Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hulyo 25 Kapistahan ni San Santiago, apostol: Mateo 20:20-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:20-28

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang asawa ni Zebedeo, kasama ang kanyang mga anak. May ibig siyang hingin, kaya't lumuhod siya sa harapan ni Jesus. "ano ang ibig mo?" tanong ni Jesus. Sumagot siya, "Sana'y ipagkaloob ninyo sa dalawa kong anak na ito ang karapatang makaupong katabi ninyo sa inyong kaharian -- isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa."  

"Hindi ninyo nalalaman ang inyong hinihingi," sabi ni Jesus sa kanila. "Mababata ba ninyo ang hirap na babatahin ko?" "Opo," tugon nila. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang hirap na babatahin ko'y babatahin nga ninyo.

Ngunit wala sa akin ang pagpapasiya kung sino ang mauupo sa aking kanan at sa aking kaliwa. Ang mga luklukang sinasabi ninyo'y para sa pinaghandaan ng aking Ama." 

Nang marinig ito ng sampung mga alagad, nagalit sila sa magkapatid. Kaya't pinalapit sila ni Jesus at sinabi sa kanila, "Alam ninyo na ang mga pinuno ng mga Hentil ay naghahari sa kanila, at ang mga dinadakila ang siyang nasusunod.

Ngunit hindi dapat ganyan ang umiral sa inyo. Sa halip, ang sinuman sa inyo na ibig maging dakila ay dapat maging lingkod. At sinumang ibig maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ninyo, tulad ng Anak ng Tao na naparito, hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at iaalay ang kanyang buhay upang matubos ang marami. 

Reflection for July 24 Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:10-17

Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. 

To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. 

Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them. 

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

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Reflection:

How do you measure success in your life? 

Do you measure it by your wealth and power, or do you measure it by your closeness to Jesus? Many of us today measure success by the wealth and power we have accumulated, a mindset shaped by the standards of this world. 

But is this the true measure of success in the eyes of God? No. A truly successful life is one that is anchored in our closeness to Jesus. For what would wealth and power mean to us when they can be taken away at any moment? What would they mean to us when we grow old and become frail, no longer able to enjoy or even control what we once possessed? In those moments, wealth and power will lose their grip on us, and we will realize that someone else will take charge of us and our lives. 

What is the use of wealth and power if, deep inside, we feel empty and alone? What is the use of wealth and power if we cannot even sleep at night, our hearts restless from worrying about possessions that, at times, were gained in ways that may not have pleased God? 

The disciples of Jesus were truly blessed because He granted them the grace to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. They discovered that the true essence of life is to walk closely with Jesus, not to cling to the temporary pleasures and illusions of this world. 

Blessed indeed are those who know that true success is found in drawing nearer to Jesus each day, allowing Him to guide our hearts and direct our paths. True success is never about the things we own, for all of these are temporary and will pass away. It is about the peace that comes from knowing that we are loved by God, and the joy that comes from living according to His will. 

At the end of our journey in this world, it will not matter how much we owned or how high we rose in power. What will matter is how deeply we loved Jesus and how faithfully we followed Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 24 Huwebes sa Ika-16 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:10-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:10-17

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit ang mga alagad at tinanong si Jesus: "Bakit po ninyo dinadaan sa talinghaga ang inyong pagsasalita sa kanila?" Sumagot siya, "Ipinagkaloob sa inyo na malaman ang mga lihim tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, ngunit hindi ito ipinagkakaloob sa kanila. 

 Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Nagsasalita ako sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga, sapagkat tumitingin sila ngunit hindi nakakikita, at nakikinig ngunit hindi nakaririnig ni nakauunawa.   

Natutupad nga sa kanila ang hula ni Isaias na nagsasabi: 'Makinig kayo nang makinig, hindi kayo makauunawa, at tumingin man kayo nang tumingin, hindi kayo makakikita. Sapagkat naging mapurol ang isip ng mga taong ito; mahirap makarinig ang kanilang mga tainga, at ipinikit nila ang kanilang mga mata. 

 Kung di gayon, disin sana'y nakakita ang kanilang mga mata. Nakarinig ang kanilang mga tainga, nakaunawa ang kanilang mga isip, at nagbalik-loob sa akin, at pinagaling ko sila, sabi ng Panginoon.'  

Mapalad kayo, sapagkat nakakikita ang inyong mga mata at nakaririnig ang inyong mga tainga! Sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming propeta at matutuwid na tao ang nagnanasang makakita sa inyong nakikita, ngunit hindi ito nakita, at makarinig sa inyong narinig, ngunit hindi ito napakinggan."

Reflection for July 23 Wednesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up.  

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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Reflection:

Where do you take refuge when life’s trials hit you? 

Surely, you do not take refuge in this world, with its passing comforts and empty promises. Instead, you take refuge in Jesus. In Him, you find solace for your restless heart, hope in your darkest hours, and strength to carry on. After resting in His embrace, you rise again, ready to face life’s trials and challenges with a spirit renewed by His love. 

When we take refuge in Jesus, we naturally find ourselves drawn to prayer, to attending Holy Mass, to visiting Him in the quiet of the Adoration Chapel, and to immersing ourselves in His living Word through the Bible. Yet, let us not stop at simply performing these acts of devotion. Let us allow these sacred encounters to transform us deeply, so that when others look at us, they no longer see just us—they see Jesus shining within us. In this way, we draw them closer to Him, the source of true peace.

 

But how can others see Jesus in us? How can we bring them closer to His Sacred Heart? It begins when we allow ourselves to become like the seeds that fell on rich soil, ready to grow, bear fruit, and bless others. We can only do this if we surrender to Jesus and allow Him to transform us, for this is His desire for each of us: to become the seeds that fall on rich soil and yield a harvest for His Kingdom. 

At the end of each day, the choice is still in our hands: will we allow Jesus to transform us into the seeds that fall on rich soil? We have nothing to lose—and everything to gain—when we become docile to the desires of Jesus, letting Him cultivate our hearts so we may bloom into instruments of His love, hope, and light in this world. 

May we allow Him to make our hearts His dwelling place, so that our lives may draw others to His infinite mercy and love. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 23 Miyerkules sa Ika-16 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:1-9

Noon ding araw na iyon, si Hesus ay lumabas ng bahay at naupo sa tabi ng lawa. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng makapal na tao, kaya sumakay siya sa isang bangka at doon naupo. Nasa dalampasigan naman ang mga tao. At nagturo siya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga.  

“May isang magsasakang lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Sapagkat manipis lang ang lupa roon, sumibol agad ang binhing iyon, ngunit nang mapabilad sa matinding sikat ng araw ay natuyo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat.  

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga iyon. Ngunit ang binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa ay nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. Ang may pandinig ay makinig!”

Reflection for Tuesday July 22 Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene: John 20:1-2, 11-18

Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”  

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus.  

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her. 

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Reflection: 

How do you feel when someone close to you dies unexpectedly?

Surely, your heart would be crushed with grief, and it would feel as if your world had momentarily stopped. This was the pain that Mary Magdalene felt; she was deeply devastated by the death of her beloved friend, Jesus. 

Mary Magdalene was so consumed by sorrow that she did not recognize the resurrected Jesus, who tenderly asked her why she was weeping (John 20:14-15). Yet, in that moment of grief, Jesus revealed Himself to her, and Mary Magdalene’s eyes were opened, recognizing the Lord she loved (John 20:16). 

Death is a certainty of life; it visits any one of us at a time it chooses—a time that oftentimes we do not want. Yet death comes, and no one can prevent it, for it is part of the journey God allows us to take. 

But after death comes life—a life far greater and more glorious than the life we have in this world. Perhaps this is why Mary Magdalene could not recognize the resurrected Jesus when He appeared to her. She could not distinguish the image of the Risen Christ from the Jesus she had known before His death, for Jesus had already entered into His glorified life. 

The Risen Jesus also comes to us today, yet many times, we fail to notice Him. He comes to us through the poor who stand before us, hoping for our kindness and generosity. He comes to us through a sick relative or friend who longs for our presence and comfort. 

There are many ways the Lord manifests Himself in our daily lives, but often, we do not recognize Him because our vision is clouded by our concerns and preoccupations with ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hulyo 22 Kapistahan ni Santa Maria Magdalena: Juan 20:1-2, 11-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:1-2, 11-18

Madilim-dilim pa nang araw ng Linggo, naparoon na si Maria Magdalena sa libingan. Naratnan niyang naalis na ang batong panakip sa pinto ng libingan. Dahil dito, patakbo siyang pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na mahal ni Hesus, at sinabi sa kanila, “Kinuha sa libingan ang Panginoon at hindi namin alam kung saan dinala!”  

Si Maria’y nakatayong umiiyak sa labas ng libingan; yumuko siya at tumingin sa loob. May nakita siyang dalawang anghel na nakaupo sa pinaglagyan ng bangkay ni Hesus, ang isa’y sa gawing ulunan at ang isa nama’y sa paanan. Tinanong nila si Maria, “Ale, bakit kayo umiiyak?”  

Sumagot siya, “Kinuha po nila ang aking Panginoon, at hindi ko alam kung saan nila dinala.” Lumingon siya pagkasabi nito, at nakita niya si Hesus na nakatayo roon, ngunit hindi niya nakilalang si Hesus iyon. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, “Bakit ka umiiyak? Sino ang hinahanap mo?”  

Akala ni Maria’y siya ang tagapag-alaga ng halamanan, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Ginoo, kung kayo po ang kumuha sa kanya, ituro ninyo sa akin kung saan ninyo dinala at kukunin ko.” “Maria!” ani Hesus. Humarap siya at kanyang sinabi, “Raboni!” — ibig sabihi’y “Guro.” “Huwag mo akong hawakan, sapagkat hindi pa ako nakapupunta sa Ama,” wika ni Hesus.  

“Sa halip, pumunta ka sa king mga kapatid at sabihin mong aakyat ako sa aking Ama at inyong Ama, sa aking Diyos at inyong Diyos.” Kaya’t si Maria Magdalena’y pumunta sa mga alagad at sinabi, “Nakita ko ang Panginoon!” At tuloy sinabi sa kanila ang bilin ni Hesus.

Reflection for July 21 Monday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." He said to them in reply, "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 

At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who was eyeing a man to be her husband, but she was not sure if he was the right one for her. So, she prayed in her heart, “Lord, I need a sign. I need to see a white butterfly right now so that I will know I should say yes to him.” 

Lo and behold, a white butterfly began to circle around her. She took it as a sign and said yes to the man. But after a few years, they separated. What does this teach us? 

It reminds us that affirmative signs are not always manifestations of God’s truth and will. We should not build our decisions on signs alone, for they can be misleading if we do not deeply seek God in prayer and discernment. 

At times, we too may ask Jesus for a sign to confirm what we want or what we are afraid to decide. But the truth is, no sign is bigger than Jesus Himself. If we have strong faith in Jesus, and if we nurture a deep friendship with Him, Jesus is more than enough to guide us and carry us through every season of our life’s journey. 

Let us always trust in Jesus, for He will never fail us. Yes, we will experience humps and bumps along the way, moments of uncertainty and pain, but let us never use these as excuses to distance ourselves from the Lord. Instead, let them lead us closer to Him, allowing us to experience His loving presence even more deeply. 

For those who will remain faithful, who will choose to believe even without signs, and who will keep walking with Jesus in trust and surrender, a rich and beautiful reward awaits you in His perfect time. 

May we always remember that Jesus is more than enough. When we walk with Him, we will never walk alone. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 21 Lunes ng Ika-16 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng ilang eskriba at Pariseo kay Hesus, “Guro, maaari po bang pagpakitaan ninyo kami ng tanda mula sa langit?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Lahing masama at di-tapat sa Diyos! Naghahanap kayo ng tanda ngunit walang ipakikita sa inyo maliban sa palatandaaang inilalarawan ng nangyari kay Propeta Jonas.

Kung paanong si Jonas ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing nasa tiyan ng dambuhalang isda, gayun din ang Anak ng Tao ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing sasailalim ng lupa. Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom, titindig ang mga taga-Ninive laban sa lahing ito at ito’y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nagsisi sila dahil sa pangangaral ni Jonas; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay Jonas ang naririto!

Sa araw na yaon, titindig ang Reyna ng Timog laban sa lahing ito at ito’y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nanggaling siya sa dulo ng daigdig upang pakinggan ang karunungan ni Solomon; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay solomon ang naririto!”

Reflection for July 20, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:38-42

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.”  

The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” 

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Reflection: 

What does habitual prayer do to your soul? What does daily Bible reading awaken in your heart? What does your consistent presence at the celebration of the Holy Mass nurture within you? These sacred actions, when done with love and piety, draw us gently and deeply into the embrace of Jesus. 

In today’s gospel, our hearts are invited to reflect on the actions of Mary and Martha, with Jesus at the center of it all. 

When Mary recognized her Lord and Savior, she simply sat at His feet, quietly listening to His wisdom-filled and life-changing words. This is what we do when we pray. This is what we do when we open the Bible and allow its words to speak to us. This is what we do when we reverently worship Jesus in the Holy Mass. 

Jesus cherished Mary’s reverence and stillness because, in that quiet listening, she grew closer to Him. And this is what Jesus desires for each of us: to draw near to Him, to sit at His feet, and to listen. 

What happens when we allow ourselves to be close to Jesus? We begin to see that life in this world is fleeting and temporary. We realize that all the wealth and accolades we chase are nothing compared to the treasure of being with Him. 

His presence opens our eyes to the countless blessings we receive when we choose to spend time with Him. It softens our hearts, teaching us to live with compassion and to share our lives generously, especially with those in need. 

And what about Martha? She did nothing wrong. Her service was for Jesus, yet she missed the opportunity to first sit with Him and let His words nourish her soul. It would have taken only a few moments, yet it would have made all the difference in her heart. 

As we continue this temporary journey, the world will keep pulling us into busyness, into the endless rush for survival, into a rat race that slowly and deceitfully tries to separate us from Jesus. 

We must not allow this. For what good will it do us if we gain the world yet lose our closeness with God? Let us choose to listen to Jesus first before we plunge into the demands of the day. For it is in listening to Him first that we gain the true wisdom and peace that this world can never give, no matter how hard we work. 

Do you always take time to listen first to the Lord? Let us never be too busy for Jesus, for in Him, we find the true rest and love our hearts deeply long for. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Hulyo 20, Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 10:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Jesus sa isang nayon. Malugod siyang tinanggap ng isang babaing nagngangalang Marta sa tahanan nito. Ang babaing ito'y may isang kapatid na Maria ang pangalan. Naupo ito sa paanan ng Panginoon at nakinig sa kanyang itinuturo. 

Alalang-alala si Marta sapagkat kulang ang kanyang katawan sa paghahanda, kaya't lumapit siya kay Jesus at ang wika, "Panginoon, sabihin nga po ninyo sa kapatid kong tulungan naman ako." 

Ngunit sinagot siya ng Panginoon, "Marta, Marta, naliligalig ka at abalang-abala sa maraming bagay, ngunit isa lamang ang talagang kailangan. Pinili ni Maria ang lalong mabuti, at ito'y hindi aalisin sa kanya."

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang nagagawa ng palagiang pananalangin sa iyong kaluluwa? Ano ang ginagawa ng araw-araw na pagbabasa ng Biblia sa iyong puso? Ano ang nangyayari sa iyong palagiang pagdalo sa Banal na Misa? Ang mga banal na gawaing ito, kapag isinagawa nang may pagmamahal at debosyon, ay mas nagpapalapit sa atin kay Jesus. 

Sa atin pong Mabuting Balita, tayo ay inaanyayahan na magnilay sa mga ginawa nila Marta at Maria habang si Jesus ay nasa kanilang tahanan. 

Si Maria ay umupo lamang sa paanan ni Jesus, tahimik na nakikinig sa Kanyang mga salitang nakapagbabago ng buhay. Ganito rin ang ginagawa natin kapag tayo ay nananalangin. Ganito rin ang ginagawa natin kapag binubuksan natin ang Biblia at hinahayaan ang Salita ng Diyos na mangusap sa atin. Ganito rin ang ginagawa natin pag ang ating boung atensyon ay nasa Banal na Misa. 

Binigyang halaga ni Jesus ang tahimik na pakikinig ni Maria at ito rin ang nais ni Jesus para sa ating lahat: ang umupo tayo sa Kanyang paanan, at tahimik na makinig sa Kanya. 

Ano ang nangyayari kapag tayo ay may personal na ugnayan kay Jesus? Nagsisimula nating makita na ang buhay sa mundong ito ay pansamantala at mabilis lumilipas. Napagtatanto natin na lahat ng yaman, kapangyarihan at katanyagan na ating hinahabol ay walang halaga kung wala tayong personal na ugnayan kay Jesus. 

Kapag pinipili nating maglaan ng oras kay Jesus ay binubuksan ng Kanyang presensya ang ating mga mata sa napakaraming biyayang natatanggap natin. Tinuturuan tayo ni Jesus na mamuhay nang may malasakit sa ating kapwa lalo na sa mga nangangailangan. 

Paano naman si Marta? Wala siyang ginawang mali. Ang kanyang paglilingkod ay para din kay Jesus, ngunit nakaligtaan niya ang pagkakataon na umupo at makinig kahit sandal lang kay Jesus. Kaunting sandali lamang sana ang gugugulin nya ngunit napakalaki sana ang magiging epekto nito sa kanyang pagkatao. 

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating pansamantalang paglalakbay, patuloy tayong tutuksuhin ng mundo sa pagkaabala, sa walang katapusang paghahabol sa mga bagay ng mundo na naghihiwalay sa atin kay Jesus. 

Hindi dapat ito mangyari. Sapagkat anong halaga kung makamtan man natin ang lahat sa mundong ito ngunit wala naman tayong  ugnayan sa Diyos? Palagi tayong maglaaan ng kahit maikling  panahon kay Jesus  bago tayo sumuong sa mga gawain ng bawat araw. Sapagkat sa pakikinig lamang sa Kanya  natin  matatamo ang tunay na karunungan at kapayapaang hindi kayang ibigay ng mundong ito. 

May oras ka paba para makinig kay Jesus? Huwag nating kalilimutang mag laan ng oras para kay Jesus, sapagkat sa Kanya lamang natin matatagpuan ang tunay na kapayapaan na matagal nang hinahangad ng ating mga puso. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 19 Saturday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:14-21

Gospel: Matthew 12:14-21

The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. 

This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom I delight; I shall place my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 

He will not contend or cry out, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory. And in his name the Gentiles will hope.

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Reflection:

What do we do when there is a threat to our safety? 

When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were planning to kill Him, He quietly withdrew from the place to avoid them. Why did Jesus withdraw? Because it was not yet time for Him to face His accusers, and it was never in the nature of Jesus to be violent. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, a wellspring of love and compassion. Never was He a hothead or a troublemaker. 

Sometimes, when we avoid trouble, people may think we are cowards. But the truth is, it is not cowardice to walk away from conflict. It takes strength and wisdom to choose peace over unnecessary confrontation. A person who avoids trouble is not weak but prudent, filled with wisdom, discernment, and godly judgment. 

What would we truly gain if we confront a troublesome person or meet trouble with trouble? Nothing, except another burden and deeper wounds in our hearts. There are many ways to address conflict and trials, and charging head-on in anger is rarely the path God calls us to take. 

When Jesus avoided those who were running after Him, He was teaching us that prudence is the better part of valor. What does this mean for us? It means it is better to be careful and to guard the peace God has given us than to take reckless risks driven by pride or anger. Battles in life are not always won by brute force. Many victories are secured through wisdom-filled decisions, prayerful discernment, and Spirit-led strategies. 

What should we do when faced with a troublesome person or a difficult situation? We turn to Jesus, our example, and ask for the grace to respond with humility, peace, and prudence. We pray for the Spirit to guide us so that in all things, we may act with love and trust in God’s perfect timing. 

May we learn to step back when needed, to hold our peace, and to walk away from conflict when it is not yet God’s time for us to face it. In doing so, we honor God, protect our hearts, and keep the peace that surpasses all understanding. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 19 Sabado sa Ika-15 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:14-21

Noong panahong iyon, umalis ang mga Pariseo at nag-usap-usap kung paano ipapapatay si Jesus. Alam ito ni Jesus kaya't umalis siya roon. Maraming sumunod sa kanya at pinagaling niya ang lahat ng maysakit, ngunit mahigpit nilang ipinagbilin sa kanila na huwag ipamamalita ang tungkol sa kanya.  

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ni propeta Isaias: "Narito ang lingkod ko na ako rin ang humirang, minamahal ko nang labis, lubos kong kinalulugdan; ang banal kong Espiritu sa kanya ay ibibigay, sa lahat ng mga bansa ibabadha'y katarungan.  

Hindi siya makikipagtalo, mahinahon kung mangusap, ang tinig niya sa lansanga'y tinig lamang na paanas; Hindi niya puputulin yaong tambong nakahapay, ni hindi rin papatayin ang umaandap na ilawan, hanggang itong katarunga'y mapagtagumpay niyang ganap; At ang pag-asa ng tao sa kanya ay ilalagak."

Reflection for July 18 Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.”  

He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.  

If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” 

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Reflection:

The story is told of a disciplinarian father who suddenly realized that his strictness with his children was slowly building an invisible wall between them. 

One day, he sat in silence, reflecting deeply on how he could tear down the wall that he himself had built. And with humility, he said to himself, “From now on, I will not be strict anymore. I will be more compassionate, approachable, and merciful.” 

After a week, the wall that had created a gap between the father and his children completely vanished. From then on, his children became more open to him, and a beautiful relationship blossomed between father and children. 

Mercy, understanding, and openness are always higher and holier than rigidity and strictness. Rigidity and strictness tear people apart; they create walls in our relationships and foster coldness and distance. But mercy, understanding, and openness draw us closer, break down walls, and heal wounds in our hearts. 

Let go, therefore, of your anger. Let go of your hidden hurts. Let go of your pride, and let the mercy of Jesus rule your heart. Allow His compassion to soften you, to free you, and to restore your relationships. 

Let us always desire to be merciful because Jesus Himself is merciful. As we choose mercy, we allow His love to flow through us, bringing healing where there is pain, and unity where there is division. 

Lord Jesus, soften our hearts and teach us to be merciful, just as You are merciful. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas