Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Disyembre 24 Miyerkules sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:67-79

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:67-79

Noong panahong iyon, napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Zacarias na ama ni Juan at nagpahayag ng ganito: 

“Purihin ang Panginoong Diyos ng Israel!

Sapagkat nilingap niya at pinalaya ang kanyang bayan, at nagpadala siya sa atin ng isang makapangyarihang Tagapagligtas, mula sa lipi ni David na kanyang lingkod. Ipinangako niya sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga banal na propeta noong una, na ililigtas niya tayo sa ating mga kaaway, at sa kamay ng lahat ng napopoot sa atin. Ipinangako rin niya na kahahabagan ang ating mga magulang at aalalahanin ang kanyang banal na tipan. 

Iyan ang sumpang binitawan niya sa ating amang si Abraham, na ililigtas tayo sa ating mga kaaway, upang walang takot na makasamba sa kanya, at maging banal at matuwid sa kanyang paningin, habang tayo’y nabubuhay. Ikaw naman, anak, ay tatawaging propeta ng Kataas-taasan; sapagkat mauuna ka sa Panginoon upang ihanda ang kanyang mga daraanan, at ituro sa kanyang bayan ang landas ng kaligtasan, ang kapatawaran ng kanilang mga kasalanan. 

Sapagkat lubhang mahabagin ang ating Diyos; magbubukang-liwayway sa atin ang araw ng kaligtasan upang magbigay-liwanag sa mga nasa kadiliman at nasa lilim ng kamatayan, at patnubayan tayo tungo sa daan ng kapayapaan.”

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Repleksyon:

Kailan nga ba natin tunay na nararamdaman ang presensya ng Espiritu Santo sa ating buhay?

Nararamdaman natin ang Kanyang presensya kapag ginagawa nating bahagi ng ating araw-araw na pamumuhay ang panalangin—kapag sinasadya nating maglaan ng panahon upang basahin ang Banal na Kasulatan at kapag tapat nating pinipiling dumalo sa Banal na Misa.

Marami sa atin ang hindi palagiang nananalangin dahil iniisip nating wala tayong sapat na oras. Ngunit ang panalangin ay hindi kailangang mahaba. Kahit ilang sandali lamang, kapag ito’y inialay nang taos-puso, ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos. Ang bisa ng panalangin ay hindi nasusukat sa haba nito, kundi sa lalim ng ating pananampalataya, pagtutuon ng puso, at taimtim na pag-ibig.

Marami rin sa atin ang nagsasabing wala na tayong oras para basahin ang Bibliya, hindi natin namamalayan na ang susi sa isang makabuluhan at marangal na buhay ay matatagpuan sa Salita ng Diyos. Marami rin ang hindi palagiang dumadalo sa Banal na Misa, nakakalimutang si Hesus ay tunay na naroroon sa bawat pagdiriwang ng Eukaristiya. Kapag pinababayaan natin ang mga banal na sandaling ito, unti-unti rin nating inilalayo ang ating sarili sa nagbibigay-buhay na presensya ng Espiritu Santo.

Sa Ebanghelyo, nakikilala natin si Zacarias, ang ama ni Juan Bautista. Siya ay hindi lamang isang pari kundi isang banal at mapanalanging tao. Ang kanyang buhay ay nakaugat sa panalangin—punô ng pagtitiwala at pakikinig sa Diyos. Dahil dito, bukás ang kanyang puso sa pagkilos ng Espiritu Santo na pumuno at gumabay sa kanyang buhay.

Ang awit ni Zacarias ay hindi lamang bunga ng kanyang sariling kaisipan. Ito ay sa pagtulong din ng Espiritu Santo na lagi niyang nakakasama sa pamamagitan ng kanyang masugid na buhay-panalangin. Ang Espiritu Santo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng lakas upang ipahayag ang isang awit ng papuri, pasasalamat, at pag-asa—isang awit na patuloy na umaalingawngaw sa buhay ng Simbahan hanggang sa ngayon.

Tayo rin ay inaanyayahang tahakin ang landas na ito. Sikapin nating tuklasin ang isang taimtim at masigasig na buhay-panalangin. Maglaan tayo ng oras araw-araw para sa Salita ng Diyos, at huwag nating ipagwalang-bahala ang biyaya ng pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa. Kapag ginawa natin ito, tiyak na mararanasan natin ang nananatili at nagbabagong presensya ng Espiritu Santo sa ating buhay.

Kaya ang hamon sa atin ngayon ay ito: Handa ba tayong maglaan ng oras para sa Espiritu Santo sa ating araw-araw na pamumuhay, o hinahayaan nating matabunan ng abala at mga dahilan ang tinig ng Diyos na kumakatok sa ating puso? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 23, Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:57-66

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John."

But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed.

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him."

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Reflection:

What is the reward for our faithfulness to the Lord?

When we remain faithful to Him—especially when we honor the Sacrament of Marriage—we often experience blessings that go far beyond what the world can offer. These blessings may come in the form of peace of mind, a deep sense of purpose, loving and well-formed children, and countless graces that quietly shape our lives.

In our Gospel, we see how fidelity bears fruit. Through their enduring love for one another and their unwavering trust in God, Elizabeth and Zechariah—despite their advanced age—were blessed with a child. This child was named John, in fulfillment of God’s will as revealed through the angel Gabriel. What seemed impossible to human eyes became possible because they remained faithful.

There is always a reward for faithfulness to the Sacrament of Marriage, though it may not always be expressed in worldly terms such as wealth or success. After all, what value do temporal riches have when they can slip away from our grasp at any moment? The blessings that come from God endure far longer and reach far deeper into our hearts.

Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we are called to be faithful not only to our commitments but, more importantly, to the Lord Himself. Because of their faithfulness, they received many blessings, foremost among them the gift of a child in their old age. It sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Yet nothing is impossible for God, as long as we remain faithful to Him.

As we reflect on their story, we are invited to examine our own lives: Are we willing to trust God and remain faithful, even when His promises seem delayed or impossible, so that His blessings may unfold in our lives in ways we never imagined? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Disyembre 23, Martes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:57-66

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66

Dumating ang oras ng panganganak ni Elisabet, at nagluwal siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki. Nabalitaan ng kanyang mga kapitbahay at mga kamag-anak na siya'y pinagpala ng Panginoon, at nakigalak sila sa kanya.

Nang ikawalong araw, dumalo sila sa pagtutuli ng sanggol. Zacarias sana ang ipapangalan sa kanya -- gaya ng kanyang ama -- ngunit sinabi ng kanyang ina, "Hindi! Juan ang ipangangalan sa kanya." Subalit wala ni isa man sa inyong kamag-anak ang may ganyang pangalan," wika nila.  

Kaya't hinudyatan nila ang kanyang ama at itinanong kung ano ang ibig niyang itawag sa sanggol. Humingi siya ng masusulatan at sumulat ng ganito: "Juan ang kanyang pangalan." At namangha silang lahat. Pagdaka'y nakapagsalita siya, at nagpuri sa Diyos.

Natakot ang kanilang kapitbahay, anupa't naging usap-usapan sa buong kaburulan ng Judea ang mga bagay na ito. Pinakaisip-isip ito ng lahat ng nakaalam at ang kanilang tanong: "Magiging ano nga kaya ang batang ito?" Sapagkat maliwanag na sumasakanya ang Panginoon.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang gantimpala ng ating katapatan sa Panginoon?

Kapag tayo ay nananatiling tapat sa Kanya—lalo na kapag pinahahalagahan at iginagalang natin ang Sakramento ng Kasal—tumatanggap tayo ng mga biyayang higit pa sa kayang ibigay ng mundo. Ang mga biyayang ito ay maaaring sa pamamagitan ng kapayapaan ng kalooban, lalim ng pananampalataya, mga anak na mapagmahal at may mabuting asal, at marami pang grasya na tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang humuhubog sa ating buhay.

Sa ating Ebanghelyo, nasaksihan natin kung paano namumunga ang katapatan. Sa kabila ng kanilang katandaan, dahil sa tapat na pagmamahalan nina Elisabet at Zacarias at sa kanilang lubos na pagtitiwala sa Diyos, sila ay pinagpala ng isang anak. Ang batang ito ay pinangalanang Juan, bilang katuparan ng kalooban ng Diyos na ipinahayag sa pamamagitan ng anghel Gabriel. Ang tila imposible sa paningin ng tao ay naging posible dahil sila ay nanatiling tapat.

Laging may gantimpala ang pagiging tapat sa Sakramento ng Kasal, bagama’t hindi ito laging nasa anyo ng makamundong kayamanan o tagumpay. Sapagkat ano nga ba ang silbi ng mga yaman at tagumpay na maaaring maglaho anumang oras? Ang mga biyayang nagmumula sa Diyos ay nananatili at umaabot hanggang sa kaibuturan ng ating mga puso.

Tulad nina Zacarias at Elisabet, tayo rin ay inaanyayahang maging tapat—hindi lamang sa ating mga pangako sa isa’t isa, kundi higit sa lahat, sa Panginoon. Dahil sa kanilang katapatan, sila ay ginawaran ng maraming biyaya, at ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat ay ang pagkakaloob ng isang anak sa kabila ng kanilang katandaan.

Tila imposible, hindi ba? Ngunit walang imposible sa Diyos, hangga’t tayo ay nananatiling tapat sa Kanya. Sa ating pagninilay, hayaan nating itanong sa ating mga sarili: Handa ba tayong magtiwala at manatiling tapat sa Diyos kahit tila mabagal o imposible ang Kanyang mga pangako, upang maranasan natin ang Kanyang mga biyayang higit pa sa ating inaakala? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 22 Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:46-56

Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit.   

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

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

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Reflection:

Why did Mary remain with her cousin Elizabeth for three months? Why not leave after one or two months? Mary chose to stay because she desired to be fully present—to walk with Elizabeth until the moment when new life would finally come forth.

What makes this choice even more profound is that Mary herself was also carrying Jesus in her womb. She could have easily excused herself, returned home, rested, and attended to her own pregnancy. Yet she did not. Instead, Mary placed the needs of her cousin before her own. She ensured that Elizabeth was cared for before thinking of herself.

In doing so, Mary proclaimed the greatness of the Lord—not merely with words, but with her life. Perhaps, in the quiet wisdom of God, He was gently teaching her—and teaching us as well: If we truly desire to praise the Lord, we must first learn how to serve. If we wish to glorify God, we must be willing to forget ourselves. For it is precisely in self-forgetfulness that the abiding presence of God in our lives becomes most visible.

Indeed, we best serve and praise God when we serve others. We glorify Him when we set aside our own comfort so that those in need may experience hope, care, and God’s loving presence through us. When our lives are centered only on ourselves, we limit our capacity to serve and share God with the world.

So we are invited to ask ourselves: Are we willing, like Mary, to stay longer, to serve more deeply, and to forget ourselves so that God’s presence may be made known through us? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Disyembre 22 Lunes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:46-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:46-56

Noong panahong iyon, ipinahayag ni Maria ang awit na ito:

"Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri sa Panginoon, at nagagalak ang aking espiritu dahil sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas. Sapagkat nilingap niya ang kanyang abang alipin! At mula ngayon, ako'y tatawaging mapalad ng lahat ng sali't salinlahi, dahil sa mga dakilang bagay na ginawa sa akin ng Makapangyarihan -- Banal ang kanyang pangalan! 

Kinahahabagan siya ng mga may takot sa kanya, sa lahat ng sali't saling lahi, ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang mga bisig, pinakalat niya ang mga palalo ang isipan. Ibinagsak niya ang mga hari mula sa kanilang trono, at itinaas ang mga nasa abang kalagayan.  

Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom. At pinalayas niyang wala ni anuman ang mayayaman. Tinulungan niya ang bayang Israel, bilang pagtupad sa mga pangako niya sa ating mga magulang, kay Abraham at sa kanyang lahi, magpakailanman!" tumira si Maria kina Elisabet nang may tatlong buwan, at saka umuwi.

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Repleksyon:

Bakit nanatili si Maria sa piling ng kanyang pinsang si Elisabet sa loob ng tatlong buwan? Bakit hindi siya umuwi matapos ang isa o dalawang buwan? Nanatili si Maria sapagkat pinili niyang lubos na makibahagi sa kalagayan ng kanyang pinsan—na samahan siya hanggang sa sandali ng kanyang panganganak.

 Mas lalong kahanga-hanga ang pasyang ito kung ating iisipin na si Maria mismo ay nagdadalang-tao rin kay Hesus. Madali sana siyang nagpaalam, umuwi, magpahinga, at asikasuhin ang sarili niyang pagbubuntis. Ngunit hindi niya iyon ginawa. Sa halip, inuna ni Maria ang pangangailangan ng kanyang pinsan bago ang sarili. Tiniyak niyang may nag-aalaga kay Elisabet bago niya inisip ang kanyang sariling kapakanan.

Sa paglilingkod na ito, ipinahayag ng Mahal na Birheng Maria ang kadakilaan ng Panginoon—hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng mga salita, kundi sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagsasabuhay. Marahil, sa lubos na karunungan ng Diyos, tinuturuan Niya si Maria, at tayo ring lahat, ng isang mahalagang aral: Kung nais nating purihin ang Diyos, kailangan muna nating matutong maglingkod. Kung nais nating luwalhatiin Siya, kailangan nating kalimutan ang ating sarili. Sapagkat sa ating paglimot sa sarili, higit na nahahayag ang nananahan at kumikilos na presensya ng Diyos sa ating buhay.

Tunay nga, pinakamabuting napaglilingkuran at napupuri natin ang Diyos kapag pinaglilingkuran natin ang ating kapwa. Niluluwalhati natin Siya kapag isinasantabi natin ang sariling kapakanan upang ang mga nangangailangan ay makaranas ng pag-asa, pag-aaruga, at presensya ng Diyos sa pamamagitan natin. Kapag ang ating buhay ay laging nakasentro lamang sa ating sarili, nililimitahan natin ang ating kakayahang ibahagi ang Panginoon sa ating kapwa.

Kaya tinatanong tayo ngayon ng pagninilay na ito: Handa ba tayong manatili, maglingkod nang mas malalim, at kalimutan ang ating sarili—tulad ni Maria—upang ang presensya ng Diyos ay higit na mahayag sa pamamagitan natin? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent: Matthew 1:18-24

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife into his home.

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Reflection:

What would we do if we were in the predicament of Saint Joseph? Would we listen to the angel of God, or would we loudly protest the injustice done to our honor and refuse to listen any longer?

It is safe to say that many of us would struggle. We would likely feel wounded and insulted in our dignity. Imagine discovering that the child being carried in the womb of your wife was not biologically yours. Such a revelation would shake us to the core. For a time, Joseph, too, quietly wrestled with God’s plan. Yet God did not abandon him. Through an angel sent in a dream, God spoke—and Joseph allowed himself to be guided. From that moment on, he raised no complaints. He humbly listened, trusted, and obeyed.

In Saint Joseph, we see a rational and deeply human man—one who sought to understand what was happening in his life. He did not act rashly, nor did he allow anger to rule his heart. But once God’s will was revealed to him—that he would be part of God’s saving plan for humanity—Joseph asked no further questions. He surrendered. He obeyed quietly, faithfully, and completely.

What does this say about us? We, too, have our own plans—plans for success, stability, and the welfare of our families. We work hard, we dream, and we hope. Yet there are moments when our plans collapse despite our best efforts. It is precisely in these moments of disappointment and confusion that we are invited to trust more deeply. God has a plan for us, and often it is very different from the one we imagined. We may not fully understand His ways now, but we can be certain that His plan is always for our good.

We often hear it said that when God closes a door in our life, He opens a window. For Saint Joseph, the door that closed was his plan to become a biological father. But the window that opened was far greater: he became the foster father of Jesus. He became a crucial participant in God’s plan of salvation. Through his obedience, he protected the Blessed Mother from condemnation, ridicule, and even the brutal punishment of stoning. Through his silent faithfulness, God’s saving work moved forward.

So when the road ahead seems hazy, dark, and filled with uncertainty, let us be patient. Let us continue to move forward quietly and faithfully. Let us learn from Saint Joseph—humble, obedient, silent, uncomplaining, and always attentive to the voice of God. God has a plan for each of us. Even when it is unclear, even when it asks for sacrifice, we can trust that it leads to life.

The question is this: when God’s plan challenges our own—when it disrupts our expectations and calls us beyond our comfort—will we, like Saint Joseph, choose to trust, to listen, and to obey?- Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Linggo Disyembre 21 Ikaapat na Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:18-24

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-24

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, Si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito ng lihim.

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito'y panganganlan mong Jesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan."

Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta:

"Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at manganganak ng isang lalaki; at tatawagin itong Emmanuel" ang kahuluga'y "Kasama natin ang Diyos". Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang utos ng anghel ng Panginoon; pinakasalan niya si Maria.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang gagawin natin kung tayo ang nasa kalagayan ni San Jose? Makikinig ba tayo sa anghel ng Diyos, o malakas nating ipagtatanggol ang ating dangal at pipiliing huwag nang makinig?

Marahil marami sa atin ang mahihirapan. Masasaktan ang ating damdamin at madudurog ang ating dangal. Isipin nating malaman na ang sanggol na dinadala sa sinapupunan ng ating asawa ay hindi pala atin. Sino sa atin ang hindi matitinag sa ganitong pagsubok?

Gaya natin, si Jose rin ay tahimik na nakipagbuno sa kalooban ng Diyos. Ngunit hindi siya pinabayaan ng Diyos. Sa pamamagitan ng isang anghel na nagpakita sa kanya sa panaginip, nagsalita ang Diyos—at pinili ni Jose na makinig. Mula noon, wala na siyang reklamo. Siya’y nagpakumbaba, nagtiwala, at sumunod.

Kay San Jose, nakikita natin ang isang makatuwiran at tunay na tao—isang taong nagnanais umunawa sa nangyayari sa kanyang buhay. Hindi siya padalos-dalos, ni hindi niya hinayaang manaig ang galit sa kanyang puso. Ngunit nang ipahayag sa kanya ang kalooban ng Diyos—na siya’y magiging bahagi ng plano ng Diyos para sa kaligtasan ng sangkatauhan—hindi na siya nagtanong pa. Tahimik at buong puso siyang sumunod.

Ano ang ipinahihiwatig nito sa atin? Tayong lahat ay may sariling mga plano—mga pangarap para sa tagumpay, katiwasayan, at kapakanan ng ating pamilya. Nagsusumikap tayo, nangangarap, at umaasa. Ngunit may mga sandaling hindi natutupad ang ating mga plano sa kabila ng lahat ng ating pagsisikap. Sa ganitong mga sandali tayo inaanyayahang magtiwala nang mas malalim.

May plano ang Diyos para sa atin—at kadalasan, ito’y naiiba sa ating inaakala. Maaaring hindi pa natin lubos na nauunawaan ang Kanyang mga paraan, ngunit makatitiyak tayo na ang Kanyang plano ay para sa ating kabutihan.

Madalas nating marinig na kapag isinara ng Diyos ang isang pinto sa ating buhay, nagbubukas Siya ng isang bintana. Para kay San Jose, ang pintong nagsara ay ang kanyang pangarap na maging isang amang biyolohikal. Ngunit ang bintanang nagbukas ay higit na dakila: siya ang naging amain ni Hesus.

Siya rin ay naging mahalagang bahagi ng plano ng Diyos sa kaligtasan—dahil sa kanyang pagsunod, nailigtas ang Mahal na Birhen sa kahihiyan, panlalait, at maging sa marahas na kamatayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbato.

Kaya kung ang landas na ating tinatahak ay tila malabo, madilim, at puno ng pangamba, magtiyaga tayo. Magpatuloy tayong lumakad nang tahimik at tapat. Tularan natin si San Jose—mapagpakumbaba, masunurin, nagtitiwala, tahimik, hindi nagrereklamo, at laging handang makinig sa tinig ng Diyos.

May plano ang Diyos para sa bawat isa sa atin. Kahit hindi pa malinaw sa ngayon, kahit ito’y nangangahulugan na kailagan nating magsakripisyo, maghintay, makatitiyak tayong ito ay magkakatotoo sa panahong itinakda ng Diyos.

Ang tanong para sa atin ngayon: kapag hinamon ng plano ng Diyos ang ating sariling mga plano—kapag inantala nito ang ating mga inaasahan at tinawag tayo sa higit pa na pagsasakripisyo—pipiliin ba nating magtiwala, makinig, at sumunod tulad ni San Jose? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 20 Saturday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.   

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren for nothing will be impossible for God.”  

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Do we bow in humility to the will of the Lord?

In the quiet of our hearts, we often carry dreams and plans we hope will shape our future. We may desire a lifelong career or a path that promises security, success, and fulfillment. Yet, deep within us, we may also sense the gentle and persistent voice of the Holy Spirit, inviting us toward something meant not just for ourselves, but for God.

In moments like these, we are faced with a choice. Do we listen attentively to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or do we cling to what we want for ourselves? Do we trust that God’s plan, though sometimes unclear and challenging, is always rooted in love?

Mary shows us the way. She listened to the voice of God delivered through the Angel Gabriel, and she listened to the Holy Spirit already speaking in her heart. Like us, Mary had her own hopes and plans, yet she humbly set them aside and surrendered herself to God’s will. In her “yes,” she embraced a calling far greater than she could have imagined—to become the Mother of Jesus.

When we choose to obey the voice of God, who continually speaks to us, our lives are transformed—not according to the standards and desires of this world, but according to God’s loving purpose for us. We may not receive the material wealth or recognition the world promises, but the moment we say yes to God, we are gifted with something far more precious. We receive peace—a deep and abiding peace that no possession, success, or comfort can ever give.

The Blessed Mother experienced this peace because she trusted and listened. She allowed God’s voice, spoken through the angel and echoed in her heart by the Holy Spirit, to guide her life. In surrender, she found serenity. In obedience, she found joy.

Let us, then, open our hearts to the voice of God and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. God may be calling us to reconcile with someone we have grown distant from, to reach out in humility to a friend, or to forgive and let go of a long-held hurt. These invitations may be difficult, yet they are pathways to freedom and peace.

As we listen today, will we have the courage to surrender our plans, trust in God’s will, and say our own “yes,” even when it asks something more of us than we are comfortable giving? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Disyembre 20 Sabado sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:26-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:26-38

Nang ikaanim na buwan na ng pagdadalantao ni Elisabet, ang anghel Gabriel ay sinugo ng Diyos sa Nazaret, Galilea, sa isang dalaga na ang pangala'y Maria. Siya'y nakatakdang ikasal kay Jose, isang lalaki buhat sa lipi ni Haring David. Paglapit ng anghel sa kinaroroonan ng dalaga, binati niya ito. 

"Matuwa ka! Ikaw ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos," wika niya. "Sumasaiyo ang Panginoon!" Nagulumihanan si Maria sa gayong pangungusap, at inisip niyang mabuti kung ano ang kahulugan niyon. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng anghel, "Huwag kang matakot, Maria, sapagkat kinalulugdan ka ng Diyos. Makinig ka! Ikaw ay maglilihi at manganganak ng isang lalaki, at siya'y tatawagin mong Jesus.

Magiging dakila siya, at tatawaging Anak ng Kataas-taasan. Ibibigay sa kanya ng Panginoong Diyos ang trono ng kanyang amang si David. Maghahari siya sa angkan ni Jacob magpakailanman, at ang kanyang paghahari ay walang hanggan." "Paanong mangyayari ito, gayong ako'y dalaga?" tanong ni Maria. Sumagot ang anghel, "Bababa sa iyo ang Espiritu Santo, at lililiman ka ng kanyang kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasan.

Kaya't banal ang ipanganganak mo at tatawaging Anak ng Diyos. Natatandaan mo ang iyong kamag-anak na si Elisabet? Alam ng lahat na siya'y baog, ngunit naglihi siya sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan. At ngayo'y ikaanim na buwan na ng kanyang pagdadalantao -- sapagkat walang hindi mapangyayari ang Diyos." Sumagot si Maria, "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon. Mangyari sa akin ang iyong sinabi." At nilisan siya ng anghel.

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay marunong yumuko nang may kababaang-loob sa kalooban ng Panginoon?

Sa katahimikan ng ating mga puso, madalas tayong may mga pangarap at planong nais nating magbigay-linaw sa ating kinabukasan. Nais nating tahakin ang landas na magdadala ng katiyakan, tagumpay, at kasiyahan. Ngunit sa kaibuturan ng ating pagkatao, maaari rin nating marinig ang marahan ngunit matiyagang tinig ng Espiritu Santo—isang paanyaya tungo sa isang landas na hindi lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa Diyos.

Sa ganitong mga sandali, tayo ay hinahamon na pumili. Makikinig ba tayo sa bulong at paggabay ng Espiritu Santo, o mananatili tayo sa kung ano lamang ang nais natin para sa ating sarili? Magtitiwala ba tayo na ang plano ng Diyos, kahit mahirap unawain at minsan ay nangangailangan ng sakripisyo, ay laging nakaugat sa Kanyang pag-ibig?

Ipinapakita sa atin ni Maria ang daan. Nakinig siya sa tinig ng Diyos na ipinahayag sa pamamagitan ng Anghel Gabriel, at pinakinggan din niya ang Espiritu Santo na noon pa man ay nagsasalita na sa kanyang puso. Tulad natin, may sarili rin siyang mga pangarap at plano, ngunit buong kababaang-loob niya itong isinantabi at isinuko ang sarili sa kalooban ng Diyos. Sa kanyang “oo,” tinanggap niya ang isang bokasyong higit pa sa kanyang inaakala—ang maging Ina ng Panginoong Hesus.

Kapag pinili nating sundin ang tinig ng Diyos na patuloy na nagsasalita sa atin, ang ating buhay ay tunay na nababago—hindi ayon sa pamantayan ng sanlibutan, kundi ayon sa mapagmahal na layunin ng Diyos para sa atin. Maaaring hindi natin makamtan ang materyal na yaman o karangalang ipinapangako ng mundo, ngunit sa sandaling sabihin natin ang ating “oo” sa Diyos, tumatanggap tayo ng biyayang higit na mahalaga. Tumatanggap tayo ng kapayapaan—isang malalim at wagas na kapayapaang hindi kailanman maibibigay ng anumang ari-arian o tagumpay.

Naranasan ito ng Mahal na Birhen sapagkat siya ay nakinig at nagtiwala. Hinayaan niyang hubugin ng tinig ng Diyos—na dumating sa pamamagitan ng anghel at pinatibay ng Espiritu Santo sa kanyang puso—ang direksyon ng kanyang buhay. Sa kanyang pagsuko, natagpuan niya ang katahimikan ng loob; sa kanyang pagsunod, natagpuan niya ang tunay na kagalakan.

Kaya naman, buksan natin ang ating mga puso sa tinig ng Diyos at sa marahang paggabay ng Espiritu Santo. Maaaring tinatawag Niya tayo na makipagkasundo sa isang taong matagal na nating nakatampuhan, magpakumbabang lumapit para magpatawad sa anumang bagay na nagawa sa atin. Maaaring mahirap ang mga paanyayang ito, ngunit ito ang mga landas tungo sa kalayaan at kapayapaan.

Sa ating pakikinig ngayon, handa ba tayong isuko ang ating mga plano, magtiwala sa kalooban ng Diyos, at sabihin ang ating sariling “oo,” kahit na mahirap itong gawin para sa atin dahil ito ay nangangailagan ng ating walang pag aalinlagang pagsunod sa Panginoon? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 19 Friday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.  

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.  

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink.

He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”  

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.  

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

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Reflection:

How profound is our faith in the Lord? Does our faith awaken in us the deep awareness that nothing is impossible with Him?

In today’s Gospel, we encounter Zechariah, a priest already in the twilight of his life. Because of his advanced age, he believed that having a child was no longer possible. Yet the Lord, in His mercy, intervened through an angel and granted the deepest desire of his heart. Still, Zechariah doubted and struggled to believe.

Indeed, nothing is impossible with God for those who believe. Sadly, Zechariah was lacking in this trust. What was clearly possible for God seemed impossible to him. Considering that he was a priest, his faith appeared shallow. And yet, we cannot be too quick to judge him. Zechariah was simply being realistic—both he and his wife Elizabeth were already old. From a human point of view, how could his wife still become pregnant?

But are we really so different from Zechariah?

At times, we too experience moments of unbelief and a lack of faith. We pray, yet we doubt. We hope, yet we hesitate. In such moments, let us not lose sight of this enduring truth: nothing is impossible with the Lord for those who truly believe.

All of us carry dreams, hopes, and aspirations that may seem impossible to achieve. Faced with limitations, failures, or unanswered prayers, doubt naturally creeps in. Yet the Lord invites us not to surrender to doubt, but to continue working quietly, patiently, and faithfully—trusting even when we cannot see the outcome.

Let us then entrust everything to the Lord’s loving providence. Let us ask Him to bless and guide us as we pursue these seemingly impossible dreams, believing that His plans are always greater than our fears and His timing always perfect.

So we ask ourselves today: Do we truly believe that the Lord will grant what we have been praying for? And more importantly, are we willing to trust Him completely—even when His promise seems impossible and His answer delayed? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Disyembre 19 Biyernes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:5-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:5-25

Nang si Herodes ang hari ng Judea, may isang saserdote na ang ngala'y Zacarias, sa pangkat ni Abias. At mula rin sa lipi ni Aaron ang kanyang asawang si Elisabet. Kapwa sila kalugod-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos, namumuhay ng ayon sa mga utos at tuntuning mula sa Panginoon. Wala silang anak pagkat baog si Elisabet, at sila'y matanda na.  

Ang pangkat ni Zacarias ang nanunungkulan noon, at sila'y naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos bilang saserdote. Nang sila'y magsapalaran, ayon sa kaugalian ng saserdote, siya ay nahirang na maghandog ng kamanyang. Kaya't pumasok siya sa templo ng Panginoon sa oras ng pagsusunog ng kamanyang, samantalang nagkakatipon sa labas ang mga tao at nananalangin.  

Walang anu-ano'y napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel ng Panginoon, nakatayo sa gawing kanan ng damabanang sunugan ng kamanyang. Nagulat si Zacarias at sinidlan ng matinding takot nang makita ang anghel. Ngunit sinabi nito sa kanya, "Huwag kang matakot, Zacarias! Dininig ng Diyos ang panalangin mo. Kayo ni Elisabet ay magkakaanak ng isang lalaki, at Juan ang ipapangalan mo sa kanya. 

Ikaw ay matutuwa at magiging maligaya, at maraming magagalak sa kanyang pagsilang sapagkat siya'y magiging dakila sa paningin ng Panginoon. Hindi siya iinom ng alak o anumang inuming nakalalasing.

Sa sinapupunan pa lamang ng kanyang ina, mapupuspos na siya ng Espiritu Santo. Marami sa mga anak ng Israel ang panunumbalikin niya sa Panginoon, taglay ang espiritu at kapangyarihan ni Elias, upang pagkasunduin ang mga ama at mga anak, at panumbalikin sa matuwid ang mga suwail.  

Sa gayon, ipaghahanda niya ng isang bayan ang Panginoon." Sinabi ni Zacarias sa anghel, "Paano ko po matitiyak na mangyayari ito? Sapagkat ako'y napakatanda na at gayon din ang aking asawa." Sumagot ang anghel, "Ako si Gabriel ang anghel na naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos. Sinugo ako upang ihatid ang mabuting balitang sinabi ko sa iyo.

At ngayon, mabibingi ka't hindi makapagsasalita hangang sa araw na maganap ang mga bagay na ito, sapagkat hindi ka naniniwala sa mga sinabi ko na matutupad pagdating ng takdang panahon." 

Samantala, naghihintay naman kay Zacarias ang mga tao. Nagtaka sila kung bakit nagtagal siya ng gayon sa loob ng templo. Paglabas niya ay hindi na siya makapagsalita, mga senyas na lamang ang ginagamit niya; kaya natanto nila na nakakita siya ng pangitain.

At siya'y nanatiling pipi. Nang matapos ang kanyang paglilingkod ay umuwi na siya. Hindi nga nagtagal at naglihi si Elisabet, at hindi ito umalis ng bahay sa loob ng limang buwan. "Ngayo'y nilingap ako ng Panginoon," wika ni Elisabet. "Ginawa niya ito upang alisin ang aking kadustaan sa harapan ng mga tao!" 

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Repleksyon:

Gaano nga ba kalalim ang ating pananampalataya sa Panginoon?

Ang ating pananampalataya ba ay gumigising sa atin sa katotohanang walang anumang imposible sa Diyos?

Sa Mabuting Balita, nakikilala natin si Zacarias, isang pari na nasa dapithapon na ng kanyang buhay. Dahil sa kanyang katandaan, naniwala siyang hindi na siya magkakaroon ng anak. Ngunit ang Panginoon, sa Kanyang awa, ay kumilos sa pamamagitan ng isang anghel at ipinagkaloob ang pinakamatagal na niyang inaasam. Gayunman, si Zacarias ay nag-alinlangan at nahirapang maniwala.

Tunay ngang walang imposible sa Diyos para sa mga nananalig sa Kanya. Subalit sa pagkakataong iyon, kinulang si Zacarias sa pananampalataya. Ang posible para sa Diyos ay naging imposible para sa kanya. Bilang isang pari, tila mababaw ang kanyang pananampalataya. Ngunit hindi rin natin siya basta masisisi. Siya ay naging makatotohanan lamang—siya at ang kanyang asawang si Elisabet ay kapwa matanda na. Sa pananaw ng tao, paano nga naman mabubuntis pa ang kanyang asawa?

Tayo ba ay naiiba kay Zacarias?

May mga pagkakataon din sa ating buhay na tayo’y dumaraan sa kawalan ng paniniwala at kakulangan ng pananampalataya. Nananalangin tayo, ngunit nagdududa. Umaasa tayo, ngunit nag-aalinlangan. Sa gitna ng mga sandaling ito, huwag nating kalimutan ang katotohanang ito: walang imposible sa Panginoon para sa mga tunay na nananalig at may pananampalataya.

Lahat tayo ay may mga pangarap, mithiin, at hangarin na tila napakahirap—o halos imposible—na makamit. Kapag nahaharap tayo sa kabiguan, limitasyon, o tila hindi sinasagot na panalangin, likas lamang na pumasok ang pagdududa. Ngunit inaanyayahan tayo ng Panginoon na huwag sumuko. Sa halip, patuloy tayong kumilos nang tahimik, matiyaga, at tapat, kahit hindi pa malinaw ang ating tinatahak na daan.

Ipaubaya natin ang lahat sa mapagmahal na kalooban ng Diyos. Hilingin natin na pagpalain at gabayan Niya tayo habang tinatahak natin ang mga tila imposibleng pangarap na ito, naniniwalang ang Kanyang mga plano ay higit sa ating mga takot at sa panahong Kanyang itinakda ito ay Kanyang ipagkakaloob.

Kaya’t itanong natin sa ating mga sarili: Tunay ba nating pinaniniwalaan na ipagkakaloob ng Panginoon ang ating ipinagdarasal? At higit sa lahat, handa ba tayong magtiwala sa Kanya nang lubos—kahit tila imposible ang Kanyang pangako at tila tahimik Siya sa ating mga panalangin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 18 Thursday of the Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:18-25

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.  

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.  When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son and he named him Jesus.

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Reflection:

Do We Always Follow the Will of the Lord?

When Joseph learned that Mary was already pregnant, he resolved to divorce her quietly. Yet in the silence of the night, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and intervened, telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, for the child in her womb was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Upon waking, Joseph obeyed what the angel had told him. He set aside his fears, his plans, and his own understanding. He stayed with Mary, protected her, and ensured that she received the greatest love and care she could ever have. Such is Saint Joseph—righteous, humble, docile, and obedient to the will of the Lord.

In our time, when the Sacrament of Matrimony is often diminished by some and treated by many as a mere paper contract, Saint Joseph gently but firmly reminds us of its sacredness. He reminds us that marriage is not something we enter lightly, nor something we abandon when trials arise. He reminds us that marriage is not merely a legal agreement but a holy covenant—one that binds the couple to each other and to Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the life of Saint Joseph, we are invited to examine ourselves. How do we value the Sacrament of Marriage? How faithful are we to the vows we have made or the vocation we are discerning? Are we willing, like Saint Joseph, to love deeply, to sacrifice quietly, and to surrender our own will so that God’s will may be fulfilled in our lives?

Saint Joseph teaches us that true love listens, trusts, and obeys—even when the path is unclear and the cost is great. He challenges us to place God at the center of our relationships and to remain faithful, not only in moments of joy, but also in times of confusion and testing.

As we pray and reflect today, let us ask ourselves honestly and courageously:

Do we truly seek and follow the will of the Lord in our marriage, our family life, and our daily choices—even when it asks us to surrender what we desire most? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Disyembre 18 Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:18-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-25

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, Si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito ng lihim.

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito'y panganganlan mong Jesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan."

Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta:"Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at manganganak ng isang lalaki; at tatawagin itong Emmanuel" ang kahuluga'y "Kasama natin ang Diyos".

Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang anghel ng Panginoon; pinakasalan niya si Maria. Ngunit hindi ginalaw ni Jose si Maria hanggang sa maipanganak nito ang isang sanggol na lalaki na pinanganlan nga niyang Jesus.

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Repleksyon:

Palagi ba Nating Sinusunod ang Kalooban ng Panginoon?

Nang malaman ni Jose na nagdadalang-tao na si Maria, minabuti niyang hiwalayan ito nang palihim. Ngunit sa katahimikan ng gabi, nagpakita sa kanya ang isang anghel ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng panaginip at namagitan, sinasabi sa kanya na huwag matakot na tanggapin si Maria bilang kanyang asawa, sapagkat ang sanggol na nasa kanyang sinapupunan ay nagmula sa Espiritu Santo.

Pagkagising ni Jose, sinunod niya ang ipinahayag sa kanya ng anghel. Isinantabi niya ang kanyang takot, ang kanyang mga plano, at ang sarili niyang pagkaunawa. Nanatili siya kay Maria, iningatan siya, at tiniyak na matatanggap nito ang pinakadakilang pagmamahal at pag-aaruga na maaari niyang ibigay. Ganito si San Jose—matuwid, mapagkumbaba, masunurin, at lubos na nagpapasakop sa kalooban ng Panginoon.

Sa ating panahon ngayon, kung kailan ang Sakramento ng Kasal ay minamaliit ng ilan at itinuturing ng marami bilang isang simpleng kontrata lamang sa papel, pinaaalalahanan tayo ni San Jose ng kabanalan ng Sakramento ng Kasal. Ipinapaalala niya sa atin na ang kasal ay hindi basta-basta pinapasok, at hindi rin basta-basta iniiwan kapag dumarating ang mga pagsubok. Ipinapaalala niya sa atin na ang kasal ay hindi lamang kasunduan ng tao, kundi isang banal na tipan—isang ugnayang nagbubuklod sa mag-asawa at kay Hesukristo.

Habang pinagninilayan natin ang buhay ni San Jose, inaanyayahan tayong suriin ang ating sarili. Paano ba natin pinahahalagahan ang Sakramento ng Kasal? Gaano tayo katapat sa mga pangakong ating binitiwan o sa bokasyong ating tinatahak? Handa ba tayong magmahal nang lubos, magsakripisyo nang tahimik, at isuko ang sarili nating kalooban upang mangibabaw ang kalooban ng Diyos sa ating buhay?

Itinuturo sa atin ni San Jose na ang tunay na pag-ibig ay marunong makinig, magtiwala, at sumunod—kahit hindi malinaw ang landas at may kaakibat na kabayaran. Hinahamon niya tayong ilagay ang Diyos sa sentro ng ating mga ugnayan at manatiling tapat, hindi lamang sa oras ng kagalakan, kundi lalo na sa gitna ng kalituhan at pagsubok.

Habang tayo ay nananalangin at nagmumuni-muni ngayon, buong katapatan at tapang nating itanong sa ating sarili: Tunay nga bang hinahanap at sinusunod natin ang kalooban ng Panginoon sa ating pag-aasawa, sa ating pamilya, at sa ating pang-araw-araw na mga pasya—kahit pa humihingi ito ng pagsuko sa mga nais nating gawin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 17 Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:1-17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. 

Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

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Reflection:

Can we still trace the ancestry from which we come? Some of us may still be able to do so, while others may no longer know where their roots began. Yet tracing our roots is not simply about names and places; it is about understanding who we are and recognizing the story that has shaped us.

In the Gospel reading, we are presented with the many names that form the family tree of Jesus. As we reflect on this lineage, we realize that many of Jesus’ ancestors were far from perfect—just like us. King David, though chosen and beloved by God, fell into grave sin through his immoral affair with Bathsheba. Solomon, gifted with great wisdom, was also a notorious womanizer and eventually turned away from full fidelity to the Lord.

Still, God chose His Son to be born into this imperfect family line. Through this, God reminds us that holiness does not begin with perfection. Despite our weaknesses and failures, God desires that we belong to Him. Our sins do not disqualify us from His love; rather, they become the very place where His mercy can be revealed.

In His infinite wisdom, God believes in our capacity to change for the better. He sees what lies deep within our hearts—the longing to leave behind our sinful ways and to begin anew. God never gives up on us. He patiently waits, trusting that one day, somehow, we will recognize the light that guides us out of darkness. And that light is Jesus.

God offers us Jesus, ever ready to redeem us, no matter how heavy or shameful our sins may be. His mercy knows no boundaries. He does not discriminate against us, nor does He condemn us. Instead, He looks upon our sincere desire to renew our lives, to turn away from sin, and to walk once more in His ways.

As we reflect on this truth, we are invited to look honestly at our own lives. If God, in His mercy, welcomes us into His family despite our brokenness, what is holding us back from trusting Him fully? Are we willing to allow His grace to transform us, to step out of our darkness, and to choose today to belong more deeply to Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas