Reflection for Saturday January 17 Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot: Mark 2:13-17

Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.  

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

How can we help sinners become followers of Jesus? We can begin by doing what the Lord Himself did: we approach them, we walk with them, and we befriend them. And as we grow in friendship with them, we gently and lovingly introduce Jesus into their lives, trusting that in God’s time, their hearts will be touched and they will come to follow Him.

Let us be patient with them. Let us not judge them for what they have done. Instead, let us pray for them, carry them in our hearts, and hope for their eventual conversion.

Jesus is a Lord of encounter and relationship. He goes to sinners, speaks with them, listens to them, and even shares table with them. He does not wait for them to become perfect before loving them. He loves them first, and that love becomes the beginning of their transformation.

How about us? Do we also choose to draw near to those who are far from God? Do we dare to walk with them, even when it is uncomfortable? And do we forgive them, even when they do not ask for forgiveness?

Sometimes, we are tempted to stay in our own “ivory towers,” feeling safe, secure, and perhaps even righteous. From there, we may look down on others and judge them, forgetting that we, too, are sinners in need of mercy. We may label people as hopeless or dangerous, but if we avoid them, how can they ever experience the saving love of God through us?

If Jesus had avoided Levi and the other tax collectors, they would have continued in their old ways and never discovered the joy of a changed life. But Jesus chose to sit with them, to speak with them, and to walk with them, because He knew that only through love and closeness could their hearts be healed and turned back to God.

And so, we are invited to examine our own hearts today. Are we willing to leave our comfort zones, to risk being misunderstood, and to love as Jesus loves? Who is the “sinner” in our life whom the Lord is asking us not to avoid, but to approach, embrace, and gently lead back to Him? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Enero 17 Paggunita kay San Antonio Abad: Marcos 2:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, muling pumunta si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea. Sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao, at sila’y tinuruan niya. Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad at nakita niya si Levi na anak ni Alfeo, nakaupo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Tumindig naman si Levi at sumunod.

Nang si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay kumakain sa bahay ni Levi, nakisalo sa kanila ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanang sumunod sa kanya. Nakita ito ng ilang eskribang kabilang sa pangkat ng mga Pariseo at tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, “Bakit siya sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan?”

Narinig ito ni Hesus, at siya ay sumagot, “Hindi nangangailangan ng manggagamot ang walang sakit, kundi ang maysakit. Naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal.”

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Repleksyon:

Paano nga ba natin makukumbinse ang mga makasalanan na maging mga tagasunod ni Jesus? Maaari tayong magsimula sa ginawa mismo ng Panginoon: lumapit tayo sa kanila, samahan sila, at makipagkaibigan sa kanila.

At habang unti-unti nating pinatatatag ang ating pakikipagkaibigan sa kanila, marahan at may pagmamahal nating ipakilala si Jesus sa kanilang buhay, na may pagtitiwalang sa takdang panahon ng Diyos, hihipuin Niya ang kanilang mga puso at sila ay susunod sa Kanya. Maging matiyaga tayo sa kanila. Huwag natin silang husgahan dahil sa kanilang mga nagawa. Sa halip, ipanalangin natin sila, at umasa sa kanilang pagbabalik-loob.

Si Jesus ay Panginoon ng pakikipagtagpo at pakikipag-ugnayan. Siya ay lumalapit sa mga makasalanan, nakikipag-usap sa kanila, nakikinig sa kanila, at nakikisalo pa sa kanilang hapag. Hindi Niya hinihintay na sila ay maging perpekto bago Niya mahalin.

Mahal na Niya sila at ang pag-ibig na iyon ang nagiging simula ng kanilang pagbabago. Paano naman tayo? Pinipili rin ba nating lumapit sa mga nalalayo sa Diyos? Handa ba tayong samahan sila kahit hindi ito madali? At kaya ba nating magpatawad kahit hindi sila humihingi ng tawad?

Minsan, natutukso tayong manatili sa ating mga “ivory tower”—sa ating mga komportableng kalagayan—at mula roon ay husgahan ang iba, na para bang nakalimutan nating tayo rin ay mga makasalanang nangangailangan ng awa ng Diyos. Madali nating matawag ang iba na walang pag-asa o mapanganib. Ngunit kung iiwasan natin sila, paano nila mararanasan ang nagliligtas na pag-ibig ng Diyos sa pamamagitan natin?

Kung iniwasan ni Jesus si Levi at ang iba pang mga maniningil ng buwis, marahil ay nanatili sila sa kanilang dating pamumuhay at hindi kailanman nakilala ang kagalakan ng isang binagong buhay. Ngunit pinili ni Jesus na makisama sa kanila, makipag-usap sa kanila, at samahan sila, sapagkat alam Niya na sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagmamahal at pagiging malapit sa kanila maaaring gumaling ang kanilang mga puso at makabalik sila sa Diyos.

Kaya tayo ngayon ay inaanyayahang suriin ang ating sariling mga puso. Handa ba tayong lumabas sa ating mga komportableng lugar, isugal ang ating reputasyon, at magmahal tulad ng pagmamahal ni Jesus? Sino kaya ang “makasalanan” sa ating buhay na hinihiling ng Panginoon na huwag nating iwasan, kundi lapitan, yakapin, at marahang akayin pabalik sa Kanya? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 16 Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 2:1-12

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him.  

After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?”

Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

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Reflection:

Have we already brought someone closer to the Lord?

The four men who helped the paralytic come to Jesus were extraordinary—not because they were famous or powerful, but because they had merciful hearts. Their hearts were not concerned only with their own comfort but were deeply moved by the suffering of another.

As we reflect on their story, we cannot help but see ourselves in them. We can only imagine the hardship they had to endure just to bring their friend to Jesus—and yet, selfless love made them persist.

In the same way, are we not also called to carry one another in faith? Are we not invited to become bridges that lead others closer to Christ, especially those who can no longer walk on their own because of the weight of their pain, failures, or despair?

Surely, those four selfless men went home filled with quiet joy, knowing in their hearts that they had done something noble and worthwhile. That deep sense of joy and fulfillment became their reward. And is this not also the joy we feel when we have helped someone rise again, when we have become instruments of God’s mercy in another person’s life?

The greatest reward we could ever receive in this world is not money or material things, for these are passing and temporary. Not even honors that serve only ourselves, for these, too, will eventually be forgotten. The greatest reward is to help someone who cannot repay us—someone who can only pray for us and silently thank God for the help they have received through us.

In the end, what truly remains is love made concrete in service, compassion made visible in sacrifice, and faith made alive in our willingness to carry one another to Christ. So let us ask ourselves today: whom are we carrying to Jesus, and whose burden is the Lord asking us to help lift? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Enero 16 ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Capernaum, at kumalat ang balitang siya’y nasa kanyang tahanan. Kaya’t nagkatipon ang napakaraming tao, anupat wala nang matayuan kahit sa labas ng pintuan. Samantalang nangangaral si Hesus, may idinating na isang paralitikong dala ng apat katao. 

Hindi nila ito mailapit kay Hesus dahil sa dami ng tao, kaya’t binakbak nila ang bubong sa tapat niya, at inihugos ang paralitikong nakaratay sa kanyang higaan. Nang makita ni Hesus kung gaano kalaki ang kanilang pananalig, sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Anak, ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo.”  

May nakaupo roong ilang eskriba na nagsaloob ng ganito: “Bakit nagsasalita ng ganito ang taong ito? Kalapastanganan sa Diyos iyan! Hindi ba’t Diyos lamang ang makapagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan?” Talos ni Hesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Bakit kayo nagsasaloob ng ganyan? Alin ba ang lalong madali: ang sabihin sa paralitiko, ‘Ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo,’ o ang sabihing, ‘Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan ay lumakad ka’?   

Patutunayan ko sa inyo na dito sa lupa, ang Anak ng Tao ay may kapangyarihang magpatawad ng mga kasalanan.” Sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at umuwi ka!” Tumindig naman ang paralitiko, binuhat ang kanyang higaan at umalis na nakikita ng lahat. Sila’y pawang nanggigilalas at nagpuri sa Diyos. “Hindi pa kami nakakikita ng ganito!” sabi nila.

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Repleksyon:

May nadala na ba tayo palapit sa Panginoon?

Ang apat na lalaking tumulong sa paralitiko upang makalapit kay Jesus ay hindi pambihira dahil sila ay tanyag o makapangyarihan, kundi dahil sila ay may mga pusong mahabagin. Ang kanilang mga puso ay hindi lamang nakatuon sa sarili nilang kaginhawaan, kundi bukas sa paghihirap ng iba.

Habang pinagninilayan natin ang kanilang kuwento, hindi ba natin nakikita ang ating mga sarili sa kanila? Maiisip lamang natin ang hirap na kanilang tiniis upang madala ang kanilang kaibigan kay Jesus—ngunit dahil sa mapagmalasakit na pag-ibig, hindi sila sumuko.

Sa gayunding paraan, hindi ba tayo rin ay tinatawag na magbuhat ng pasanin ng isa’t isa sa pananampalataya? Hindi ba tayo inaanyayahang maging tulay upang ang iba ay mas mapalapit kay Hesus—lalo na yaong mga hindi na makalakad sa bigat ng kanilang sakit, pagkabigo, o kawalan ng pag-asa?

Tiyak na ang apat na lalaking iyon ay umuwi na may galak sa kanilang mga puso, batid nilang sila ay may nagawang mabuti at makabuluhan. Ang malalim na kagalakan at kaganapang-loob na iyon ang naging kanilang gantimpala. At hindi ba ito rin ang galak na nararamdaman natin kapag may natulungan tayong muling bumangon, kapag tayo ay naging kasangkapan ng awa ng Diyos sa buhay ng iba?

Ang pinakadakilang gantimpala na maaari nating matanggap sa mundong ito ay hindi pera o mga materyal na bagay, sapagkat ang mga ito ay lumilipas at pansamantala lamang. Ni hindi rin ang mga parangal na para lamang sa ating sariling dangal, sapagkat ang mga ito ay malilimutan din.

Ang pinakadakilang gantimpala ay ang tumulong sa isang taong hindi tayo kayang suklian—isang taong maaari lamang magdasal para sa atin at tahimik na magpasalamat sa Diyos sa tulong na kanilang tinanggap sa pamamagitan natin.

Sa huli, ang tunay na nananatili ay ang pag-ibig na naipapakita sa paglilingkod, ang habag na nahahayag sa sakripisyo, at ang pananampalatayang nabubuhay sa ating kahandaang pasanin ang isa’t isa patungo kay Hesus.

May nadala naba tayo palapit kay Jesus, at kaninong pasanin ang hinihiling ng Panginoon na tulungan nating buhatin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 15 Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:40-45

Gospel Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

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Reflection:

What moves us to go to Jesus?

The leper went to Jesus, knelt before Him, and begged with a humble heart, “If You wish, You can make me clean.” And immediately, he was healed. In this simple yet powerful moment, we are invited to pause and ask ourselves: what truly moves a person to come before the Lord?

Was it merely the gravity of his sickness? No. It was not his leprosy that brought him to Jesus. Something far deeper and far greater moved him—it was his profound faith in the Lord. For if he had no faith, he would never have dared to approach Jesus at all.

And what moved Jesus to heal him? Was it simply the sight of suffering? No. It was not the sickness itself that touched the heart of the Lord, but the faith of the one who came to Him trusting, hoping, and believing.

So we ask ourselves today: what brings us to Jesus? Why do we pray? Do we come to Him only when we are burdened by problems or weighed down by sickness? Surely, our needs and struggles may lead us to kneel before Him—but they must never be the deepest reason. More than anything else, it must always be our faith in Him that draws us near.

Let us then examine our hearts. Let us make sure that faith—living, trusting, and persevering faith—is the true force that moves us to seek the Lord and to remain in His presence. For the more we allow faith to lead us to Jesus, the more we open our hearts to His mercy, His healing, and His saving grace.

So we ask ourselves, not only today but every day: when we kneel in prayer and call upon His name, is it merely our pain that moves us—or is it a faith that truly trusts, surrenders, and believes? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 15 Huwebes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:40-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:40-45

Noong panahong iyon, may isang ketonging lumapit kay Hesus, nanikluhod at nagmakaawa: “Kung ibig po ninyo’y mapagagaling ninyo ako.” Nahabag si Hesus at hinipo siya, sabay ang wika, “Ibig ko. Gumaling ka!” Noon di’y nawala ang ketong at gumaling ang tao. Pinaalis siya agad ni Hesus matapos ang ganitong mahigpit na bilin: “Huwag mong sasabihin ito kaninuman. 

Sa halip ay pasuri ka sa saserdote. Pagkatapos, maghandog ka ayon sa iniutos ni Moises, upang patunayan sa mga tao na ikaw ay magaling na.” Ngunit umalis siya at bagkus ipinamalita ang nangyari, anupat hindi na hayagang makapasok ng bayan si Hesus. Naroon na lamang siya sa labas, sa mga ilang na pook, at doon pinagsasadya ng mga tao buhat sa iba’t ibang dako.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang nagtutulak sa atin na Lumapit kay Hesus?

Lumapit ang ketongin kay Hesus, lumuhod sa Kanya, at buong kababaang-loob na nakiusap: “Kung ibig Mo po, maaari Mo akong linisin.” At agad-agad siyang pinagaling. Sa tagpong ito, tayo ay inaanyayahang huminto at magnilay: ano nga ba ang tunay na nagtutulak sa isang tao upang lumapit sa Panginoon?

Ang bigat ba ng kanyang karamdaman? Hindi. Hindi ang ketong ang nagtulak sa kanya upang hanapin si Hesus. May mas malalim at mas dakilang dahilan—ang kanyang malalim na pananampalataya sa Panginoon. Sapagkat kung wala siyang pananampalataya, hindi siya mangangahas na lumapit kay Hesus.

At ano naman ang nag-tulak kay Hesus upang pagalingin siya? Ang karamdaman ba? Hindi rin. Hindi ang sakit ang umantig sa puso ng Panginoon, kundi ang pananampalataya ng taong lumapit sa Kanya nang may tiwala, pag-asa, at paniniwala.

Kaya tayo ngayon ay nagtatanong: ano ang nagdadala sa atin kay Hesus? Bakit tayo nananalangin? Lumalapit lang ba tayo sa Kanya kapag tayo ay may problema o may pinagdaraanan na pisikal at emosyunal karamdaman?

Totoong ang ating mga pangangailangan at paghihirap ay maaaring magdala sa atin sa Kanya—ngunit hindi iyon ang dapat maging pinakamalalim na dahilan. Higit sa lahat, ang dapat talagang naglalapit sa atin sa Panginoon ay ang ating pananampalataya sa Kanya.

Suriin natin ang ating mga puso. Tiyakin natin na ang pananampalatayang—buhay, matatag, at nagtitiwala—ang tunay na puwersang nagtutulak sa atin na hanapin at manatili sa piling ng Panginoon. Sapagkat habang mas pinangungunahan tayo ng pananampalataya patungo kay Hesus, lalo nating binubuksan ang ating mga puso sa Kanyang awa, kagalingan, at nagliligtas na biyaya.

Kaya tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: kapag tayo ay lumuluhod at nananalangin, ano ba talaga ang nagtutulak sa atin ang ating sakit at mga problema, o ang isang pananampalatayang tunay na nagtitiwala, sumusuko, at naniniwala? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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