Reflection for February 9, Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:24-30

Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

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Reflection:

Are you persistent when you pray before The Lord? 

A Greek woman went to Jesus to ask Him to drive out a demon from her daughter. What is very significant here is the woman is an outsider, not a follower of Jesus not even a Jew. But with courage and faith she went to Jesus for help, her mind was focused on reaching out to Jesus. 

When she finally was able to reach Jesus, she told Him about her sick daughter. Jesus was reluctant at first to help. But she persisted and she humbled herself before Jesus after which her daughter was healed. 

We all have our own problems that we carry in our hearts and we surely have brought these problems to Jesus. Let us not lose heart if we have not yet received a response from Jesus. Let us continue to persist, continue to humble ourselves before Him and untiringly beseech His guidance and help. 

The woman never gave up until she got what she wanted from Jesus. So we too must never give up we must continue to badger Jesus with our humble and persistent prayers. Often times we don’t get what we want from Jesus because we easily give up. Same as with our ambitions in life; we don’t get what we want because we give up. 

What if we don’t give up? What if we continue to persist and humbly ask the Good Lord to grant us our prayer/s? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 9, Huwebes ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:24-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagtungo si Hesus sa lupain ng Tiro at tumuloy sa isang bahay doon. Ayaw sana niyang malaman ninuman na naroon siya, subalit hindi gayon ang nangyari. Ang pagdating niya'y nabalitaan ng isang inang may maliit na anak na babaing inaalihan ng masamang espiritu. Pumunta siya kay Jesus at nagpatirapa sa kanyang harapan.                       

Ang babaing ito'y Hentil -- tubo sa Sirofenicia. Ipinamanhik niya kay Hesus na palayasin ang demonyo na nasa kanyang anak; ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, "Kailangang busugin muna ang mga anak. Hindi dapat kunin ang pagkain ng mga anak upang ihagis sa mga tuta." 

"Tunay nga po, Panginoon," tugon ng babae, "ngunit ang mga tuta mang nasa ilalim ng hapag ay naninimot ng mga mumong nalalaglag ng mga anak." Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Dahil sa sinabi mo, maaari ka nang umuwi. Iniwan na ng demonyo ang iyong anak." Umuwi ang babae, at naratnan niya sa higaan ang bata. Iniwan na nga ng demonyo.

Reflection for February 8, Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:14-23

Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” 

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

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Reflection:

Do we discern the voice of the Lord when it speaks to us? 

When Jesus said, “Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” The disciples were asking Him about the meaning of His statement. As if they were saying, Come again Lord, we do not understand what you’ve said. And perhaps in exasperation Jesus said, “Are even you likewise without understanding? 

In our walk with the Lord there would be times that we will not understand also the things that are happening in our lives. For example, we might ask the Lord, Why is this happening to me Lord? I don’t get your message; I don’t understand the reason of this event/s in my life. 

Why is it that we don’t understand? Because we don’t listen carefully to Him or we may listen but our attention is focused on something else. If only we would learn to carefully listen to the Lord and if only we would try to live to the fullest His teaching. 

But how are we going to listen to the Lord? We have to consistently go to Holy Mass. We also have to consistently read the bible which more often than not is not being read. We also have to be humble for the reason that humility is the key for us to discern the voice of the Lord.     

Then, we would know and we would understand that everything that happens in our life is for a good reason. We would discern that Jesus has a purpose why we are going through this and that trial. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 8, Miyerkules ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:14-23

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:14-23

Noong panahong iyon, muling pinalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila, "Makinig kayong lahat, at unawain ang aking sasabihin! Hindi ang pumapasok sa bibig ng tao ang nakapagpaparumi sa kanya sa mata ng Diyos kundi ang nagmumula sa kanya. Ang may pandinig ay makinig." 

Iniwan ni Jesus ang mga tao; at nang makapasok na sa bahay, siya'y tinanong ng kanyang mga alagad tungkol sa talinghaga. "Kayo man ba'y wala ring pang-unawa?" tugon ni Hesus. "Hindi ba ninyo alam na hindi nakapagpaparumi sa tao ang kinakain niya, sapagkat hindi naman iyon pumapasok sa kanyang puso, kundi sa tiyan, at pagkatapos ay idinudumi." Sa pagsasabi nito'y para nang ipinahayag ni Hesus na maaaring kanin ang lahat ng pagkain. 

Nagpatuloy siya sa pagsasalita: "Ang lumalabas mula sa tao ang nagpaparumi sa kanya sa mata ng Diyos. Sapagkat sa loob-- sa puso ng tao-- nagmumula ang masasamang isipang nag-uudyok sa kanya na makiapid, magnakaw, pumatay, mangalunya, mag-imbot, at gumawa ng lahat ng kabuktutan, tulad ng pagdaraya, kahalayan, pagkainggit, paninirang puri, kapalaluan, at kahangalan, Ang lahat ng ito'y nanggagaling sa puso ng tao, at siyang nagpaparumi sa kanya."

Si Jesus at ang kanyang Makapangyarihang mga Pananalita - 3

 

Jesus’ Powerful and Life-Changing Words - 3

 

Reflection for February 7, Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:1-13

Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders.  

And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! 

For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

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Reflection:

Are we fond of insisting on a rule which we do not actually follow? 

Jesus criticized the Pharisees and scribes hypocrisy because they were insisting on following the tradition of washing their hands before eating. But Jesus knew them very well, He knew that they were only good at pushing people to follow their traditions and manmade laws. But the irony of it all is they themselves were not following the laws that they had crafted. 

What made Jesus an extraordinary leader? He led by example there was no hypocrisy in His system, He practiced what He preached. Are we not like the Pharisees and scribes sometimes or even oftentimes? 

We are good at telling people to do this and that, but we are not doing what we want others to do. For example in a family setting, many parents create rules and regulations for their children to follow. But they themselves do not subscribe to the rules that they’ve created. 

Many of us are not being respected because we don’t stand for what we say or we don’t live what we preach. We say something today and then we violate what we’ve said. We must always be like Jesus who always put to living actions His words and teachings. 

Thus, we would earn the respect that we richly deserve.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 7, Martes ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-13

May mga Pariseo at ilang eskribang galing sa Jerusalem, na lumapit kay Jesus. Nakita nila na ang ilan sa mga alagad ni Jesus ay kumain ng hindi muna naghugas ng kamay sa paraang naaayon sa turong minana nila.  

Ang mga Judio, lalo na ang mga Pariseo, ay hindi kumakain hangga't hindi nakapaghuhugas ng kamay ayon sa mga turong minana nila sa kanilang mga ninuno. Hindi rin sila kumakain ng anumang galing sa palengke nang hindi muna ito hinuhugasan. At marami pang ibang minanang turo ang kanilang sinusunod, tulad ng tanging paraan ng paghuhugas ng mga inuman, ng mga saro, ng mga sisidlang tanso [at mga higaan]. 

Kaya't tinanong si Jesus ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba, "Bakit hindi sumusunod ang mga alagad mo sa mga turo ng ating mga ninuno? Kumain sila nang hindi man lamang naghugas ng kamay ayon sa paraang iniutos!" Sinagot sila ni Jesus, "Tama ang hula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyo, gaya ng kanyang isinulat: 'Paggalang na handog sa 'kin ng bayan ko'y paimbabaw lamang, Sapagkat sa bibig at hindi sa puso ito bumubukal. Pagpupuri't pagsambang ginagawa nila'y walang kabuluhan, Ang utos ng tao ay itinuturong utos ng Maykapal.'  

Niwawalang-kabuluhan nga ninyo ang utos ng Diyos, at ang sinusunod ninyo'y ang turo ng tao."Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Kay husay ng paraan ninyo sa pagpapawalang-bisa sa utos ng Diyos masunod lamng ninyo ang mga turong minana ninyo! Tulad nito: iniutos ni Moises, 'Igalang mo ang iyong ama't ina'; at, 'Ang magsalita ng masama sa kanyang ama o ina ay dapat mamatay.'  

Ngunit itinuturo ninyo, 'Kapag sinabi ng isang tao sa kanyang ama o ina; Ang anumang maitutulong ko sa inyo ay Corban' (alalaong baga'y inihahain ko ito sa Diyos)-- hindi na ninyo siya pinahihintulutang tumulong sa kanyang ama o ina. Sa ganitong paraa'y niwawalang-kabuluhan ninyo ang salita ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga turong minana ninyo. at marami pang bagay na tulad nito ang ginagawa Ninyo.

Reflection for Monday February 6, Memorial of Sts. Pedro Bautista, Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs: Mark 6:53-56

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.                  

They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

Why do we pray to Jesus? Perhaps we pray because we want something from the Lord and we want to offer all our cares and worries to Him. 

In our gospel, people went to Him upon learning that Jesus was within their environment. They brought along their sick and possibly all of the problems that they’ve been keeping in their hearts. They wanted healing for their body and soul and Jesus did not disappoint them. 

Whenever we go to Jesus and we ask Him for something let us always expect that He will grant us what we want from Him. Physical healing, emotional healing, and any other healings that we want Him to grant us. If we believe that Jesus has already healed us then we are healed already! We have nothing to worry anymore; it’s all in our state of mind. 

But how about those who pray to Jesus for physical healing but are not healed? Yes, there are countless instances that we pray yet we don’t receive physical healing. Physical healing is only a minute/tiny part of the healing process that we receive from Jesus. What we have to always recognize and be thankful for is the emotional and spiritual healing that He generously gives us without fail whenever we go to Him. 

If we are not healed physically we need not worry! The faith that we have in our heart is more than enough for us to pull us through whatever worries and sickness that we may have. Let us Simply believe and have faith because Jesus will take control of the rest. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Pebrero 6, San Pedro Bautista, San Pablo Miki at mga kasama, mga martir (Paggunita): Marcos 6:53-56

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:53-56

Noong panahong iyon, sina Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay tumawid ng lawa, at pagdating sa Genesaret ay isinadsad nila ang bangka. Paglunsad nila, nakilala agad sila ng mga tao. Kaya't nagmamadaling nilibot ng mga ito ang mga pook sa paligid; at ang mga may sakit, na nakaratay na sa higaan ay dinala nila kay Jesus, saanman nila mabalitaang naroon siya. 

At saanman siya dumating maging sa nayon, lunsod, o kabukiran ay dinadala sa liwasan ang mga may sakit at isinasamo sa kanya na pahipuin sila kahit man lang sa palawit ng kanyang kasuutan. At lahat ng makahipo nito ay gumagaling. 

Reflection for Sunday February 5, fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 

Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

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Reflection:

How can we become salt and light in this world? We must become the extension of Jesus in this world. As Jesus became salt and light to this world for everyone of us so we too must become salt and light for our fellowmen. 

But this is easier said than done, perhaps we might say; before I become salt and light to my fellowmen I should take care of myself first. This is the me first mentality and this is what this world dictates upon us, to be a person for ourselves first before being a person for others. 

The teachings of Jesus are always in contrast to the teachings of this world and these teachings about salt and light is no exception. We know that salt preserves and it defines the taste of food. We know that light illuminates a dark environment, it drives out evil and light gives hope to a seemingly hopeless situation.  

As Jesus challenged HIS disciples to become living salt and light to their world. So we too are challenged by Jesus to become living salt and light to our world today. How would we proceed from this challenge of Jesus? 

Let us forget ourselves by discarding the I, Me and Myself first mindset and let us start to live and teach Jesus’ teachings. For this is the only way that we could become living salt and light of this world. 

Can we measure up to this challenge? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Pebrero 5, Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:13-16

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:13-16

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Kayo’y asin sa sanlibutan. Kung mawalan ng alat ang asin, paano pang mapananauli ang alat nito? Wala na itong kabuluhan kaya’t itinatapon na lamang at niyayapakan ng mga tao.

“Kayo’y ilaw sa sanlibutan. Hindi maitatago ang isang lungsod na nakatayo sa ibabaw ng burol. Walang nagsisindi ng ilaw at naglalagay nito sa ilalim ng takalan. Sa halip ay inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang matanglawan ang lahat ng nasa bahay. Gayun din naman, dapat ninyong paliwanagin ang inyong ilaw sa harapan ng mga tao, upang makita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa, at luwalhatiin ang inyong Amang nasa Langit.”

Reflection for February 4, Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:30-34

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.  

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was so focused in his career that he aimed to be the best n his chosen field. To make a long story short the man eventually reached the pinnacle of his ambition. In the process of focusing on his career, he forgot about the importance of God in his life.  

After working so hard to spread the good news of Jesus, the apostles were invited by Jesus to go to a quiet and deserted place. Why in a quiet and deserted place? Why not in a place full of food and joyfulness? We all know the reason why in a quiet place, Jesus wanted them to be fully charged spiritually and be connected with God. 

This is what many of us seem to forget, we tend to forget to go to our own quiet place every day.  A quiet place where we can be alone with God. We talk in silence to God; we unburden to God all our worries and we let Him direct us not us directing ourselves. 

 We oftentimes allow ourselves to be eaten by the dog-eat-dog culture and the rat race mentality of this world. But where would this lead us? It will lead us to nowhere; to an environment where there is no more God. To an environment where work, busyness, and hedonism are already our God, and soon after we become sinful creatures of this world.  

The danger of this modern world that we are presently in right now is it’s slowly taking us away from God. It tries very hard to substitute God with work, high-tech gadgets, social media, and material things but this will never give us peace and contentment. Only GOD will give us peace and contentment, only through GOD that we could discover a deeper and more meaningful life. 

There’s more to life than what this world offers you. And you could only discover it if you would have a regular quiet time with God. Do you have your own quiet time with God every day? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Pebrero 4, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:30-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:30-34

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik kay Hesus ang mga apostol at iniulat ang lahat ng kanilang naisagawa at naituro. Napakaraming taong dumarating at umaalis, anupat hindi na makuhang kumain ni Hesus at ng kanyang mga alagad. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa mga ito, “Magtungo tayo sa isang ilang na pook upang malayo sa karamihan at makapagpahinga kayo nang kaunti.” Umalis silang lulan ng bangka, at nagpunta nga sa isang ilang na dako.  

Ngunit maraming nakakita sa kanilang pag-alis at nakilala sila. Kaya’t mula sa lahat ng bayan, ang mga tao’y patakbong tumungo sa dakong pupuntahan nina Hesus at nauna pang dumating doon kaysa kanila. Paglunsad ni Hesus, nakita niya ang napakaraming tao; nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang walang pastol. At sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay.

Reflection for February 3, Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:14-29

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets. But when Herod learned of it, he said, “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.” 

Herod was the one who had John 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. Herodias 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. His 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?” Her mother 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:

Do you have the courage to denounce a wrongdoing or to be more specific an act of adultery? 

John courageously denounced the adulterous affair of King Herod and Herodias that is why he was imprisoned by King Herod. Not only that, John was imprisoned and after a period of time  was beheaded upon the request of Herodias. John paid dearly for speaking against immorality and for speaking about the sanctity of marriage. 

Many marriages right now are breaking apart, many immoral and adulterous relationships are ongoing for the simple reason that nobody dares to speak against it! We must speak against any form of immorality and adultery, against any attempt to violate the sacred vows of marriage no matter what it may cost us. We need not worry about the after effect of our righteous action for Jesus will take care of us. 

Some marriages fall apart because there are relatives and spouses who choose to be silent instead of speaking against it. Why? For the simple reason that they are afraid to offend or hurt the feelings of their relatives and spouses. They are afraid that it might create permanent separation and enmity. But why be afraid if what we do is right?  

We therefore have to strongly denounce immorality and adulterous affairs no matter what it may cost us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Biyernes Pebrero 3, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:14-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:14-29

Noong panahong iyon, nakarating kay Haring Herodes ang balita tungkol kay Jesus, sapagkat bantog na ang pangalan nito. May nagsasabi, "Siya'y si Juan Bautista na muling binuhay, kaya nakagagawa siya ng himala." May nagsasabi naman, "Siya'y si Elias." "Siya'y propeta, katulad ng mga propeta noong una," anang iba pa.  

Sinabi naman ni Herodes nang mabalitaan niya ito, "Muling nabuhay si Juan na pinapugutan ko." Si Herodes ang nagpahuli, nagpagapos at nagpabilanggo kay Juan dahil kay Herodias. Ang babaing ito'y asawa ni Felipe na kapatid ni Herodes ngunit kinakasama niya. Laging sinasabi sa kanya ni Juan, "Hindi matuwid na kunin ninyo ang asawa ng inyong kapatid." Kaya't si Herodias ay nagkimkim ng galit kay Juan.  

Hinangad niyang ipapatay ito, ngunit hindi niya magawa, sapagkat natatakot si Herodes kay Juan. Alam niyang ito'y taong matuwid at banal, kaya't ipinagsasanggalang niya, Gustong-gusto niyang makinig kay Juan, bagamat labis siyang nababagabag sa mga sinasabi nito. Sa wakas ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Herodias nang anyayahan ni Herodes sa kanyang kaarawan ang kanyang mga kagawad, mga pinuno ng hukbo, at mga pangunahing mamamayan ng Galilea.  

Pumasok ang anak na babae ni Herodias at nagsayaw. Labis na nasiyahan si Herodes at ang mga panauhin, kaya't sinabi ng hari sa dalaga, "Hingin mo sa akin ang anumang ibig mo at ibibigay ko sa iyo." At naisumpa pa niyang ibibigay kahit ang kalahati ng kanyang kaharian kung ito ang hihilingin. Lumabas ang dalaga at tinanong ang kanyang ina, "Ano ang hihingin ko?" "Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sagot ng ina. Dali-daling nagbalik ang dalaga sa kinaroroonan ng hari. "Ang ibig ko po'y ibigay ninyo sa akin ngayon din, sa isang pinggan, ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sabi niya.  

Labis na nalungkot ang hari, ngunit dahil sa kanyang sumpa na narinig ng kanyang mga panauhin, hindi niya matanggihan ang dalaga. Kaagad niyang iniutos sa isang bantay na dalhin sa kanya ang ulo ni Juan. Sumunod ang bantay at pinugutan si Juan sa bilangguan, at inilagay ang ulo sa isang pinggan, at ibinigay sa dalaga. Ibinigay naman iyon ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, kinuha nila ang kanyang bangkay at inilibing.

Reflection for Thursday February 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus

to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” 

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce— so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Reflection:

What can we offer the Lord? Would we be willing to offer our time for Lord? Perhaps, the Lord is not asking us to give all of our time to Him, even a little of our time will already suffice for the Lord. But have we dared yet to give even a little of our time to the Lord? 

Mary and Joseph in compliance with their Jewish faith brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. Many of us are afraid to give our time for the Lord for there’s no money in the service for the Lord. Yes, indeed there’s no money in the vineyard of the Lord but life is not all about earning money. There’s more to life than simply earning money, we can earn all the money in this world and we still end up with barren and empty lives. 

Have we thought of doing something for the Lord? Have we thought of doing something that would give meaning to our inner being no other than our soul? Material things are important for we also need it for our existence but it’s not the be all and end all of life. 

The be all and end all of life is God. For our earthly possessions no matter how enormous will pass us by. But God will not pass us by He will be with us here in this world. And He will still be with us beyond this world.  

What can you offer our Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Huwebes Pebrero 2, Pagdadala kay Hesus na Panginoon sa Templo (Kapistahan): Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

Nang dumating ang araw ng paglilinis sa kanila, ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, si Jesus ay dinala ng kanyang mga magulang sa Jerusalem upang iharap sa Panginoon, sapagkat ayon sa Kautusan, "Ang bawat panganay na lalaki ay nakatalaga sa Panginoon." At naghandog sila, ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon: "Mag-asawang batu-bato, o dalawang inakay na kalapati." 

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem, ang pangala'y Simeon. Matapat at malapit sa Diyos ang lalaking ito at naghihintay sa katubusan ng Israel. Sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo na nagpahayag sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Mesias na ipinangako ng Panginoon. Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, pumasok siya sa templo. At nang dalhin doon ng kanyang mga magulang) ang sanggol na si Jesus upang gawin ang hinihingi ng Kautusan, siya'y kinalong ni Simeon. 

Ito'y nagpuri sa Diyos, na ang wika, "Kunin mo na Panginoon ang iyong abang alipin, Ayon sa iyong pangako, Yamang nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong tagapagligtas, Na inihanda mo para sa lahat ng bansa: Liwanag itong tatanglaw sa mga Hentil, At magbibigay-karangalan sa iyong bayang Israel." 

Namangha ang ama't ina ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon tungkol sa kanya. Binasbasan sila ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito'y nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel, isang tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit hahamakin ng marami kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil diyan, ang puso mo'y para na ring tinarakan ng isang balaraw." 

Naroon din sa templo ang isang propetang babae na ang ngala'y Ana, anak ni Fanuel na mula sa lipi ni Aser. Siya'y napakatanda na. Pitong taon lamang silang nagsama ng kanyang asawa, nang siya'y mabalo, at ngayon, walumpu't apat na taon na siya. Lagi siya sa templo at araw gabi'y sumasamba sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pag-aayuno at pananalangin. 

Lumapit siya nang oras ding iyon at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Nagsalita rin siya tungkol kay Jesus sa lahat ng naghihintay sa pagpapalaya ng Diyos sa Jerusalem. Nang maisagawa nila ang lahat ng bagay ayon sa Kautusan, bumalik na sila sa kanilang bayan, sa Nazaret, Galilea. Ang bata'y lumaking malakas, marunong at kalugud-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos.

Reflection for February 1, Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? 

What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” 

And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

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Reflection:

Have you experienced the feeling of envy? 

Envy and lack of faith are negative emotions that deprives us of peace of mind it also deprives us of unfathomable blessings from God. For example, if we envy our neighbor because they have a higher status in life. We would normally try very hard to also match their lifestyle even at the expense of our own financial difficulties.  

When Jesus went back to His native place He was met with scorn by His town mates because they envied Him. They were surprised of the miracles that He does, so; they questioned His miracles and they even belittled him. 

They did this to Jesus because they know Him well as someone who was ordinary like them. They grew up with him they only focused on this aspect of Jesus’ life: His being human like them. They purposely closed their eyes on His God given abilities. Even if they were aware of it they refused to acknowledge the many miracles of Jesus. 

What happened to them? Because of their doubt and unbelief Jesus was not able to perform mighty deeds for them. This will happen to us also once we start to doubt on our faith in Jesus. Doubting Jesus or doubting ourselves if we can accomplish an endeavor will never do us any good. Therefore, instead of doubting the power of Jesus, why not believe and have faith? Instead of doubting if we can accomplish this or that goal, why not work hard and leave everything to the mercy and power of God?  

Our faith and belief in Jesus will always be rewarded with something beautiful it may not come on the time that we want it. However, if we would be patient, if we will be willing to wait and never give up to work for it there will be abundant reward that awaits us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 1, Miyerkules ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, si Jesus at nagtungo sa sariling bayan, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pagdating ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, nagturo siya sa sinagoga, nagtaka ang maraming nakarinig sa kanya at nagtanong, "Saan niya nakuha ang lahat ng iyan? Anong karunungan itong ipinagkaloob sa kanya? Paano siya nakagagawa ng mga kababalaghan? 

Hindi ba ito ang karpinterong anak ni Maria, at kapatid nina Santiago,Jose, Judas, at Simon? Dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba?" At siya'y ayaw nilang kilanlin. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, "Ang propeta'y iginagalang ng lahat, liban lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan, mga kamag-anak, at mga kasambahay." 

Hindi siya nakagawa ng anumang kababalaghan doon, maliban sa pagpapatong ng kanyang kamay sa ilang maysakit upang pagalingin ang mga ito. Nagtaka siya sapagkat hindi sila sumampalataya. At nilibot ni Jesus ang mga nayon sa paligid upang magturo.