1Reflection for December 25, Friday Christmas Day, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord: John 1:1-18

 

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. 

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ 

From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a pregnant woman who was given a choice by her doctor: Her life or the life of the child in her womb. The woman was not able to immediately answer. The next day she was again asked the same question by her doctor.  

She replied that she would choose the life of her child over her own life. The love of God for us is like the exercise of love of this woman; for the love of God for us is infinite. God gave to us His only begotten son so that we may live and have life no matter how sinful we are. 

A family to bond together needs infinite love and the secret to a long and lasting marriage is infinite love between the husband and the wife. Without this infinite love the family is bound to disintegrate same with the union of husband and wife. 

The birth of Jesus the word made flesh which we celebrate today is the result of God’s  infinite  love for us. What have we done with this gift of infinite love by the birth of Jesus through the Blessed Mother? Have we already shared this infinite love that we received from God in the person of Jesus? 

Many of us don’t have time anymore to share Jesus because of our many worldly preoccupations. We are so busy making a living for this world, we are also careful so that we can survive the covid-19 pandemic and nothing is wrong with these things.    

But in the midst of these things we are being gently reminded that today our savior is born. And His coming into our midst is brought about by God’s infinite love for us. So, we have a duty to share the birthday of our savior so that they too would feel God’s infinite love for them.  

Those who will share the Lord will in so many ways be continuously be blessed by the Lord.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 25, Biyernes Pasko ng Pagsilang ng Panginoon (Dakilang Kapistahan) Juan 1:1-18

 

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:1-18

1 Sa simula’y naroroon na nga ang Wikang Sali­ta, at naroroong kaharap ng Diyos ang Salita,at Diyos ang Salita. 2 Naroroon na nga siyang kaharap ng Diyos sa simula.                         

3 Sa pamamagitan niya nayari tanang mga bagay, at hiwalay sa kanya’y walang anumang nayari. Ang niyari 4 ay sa kanya nagkabuhay, at ang buhay ang liwanag para sa mga tao. 5 Nagningning sa karimlan ang liwanag at di ito nasugpo ng karimlan. 

6 May taong sugo ang Diyos –Juan ang kanyang pangalan. 7 Dumating siya para sa pagpapatunay, para magpatunay tungkol sa Liwanag, upang makapanalig ang lahat sa pama­magitan niya. 8 Hindi siya mismo ang Liwanag, kundi para magpatunay tungkol sa Liwanag.  

9 Pagkat paparating noon sa mundo ang Liwanag na totoo na siyang nagliliwanag sa bawat tao. 10 Nasa mundo na nga siya, ang mundong nayari sa pamamagitan niya, at di naman siya kinilala ng mundo. 11 Sa sariling kanya siya dumating at hindi siya tinanggap ng mga kanya. 12 Ngunit sa lahat ng tumanggap sa kanya sa pananalig sa kanyang Pangalan, binigyang-kakayahan nga niya sila na maging mga anak ng Diyos. 13 Ipinanganak nga sila, hindi mula sa dugo, ni mula sa kagustuhan ng laman, ni sa kagustuhan ng lalaki kundi mula sa Diyos. 

14 At naging laman ang Wikang-Salita, at itinayo ang kanyang Tolda sa atin, at nakita natin ang kanyang Luwal­hati, Luwalhating mula sa Ama na bagay sa bugtong na Anak, lipos ng Kagandahang-loob at Katoto­hanan. 15 Nagpapatunay sa kanya si Juan at isinisigaw: “Siya ang sinabi kong ‘Nauna na sa akin ang dumating na kasunod ko, pagkat bago ako’y siya na’.” 16 Mula sa kanyang kapuspusan nga tumanggap tayong lahat – oo, abut-abot na kagandahang-loob.  

17 Sa pamamagitan ni Moises ibinigay ang Batas, sa pamamagitan naman ni Jesucristo dumating          ang Kagandahang-loob at Katotoha­nan. 18 Kailanma’y walang sinumang naka­kita sa Diyos; ang Diyos na Anak na bugtong siyang nasa kandungan ng Ama – ang nagpahayag sa kanya.

Reflection for December 24, Thursday Late Advent Weekdays: Luke 1:67-79

Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David.  

Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. 

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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Reflection:

Have you already done something to prepare the way of the Lord? Have you already called for repentance like what John did? By virtue of our Baptism we also share in the mission of John, we also take into our hearts what his father Zechariah had said to him.  

Imagine these words of Zechariah for his son John being addressed to you as well : You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:76-79).”  

This Christmas season is the best time to share Jesus with others; we do this by giving something from ourselves to our fellow men and women especially to those who are in need. Many of us tend to forget that Christmas is not about anyone of us. 

Christmas is about Jesus so we have to share the Jesus. God shared to us His only begotten so that we could also share Him with others. The true essence of Christmas is sharing not only of gifts but most essentially sharing of Jesus the incarnate God who is already known to many of us.  

When you share Jesus you therefore prepare His way and you become like His precursor John. The year 2020 is already coming to an end, have you already prepared the way for Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 24, Huwebes mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:67-79

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:67-79

67 Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo ang ama niyang si Zacarias at nagpro­pesiya nang ganito:  68 “Purihin ang Panginoon, ang Diyos ng Israel, dahil nilingap niya at tinubos ang kanyang bayan. 69 Mula sa sambahayan ni David na kanyang lingkod, ibinangon niya ang magliligtas sa atin, 70  ayon sa ipinangako niya noong una sa pamamagitan ng mga banal niyang propeta: 71 kaligtasan mula sa ating mga kaaway at sa kamay ng mga namumuhi sa atin.  

72 Nagpakita siya ng awa sa ating mga ninuno at inalaala ang banal niyang tipan, 73 ang pangakong sinumpaan niya sa ating amang si Abraham 74 na ililigtas tayo sa kamay ng ating mga kaaway, upang walang takot natin siyang mapag­ling­kuran, 75 nang may kabanalan at kataru­ngan sa harap niya sa buong buhay natin.  

76 At ikaw naman na munti pang anak ay tatawaging propeta ng Kataas-taasan. Mangunguna ka nga sa Panginoon para ihanda ang kanyang daan. 77 Ituturo mo ang kaligtasan sa kanyang bayan sa pagpapatawad niya sa kanilang mga sala. 78 Ito ang gagawin ng maawaain nating Diyos sa pagpapasikat niya sa atin ng araw na galing sa kaitaasan 79 upang liwanagan ang mga nananatili sa kadiliman at sa lilim ng kamatayan, at akayin ang ating mga yapak sa daan ng kapaya­paan.”

Reflection for December 23, Wednesday Late Advent Weekdays: Luke 1:57-66

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

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

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

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

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Reflection:

Are you always faithful to the commands of the Lord?

In the Sacrament of Matrimony there are vows that is said by the Groom and the Bride. The language is like this: For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. There is always a blessing from God once you remain faithful to this vows such as harmony in the family, successful and well-bred children, less problems and there are many more blessings attached to our faithfulness. These blessings are God’s gift for those couples who remain faithful until the very end of their lives. 

In our gospel the relatives of Elizabeth and Zechariah were supposed to name the newly born child after his father because it was the tradition. But when Elizabeth heard about it she opposed it and she said, he will be called John. Then they made signs to ask Zechariah who was mute at that time and he wrote in a tablet: John is his name. 

Why John? Because it was the name that the Lord wanted for him (Luke 1:13), the Lord knew beforehand how faithful and docile the hearts of  Zechariah and Elizabeth. That’s why even if they were both old  and already barren they were blessed by the Lord with a child that will have a very significant role in the life of Jesus. Zechariah’s faithfulness was further rewarded by the Lord when he regained his faculty to speak once again.     

We must at all times be faithful to the Lord no matter the temptations before us. Because it’s only through our faithfulness to the Lord that we would further receive unfathomable blessings from the Lord. 

Are you always faithful to the commands of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 23, Miyerkules mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:57-66

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:57-66

57 Nang sumapit na ang panga­­nga­nak ni Elizabeth, isang anak na lalaki ang isinilang niya. 58 Na­rinig ng mga kapit­bahay at mga ka­mag-anakan niya kung gaano nagdalang-awa sa kanya ang Pa­nginoon kayat nakigalak sila sa kanya. 

59 Nang ikawalong araw na, duma­­ting sila pa­ra tuliin ang sanggol at pa­nga­­­nga­lanan sana nila itong Zacarias gaya ng kanyang ama. 60 Su­magot naman ang kanyang ina: “Hindi, tatawagin siyang Juan.” 61 Pero sinabi nila sa kanya: “Wala ka na­mang ka­mag-anak na may ganyang pangalan.” 62 Kaya sumenyas sila sa ama ng sang­­gol kung ano ang gusto niyang itawag dito. 63 Humingi siya ng isang sulatan, at sa pagtataka ng lahat ay kanyang isinulat: “Juan ang pangalan niya.” 64 Noon di’y nabuksan ang kanyang bibig at nakalag ang kanyang dila. Na­ka­pagsa­lita siya at nagpuri sa Diyos. 

65 Kaya namayani ang banal na pag­katakot sa kanilang mga kapitbahay. At naging usap-usapan ang lahat ng pang­ya­­yaring ito sa buong mataas na lupain ng Juda. 66 Nag-isip-isip ang mga nakarinig at nagtanungan: “Ano na kaya ang mang­yayari sa sanggol na ito?” Dahil suma­sa­kanya ngang talaga ang kamay ng Panginoon.

Reflection for December 22 Tuesday Late Advent Weekdays: Luke 1:46-56

Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

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

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

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

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Reflection:

Why did Mary remain with her cousin Elizabeth for three months? Why not leave her after one or two months? Mary left after three months because she wanted to ensure that she would be by her side when her cousin Elizabeth gives birth. 

Considering that during that time Mary was also pregnant with Jesus. She could have simply excused herself and went home to rest and nurse her own pregnancy. But she did not she saw to it that she would first take care of her cousin’s needs before her own. 

By serving her cousin Mary proclaimed the greatness of the Lord who was with her. Perhaps in the infinite mind of God He was telling Mary you want to praise me? Then learn to serve your cousin first. You want to praise me? Forget yourself first because it’s in forgetting of yourself that you could best highlight my abiding presence in your life. 

We can indeed best serve and praise God by serving others. And by forgetting ourselves so that those who are in need may live and feel the abiding presence of God thru us. We can never serve and share God if our focus is always centered on ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 22, Martes mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:46-56

 

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:46-56

46 Sinabi ni Maria:

“Dinadakila ng aking kaluluwa ang Panginoon

47 at nagagalak ang aking espiritu sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas

48 dahil isinaalang-alang niya ang abang utu­san niya,

at mula ngayon, ituturing akong mapalad ng lahat ng salinlahi.

49 Dakila nga ang ginawa sa akin ng Ma­kapangya­rihan,

banal ang kanyang Pangalan.

50 Patuloy ang kanyang awa sa mga sali’t salinlahi

para sa mga may pitagan sa kanya.

51 Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang bisig,

ipinagtabuyan ang mga taong may ma­pagma­taas na balak.

52 Pinatalsik niya sa luklukan ang mga makapang­yarihan,

itinampok naman ang mga bale-wala.

53 Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga na­gugutom

at itinaboy namang walang-wala ang maya­yaman.

54 Nilingap niya ang Israel na kanyang lingkod,

inalaala ang kanyang awa

55ayon sa ipinangako niya sa ating mga ninuno,

kay Abraham at sa kanyang angkan mag­paka­ilanman.”

56 Mga tatlong buwang nanatili si Ma­riang ka­sa­ma ni Elizabeth at saka nagbalik sa kanyang bahay.

1Reflection for December 21 Monday Late Advent Weekdays: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

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Reflection:

Who moves you to forget your own personal needs so that you could make life better for others? He is no other than Jesus. If Jesus is an integral part of your life you would easily forget yourself. And your own personal circumstances so that you could make life easier and comfortable for others. 

Let us take a deeper look on the actions of the Blessed Mother in the gospel. The Blessed Mother disregarded her own personal safety so she could give comfort and care to her cousin Elizabeth. What moved her to risk her life considering that she was also pregnant during that time? And considering also that she had to travel a very long distance?  It was the baby Jesus in her womb; she was carrying in her womb the greatest gift that we could ever have. She wanted therefore to share the blessing of Jesus to her cousin Elizabeth. 

During these days of materialism and consumerism Christmas is slowly becoming gift centered rather than Jesus centered. We have a tendency to focus more on gifts and not on Jesus. Jesus is slowly being eased out in place of materialism and consumerism. 

Many are also forlorn brought about by the covid-19 pandemic let us bring Jesus to them by giving them something. Or if we can’t give them something we simply spend time with them and share Jesus with them. Many of the greatest treasures that last a lifetime are not material things but the things that are not measured by material things. 

Let us refocus our Christmas celebration to Jesus. Let us make the forthcoming birth of Jesus as our first priority and the gifts not our priority.  Hence let us emulate our Blessed Mother.  Let us forget ourselves and let us remember to share Jesus with our relatives in particular and with fellow men and women in general. 

Would you share Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 21, Lunes mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-45

39 Nang mga araw ring iyo’y nag­mamadaling naglakbay si Maria pa­punta sa isang bayan sa mataas na lupain ng Juda. 40 Pumasok siya roon sa bahay ni Zacarias at binati si Eli­zabeth. 41 Nang marinig ni Elizabeth ang bati ni Maria, sumikad ang sanggol sa si­na­pupunan niya, at napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elizabeth 42 at mala­kas siyang sumigaw at sinabi: “Lubos kang pi­nagpala sa mga kababaihan. 

Pinag­pala rin ang bunga ng iyong sina­pu­punan! 43 Sino nga ba naman ako’t na­parito sa akin ang ina ng aking Pa­ngi­noon? 44 Nang umabot sa aking pan­dinig ang iyong pagbati, sumikad sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking sina­pu­punan. 45 Pinagpapala ang naniniwa­lang magaganap ang mga sinabi sa kanya ng Pa­nginoon.”

Reflection for Sunday December 20, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.  

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

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

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Reflection:

What are you going to do if you receive a shocking news? Perhaps the first that would come to your mind is to pray and ask for guidance and strength from the Lord. 

When Mary received the annunciation from angel Gabriel that she would be pregnant with the baby Jesus. She might have been in shock for a moment, then right after she perhaps prayed to the good Lord for guidance and strength. After which she was ok and with faith she accepted the will of the Lord for her. 

The birth of the Lord Jesus conveys to us that nothing is impossible for God. That God can do miracles as He did to Mary. It conveys to us that our God is a God of possibilities, blessings and miracles. Our God can make things happen for us for as long as we have faith and for as long as we have unwavering belief in Him. 

If you somehow feel weariness in your journey with the Lord this Christmas for the reason that nothing significant is happening to you right now caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Do not lose heart, continue to journey with God, continue to pray and  continue to have hope. For He will never abandon those who continue to trust Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 19 Saturday Late Advent Weekdays: Luke 1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

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

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

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time. Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 

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

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Reflection:

Do you have a prayer request before God and do you believe that your prayer request will be granted by God? You must always believe that God will grant your prayer request. Because when you believe that you will have what you want from God what you want from Him is already within your reach. 

In our gospel the couple Zechariah and Elizabeth is praying to God for the gift of a child. Yet when the angel of God appeared to Zechariah in the sanctuary and told him that his wife would be pregnant. Zechariah suddenly had doubts and the reason for his doubt has a basis for the reason that both of them are already old. 

However, it is so uncharacteristic for Zechariah to doubt considering that he is a priest serving God. Zechariah forgot that nothing is impossible for God, did he forget or he simply had weak and feeble faith? Perhaps Zechariah had weak faith during that moment when the angel of God appeared to him. 

Perhaps Zechariah was overwhelmed by their personal circumstances (Old age and the like). However, let us not doubt when we have prayer/s for God. Let us firmly believe and have faith that God will grant us what we want from Him.  

Do you have a prayer request before God? Believe, have faith and you shall have it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 19, Sabado mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:5-25

 

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:5-25

5 Sa kapanahunan ni Herodes na hari ng Judea, may isang paring nag­ngangalang Zacarias, mula sa pangkat ni Abias. Mula rin sa lahi ni Aaron ang kanyang asawa na Elizabeth ang pa­nga­lan. 6 Kapwa sila matuwid sa harap ng Diyos at namumuhay nang walang kapintasan ayon sa lahat ng batas at kautusan ng Panginoon. 7 Ngunit wala silang anak dahil baog si Elizabeth at kapwa matanda na sila. 

8 Minsan, habang naglilingkod si Zaca­rias sa harap ng Diyos nang turno pa ng kanyang pangkat, 9 nagpalabu­nutan sila ayon sa kaugalian ng kapa­rian at siya ang napiling pumasok sa santuwaryo ng Pa­ngi­noon para mag­sunog ng insenso. 10 Kaya sa oras ng pag-aalay ng insenso habang nana­nalangin ang buong bayan sa labas, 11napakita sa kanya ang anghel ng Panginoon, naka­tayo sa gawing ka­nan ng altar ng insenso. 12 Naligalig si Za­carias at sinid­lan ng takot pagkakita rito. 

13 Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ng anghel: “Huwag kang matakot, Zacarias; d­i­ninig na ang iyong panalangin. Ipa­nganganak sa iyo ng asawa mong si Elizabeth ang isang anak na lalaki, at pangangalanan mo siyang Juan. 14 Magiging ligaya at tuwa mo siya, at marami rin ang magagalak dahil sa kanyang pagsilang. 

15 Magiging dakila nga siya sa harap ng Panginoon. Hindi siya iinom ng alak ng ubas o ng butil at mapupuspos siya ng Espiritu Santo mula sa sinapu­punan ng kanyang ina. 16 Panunum­balikin niya ang maraming anak ng Israel sa Panginoong kani­­lang Diyos. 17 Mangu­nguna siya sa Panginoon taglay ang diwa at ka­pang­yarihan ni Elias para papag­kasun­duin ang mga magulang at mga anak, at ibalik ang mga masu­wayin sa pag-unawang bagay sa mga makatarungan upang ma­ihanda ang isang bayang angkop sa Panginoon.” 

18 Sinabi naman ni Zacarias sa anghel: “Paano ko ito matitiyak? Matanda na nga ako at may katandaan na rin ang aking asawa.” 19 Sumagot ang anghel at sinabi sa kanya: “Ako si Gabriel na nasa harap ng Diyos. Ako ang sinugo sa iyo para ka­usapin ka’t ihatid ang magandang balitang ito. 20 Matutupad sa takdang pana­hon ang aking mga salita; ngunit ikaw na di naniniwala ay magiging pipi at di maka­pagsasalita hanggang sa araw na mang­yari ang mga ito.” 

21 Naghihintay naman kay Zacarias ang bayan at nagtataka sa pagtatagal niya sa loob ng santuwaryo. 22 Nang lumabas siya, hindi na siya makapag­sa­lita kaya nalaman nilang nakakita siya ng isang pangitain sa loob ng santuwaryo. Sume­senyas na lamang siya sa kanila at nana­tiling pipi. 

23 Nang matapos na ang panahon ng kanyang paglilingkod, umuwi si Za­carias. 24 At pagkaraan ng mga araw, nagdalantao ang asawa niyang si Elizabeth ngunit limang buwan itong di lumabas ng bahay at sinabi: 25 “Ito’y gawa ng Panginoon! Ipinasya niyang alisin ang kahihiyan ko sa paningin ng mga tao.”

Reflection for December 18 Friday Late Advent Weekdays: Matthew 1:18-25

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

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

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

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

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Reflection:

What would have happened if Joseph did not listen to the angel of God? 

Mary could have died violently by way of stoning. Because during that time death by stoning was the punishment for those caught cheating on their betrothed husband. But Joseph listened to the voice of the angel of God who told him that the fruit of Mary’s womb is brought to her by the Holy Spirit. 

We see humility in Joseph, we see obedience and love for God in Joseph and we also see the great love of Joseph for Mary. Deep in his heart Joseph loved Mary to the deepest core of his bones, Mary was his everything so to speak and Joseph loved Mary more than his life. If Joseph did not love Mary more than his life, he could have easily left Mary and told the authorities about her out of wedlock pregnancy. 

Aside from Joseph’s love for Mary, Joseph also loved God for if he did not love God he could have simply brushed aside the angel of God and move on with his plan of divorcing Mary. But Joseph loved God this is the reason why he listened to the voice of God coursed through an Angel. 

In the Sacrament of Matrimony/Marriage the voice of God is an ever present guiding light that couples must always follow. God tells the couples to stay with the Marriage covenant no matter the challenges until mortal death breaks it. Of course no marriage is made in heaven, husbands and wives have their own behavioral shortcomings. 

However, if couples would make the humility, the commitment, the love of God and the holiness of both Joseph and Mary their role model in their married life. There would be no divorce; no deception and lies. 

What would remain is love, love that is humble, love that is truthful and love that is forgiving.– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 18, Biyernes mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:18-25

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-25

18 Ganito ipinanganak si Jesucristo. Ipinag­kasundo na kay Jose ang kanyang inang si Maria pero bago sila nagsama bilang mag-asawa, nagdadalantao na siya gawa ng Espiritu Santo. 19 Kaya binalak ni Jose na hiwalayan nang lihim ang kanyang asawa. Matuwid nga siya at ayaw niya itong mapahiya. 

20 Habang iniisip-isip niya ito, napa­kita sa kanya sa panaginip ang Anghel ng Panginoon at sinabi: “Jose, anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tang­ga­pin si Maria bilang iyong asawa. Gawa ng Espi­ritu Santo kaya siya naglihi, 21 at ma­nga­nganak siya ng isang sanggol na lalaki, na panga­ngalanan mong Jesus sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang samba­yanan mula sa kanilang mga kasa­lanan.” 

22 Nangyari ang lahat ng ito para matu­pad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamama­gitan ng Propeta: 23 “Maglilihi ang birhen at magsisilang ng isang sanggol na lalaki at tatawagin nila siyang Emmanuel na ibig sabihi’y Nasa-atin-ang-Diyos.” 24 Ka­ya pagka­gising ni Jose, ginawa niya ang sinabi ng Anghel ng Panginoon at tinang­gap niya ang kanyang asawa. 25 Ngunit hindi sila nag­talik bago isilang ang sang­­gol. At pina­ngalanan niya itong Jesus.

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

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

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

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

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

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

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

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Reflection:

Can you still trace back the ancestry where you are from?  Some of us may still be able to trace it back some may not anymore. The importance of tracing back our roots is we somehow will have an idea about who we are and who our relatives are. 

The gospel reading shows the many names of the family tree of Jesus. Just like us many members of Jesus’ lineage are flawed like King David who had an immoral affair with Bathsheba.  Solomon was a bigtime womanizer; he was not faithful to the Lord as well. 

 Jesus ancestors were not perfect like us but God chose Jesus to belong into that family tree. To show to us that despite our sinfulness God still wants us to belong to Him. 

God in His infinite wisdom believes in our capacity to change for the better. God knows that deep in our hearts we yearn to leave behind our sinful life. He believes that someday somehow we shall be able to see the light. And that light is Jesus. 

God is offering us Jesus who is ever ready to redeem us from our sins no matter how grievous our sins are. God is so merciful that He doesn’t discriminate whoever we may be. He doesn’t judge us. He rather looks at our desire to renew our lives and leave behind our sinfulness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 17, Huwebes mga huling araw ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:1-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:1-17

1 Ito ang libro ng pinagmulan ni Jesu­cristo, anak ni David at anak ni Abraham. 2 Si Abraham ang ama ni Isaac, si Isaac ang ama ni Jacob, si Jacob ang ama ni Juda at ng kanyang mga kapatid. 3 Si Juda ang ama nina Parez at Zerah (si Tamar ang kanilang ina), si Parez ang ama ni Esron, at si Esron ni Aram. 4 Si Aram naman ang ama ni Aminadab, si Ami­­nadab ni Naason, si Naason ni Sal­mon. 

5 Si Salmon ang ama ni Boaz, at si Rahab naman ang kanyang ina. Si Boaz ang ama ni Obed, si Ruth ang kanyang ina. Si Obed naman ang ama ni Jese. 6 Si Jese ang ama ni David na hari. Si David ang ama ni Solomon, at ang na­ging maybahay ni Urias ang kanyang ina. 

7 Si Solomon ang ama ni Rehoboam na ama ni Abias, at sumunod naman ang mga haring sina Asa, 8 Yosafat, Yoram, Ocias, 9 Yoatan, Ahaz, Ezekias, 10 Mana­ses, Amon at Yosias. 11 Si Yosias ang ama ni Yekonias at ng kanyang mga kapatid, sa panahon ng pagkatapon sa Babilonia. 12 Pagkatapos naman ng pagkatapon sa Babilonia – si Yekonias ang ama ni Salatiel na ama ni Zorobabel. 

13 Si Zorobabel ang ama ni Abiud, si Abiud ni Eliakim, at si Eliakim ni Azor. 14 Si Azor ang ama ni Sadok, si Sadok ni Akim, at si Akim ni Eliud. 15 Si Eliud ang ama ni Eleazar, si Eleazar ni Matan at si Matan ni Jacob. 16 Si Jacob ang ama ni Jose – ang asawa ni Maria na siyang pinagmulan ni Jesus na tinawag na Kristo. 17 Kaya may labing-apat na salinlahi mula kay Abraham hanggang kay David at labing-apat mula kay David hang­gang sa pagkatapon sa Babi­lonia at labing-apat din hanggang sa Kristo.

1Reflection for December 16 Wednesday 1st day of Misa de Gallo (Simbang Gabi), in the Philippines: John 5:33-36

Gospel: John 5:33-36

(Jesus said to the Jews,) You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 

But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.

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Reflection:

Do you know John? 

The people during Jesus’ time thought that John was the promised messiah but John humbly told them that he’s not. After John was beheaded Jesus started His three years public ministry. Jesus called for repentance, Jesus’ healed the sick, gave hope to the hopeless and the like. 

But they still found fault and did not believe. This is due to the scheming of the high priest and those who were in position of authority. In this season of advent Jesus calls us to believe in Him, to learn from Him, to have hope and to give hope on His behalf and to repent from our sins. 

As we witness for Jesus the devil will temp us to put ourselves prominently in front than Jesus. The devil will temp us to own for ourselves the wisdom that we have. But let us fight these temptations by looking at John, by following his humility and fidelity towards Jesus.  

As John has said: It is necessary that He must increase and I must decrease (John 3:30). This must also be our guiding principle Jesus must always shine brightly in our life. How about us? Never mind, let us simply fade away and let Jesus take the center stage so that the faith that He gave us will continue to grow and bear much fruit . – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Disyembre 16 Miyerkules Simula ng Simbang gabi: Juan 5:33-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:33-36

Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judio 33 Nagpasugo kayo kay Juan at binigyang-patunay niya ang katotohanan. 34 Ipinaaalaala ko ito para maligtas kayo; ngunit hindi ko hangad ang patunay mula sa tao. 35 Siya nga ang ilaw na may sindi at nagniningning, at ginusto n’yong magalak pansaman­tala sa kanyang liwanag. 

36 May patunay naman ako na higit pa kaysa kay Juan – ang mga gawang bigay sa akin ng Ama upang tuparin ko ang mga iyon. Ang mga gawa mismong ginagawa ko ang nagpapatunay na sinugo ako ng Ama.

 

1Reflection for December 15 Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent: Matthew 21:28-32

 

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 

Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

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Reflection:

What is the meaning of this parable? 

Jesus directs the parable of the two sons to the chief priests and elders of the people. For the reason that they did not listen to the exhortation of John to change their self-righteous ways. Then He praised the tax collectors and prostitutes the usual sinners at that time because they listened and believed the exhortation of John to change their ways thus they henceforth walked away from their sinfulness. 

This parable of the two sons is for us as well, we who superficially listens to the word of God. We who are faithful in our church obligations yet we don’t live what we learn from our church. 

How quickly do we judge our fellowmen because of their appearance and the clothes that they wear? How quickly do we judge them because of their faith and the friends that they keep?  How quickly do we judge them because of their behavior and status in life? 

We quickly judge by what we see not minding our own shortcomings and sinfulness. By doing so we personify the second son who said yes but did not go to the vineyard we also stand for the chief priest and elders of the people who did not heed the call of John to renew their lives. 

The tax collectors and prostitutes were favored by Jesus for the simple reason that they heeded the call of John. Yes they were sinners but the moment they heard the preaching of John they listened, believed and walked away from their sinfulness. Thus they represent the first son who initially said no but later on had a change of heart and humbly went to work in the vineyard.      

We who are sinners and self-righteous are being called by Jesus to humble ourselves before Him. Too have a change of heart and to completely walk away from our sinfulness. Just like what the first son did and the sinful tax collectors and prostitutes who listened to John. 

Would you respond to this call of Jesus? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas