Do you know the health benefits of eating apple?/Alam mo ba ang mga benepisyo ng pagkain ng mansanas?

 

Reflection July 27, Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:10-17

Gospel: Matthew 13:10-17

The disciples approached Jesus and said, "Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?" He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven    has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. 

To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.  

Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted and I heal them. 

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

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Reflection:

Do you discern the intervention of Jesus in your life through real life stories that you go through? 

The disciples were discerning of these stories coursed through parables.  However, the fickle crowd was not discerning. Why? This is for the reason that they only follow because of their need of Jesus. After they’ve gotten what they want they once again detach themselves from Jesus in other words the fickle crowd were followers in need only. 

There are still many nowadays who are like the fickle crowd they go to Jesus because they are in need. For instance, those who are carrying many burdens. After they’ve been relieved of their burdens they somewhat distance themselves once again until their next need comes around. 

We must follow Jesus the way the disciples followed Him they were not followers in need only, they were always there for Him; in good times and in bad. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 27, Huwebes ng Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:10-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:10-17

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit ang mga alagad at tinanong si Jesus: "Bakit po ninyo dinadaan sa talinghaga ang inyong pagsasalita sa kanila?" Sumagot siya, "Ipinagkaloob sa inyo na malaman ang mga lihim tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, ngunit hindi ito ipinagkakaloob sa kanila. 

Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Nagsasalita ako sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga, sapagkat tumitingin sila ngunit hindi nakakikita, at nakikinig ngunit hindi nakaririnig ni nakauunawa.  

Natutupad nga sa kanila ang hula ni Isaias na nagsasabi: 'Makinig kayo nang makinig, hindi kayo makauunawa, at tumingin man kayo nang tumingin, hindi kayo makakikita. Sapagkat naging mapurol ang isip ng mga taong ito; mahirap makarinig ang kanilang mga tainga, at ipinikit nila ang kanilang mga mata. Kung di gayon, disin sana'y nakakita ang kanilang mga mata. Nakarinig ang kanilang mga tainga, nakaunawa ang kanilang mga isip, at nagbalik-loob sa akin, at pinagaling ko sila, sabi ng Panginoon.'   

Mapalad kayo, sapagkat nakakikita ang inyong mga mata at nakaririnig ang inyong mga tainga! Sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming propeta at matutuwid na tao ang nagnanasang makakita sa inyong nakikita, ngunit hindi ito nakita, at makarinig sa inyong narinig, ngunit hindi ito napakinggan."

Do You Know the Health Benefits of eating Tomatoes?/ Alam Mo ba ang Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Kamatis?

 

Reflection for Wednesday July 26, Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary (M): Matthew 13:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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Reflection:

Why does Jesus sometimes tell parables?

Jesus often tells parables to His disciples for them to have something to reflect, ponder and think about. These parables are also for us to reflect and discover the lesson that it tries to convey to us.

The sower in the gospel parable is actually God, the seeds that He sowed were His teachings and the environments which the seeds fell are us. Obviously the first three environments on which the seeds fell were not ideal because the seeds did not grew and bear fruit as it should be.

We become the first three environments when we intentionally turn a deaf ear to God’s teachings. For example, in matters of sin, we all know that sin is evil. But sad to say many of us shun God in favor of sin. Many of us favor sin because we love this world than God.  

No matter how much God wants us to know more about Him if we are not willing to listen He cannot do anything about it. He will not be able to take root and grow in our hearts because we simply don’t want it. We want more to get busy with the things of this world which is oftentimes sinful than the things of God.

The last environment: The rich soil could also be us. This happens when we open our whole being to God’s teachings. We listen to it, we imbibed it, we live it and we share it. It grows within us and in that process we bear fruit. In bearing fruit God uses us to touch lives thus we become an instrument of His blessings for others. The desire of God is for us to always become the rich soil wherein we touch lives and make a positive difference in the lives of our fellow human beings.

God wants us to be transformed to become the rich, productive and responsive soil. So that we can touch lives and be a force for good towards others. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Hulyo 26, San Joaquin at Santa Ana mga magulang ng Mahal na Birheng Maria (Paggunita): Mateo 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:1-9

Noon ding araw na iyon, si Hesus ay lumabas ng bahay at naupo sa tabi ng lawa. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng makapal na tao, kaya sumakay siya sa isang bangka at doon naupo. Nasa dalampasigan naman ang mga tao. At nagturo siya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga.  

“May isang magsasakang lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Sapagkat manipis lang ang lupa roon, sumibol agad ang binhing iyon, ngunit nang mapabilad sa matinding sikat ng araw ay natuyo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat.   

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga iyon. Ngunit ang binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa ay nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. Ang may pandinig ay making!”

Reflection for Tuesday July 25, Feast of Saint James, Apostle: Matthew 20:20-28

Gospel: Matthew 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” 

Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. 

But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

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Reflection:

What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? Does it mean to wield power and influence? Does it mean to be popular in your community? None of the above actually, to be a follower is to be ready to serve without any hidden agenda. To be a follower is not to desire greatness or any form of influence and popularity. 

The mother of the sons of Zebedee desired her two sons to sit beside Jesus in His kingdom. Why did she ask for this? She asked because she did not know the real essence of a follower of Jesus. If only she knew that a follower must be the epitome of humility she would have not asked for that exalted position. 

The mother of the two sons is the typical representation of the many modern parents of today. They want their children to be in the spotlight. To be in front and have all the attention that they could gather. 

But if this is the mindset of many parents today, what are they teaching their children? They’re teaching their children to have an arrogant mindset instead of a mindset of humility. Their teaching their children to seek prominence whenever they do good instead of simply fading away.  

If we want to grow in faith and if we want to be exalted by Jesus we have to learn to be humble. We have to learn not to desire greatness in whatever forms and shapes. Because in due time greatness will naturally come to those who are as humble as Jesus. –Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hulyo 25, San Santiago, apostol (Kapistahan): Mateo 20:20-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:20-28

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang asawa ni Zebedeo, kasama ang kanyang mga anak. May ibig siyang hingin, kaya't lumuhod siya sa harapan ni Jesus. "ano ang ibig mo?" tanong ni Jesus. Sumagot siya, "Sana'y ipagkaloob ninyo sa dalawa kong anak na ito ang karapatang makaupong katabi ninyo sa inyong kaharian -- isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa."   

"Hindi ninyo nalalaman ang inyong hinihingi," sabi ni Jesus sa kanila. "Mababata ba ninyo ang hirap na babatahin ko?" "Opo," tugon nila. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang hirap na babatahin ko'y babatahin nga ninyo. Ngunit wala sa akin ang pagpapasiya kung sino ang mauupo sa aking kanan at sa aking kaliwa. Ang mga luklukang sinasabi ninyo'y para sa pinaghandaan ng aking Ama."  

Nang marinig ito ng sampung mga alagad, nagalit sila sa magkapatid. Kaya't pinalapit sila ni Jesus at sinabi sa kanila, "Alam ninyo na ang mga pinuno ng mga Hentil ay naghahari sa kanila, at ang mga dinadakila ang siyang nasusunod. 

Ngunit hindi dapat ganyan ang umiral sa inyo. Sa halip, ang sinuman sa inyo na ibig maging dakila ay dapat maging lingkod. At sinumang ibig maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ninyo, tulad ng Anak ng Tao na naparito, hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at iaalay ang kanyang buhay upang matubos ang marami. 

Reflection for July 24, Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:38-42

Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42

Some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 

At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. At the judgment the queen of the south will arise with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and there is something greater than Solomon here.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who was in her early forties and was getting desperate already for she was getting old yet she couldn’t find the right man for her. So while at church she said to the Lord, “Lord give me a sign so that I’ll have the man for my lifetime.” 

Then she said to the Lord: “The first man that I see who wears a red tee shirt is the one for me Lord.” Lo and behold, a well built and handsome man wearing a red tee shirt suddenly entered the church. But to her dismay the handsome man was with his wife and children. The desperately seeking woman said to the Lord, this is not my day Lord, until next time. 

Many of us ask for signs and wonders from the Jesus, isn’t our faith more than enough to carry us through in our journey with Jesus? If our faith in Jesus is rock solid we would never ask for any sign whatsoever. Because signs is of no use if we have rock solid faith in Jesus. 

Our faith is more than enough to carry us through our journey with Jesus in this world. Our faith is more than enough to conquer all our fears. We will be able to survive whatever may come to us because we have faith. And we believe that our faith in God will carry us through than any dreadful signs, disease and pandemic from this world. 

Let us not be like the scribes and Pharisees in our gospel who asked Jesus for a sign. Let us rather continue to hold on to our faith in Jesus. Let us continue to strengthen this faith in Jesus by our consistent prayer life. By our consistent presence at Holy Mass, by our frequent visitation at the Adoration Chapel. And by daily reading the bible most specially the life of Jesus if we do these acts of faith we would never anymore ask for a sign. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 24, Lunes ng Ika-16 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:38-42

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:38-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng ilang eskriba at Pariseo kay Jesus, "Guro, maaari po bang pagpakitaan ninyo kami ng tanda mula sa langit?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Lahing masasama at di-tapat sa Diyos! Naghahanap kayo ng tanda ngunit walang ipakikita sa inyo maliban sa palatandaang inilalarawan ng nangyari kay Propeta Jonas.   

Kung paanong si Jonas ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing nasa tiyan ng dambuhalang isda, gayon din ang Anak ng Tao ay tatlong araw at tatlong gabing nasa ilalim ng lupa. Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom, titindig ang mga taga-Ninive laban sa lahing ito at ito'y hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nagsisi sila dahil sa pangangaral ni Jonas; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay Jonas ang naririto!

Reflection for Sunday July 23, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:24-43

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43

Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. 

The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”

He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’” He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.”

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. 

The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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Reflection: 

What is the meaning of Jesus’ parables? It’s a short story that imparts moral lessons about life which we can use for us to become more effective and productive followers of God. 

The first parable is about a man who sowed good seeds.  While they were asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds. The owner just let both the good seeds and weeds grow side by side. However, during harvest time the weeds were pulled first, after that they were tied in bundles and were burned. After which they carefully gathered the wheat and they put it into the owner’s barn.

If our lives will end now, where would we end up? Would it be in hell to burn like the weeds? Or would it be in heaven like the wheat that ended up in the owner’s barn?

The second parable is about the tiny mustard seeds that were sowed in the field. It grew big where birds found rest. When we were baptized the seed of our catholic faith was also sowed by Jesus to us. Has it risen as big as a mustard seed? Have we become instrument of Jesus’ compassion and mercy in words and in deeds? Have we been a safe refuge for those who are in distress?

The third parable is about the yeast that influenced a mass of dough to rise. Have we become yeast for those who are not properly acquainted with Jesus? For example, we introduce Jesus to them in that process we become the yeast that influenced the growth of their faith in Jesus.

These three parables invite us to ask these three questions to ourselves. How am I as a follower of Jesus? Am I like the weeds or the wheat? Is my faith now as big as the mustard seed whereby my fellowmen can take refuge and solace? Have I already become yeast to my fellowmen by way of helping them know Jesus in a much deeper sense? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hulyo 23, Ika – 16 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:24-43

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:24-43

Noong panahong iyon, inilahad ni Jesus ang talinghagang ito sa mga tao. "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang taong naghasik ng mabuting binhi sa kanyang bukid. Isang gabi, samantalang natutulog ang mga tao, dumating ang kanyang kaaway at naghasik ng masasamang damo sa triguhan. 

Nang tumubo ang trigo at magkauhay, lumitaw rin ang masasamang damo. Kaya't lumapit ang mga alipin sa puno ng sambahayan at sinabi rito, 'Hindi po ba mabuting binhi ang inihasik ninyo sa inyong bukid? Bakit po may damo ngayon?' Sumagot siya, 'Isang kaaway ang may kagagawan nito.' Tinanong siya ng mga utusan, 'Bubunutin po ba namin ang mga iyon?' 

'Huwag!' sagot niya. 'Baka mabunot pati trigo. Hayaan na ninyong lumago kapwa hanggang sa anihan. Pag-aani'y sasabihin ko sa tagapag-ani: Tipunin muna ninyo ang mga damo at inyong pagbigkis-bigkisin upang sunugin, at ang trigo'y inyong tipunin sa aking kamalig.' "

Isa na namang talinghaga ang inilahad ni Jesus sa kanila. "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang taong nagtanim ng isang butil ng mustasa sa kanyang bukid. Pinakamaliit ito sa lahat ng binhi, ngunit kapag natanim na at lumago ay nagiging pinakamalaki sa lahat ng puno ng gulay. Ito'y nagiging punongkahoy, anupat napamumugaran ng mga ibon ang mga sanga nito."

Nagsalaysay pa siya ng ibang talinghaga, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad ng lebadura na inihalo ng isang babae sa tatlong takal na harina, at umalsa ang buong masa." Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao ang lahat ng ito sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga at wala siyang sinabi sa kanila nang hindi gumagamit ng talinghaga. Ginawa niya ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng propeta: "Magsasalita ako sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga, ihahayag ko sa kanila ang mga bagay na nalilihim mula nang likhain ang sanlibutan."

Pagkatapos, iniwan ni Jesus ang mga tao at pumasok sa bahay. Lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad at sinabi sa kanya, "Ipaliwanag po ninyo sa amin ang tungkol sa masasamang damo sa bukid." Ito ang tugon ni Jesus, "Ang Anak ng Tao ang naghahasik ng mabuting binhi. Ang bukid ay ang sanlibutan. Ang mga taong pinaghaharian ng Diyos ang mabuting binhi at ang mga taong pinaghaharian ng diyablo ang masasamang damo. 

Ang kaaway na naghasik ng mga iyon ay walang iba kundi ang mga diyablo. Ang pag-aani ay ang katapusan ng daigdig, at ang mga anghel ang mga tagapag-ani. Kung paanong iniipon ang mga damo at sinusunog, gayon din ang mangyayari sa katapusan ng daigdig. 

Susuguin ng Anak ng Tao ang kanyang mga anghel, at iipunin nila mula sa kanyang pinaghaharian ang lahat ng nagiging sanhi ng pagkakasala at ang lahat ng gumagawa ng masama, at ihahagis sa maningas na pugon. Doo'y mananangis sila at magngangalit ang kanilang ngipin. At magliliwanag na parang araw ang mga matuwid sa kaharian ng kanilang Ama. Ang may pandinig ay makinig!"

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Repleksyon:

Ano po ang ibig sabihin ng mga talinghaga ni Jesus? Ito ay isang maikling kwento na puno ng aral.

Ang unang talinghaga ay tunkol sa isang taong naghasik ng mabuting binhi sa kanyang bukid. Ang ikalawa ay tungkol sa isang taong nagtanim ng butil ng mustasa. Ang ikatlo ay patungkol sa lebadura na inihalo ng isang babae sa tatlong takal na harina, at umalsa ang buong masa.

Ang tatlong talinhagang ito ay nag a-anyaya sa atin na tanugin ang ating sarili ng ganito: Sino ako bilang tagasunod ni Jesus? Ako ba ay naghahasik ng mabuting binhi ng aking pananampalataya? Ang aking bang pananampalataya ay kasing laki na ng butil ng mustasa?

Ako ba ay naging isang lebadura na nag papapalago ng pananampalataya ng mga taong nakakikila sa akin? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Do You Know the Health Benefits Of eating Pineapple?/Alam Mo ba ang Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Pinya?

 

Reflection for Saturday July 22, Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene: John 20:1-2, 11-18

Gospel: John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 

Mary stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” 

When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. 

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he told her.

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Reflection:

Do we agree that we are all sinners? 

All of us are like Mary Magdalene for like her we too are sinners. Nevertheless, we too are always being called by Jesus to conversion and to follow Him for the rest of our life. 

But unlike Mary Magdalene who was compliant to Jesus call for her to repent. We oftentimes are not; we follow the many deceiving dictates of this world rather than follow the desire of Jesus for us. 

What would we gain if we follow the many sinful dictates of this world? Nothing but emptiness and sin, has our cravings for the things of this world gave us peace? This world will never give us peace and contentment only Jesus will give it to us. 

What if like Mary Magdalene we respond to Jesus’ call and faithfully follow the Lord for the rest of our life? We will have a foretaste of heaven while we are still in this world. What if we are like Mary Magdalene who never gave up on searching for the risen Christ until she found Him? We will have peace, serenity and contentment in our life. 

Like Saint Mary Magdalene let us also search for the Lord until we find Him for the Lord makes Himself available to anyone who search for Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Hulyo 22, Santa Maria Magdalena (Kapistahan): Juan 20:1-2, 11-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:1-2, 11-18

Madilim-dilim pa nang araw ng Linggo, naparoon na si Maria Magdalena sa libingan. Naratnan niyang naalis na ang batong panakip sa pinto ng libingan. Dahil dito, patakbo siyang pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na mahal ni Hesus, at sinabi sa kanila, “Kinuha sa libingan ang Panginoon at hindi namin alam kung saan dinala!”  

Si Maria’y nakatayong umiiyak sa labas ng libingan; yumuko siya at tumingin sa loob. May nakita siyang dalawang anghel na nakaupo sa pinaglagyan ng bangkay ni Hesus, ang isa’y sa gawing ulunan at ang isa nama’y sa paanan. Tinanong nila si Maria, “Ale, bakit kayo umiiyak?”   

Sumagot siya, “Kinuha po nila ang aking Panginoon, at hindi ko alam kung saan nila dinala.” Lumingon siya pagkasabi nito, at nakita niya si Hesus na nakatayo roon, ngunit hindi niya nakilalang si Hesus iyon. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, “Bakit ka umiiyak? Sino ang hinahanap mo?”   

Akala ni Maria’y siya ang tagapag-alaga ng halamanan, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Ginoo, kung kayo po ang kumuha sa kanya, ituro ninyo sa akin kung saan ninyo dinala at kukunin ko.” “Maria!” ani Hesus. Humarap siya at kanyang sinabi, “Raboni!” — ibig sabihi’y “Guro.” “Huwag mo akong hawakan, sapagkat hindi pa ako nakapupunta sa Ama,” wika ni Hesus.   

“Sa halip, pumunta ka sa king mga kapatid at sabihin mong aakyat ako sa aking Ama at inyong Ama, sa aking Diyos at inyong Diyos.” Kaya’t si Maria Magdalena’y pumunta sa mga alagad at sinabi, “Nakita ko ang Panginoon!” At tuloy sinabi sa kanila ang bilin ni Hesus.

Reflection for July 21, Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” 

He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? 

Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.”

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Reflection:

Are we quick to judge? 

When Pope Francis was asked about homosexuals, he said this: "Who am I to judge them if they're seeking the Lord in good faith? They shouldn't be marginalized. This comment by the Pope evoked countless positive comments all over the world. Why? Because it broke barriers, it erased the usual stigma that homosexuals are sinful. 

When the disciples eat during the Sabbath the Pharisees told Jesus, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:2) But Jesus justly defended HIS disciples by saying: “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? (Matthew 12:3-5) 

Like the Pharisees, it’s so easy for us to judge based only on what we see but what we see is often a false representation a person’s identity. Unlike many of us who easily judge, Jesus does not, what is important for Jesus is mercy, what is important for Jesus is the pureness of the intention. 

How are we going to spread the goodness of Jesus if we are overly strict and judgmental? The Pharisees in our gospel were judgmental they want their laws to be strictly followed. But the irony of it all is they were also the silent violators of the laws that they have self-servingly created. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 21, Biyernes ng Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:1-8

Noong panahong iyon, isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, naparaan si Jesus sa triguhan. Nagutom ang kasama niyang mga alagad kaya't nangitil sila ng uhay at kinain ang mga butil. Nang makita ito ng mga Pariseo, sinabi nila sa kanya, "Tingnan mo ang ginagawa ng iyong mga alagad. Bawal iyan kung Araw ng Pamamahinga."   

Sumagot si Jesus, "Hindi ba ninyo nabasa ang ginawa ni David nang magutom siya at ang kanyang mga kasama? Pumasok siya sa bahay ng Diyos at kumain ng tinapay na handog sa Diyos at pinakain din niya ang kanyang mga kasama. Labag sa Kautusan na kanin nila ang tinapay na iyon sapagkat ang mga saserdote lamang ang may karapatang kumain niyon.   

Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa sa Kautusan ni Moises na tuwing Araw ng Pamamahinga, lumalabag sa batas tungkol sa araw na ito ang mga saserdote sa templo, gayunmay hindi nila ipinagkakasala iyon? Sinasabi ko sa inyo, naririto ang higit na dakila kaysa templo. Hindi sana ninyo hinatulan ang mga walang sala kung alam ninyo ang kahulugan ng mga salitang ito, 'Habag ang ibig ko, hindi hain.' Sapagkat ang Araw ng Pamamahinga ay nasa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ng Anak ng Tao."

Reflection for July 20, Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a father who was suddenly rendered out of job. He was therefore worried where he would earn the money to feed his family. So, he prayed to the Lord for help to find a new job. After only three days a neighbor who knows about his predicament asked him if he would be willing to work as a family driver and he immediately said yes!    

Are you going through a difficult stage in our life right now caused by a sickness or joblessness? Do you want to learn how to let go of your worries? Jesus has an offer for you! In the gospel Jesus tells you this: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) 

Why does Jesus wants you to go to Him? Because Jesus wants to help you carry whatever that burdens you right now. He wants to ease your pains and sufferings; Jesus wants to help you in carrying whatever that suffering might be. 

Let us respond to this call of Jesus and we will never regret making that decision. What would happen to us if we respond now? The sufferings that we carry will become lighter this is for the reason that Jesus will help us carry our suffering. 

We will have hope and there will be many more positive things that will happen to our life if you would respond to this offer of Jesus. Let us respond now and see for ourselves the miracle that will unfold in our life.  We have everything to gain and nothing to lose if we would respond to this offer of Jesus. 

Would we respond to this offer of the Lord? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 20, Huwebes ng Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 11:28-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:28-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, "Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at; nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y pagpapahingahin ko.   

Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok, at mag-aral kayo sa akin; ako'y maamo at mababang-loob, at makasusumpong kayo ng kapahingahan para sa inyong kaluluwa. Sapagkat maginhawang dalhin ang aking pamatok, at magaan ang pasaning ibibigay ko sa inyo."

Reflection for July 19, Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:25-27

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.  

Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was very serious in his desire to know God. So, what he did was he read every book that deals about God. But he was wondering how come that the more that he read books about God the more that God becomes distant to him? 

So he seek the advice of a wise man for enlightenment thus he was told by the wise man: Your dilemma is simple. You need to become more humble as you become more learned about God. You should put into your heart and not into your head whatever learning that you obtain from your readings. 

Do you want to discover more about the movement of God in our life? The secret word is humility: childlike humility; this is for the reason that the more childlike you become in front of God the more that you open yourself to His many graces. 

What is the demeanor of Jesus when He prays to God? Jesus is always humble before God, He doesn’t brag or boast anything about Himself. So, we too should always be humble for this is the secret for us to know more about God. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas