Reflection for Friday November 21 Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 19:45-48

Gospel: Luke 19:45-48

Jesus entered the temple area and proceeded to drive out those who were selling things, saying to them, “It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.”  

And every day he was teaching in the temple area. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words.

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Reflection:

The Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple celebrated since the 6th century points us to a life completely entrusted to God. Mary, while still a young child, was brought by her parents to the temple in Jerusalem and was offered to God. This early experience prepared her heart to become the “temple of the Son of God.”

After Jesus cleansed the temple of impurities, He taught there daily. And even now, He continues to teach us every moment of our life. He teaches us how to live rightly, reminding us that life is not about accumulating material things or intellectual achievements. For Jesus, life is service. Life is humility. Life is sacrifice. Life is simplicity. Life is unconditional love.

What might Jesus have been teaching in the temple each day? We can only imagine that He spoke about how to behave in the house of God. Perhaps He also taught them how to live a life pleasing to the Father. Is there a model for how we are to live our own lives? Of course there is—the life of Jesus Himself. His life is the perfect template of holiness and purpose. But are we willing to walk the same path He walked?

As followers of Christ, let us also become teachers like Him. Let us teach our children about Jesus and guide them to show reverence and discipline in the church. Let us proclaim the life of Jesus not merely with words, but through our daily actions, for it is through our example that we best reflect the Lord. It may be tempting for some to think that His way of life no longer fits our fast-paced, technology-driven world.

But the truth is this: Jesus’ life is more relevant today than ever before. Just look at how our values are being corrupted, how human life is being devalued—even destroyed in the womb. Truly, Jesus is a man for all seasons and for all generations. His teachings remain timeless, powerful, and essential. Therefore, we must listen to Him with open hearts and willing spirits.

Are we truly listening to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Biyernes Nobyembre 21 Paggunita sa Pagdadala sa Mahal na Birhen sa Templo: Lucas 19:45-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 19:45-48

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Jesus sa templo at kanyang ipinagtabuyan ang mga nagtitinda. Sinabi niya sa mga ito, "Nasusulat: 'Ang aking bahay ay tatawaging bahay-dalanginan.' Ngunit ginawa ninyong 'pugad ng mga magnanakaw'."

Araw-araw, si Jesus ay nagtuturo sa loob ng templo. Pinagsikapan ng mga punong saserdote, ng mga eskriba, at ng mga pangunahin ng bayan na siya'y ipapatay. Subalit wala silang makitang paraan upang maisagawa ito, sapagkat taimtim na nakikinig sa kanya ang buong bayan.

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Repleksyon:

Ang paggunita ng Pagdadala sa Mahal na Birheng Maria sa Templo—na ipinagdiriwang mula pa noong ika-6 na siglo. Si Maria, bagama’t bata pa lamang, ay dinala ng kanyang mga magulang sa templo sa Herusalem at inialay sa Diyos. Ang maagang karanasang ito ang naghanda sa Kanyang puso upang maging “templo ng Anak ng Diyos.”

Pagkatapos linisin ni Jesus ang templo mula sa mga karumihan, araw-araw Siyang nagturo roon. At hanggang ngayon, patuloy Niya tayong tinuturuan sa bawat sandali ng ating buhay. Itinuturo Niya sa atin kung paano mamuhay nang tama, ipinapaalala na ang buhay ay hindi tungkol sa pag-iipon ng kayamanan o karunungan. Para kay Jesus, ang buhay ay paglilingkod. Ang buhay ay kababaang-loob. Ang buhay ay sakripisyo. Ang buhay ay kasimplehan. Ang buhay ay pag-ibig na walang panukat.

Ano kaya ang itinuro ni Jesus sa templo araw-araw? Maaari lamang nating isipin na tinuruan Niya sila kung paano kumilos sa tahanan ng Diyos. Marahil itinuro rin Niya kung paano mamuhay nang kalugud-lugod sa Ama. Mayroon bang huwaran kung paano natin dapat isabuhay ang ating sariling buhay? Siyempre mayroon—ang mismong buhay ni Jesus. Ang Kanyang buhay ang perpektong huwaran ng kabanalan. Ngunit handa ba tayong tahakin ang daang Kanyang tinahak?

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, nawa’y maging mga tagapagturo rin tayo tulad Niya. Turuan natin ang ating mga anak tungkol kay Jesus at akayin silang magpakita ng paggalang sa simbahan. Ipagpahayag natin ang buhay ni Jesus hindi lamang sa salita, kundi higit sa ating pang-araw-araw na gawa, sapagkat sa pamamagitan ng ating halimbawa higit nating naipapakita ang Panginoon. Maaaring isipin ng ilan na ang Kanyang paraan ng pamumuhay ay hindi na angkop sa mabilis at makabagong mundo natin ngayon.

Ngunit ito ang katotohanan: Mas mahalaga at mas kailangan natin ang buhay ni Jesus ngayon. Tunay nga, si Jesus ay Tao para sa lahat ng panahon at lahat ng salinlahi. Ang Kanyang mga turo ay laging napapanahon, makapangyarihan, at kailangang-kailangan. Kaya naman, dapat natin Siyang pakinggan ng boung puso at kaluluwa

Tunay ba nating pinakikinggan ang Panginoon? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for November 20 Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 19:41-44

Gospel: Luke 19:41-44

As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace but now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.  

They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

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Reflection:

Do we obey Jesus when He invites us to stop sinning, or when He gently urges us to avoid the people and places that lead us into sin? Many times, Jesus speaks to us through those closest to us—through a family member, a friend, or even through a life-changing event. In His loving wisdom, He uses these moments to guide us away from darkness and into His light.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus called people to repentance with clarity and compassion. Some opened their hearts to Him, but many chose to continue in their sinful way of life. By ignoring His invitation, they wrapped themselves in burdens they could have easily avoided if they had only listened.

When we look closely at our own journeys, we realize that we too have been lovingly warned, gently guided, and tenderly reminded to live clean and renewed lives. Time and again, God sends us grace-filled opportunities to let go of our sinfulness. But do we listen? Oftentimes, we do not. We follow the path of our own desires and allow ourselves to be influenced by forces that distance us from Jesus’ loving embrace.

Yet Jesus remains the truest friend we will ever have. He is our wisest adviser, our faithful companion, and our unfailing guide. When we listen to Him, we lose nothing and gain everything—peace, clarity, purpose, and the joy that only He can give.

Are we truly listening to Jesus, or are we still listening to the voices that lead us away from Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Nobyembre 20 Huwebes sa Ika-33 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 19:41-44

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 19:41-44

Noong panahong iyon, nang malapit na siya sa Jerusalem at matanaw niya ang lunsod, ito'y kanyang tinangisan. Sinabi niya, "Kung nalalaman mo lamang sa araw na ito kung ano ang makapagdudulot sa iyo ng kapayapaan! Ngunit lingid ito ngayon sa iyong paningin.

Sapagkat darating ang araw na paliligiran ka ng kuta ng iyong mga kaaway, kukubkubin at gigipitin sa magkabi-kabila. Wawasakin ka nila, at lilipulin ang mga anak mo sa loob ng iyong muog. At ni isang bato'y wala silang iiwan sa ibabaw ng kapwa bato, sapagkat hindi mo pinansin ang pagdating ng Diyos upang iligtas ka."

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay sumusunod kay Jesus kapag tinatawag Niya tayong tumigil sa paggawa ng kasalanan? Kapag marahan Niya tayong inaanyayahan na umiwas sa mga tao at sitwasyong nagtutulak sa atin sa pagkakasala? Madalas, ginagamit ni Jesus ang mga taong malapit sa atin—isang kapamilya, kaibigan, o isang pangyayari sa buhay—upang akayin tayo palayo sa kadiliman at ibalik sa Kanyang liwanag.

Noong kapanahunan ni Jesus sa mundo, malinaw at may pagmamahal Niyang ipinahayag ang panawagan sa pagbabalik-loob. May ilan na tumugon, ngunit marami ang nagmatigas at nagpatuloy sa kanilang makasalanang pamumuhay. Sa kanilang hindi pakikinig, nabalot nila ang kanilang mga sarili sa mga pasaning sana’y naiwasan nila kung nakinig lamang sila sa tinig ng Panginoon.

Kung tapat nating susuriin ang ating sariling buhay, mapapansin natin na paulit-ulit din tayong binibigyan ng Diyos ng mga pagkakataong magbago—mga paalaala, tawag, at gabay upang mamuhay nang malinis at bago. Ngunit nakikinig ba tayo? Madalas, hindi. Mas pinipili pa natin sundin ang ating mga pagnanasang makasarili, at hinahayaan nating maimpluwensiyahan tayo ng mga puwersang lumalayo sa atin kay Jesus.

Gayunpaman, si Jesus pa rin ang pinakamatalik na kaibigan na maaari tayong magkaroon. Siya ang pinakamarunong nating tagapayo, tapat na kasama, at gabay na kailanman ay hindi nagkukulang at nangiiwan. Kapag Siya ang ating pinakinggan, walang mawawala sa atin at napakarami tayong makakamit: kapayapaan, kaliwanagan, direksiyon, at kagalakang tanging Siya lamang ang makapagbibigay.

Tunay ba nating pinakikinggan si Jesus, o mas pinakikinggan pa rin natin ang mga tinig na naglalayo sa atin sa Kanya? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for November 19 Wednesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 19:11-28

Gospel: Luke 19:11-28

While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return.

He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading.

The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones. He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’

Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’

He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’

And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.

After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem.

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Reflection:

What is our mission in this world? Our mission is to become productive followers of the Lord. And how can we become such followers? When we spread our faith, confront and avoid sin, and do good, we become fruitful followers. But when we choose to do nothing for the Lord, we become unproductive followers who bear no fruit for His kingdom.

The good Lord lovingly invites us to share our faith so that we may grow, for this is the only way we can truly bear fruit. Yet many of us hesitate, telling ourselves that we do not know enough about Jesus or about our Catholic faith. But how can we grow in what we do not seek to understand? How can we love Someone we do not strive to know more deeply?

The secret to knowing Jesus is simple: we must open our hearts to discover Him daily. The more we discover who He is, the more we receive the grace and the tools to become His productive followers. And one of the best places to begin this journey of discovery is through our faithful presence at the Holy Mass, where Jesus Himself meets us, nourishes us, and teaches us.

We therefore need to know Jesus more—so that we may mature in faith, and so that in time, we may joyfully share what we have come to know and love about Him. The Lord has already equipped us with the grace we need through our Baptism and Confirmation. He has planted His gifts in us; now we are called to nurture them.

But will we allow Jesus to lead us into a deeper encounter with Him, or will we continue to hide behind our excuses and fears? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

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