Reflection for January 14 Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:29-39

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”  So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

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Reflection:

Do we share Jesus with as many people as possible?

Jesus is an itinerant Healer and Preacher—always on the move, always reaching out, always seeking souls. He desires to cover as much ground as possible so that He may touch more lives and heal more hearts. Yet this is what the people in the Gospel failed to understand.

They wanted to keep Jesus to themselves, to possess Him as if He were meant only for them. But Jesus would have none of this. After healing many— including Simon’s mother-in-law—He moved on to other towns, because His mission was not to stay, but to be sent; not to be kept, but to be shared.

Here, we are gently reminded of our own calling. Our gift of knowing Jesus is not meant to remain locked within our hearts. It is a grace entrusted to us, and grace is always meant to be given. We are called to share Him with others, whoever and wherever they may be.

And how do we share Jesus? We share Him through our words and through our lives. If we feel inadequate with words, then let our lives speak. Let us share Him through simple acts of kindness, through love that does not expect in return, through forgiveness that heals, and through gentleness that reflects the very heart of Christ.

So many people have only a shallow or distorted image of Jesus, not because He is hidden, but because we often fail to teach and live what He taught. What a blessing it would be—not only for others, but also for us—if we truly cared enough to make Jesus visible in the way we live.

And lest we forget: all of us are called to labor humbly in the vineyard of the Lord—no matter who we are and no matter what our past has been. Our sins do not disqualify us; they remind us of mercy. The past no longer defines us; it only teaches us. What matters most to Jesus is our present—our here and now—and our willingness to walk with Him into the future.

So let us ask ourselves, not only with our lips but with our lives: Are we content to keep Jesus to ourselves, or are we ready—starting today—to truly share Him with others? — Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 14 Miyerkules ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:29-39

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:29-39

Noong panahong iyon, mula sa sinagoga, sila'y nagtuloy sa bahay ni Simon at Andres. Kasama nila sina Santiago at Juan. Nararatay noon ang biyenan ni Simon Pedro, dahil sa matinding lagnat, at ito'y agad nilang sinabi kay Jesus.

Nilapitan ni Jesus ang babae, hinawakan sa kamay at ibinangon. Noon di'y inibsan ito ng lagnat at naglingkod sa kanila. Pagkalubog ng araw, dinala kay Jesus ang lahat ng maysakit at ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo.

At nagkatipon ang buong bayan sa may pintuan ng bahay. Pinagaling niya ang maraming maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman at nagpalayas sila ng mga demonyo. Hindi niya hinayaang magsalita ang mga ito, sapagkat alam nila kung sino siya.

Madaling-araw pa'y bumangon na si Jesus at nagtungo sa isang ilang na pook at nanalangin. Hinanap siya ni Simon at ng kanyang mga kasama. Nang siya'y matagpuan, sinabi nila, "Hinahanap po kayo ng lahat."

Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Kailangang pumunta rin naman tayo sa mga kalapit-bayan upang makapangaral ako roon -- ito ang dahilan ng pag-alis ko sa Capernaum." At nilibot niya ang buong Galilea, na nangangaral sa mga sinagoga at nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo.

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Repleksyon:

Ibinabahagi ba natin si Hesus sa ating kapwa?

Si Hesus ay isang Manlalakbay na Manggagamot at Mangangaral—palaging kumikilos, palaging umaabot, palaging naghahanap ng mga kaluluwa. Nais Niyang marating ang mas maraming lugar upang mas marami Siyang buhay na mahawakan at mas marami Siyang pusong mapagaling. Ngunit ito ang hindi naunawaan ng mga tao sa Mabuting Balita.

Nais nilang angkinin si Hesus para sa kanilang sarili, na para bang sila lamang ang may karapatan sa Kanya. Ngunit hindi pumayag si Hesus sa ganitong pagkamakasarili. Matapos Niyang pagalingin ang marami—kabilang na ang biyenan ni Simon—Siya ay nagpatuloy sa iba pang mga bayan, sapagkat ang Kanyang misyon ay hindi manatili kundi isugo; hindi ang maipagkait kundi ang maibahagi.

Dito tayo pinaaalalahanan ng ating sariling pagtawag. Ang kaloob na pagkakakilala natin kay Hesus ay hindi dapat manatiling nakakulong sa ating mga puso. Ito ay biyayang ipinagkatiwala sa atin, at ang biyaya ay laging nilalayong ibahagi. Tayo ay tinatawag na ibahagi Siya sa iba, sinuman at saanman sila naroroon.

At paano nga ba natin ibinabahagi si Hesus? Ibinabahagi natin Siya sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita at ng ating buhay. Kung tayo man ay hindi mahusay magsalita, hayaan nating magsalita ang ating mga gawa. Ibahagi natin Siya sa pamamagitan ng maliliit na gawa ng kabutihan, sa pag-ibig na hindi naghihintay ng kapalit, sa pagpapatawad na nagpapagaling, at sa kaamuan na sumasalamin sa mismong puso ni Kristo.

Marami ang may mababaw o kulang na pagkakilala kay Hesus, hindi dahil Siya ay nakatago, kundi dahil madalas ay hindi natin naipapamuhay at naituturo ang Kanyang mga aral. Kay laking biyaya sana—hindi lamang para sa iba kundi pati na rin sa atin—kung tunay nating pagsisikapang gawing nakikita si Hesus sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay.

At huwag nating kalimutan: tayong lahat ay tinatawag na maglingkod nang mapagpakumbaba sa ubasan ng Panginoon—anuman ang ating naging nakaraan. Ang ating mga kasalanan ay hindi hadlang; bagkus, paalala ito ng Kanyang awa. Hindi na tayo hinuhubog ng ating nakaraan—ito’y nagtuturo lamang sa atin. Ang higit na mahalaga kay Hesus ay ang ating kasalukuyan—ang ating dito at ngayon—at ang ating paglalakbay kasama Siya sa hinaharap.

Kaya itanong natin sa ating sarili, hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa mismong buhay: Masaya na ba tayong itago si Hesus para sa ating sarili, o handa na ba tayong—simula ngayon—na ibahagi Siya? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 13 Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  

Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Reflection:

Do we know how to use the power of the authority entrusted to us?

All of us, in one way or another, have been given a certain measure of authority—at home, in our work, in our communities, and in our relationships. Parents, in particular, are given a built-in authority over their children. Yet, over time, we see how this authority can slowly lose its strength and influence, especially when we are not faithful and responsible in exercising it.

When we fail to lead by example, when we do not practice what we preach, and when we do not know how to correct with love and discipline, our authority gradually loses its power.

Deep in our hearts, perhaps we all carry a hidden desire to be in control, to be listened to, to have influence. Who among us does not want to be heard? Who among us does not want to matter? Yet, when we do not know how to use authority properly, it can become like a time bomb—something that can wound others, and eventually, destroy us as well.

So how should we use the authority entrusted to us? We are called to use it with temperance, gentleness, and humility. We are not meant to wield it for power-tripping or arrogance, but to make it an instrument of love, healing, and guidance.

When we look at Jesus, we see the perfect model. He spoke with authority, yet His authority was always clothed in mercy and humility. Though He had power and dominion over all, He never used it for selfish or proud reasons. Instead, He used His authority to gently heal the wounded, to patiently guide the lost and the confused, and to restore hope to hearts that were close to giving up.

As followers of Christ, we are invited to examine our own hearts. When we are given authority—whether as parents, leaders, teachers, or simply as persons who influence others—do we use it to build up or to tear down? Do we use it to serve or to be served?

Are we using the authority entrusted to us as the Lord uses His—with humility, mercy, and love—or are we using it to satisfy our pride and desire for control? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 13 Martes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:21-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:21-28

Sa lungsod ng Capernaum sa Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay pumasok sa sinagoga at nagturo. Namangha ang mga tao sapagkat nagturo siya sa kanila na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba. 

Bigla namang pumasok sa sinagoga ang isang lalaking inaalihan ng masamang espiritu, at sumigaw: “Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Hesus na taga-Nazaret? Naparito ka ba upang puksain kami? Kilala kita: ikaw ang Banal mula sa Diyos!” Ngunit iniutos ni Hesus sa masamang espiritu, “Tumahimik ka! Lumabas ka sa kanya!” 

Pinapangisay ng masamang espiritu ang tao, at sumisigaw na lumabas. Nanggilalas ang lahat, kaya’t sila’y nagtanungan, “Ano ito? Bagong aral? Nauutusan niya pati ang masamang espiritu. At sinunod naman siya!” At mabilis na kumalat sa buong Galilea ang balita tungkol kay Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

Alam ba natin kung paano gamitin ang kapangyarihan ng awtoridad na ipinagkatiwala sa atin?

Tayong lahat, sa iba’t ibang paraan, ay binigyan ng Diyos ng isang anyo ng awtoridad—sa ating pamilya, sa ating trabaho, sa ating pamayanan, at sa ating mga ugnayan. Lalo na ang mga magulang, na may likás na awtoridad sa kanilang mga anak. Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, nakikita natin na ang awtoridad na ito ay maaaring unti-unting mawalan ng bisa, lalo na kapag tayo ay hindi naging tapat at responsable sa paggamit nito.

Kapag hindi tayo nagpapakita ng mabuting halimbawa, kapag hindi natin isinasabuhay ang ating sinasabi, at kapag hindi tayo marunong magwasto nang may pagmamahal at disiplina, unti-unting nawawalan ng lakas at kabuluhan ang ating awtoridad.

Sa kaibuturan ng ating mga puso, marahil ay may taglay tayong lihim na hangaring magkontrol, mapakinggan, at magkaroon ng impluwensiya. Sino ba sa atin ang ayaw pakinggan? Sino ba sa atin ang ayaw maging mahalaga? Ngunit kapag hindi natin alam kung paano gamitin nang tama ang awtoridad, ito ay nagiging parang bomba na maaaring sumabog—makasakit sa iba, at sa bandang huli, makapahamak din sa atin.

Kaya paano nga ba natin dapat gamitin ang awtoridad na ipinagkatiwala sa atin? Tinatawag tayong gamitin ito nang may pagpipigil sa sarili, kahinahunan, at kababaang-loob. Hindi ito ibinigay sa atin upang ipagyabang o ipang-abuso, kundi upang maging kasangkapan ng pagmamahal, paggabay, at pagpapagaling.

Kapag tinitingnan natin si Hesus, nakikita natin ang ganap na halimbawa. Siya ay nagsalita at kumilos nang may awtoridad, ngunit ang Kanyang awtoridad ay laging nababalutan ng awa at kababaang-loob. Bagaman Siya ay may kapangyarihan at kapamahalaan sa lahat, hindi Niya ito ginamit para sa sarili o sa pagmamataas.

Sa halip, ginamit Niya ang Kanyang awtoridad upang pagalingin ang mga sugatan, gabayan ang mga naliligaw, at muling bigyan ng pag-asa ang mga halos sumuko na.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesus, inaanyayahan tayong suriin ang ating mga puso. Kapag tayo ay nabibigyan ng awtoridad—bilang mga magulang, pinuno, guro, o bilang mga taong may impluwensiya sa iba—ginagamit ba natin ito upang magtayo o upang manira? Upang maglingkod o upang paglingkuran?

Ginagamit ba natin ang awtoridad na ipinagkatiwala sa atin gaya ng paggamit ng Panginoon—na may kababaang-loob, awa, at pagmamahal o ginagamit ba natin ito upang pagbigyan ang ating kayabangan at pagnanais na maging makapangyarihan ng hindi tama? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 12 Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:14-20

Gospel Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”   

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. 

He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

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Reflection:

A father would always call his children to come home for lunch as they played in front of their house. The moment the children heard his voice, they would immediately pack up their things and respond to his call. Why? For the simple reason that he is their father—the one who takes care of them, who feeds them, and who lovingly gives his time to them.

In much the same way, the first disciples responded to the call of Jesus. They knew something that we often forget or fail to recognize; that is why they were able to leave everything and follow Him. Jesus did not verbally promise them anything.

Yet perhaps He was already speaking silently to their hearts—that if they responded, they would gain a new perspective on life and even on eternity. Perhaps they trusted that if they followed Him, He would take care of them for the rest of their lives.

And now, that same Jesus is calling us.

What is it that keeps us from responding to His call? Are we afraid of losing our financial security? Are we afraid to leave behind our family and friends? Are we afraid to abandon the sinful lifestyle that has already become part of our daily routine? We are only pilgrims on a temporary journey in this world. Whatever worldly things we presently have are passing and fleeting; one day, we will leave them all behind.

Jesus continues to call us to follow Him and to leave behind whatever worldliness and sinfulness we cling to. His call still sounds the same: “Follow me and leave behind your sinful life. Follow me and begin to live a fulfilled, peaceful, and truly meaningful life.”

Perhaps Jesus is not asking us to leave our present place or change our surroundings. Perhaps He is asking something deeper and more difficult: to follow Him right where we are by leaving behind whatever sin binds our hearts today. And He gently assures us, “Do not be afraid. I will take care of you. I will never leave you alone.”

So today, as we hear His voice calling us once more, what is it that we are still holding on to? What nets, comforts, or sins are we afraid to leave behind—and are we finally ready to trust Him enough to rise, follow Him, and let Him lead us into the life He has promised? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 12 Lunes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:14-20

Pagkatapos dakpin si Juan, si Hesus ay nagtungo sa Galilea at ipinangaral ang Mabuting Balitang mula sa Diyos: “Dumating na ang takdang panahon, at malapit na ang paghahari ng Diyos! Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan at maniwala kayo sa Mabuting Balitang ito.” 

Samantalang naglalakad si Hesus sa tabi ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya ang magkapatid na Simon at Andres na naghahagis ng lambat, “Sumama kayo sa akin at kayo’y gagawin kong mamamalakaya ng tao.” Pagdaka’y iniwan nila ang kanilang lambat, at sumunod sa kanya. 

Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad, at sa di kalayuan ay nakita niya ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo. SIla’y nasa kanilang bangka at naghahayuma ng mga lambat. Tinawag din sila ni Hesus at sumunod naman sa kanya. Iniwan nila sa bangka ang kanilang ama, kasama ng mga taong upahan.

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Repleksyon:

May isang ama na laging tumatawag sa kanyang mga anak upang umuwi na at mananghalian habang sila’y naglalaro sa tapat ng kanilang bahay. Sa sandaling marinig ng mga bata ang tinig ng kanilang ama, agad nilang inihahanda ang kanilang mga gamit at tumutugon sa kanyang tawag. Bakit? Sapagkat alam nilang siya ang kanilang ama—ang nag-aaruga sa kanila, nagpapakain sa kanila, at buong pusong naglalaan ng kanyang panahon para sa kanila.

Ganyan din ang nangyari sa mga unang alagad ni Jesus. May nakita at naunawaan sila na madalas ay nakakalimutan o hindi natin napapansin. Kaya naman nagawa nilang iwan ang lahat at sumunod sa Kanya.

Hindi man sila binigyan ni Jesus ng malinaw na pangako sa salita, marahil ay nagsasalita na Siya noon sa kaibuturan ng kanilang mga puso—na kung sila’y tutugon sa Kanyang tawag, magkakaroon sila ng bagong pananaw sa buhay at maging sa walang hanggan. Marahil ay naniwala silang kung susunod sila sa Kanya, Siya na rin ang bahalang mag-alaga at magtustos sa kanila sa buong buhay nila.

At ngayon, ang parehong Jesus na iyon ay tumatawag din sa atin.

Ano nga ba ang pumipigil sa atin upang tumugon sa Kanyang tawag? Natatakot ba tayong mawalan ng katiyakang pinansyal? Natatakot ba tayong iwan ang ating pamilya at mga kaibigan? O natatakot ba tayong talikuran ang makasalanang pamumuhay na tila naging bahagi na ng ating araw-araw na buhay? Tayo ay mga manlalakbay lamang sa mundong ito. Ang lahat ng mayroon tayo ngayon ay pansamantala at lilipas din; darating ang araw na iiwan din natin ang lahat ng ito.

Patuloy tayong tinatawag ni Jesus na sumunod sa Kanya at iwan ang anumang makamundo at makasalanang kinakapitan natin. Ganito pa rin ang Kanyang paanyaya: “Sumunod ka sa Akin at iwan mo ang iyong makasalanang buhay. Sumunod ka sa Akin at simulan mong mamuhay ng ganap, payapa, at tunay na makabuluhang buhay.”

Marahil hindi tayo hinihiling ni Jesus na lumipat ng lugar o iwan ang ating kinaroroonan. Marahil mas malalim at mas mahirap ang Kanyang hinihiling: na sundan Siya dito mismo kung nasaan tayo ngayon, sa pamamagitan ng pag-iwan sa anumang kasalanang gumagapos sa ating mga puso. At marahan Niya tayong tinitiyak: “Huwag kang matakot. Ako ang bahala sa iyo. Hinding-hindi kita iiwan.”

Kaya ngayon, habang muli nating naririnig ang Kanyang tinig na tumatawag sa atin, ano nga ba ang patuloy pa nating kinakapitan? Anong mga “lambat,” mga kaginhawaan, o mga kasalanan ang ayaw pa nating bitawan—at handa na ba talaga tayong magtiwala sa Kanya, tumindig, sumunod, at hayaan Siyang akayin tayo sa buhay na Kanyang inihahanda para sa atin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday January 11 The Baptism of the Lord: Matthew 3:13-17

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying,  "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. 

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying,  "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

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Reflection:

If we were asked, “When were you baptized?” many of us might not be able to answer right away. We might need to look for our Baptismal certificate—if we have even kept a copy of it. And what if we no longer have it?

Unlike our birthdays, which we never fail to remember each year, we often forget our baptismal day—yet this day is far more important than the day we were born into this world. In Baptism, we were born again through water and the Holy Spirit.

It was on that sacred day that we became children of God, members of the Church, and sharers in the mission of Jesus. From that moment on, our lives were no longer meant to be lived only for ourselves, but for God and for others. As baptized Christians, we are called to humbly proclaim and live out the teachings of Jesus and of His Church.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus Himself stepping into the waters of the Jordan to be baptized by John. John hesitated and said, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” He was filled with awe, for he knew he was standing before the Savior, the Holy One of God.

Why would Jesus, the Son of God, choose to be baptized by an ordinary man? Why not simply begin His mission at once? Yet Jesus insisted, because His baptism was the sign that His mission of love, obedience, and self-giving had truly begun. In that moment, heaven was opened. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the voice of the Father was heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

From that day on, Jesus began His public ministry. He proclaimed the Good News, healed the sick, lifted up the brokenhearted, fed the hungry, and brought hope to the hopeless. And in the end, He did not turn away from suffering, but offered His life completely out of love for us.

Brothers and sisters, our own baptism united us to this same Jesus and to this same mission. We, too, were anointed, chosen, and sent. Our baptism was not only a moment in the past—it is a call that continues to echo in our hearts today.

So let us pause and ask ourselves: Are we truly living as baptized people? Are we faithfully carrying the mission of Christ in the way we love, serve, and forgive? Or has our baptism become only a forgotten date, instead of a living commitment? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Linggo Enero 11 Ang Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon: Mateo 3:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 3:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay dumating naman sa Jordan mula sa Galilea, at lumapit kay Juan upang pabinyag. Sinansala siya ni Juan na ang wika, "Ako po ang dapat binyagan ninyo, at kayo pa ang lumalapit sa akin!" Ngunit tinugon siya ni Hesus, "Hayaan mo itong mangyari ngayon; sapagkat ito ang nararapat nating gawin upang matupad ang kalooban ng Diyos."  

At pumayag si Juan. Nang mabinyagan si Hesus, umahon siya sa tubig. Nabuksan ang langit at nakita niya ang Espiritu ng Diyos, bumababa sa kanya, ang isang kalapati. At isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi, "Ito ang minamahal kong Anak na lubos kong kinalulugdan!"

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Repleksyon:

Kung tayo ay tatanungin, “Kailan ka bininyagan?” marahil marami sa atin ang hindi agad makakasagot. Baka kailangan pa nating hanapin ang ating sertipiko ng binyag—kung mayroon pa nga tayong naitago. At paano kung wala na ito?

Hindi tulad ng ating kaarawan na taon-taon nating naaalala, madalas nating nalilimutan ang araw ng ating binyag—gayong ito ang mas mahalagang araw sa ating buhay. Sa Binyag, tayo ay muling isinilang sa pamamagitan ng tubig at ng Espiritu Santo.

Sa araw na iyon, tayo ay naging mga anak ng Diyos, mga kasapi ng Simbahan, at mga kabahagi sa misyon ni Hesus. Mula noon, ang ating buhay ay hindi na lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa Diyos at sa kapwa. Bilang mga Kristiyanong bininyagan, tayo ay tinatawag na ipahayag at isabuhay, nang may kababaang-loob, ang mga aral ni Hesus at ng Kanyang Simbahan.

Sa Mabuting Balita, nakita natin si Hesus na bumaba sa Ilog Jordan upang pabinyag kay Juan. Nag-atubili si Juan at sinabi, “Ako ang dapat na binyagan mo, at ikaw pa ang lumalapit sa akin?” Puno siya ng pagkamangha, sapagkat alam niyang ang kaharap niya ay ang Tagapagligtas, ang Banal na Anak ng Diyos.

Bakit nga ba nagpabinyag si Hesus, ang Anak ng Diyos, sa isang karaniwang tao? Bakit hindi na lamang Niya agad sinimulan ang Kanyang misyon? Ngunit iginiit ni Hesus ang Kanyang binyag, sapagkat ito ang hudyat ng pagsisimula ng Kanyang misyon ng pag-ibig, pagsunod, at lubos na pag-aalay ng sarili. Sa sandaling iyon, nabuksan ang langit, bumaba ang Espiritu Santo, at narinig ang tinig ng Ama: “Ito ang minamahal kong Anak na lubos kong kinalulugdan.”

Mula noon, sinimulan ni Hesus ang Kanyang hayagang ministeryo. Ipinahayag Niya ang Mabuting Balita, pinagaling ang mga maysakit, pinalakas ang loob ng mga nanghihina, pinakain ang mga nagugutom, at binigyan ng pag-asa ang mga nawawalan ng pag-asa. At sa huli, hindi Siya umiwas sa paghihirap, kundi buong pagmamahal Niyang inialay ang Kanyang buhay para sa ating kaligtasan.

Sa ating sariling binyag, tayo rin ay iniuugnay kay Hesus at sa Kanyang misyon. Tayo man ay pinili, binasbasan, at isinugo. Ang ating binyag ay hindi lamang isang alaala ng nakaraan—ito ay isang tawag na patuloy na umaalingawngaw sa ating mga puso hanggang ngayon.

Tayo ba ay tunay na namumuhay bilang mga taong bininyagan? Tapat ba nating isinasabuhay ang misyon ni Hesus sa paraan ng ating pagmamahal, paglilingkod, at pagpapatawad araw-araw? O ang ating binyag ba ay isa na lamang nakalimutang petsa, sa halip na isang buhay na pangako? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 10 Saturday after Epiphany: John 3:22-30

Gospel: John 3:22-30

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. 

So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him.  

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”

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Reflection:

Would we be willing to decrease so that Jesus may increase? Would we be willing to remain faceless workers in the vineyard of the Lord, content to serve even when no one notices our labor?

John the Baptist had no insecurities whatsoever toward Jesus, for he knew where he stood in the plan of salvation. He knew who he was—and more importantly, he knew who Jesus is. When he was told that Jesus was baptizing and that everyone was coming to Him, he did not feel threatened, nor did he compete for attention. Instead, he calmly said: “You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before Him” (John 3:28).

And then he gave us one of the most beautiful images of humble discipleship: “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:29–30).

John was never tempted to upstage Jesus, even when there was an inviting opportunity to do so. He knew perfectly well that his role was to be the best man for the Bridegroom, who is Jesus. He understood that his mission was simply to prepare the way for Him—and he fulfilled this mission with deep joy and profound humility. For John, it was enough that Christ be known, loved, and followed, even if he himself faded into the background.

Is this not also our calling? We, too, are sent not to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others to Jesus. We, too, are invited to rejoice not in our own importance, but in the triumph of God’s will. True joy is found not in being seen, praised, or remembered, but in knowing that Christ is increasing in the hearts of those we serve.

Are we willing to step aside, to be forgotten if necessary, so that Jesus may be more clearly seen in our lives? Are we ready to decrease, so that He alone may increase in us, and through us? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 10 Sabado kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagpunta sa lupain ng Judea. Nanatili siya roon ng kaunting panahon kasama nila, at nagbinyag. Si Juan ay nagbibinyag rin naman sa Enon, malapit sa Salim, sapagkat maraming tubig doon. Pumupunta sa kanya ang mga tao at nagpapabinyag. Hindi pa nakabilanggo noon si Juan.

Minsan, nakatalo ng mga alagad ni Juan ang isang Judio tungkol sa tanging paraan ng paglilinis. Kaya’t pumunta sila kay Juan at sinabi sa kanya, “Rabi, yaon pong lalaking kasama ninyo sa ibayo ng Jordan, na inyong pinatotohanan ay nagbibinyag rin at nagpupunta sa kanya ang lahat!” Sumagot si Juan, “Walang tatanggapin ang tao malibang ipagkaloob sa kanya ng Diyos.

Kayo na rin ang makapagpapatunay na sinabi kong hindi ako ang Kristo; sugo lamang akong mauuna sa kanya. Ang babaing ikakasal ay para sa lalaking ikakasal. Ang abay na naghihintay sa pagdating ng lalaking ikakasal ay lubos na nagagalak pagkarinig sa tinig nito. Gayun din naman, lubos na ang kagalakan ko ngayon. Kinakailangang siya ay maging dakila, at ako nama’y mababa.”

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Repleksyon:

Handa ba tayong magpakababa upang si Jesus ang lalong maitaas? Handa ba tayong manatiling mga tahimik at hindi napapansing manggagawa sa ubasan ng Panginoon, na naglilingkod kahit walang nakakakita at pumupuri?

Si Juan Bautista ay walang anumang inggit o insekyuridad kay Jesus, sapagkat alam niya kung ano ang kanyang lugar sa plano ng kaligtasan. Alam niya kung sino siya—at higit sa lahat, alam niya kung sino si Jesus.

Nang sabihin sa kanya na si Jesus ay nagbibinyag na at marami ang lumalapit sa Kanya, hindi siya nabahala ni nakaramdam ng inggit. Sa halip, mahinahon niyang sinabi: “Kayo na rin ang makapagsasaksi na sinabi kong hindi ako ang Cristo, kundi isinugo lamang ako upang mauna sa Kanya” (Juan 3:28).

At ibinigay niya sa atin ang isa sa pinakamagandang larawan ng mapagkumbabang paglilingkod: “Ang may kasintahang babae ay ang lalaking ikakasal; ngunit ang kaibigan ng lalaking ikakasal, na nakatayo at nakikinig sa kanya, ay nagagalak nang labis sa tinig ng lalaking ikakasal. Kaya’t ganap na ang kagalakang ito na aking tinatamasa. Siya ang dapat tumaas, at ako naman ang dapat bumaba” (Juan 3:29–30).

Hindi kailanman tinukso si Juan na higitan o tabunan si Jesus, kahit may pagkakataon sana siyang gawin iyon. Batid niyang lubos na ang kanyang tungkulin ay maging kaibigan ng Lalaking Ikakasal—na si Jesus.

Naunawaan niya na ang kanyang misyon ay ihanda lamang ang daan para sa Kanya, at ginampanan niya ito nang may malalim na kagalakan at taos-pusong kababaang-loob. Para kay Juan, sapat na na makilala, mahalin, at sundin si Hesus, kahit siya mismo ay manatili sa likuran.

Hindi ba ito rin ang pagtawag sa atin? Tayo man ay isinugo hindi upang itampok ang ating mga sarili, kundi upang ituro ang ating kapwas kay Hesus. Inaanyayahan din tayong magalak hindi sa sarili nating kahalagahan, kundi sa tagumpay ng kalooban ng Diyos. Ang tunay na kagalakan ay hindi matatagpuan sa pagiging nakikita, pinupuri, at pinahahalagahan, kundi sa pagkaalam na si Hesus ay lalong tumitingkad sa mga puso ng mga ating pinaglilingkuran.

Handa ba tayong umatras, na kahit makalimutan man, basta’t mas makita si Jesus sa ating buhay? Handa ba tayong magpakababa upang Siya lamang ang lalong maghari sa atin, at sa pamamagitan natin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday January 9 Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, Señor Jesus Nazareno: John 3:13-17

Gospel: John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

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Reflection:

Do we know the story of the True Cross of Jesus?

After the death of Jesus, there was an intense persecution of Christians. Yet in the year 312 AD, the Church entered a new era. This was the time when Constantine I embraced the Christian faith and became the first Christian emperor of Rome. One of his first edicts was to stop the persecution of Christians.

It is said that Constantine deputized his mother, Helena, to gather Christian relics. She traveled to the Holy Land, and while there, she discovered the three crosses used during the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves—Dismas and Gestas.

Since there were three crosses, her dilemma was to find the real cross of Jesus. So she called on sick people from the community and let them touch each of the three crosses. Among the three, there was one that stood out, because it instantly healed those who touched it. Helena then declared it to be the True Cross of Jesus.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, Señor Jesus Nazareno. Unlike other Christians whose cross is without Jesus, our cross is never complete without Him on it. And as much as possible, we do not only want to touch the cross—we want to touch Jesus Himself through His cross.

Oftentimes, our cross symbolizes the burdens that we carry in life—these can be sickness or problems. A young mother was once asked, “Who is your cross?” She replied without hesitation, “It is my irresponsible husband, because he is always with his friends, indulging in drinking sprees, and whenever he comes home, he subjects me to physical and emotional abuse.”

Each and every one of us has our own cross—something that makes life difficult, something that weighs heavily on our hearts. Sometimes we even ask, “Why is it that the closer we draw to Jesus, the heavier the cross we seem to carry?” The cross we carry is a test of our faith. We may not fully understand the presence of Jesus in our lives unless we, too, learn to carry and endure our own cross in silence and trust.

What is important is this: whenever we carry our cross, we do not carry it alone. We are invited to ask Jesus to help us carry it and to walk with us in our painful journey. Let us not question why we have our cross, because the cross that burdens us today is nothing compared to the cross that Jesus carried for our sake.

Here lies the great paradox of our faith: the cross that caused Jesus so much suffering became the instrument for the fulfillment of His mission. That same cross has become the symbol of our salvation. There is no glory in the cross without the saving sacrifice of Jesus. And there is no true meaning to our own suffering unless we unite it with His.

So today, let us ask ourselves: What cross are we carrying right now? What burden is weighing down our hearts, testing our faith, and challenging our trust in God?

Let us look up to Jesus. Let us close our eyes. And in the silence of our hearts, let us humbly ask Him not to take away our cross—but to give us the grace to carry it with Him.

And the question that remains for all of us is this: Are we willing to embrace our cross and walk with Jesus, trusting that—like His—it, too, can become a path to resurrection? — Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Enero 9 Kapistahan ng ating Panginoong Jesukristo, Señor Jesus Nazareno: Juan 3:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus kay Nicodemo, "Walang umakyat sa langit kundi ang bumaba mula sa langit -- ang Anak ng Tao. "At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas doon sa ilang gayon din naman, kailangang itaas ang Anak ng Tao, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa kanya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.  

Gayun na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Sapagkat sinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, hindi upang maparusahan ang sanlibutan, kundi upang iligtas ito sa pamamagitan niya.

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Repleksyon:

Alam ba natin ang kuwento ng Tunay na Krus ni Jesus?

Pagkatapos ng kamatayan ni Jesus, dumaan ang mga Kristiyano sa matinding pag-uusig. Ngunit noong 312 AD, pumasok ang Simbahan sa isang bagong yugto ng kasaysayan. Ito ang panahong tinanggap ni Constantine I ang pananampalatayang Kristiyano at siya ang naging kauna-unahang Kristiyanong emperador ng Roma. Isa sa kanyang mga unang kautusan ay ang ipahinto ang pag-uusig sa mga Kristiyano.

Sinasabing inatasan niya ang kanyang ina na si Helena upang tipunin ang mga banal na relikya ng Kristiyanismo. Naglakbay si Helena patungo sa Banal na Lupain sa Israel, at doon niya natuklasan ang tatlong krus na ginamit sa pagpapako kay Jesus at sa dalawang magnanakaw—sina Dismas at Gestas.

Dahil tatlo ang krus, naging hamon para sa kanya ang tukuyin kung alin ang tunay na krus ni Jesus. Kaya tinawag niya ang mga maysakit sa komunidad at pinahipo sa kanila ang bawat isa sa tatlong krus. At sa tatlo, may isang namukod-tangi, sapagkat ang sinumang humipo rito ay agad na gumaling. Ipinahayag ni Helena na iyon ang Tunay na Krus ni Jesus.

Ngayon, ipinagdiriwang natin ang kapistahan ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo, ang Señor Jesus Nazareno. Hindi tulad ng ibang mga Kristiyano na may krus na walang katawan ni Jesus, para sa atin, ang krus ay hindi kailanman ganap kung wala si Jesus dito. At higit pa sa paghipo sa krus, nais nating mahipo si Jesus mismo sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang krus.

Kadalasan, ang ating krus ay sumasagisag sa mga pasaning dala-dala natin sa buhay—maari itong isang sakit o problema. May isang batang ina na minsang tinanong, “Sino ang krus mo?” Agad siyang sumagot, “Ang aking iresponsableng asawa, dahil palagi siyang kasama ng kanyang mga kaibigan sa pag-iinuman, at kapag umuuwi siya, ako’y inaabuso niya—pisikal at emosyonal.”

Bawat isa sa atin ay may sariling krus—mga bagay na nagpapabigat sa ating buhay at nagpapalungkot sa ating puso. Minsan ay naitatanong pa natin, “Bakit habang lalo tayong lumalapit kay Jesus, tila lalo namang bumibigat ang krus na ating pasan?”

Ang krus na dala natin ay isang pagsubok sa ating pananampalataya. Maaaring hindi natin ganap na maunawaan ang presensya ni Jesus sa ating buhay kung hindi rin tayo matutong magtiis at magpasan ng sarili nating krus nang may pananampalataya at pagtitiwala.

Ngunit ito ang mahalaga: hindi tayo nag-iisa sa pagdadala ng ating krus. Inaanyayahan tayong isama si Jesus, hingin ang Kanyang tulong, at hayaan Siyang makasabay natin sa ating mahirap na paglalakbay. Huwag na nating tanungin kung bakit tayo may krus, sapagkat ang krus na nagpapabigat sa atin ngayon ay wala pa sa anino ng krus na pinasan ni Jesus para sa ating kaligtasan.

Narito ang dakilang paradox ng ating pananampalataya: ang krus na nagdulot ng napakatinding paghihirap kay Jesus ang siyang naging daan upang matupad ang Kanyang misyon. Ang krus ding iyon ang naging tanda ng ating kaligtasan. Walang kaluwalhatian ang krus kung wala ang nagliligtas na sakripisyo ni Jesus. At wala ring tunay na saysay ang ating pagdurusa kung hindi natin ito iniuugnay sa Kanyang pagdurusa.

Kaya ngayon, itanong natin sa ating sarili: Ano ang krus na dala-dala natin sa kasalukuyan? Anong bigat ang patuloy na sumusubok sa ating pananampalataya at nagtutulak sa atin na manghina?

Tumingala tayo kay Jesus. Ipikit natin ang ating mga mata. At sa katahimikan ng ating puso, buong kababaang-loob nating hingin sa Kanya—hindi na alisin ang ating krus, kundi bigyan tayo ng lakas ng loob at biyaya upang pasanin ito kasama Niya.

At ang hamon para sa ating lahat ay ito: Handa ba nating yakapin ang ating krus at sumabay kay Jesus sa paglalakbay, na may paniniwalang tulad ng Kanyang krus, ang atin man ay maaari ring maging daan patungo sa muling pagkabuhay at bagong pag-asa? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 8 Thursday after Epiphany: Luke 4:14-22

Gospel: Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 

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

He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.  

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

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Reflection:

Are we living and fulfilling our Baptismal Mission?

We all have a mission in our existence. We are not mere vapors passing through this world; we are human beings created with purpose and called by God. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we were anointed and sent to share in the mission of Jesus. But have we truly lived this mission? Have we shared His words in the Bible? Have we reached out to the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, and the homeless—not just in words, but in concrete acts of love?

From time to time, we need to pause and honestly examine our lives. For we may be living, often without noticing it, according to what this world dictates. The world constantly invites us to seek self-gratification and to pursue the endless accumulation of material wealth, as if these were the true measures of a successful life.

What happens to us when we embrace the ways of this world and slowly, perhaps even deliberately, forget the teachings of Jesus? We may still be walking and breathing, but deep inside, we begin to lose our true purpose and direction.

God did not create us to become mere creatures of this world. He did not create us simply to accumulate wealth. He created us so that we could share whatever material and spiritual gifts we have received. God did not create us to pattern our lives after the values of this world; He created us to pattern our lives after the life of Jesus.

Let us, then, strive to live the life of Christ and to spread His teachings, not only with our lips but with our whole lives. There are far greater and more lasting rewards in following Him than in embracing the ways of the world. 

For worldly satisfactions are short-lived and filled with problems—sugar-coated with enticing pleasures: pleasures that do not last, pleasures that only draw us into deeper bondage to sin, and pleasures that eventually leave our hearts emptier than before.

Are we truly living our baptismal mission, or are we merely living for ourselves and for this passing world? And if Christ were to look into our hearts right now, would He recognize in us His faithful disciples? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 8 Huwebes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Lucas 4:14-22

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:14-22

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Galilea, at sumasakanya ang kapangyarihan ng Espiritu Santo. Kumalat sa palibot na lupain ang balita tungkol sa kanya. Nagturo siya sa kanilang mga sinagoga; at dinakila siya ng lahat.

Umuwi si Hesus sa Nazaret na kanyang nilakhan. Gaya ng kanyang kinagawian, pumasok siya sa sinagoga nang Araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumindig siya upang bumasa; at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni propeta Isaias. Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito: “Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, Sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita.

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

Binalumbon niya ang kasulatan, at matapos isauli sa tagapaglingkod, siya’y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Natupad ngayon ang bahaging ito ng Kasulatan samantalang nakikinig kayo.” Pinuri siya ng lahat, at namangha sila sa kanyang napakahusay na pananalita. 

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Repleksyon:

Tinutupad ba natin ang ating misyon ng tayo ay binyagan?

Tayong lahat ay may misyon. Hindi tayo basta mga aninong dumaraan lamang sa mundong ito; tayo ay mga taong nilikha na may layunin at tinawag ng Diyos. Sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Binyag, tayo ay pinahiran at isinugo upang makibahagi sa misyon ni Hesus.

Ngunit tunay nga ba nating isinasabuhay ang misyong ito? Ipinapahayag ba natin ang Kanyang Salita? Iniaabot ba natin ang ating mga kamay sa mga dukha, sa mga nagugutom, sa mga naaapi, at sa mga walang tahanan—hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa gawa?

Paminsan-minsan, kailangan nating huminto at tapat na suriin ang ating mga buhay. Sapagkat maaaring namumuhay tayo, ayon sa idinidikta ng mundong ito. Patuloy tayong inaanyayahan ng mundo sa paghahangad ng pansariling kaligayahan at sa walang katapusang pag-iipon ng yaman, na para bang ito ang tunay na sukatan ng isang matagumpay na buhay.

Ano ang mangyayari sa atin kapag niyakap natin ang mga gawi ng mundong ito at unti-unti—marahil ay sinasadya pa—nating nalilimutan ang mga turo ni Hesus? Maaaring tayo ay patuloy na humihinga at naglalakad, ngunit sa kaibuturan ng ating pagkatao, unti-unti nating nawawala ang tunay na saysay at direksiyon ng ating buhay.

Hindi tayo nilikha ng Diyos upang maging mga alipin ng mundong ito. Hindi Niya tayo nilikha upang basta lamang mag-ipon ng kayamanan. Nilalang Niya tayo upang ibahagi ang anumang materyal at espirituwal na kaloob na ating tinanggap. Hindi Niya tayo nilikha upang hubugin ang ating buhay ayon sa mga pamantayan ng mundo, kundi ayon sa buhay mismo ni Hesus.

Kaya, sikapin nating isabuhay ang buhay ni Kristo at ipalaganap ang Kanyang mga turo—hindi lamang sa ating mga salita, kundi sa ating pamumuhay. Sapagkat ang mga gantimpala ng pagsunod sa Kanya ay higit na dakila at higit na tumatagal kaysa sa anumang alok ng mundo.

Ang mga bigay na aliw ng sanlibutan ay panandalian at puno ng problema—pinatamis lamang ng mapang-akit na kasiyahan: mga kasiyahang hindi nagtatagal, mga kasiyahang lalo lamang tayong iginagapos sa kasalanan, at mga kasiyahang sa huli ay nag-iiwan sa ating mga puso na sugatan, hungkag at wasak.

Tunay nga bang isinasabuhay natin ang ating misyon sa binyag, o nabubuhay lamang tayo para sa ating sarili at sa mundong ito na lilipas din? At kung titingnan tayo ni Kristo sa sandaling ito, makikita kaya Niya sa atin ang mga katagian ng isang tunay na alagad? — Marino J. Dasmarinas