Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Nobyembre 26 Miyerkules sa Ika-34 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:12-19

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:12-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “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 ng 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:

Handa na ba tayong usigin dahil sa ating pananampalataya?

Kapag taos-puso nating pinili na sumunod kay Jesus, tiyak na darating ang mga sandali ng pag-uusig, hindi pagkakaunawaan, at maging ang pagkawala ng ilang kaibigan. Ngunit hindi natin kailangang matakot. Sapagkat anumang mawala sa atin alang-alang kay Jesus ay hindi kailanman tunay na pagkawala—pinupuno Niya ito ng Kanyang saganang biyaya.

Kaya naman dapat tayong maging mapagmatyag. Huwag nating hayaang ipagpalit natin si Jesus kapalit ng mga panandaliang aliw ng mundong ito. Huwag nating isuko ang ating pananampalataya para lamang sa pakikisama o pansariling interes. Tinatawag tayong maging tapat at matatag hanggang sa dulo, gaano man kahirap ang ating kailangang pagdaanan.

Ano ang mapapala natin kung makamtan natin ang buong mundo, ngunit mawala naman si Jesus sa ating mga puso? Ano ang saysay ng panandaliang kasiyahang nagdadala lamang sa atin sa kasalanan? Ano ang kabuluhan ng kapangyarihan o kayamanang panlupa kung maaari naman itong maglaho anumang oras?

At ano ang pakinabang ng pagkakaroon ng makapangyarihang mga kaibigan kung ang hatid naman nila ay kasalanan—kasalanang, sa katotohanan, minsan ay ating sinasangayunan? Hindi ba’t kaguluhan lamang at pagkalayo sa pag-ibig ni Kristo ang dulot nito? Hahayaan ba nating malinlang tayo ng huwad na seguridad na ito—mga ugnayang unti-unting nagpapahina ng ating relasyon kay Jesus?

Ngunit sa sandaling piliin natin, nang may kababaang-loob at katapatan, na manatiling tapat kay Jesus—sa kabila ng tukso, pag-uusig—mararanasan natin ang kapayapaang Siya lamang ang makapagbibigay. Kapayapaang hindi maibibigay ng mundo at hindi rin kayang agawin sa atin ng mundo. –Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for November 25 Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:5-11

Gospel: Luke 21:5-11

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.

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Reflection:

Are we afraid of the end of the world?

Jesus speaks of the destruction of the beautiful structures we admire. Everything, including sacred places of worship, will one day fade. This scenario resembles the signs of the end times. Yet in the midst of these warnings, Jesus gently assures us, “Do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9).

So what should we do? Should we allow the signs around us to drown us in fear, or should we hold firmly to Jesus, who reminds us again and again, “Do not be terrified”? Of course, our hearts cling to what the Lord tells us.

Earthquakes and calamities of massive proportions are unfolding, and wars throughout the world continue to rage. But let us receive these realities with calm faith, for Jesus already forewarned us. Let us never attribute these disasters to God, as some might do. God does not desire our destruction; if He did, He would not have sent Jesus to walk among us, to love us, and to die for us on the cross.

There are wars in different parts of the world because we humans create them. These arise from our greed for power and our hunger for control. The same is true of our abuse of the environment—an abuse that leads to increasingly destructive typhoons and hurricanes. What is the result?

Massive loss of lives and properties, tragedies that could have been prevented if only we had compassion for God’s creation and for one another. Yet even in these bleak signs of the times, we are not abandoned. The Lord remains with us. In the midst of everything unstable and uncertain, we are invited to be calm, to pray, and to deepen our faith in the God who holds all things together.

When the world around us trembles, will we choose fear… or will we choose to trust the One who says, “Do not be terrified”? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Nobyembre 25 Martes sa Ika-34 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:5-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:5-11

Noong panahong iyon, pinag-uusapan ng ilang 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 Hesus, “Darating ang panahong lahat ng nakikita ninyong iyan ay iguguho, walang batong ititira sa ibabaw ng kapwa bato.”

Tinanong nila si Hesus, “Guro, kailan po ito mangyayari? At ano ang magiging palatandaan na ito’y magaganap na?” Sumagot siya, “Mag-ingat kayo at nang 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 mababagabag kung makabalita kayo ng mga digmaan at mga himagsikan. Dapat mangyari ang mga ito, ngunit hindi darating karaka-raka ang wakas.” 

At sinabi pa niya, “Makikipagdigma ang bansa laban sa kapwa bansa at ang kaharian sa kapwa kaharian. Magkakaroon ng malalakas na lindol, magkakagutom at magkakasalot sa iba’t ibang dako. May lilitaw na mga kakila-kilabot na bagay at mga kagila-gilalas na tanda buhat sa Langit.”

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Repleksyon:

Takot ba tayo sa katapusan ng mundo?

Ipinapaalala sa atin ni Jesus ang pagguho ng mga magagandang gusaling hinahangaan natin. Darating ang araw na ang lahat—maging ang mga sagradong lugar ng pagsamba—ay lilipas din. Kahawig nito ang mga palatandaan ng mga huling araw. Ngunit sa gitna ng mga babalang ito, marahang sinasabi sa atin ni Jesus: “Huwag kayong matakot” (Lucas 21:9).

Kaya ano ang dapat nating gawin? Hahayaan ba nating kainin tayo ng takot sa mga nakikita nating pangyayari? O mahigpit ba tayong kakapit kay Jesus, na paulit-ulit na nagpapaalala, “Huwag kayong matakot”? Siyempre, ang ating mga puso ay kumakapit sa Kanyang mga salita.

Totoong nagaganap ang mga lindol, malalaking kalamidad, at mga digmaan sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Ngunit huwag tayong mabalisa maging panatag parin tayo sapagkat palaging nandiyan si Jesus na ating sandigan. Hindi kailanman ninais ng Diyos ang ating pagkapahamak; kung nais Niya iyon, hindi Niya ipapadala si Jesus upang makisama sa atin, mahalin tayo, at ialay ang Kanyang buhay para sa atin sa krus.

May mga digmaan dahil tayo mismo ang lumilikha nito—bunga ng ating kasakiman sa kapangyarihan. Ganito rin ang nangyayari sa ating pang-aabuso sa kalikasan, na nagdudulot ng mas malalakas na bagyo at unos tulad ng nangyari sa Cebu. Ano ang bunga? Matinding pagkasira at pagkawala ng buhay at mga ari-arian—mga trahedyang sana’y naiwasan kung nagkaroon lamang tayo ng malasakit sa nilikha ng Diyos at sa isa’t isa.

At kahit sa harap ng mga nakakatakot na palatandaan, hindi Niya tayo iniiwan. Nanatili ang Panginoon sa piling natin. Sa gitna ng lahat ng kaguluhan at kawalan ng katiyakan, inaanyayahan Niya tayong maging payapa, manalangin, at palalimin ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos na may hawak ng lahat ng bagay.

Kapag yumanig ang ating mundo, pipiliin ba natin ang matakot… o pipiliin nating magtiwala sa Kanya na nagsasabing, “Huwag kayong matakot”? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Monday November 24 Memorial of Saint Andrew Dŭng-Lạc, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs: Luke 21:1-4

Gospel: Luke 21:1-4

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins.

He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,  she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.

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Reflection:

Do we give without counting the cost of giving?

Jesus, in our Gospel, favored the generosity of the poor widow because her offering came from the depths of her heart. There were no strings attached to her giving; it did not come from her excess. She gave whatever little she had because she trusted completely in God’s providence.

This Gospel also invites us to examine ourselves—not only when we give to our church, but whenever we give to anyone who is in need. It also calls us to reflect on our motive for giving: Do we give out of love, compassion, and faith, or do we give out of habit, convenience, or recognition?

The ideal form of giving is to give from the heart. The amount we give is immaterial; what matters is that our offering springs from genuine love for God and neighbor. In the Gospel, it was not only the poor widow who gave—many wealthy individuals also offered gifts. Yet Jesus was more pleased with the offering of the widow because her giving was pure, sincere, and free from any form of ulterior motive.

Whatever we give from the heart comes back to us a hundredfold—not necessarily in material blessings, but in spiritual richness, inner peace, and a deeper experience of God’s loving presence. In Luke chapter six, verse thirty-eight (6:38), Jesus tells us: “Give and it will be given to you, and you will receive in your sack good measure, pressed down, full and running over. For the measure you give will be the measure you receive back.”

As we continue our journey of faith, may we learn to give not from our surplus, but from our love. May we offer not only what is easy to give, but what truly reflects our gratitude, humility, and trust in God.

So today, as God looks gently into our hearts, what kind of giver does He see in us? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Lunes Nobyembre 24 Paggunita kay San Andres Dung-lac, pari at mga kasama, mga martir: Lucas 21:1-4

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:1-4

Noong panahong iyon, nang tumingin si Hesus, nakita niya ang mayayamang naghuhulog ng kanilang kaloob sa lalagyan nito sa templo. Nakita rin niya ang isang dukhang babaing balo na naghulog ng dalawang kusing.

Ang wika ni Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang dukhang balong iyon ay naghulog nang higit kaysa kanilang lahat. Sapagkat bahagi lang ng di na nila kailangan ang kanilang ipinagkaloob, ngunit ibinigay ng balong iyon na dukhang-dukha ang buo niyang ikabubuhay.”

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay nagbibigay nang boung puso?

Si Jesus, sa ating Mabuting Balita, ay pumabor sa kagandahang-loob ng dukhang balo sapagkat ang kanyang handog ay nagmula sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso. Walang anumang kapalit ang kanyang pagbibigay; hindi ito nagmula sa kanyang sobrang pera. Ibinigay niya ang kakaunti mayroon siya dahil lubos siyang nagtitiwala sa kabutihan ng Diyos.

Inaanyayahan din tayo ng Mabuting Balitang ito na suriin ang ating mga sarili—hindi lamang kapag nagbibigay tayo sa ating simbahan, kundi sa tuwing tumutulong tayo sa sinuman na nangangailangan. Inaanyayahan din tayong pagnilayan ang ating motibo sa pagbibigay: Nagbibigay ba tayo mula sa pag-ibig, malasakit, at pananampalataya? O nagbibigay tayo dahil nakasanayan, dahil madali, o dahil may nais tayong kapalit o papuri?

Ang tunay na pagbibigay ay yaong nagmumula sa puso. Hindi mahalaga ang halaga ng ibinibigay natin; ang tunay na mahalaga ay nagmumula ito sa tapat na pag-ibig natin sa Diyos at sa kapwa. Sa Mabuting Balita, hindi lamang ang balo ang nagbigay—mayayamang tao rin ang naghandog. Ngunit mas natuwa si Jesus sa pagbibigay ng balo dahil ito ay dalisay, tapat, at walang halong pansariling interes.

Anuman ang ibinibigay natin mula sa puso ay ibinabalik sa atin nang masagana—hindi lamang sa materyal na bagay, kundi sa espiritual na yaman, kapayapaan ng loob, at isang mas malalim na karanasan ng pag-ibig ng Diyos. Sa Lucas kabanata anim, talatang tatlumpu’t walo (6:38), sinabi ni Jesus: “Magbigay kayo at kayo’y bibigyan, at tatanggap kayo ng takalang siksik, liglig, umaapaw. Sapagkat kung anong panukat ang inyong ginagamit ay siya ring gagamitin sa inyo.”

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating paglalakbay ng pananampalataya, nawa’y matutunan nating magbigay hindi mula sa ating sobra, kundi mula sa ating pag-ibig. Nawa’y maialay natin hindi lamang ang madaling ibigay, kundi ang mga bagay na tunay na sumasalamin sa ating pasasalamat, pagpapakumbaba, at pagtitiwala sa Diyos.

Anong uri kaya ng tagapagbigay ang nakikita ni Jesus sa atin? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday November 23 The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: Luke 23:35-43

Gospel: Luke 23:35-43

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.

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Reflection:

Who among us would willingly follow the kingship of Jesus when He appears before us as the very image of human weakness? We look at Him hanging on the cross—bloodied, suffering, and dying. The rulers sneered at Him, and even the soldiers mocked Him. On the cross, Jesus seemed utterly helpless, and it appeared as though God Himself had abandoned Him.

If we had been present at the time of His crucifixion, would we have acted differently? We too might not have dared to come near Him, not even with a ten-foot pole. Perhaps we also would have silently walked away, just like the others who felt disappointed that the One they hoped would be their Messiah revealed such human frailty.

But what if Jesus had shown the image of King David in our first reading—a warrior, a conqueror, a triumphant leader? Surely crowds would have gathered around Him without hesitation. Yet Jesus did not choose to display a warrior-like demeanor. Instead, He embraced the path of humility, vulnerability, and surrender—a path His followers struggled to understand. And so, in His most trying moments, almost everyone deserted Him.

Still, in this moment of profound human weakness, someone saw beyond the suffering and recognized His kingship—the criminal hanging beside Him. What moved this sinner to see what others could not? What stirred him to ask, “Jesus, remember me when You enter Your kingdom”? It was his humility and his unwavering faith, even in the face of his own brokenness. And so we ask ourselves: Can someone wounded, sinful, and deeply flawed truly be humble? Can such a person have steadfast faith? Yes. Yes, it is very possible.

So how does this Gospel help us deepen our understanding of the kingship of Jesus? It calls us to walk the same path of humility. It invites us to approach Him with repentant hearts—by going to Mass, by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation as often as we can, and by daily asking Him to strengthen and increase our faith.

Yet, let us also be honest: many of us, at times, become situational followers of Jesus—faithful only when it is convenient, committed only when life is easy.

But the kingship of Jesus is revealed most powerfully not in His glory, but in His suffering love. And He gently invites us to follow Him there too.

So today, as we look at the crucified King, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to follow Jesus not only in His triumphs, but also in His moments of suffering—trusting that His crown of thorns leads us to the crown of eternal life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Linggo Nobyembre 23 Pagkahari ng Panginoong Hesukristo sa Sanlibutan: Lucas 23:35-43

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 23:35-43

Noong panahong iyon, nilibak si Hesus ng mga pinuno ng bayan. Anila, “Iniligtas niya ang iba; iligtas naman niya ngayon ang kanyang sarili, kung siya nga ang Mesiyas, ang hinirang ng Diyos!” Nilibak din siya ng mga kawal, nilapitan at inalok ng maasim na alak. Sinabi nila, “Kung ikaw ang Hari ng mga Judio, iligtas mo ang iyong sarili.” At nakasulat sa ulunan niya sa wikang Griego, Latin at Hebreo, “Ito ang Hari ng mga Judio.”

Tinuya siya ng isa sa mga salaring nakabitin, at ang sabi, “Hindi ba ikaw ang Mesiyas? Iligtas mo ang iyong sarili, pati na kami!” Ngunit pinagsabihan siya ng kanyang kasama, “Hindi ka ba natatakot sa Diyos? Ikaw ma’y pinarurusahang tulad niya!

Matuwid lamang na tayo’y parusahan nang ganito dahil sa ating mga ginawa; ngunit ang taong ito’y walang ginawang masama.” At sinabi niya, “ Hesus, alalahanin mo ako kapag naghahari ka na.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa iyo: ngayon di’y isasama kita sa Paraiso.”

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Repleksyon:

Sino ba sa atin ang buong-pusong susunod sa paghahari ni Jesus kung ang nakikita natin ay isang Hari na may anyo ng kahinaan? Siya’y nakabayubay sa krus—duguan, naghihingalo, at labis na naghihirap. Tinuya Siya ng mga pinuno, kinutya Siya ng mga kawal. Sa krus, si Jesus ay tila walang kapangyarihan, at para bang iniwan na Siya ng Diyos.

Kung naroon tayo noong oras ng Kanyang pagpapakasakit, magiging iba kaya ang ating naging tugon? Marahil hindi rin tayo naglakas-loob lumapit sa Kanya, kahit gaano pa tayo kalapit sa Kanya noon. Baka tulad din tayo ng maraming tahimik na lumisan dahil nadismaya sila sa ipinakitang kahinaan ni Jesus.

Ngunit paano kung si Jesus ay nagpakita ng wangis ni Haring David mula sa ating unang pagbasa—isang mandirigma, mananakop, at matagumpay na pinuno? Tiyak na dadagsa ang lahat sa Kanyang tabi.

Ngunit hindi iyon ang landas na pinili ni Jesus. Hindi Siya nagpakita ng pusong mandirigma; sa halip, niyakap Niya ang kababaang-loob, kahinaan, at pagpapakasakit—isang daan na mahirap unawain para sa Kanyang mga alagad. Kaya naman, sa Kanyang pinakamahirap na sandali, halos lahat ay tumalikod at iniwan Siya.

Subalit sa gitna ng Kanyang pinakamalalim na paghihirap, may isang nakakakita ng tunay Niyang pagkahari—ang kriminal na nakapako sa tabi Niya. Ano kaya ang nagtulak sa makasalanang iyon upang makita ang hindi nakita ng karamihan? Ano ang nag-udyok sa kanyang sabihin, “Jesus, alalahanin Mo ako kapag pumasok Ka sa Iyong kaharian”?

Ito’y dahil sa kanyang kababaang-loob at matatag na pananampalataya, kahit nasa bingit siya ng kamatayan. Kaya napapaisip tayo: Maaari bang maging mapagpakumbaba ang isang makasalanan? Maaari bang maging matatag ang pananampalataya ng isang taong may sugat at kahinaan? Oo, maaari. Tunay na maaari.

At paano tayo tinutulungan ng Ebanghelyong ito na mas maunawaan ang tunay na paghahari ni Jesus? Inaanyayahan tayong tahakin din ang landas ng kababaang-loob—sa paglapit sa Diyos nang may pagsisisi, sa taimtim na pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, sa madalas na pagtanggap sa Sakramento ng Kumpisal, at sa patuloy na paghingi kay Jesus na dagdagan ang ating pananampalataya araw-araw.

Ngunit, kung tayo’y magsasabi ng totoo, madalas ay nagiging “paminsan-minsang tagasunod” o “weather-weather” na tagasunod lamang tayo—tapat kung madali, masigasig kung magaan ang buhay, ngunit unti-unting lumalayo kapag dumarating ang pagsubok.

Gayunman, ang tunay na paghahari ni Jesus ay pinakamalinaw na nahahayag hindi sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian, kundi sa Kanyang mapagsakripisyong pag-ibig. At mahinahon Niya tayong inaanyayahang sumunod sa Kanya roon.

Kaya habang minamasdan natin ang ating Haring nakapako sa krus, hayaan nating itanong sa ating mga puso: Handa ba tayong sumunod kay Jesus hindi lamang sa Kanyang tagumpay, kundi maging sa Kanyang pagdurusa—naniniwalang ang Kanyang koronang tinik ang maghahatid sa atin sa korona ng buhay na walang hanggan? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday November 22 Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr: Luke 20:27-40

Gospel: Luke 20:27-40

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. 

Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” 

Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. they can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. 

That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called ‘Lord’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Some of the scribes said in reply, “Teacher, you have answered well.” And they no longer dared to ask him anything.

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Reflection:

Do we believe that there is life after death? The Sadducees, an organization within the Jewish faith, did not believe in the resurrection. So, they presented Jesus with a story about a woman who married seven brothers, and by asking whose wife she would be in the resurrection, they were mocking Jesus’ teachings. But Jesus, in His wisdom, revealed to them and to us—the deeper reality of life beyond the grave.

Sometimes, like the Sadducees, we may also limit our understanding of life. We may think that everything ends when we die, that our existence is confined only to what we can see and touch. Yet if there is no life after death, what would be the purpose of striving to live a meaningful and righteous life?

The truth is this: there is a resurrection. And we begin to sow its seeds the moment we turn away from sin and walk toward God’s light. Every humble act of repentance, every sincere act of love, every choice for goodness is a seed of eternity planted within us. And when our earthly life ends, we will have an up-close, personal encounter with the reality we have prepared for through our daily choices.

Jesus tells us clearly about the afterlife—about heaven, everlasting life, and the company of angels. Yet He also reminds us that this eternal joy is reserved for those who are considered worthy not by human judgment, but by the merciful eyes of God. It is God who sees our hearts, our struggles, our efforts, our wounds, and our desire to walk in His ways.

Are we living our lives with eternity in mind, sowing seeds that will bloom in the Resurrection, or are we settling only for what our eyes can see and our hands can touch?

If we were to meet the Risen Lord face-to-face today, would He find in us a heart ready for eternal life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para Sabado Nobyembre 22 Paggunita kay Santa Cecilia, dalaga at martir: Lucas 20:27-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 20:27-40

Noong panahong iyon, may ilang Saduseo na lumapit kay Hesus. Ang Saduseo’y hindi naniniwala na muling bubuhayin ang mga patay. “Guro,” anila, “naglagda po si Moises ng ganitong batas para sa amin: ‘Kung mamatay ang isang lalaki at maiwang walang anak ang kanyang asawa, ang kapatid na lalaki’y dapat pakasal sa balo upang magkaanak sila para sa namatay.’

May pitong magkakapatid na lalaki. Nag-asawa ang panganay, at namatay na walang anak. Napakasal sa balo ang pangalawa, at namatay. Gayun din ang nangyari sa pangatlo hanggang sa pampito: isa-isang napangasawa ng babae at pawang namatay na walang anak. Sa kahuli-huliha’y namatay naman ang babae. Sa muling pagkabuhay, sino po sa pito ang kikilalaning asawa niya yamang napangasawa niya silang lahat?”

Sumagot si Hesus, “Sa buhay na ito, ang lalaki at mga babae’y nag-aasawa, ngunit ang lalaki’t babaing karapat-dapat na muling buhayin para sa kabilang buhay ay hindi na mag-aasawa. Hindi na sila mamamatay sapagkat matutulad sila sa mga anghel. At sila’y mga anak ng Diyos yamang muli silang binuhay.

Maging si Moises ay nagpapatunay na muling binubuhay ang mga patay. Sapagkat sa kanyang kasaysayan hinggil sa nagliliyab na mababang punongkahoy, ang Panginoon ay tinawag niyang ‘Diyos ni Abraham, Diyos ni Isaac at Diyos ni Jacob.’

Ngunit ang Diyos ay hindi Diyos ng mga patay kundi ng mga buhay – sa kanya’y buhay ang lahat.” Sinabi ng ilan sa mga eskriba, “Magaling ang sagot ninyo, Guro!” At wala nang nangahas na magtanong sa kanya ng anuman.

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay naniniwala na may buhay pagkatapos ng kamatayan? Noong panahon ni Jesus, may pangkat sa loob ng pananampalatayang Hudyo na tinatawag na mga Saduseo. Hindi sila naniniwala sa muling pagkabuhay.

Kaya, ikinuwento nila kay Jesus ang tungkol sa isang babaeng nag-asawa ng pitong magkakapatid, at tinanong nila kung sino ang magiging tunay niyang asawa sa muling pagkabuhay. Sa kanilang tanong, hindi sila naghahanap ng katotohanan—minamaliit nila ang turo ni Jesus tungkol sa buhay na walang hanggan.

Madalas, tayo rin ay nagkakaroon ng ganitong pag-iisip. Minsan iniisip nating hanggang dito nalang ba sa mundong ibabaw ang lahat? Kapag natapos ang buhay, tapos na rin ang kahulugan, tapos na ang lahat? Pero kung wala talagang buhay pagkatapos ng kamatayan, ano pa ang saysay ng pagsisikap nating mamuhay nang may kabanalan, kabutihan, at katapatan?

Ito ang katotohanan: may muling pagkabuhay. At nagsisimula na nating ihanda ang ating sarili para rito sa bawat pagkakataong pinipili nating talikuran ang kasalanan at lumapit sa liwanag ng Diyos. Ang bawat taos-pusong pagsisisi, bawat munting kabutihan, bawat pag-ibig at pag papatawad na ipinakita natin—lahat ng ito ay pagtatanim ng binhi ng buhay na walang hanggan. At kapag dumating ang araw ng ating pagpanaw, haharap tayo nang malapitan at personal sa katotohanang ito.

Ipinahayag ni Jesus ang tungkol sa buhay sa kabila ng kamatayan—ang langit, ang walang hanggang buhay, at ang piling ng mga anghel. Ngunit hindi lahat ay makapapasok doon; tanging yaong mga itinuturing na karapat-dapat ayon sa mahabaging mata ng Diyos. Alam Niya ang ating mga sugat, pakikibaka, hangarin, at tahimik na pagsusumikap na mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang kalooban.

Sa paraan ba ng ating pamumuhay, tunay ba nating inihahanda ang ating puso para sa buhay na walang hanggan—o masyado parin tayong alipin ng mundong pansamantala lamang? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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