Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Nobyembre 19 Miyerkules sa Ika-33 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 19:11-28

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 19:11-28

Noong panahong iyon, isinaysay ni Hesus ang isa pang talinghaga sa mga nakarinig ng una niyang pangungusap. Ginawa niya ito sapagkat malapit na siya sa Jerusalem, at ang akala ng mga tao ay itatatag na ang kaharian ng Diyos. Sabi niya: "May isang mahal na taong nagtungo sa malayong lupain upang gawing hari at magbalik pagkatapos niyon.

Bago siya umalis, tinawag niya ang sampu sa kanyang mga alipin. Binigyan niya ang mga ito ng tig-iisang salaping ginto at sinabihan sila. 'Ipangalakal ninyo iyan hanggang sa pagbabalik ko.' Poot na poot naman sa kanya ang kanyang mga kababayan, kaya't pagkaalis niya, nagsugo sila ng mga kinatawan upang sabihin sa kinauukulan: 'Ayaw naming maging hari ang taong ito!'

"Ngunit ginawa ring hari ang taong iyon. Umuwi siya pagkatapos, at ipinatawag ang mga aliping binigyan niya ng salaping ginto, upang malaman kung gaano ang tinubo ng bawat isa. Lumapit sa kanya ang una at ang sabi, 'Panginoon, ang salapi ninyong ginto ay nagtubo ng sampu.' 'Magaling,' sagot niya. 'Mabuting alipin!

Yamang naging matapat ka sa kakaunting bagay, pamamahalain kita sa sampung bayan.' Lumapit ang ikalawa at ang sinabi, 'Panginoon, ang salapi ninyong ginto ay nagtubo ng lima.' At sinabi niya sa kanya, 'Mamahala ka sa limang bayan.'

Lumapit ang isa pang alipin at nagsabi, 'Panginoon, heto po ang inyong salaping ginto. Binalot ko sa panyo at itinago. Natatakot po ako sa inyo, sapagkat napakahigpit ninyo; kinukuha ninyo ang hindi sa inyo, at inaani ang hindi ninyo inihasik.' Sinagot siya ng kanyang panginoon, 'Masamang alipin! Sa salita mong iyan kita hahatulan. Alam mo palang ako'y mahigpit. Sinabi mo, kinukuha ko ang hindi sa akin at inani ko ang hindi inihasik.

Bakit hindi mo inilagay sa bangko ang aking salapi? Pagbabalik ko, sana'y may tinubo ang puhunang ito.' At sinabi niya sa mga naroroon , 'Kunin ninyo sa kanya ang salaping ginto, at ibigay sa may sampu.' 'Panginoon, siya po'y mayroon nang sampung salaping ginto!' wika nila.

'Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang bawat mayroon ay bibigyan pa, ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Tungkol naman sa mga kaaway kong aayaw na ako'y maghari sa kanila-- dalhin ninyo rito at patayin sa harapan ko!'" Pagkasabi nito, nagpauna si Jesus patungong Jerusalem.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ba ang ating misyon sa mundong ito?

Ang ating misyon ay maging tunay na mabubungang tagasunod ng Panginoon. At paano ba tayo magiging ganitong uri ng tagasunod? Kapag ibinabahagi natin ang ating pananampalataya, iniiwasan ang kasalanan, at gumagawa ng mabuti, tayo ay nagiging mabubunga Niyang alagad. Ngunit kapag wala tayong ginagawa para sa Panginoon, nagiging di-mabunga at walang naihahandog ang ating buhay sa Kanya.

Palagi tayong inaanyayahan ng Panginoon na ibahagi ang ating pananampalataya upang tayo ay lumago, sapagkat ito ang tanging paraan upang tayo ay mamunga. Ngunit marami sa atin ang natatakot magbahagi, at palagi nating dahilan na kulang tayo sa kaalaman tungkol kay Jesus at sa ating pananampalatayang Katoliko. Ngunit paano natin Siya makikilala kung hindi natin pagsisikapang makilala Siya nang mas malalim? Paano natin Siya mamahalin kung hindi tayo nauuhaw sa kanya?

Simple lamang ang sikreto upang makilala nang lubos si Jesus: kailangan nating buksan ang ating puso sa patuloy na pagtuklas sa Kanya. Kapag mas nakikilala natin Siya, mas binibigyan Niya tayo ng biyaya at kakayahang maging mabubunga Niyang tagasunod. At isa sa pinakamainam na simula ng paglalakbay na ito ay ang ating pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, kung saan Siya mismo ang nakikipagtagpo sa atin, nagpapalakas sa atin, at nagtuturo sa atin.

Kailangan nating higit na makilala si Jesus upang tayo ay mas lumalim sa ating pananampalataya—at sa tulong ng biyaya Niya, maibahagi rin natin sa iba ang ating nalalaman at natatanggap mula sa Kanya. Binigyan na tayo ni Jesus ng kinakailangang biyaya sa pamamagitan ng ating Binyag at Kumpil. Naitanim na Niya sa atin ang Kanyang mga kaloob; ngayon, tayo naman ang inaasahang magpapausbong at magpapabunga nito.

Ngunit handa ba tayong hayaan si Jesus na dalhin tayo sa mas malalim na ugnayan sa Kanya, o patuloy ba tayong magtatago sa kanya dahil tayo ay alipin parin ng mundong ito? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for November 18 Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 19:1-10

Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. 

When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” 

But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who aspired to become wealthy because he believed that once he achieved riches, he would finally experience happiness and fulfillment. He worked tirelessly to attain his ambition, even to the point of dirtying his hands with dishonest wealth.

And although he eventually became wealthy, he remained neither happy nor fulfilled. His heart was still restless—until he found Jesus. From then on, his life changed, and he finally discovered the peace and fulfillment his soul had been longing for.

Zacchaeus was very much like that man—and very much like many of us. He aspired to become wealthy no matter the cost. His job as a tax collector helped make that ambition a reality, and he did not hesitate to enrich himself with corrupt money. Externally, he seemed successful, powerful, and secure. But deep within, he was empty, unsettled, and without peace.

Perhaps after indulging in the trappings of dirty wealth and influence, Zacchaeus realized that something essential was still missing. Despite having almost every worldly thing he could ask for, his heart remained restless. He longed for something more, something deeper, something that no amount of money or power could ever give.

Many of us can relate. We chase wealth, success, status, or power, thinking that these will finally satisfy us. We strive harder, accumulate more, and compete fiercely, believing that once we “make it,” we will finally be happy. But often, the more we gain, the less we sleep soundly. Our hearts remain anxious, our minds restless, and our spirits unsettled—all because we try to fill spiritual hunger with material things.

But something happened to Zacchaeus. When he heard about Jesus, hope stirred in his heart. From then on, he promised himself that he would seek Jesus no matter what it took. And when Jesus passed by, Zacchaeus ran with all his might.

He didn’t mind pushing through a sea of people. He didn’t mind climbing a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of the One who could heal his tired heart. He knew deep within that only Jesus could give him the peace and fulfillment he had been searching for all his life.

Zacchaeus found in Jesus what wealth and power could never provide. And the same remains true for us today. We may have our own ambitions. We may have our own pursuits. We may have our own “sycamore trees” to climb. But in the end, true peace and lasting fulfillment can only be found in Jesus.

What are we chasing today? And when Jesus passes by, will we climb whatever tree we must, just to meet Him and let Him change our lives? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Nobyembre 18 Martes sa Ika-33 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 19:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 19:1-10

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Jesus sa Jerico, at naglakad sa kabayanan. Doo'y may isang mayamang puno ng mga publikano na nagngangalang Zaqueo, at pinagsikapan niyang makita si Jesus upang makilala niya kung sino ito. Ngunit siya ay napakapandak, at dahil sa dami ng tao, hindi niya makita si Jesus.

Kaya't patakbo siyang nagpauna at umakyat sa isang puno ng sikomoro upang makita si Jesus na magdaraan doon. Pagdating ni Jesus sa dakong iyon, siya'y tumingala at sinabi sa kanya, "Zaqueo, bumaba ka agad, sapagkat kailangan kong tumuloy sa bahay mo." Nagmamadali siyang bumaba, at tuwang-tuwang tinanggap si Jesus.

Lahat ng nakakita nito ay nagbulung-bulungan. "Nakikituloy siya sa isang makasalanan," wika nila. Tumayo si Zaqueo at sinabi, "Panginoon, ibibigay ko po sa mga dukha ang kalahati ng aking ari-arian. At kung ako'y may nadayang sinuman, apat na ibayo ang isasauli ko sa kanya." At sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Ang kaligtasa'y dumating ngayon sa sambahayang ito; lipi rin ni Abraham ang taong ito. Sapagkat naparito ang Anak ng Tao upang hanapin at iligtas ang naligaw."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaki na naghangad maging mayaman dahil inisip niyang kapag siya ay yumaman, saka lamang siya magiging tunay na masaya. Ginawa niya ang lahat para maabot ang kanyang pangarap—kahit ang dumihan ang kanyang mga kamay sa hindi tapat na paraan.

Sa huli, naging mayaman nga siya, ngunit nanatili pa rin siyang hungkag at hindi kontento. Hindi payapa ang puso niya—hanggang sa makilala niya si Jesus. Mula noon, nagbago ang kanyang buhay at natagpuan niya ang kapayapaang matagal na niyang hinahanap.

Si Zaqueo ay katulad ng lalaking iyon—at kadalasan, katulad din natin. Naghangad siya ng kayamanan anuman ang kapalit. Ginamit niya ang kanyang posisyon bilang maniningil ng buwis upang yumaman, kahit nangangahulugan itong pagyaman sa maruming paraan. Kung titingnan sa panlabas, mukha siyang matagumpay, makapangyarihan, at kontento. Ngunit sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso, siya ay hungkag, balisa, at walang kapayapaan.

Marahil matapos niyang malasap ang lahat ng layaw at impluwensyang dulot ng maruming yaman, napagtanto niya na may kulang pa rin. Kahit halos lahat ng makamundong bagay ay nasa kanya na, nananatili pa ring may puwang sa kanyang puso na hindi kayang punuin ng anumang bagay dito sa mundo. May hinahanap siya—isang kapayapaang hindi kayang ibigay ng pera o kapangyarihan.

Marami sa atin ay ganito rin. Hinahabol natin ang kayamanan, tagumpay, katanyagan, at impluwensya dahil iniisip nating kapag mayroon tayo nito, saka tayo magiging masaya. Kaya nagsisikap tayo nang husto, nangangalap pa nang higit pa, at nakikipagkumpitensya—umaasang kapag “nakuha na natin ang lahat,” doon darating ang tunay na kaligayahan.

Ngunit madalas, habang dumarami ang ating kayamanan, lalo namang hindi tayo mapakali. Hindi mahimbing ang tulog, hindi payapa ang isip, at hindi panatag ang puso—sapagkat hinahabol natin ang mga bagay na hindi kailanman kayang punan ang ating espirituwal na pagkauhaw.

Ngunit may nangyari kay Zaqueo. Nang marinig niya si Jesus, may umusbong na pag-asa sa kanyang puso. Mula noon, ipinangako niya sa sarili na hahanapin niya si Jesus anuman ang mangyari.

At nang dumaan si Jesus sa kanilang lugar, tumakbo siya nang buong bilis at lakas. Hindi niya inalintana ang kapal ng tao. Hindi rin niya ininda ang pag-akyat sa puno ng sikomoro, basta’t makita lamang si Jesus—ang tanging maaaring magbigay ng kapayapaan sa kanyang uhaw at pagod na puso.

Natagpuan ni Zaqueo kay Jesus ang hindi kayang ibigay ng anumang kayamanan at kapangyarihan at ito rin ang ating madidiskubre pag natagpuan natin Siya.

Mayroon tayong kani-kaniyang mga hangarin. Mayroon tayong mga pangarap. Mayroon tayong mga “puno ng sikomoro” na dapat akyatin. Ngunit sa huli, si Jesus lamang ang nagbibigay ng kapayapaan at kaganapan na tunay nating hinahangad. Walang iba kundi si Jesus lamang.

Ano ba ang hinahabol natin? Kapag dumaan ba si Jesus sa ating buhay, handa ba tayong gawin ang lahat kasama na ang ating pag iwan sa ating mga kasalanan upang Siya ay makatagpo para tuluyan na niyang baguhin at linisin ang ating puso, pagkatao at kaluluwa? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Monday November 17 Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious: Luke 18:35-43

Gospel: Luke 18:35-43

As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”  

Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

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Reflection:

Does it pay to be persistent and to have faith in Jesus?

It always pays to be persistent in any endeavor we pursue, because persistence always carries a reward. How many success stories have been built upon persistence? Perhaps thousands—maybe even millions. These persistent individuals toil quietly, work diligently, and refuse to give up until they achieve their purpose.

The blind man in the Gospel also showed remarkable persistence. He never stopped crying out, “Son of David!” even when people around him tried to silence him. He refused to lose heart. And because he persevered, his persistence eventually caught the attention of Jesus. But it wasn’t just persistence that drew him near to the Lord—it was also his deep and unwavering faith.

Afterwards, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And with childlike trust he replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus then said, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”

But what if the blind man had given up? What if he had allowed discouragement, criticism, or noise to drown out his voice? What if he had doubted his worth or questioned Jesus’ mercy? He would have missed the miracle that changed his life.

In the same way, we, too, are called to remain persistent and to hold on to a powerful faith in Jesus. We may not see any sign of hope at the moment. We may feel unheard or overlooked. Yet Jesus responds in His own perfect time, and His timing is always filled with love, wisdom, and purpose.

So let us keep crying out to Him. Let us persist in prayer. Let us trust His heart even when we cannot see His hand. He hears us more than we know, and He walks with us more than we realize.

Are we willing to persist in our cries to Jesus and will our faith remain strong even when the answers seem delayed? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Lunes Nobyembre 17 Paggunita kay Santa Isabel ng Unggari, namanata sa Diyos: Lucas 18:35-43

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 18:35-43

Malapit na si Hesus sa Jerico, at doo’y may isang lalaking bulag na nakaupo sa tabi ng daan at nagpapalimos. Nang marinig nitong nagdaraan ang maraming tao, itinanong niya kung ano ang nangyayari.

“Nagdaraan si Hesus na taga Nazaret,” sabi nila. At siya’y sumigaw, “Hesus, Anak ni David! Mahabag po kayo sa akin!” Sinaway siya ng mga nasa unahan, ngunit lalo pa niyang nilakasan ang sigaw: “Anak ni David, mahabag po kayo sa akin!”

Kaya’t tumigil si Hesus, at iniutos na dalhin sa kanya ang bulag. Inilapit nga ito at tinanong ni Hesus, “Ano ang ibig mong gawin ko sa iyo?” “Panginoon, ibig ko po sana’y manumbalik ang aking paningin,” sagot niya.

At sinabi ni Hesus, “Mangyari ang ibig mo! Pinagaling ka dahil sa iyong pananalig.” Noon din, nakakita siya at sumunod kay Hesus, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Nang makita ito ng mga tao, silang lahat ay nagpuri sa Diyos.

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Repleksyon:

May mabuti bang dulot ang maging matiyaga at magkaroon ng pananampalataya kay Jesus?

Laging may pakinabang ang pagiging matiyaga sa anumang landas na ating tinatahak, sapagkat ang tunay na pagtitiyaga ay laging may kaakibat na gantimpala. Ilan na bang tagumpay ang itinayo sa haligi ng pagtitiyaga? Marahil libo-libo o baka milyon na. Ang mga taong matiyaga ay tahimik na nagpapagal, buong-kapuri-puring nagsisikap, at hindi sumusuko hanggang makamtan nila ang kanilang layunin.

Ang bulag na lalaki sa Ebanghelyo ay isa ring huwaran ng pag titiyaga. Hindi siya tumigil sa pag-iyak ng, “Anak ni David!” kahit pinatatahimik siya ng mga tao sa paligid. Hindi niya hinayaang panghinaan siya ng loob. At dahil sa kanyang pagpupursigi, narinig siya ni Jesus. Ngunit hindi lang tiyaga ang naglapit sa kanya sa Panginoon—kundi pati ang kanyang malalim at matatag na pananampalataya.

Tinanong siya ni Jesus, “Ano ang nais mong gawin ko para sa iyo?” At buong tiwala siyang tumugon, “Panginoon, nawa’y makakita po ako.” Sinabi ni Jesus, “Magkaroon ka ng paningin; iniligtas ka ng iyong pananampalataya.”

Ngunit paano kaya kung sumuko siya? Paano kung hinayaan niyang talunin siya ng mga saway, pangungutya, o ingay ng tao? Paano kung nadala siya ng alinlangan o pagdududa sa habag ni Jesus? Siguradong nawaglit niya ang himalang lubusang nagpanibago ng kanyang buhay.

Sa atin ding paglalakbay, tinatawag tayong maging matiyaga at patuloy na kumapit sa makapangyarihang pananampalataya sa Panginoon. Maaaring wala tayong nakikitang pag-asa ngayon. Maaaring pakiramdam natin ay hindi tayo naririnig o napapansin. Ngunit tumutugon si Jesus sa Kanyang perpektong oras, at ang oras na iyon ay laging puno ng pag-ibig, karunungan, at layunin.

Kaya magpatuloy tayong tumawag sa Kanya. Magtiyaga tayong manalangin. Magtiwala tayo sa Kanyang puso, kahit hindi natin nakikita ang Kanyang kamay. Nakikinig Siya higit sa ating inaakala, at kasama natin Siya higit sa ating napapansin.

Handa ba tayong magpatuloy sa pagtawag kay Jesus at mananatili kaya ang ating pananampalataya kahit tila naaantala ang Kanyang kasagutan?  - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday November 16 Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:5-19

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!

When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.

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Reflection:

There is a story about a man who lived each day burdened with cynicism, fear, and worry. His thoughts were filled with nothing else but these three. One day, a friend asked him if he believed in God. He replied, “No, I don’t believe in God.” When asked why, he said, “Because no one has ever introduced me to your God or told me anything about Him.”

Nearby was another friend named Jessie, a practicing Catholic, who overheard their conversation. Moved with compassion, he approached the anxious man and asked if he could spare an hour every Sunday evening so he could share Jesus and his Catholic faith with him. The man said, “Yes, I can give you my hour—or perhaps even more than an hour. Let’s begin as soon as possible.”

And so it happened: on a Sunday, Jessie visited his friend’s home and shared everything he knew about Jesus and the Catholic faith. The man listened eagerly; he absorbed every word, and soon a deep thirst for Jesus began to grow within him.

He started reading books about Jesus and the Catholic Church, and this journey eventually led him to baptism. After his baptism, the fear and worry that once dominated his life faded away. He was no longer the same, for he now had Jesus living within him.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about the end times—He reminds us of the fragility of life, the fading nature of material things, and the reality of persecution and even death. Yet in the midst of these troubling images, He gently tells us not to fear, for He Himself will care for us.

End-time-like experiences are real. Many people around us are facing hopelessness, distress, and inner darkness at this very moment. And what is often the root of their despair? They do not yet know that there is Someone—Jesus—who saves, who comforts, who strengthens, who heals, and who gives a peace that surpasses all understanding.

As followers of Christ, we are called to make a difference in the lives of those who do not yet know Him. We are invited to be like Jessie—to introduce Jesus to others, to walk with them patiently, lovingly, gently. For countless lives have been changed because someone courageously shared Jesus with them. Yet many more around us remain lost, restless, and desperate for hope.

We must therefore act. We must love boldly, speak gently, and witness faithfully—without fear of the consequences. For Jesus Himself assures us: “You will be hated by all because of My name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:17–19) – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Nobyembre 16 Ika-33 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:5-19

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:5-19

Noong panahong iyon, pinag-uusapan ng ilan sa mga tao ang templo -- ang kahanga-hangang mga bato na ginamit dito at ang mga palamuti nito na inihandog ng mga tao. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus, "Darating ang panahong lahat ng nakikita ninyong iyan ay iguguho, walang batong ititira sa ibabaw ng kapwa bato." 

Tinanong nila si Jesus, "Guro, kailan po ito mangyayari? At ano ang magiging palatandaan na ito'y magaganap na?"

Sumagot siya, "Mag-ingat kayo ng hindi mailigaw ninuman! Sapagkat marami ang darating sa aking pangalan na magsasabi, 'Ako ang Mesias!' at, 'Dumating na ang panahon!' Huwag kayong susunod sa kanila. 

Huwag kayong mabagabag kung makakita kayo ng mga digmaan at mga himagsikan. Dapat mangyari ang mga ito, ngunit hindi darating kara-karaka ang wakas." At sinabi pa niya, "Makikipagdigma ang bansa laban sa kapwa bansa at ang kaharian laban sa kapwa kaharian. Magkakaroon ng malalakas na lindol, magkakagutom at magkakasalot sa iba't ibang dako. May lilitaw na mga kakila-kilabot na mga bagay at mga kagila-gilalas na tanda buhat sa langit. 

"Ngunit bago mangyari ang lahat ng ito, darakpin kayo't uusigin. Kayo'y dadalhin sa mga sinagoga upang litisin at ipabilanggo. At dahil sa akin ay ihaharap kayo sa mga hari at mga gobernador. Ito ang pagkakataon ninyo upang magpatotoo tungkol sa akin.

Ipanatag ninyo ang inyong kalooban, huwag kayong mababalisa tungkol sa pagtatanggol sa inyong sarili, sapagkat bibigyan ko kayo ng katalinuhan at nang pananalitang hindi kayang tutulan o pabulaanan ng sinuman sa inyong mga kaaway. 

Ipagkakanulo kayo ng inyong mga magulang, mga kapatid, mga kamag-anak, at mga kaibigan. At ipapapatay ang ilan sa inyo. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin. ngunit hindi mawawala ni isang hibla ng inyong buhok. Sa inyong pagtitiis ay tatamuhin ninyo ang buhay na walang hanggan.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaki na araw-araw ay nabubuhay na pasan ang bigat ng pagdududa, takot, at pag-aalala. Wala nang ibang laman ang kanyang isip kundi ang tatlong ito. Isang araw, tinanong siya ng isang kaibigan kung naniniwala siya sa Diyos.

Sumagot siya, “Hindi, hindi ako naniniwala sa Diyos.” Nang tanungin kung bakit, sinabi niya, “Dahil wala pang nagpakilala sa akin sa Diyos na sinasabi ninyo, at wala pang nagsabi sa akin ng kahit ano tungkol sa Kanya.”

Malapit sa kanilang dalawa ay ang isa pa nilang kaibigan na si Jessie, isang masigasig at nagsasabuhay na Katoliko, na narinig ang kanilang pag-uusap. Naantig ang kanyang puso kaya nilapitan niya ang lalaking balisa at tinanong kung maaari siyang maglaan ng isang oras tuwing Linggo ng gabi, upang maibahagi niya rito si Jesus at ang kanyang pananampalatayang Katoliko. Sagot ng lalaki, “Oo, maaari kong ibigay sa iyo ang isang oras—o baka higit pa sa isang oras. Simulan na natin ito sa lalong madaling panahon.”

At ganoon nga ang nangyari: isang Linggo, bumisita si Jessie sa bahay ng kaibigan at ibinahagi ang lahat ng kanyang nalalaman tungkol kay Jesus at sa pananampalatayang Katoliko. Masigasig na nakinig ang lalaki; inisip niya ang bawat salita, at hindi nagtagal, isang malalim na pagkauhaw kay Jesus ang sumibol sa kanyang puso.

Nagsimula siyang magbasa ng mga aklat tungkol kay Jesus at sa Simbahang Katolika, at ang paglalakbay na ito ay nagdala sa kanya sa Sakramento ng Binyag. Pagkatapos mabinyagan, ang takot at pag-aalalang matagal nang nananahan sa kanyang buhay ay nawala. Hindi na siya katulad ng dati, sapagkat si Jesus ay naninirahan na sa kanyang puso.

Sa ating Mabuting Balita, nagsasalita si Jesus tungkol sa mga huling araw—ipinapaalala Niya sa atin ang kawalang kasiguruhan ng buhay, ang paglipas ng mga materyal na bagay, at maging ang kamatayan. Gayunman, sa gitna ng mga nakakatakot na larawang ito, puno ng pagmamahal Niyang sinasabi sa atin na huwag tayong matakot, sapagkat Siya mismo ang mag-iingat sa atin.

Maraming  tao ngayon ang tila nakararanas ng tila ba “katapusan” sa kanilang buhay. Marami sa paligid natin ang nakararanas ng kawalan ng pag-asa, pagkabalisa, at kadiliman sa kalooban. At ano ang ugat ng kanilang paghihirap? Hindi pa nila nakikilala ang Isang— Jesus—na nagliligtas, nagmamahal, nagpapagaling, umaakay, at nagbibigay ng kapayapaang hindi kayang ipaliwanag ng mundo.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, tinatawag tayong ibahagi si Jesus sa buhay ng mga hindi pa Siya nakikilala. Inaanyayahan tayong maging tulad ni Jessie—magpakilala ng Panginoon sa iba, makipaglakbay sa kanila nang may pasensya, pagmamahal, at kababaang-loob. Marami nang buhay ang nabago dahil may isang taong nagmalasakit na magbahagi tungkol kay Jesus. Ngunit marami pa rin sa ating paligid ang ligaw, balisa, at nauuhaw kay Jesus.

Kaya kailangan nating kumilos. Kailangan nating magmahal, magsalita nang may kabaitan, at sumaksi nang tapat—nang hindi natatakot sa maaaring kahihinatnan. Sapagkat sinabi mismo ni Jesus: “Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa Aking pangalan, ngunit walang isang buhok man sa inyong ulo ang mawawala. Sa pamamagitan ng inyong pagtitiyaga ay makakamtan ninyo ang kaligtasan.”(Lucas 21:17–19) – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for November 15 Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 18:1-8

Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary. 

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’ 

The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

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Reflection:

Do we always pray with persistence? Do we truly pray and pray without losing heart until we receive what we have been asking for from God? Jesus, in our Gospel, teaches us that we must remain steadfast in prayer. Even when what we seek seems impossible, we are called to pray persistently, because what is impossible for us becomes possible through Jesus.

In our Gospel today, we encounter a heartless judge—someone who neither feared God nor respected anyone. And yet, when the widow tirelessly approached him for a just decision, he eventually granted her request. Why? Because she refused to give up.

If we were in the place of the widow, knowing that the judge was impertinent and unkind, would we still persevere in presenting our request? Or would we simply walk away and surrender to discouragement?

When we bring our petitions before God, we are invited to cultivate a heart that does not tire of praying. We are urged to humbly ask Him again and again to grant what we seek, trusting that His timing is perfect and His wisdom far greater than ours. Never mind if His answer seems delayed; what truly matters is that we continue to pray, continue to trust, and never give up.

Life reminds us again and again that those who persevere—those who refuse to surrender despite trials, delays, or setbacks—eventually receive what they seek. This truth shines brightly in the persistence of the widow in our Gospel.

May we, like her, hold firmly to our faith and persist in prayer even when God seems silent, knowing that His love for us never wavers.

As we reflect today, we ask ourselves: When God seems slow to answer, do we persevere in faith-filled prayer, or do we quietly give up on the miracle He may be preparing for us? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para Nobyembre 15 Sabado sa Ika-32 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 18:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 18:1-8

Noong panahong iyon, isinaysay ni Jesus ang isang talinghaga upang ituro sa kanila na dapat silang manalanging lagi at huwag manghinawa."Sa isang lunsod," wika niya, "may isang hukom na hindi natatakot sa Diyos at walang taong iginagalang. Sa lunsod ding yaon ay may isang babaing balo na punta nang punta sa hukom at humihingi ng katarungan. Tinanggihan siya ng hukom sa loob ng ilang panahon. 

Ngunit ng malaunan ay nasabi nito sa sarili: 'Bagamat hindi ako natatakot sa Diyos ni gumagalang kaninuman, igagawad ko na ang katarungang hinihingi ng babaing ito sapagkat lagi niya akong ginagambala-- baka pa ako mainis sa kapaparito niya.'" 

At sinabi ng Panginoon, "Narinig ninyo ang sinabi ng masamang hukom. Hindi ipagkakait ng Diyos ang katarungan sa kanyang mga hinirang na dumaraing sa kanya araw-gabi, bagama't tila nagtatagal iyon. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, agad niyang igagawad sa kanila ang katarungan. Ngunit pagdating ng Anak ng Tao sa daigdig na ito, may makikita kaya siyang mga taong nananalig sa kanya?"

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay palaging nananalangin nang may pagtitiyaga? Ibig sabihin, tayo ba ay patuloy na nananalangin nang hindi pinanghihinaan ng loob hanggang sa matanggap natin ang ating hinihiling sa Diyos?

Itinuturo sa atin ni Jesus sa ating Ebanghelyo na dapat tayong maging matiyaga at matatag sa panalangin. Sapagkat kahit tila imposibleng matanggap ang ating hinihingi, kailangan pa rin nating magpatuloy sa panalangin—dahil ang imposibleng hindi natin kayang abutin ay nagiging ganap na posible kay Jesus.

Sa ating Mabuting Balita, may isang hukom na walang puso—isang taong walang takot sa Diyos at walang galang sa sinuman. Ngunit kahit ganoon siya, ibinigay niya ang hinihinging katarungan ng balo dahil hindi ito tumigil sa pangungulit at paghahayag ng kanyang hinaing. Bakit niya ito ibinigay? Sapagkat ang balo ay hindi sumuko.

Kung tayo kaya ang nasa kalagayan ng balo, at alam nating ang hukom ay walang malasakit at impertinente, magpapatuloy pa kaya tayong magharap ng ating kahilingan? O agad na lamang ba tayong aatras, susuko at panghihina ng loob?

Kapag tayo ay may idinadalang panalangin sa Diyos, inaanyayahan Niya tayong magkaroon ng pusong hindi napapagod manalangin—pusong patuloy na nagmamakaawa, nagtitiwala, at naghihintay sa Kanyang perpektong oras  na pagsagot. Huwag nating alalahanin kung tila natatagalan ang tugon ng Diyos; ang pinakamahalaga ay ang pagpapatuloy natin sa panalangin, pagtitiwala, at hindi pagsuko.

Muli at muli tayong pinaaalalahanan ng buhay na ang mga taong hindi sumusuko—sa panalangin man o sa anumang pagsubok ng buhay—ay sa huli tumatanggap ng biyayang kanilang hinahanap. Ito ang aral na malinaw na ipinakita ng matiyagang balo sa ating Ebanghelyo.

Nawa’y katulad ng balo, magtaglay tayo ng pananampalatayang hindi natitinag at panalanging hindi napapagod, kahit tila tahimik ang Diyos—dahil kailanman ay hindi Siya tumatalikod sa atin.

Kaya, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Kapag tila tahimik ang Diyos at mabagal ang tugon sa ating panalangin, nagpapatuloy ba tayong manalig at manalangin, o unti-unti na ba tayong sumusuko bago dumating ang biyayang inihahanda Niya para sa atin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for November 14 Friday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 17:26-37

Gospel: Luke 17:26-37

Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man; they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage up to the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

Similarly, as it was in the days of Lot: they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; on the day when Lot left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all.

So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, someone who is on the housetop and whose belongings are in the house must not go down to get them, and likewise one in the field must not return to what was left behind. Remember the wife of Lot.

Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left. And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.”  They said to him in reply, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there also the vultures will gather.

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Reflection:

Why does the Church perpetually call us to leave behind our sinfulness? From the beginning of time, the Church has never ceased to remind us to live a life worthy in the eyes of the Lord. But why does she make this call?

It is because the Church, like a loving mother, wants to prepare us for the coming Judgment Day — a day we do not know when it will arrive. Therefore, the sooner we respond to this call for repentance, the better it will be for us, for genuine conversion will save us from unspeakable punishment and lead us toward eternal peace.

During the time of Noah and Lot, people were so absorbed in worldly pleasures and immoral pursuits that they ignored God’s warnings. Without any sign or warning, catastrophe struck. Why did it happen? It happened because they were consumed by their desires — their lust, their greed, and their love for sin.

Sadly, we often fail to learn from these lessons of the past. Even today, many of us still allow sin to dominate our hearts and decisions. We continue to harbor the presence of evil in our midst, often without realizing how it weakens our relationship with God.

We ought to stop these sinful ways while we still have time. Sin will never bring us true happiness; it only leads to restlessness, confusion, and despair. The more we give in to sin, the more our lives lose peace and direction. But if we turn back to God, His mercy will embrace us, and His grace will renew our hearts.

So today, let us reflect deeply: Are we still clinging to the things that separate us from God, or are we ready to let go and allow His transforming love to change us completely? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Nobyembre 14 Biyernes sa Ika-32 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 17:26-37

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 17:26-37

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi nin Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Ang pagparito ng Anak ng Tao ay matutulad sa kapanahunan ni Noe. Noon, ang mga tao'y nagsisikain at nagsisiinom, nag-aasawa, hanggang sa araw na sumakay si Noe sa daong. Dumating ang baha at namatay silang lahat.

Gayon din noong panahon ni Lot -- ang mga tao'y nagsisikain at nagsisiinom, namimili at nagbibili, nagtatanim, at nagtatayo ng bahay. Ngunit nang araw na umalis si Lot sa Sodoma, umulan ng apoy at asupre at natupok silang lahat. Gayon din sa pagdating ng Anak ng Tao.  

"Sa araw na iyon, ang nasa bubungan ay huwag ng bumaba upang kunin ang kanyang mga ari-arian sa loob ng bahay. Ang nasa bukid ay huwag nang umuwi. Alalahanin ninyo ang nangyari sa asawa ni Lot. Ang sinumang magsikap na iligtas ang kanyang buhay ay mawawalan nito; ngunit ang sinumang mawalan ng kanyang buhay ay siyang makapagliligtas nito.  

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: may dalawang lalaking natutulog sa isang higaan sa gabing iyon; kukunin ang isa at iiwan ang isa. May dalawang babaing magkasamang gumigiling; kukunin ang isa at iiwan ang isa.

May dalawang lalaking gumagawa sa bukid; kukunin ang isa at iiwan ang isa." "Saan po, Panginoon,?" tanong ng kanyang mga alagad. Sumagot siya, "Kung saan naroon ang mga bangkay, doon naman nagkakatipon ang mga buwitre."

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Repleksyon:

Bakit ba tayo patuloy na tinatawagan ng Simbahan na talikuran ang ating mga kasalanan? Mula pa noong unang panahon, hindi tumitigil ang Simbahan sa paanyaya na mamuhay tayo nang karapat-dapat sa paningin ng Panginoon. Ngunit bakit nga ba paulit-ulit ang tawag na ito?

Sapagkat tulad ng isang mapagmahal na ina, nais ng Simbahan na ihanda tayo para sa pagdating ng Araw ng Paghuhukom—isang araw na hindi natin alam kung kailan darating. Kaya’t habang may panahon pa, mas mabuting tugunan na natin ang panawagang ito ng pagsisisi. Sapagkat ang tunay na pagbabalik-loob ay magliligtas sa atin mula sa di-masukat na kaparusahan at maghahatid sa atin sa walang hanggang kapayapaan.

Noong panahon nina Noe at Lot, abala ang mga tao sa makamundo at imoral na gawain. Wala sa kanilang isipan ang Diyos. At nang walang anumang babala, dumating ang sakuna. Bakit ito nangyari? Sapagkat lubos silang nabighani sa kanilang pita ng laman, kasakiman, at pagnanais na gumawa ng kasalanan.

Sa kasamaang-palad, tila hindi tayo natututo mula sa mga pangyayaring ito. Hanggang ngayon, marami pa rin sa atin ang patuloy na nagpapasakop sa kasalanan, halimbawa ay ang kurupsyon sa flood control na maraming politiko at mga nagtratrabaho sa gobyerno ang sangkot. Patuloy nating pinapayagang manahan ang kasalanan—minsan pa nga, sa loob mismo ng ating puso.

Kaya’t nararapat lamang na talikuran na natin ang mga makasalanang gawa habang may oras pa. Ang kasalanan ay kailanman hindi magdudulot ng kabutihan; bagkus, ito’y nagdadala ng kaguluhan, problema, at kawalan ng kapayapaan. Ngunit kung tayo’y tatalikod sa kasalanan at babalik sa Diyos, yayakapin tayo ng Kanyang awa at babaguhin ng Kanyang biyaya ang ating mga puso.

Kaya ngayon, tayo’y magnilay: Patuloy pa rin ba nating hinahawakan ang mga bagay na humahadlang sa atin sa Diyos, o handa na ba tayong bitiwan ang mga ito upang tuluyang maranasan ang Kanyang mapagpatawad na pag-ibig? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for November 13 Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 17:20-25

Gospel: Luke 17:20-25

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” 

Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’

Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.

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Reflection:

Do we already have an awareness of the Kingdom of God?

Each one of us has a different level of awareness of the Kingdom of God. For some of us, it is already here and now — alive and active in our hearts. This deep awareness often springs from a rock-solid faith and a close intimacy with God — a faith that is constantly nourished through prayer, reflection, and obedience to His will.

Yet, there are also times when we become less sensitive to God’s Kingdom in our lives. Some among us may even live as though life ends with death — without realizing that God’s Kingdom is real and eternal. Here lies our challenge: what can we do so that others may come to know and experience the Kingdom of God?

Should we preach about it? Should we teach about it? Yes — but beyond words, we are called to live it. We must preach it, teach it, and most importantly, embody it in the way we love, forgive, and serve. Otherwise, we may lose sight of it ourselves and continue to live without the holy awareness that keeps us away from sin.

The Kingdom of God is already within us — we who know and love Jesus, and we who seek to follow Him daily. Therefore, our mission is clear: to share and live out the teachings of Jesus so that others may also awaken to His Kingdom and discover its life-giving power.

Do we truly live and share the Kingdom of God in our daily lives — or have we allowed the noise of the world to silence the voice of His presence within us? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Nobyembre 13 Huwebes sa Ika-32 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 17:20-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 17:20-25

Noong panhong iyon, si Jesus ay tinanong ng mga Pariseo kung kailan itatatag ang kaharian ng Diyos. Sumagot siya, "Ang pagsisimula ng paghahari ng Diyos ay walang makikitang palatandaan. at wala ring magsasabing nagsisimula na roon o rini.

Sapagkat ang totoo'y nagsimula nang maghari ang Diyos sa puso ng mga nananalig sa kanya."

At sinabi niya sa mga alagad, "Darating ang panahong hahangarin ninyong ang isa sa mga araw ng Anak ng Tao, ngunit hindi ninyo makikita iyon. at may magsasabi sa inyo, "Naroon siya! o, 'Narini siya!'

Huwag kayong pumunta upang siya'y hanapin. Sapagkat pagsapit ng takdang araw, ang Anak ng Tao'y darating na parang kidlat. Ngunit kailangan muna siyang magbata ng maraming hirap, at itakwil ng mga tao sa ngayon."

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Repleksyon:

May kamalayan na ba tayo sa kaharian ng Diyos?

Bawat isa sa atin ay may kanya-kanyang antas ng kamalayan tungkol sa Kaharian ng Diyos. Para sa ilan sa atin, ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay naririto na — buhay at kumikilos sa ating mga puso. Ang ganitong kamalayan ay nagmumula sa matatag na pananampalataya at malalim na pakikipag-ugnayan sa Diyos — isang pananampalatayang patuloy na pinagyayaman ng taimtim na panalangin, pagninilay, at pagsunod sa Kanyang kalooban.

Subalit may mga sandali rin na tayo ay nagiging manhid sa presensya ng Kaharian ng Diyos sa ating buhay. May ilan sa atin na namumuhay na para bang ang buhay ay nagtatapos sa kamatayan, na hindi nauunawaan na ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay tunay at walang hanggan. Dito pumapasok ang hamon para sa ating lahat: ano ang maaari nating gawin upang makilala rin nila at maranasan ang Kaharian ng Diyos?

Dapat ba nating ipangaral ito? Dapat ba nating ituro ito? Oo — ngunit higit pa sa mga salita, tinatawag tayong isabuhay ito. Kailangang ipangaral natin, ituro natin, at higit sa lahat, ipakita natin ito sa pamamagitan ng ating pag-ibig, pagpapatawad, at paglilingkod. Kung hindi natin ito isasabuhay, baka tuluyan nating makalimutan ang presensya ng Kaharian ng Diyos at mamuhay nang walang takot sa kasalanan.

Ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay nasa loob na natin — tayo na kumikilala, nagmamahal, at sumusunod kay Jesus araw-araw. Kaya’t malinaw ang ating misyon: ibahagi at isabuhay ang mga turo ni Jesus upang ang iba rin ay magkaroon ng kamalayan at karanasan ng Kanyang Kaharian na nagbibigay-buhay.

Tunay nga ba nating isinasabuhay at ibinabahagi ang Kaharian ng Diyos sa ating araw-araw na pamumuhay, o hinayaan na nating matabunan ito ng ingay at kasamaan ng mundong ating ginagalawan?  — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday November 12 Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr: Luke 17:11-19

Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests."

As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."

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Reflection:

What does God require of us to be healed of our physical and emotional sickness? God requires faith, humility, and gratefulness.

In our Gospel today, while Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, His attention was caught from afar by ten men who were shouting with faith, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” It was not their loud voices that caught the Lord’s attention; it was their faith-filled hearts that moved Him with compassion. Jesus saw beyond their wounds and pain—He saw their trust in Him.

As a result, all ten were healed. Yet not all of them were humble and grateful enough to return and acknowledge the One who made them whole. Only one man—a Samaritan, a foreigner—went back to thank Jesus. His act of gratitude revealed not just a healed body but a transformed heart.

Then Jesus said, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” Why did He ask this? Was He longing to be praised? Of course not. Jesus sought the others because He wanted to see if they carried the virtues of humility and gratefulness. Sadly, they did not return. Their healing was complete in the flesh, but incomplete in spirit.

From this Gospel, we can draw three life-giving lessons that speak to our journey of faith:

 First, we must always have faith in Jesus. No matter the storms that batter our lives, we must never let go of our trust in Him. Our faith is the anchor that steadies us when everything else feels uncertain.

Second, we must always humble ourselves before God by submitting to His will, not our own. God’s plan for us is always greater and wiser than what we could ever design for ourselves. True humility allows us to surrender control and let His grace lead our steps.

Third, we must always be grateful. Every day, God showers us with countless blessings—some small, some great, all precious. The food on our table, the health we enjoy, the breath we take each morning—these may seem ordinary, but they are extraordinary gifts from a loving Father. Gratitude opens our eyes to see His miracles in the most ordinary moments.

Therefore, let us always nurture hearts filled with faith, humility, and gratitude. Let us trust in God no matter what challenges we face. Let us humble ourselves before Him and others, for humility is the doorway through which more blessings flow. And let us live each day with thankful hearts, recognizing the small and great miracles that God works in our lives.

Have we become like the Samaritan—faithful, humble, and grateful—or have we, perhaps unknowingly, walked away without returning to thank the Lord who heals and blesses us each day? – Marino J. Dasmarinas