never be lost in this sin-filled world. Through Jesus, you always have protection against the Devil. Do you feel lost every once in a while in this sin-filled world? If you do, don’t hesitate to ask Jesus to give you direction and guidance, for He surely will. 

We must always remember that as we go through the daily grind of life, Jesus is always there for us—ever ready to help us in whatever way possible. Always call on Jesus, and always seek His abiding presence in your life.

Do you always seek the presence of Jesus in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Miyerkules Setyembre 3 Paggunita kay San Gregorio Magno, papa at pantas ng Simbahan: Lucas 4:38-44

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:38-44

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus sa sinagoga at nagtungo sa bahay ni Simon. Mataas noon ang lagnat ng biyenan ni Simon, kaya't ipinamanhik nila kay Jesus na pagalingin siya. Tumayo si Jesus sa tabi ng higaan ng babae at iniutos na maalis ang lagnat, at nawala nga ito. Noon di'y tumindig ang maysakit at naglingkod sa kanila. 

Paglubog ng araw, ang lahat ng maysakit -- anuman ang karamdaman -- ay dinala ng kanilang mga kaibigan kay Jesus. Ipinatong niya ang kanyang mga kamay sa bawat isa sa kanila at pinagaling sila.

Nagsilabas sa marami ang mga demonyo, sabay sigaw, "Ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos!" Ngunit sinaway sila ni Jesus at hindi pinahintulutang magsalita, sapagkat nakikilala nila na siya ang Mesias. 

Nang mag-uumaga na, umalis si Jesus at nagpunta sa isang ilang na pook. Hinanap siya ng mga tao, at nang matagpuan ay pinakiusapang huwag munang umalis. Subalit sinabi niya, "Dapat ko ring ipangaral sa ibang bayan ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos; sapagkat iyan ang layunin ng pagkasugo sa akin." At nangaral siya sa mga sinagoga sa Judea.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang ginagawa mo pagkagising mo sa umaga? Hinahanap mo ba ang pagkakataong mapag-isa upang makipag usap Diyos? Sa Mabuting Balita, sa pagbubukang liwayway si Jesus ay pumunta sa isang ilang na lugar upang manalangin sa Diyos.

Kahit gaano Siya kaabala sa Kanyang paglilingkod, laging nakahanap si Jesus ng oras para sa Diyos. Bakit? Sapagkat dito Siya humuhugot ng lakas—sa Kanyang palagiang pakikipag-ugnayan sa Diyos. Ikaw ba ay humuhugot din ng lakas mula sa Diyos? Nananabik ka rin bang makipag usap kay Jesus araw-araw?

Napakahalaga ng laging pakikipag-ugnayan kay Jesus, sapagkat sa pamamagitan Niya ay hindi ka kailanman maliligaw sa mundong tigib ng kasalanan. Kay Jesus ay may katiyakan kang proteksiyon laban sa mga bitag ng dimonyo. Nadarama mo rin ba minsan na tila naliligaw ka o nabibigatan sa mga pagsubok ng buhay? Kung gayon, huwag kang mag-atubiling lumapit kay Jesus. Humingi ka ng direksiyon at gabay sa kanya at tiyak na ipagkakaloob Niya ito sa iyo.

Palaging nating kasama si Jesus. Siya’y laging handang tumulong, magpalakas, at umakay sa atin kapag hindi natin alam kung saan tutungo. Tumawag tayo palagi sa kanya dahil lahat ng tumatawag kay Jesus ay kanyang pinapakinggan.

Hinahanap mo ba palagi ang mapagmahal na presensya ni Jesus sa iyong buhay? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 2 Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:31-37

Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us?  

I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

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Reflection:

Do you recognize the authority of Jesus over your life?

When Jesus speaks, He speaks with divine authority—and because of this, we are called to listen with open hearts. His words are not mere suggestions but life-giving truths meant to transform us. Consider His teachings about love, forgiveness, and humility. Do we truly love and forgive the way Jesus loves and forgives us? Do we embrace and live out the virtue of humility?

Think, for instance, of those moments when misunderstandings arise within the family. Are we humble enough to extend a hand of forgiveness, even when we are not the ones at fault? This is the humility Jesus calls us to—humility that heals relationships, restores peace, and reflects His own heart.

In today’s Gospel, even the demon recognized the power and authority of Jesus. If the evil one bows before Him, how much more should we listen to His voice? Yet, many of us resist. Instead of surrendering to the Lord, we allow our ego-driven desires to rule our decisions. And in doing so, we close our ears to the One who brings life.

The truth is, forgiveness, humility, and freedom from sin are the areas where we often stumble. It is not easy to forgive, to resist temptation, or to humble ourselves before others. Why? Because we let pride and self-interest overshadow the teaching of Jesus.

But if we want true peace and stillness in our lives, we must listen to Him. His words calm the storms within our hearts and bring harmony into our homes. Without Him, there will always be an emptiness—a restless absence of peace within us and a lack of harmony in our families.

So today, let us pause, listen, and surrender to the voice of Jesus. For In His authority, there is no oppression but freedom, no fear but peace, no burden but rest for our weary souls. 

Do you listen to the power and authority of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Setyembre 2 Martes sa Ika-22 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:31-37

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:31-37

Noong panahong iyon, nagpunta si Jesus sa Capernaum, Galilea. Nagturo siya sa mga tao sa Araw ng Pamamahinga at nagtaka sila sa kanyang pagtuturo, sapagkat may kapangyarihan kung siya'y magsalita. 

Naroon sa sinagoga ang isang lalaking inaalihan ng demonyo o isang masamang espiritu. Sumigaw siya nang malakas: "Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Jesus na taga-Nazaret? 

Naparito ka ba upang puksain kami? Alam ko kung sino ka -- ikaw ang Banal ng Diyos." Subalit pinagwikaan siya ni Jesus, "Tumahimik ka! Lumayas ka sa taong iyan!" At sa harapan ng lahat, ang tao'y inilugmok ng demonyo at iniwan nang hindi man lamang sinaktan. 

Nanggilalas silang lahat at nagsabi sa isa't-isa, "Anong uri ng pangungusap ito? Makapangyarihan at mabisa! Pinalalayas niya ang masasamang espiritu, at sumusunod naman sila!" At kumalat ang balita tungkol kay Jesus sa buong lupaing iyon.

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Repleksyon:

Kinikilala mo ba ang kapangyarihan at awtoridad ni Jesus sa iyong buhay?

Kapag nagsasalita si Jesus, Siya ay nagsasalita na may kapangyarihan—at dahil dito, tayo ay tinatawagan na makinig nang may bukas na puso. Ang Kanyang mga salita ay hindi lamang mga payo, kundi mga salitang nagbibigay-buhay na naglalayong baguhin tayo.

Isipin natin ang Kanyang mga aral tungkol sa pag-ibig, pagpapatawad, at pagpapakumbaba. Tayo ba’y tunay na umiibig at nagpapatawad gaya ng pagmamahal at pagpapatawad ni Jesus sa atin? Isinasabuhay ba natin ang pagpapakumbaba?

Halimbawa, kapag may hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pamilya, kaya ba nating magpakumbaba at mag-abot ng kamay ng pagpapatawad kahit hindi tayo ang nagkamali? Ito ang uri ng pagpapakumbaba na nais ni Jesus—isang pagpapakumbaba na nagpapagaling ng sugatang ugnayan, nagbabalik ng kapayapaan, at nagsasalamin ng Kanyang pusong mapagkumbaba.

Sa ating Ebanghelyo, maging ang demonyo ay kumilala sa kapangyarihan at awtoridad ni Jesus. Kung siya na masama ay nakinig at lumuhod sa Kanya, gaano pa kaya tayo? Subalit madalas, tayo’y nagbubulag-bulagan. Sa halip na sumuko sa Panginoon, hinahayaang manaig ang ating makasariling pagnanasa. Sa ganoong paraan, isinasara natin ang ating mga tainga sa tinig ng Nagbibigay-buhay.

Ang totoo, mahina tayo pagdating sa pagpapatawad, pagpapakumbaba, at pag-iwas sa kasalanan. Hindi madaling magpatawad, umiwas sa tukso, at magpakumbaba. Bakit? Sapagkat mas pinipili natin ang ating sariling kagustuhan kaysa sundin ang mga aral ni Jesus.

Ngunit kung nais nating magkaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan at katahimikan sa ating buhay, kailangan nating makinig kay Jesus. Ang Kanyang mga salita ang nag-aalis ng unos sa ating puso at nagdadala ng pagkakaisa sa ating tahanan. Kung wala si Jesus.

Kaya kailagan nating magnilay at makinig sa tinig ni Jesus. Sapagkat sa Kanyang awtoridad ay may kalayaan, sa Kanyang kapangyarihan ay may kapayapaan, at sa Kanyang pag-ibig ay may kapanatagan para sa ating mga pagod na kaluluwa.

Sumusunod ka ba kapangyarihan at awtoridad ni Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for September 1 Monday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:16-30

Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:  

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.  

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” 

And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land.  

It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

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Reflection:

Have you experienced going back to the place of your childhood? 

Homecoming is always something we look forward to because of the warmth of the welcome we receive from our relatives and friends. Imagine not having returned to your hometown for many years—just picture the joy, the embraces, and the heartfelt smiles of your loved ones and childhood companions. Yet, not all homecomings are filled with joy; some can be painful and filled with rejection. 

This is exactly what happened to Jesus. At first, He was admired and warmly received by His townspeople because He spoke with wisdom and brilliance. But when He proclaimed truths that they were unwilling to accept, admiration turned into ridicule, and their warmth turned cold as ice. 

In their anger, they even drove Him to the edge of a hill, intending to put Him to death. What a heartbreaking scene for the Lord! Imagine His sorrow—coming home with love in His heart, yet finding rejection instead of welcome. 

This, too, is a reality of our lives. People may appreciate us as long as we say what pleases them, even if it is not the truth. But when we speak the truth—even God’s truth—they may dislike us, drive us away, or even treat us as if we carried something harmful. At times, the truth will not only cost us acceptance but may even expose us to danger. 

We must never be afraid to stand for the truth. Jesus Himself is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). To follow Him means to speak what is right, to expose what is evil, and to bring light where there is darkness, even if it hurts or offends. Speaking the truth corrects what is wrong and heals what is broken. It shines like a lamp that reveals what is sinful, immoral, and destructive. 

So, let us pray for courage—that like Jesus, we may remain steadfast even in the face of rejection. May our words and actions always mirror His truth and His love, no matter the cost. And when we are tempted to remain silent out of fear, may we remember that silence allows falsehood and evil to prevail. Let us be bold in truth, gentle in love, and unwavering in faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Setyembre 1 Lunes sa Ika-22 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:16-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:16-30

Noong panahong iyon, umuwi si Jesus sa Nazaret na kanyang nilakhan. Gaya ng kanyang kinagawian, pumasok siya sa sinagoga nang Araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumindig siya upang bumasa; at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni Propeta Isaias. 

Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito:"Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, Sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita.

Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag sa mga bihag na sila'y lalaya. At sa mga bulag na sila'y makakikita; Upang bigyang-kaluwagan ang mga sinisiil, At ipahayag ang pagliligtas ng Panginoon."  

Binalumbon niya ang Kasulatan, at matapos na isauli sa tagapaglingkod, siya'y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga. At sinabi niya sa kanila: "Natupad ngayon ang bahaging ito ng Kasulatan samantalang nakikinig kayo." Pinuri siya ng lahat, at namangha sila sa kanyang napakahusay na pananalita. "Hindi ba ito ang anak ni Jose?" tanong nila.  

Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus, "Walang pagsalang babanggitin ninyo sa akin ang kawikaang ito: 'Doktor, gamutin mo ang iyong sarili!' Sasabihin din ninyo sa akin, "Gawin mo naman sa iyong sariling bayan ang mga nabalitaan naming ginawa mo sa Capernaum.' " At nagpatuloy ng pagsasalita si Jesus, "Tandaan ninyo: walang propetang kinikilala sa kanyang sariling bayan.  

Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming babaing balo sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Elias nang hindi umulan sa loob ng tatlong tao't kalahati at nagkaroon ng taggutom sa buong lupain. Subalit hindi sa kaninuman sa kanila pinapunta si Elias kundi sa isang babaing balo sa Sarepta, sa lupain ng Sidon.  

Sa dinami-dami ng ketongin sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Eliseo, walang pinagaling isa man sa kanila; si Naaman pang taga-Siria ang pinagaling." Galit na galit ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga nang marinig ito. Nagtindigan sila, at ipinagtabuyan siyang palabas, sa taluktok ng burol na kinatatayuan ng bayan, upang ibulid sa bangin. Ngunit dumaan siya sa kalagitnaan nila at umalis.

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Repleksyon:

Naranasan mo na bang bumalik sa lugar ng iyong kabataan?

Ang pagbabalik sa sariling bayan ay laging inaabangan dahil sa init ng pagtanggap ng mga kamag-anak at kaibigan. Isipin mo na lamang kung ilang taon kang hindi nakabalik sa inyong bayan—ano kaya ang mararamdaman mo kapag muling niyakap ka ng iyong mga mahal sa buhay at mga kababata? Tunay na nakagagalak! Ngunit, hindi lahat ng pagbabalik ay puno ng kagalakan; may mga pagbabalik na puno ng sakit at pagtanggi.

Ganito ang naranasan ni Jesus. Sa simula, Siya ay hinangaan at mainit na tinanggap ng Kanyang mga kababayan sapagkat Siya ay nagsalita nang may karunungan at katalinuhan. Ngunit nang Siya ay nagsalita ng mga katotohanang hindi nila matanggap, ang paghanga ay napalitan ng pangungutya, at ang kanilang mainit na pagtanggap ay naging malamig na gaya ng yelo.

Sa kanilang galit, itinaboy nila Siya patungo sa gilid ng burol upang Siya ay ibulid at patayin. Napakasakit isipin! Dumating Siya na may pusong nagmamahal, subalit pagtanggi at poot ang Kanilang sinalubong.

Mga kapatid, ito rin po ang reyalidad ng ating buhay. May mga taong tatanggapin lamang tayo hangga’t sinasabi natin ang gusto nilang marinig, kahit mali, basta’t nakalulugod sa kanilang pandinig. Subalit kapag nagsalita tayo ng katotohanan, maaari tayong kamuhian, itaboy, at tratuhing para bang dala natin ang isang mabigat na sakit. Minsan pa nga, maaari tayong malagay sa panganib.

Ngunit huwag tayong matakot tumindig para sa katotohanan. Sapagkat si Jesus mismo ang nagsabi: “Ako ang Daan, ang Katotohanan, at ang Buhay” (Juan 14:6). Ang pagsunod sa Kanya ay nangangahulugang magsalita ng tama, ilantad ang masama, at magdala ng liwanag sa gitna ng kadiliman—kahit ito’y makasakit o maka-offend. Ang pagsasalita ng katotohanan ay nag-aayos ng mali at nagpapagaling ng sugat. Ito’y gaya ng ilaw na nagbubunyag ng kasalanan, imoralidad, at kasamaan.

Kaya’t manalangin tayo na tulad ni Jesus, manatili tayong matatag sa harap ng pagtanggi. Nawa ang ating mga salita at gawa ay palaging magpahayag ng Kanyang katotohanan at pag-ibig, gaano man ito kahirap tanggapin.

At kung tayo’y matutuksong manahimik dahil sa takot, alalahanin natin na ang pananahimik ay nagbibigay daan para manaig ang kasinungalingan at kasamaan. Maging matapang tayo sa katotohanan, maging maamo sa pag-ibig, at manatiling matibay sa pananampalataya. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 31, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 

 

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. 

A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.

 For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. 

Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

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Reflection:

A man was aspiring to be the leader of his group, so he said to himself: “I will talk a lot and flaunt what I know so that they will notice me.” So he did. He was always talking and very opinionated, with the end in mind that he would be noticed by his peers and be anointed as their leader. 

But when election day came, he was not chosen. Instead, the one who was elected was the quiet and humble member. What is the advantage of a humble person over an egotistical one? The truth is, people are naturally drawn to the humble, because humility reflects a heart that is genuine, approachable, and pure. 

The humble person never craves the spotlight. He is content to remain in the background, faithfully doing the tasks entrusted to him. If others happen to notice his good works, he quietly appreciates it without pride or boasting. 

When offered a position of prominence, he does not rush to accept; instead, he discerns carefully, seeking to know if it is truly God’s will. The humble person is not boastful, not egotistical, and not self-seeking. His strength is found in his quiet trust in God. 

In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus speaks about humility. He tells us that if we are invited to a wedding banquet—or any banquet, for that matter—we should choose to sit at the back and not in the place of honor. This is not because we are inferior or bound by insecurity, but because humility is the right posture before God and before others. Then, if the host calls us forward, we rise in obedience, not in arrogance. 

But what if a person does not yet have humility? Could he still learn to embrace this virtue? Absolutely yes! Conversion is always possible if one is willing to follow the gentle leadings of Jesus. Every day, the Lord invites us to lay aside our pride, our arrogance, and our thirst for recognition, and instead to walk the path of humility. 

Would you walk the path of humility? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 31, Ika-22 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 14:1, 7-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:1, 7-14

Isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay inanyayahang kumain sa bahay ng isang pinuno ng mga Pariseo; at binabantayan nilang mabuti ang kanyang mga kilos. Napansin ni Hesus na ang pinipili ng mga inanyayahan ay ang mga upuang nakalaan sa mga piling panauhin. 

Kaya’t sinabi niya ang talinghagang ito: “Kapag inanyayahan ka ninuman sa isang kasalan, huwag mong pipiliin ang tanging upuan. Baka may inanyayahang lalong tanyag kaysa iyo. At lalapit ang nag-anyaya sa inyong dalawa at sasabihin sa iyo, ‘Maaari bang ibigay ninyo ang upuang iyan sa taong ito?’ 

Sa gayo’y mapapahiya ka at doon malalagay sa pinakaabang upuan. Ang mabuti, kapag naanyayahan ka, doon ka maupo sa pinakaabang upuan, sapagkat paglapit ng nag-anyaya sa iyo ay kanyang sasabihin, ‘Kaibigan, dini ka sa kabisera.’ 

Sa gayun, nabigyan ka ng malaking karangalan sa harapan ng mga panauhin. Sapagkat ang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas.” 

Sinabi naman ni Hesus sa nag-anyaya sa kanya: “Kapag naghahanda ka, huwag ang mga kaibigan mo, mga kapatid, mga kamag-anak o mayayamang kapitbahay ang aanyayahan mo, sapagkat aanyayahan ka rin nila, at sa gayo’y nagantihan ka. 

Kaya kung ikaw ay maghahanda ng isang malaking salu-salo, ang mga pulubi, mga pingkaw, mga pilay, at mga bulag ang anyayahan mo. Hindi sila makagaganti sa iyo at sa gayo’y magiging mapalad ka. Gagantihan ka ng Diyos sa muling pagkabuhay ng mga banal.”

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Repleksyon:

May isang lalaki na nagnanais maging pinuno ng kanilang grupo. Kaya sinabi niya sa kanyang sarili: “Magsasalita ako nang magsasalita upang mapansin nila ako.” At ganoon nga ang ginawa niya. Palagi siyang nagsasalita, laging may opinyon, at ang nasa isip niya ay mapansin siya ng kanyang mga kasamahan at hirangin bilang pinuno. 

Ngunit nang dumating ang araw ng halalan, hindi siya ang nahalal. Sa halip, ang pinili ay ang tahimik at mapagpakumbabang kasapi. Ano ba ang kalamangan ng mapagpakumbaba kaysa sa mayabang? Ang totoo, mas pinapaboran ng mga tao ang mapagpakumbaba, sapagkat ang kababaang-loob ay sumasalamin sa pusong tapat, bukas, at dalisay. 

Ang mapagpakumbaba ay hindi naghahangad ng atensyon o ng puwesto sa unahan. Kontento siyang nasa likuran, masigasig na ginagawa ang mga tungkuling iniatas sa kanya. Kung mapansin man ng iba ang kanyang mga gawa, siya’y nagpapasalamat ngunit hindi nagmamalaki. 

Kapag inalok siya ng mataas na katungkulan, hindi niya ito agad tinatanggap; bagkus, pinag-iisipan muna niya kung ito ba ay kalooban ng Diyos. Ang mapagpakumbaba ay hindi palalo, hindi makasarili, at hindi gutom sa kapangyarihan. Ang kanyang lakas ay nagmumula sa tahimik na pagtitiwala sa Diyos. 

Sa Mabuting Balita ngayong Linggo, nagsasalita si Jesus tungkol sa kababaang-loob. Sabi Niya, kung tayo’y inanyayahan sa isang piging—kasal man o anumang pagtitipon—piliin nating umupo sa hulihan at hindi sa upuang marangal. Hindi dahil tayo’y mababa o kulang sa tiwala sa sarili, kundi ito ang tamang asal sa harap ng Diyos at kapwa. At kung tawagin tayo upang umupo sa harapan, tayo’y susunod nang may paggalang at walang ni katiting na kayabangan. 

Sapagkat ang kayabangan ay nagbubunga lamang ng gulo, pasakit, at pagkakalayo sa Diyos. Samantalang ang kababaang-loob ay nagdudulot ng kapayapaan, kagalakan, at pagiging malapit sa Kanyang wagas na pag-ibig at habag. Nais ni Jesus na maging mapagpakumbaba tayo, dahil ang kababaang-loob ang susi upang marating ang Kanyang puso. Ito ang tulay patungo sa Kanyang presensya. 

Ikaw ba ay may mababang kalooban?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 30 Saturday of the 21st Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:14-30

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. 

Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. 

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? 

Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”

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Reflection:

Do you know that the Good Lord has entrusted you with talents—gifts that are meant to be used for His glory and for the advancement of His kingdom in this world? Each one of us has been blessed uniquely, not for ourselves alone, but so that through us, others may encounter the goodness and love of God. 

In the Gospel, we hear of three servants entrusted with talents by their Master before He went on a journey. The first was given five, the second two, and the third only one—each according to their ability. When the Master returned, He called them to settle accounts. The first two servants had been faithful and productive; they multiplied what was given to them, fulfilling their Master’s desire. But the third servant, out of fear and complacency, buried his gift and produced nothing. 

The Master was deeply displeased. He rebuked him, saying that it would have been better to at least place the money in the bank where it could have earned interest. Because of his lack of faith and courage, the servant lost everything, even the little that he had, and was banished into the darkness, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 

What a sobering warning! What a frightening fate for the servant who chose to waste the gift entrusted to him! If only he had risked using it, he would have been spared the shame and punishment. 

But what about us? This Gospel is not just a story—it is a mirror held up before our very lives. How often do we keep our gifts hidden, using them only for ourselves, or worse, not using them at all? Some of us may think that attending Mass every Sunday and giving during the collection is already enough. But the Lord desires more than routine offerings—He longs for us to pour ourselves out in love and service. 

The Church, again and again, calls for her children to share their talents. Perhaps you have the gift of singing—why not join the choir and help lead others to prayer? Perhaps you are drawn to humble service—why not join the Mother Butler Guild or another community of service in the parish? Perhaps you have the gift of teaching—why not guide the young as a catechist, planting the seeds of faith in their hearts? 

The possibilities are endless, for the vineyard of the Lord is vast, and the harvest is plenty. What matters most is not the greatness of the talent, but the willingness of the heart to offer it back to God. 

Let us, then, not bury what has been entrusted to us. Let us learn to share our talents with the Church and with our fellowmen, so that they may bear much fruit for the glory of God. Let us not act out of fear of punishment but out of love for Jesus, who first gave Himself for us. 

When we give back to Him what He has freely given, our lives become a living testimony of His grace, and we become true stewards of His kingdom. 

What talents can you give to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Agosto 30 Sabado sa Ika-21 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 25:14-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:14-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad dito: May isang taong maglalakbay, kaya tinawag niya ang kanyang mga alipin at ipinagkatiwala sa kanila ang kanyang ari-arian. Binigyan niya ng salapi ang bawat isa ayon sa kanya-kanyang kakayahan: binigyan niya ang isa ng limang libong piso, ang isa nama’y dalawang libong piso, at ang isa pa’y isang libong piso.   

Pagkatapos, siya’y umalis. Humayo agad ang tumanggap ng limang libong piso at ipinangalakal iyon. At nagtubo siya ng limang libong piso. Gayun din naman, ang tumanggap ng dalawang libong piso ay nagtubo ng dalawang libong piso. Ngunit ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso ay humukay sa lupa at itinago ang salapi ng kanyang panginoon.  

Pagkaraan ng mahabang panahon, bumalik ang panginoon ng mga aliping iyon at pinapagsulit sila. Lumapit ang tumanggap ng limang libo. Wika niya, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang limang libo na bigay ninyo sa akin. Heto pa po ang limang libo na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi sa kanya ng panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Yamang naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan!’   

Lumapit din ang tumanggap ng dalawang libo, at ang sabi, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang ibinigay ninyong dalawang libo. Heto naman po ang dalawang libong piso na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi ng kanyang panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, kaya pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan.’   

At lumapit naman ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso. ‘Alam ko pong kayo’y mahigpit,’ aniya. ‘Gumagapas kayo sa hindi ninyo tinamnan, at nag-aani sa hindi ninyo hinasikan. Natakot po ako, kaya’t ibinaon ko sa lupa ang inyong salapi. Heto na po ang isang libo ninyo.’ ‘Masama at tamad na alipin!’ tugon ng kanyang panginoon. ‘Alam mo palang gumagapas ako sa hindi ko tinamnan at nag-aani sa hindi ko hinasikan!   

Bakit hindi mo iyan inilagak sa bangko, di sana’y may nakuha akong tubo ngayon? Kunin ninyo sa kanya ang isang libong piso at ibigay sa may sampung libo. Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Itapon ninyo sa kadiliman sa labas ang aliping walang kabuluhan. Doo’y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.’”

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Repleksyon:

Alam mo ba na may kaloob na talino sa iyo ang Panginoon—mga kaloob na dapat mong gamitin para sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian at upang maisulong ang Kanyang kaharian dito sa mundo? Ang bawat isa sa atin ay pinagpala ng ibat-ibang talino. Ito ay hindi lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi upang sa pamamagitan natin ay maranasan ng iba ang kabutihan at pag-ibig ng Diyos. 

Sa Mabuting Balita, may kuwento patungkol sa tatlong alipin na pinagkatiwalaan ng kanilang Panginoon ng mga salapi bago Siya lumisan upang maglakbay. Ang una ay binigyan ng lima, ang pangalawa ng dalawa, at ang pangatlo ay isa lamang—ayon sa kakayahan ng bawat isa. 

Nang bumalik ang Panginoon, tinawag Niya sila upang alamin kung ano na ang nangyari sa mga ibinigay nya. Ang unang dalawa ay naging tapat at masinop; pinalago nila ang ipinagkaloob sa kanila ng kanilang Panginoon. Ngunit ang ikatlong alipin, dahil sa takot at katamaran, ay ibinaon lamang ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya kaya hindi lumago. 

Lubhang nagalit ang Panginoon. Pinagsabihan Niya ang alipin na sana’y inilagak man lang niya ito sa bangko upang kumita ng interes. Dahil sa kanyang pagkukulang at kawalan ng pananampalataya, inalis sa kanya ang ibinigay, at siya’y itinapon sa kadiliman—doon sa lugar ng pagtangis at pagngangalit ng ngipin. 

Nakakatakot na kaparusahan! Kay lungkot isipin ang naging kapalaran ng aliping hindi ginamit ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya. Kung ginamit lamang niya ito, naligtas sana siya sa kahihiyan at sa mabigat na parusa. 

Ang Mabuting Balita ay hindi lamang kwento—ito ay isang salamin na naglalarawan ng ating sariling buhay. Ilang beses ba nating ipinagkait ang ating mga yaman, ginagamit lamang para sa sariling kapakanan? 

Madalas iniisip ng ilan na sapat nang dumalo sa Banal na Misa tuwing Linggo at magbigay sa koleksyon. Ngunit higit pa rito ang nais ng Panginoon—gusto nya ang buong pagkatao natin ay ialay natin sa pagpapalaganap ng kanyang mga aral. 

Paulit-ulit tayong inaanyayahan ng Simbahan na magbahagi kung anong meron tayo. Baka ikaw ay may talento sa pagkanta—bakit hindi ka sumali sa koro? Baka ikaw ay may kaloob sa paglilingkod—bakit hindi ka sumapi sa Mother Butler Guild o iba pang ministri ng paglilingkod? Baka ikaw ay may talino sa pagtuturo—bakit hindi ka maging katekista at magtanim ng binhi ng pananampalataya sa mga kabataan? 

Napakalawak ng ubasan ng Panginoon na lahat tayo ay pwedeng-pwede mag alay ng ating talino at panahon. Hindi ang laki ng ating iaalay ang mahalaga, kundi ang kahandaang ialay ito pabalik sa Diyos ng boung puso. 

Huwag nating itago ang ipinagkatiwala sa atin. Matuto tayong ibahagi ito sa Simbahan at sa kapwa upang ito’y mamunga at magbigay kaluwalhatian sa Diyos. Ibahagi natin ito, hindi dahil sa takot sa kaparusahan, kundi dahil sa ating wagas na pagmamahal kay Jesus na unang nag-bahagi ng Kanyang sarili para sa atin. 

At kapag ibinalik natin sa Kanya ang Kanyang kaloob, nagiging buhay na patotoo tayo ng Kanyang biyaya at tunay na katiwala ng Kanyang kaharian. 

Anong talinong meron ka ang maiaalay mo sa Panginoon? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday August 29 Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist: Mark 6:17-29

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

   

Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you. He even swore many things to her “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.   

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was deeply distressed but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

   

He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

Where does John the Baptist’s courage come from? His courage emanates from God; he draws his strength from Him. It is God who fuels John’s passion to proclaim the truth and to denounce the adulterous relationship of Herod and Herodias. Faced with a very powerful man, John never thought of backing down. He stood his ground, unshaken, and simply obeyed the gentle yet firm dictates of the Holy Spirit.

When we are faced with the same dilemma, would we also be able to stand our ground? Could we look straight in the eyes of those who are corrupt and immoral, or lovingly correct those who have strayed from the right path? For instance, if you discovered that your spouse was having an adulterous relationship, would you close your eyes and pretend that nothing was happening? Of course not! As children of God, we are called to courageously speak the truth, even when it is painful, and to denounce sin, no matter the cost.

Many martyrs and saints of the Church walked the same difficult path as John the Baptist. Like him, they paid dearly with their lives, yet their sacrifice became a radiant witness to the power of faith. This is the way of true discipleship in Christ: to be ready to give up our comfort, our security, or even our very life, so that evil may not triumph over good.

To do nothing—to remain silent, to pretend not to hear or see, despite the overwhelming stench of sin and wrongdoing—is to give silent approval to evil. We are called to rise above fear and complacency.

Are you like John the Baptist? – Marino J. Dasmarinas