Reflection for Sunday June 20, Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.  

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still! The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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Reflection:

Was Jesus only testing the faith of His disciples when He allowed them to go through severe storm? If He was, then Jesus found out that His disciples were terribly wanting in faith. Jesus calmed the violent storm to assure His disciples that He was in control of everything.  

We too will encounter storms in our life. How would we handle these life storms? Would we allow these storms to defeat us and prevent us from living our normal life? For example, the present covid-19 pandemic that we are going through right now or the sickness that we may have how are we handling these life storms? Do we allow it to disturb our normal way of life? Or we continue to become calm under duress?  

The obvious answer is we will continue to be calm no matter how difficult the storm/s that we will be encountering. For the reason that we have Jesus in our life, we know that Jesus will take care of every life storm that we have right now and the future life storms that we will be encountering.  

We are often times easily rattled by our life storms because many of us are lacking in faith. If only we would learn to trust the Lord more than we trust on ourselves. If only we would not lean on our own finite understanding but learn to trust in the infinite wisdom of the Lord.  

We would then be able to discover how mightily powerful Jesus is. That the Good Lord is more than enough to defeat any kind of life storms that we would be encountering in our lives. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 20 Ika – 12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:35-41

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:35-41

35 Kinahapunan ng araw na iyon, sina­bi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Tumawid tayo sa kabilang ibayo.” 36 Kaya iniwan nila ang mga tao at namangka silang kasama ni Jesus sa bangkang inu­upuan niya. At may iba pang mga bangka na kasabay nila. 37 At nagkaroon ng malakas na ipu­­ipo. Hinampas ng mga alon ang bang­­ka at halos  lumubog na 38 samantalang tulog siya sa kutson sa hulihan. 

Kaya ginising nila siya at sinabi: “Guro, halos mamamatay na tayo at bale-wala sa iyo!”39 Pagbangon niya, inutusan niya ang hangin at sinabi sa dagat: “Tahi­mik, huwag kumibo.” Nabawasan ang hangin at nag­karoon ng ganap na kapa­yapaan. 40 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Napakatatakot ninyo! Bakit? Wala pa ba kayong pani­wala?” 

41 Ngunit lalo silang nasindak at nag-usap-usap: “Sino ito na pati hangin at dagat ay sumusunod sa kanya?”

Reflection for June 19 Saturday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:24-34

Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34

Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.  

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?  

Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek.  

Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was able to read the gospel of Matthew today. He thought carefully about this and said to himself. “Why don’t I test Jesus? If He really means what he says in the gospel He will provide for me no matter what.”  

So He went camping in a secluded mountain without bringing anything.  While already there he prayed to Jesus to give him food for he was going hungry already. As he turned his head he saw an edible fruit so he ate it. When he was full already he became thirsty and he prayed again to Jesus for water, soon after he heard a sound of flowing stream so he stood up and walked a few steps and saw a very clean creek so he  went there and drank water there.       

Radical dependence in Him is what Jesus is offering us today. Jesus tells us not to worry about our life, what we will eat or drink, or about our body, what we will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing (Matthew 6:25).   

Then on the latter part of the gospel Jesus tells us: “If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all (Matthew 6:30-32).  

We often times worry about so many things in our lives that we forget that Jesus is there for us always offering Himself to us. Why is this so? Why are we lacking in faith and trust in our Lord?  This is for the reason that we are slowly allowing the devil to take us away from Jesus. We may not know this but the devil through his worldly enticements is slowly but surely is snatching us away from the love of Jesus.  

For example, in the observance of Sunday Holy Mass. Many of us are not anymore able to go to Holy Mass or piously watch online Mass because we have our many worldly preoccupations. Therefore instead of making ourselves present at Holy  Mass we do our many worldly activities. Which most of the time bring us away from Jesus and even influence us to commit sin.  And the end result is our faith is diminished then we gradually begin to trust not anymore in Jesus but on ourselves and in this world.

What would happen to us if we lose our faith and trust in Jesus? If we love this world than Jesus?  - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 19, Sabado sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:24-34

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:24-34

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad • 24 Walang makakapagsilbi sa dalawang amo; siguradong kamu­muhian ang isa at mamahalin naman ang isa pa, o magiging matapat sa una at mapa­ba­bayaan ang pangalawa. Hindi kayo maka­­­paglilingkod sa Diyos at sa pera. 

25 Kaya sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag mag-alala sa kakanin at iinumin para sa inyong buhay, o sa idadamit para sa inyong katawan. Di ba’t mas mahalaga ang buhay kaysa pagkain, at ang katawan kaysa damit? 26 Tingnan ninyo ang mga ibon sa langit: hindi sila naghahasik ni nag-aani, ni nag-iipon sa mga bodega, gayunma’y pina­ka­kain sila ng inyong Amang nasa Langit. Di ba’t mas mahalaga kayo kaysa mga ibon? 

27 Sino sa inyo ang makapagdadagdag sa kanyang taas sa pagkabahala niya? 28 At bakit kayo mababahala tungkol sa pananamit? Tingnan ninyo ang mga bulaklak sa bukid, sa pagtubo ng mga ito. Hindi sila nagtatrabaho o humahabi. 29 Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo na kahit na si Solomon sa kan­yang kayamanan ay hindi nakapag­bihis gaya ng isa sa kanila. 30 Kung ganito ang damit na ibinibigay ng Diyos sa mga damo – mga damong nasa bukid ngayon at susunugin bukas sa kalan, higit pa ang gagawin niya para sa inyo, mga taong maliit ang panini­wala! 

31 Huwag na kayong mag-alala at mag­sabi: Ano ang ating kakanin? Ano ang ating iinumin? O, ano ang ating isusuot? 32 Ang mga pagano ang nababahala sa mga bagay na ito; ngunit alam ng inyong Amang nasa Langit na kailangan ninyo ang mga ito. 33 Kaya hanapin muna ninyo ang kaharian at katarungan ng Diyos, at ibibigay rin sa inyo ang lahat ng ito. 34 At huwag alalahanin ang bukas sapagkat bahala ang bukas na mag-alala sa kanyang sarili. Sapat na sa bawat araw ang sariling hirap nito.

Reflection for June 18 Friday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:19-23

Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. 

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a mother who pampered her children with material things. They had money they could almost buy anything that they wanted they could also travel to any place in this world.  Her children grew up embracing this mindset of good life and materialism.

What is the problem with this kind of lifestyle? This is temporary sooner or later this would come to an end and we end with nothing. There are even instances that this kind of worldly lifestyle may have tragic ending. For example every now and then there would be news of people committing suicide because they have no more material wealth that could comfort them. Or people who live wayward lives because they made their material wealth their god. 

In our gospel episode today Jesus talks about storing treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. What is this all about? This is all about sharing and living the faith that we have in our God which is our true and lasting treasure. 

For example, have we taught our children about the supremacy of God above all things in this world? Have we taught our children that everything in this world is temporary and passing? Have we brought our children to the church for Holy Mass or to watch online Holy Mass? Have we reflected on the words of God in the bible? 

All of these are pious acts of storing eternal treasures in heaven where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. ( Matthew 6:20) – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 18, Biyernes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:19-23

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad 19 Huwag dito sa lupa kayo mag-ipon ng inyong mga iniipon sapagkat dito’y masisira ang mga iyon ng mga kulisap at kalawang, at mananakaw ng magna¬nakaw. 20 Sa piling ng Diyos kayo mag-ipon ng inyong iniipon; wala nga roong kulisap o kalawang na sisira, at walang magna¬nakaw. 21 Mala¬man mo nawa na kung nasaan ang iyong kaya¬manan, naroon din ang iyong puso.

• 22 Ang iyong mata ang lampara ng iyong katawan; kung malinaw ang iyong mata, nasa liwanag ang buo mong katawan. 23 Kung malabo naman ang iyong mata, nasa kadiliman ang buo mong katawan. At kung dumilim ang  liwanag na nasa iyo, gaano pa kaya ang madilim!

Reflection for June 17 Thursday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples, “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

“This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ 

“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

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Reflection:

How important is prayer to your life? If you have five things to do everyday, is prayer included in that five? 

When we pray with all our heart, we allow the good Lord to nourish our parched spirits. Through our prayers we also invite the good Lord to come into our lives. And it’s also through our humble prayers that we slowly but surely develop our profound friendship with Jesus. 

In our gospel Jesus teaches us how to pray: It’s simple, short and direct and it does not beat around the bush. We must be frank, persevering and honest to Jesus for He knows what we need beforehand. We must also be sincere and always humble in prayer before our God. 

For example, do we close our eyes when we pray the Our Father? Does this prayer make us sometimes cry when we pray it? Do we still kneel when we pray this prayer? These are all acts of faith that would help us have a more personal connection with Jesus.   

Jesus is also reminding us to re-examine our life of prayer. For we may be just praying for the sake of praying thus it’s without spirit and fire. 

How do you pray the Lord’s Prayer? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 17, Huwebes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:7-15

7 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad pag mananalangin kayo, huwag ka­yong magsalita nang magsalita gaya ng ginagawa ng mga pagano; nani­niwala nga sila na mas paki­kinggan sila kung marami silang sina­sabi. 8 Huwag kayong tumulad sa kanila. Alam ng inyong Ama ang mga panganga­ila­ngan ninyo bago pa man kayo humingi. 

9 Kaya, ganito kayo manalangin: Ama naming nasa Langit, sambahin ang Ngalan mo, 10 dumating ang Kaharian mo, sundin ang loob mo         dito sa lupa para nang sa Langit. 11 Bigyan mo kami ngayon ng aming kakanin sa araw-araw, 12 patawarin mo ang aming mga pagkakautang          gaya ng pagpapatawad namin sa mga nagkakautang sa amin. 

13 Huwag mo kaming dalhin sa tukso, at iligtas mo kami sa Masama. 14 Kung patatawarin ninyo ang mga nag­kasala sa inyo, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa Langit. 15 At kung hindi ninyo patatawarin ang mga nag­ka­sala sa inyo, hindi rin kayo patatawarin ng inyong Ama. 

1Reflection for June 16 Wednesday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your alms giving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

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Reflection:

What motivates us to do good? For example in giving to the poor, what motivates us to help them? In giving to the poor Jesus has a major requirement that we should follow. Do it in secret without anyone knowing about it.  

Why in secret? This is for the reason that secrecy and humility is the language of Jesus secrecy is also a close relative of humility which Jesus embodies to the hilt. 

The teaching of Jesus on alms giving is totally opposed to the teachings of this world which unfortunately many of us follow. This world teaches us to publicize and to broadcast whatever good that we do. It teaches us to post in facebook and other platforms in the internet our acts of kindness. So that those who know us may see it and consequently they will have a good impression about us. 

Why publicise? Perhaps this is brought about by our hunger for recognition. And there’s no wrong about it for we simply want to be recognized.  But Jesus is challenging us not to go  after recognition and to not publicize what we do. Jesus is challenging us to silently fade away after we have done good to anyone. 

Can you measure up to this challenge of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 16, Miyerkules sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

1 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad  pag-ingatang huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang in­yong mabubuting gawa. Kung ganito ang ga­gawin ninyo, wala na kayong gantimpala sa inyong Amang nasa langit. 2 Kaya pag nagbibigay ka ng limos, huwag pahipan ang trumpeta sa unahan gaya ng gina­gawa ng mga mapagkunwari sa sinagoga at sa mga daan; gusto nilang mapuri ng mga tao. Sinisiguro ko sa inyo na nagan­timpala­an na sila nang husto.  

3 Kaya kung ikaw naman ang magbi­bigay ng limos, huwag ipaalam sa iyong kaliwang kamay ang ginagawa ng iyong kanang kamay; 4 at mananatiling lihim ang iyong pagli­limos at ang iyong Amang nakakakita sa mga lihim ang siyang ga­gantimpala sa iyo.  

5 Kung mananalangin kayo, huwag nin­yong tularan ang mga mapagkunwari. Gustung-gusto nilang tumayo sa mga sinagoga o sa mga daan para manala­ngin nang nakikita ng marami. Sinisi­guro ko sa inyo na nagantimpa­laan na sila nang husto. 6 At kung ikaw naman ang mana­nalangin, pumasok sa iyong silid, isara ang pinto at mana­langin sa iyong Ama na kasama mo nang lihim; at ang iyong Ama na naka­kakita sa ipinag­lilihim ang gagantimpala sa iyo.  

• 16 Pag mag-aayuno kayo, huwag magpakita ng lungkot sa mukha gaya ng mga mapagkunwari. Nagpapakita sila ng lungkot sa mukha para makita ng tao na nag-aayuno sila. Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo na nagantimpalaan na sila nang husto. 17 Kung ikaw naman ang mag-aayuno, maghilamos at ayusin ang sarili 18 sapagkat hindi ka nag-aayuno para pakitang-tao lamang kun­di para sa iyong Amang naka­kakita sa lahat. At gagantimpalaan ka ng iyong Amang nakakakita sa lahat ng lihim.

Reflection for June 15 Tuesday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

(Jesus said to his disciples) 43 "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Reflection:

Would you love your enemy? 

One of the most difficult actions to do is to love your enemy or to love those who’ve hurt you and those who continue to do no good to you. For example how can you love your unfaithful spouse? How can you love someone whose been making life so difficult for you? 

Indeed, these kinds of people are very hard to love much less forgive. But on the other hand if God can love and forgive us no matter our sins who are we not to love and forgive? And who are we to focus on hatred instead of love?

Why don’t we try loving those who are hurting us, why don’t we try to eliminate whatever hatred in our hearts? What would remain if we eliminate hatred? Only love would remain. Loving and forgiving the person who've hurt you doesn't mean that you would allow yourself to be taken for a ride again. It only means that you let the love of God reign in your heart.  

The moment we love those who hurt us, the moment we forgive and the moment we eliminate hatred in our hearts. We become free from the bondage of the Devil and we free ourselves from any form of negative, evil and hurtful emotions.  

Jesus loves us all whoever we are and whatever sins we have committed. This infinite love of Jesus is always there for us.  However, there is the kingdom of the devil where those who do no good and those who continue to refuse the love of Jesus are destined to dwell. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 15, Martes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 5:43-48

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:43-48

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 43 Narinig na ninyo na sinabi: Ma­ha­lin mo ang iyong kapwa at kamuhian ang iyong kaaway. 44 Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: Mahalin ninyo ang inyong ka­away, at ipagdasal ang mga umuusig sa inyo. 45 Sa ganito kayo magi­ging mga anak ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Sa­pagkat pinasisikat niya ang araw sa kap­wa ma­sama at mabuti, at pinapapatak niya ang ulan sa kapwa makatarungan at di-maka­tarungan.

 

46 Kung mahal ninyo ang nagma­mahal sa inyo, bakit kayo gagantim­palaan? Di ba’t ginagawa rin ito ng mga kolektor ng buwis? 47 At kung ang mga kapatid ninyo lamang ang inyong bina­bati, ano ang na­iiba rito? Di ba’t gina­gawa rin ito ng mga pagano? 

48 Kaya maging ganap kayo gaya ng pagiging ganap ng inyong Amang nasa langit.

Reflection for June 14 Monday the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to him as well.  

If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."

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Reflection:

What would we gain if we exact revenge to those who’ve aggrieved and injured us? Nothing except further enmity and injury then at the end there will be no winners only losers. 

Take for example conflicts in married life, if a wife would take revenge for the injury that was caused her by her husband say for example infidelity. The marriage covenant would fall-apart and both parties including their children would end up as losers. With this new command to His disciples Jesus supersedes the law of retaliation and Judgment written in the Old Testament (Leviticus and Deuteronomy). 

In the gospel Jesus gives us valuable lessons on humility that can help us build bridges instead of walls. This command of Jesus will also help us avoid conflicts and misunderstanding.   Can we live these teachings of Jesus? If we abhor hostility, if we are humble and if we truly love Jesus we would be able to live these teachings.  

Mohandas Gandhi an Indian icon of non-violent political resistance had said: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” This simply means that nobody wins with revenge, in the arena of life the more that we itch for revenge the more that we destroy ourselves.  

Instead of exacting revenge why not put on the armor of Humility, why not learn to pray for those who’ve stepped on our dignity. This is very hard to follow but we must follow because this is what Jesus is teaching us.  

If we would retaliate to an injury done to us we would only end up destroying ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 14, Lunes sa Ika-11 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 5:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:38-42

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang nga alagad, • 38 Narinig na ninyo na sinabi: Mata sa mata at ngipin sa ngipin. 39 Ngunit sina­sabi ko sa inyo: Huwag ninyong laba­nan ng masama ang masama. Kung sam­palin ka sa kanang pisngi, ibaling ang mukha at iharap ang kabilang pisngi.  

40 Kung may magdemanda sa iyo para kunin ang iyong sando, ibigay mo pati ang iyong kami­seta. 41Kung may pumilit sa iyong suma­ma sa kanya nang  isang  kilometro,  dala­wang kilometro ang la­ka­rin mong kasama niya. 42 Bigyan ang nanghi­hingi at huwag talikuran ang may hinihiram sa iyo. 

1Reflection for Sunday June 13, Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who would habitually share inspirational and wisdom filled bible verses to his friends. He uses every means available to share it such as through facebook and other social media platforms. Regardless if he would get a reply of appreciation or not he would always send it to them. 

One day, she met by chance one of those friends who regularly read her inspirational bible verses. Her friend told her this: “Thank you for the daily inspirational bible verses that you’ve been tirelessly sending me, you’ve been planting the seeds of God’s kingdom in my heart. It gives me hope and it strengthens my faith in Jesus.” 

In today’s gospel Jesus made use of two comparisons to describe the kingdom of God: the man who scattered seed and the mustard seed that became a great tree. Both seeds grew fruitfully and became useful, the scattered seed grew and was usefully harvested. The small mustard seed that was sown became big and had large branches where birds dwelt in its shade.  

Let us think about and ask ourselves if we have planted seeds of faith, goodness and humility in the hearts of our fellowmen. Let us think about and ask ourselves if we have planted the seed of Jesus in their hearts. So that it may also grow within them and become as big as the mustard seed where others could benefit from it.  

Let us also think and reflect if we have already sown/scattered the seeds of forgiveness, mercy and love in the hearts of our fellowmen. So that it could grow and multiply in their hearts too so that they too could also sow the seeds of forgiveness, mercy and love to those around them.  

We might have not have sown anything yet that will grow and bear much fruit in their hearts. Lest we forget that one of our foremost Baptismal mission as Christians is to scatter and plant the seeds of Jesus and our faith by sharing and living it.  

Have you already done something to sow the seeds of Jesus words and teachings in the hearts of your fellowmen? – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 13 Ika – 11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:26-34

 

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

• 26 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao: “Maihahambing ang kaharian ng Diyos sa paghahasik ng isang tao ng buto sa lupa. 27 Tulog man siya o gising, sa gabi o araw, sumisibol ang binhi at lumalago nang hindi niya namama­layan. 28 Nagbu­bu­nga ang lupa sa ganang sarili nito: una’y ang usbong, saka ang uhay at ang butil na humihitik sa uhay. 29 At kapag nagbunga na ito, agad siyang mag­papadala ng karit sapagkat suma­pit na ang anihan.”

• 30 At sinabi niya: “Sa ano natin ma­iku­kumpara ang kaharian ng Diyos? Sa anong talinhaga natin ito mai­pakikilala? 31 Natutulad ito sa paghahasik ng buto ng mustasa na pinakamaliit sa mga binhing inihahasik sa lupa. 32 Ngunit pag­­ka­hasik nito, tumataas ito at lumalaki na higit pa sa lahat ng gulay at nag­sa­sanga nang malaki hanggang sumilong sa kanyang lilim ang mga ibon ng langit.”

33 Itinuro niya sa kanila ang lahat ng ito sa pamamagitan ng mga talinhagang gaya nito ayon sa kakayahan ng kani­lang isipan. 34 Hindi siya nag­turo sa ka­nila nang hindi guma­gamit ng mga ta­linhaga. Ngunit nilinaw niya ang lahat sa kanyang mga alagad nang sila-sila na lamang. 

Reflection for June 12 Saturday The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary (M): Luke 2:41-51

Gospel: Luke 2:41-51

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 

Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 

When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

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Reflection:

The story is told about an octogenarian mother who was confined by her children to a home care facility. After two years of confinement to the home care facility she died. When what was left of her belongings were turned over to her children. They found a daily journal that she wrote; it all contained her longing and prayers for her children and grandchildren.   

When Jesus went missing the most affected was the Blessed Mother. The anguish of Mary is very prominent in the gospel. Why is this so? This is for the reason that our mothers carried us in their wombs for nine months. They were already feeding us, taking care of us and loving us even while we were still in their wombs. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary took care of Jesus from His conception, birth and until death. There is that unbreakable bond that exists between the Blessed Mother and her son Jesus. In the immaculate heart of Mary resides the infinite love that only a mother can give to her son.  

Like the feelings of the Blessed Mother, this is also the thoughts of all mothers they always keep close in their hearts their children. They always pray for them and they always have this longing for them. Sometimes we don't see this externally expressed. But if we could only see what is in their hearts it’s always love, care and longing for their children. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 12, Sabado Kalinis-linisang Puso ni Maria (Paggunita) : Lucas 2:41-51

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:41-51

41 Pumupunta taun-taon sa Jeru­sa­lem ang mga magulang ni Jesus para sa Piyesta ng Paskuwa. 42 Kayat nang maglabindalawang taon na siya, umahon sila tulad ng nakaugalian para sa pagdiri­wang. 43 Subalit nang umuwi na sila pagkatapos ng mga araw ng piyesta, naiwan sa Jeru­salem ang ba­tang si Jesus nang hindi na­mamalayan ng kanyang mga magulang.  

44 Sa pag-aakalang kasama siya ng iba pang mga kasamahan, maghapon si­lang nakipaglakbay at noon nila hina­nap ang bata sa mga kamag-anakan nila’t mga kakilala. 45 Nang hindi nila siya ma­tag­puan, bumalik sila sa Jeru­salem sa pag­hahanap sa kanya. 46 At sa ikatlong araw, natag­puan nila siya sa Templo, naka­upong kasama ng mga guro at naki­kinig at nagtatanong sa kanila. 47 At na­mangha sa kanyang ta­lino at mga sagot ang mga nakarinig sa kanya.  

48 Nagulat ang kanyang mga magulang pagkakita sa kanya, at sinabi sa kanya ng kanyang ina: “Anak, bakit mo naman ito ginawa sa amin? Nag­dusa nga ang iyong ama at ako habang hinahanap ka namin.” 49 Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila: “At bakit ninyo ako hinahanap? Hindi ba ninyo alam na dapat ay nasa bahay ako ng aking Ama?” 50 Pero hindi nila naintindihan ang sinabi niya sa kanila.  

51 Kaya bumaba siyang kasama nila pa-Nazaret, at patuloy siya sa pagiging masunurin sa kanila. Iningatan naman ng kanyang ina ang lahat ng ito sa kanyang puso.

Reflection for June 11 Friday Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: John 19:31-37

Gospel: John 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down.  

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.  

An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a young man who said to his beloved, “I will love you until the last gasp of my breath.” The beloved woman was so smitten by his sweet words so she said yes. After a few months the young man left the woman he swore to love for a new beloved. This is who many of us are when we love.  

Many of us love without sacrifice but love without sacrifice is not love it’s simply a vapor that immediately evaporates when confronted by the heat of the sun.    We love for as long as we can get something from the person that we swore to love. And then when we cannot get anything anymore it’s time to move on and find a new one. Hard to believe but this kind of fickle love is true and this is happening. 

But how does Jesus love? He loves until eternity; He loves us no matter our sinfulness and He loves us even if we don’t love Him back. This is the love of Jesus for us, so infinite, so   sacrificial and so profound that we cannot fathom it. This love of Jesus emanates from His Sacred Heart.  

Today is the Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, this represents not only the heart of Jesus. This Solemnity is also a showcase of His infinite love for all of us because the heart is a universal symbol of love. We see this great love of Jesus for us in the gospel. He hangs on the cross brutally beaten and lifeless all for His great love for all of us.  

Notwithstanding all the sufferings that He has to endure whenever we sin. Jesus is still full of love and forgiveness for all of us. His love is the kind of love that immediately forgives and a kind of love that does not count the cost of loving.   

How are we going to respond to this infinite love of the Lord? We respond by permanently walking away from sin and by radiating the infinite love of the Lord towards our fellowmen.  Would you permanently walk away from sin and would you radiate the infinite love of Jesus towards your fellowmen? – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 11, Biyernes Kamahal-mahalang Puso ni Jesus (Dakilang Kapistahan): Juan 19:31-37

Mabuting Balita: Juan 19:31-37

Noo'y araw ng Paghahanda, at ayaw ng mga Judio na manatili sa krus ang bangkay sa Araw ng Pamamahinga sapagkat dakila ang Araw ng Pamamahingang ito. Kaya't hiniling nila kay Pilato na ipabali nito ang mga binti ng mga ipinako sa krus, at alisin doon ang mga bangkay. 

Naparoon nga ang mga kawal at binali ang mga binti ng dalawang ipinakong kasabay ni Jesus.Ngunit pagdating nila kay Jesus at makitang patay na siya, hindi na nila binali ang kanyang binti. Subalit inulos ng sibat ng isa sa mga kawal ang tagiliran ni Jesus, at biglang dumaloy ang dugo at tubig. 

Ang nakakita nito ang nagpapatotoo -- tunay ang kanyang patotoo at alam niyang katotohanan ang sinabi niya -- upang kayo'y maniwala. Nangyari ang mga ito upang matupad ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan, "Walang mababali isa man sa kanyang mga buto." At sinabi naman ng ibang bahagi ng Kasulatan, "Pagmamasdan nila ang kanilang inulos."