Reflection for September 12, Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:12-19

Gospel: Luke 6:12-19

Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 

And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured. Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.

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Reflection:

Why did Jesus call the twelve to be His apostles? 

There was a reason why Jesus called the twelve disciples to be His apostles and that is to help Him spread the good news of our salvation. Looking back on the lives of these apostles except for Judas all were faithful servants and co-missioners of the Lord. They were His eyes and ears they were His collaborators in His mission. 

The apostles did not lead lives of ease and comfort; in fact, except for Judas, almost all of them were martyred in carrying out the mission that Jesus bestowed upon them. What is the significance of this call on the apostles in our lives? 

By virtue of our Baptism we too are called to collaborate with Jesus and the apostles to spread the good news of our salvation. We are called to lead Holy lives so that others may see Jesus in us; we are called to be patient, to persevere and to be enduring in our discipleship. 

If we say that we love Jesus it amounts to saying that we are always ready to suffer and to be humiliated for the sake of the advancement of His kingdom. This is the mark of a true and faithful disciple/apostle. 

Are you ready to sacrifice for Lord? You will be rewarded someday when you do so. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for September 11, Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:6-11

Gospel: Luke 6:6-11

On a certain Sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. 

But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” 

Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

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Reflection:

What is the Sabbath day? It is a sacred day for the Jews, it’s their day for the Lord. We can compare the Sabbath day to our observance of Sunday our own day of rest and day for the Lord also.

The question that arose from the minds of the scribes and Pharisees is this: Would Jesus cure on a Sabbath day? Which was prohibited by their Jewish religion? When Jesus cured the hand of the man with a withered hand it did not mean that He was disrespecting the Sabbath day.

Jesus simply saw an opportunity to show His infinite compassion and love for the sick man. Thus Jesus healed the man with a withered hand even if it was prohibited by their religion. Jesus is showing us that if we want our faith to be effective we have to show compassion and love too!

Jesus attracts people because He is always ever ready to show His compassion and love to anyone who seeks it. His love and compassion does not choose what time or day. He would always be there for so long as there’s someone in need of His help or if there’s someone who is seeking His help. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday September 10, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a church ministry leader who would always shout at his members whenever they commit mistakes. Eventually, the members had enough of his domineering behavior, so they decided to leave the church ministry which he leads. 

It is always very tempting to show off our authority and power. But what many of us don’t know is that the more authoritarian we become, the more we alienate ourselves from the people we love and lead. The more domineering we become, the faster we hasten our downfall. 

Whenever there is conflict, the devil would always tell us to harness our domineering behavior and arrogance through the exercise of our authority. But this kind of behavior will never heal conflict; it will even exacerbate conflict. 

In our gospel for this Sunday, Jesus has an advice for all of us on how to deal with those with whom we have issues to settle. Jesus advises us to always choose the path of humility, love, and fraternal correction, never the path of power tripping, arrogance and dominance. 

In other words, we have to sit down and talk, we have to extend our patience to the limit, and not to get angry—this is the way to restore and heal a broken person and a damaged relationship.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Setyembre 10, Ika-23 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 18:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:15-20

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kung magkasala sa iyo ang kapatid mo, puntahan mo siya at kausapin nang sarilinan. Kapag nakinig siya sa iyo, ang pagsasama ninyong magkapatid ay napanauli mo sa dati at napapanumbalik mo siya sa Ama.   

Ngunit kung hindi siya makinig sa iyo, magsama ka pa ng isa o dalawang tao upang ang lahat ng pinag-uusapan ninyo ay mapatunayan ng dalawa o tatlong saksi. Kung hindi siya makinig sa kanila, sabihin mo ito sa pagtitipon sa simbahan.   

At kung hindi pa siya makinig sa natitipong simbahan, ituring mo siyang isang Hentil o isang publikano." "Sinasabi ko sa inyo: anumang ipagbawal ninyo sa lupa ay ipagbabawal sa langit, at anumang ipahintulot ninyo sa lupa ay ipahihintulot sa langit. 

"Sinasabi ko pa rin sa inyo: kung ang dalawa sa inyo dito sa lupa ay magkaisa sa paghingi ng anumang bagay sa inyong panalangin, ipagkakaloob ito sa inyo ng aking Amang nasa langit. Sapagkat saanman may dalawa o tatlong nagkakatipon dahil sa akin, naroon akong kasama nila."

Reflection for September 9, Saturday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:1-5

Gospel: Luke 6:1-5

While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” 

Jesus said to them in reply, “Have you not read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry? How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering, which only the priests could lawfully eat, ate of it, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”

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Reflection:

What kind of God is Jesus? He is a loving and caring God. He will always ensure that His people are properly taken care of, no matter what the circumstances are. For Jesus, the needs of His people always take precedence over the observance of laws and traditions.

When Jesus defended His disciples from the rebuke of the Pharisees (From picking and eating grains on a Sabbath day) He was simply saying that the need of His disciples always take precedence over any observance of the Jewish law/s. 

Jesus was indirectly saying to His critics that they sometimes have to be flexible also for the greater good. The disciples were hungry and that was it, they simply have to satisfy a valid human physiological need. 

Here we see what kind of God Jesus is, He properly takes care of His people. Jesus is willing to violate the sacred Sabbath law for as long as there is a valid reason. We may not be faithful to our Lord all the time. Nevertheless, His unconditional love, care and concern are always there for us in all the seasons of our life. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Friday September 8, Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar.Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.

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

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

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. 

For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

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Reflection:

Do you remember the birthday of your mother? You surely know it because she is your mother and without her you would not be here in this world. Today we celebrate the feast of the Nativity/Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the mother of Jesus and our universal mother as well.

Incidentally, today is also the birthday of my mother, Natividad J. Dasmarinas, and her name was derived in honor of the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Why do we give so much honor, respect and reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary? The answer is very simple: she is the mother of Jesus. Without the Blessed Mother Jesus would have not been born.

From the beginning, God looked to the Blessed Mother to be the human mother of Jesus. There was no other choice for God but the Blessed Virgin Mary—only the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Why? This is because the Blessed Mother possesses all the virtues deserving of the honor of being chosen as Jesus' mother. Therefore, she was blessed by God when she conceived the child Jesus through the grace of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35).

What can we learn from the nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary? We learn that we need to live a virtue-filled life in this world as the Blessed Virgin   Mary  lived a virtue-filled life. 

The Blessed Virgin Mary listened to the voice of God and humbled herself before God when she said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word' (Luke 1:38). We also need to listen to the voice of God and humble ourselves before Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Biyernes Setyembre 8, Ang Pagsilang ng Mahal na Birheng Maria (Kapistahan): Mateo 1: 1-16, 18-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:1-16, 18-23

Ito ang lahi ni Jesu-Cristo na mula sa angkan ni David na mula naman sa lahi ni Abraham. Si Abraham ang ama ni Isaac ang ama ni Jacob na ama ni Juda at ng kanyang mga kapatid. Naging anak naman ni Juda kay Tamar sina Fares at Zara. Si Fares ang ama ni Esrom at si Esrom ang ama ni Aram. Si Esrom ang ama ni Aminadab; si Aminadab ang ama ni Naason na ama naman ni Salmon. Naging anak ni Salmon kay Rahab si Booz, at naging anak naman ni Booz kay Ruth si Obed. Si Obed ang anak ni Jesse na ama ni Haring David.   

Naging anak ni David si Solomon sa dating asawa ni Urias. Si Solomon naman ang ama ni Roboam, si Roboam ang ama ni Abias, at si Abias ang ama ni Asa. Si Asa ang ama ni Josafat, at si Josafat ang ama ni Joram na siya naman ama ni Ozias. Itong si Ozias ay ama ni Jotam na ama ni Acaz, at si Acaz ang ama ni Ezequias. Si Ezequias ang ama ni Manases, at si Manases ang ama ni Amos na ama ni Josias. Si Josias ang ama ni Jeconias at ng kanyang mga kapatid. Panahon noon nang pagkakatapon ng mga Israelita sa Babilonia.   

Matapos ang pagkakatapon sa Babilonia, naging anak ni Jeconias si Salatiel na ama ni Zorobabel. Si Zorobabel ang ama ni Abiud na ama ni Eliaquim, at si Eliaquim ang ama ni Azor. Si Azor ang ama ni Sadoc na ama ni Aquim; itong si Aquim ang ama ni Eliud. Si Eliud ang ama ni Eleazar; si Eleazar ang ama ni Matan na ama ni Jacob. At si Jacob ang ama ni Jose na asawa ni Maria. Si Maria naman ang ina ni Jesus na tinatawag na Cristo.   

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda ng pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasya niyang hiwalayan ito ng lihim. 

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose, anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo.   

Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito'y pangangalanan mong Jesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan." Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta: "Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at manganganak ng isang lalaki, At tatawagin itong Emmanuel" Ang kahuluga'y "Kasama natin ang Diyos" 

Reflection for September 7, Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 5:1-11

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. 

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. 

They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. 

Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

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 Reflection:

From ordinary fishermen to extra-ordinary fishers of men, this is how we can best describe the lives of Simon Peter, James and John. Who transformed them to become fishers of men? Jesus! Why were they transformed by Jesus? Because they obeyed, they simply followed the command of the Lord. 

When we obey Jesus, extra-ordinary things begin to happen to us; but how could we hear the voice of Jesus? How would we know that Jesus is talking to us when we don’t see and feel His physical presence? 

Jesus speaks to us through the readings at Holy Mass, Jesus speaks to us through the priest who studiously prepared for his homily. Jesus speaks to us also when we read His words in the bible and through the words and commentaries of well-meaning people. 

Through these we hear Jesus calling us to conversion and to faithfully follow Him. Nothing is impossible for as long as we follow and for as long as we put our faith and trust in Jesus. 

Simon Peter, James, John and the other fishermen who were with them during that early morning obeyed the impossible command of Jesus. To once again put their nets (A short distance from them) into the sea because they would be catching the greatest number of fish. And true enough they caught the biggest number of fish.   

The moment you begin to obey Jesus extra-ordinary things would begin to happen to you as well. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Setyembre 7, Huwebes ng Ika-22 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 5:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:1-11

Noong panahong iyon, nakatayo si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Generaset. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng napakaraming tao na ibig makarinig ng salita ng Diyos. May nakita siyang dalawang bangka sa baybayin; nakalunsad na ang mga mangingisda at naghuhugas ng kanilang mga lambat. Lumulan siya sa isa sa mga bangka at hiniling kay Simong may-ari nito, na ilayo nang kaunti sa tabi. Naupo siya sa bangka at nangaral sa mga tao.   

Pagkatapos niyang magsalita ay sinabi niya kay Simon, “Pumalaot kayo at ihulog ang mga lambat upang manghuli.” Sumagot si Simon, “Guro, magdamag po kaming nagpagod at wala kaming nahuli! Ngunit dahil sa sinabi ninyo, ihuhulog ko ang mga lambat.” Gayun nga ang ginawa nila at sa dami ng kanilang huli ay halos magkansisira ang kanilang mga lambat.   

Kaya’t kinawayan nila ang kanilang mga kasamahang nasa ibang bangka upang patulong, at lumapit naman ang mga ito. Napuno ang dalawang bangka na halos lumubog. Nang makita iyon ni Simon Pedro, siya’y nagpatirapa sa paanan ni Hesus at nagsabi, “Lumayo po kayo sa akin, Panginoon, sapagkat ako’y makasalanan.”   

Nanggilalas siya at ang kanyang mga kasama dahil sa dami ng kanilang huli; gayun din sina Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo, na mga kasosyo ni Simon. At sinabi ni Hesus kay Simon, “Huwag kang matakot. Mula ngayo’y mamamalakaya ka ng mga tao.” Nang maitabi na nila ang kanilang mga bangka, iniwan nila ang lahat at sumunod kay Hesus. 

Reflection for September 6, Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:38-44

Gospel: Luke 4:38-44 

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them.   

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God." But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.  

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent." And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

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Reflection:

What do you do after a busy and tiring day? Do you seek to be alone by yourself to commune with God? After a tiring day of healing Jesus went to a deserted place at daybreak to commune with God.   

Jesus always finds time for God no matter how busy He was. Why? Because Jesus derives strength from His communion with God. Do you also derive strength from God? Do you seek communion with Jesus everyday?   

The importance of always being in touch with Jesus is you will never be lost in this sin filled world. Through Jesus you always have a protection against the Devil. Do you feel lost every once in while in this sin filled world? If you are don’t hesitate to ask Jesus to give you the direction and guidance for He surely will give it to you. 

Always remember that as you go through the daily grind of your life. Jesus is always there for you ever ready to help you in whatever way possible. Always call on Jesus and always seek His abiding presence in your life.   

Do you always seek the presence of Jesus in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Do You Know the Health Benefits Of Eating Lemon?/Alam Mo ba ang Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Lemon?

 

Reflection for September 5, 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:

Many years ago, while I was walking to our house. I saw a group of people and I also heard a very loud groaning voice within their group. Out of curiosity I walked going to them to simply see what they were looking at and to find out where that groaning sound was coming from. 

There, I saw a man with evil eyes being held on by a number of men. When the man was asked who was he answered with a frightening voice that he was the devil. Afterwards somebody came (I don’t know if it was a priest or a pastor) who said a very powerful prayer and afterwards he sprinkled holy water upon the possessed man while invoking the name of Jesus. As this was being administered the man was violently resisting and shouting until he calmed down and he passed out soon after. 

In our gospel we read about Jesus exorcising a demon from a possessed man. After Jesus exorcised the possessed man the crowd said, what is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out (Luke 4:36). 

The crowd did not know Jesus that’s why they marvelled about the power and authority of His word. Unlike the crowd in the gospel who did not know, we know Jesus; we know where His power and authority is coming from. Let us therefore take advantage of our knowledge of Jesus. Let us dive deeper into it by regularly reflecting upon His powerful words in the bible, by our prayerful life and by our regular presence at Holy Mass. 

By doing these acts of faith we permanently immunize ourselves from the possession of the devil. The devil who tries to possess us in manifold ways up to this very moment.  The devil is very real! 

He is just hovering around the moment we sense that the devil is near us through the many kinds of temptations and sins. We have to immediately invoke the mighty and powerful name of Jesus and walk away immediately! Otherwise it would possess us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Do You Know the Health Benefits of eating Banana Blossoms?/Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng Pagkain ng Puso ng Saging?

 

Reflection for September 4, Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:16-30

Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. 

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” 

He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’ And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 

 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. 

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes envy the success of others? 

Acceptance of somebody who achieved something is sometimes hard to accept for many of us. Most especially if we know the person and his/her background pretty well. We sometimes are unbelieving and scornful of them. 

This behavior of non-acceptance happened also to Jesus when He went back to Nazareth, the town where he grew up. Jesus’ town mates did not accept Him even if it was very obvious that he was very exceptional. 

Their hearts were hardened already for Jesus. The worst part is they even tried to kill him. This is human behavior at its worst! But why is it that we can’t accept? There’s no other reason but pride, envy and arrogance. 

Our pride, envy and arrogance will not bring us any good. It will only hasten our downfall! And if we allow these negative emotions to rule our hearts no good will ever happen to us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Do You Know the Health Benefits of eating Garlic?/Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng Pagkain Bawang?

 

Reflection for Sunday September 3, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:21-27

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?

Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”

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Reflection:

When do we have a true encounter with Jesus? It's when we are burdened by the worries and sufferings of this world. This is when we experience a personal encounter with our Lord. We would never have such an encounter while merely enjoying the fruits of this world. It's through our worries and sufferings that we discern the presence of Jesus in our life.

When Jesus told the disciples that he would go to Jerusalem, suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, Peter adamantly protested. He even said to Jesus, 'God forbid, Lord! Such a thing should never happen to you.' 

Why did Peter oppose this statement of Jesus about his suffering? Was he concerned about Jesus’ safety? Or was Peter afraid that if Jesus were to suffer and eventually die, they too would experience suffering because Jesus would no longer be with them.

Nonetheless, Jesus told them that if they truly want to follow Him, they must be prepared to suffer and embrace suffering as well. For it is only through suffering that they would be able to develop a deep intimacy with Jesus. 

The same with us, we would never develop a personal encounter with our Lord if we are averse to suffering and if we are simply enjoying life's hedonism. But sad to say, many of us would rather enjoy life than suffer for Jesus.

It’s through our sufferings and trials that Jesus comes into our life. It’s through our moments of defeat and persecution that the abiding presence of Jesus becomes clearer to us. 

It’s when we carry our own cross that we feel Jesus walking with us and helping us to bear it. Let us never be afraid to face our sufferings and to carry our cross, no matter how heavy and difficult it may be. We can overcome all these sufferings and crosses if we invite Jesus to help us. 

Are you going through a difficult moment in your life right now? Invite Jesus to come into your life and ask Him to help you. He will never refuse you. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Setyembre 3, Ika-22 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 16:21-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:21-27

Noong panahong iyon, sinimulang ipaalam na ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad na dapat siyang magtungo sa Jerusalem at magbata ng maraming hirap sa kamay ng matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong saserdote at mga eskriba, at kanilang ipapatay siya. Ngunit sa ikatlong araw siya'y muling mabubuhay. 

Niyaya siya ni Pedro sa isang tabi at pinagsabihan ng ganito: "Panginoon, huwag nawang itulot ng Diyos! Hindi po dapat mangyari ito sa inyo." Ngunit hinarap siya ni Jesus at sinabihan, "Lumayo ka, Satanas! Hadlang ka sa aking landas. Ang iniisip mo'y hindi sa Diyos kundi sa tao." 

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Kung ibig ninumang sumunod sa akin, limutin niya ang ukol sa kanyang sarili, pasanin ang kanyang krus at sumunod sa akin. Ang naghahangad na magligtas ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito; ngunit ang mag-alay ng kanyang buhay alang-alang sa akin ay siyang magkakamit noon. 

Ano nga ang mapapala ng isang tao, makamtan man niya ang buong daigdig kung ang katumbas naman nito'y ang kanyang buhay? Ano ang maibabayad ng tao para mabalik sa kanya ang kanyang buhay? Sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao na taglay ang dakilang kapangyarihan ng kanyang Ama at kasama ang kanyang mga anghel. Sa panahong iyon ay gagantihan niya ang bawat tao ayon sa kanyang ginawa.

Do You Know the Health Benefits of Eating Bamboo Shoots?/Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Labong?

 

Reflection for September 2, Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: 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:

What are you doing with the talent/s that was entrusted to you by the Lord?   

Unlike the first and second servants who were productive. The third servant was not, he was simply lazy to grow what was entrusted to him.  He could have invested it, he could have done something to make it grow but he never did. If we allow laziness to conquer us it will eventually paralyze us and it will prevent us from becoming fruitful followers of God. 

Each and everyone of us was given by the Good Lord talents according to our abilities. Let us make the most of this talent/s that He has given us by using it for His greater glory. Let us not be discouraged by our limitations and struggles for God is always there to guide and help us.    

Let us not say that we can’t do anything to help Jesus advance his teachings in this world. This is for the reason that we can really do our share most of us are just lazy or we don’t make time for it. However, we would desire it we can, if there’s a will there’s a way that is how plain and simple it is. 

What are the talents that the Good Lord entrusted to you? Use it not only for your own advancement, use it not only to gain riches in this world. Use it also to advance His kingdom in this world for this is the best action that you can ever do with your entrusted talent/s. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Do You Know the Health Benefits Of eating Sweet Potatoes?/Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Kamote?