Reflection for August 30, Tuesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:31-37

Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “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, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

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Reflection:

Do you recognize the authority of Jesus over you? 

When Jesus speaks He speaks with authority and being so we have to listen to Him. For example, His teachings about love, forgiveness and humility. Do we love and forgive the way Jesus loves and forgives? Do we live the virtue of humility? For example if there’s misunderstanding in the family, are we humble enough to extend our hand of forgiveness even if we are not the culprit?  

In our gospel even the demon recognized the power and authority of Jesus. If the demon listens to Jesus we must listen to Jesus as well. However, many of us don’t listen because we prefer to listen to our own ego-driven selves.  

The aspect of forgiveness, sin and humility is where we are usually weak. We usually find it hard to forgive, to avoid sin and we find it very hard to humble ourselves. Why? Because we override the teaching of Jesus with our ego-driven selves.  

We must listen to Jesus if we want peace and quiet in our lives. Otherwise there would always be an absence of peace within us and absence of harmony within our own homes. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Wisdom from Mother Teresa also known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Part - 2

 

Reflection for Monday August 29, the Passion of Saint John the Baptist (M): Mark 6:17-29

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. 

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.  

Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you. He even swore many things to her “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.  

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was deeply distressed but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.  

He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

Where does John the Baptist’s courage comes from? John’s courage emanates from God, he draws strength from God. It’s God who fuels John’s motivation to denounce the adulterous relationship of Herod and Herodias. Faced with a very powerful man, John never thought of backing down. He stood his ground and simply followed the dictate of the Holy Spirit.  

When faced with the same dilemma would we be able to stand our ground and look straight in the eye those who are corrupt and immoral? Or those who are straying from the right path? For example, if you sense that your spouse is having an adulterous relationship, would you pretend to see nothing and hear nothing? Of course not! You have to denounce it no matter what happens. 

Many martyrs and saints of the church took the difficult path of John and like John they paid dearly for it. This is how it is when we are true to our discipleship with Jesus. We have to be ready to sacrifice a big part of our life or even our very life so that evil will not triumph over good.  

To do nothing, to pretend to hear and see nothing in spite of the obvious stench of immorality and other wrongdoings is consenting to evil. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Words of Wisdom - 1

 

Wisdom from the Bible - 2

 

Karunungan mula sa Biblia - 2

 

Reflection for Sunday August 28, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1, 7-14

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. 

A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

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Reflection:

Do you always love to be at the forefront so that others would notice you? Do you hunger for honor, attention and accolades? Or you’re the type who prefers to do things quietly without any desire to be noticed with what you’re doing? 

In our gospel, Jesus talks about our need to always be humble and not to love the spotlight. However, it’s so tempting for many of us to love to be exalted, to love praise and honor.

 But come to think of it, when we love the spotlight; when we love honorific titles and ego-booster accolades. We are actually giving more importance to this world more than we give importance to God. We love to become creatures of this world than love to become sons and daughters of God.

But why is it that many of us crave for prominence, for honor and self-exaltation? As time passes by, prominence, honor and anything that is self-serving will be forgotten. Thus, anything that we do for the love of ourselves, for our own exaltation will not be remembered with affection.

But our acts of humility, simplicity and goodness? It will outlive us; it will permanently be carved in the heart of God and in the hearts of those who know us. Therefore, we have to be humble,  simple and Godly at all times. We have to permanently delete from our mindset the selfish desire to be known and prominent. Because God favors the humble and he always showers unfathomable blessings upon them.

Do you love to be honored, to be noticed and to be prominent?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Agosto 28, Ika - 22 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon : Lucas 14:1, 7-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:1, 7-14

Isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay inanyayahang kumain sa bahay ng isang pinuno ng mga Pariseo; at binabantayan nilang mabuti ang kanyang mga kilos. Napansin ni Hesus na ang pinipili ng mga inanyayahan ay ang mga upuang nakalaan sa mga piling panauhin.

Kaya’t sinabi niya ang talinghagang ito: “Kapag inanyayahan ka ninuman sa isang kasalan, huwag mong pipiliin ang tanging upuan. Baka may inanyayahang lalong tanyag kaysa iyo. At lalapit ang nag-anyaya sa inyong dalawa at sasabihin sa iyo, ‘Maaari bang ibigay ninyo ang upuang iyan sa taong ito?’ 

Sa gayo’y mapapahiya ka at doon malalagay sa pinakaabang upuan. Ang mabuti, kapag naanyayahan ka, doon ka maupo sa pinakaabang upuan, sapagkat paglapit ng nag-anyaya sa iyo ay kanyang sasabihin, ‘Kaibigan, dini ka sa kabisera.’

Sa gayun, nabigyan ka ng malaking karangalan sa harapan ng mga panauhin. Sapagkat ang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas.”

Sinabi naman ni Hesus sa nag-anyaya sa kanya: “Kapag naghahanda ka, huwag ang mga kaibigan mo, mga kapatid, mga kamag-anak o mayayamang kapitbahay ang aanyayahan mo, sapagkat aanyayahan ka rin nila, at sa gayo’y nagantihan ka.

Kaya kung ikaw ay maghahanda ng isang malaking salu-salo, ang mga pulubi, mga pingkaw, mga pilay, at mga bulag ang anyayahan mo. Hindi sila makagaganti sa iyo at sa gayo’y magiging mapalad ka. Gagantihan ka ng Diyos sa muling pagkabuhay ng mga banal.”

Reflection for Saturday August 27, Memorial of Saint Monica: Matthew 25:14-30

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. 

But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’  

Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.  

Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”

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Reflection:

A talented inventor died a few years ago; he was praised by the world for his contribution to the advancement of cutting edge smart phone technology. He used his talent to the fullest extent until he died to feed the technology cravings of this world.  

We all have talent/s that God has given us. However, we oftentimes selfishly use this talent to advance our own agendas such as to increase our wealth and status in life. There is nothing wrong with this kind of usage of our talents for we are humans. As such our tendency is to grow and nurture this talent/s to feed our human needs.  

But Jesus gives us another idea on how to use the talent/s that He gave us by way of the parable of the talents in our gospel. He tells a parable of a master who went on a journey but before proceeding he called his three servants and he entrusted them his wealth. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one after which he proceeded to his journey.  

After a period of time the master came home and he called the three servants so that he could be updated on what they’ve done with the talent/s that he entrusted them. We all know what happened; the first two were very enterprising for they were able to multiply the talents entrusted to them.   

But the servant who was entrusted with one talent was not as enterprising as the two. Out of fear for his master he instead buried the one talent that was entrusted to him. Naturally the master was furious with this unproductive servant and we know already what happened to this unproductive servant. 

Let us not only use our talents for this world alone.  It’s about time that we use our time, talents and treasures to plant the seeds of the kingdom of God in this world. Let us not worry even if we won’t be getting any worldly reward in return for God will take care of our reward someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for August 26, Friday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:1-13

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.  

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  

But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

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Reflection:

Is there a magic word for a successful marriage? Yes, there is and the magic word is preparation. When a couple decides to marry they have to ensure that they plunge into the marriage covenant prepared. 

They have to be prepared spiritually by putting God at the center of their lives. They have to be prepared for the emotional and financial stress that they will be going through. They have to be prepared to swallow their own prides/egos. If there are no preparations their marriage would simply break apart sooner or later. 

In the gospel the five foolish virgins went unprepared to meet the bridegroom. They have no knowledge of the time of the bridegroom’s arrival yet they did not bring extra oil for their lamps. Hence, the five who were unprepared went out for a while to buy oil. But upon coming back nobody was present anymore. Because the bridegroom had arrived already and  everybody were in the wedding feast. Despite knocking on the door and begging to be allowed entry the door was not opened for them.  

Preparation is important in any event of life. For example, a student who prepares for an examination would be able to pass. A soldier who carefully  prepares his battle plan will be able to fight properly.  

A Priest who prepares for his homily will be able to touch and change hearts and minds.  And a person who only has a few months to live and who prepares for his death will be able to die without excess baggage in his heart.  

Should you also prepare as early as now for your ascent to heaven someday? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for August 25, Thursday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 24:42-51

Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51

Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.  

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who decided to permanently stay in her newly built house. In her two years stay in the said house she had it blessed three times already. And her reason was she always had a feeling that something eerie is going to happen to her in that house. When she was asked if she always has time for God she said that she doesn’t have.  

What does it mean to stay awake? It means to always be ready for whatever that may come into our life. We have to be reminded that life is so full of surprises that we cannot predict what may happen to us in the next seconds and minutes.  

Earthly preparation is always prudent but nothing beats being prepared spiritually. For spiritual preparation is the best preparation that we could ever do. Whatever that may come to us we would be able to handle if we are spiritually prepared or the simple reason that we are connected with God and who could bring us down if we have God? Nobody!  

Let us therefore always be prepared by having a special bond with Jesus. We can begin by reading about His life in the bible. And my making ourselves available for Holy Mass most especially during Sundays.     

Are you always prepared? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Agosto 25, Huwebes ng ika-21 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 24:42-51

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 24:42-51

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Kaya magbantay kayo, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam kung anong araw paririto ang inyong Panginoon. Tandaan ninyo ito: kung alam lamang ng puno ng sambahayan kung anong oras ng gabi darating ang magnanakaw, siya'y magbabantay at hindi niya pababayaang pasukin ang kanyang bahay. Kaya maging handa kayong lagi, sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao sa oras na di ninyo inaasahan."  

"Ang tapat at matalinong alipin ang siyang pinapamahala ng kanyang panginoon sa ibang mga alipin, upang bigyan sila ng kanilang pagkain sa karampatang panahon. Mapalad ang aliping iyon, kapag dinatnan siyang gumagawa ng gayon sa pagbabalik ng kanyang panginoon! Sinasabi ko sa inyo: pamamahalain siya ng panginoon sa lahat ng kanyang ari-arian. 

Ngunit kung masama ang aliping iyon, sasabihin niya sa sarili, 'Matatagalan pa bago magbalik ang aking panginoon, at sisimulang bugbugin ang kanyang mga kapwa alipin, at makipagkainan at makipag-inuman sa mga lasenggo. Babalik ang panginoon ng aliping iyon sa araw na hindi niya inaasahan at sa oras na hindi niya alam. Buong higpit na parurusahan siya ng panginoon, at isasama sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Doo'y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.

Reflection for Wednesday August 24, Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle: John 1:45-51

Gospel: John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”  

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”  

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

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Reflection:

Have you shared your faith and friendship with Jesus?  

If yes, well and good continue sharing Jesus and continue reforming and saving lives through Jesus. You may not see worldly rewards with what you do for Jesus now. But you surely will receive a reward from Jesus that is beyond your comprehension someday.     

Time and again we've heard personal testimonies about how Jesus restored back their wayward lives. From a pointless life to a life of purpose and meaning all because of Jesus. From a life of sin to a life free from any form of sin and the like.  

In our gospel, Philip was on fire for Jesus, he wanted to share the miracle of Jesus to his friend Nathanael. That is why Philip said to Nathanael: “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth (John 1:45).”  

Our faith, love and friendship with Jesus becomes more alive, meaningful and productive when we share it. For example, we become a beacon of light for Jesus once we share our personal relationship with HIM. By doing so we save wayward lives, thus we once again create meaning and purpose in a person’s life.  

You may not have shared Jesus yet, be not afraid to share HIM now. You will bless others when you share Jesus and Jesus will surely bless you as well for doing so.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Mga salita na puno ng aral at karunungan - 1

 

Reflection for Tuesday August 23, St. Rose of Lima virgin, Secondary patroness of the Philippines (M): Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!  

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.”

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Reflection:

Why do you follow Jesus? Do you follow Him because you are obliged by your faith or you follow Him because of your deep love for Him? When you follow Jesus because you see it as your obligation; it will not create a deep transformation within you. You simply follow for the reason that it creates a positive self-image for you and it ends with the positive self-image: No interior cleansing and transformation.  

When we follow Jesus because we love Him, we allow the love of Jesus to deeply transform us. For example, if we follow Jesus because we love Him, we would be forgiving, we will not store hatred in our hearts. And we will abhor anything that is bad and evil because we want Jesus to transform us.  

Our discipleship with Jesus must always be rooted in our love for Him and not because this is dictated by our faith. For this is what true discipleship is all about, a discipleship that creates a very deep transformation within our beings.  

Let us therefore examine ourselves and reflect for we may be only following Jesus because we are obliged by our faith or even by our position in the church and community. If this is so, we are simply like the Pharisees and scribes in the gospel whom Jesus scolded for their hypocrisy.  

It’s about time that we should follow Jesus because we love. This would only commence when we forgive those who’ve hurt us. When we are willing to build bridges than walls and when we humble ourselves before those whom we've hurt by asking for their forgiveness. - Marino J. Dasmarinas        

Reflection for Monday August 22, The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (M): 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:

Pope Pius XII, by his encyclical letter Ad Coeli Reginam (To the Queen of Heaven) instituted on October 11, 1954 the Feast of the “Queenship of Mary”. 

How deep is your love for God or how profound is your love for God? Would you be willing to sacrifice something of yourself for God?  

When the Blessed Mother obeyed the will of God for her to be the mother of Jesus she sacrificed her own comfort happiness for the will of God. The Blessed Mother put aside her own safety and honor so that she could honor the will of God for her and so that she could help bring  salvation to all of humanity.     

When the Blessed Mother said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). There was already profound happiness in her heart for she knew that she would be doing something not for herself but for God and humanity.  

Everyday God is challenging us to always be like Mary who embraced her role in the salvation history of humanity. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday August 21, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:22-30

 

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.

Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

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Reflection:

Mike and Joseph were best friends, Mike was from a poor family while Joseph was from a rich family. Being rich Joseph had everything that he could ask for and because of it he grew up a spoiled man thus he wasn’t able to finish his studies.  On the other hand Mike the financially disadvantaged boy had to become a working student so that he could finish his college studies.

Ten years had elapsed; there was now a reversal of roles. Mike was already a very successful man brought about by his hard work and determination. While Joseph the former rich and spoiled man became poor and miserable.

The first and ending statement of Jesus in our gospel is so meaningful, HE tells us: Strive to enter through the narrow gate and some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Who are these people who will strive to enter the narrow gate and these last who will become first? These are people who embrace sacrifice and hard work. And the first who will be last are those who love the easy or worldly life. 

Our discipleship with Jesus in this world is never easy and always laden with trials and sacrifices. It may seem that we are going through a narrow gate. But this is the reality of faithfully walking with Christ in this world. In fact, Jesus himself said that anyone who is truly willing to follow HIM must forget himself and be ready to carry his own cross (Matthew 16:24).

We have nothing to worry about if we continue to face a difficult life for the sake of Christ. And if our friends would scorn us because of our discipleship for Christ. So be it, this life is temporary anyway; someday we shall depart this world.  And by that time those who are last and those who are being scorned for their fidelity to the teachings of Jesus  in this world shall now become first in the kingdom of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Agosto 21, Ika - 21 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon : Lucas 13:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagpatuloy si Hesus sa kanyang paglalakbay. Siya’y nagtuturo sa bawat bayan at nayon na kanyang dinaraanan patungong Jerusalem. May isang nagtanong sa kanya, “Ginoo, kakaunti po ba ang maliligtas?” Sinabi niya, “Pagsikapan ninyong pumasok sa makipot na pintuan. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, marami ang magpipilit na pumasok ngunit hindi makapapasok.

“Kapag ang pinto’y isinara na ng puno ng sambahayan, magtitiis kayong nakatayo sa labas, at katok nang katok. Sasabihin ninyo, ‘Panginoon, papasukin po ninyo kami.’ Sasagutin niya kayo, ‘Hindi ko alam kung tagasaan kayo!’ At sasabihin ninyo, ‘Kumain po kami at uminom na kasalo ninyo, at nagturo pa kayo sa mga lansangan namin.’ Sasabihin naman ng Panginoon, ‘Hindi ko alam kung tagasaan kayo!

 Lumayo kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na nagsisigawa ng masama!’ Tatangis kayo at magngangalit ang inyong ngipin kapag nakita ninyong nasa kaharian ng Diyos sina Abraham, Isaac at Jacob, at ang lahat ng propeta, at kayo nama’y ipinagtabuyan sa labas! At darating ang mga tao buhat sa silangan at kanluran, sa hilaga at timog, at dudulog sa hapag sa kaharian ng Diyos. Tunay ngang may nahuhuling mauuna, at may nauunang mahuhuli.”

Reflection for Saturday August 20 Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 23:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 

All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

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Reflection:

Do you lead by example? 

The principle of leadership by example is one wherein the leader set the standards to be followed and he himself leads the way in following the said standards. In the same manner parents should set the benchmark in their homes as they live to the hilt this benchmark for their children to emulate.   

On the other hand bad or lousy leaders would tell their people to do this and that but they will not do what they command. They preach the standards but they do not practice what they preach. Same as with irresponsible parents; they would tell their children to observe this and that discipline but the irony is they themselves do not do what they tell their children.  

The Pharisees and scribes during the time of Jesus were the religious leaders and they were supposed to lead by example. But they did not; they were only good on giving commands/orders but when it comes to living it they were badly deficient.  

Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why the common people of that time started to gravitate towards Jesus. Because they saw in Jesus someone who leads by example someone who empathized with them. Someone who is approachable and humble, someone who ate and mingled with them; in other words Jesus lived what He preached.  

What is the lesson of our gospel for us?  We must always be true with our words and actions. We must not be like the Pharisees and scribes in our gospel: For they were only good at preaching but very deficient in practicing and living what they preach.   

We must always be like Jesus; for He lived what He preached in other words Jesus is always true to His words and actions. Jesus leads by example and He walked His talk. 

Do you always live what you preach and are you always true to your words? – Marino J. Dasmarinas        

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Sabado Agosto 20, San Bernardo, abad at pantas ng Iglesya (Paggunita): Mateo 23:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao at sa kanyang mga alagad, "Ang mga eskriba at ang mga Pariseo ang kinikilalang tagapagpaliwanag ng Kautusan ni Moises. Kaya't gawin ninyo ang itinuturo nila at sundin ang kanilang iniuutos. Ngunit huwag ninyong tularan ang kanilang gawa, sapagkat hindi nila isinasagawa ang kanilang ipinangangaral.  

Nagbibigkis sila ng mabibigat na dalahin at ipinapasan sa mga tao; ngunit ni daliri ay ayaw nilang igalaw upang tumulong sa pagdadala ng mga iyon. Pawang pakitang-tao ang kanilang mga gawa, Nilalaparan nila ang kanilang mga pilakterya at hinahabaan ang palawit sa laylayan ng kanilang mga damit. Ang ibig nila'y ang mga upuang pandangal sa mga piging at ang mga tanging luklukan sa mga sinagoga. Ang ibig nila'y pagpugayan sila sa mga liwasang bayan, at tawaging guro.  

Ngunit kayo-- huwag kayong patawag na guro, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Guro, at kayong lahat ay magkakapatid. At huwag ninyong tawaging ama ang sinumang tao sa lupa, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Ama, ang Amang nasa langit. Huwag kayong patawag na tagapagturo, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Tagapagturo, ang Mesias. Ang pinakadakila sa inyo ay dapat maging lingkod ninyo. Ang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas."