Reflection for Sunday October 29, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:34-40

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.

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Reflection:

When can you say that you truly love God? It’s when you are able to translate your love for God to love for your neighbor.

The perfection of your love for God reaches its zenith when you unconditionally love your neighbor. Thus, you don't only love those who are lovable to your eyes; you also love even those who are not, even those who do nothing but hurt you.

Love that is based on the notion of reciprocal love is not anchored in the love of God. Why? Because the love of God is unconditional; it does not discriminate and loves everyone.

For example, if your spouse has been continuously hurting you and betraying your love, you will still continue to love him/her, but not based on romantic love anymore. You will continue to love him/her because you love God, and your love for your wayward spouse is no longer defined by any form of romance but rather by God’s unconditional love.

Do you really love God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday October 28, Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles: Luke 6:12-16

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up 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.

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Reflection:

What do you usually do before making an important decision in your life? Do you first pray over it and ask the guidance of the Lord? Or you just make important decisions without asking the blessings of the Lord?

Before deciding to choose the twelve apostles Jesus went up first to the mountain to pray. There, He spent the whole night in prayer to God. This is the attitude of Jesus, He withdraws to a solitary place to commune with God and He asks for God’s guidance and blessings.  With the blessing from God the apostles (except for Judas Iscariot) became His partner in advancing the faith.

Let us not make Jesus irrelevant in our lives by not praying to Him let us make time for Him. Let us not allow the many distractions of this world to get our attention from Jesus. For what is this world compared to Jesus? There is no comparison at all for this world is temporary, finite and time bound. While Jesus is everlasting, infinite and He is not confined by the limits of time.

In our secularist world today dominated by high tech gadgets, Facebook, Instagram,  twitter and a lot more social media sites Jesus still matters. For the reason that Jesus gives hope, Jesus gives love and Jesus gives salvation. Therefore, embrace Jesus more than you embrace this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for October 27, Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:54-59

Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

(Jesus said to the crowds) “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you; you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who had a verbal tussle with his neighbor that eventually resulted in a physical combat. After both of them had been bloodied, they both hurled threats of a lawsuit. The neighbor who started the conflict had a sudden realization that he needed to apologize. So, he knocked on the gate of his neighbor, and when the gate was opened, he humbly apologized. His apology was immediately accepted.

Jesus, in our gospel, is advising us to exert effort to settle whatever conflict we have with anyone: neighbor, spouse, siblings, etc. Why? For the simple reason that it always pays to settle conflicts early. Otherwise, if we wouldn't settle it immediately, that conflict could morph into a much bigger and dangerous conflict.

Take, for example, a conflict between spouses that is left unsettled. Sooner or later, this conflict would result in something that is irreparable, leading to estrangement. Therefore, we have to immediately resolve any conflict we have with anyone by apologizing as soon as possible. Why? Because those who apologize are always rewarded with peace of mind. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 26, Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:49-53

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 

From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

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Reflection:

A sinful man was invited by his friend to attend a parish renewal program. The sinful man was already tired of living a life of sin and he wanted to rid himself of any form of sinfulness. So, he said to his friend, “Ok I will attend.” While in the process of formation he was enlightened about how sin destroys a person and prevents a person from having a personal relationship with Jesus.

After the renewal program was through the sinful man decided to let go of friends who had brought nothing to his life but sin. Thus he was hated by his former friends and was even threatened with physical harm.    

The moment we decide to live a life according to the will of Jesus we have to expect conflict and misunderstanding. We have to be ready to be hated or lose some of our friends and even our family members as well for this is the reality of following Jesus.

When you truly follow Jesus you set aright what is wrong. You will have the fire in your belly to leave those who do nothing to you except to influence you to sin. You will have the fire in your belly to correct those who continue to sin no matter what it may cost you. 

Jesus in the gospel talks about division, He tells us: From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law (Luke 12:52-53).”

Indeed, there are times that division has to occur for good to triumph over evil. Division has to occur so that a wayward behavior can be set aright. We need not worry about the outcome of this kind of division because this division is a division that purifies a person from the impurities of sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for October 25, Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:39-48

Gospel: Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 

Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 

Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 

That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

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Reflection:

When a typhoon is about to hit a certain area the government would always remind its citizens to be prepared or even relocate to a safer place for a period of time. The reason behind is very basic: To avoid destruction of lives and properties. Those who would hear the call for preparedness would survive and those who will not would surely suffer. 

In today’s gospel Jesus once again calls us to be prepared for He will come to us when we least expect Him to come into our lives. But does Jesus really come to our lives without prior warning? Does He really surprise us with His immediate presence thus we are caught unaware? 

Before Jesus comes to us He would first knock into our hearts so that we could open our hearts to Him and embrace His offer of renewal with open arms.  By doing so we hear His call for us to be prepared. 

But for those who would pretend not to hear even if they hear, those who would continue with their sinful lives even if Jesus is calling him/her for renewal. They would be awakened to the sad reality of life and this sad reality is the sufferings that they will face. For the reason that they did not listen to Jesus.    

Nevertheless, everything is not written in stone. For as long as we breathe there’s always a chance to listen to the voice of Jesus coursed through people around us or even events around us. Who will earnestly call upon us to be prepared by means of walking-away from all of our sinfulness.  

In the book of Revelation, the Lord tells us: “I reprimand and correct all those I love. Be earnest and Change your ways. Look I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my call and opens the door. I will come into him and have supper with him (Revelation 3:19-20).” -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 24, Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:35-38

Gospel: Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. 

Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way blessed are those servants.

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Reflection:

Are you always prepared for anything that may happen to you?

There’s no substitute for being ready or prepared. For example, death; this is the most dreaded occurrence that no one wants to experience among us. But whether we like it or not it will come to us we just don’t know when.

Being ready for what may happen gives us that sense of security. Whatever comes our way we are prepared and we will accept it. For the reason that we have been preparing for it for so long. In whatever aspect of life preparation is essential and this is what the gospel is telling us today.  

We who are all servants of God should always be prepared for any eventualities that may come our way. The best preparation that we could ever do is to always be in touch with Jesus through the Sacraments, prayers and by our attendance at Holy Mass. Do you always submit yourself to the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Are you prayerful? Do you always make yourself available for Holy Mass?  

In the gospel Jesus told the disciples that they must always be prepared; He used the parable of the master’s return from a wedding as an example. Therefore we too should always be prepared for anything in our life. And the best preparation is to have a personal friendship with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for October 23, Monday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:13-21

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. 

He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’ 

But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

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Reflection:

Which would you prefer to have the treasures of this world or to possess treasures about God? Many of us would certainly prefer to have worldly treasures rather than possess knowledge about God. Why? Because this is what this world is teaching us: to have and accumulate worldly treasures.

How about the choice to possess God? Perhaps only a few would prefer to possess God. This materially centered world would always dictate upon us to have whatever material possession that we can possess so that we can attain worldly success in whatever manner possible.

But earthly success is not in the vocabulary of God, what God wants from us is for us to become His followers. God did not create us for this world He created us for us to be with Him in heaven someday.  

We were created by God to become spiritually fruitful so that others can learn from us about God.  Earthly success will count for nothing at the end, what will count during that time is the relationship that we have built with God and His people.

Life that is built around chasing earthly wealth and power is empty and meaningless. On the other hand life that is centered upon God is full and meaningful. You know what to do if you want to have a purpose driven life in this world.

Are you seeking for a meaningful life?  -  Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Sunday October 22, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:15-21

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. 

Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. 

He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

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Reflection:

Can you think of anything that you have given back to God? Perhaps you will pause and think about what you have given back to God for all the blessings that He has been giving you all these years. After pausing, maybe you still cannot think of anything that you have given God, and the reason for this is perhaps you have not given back to God yet.

Every blessing that we have comes from God, although we may think that what we have now came from our own hard work. But the truth is, every blessing that we have, God has generously given us, including our very life today.

In the gospel for this Sunday, Jesus tells us to give to Caesar what belongs to him and give to God what belongs to God (Matthew 22:21). In modern language, this means that we give what belongs to the government by way of paying the right taxes and other duties that the government has a rightful claim to.

What then can we give God? We give God something special that comes from our hearts. Where is God then, so that we could give back to Him? God is not hard to find; we simply have to look around us, and we will see God. For God is with the poor, the hungry, the sick, the abandoned, and anybody who needs our help; God is with them. Let us give generously to them so that we could give back to God.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25:37-40, somebody asked the king, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food; thirsty and give you drink, or a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to see you?' The king answered, 'Truly I say to you, whenever you did this to one of the least, you did it to me' (Matthew 25:37-40).

Have you already given something to God? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Oktubre 22 Linggo, Ika-29 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 22:15-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22:15-21

Noong panahong iyon, umalis ang mga Pariseo at pinag-usapan kung paano nila masisilo si Hesus sa kanyang pananalita. Kaya pinapunta nila sa kanya ang ilan sa kanilang mga alagad, kasama ang ilang tauhan ni Herodes. Sinabi nila, “Guro, nalalaman naming kayo’y tapat, at itinuturo ninyo nang buong katotohanan ang ibig ng Diyos na gawin ng mga tao. 

Wala kayong pinangingimian sapagkat pareho ang pagtingin ninyo sa tao. Ano po ang palagay ninyo? Naaayon ba sa Kautusan na bumuwis sa Cesar, o hindi?” Ngunit batid ni Hesus ang kanilang masamang layon kaya’t sinabi niya, “Kayong mapagimbabaw! Bakit ibig ninyo akong siluin? Akin na ang salaping pambuwis.”

 At siya’y binigyan nila ng isang denaryo. “Kaninong larawan at pangalan ang nakaukit dito?” tanong ni Hesus, “Sa Cesar po,” tugon nila. At sinabi niya sa kanila, “Kung gayon, ibigay ninyo sa Cesar ang sa Cesar, at sa Diyos ang sa Diyos.”

Reflection for October 21, Saturday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:8-12

Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.

“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

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Reflection:

Do you acknowledge the majesty and goodness of God before others? To acknowledge God is to proclaim His goodness towards us. To acknowledge God is to proclaim and share His blessing with others. For example, when you say God bless you to someone, you are already acknowledging the goodness of God in your life. And by saying God bless you, you want your friends to be blessed by God as well.

To acknowledge God in one’s life is to live and share His teachings. Do we live and share His teachings? We become productive followers of Jesus when we share Him and when we live His teachings. Profession of faith is not good enough we have to humbly show that we are living our faith and in turn we become active and not passive followers of God.

We always acknowledge the presence of God in our lives when we do good and shun whatever forms of evil. When we are always humble and loving even if our others are not humble and loving towards us. This is for the reason that Jesus is a God of love and humility. Do we strive to live the love and humility of Jesus?

 It’s tempting to ego trip most especially when we have the power and means to do so but this is against the will of God. How would Jesus be seen in us and how could we acknowledge the presence of Jesus in our lives if we are egoistic and arrogant?

Love, Mercy, Humility, to name a few are the language and lifestyle of God and when we live these virtues we are acknowledging the presence of God in our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for October 20, Friday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:1-7

Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

(At that time) So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees.

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 

I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

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Reflection:

To whom do you entrust your life in this world?  Do you entrust it to Jesus or you always take control of your life? If you say that you are in control of your life this simply means that you take the driver seat and let Jesus take the passenger seat. However, when you take the driver seat you also open yourself to many worrying circumstances that would continuously disturb you for as long as you live.

In the gospel Jesus tells us that He knows everything about us; our deepest fears and worries. Even the number of our hairs He knows how many, then He assures us not to be afraid for we are worth more than many sparrows (Luke 12:7).

When we let Jesus take the driver seat of our lives we will have no more fear of anything that may befall us. Even death we will not fear anymore. For this is one of the countless blessings that we would receive from Jesus the moment we let the Lord drive our life.

There may come a time that we will hit a wall and everything in our life will come to a halt. And we will begin to ask ourselves: Where am I going and what is the purpose of my life in this world? This would come because we are always in the driver seat in full control of our life in this world.

Why don’t you let Jesus take the driver seat, and let Him take control of your life? - Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Oktubre 20, Biyernes ng Ika-28 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:1-7

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang dumaragsa ang libu-libong tao, anupa't nagkakatapakan sila, nagsalita muna si Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Mag-ingat kayo sa lebadura ng mga Pariseo-- ito'y ang pagpapaimbabaw. Walang natatago na di malalantad, at walang nalilihim na di mabubunyag. Anumang sabihin ninyo sa dilim ay maririnig sa liwanag at anumang ibulong ninyo sa mga silid ay ipagsisigawan." 

"Sinasabi ko sa inyo, mga kaibigan, huwag ninyong katakutan ang mga pumapatay ng katawan, at pagkatapos ay wala nang magagawa pa. Sasabihin ko sa inyo kung ano ang dapat ninyong katakutan: katakutan ninyo yaong pagkatapos na pumatay ay may kapangyarihan pang magbulid sa impyerno. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, ang Diyos ang dapat ninyong katakutan! 

"Hindi ba ipinagbibili sa halagang dalawang pera lamang ang limang maya? Gayunman, kahit isa sa kanila'y hindi pinababayaan ng Diyos. Maging ang buhok ninyo'y bilang na lahat. Kaya, huwag kayong matakot; higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga maya."

Reflection for October 19, Thursday of the Twenty-eighth week in Ordinary Time: Luke 11:47-54

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

(Jesus said) “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. 

Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. 

Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

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Reflection:

Why were the prophets killed? For example John the Baptist, why was he killed? Because he courageously spoke about the truth no matter who gets hurt! During that time John was enjoying a respectable status until he denounced the adulterous relationship of King Herod. 

Therefore from respectability John was scorned, imprisoned and eventually beheaded. What a frightening end for a prophet of God but this is the role of the prophet: To speak about the truth no matter who gets hurt! Because in speaking about the truth we change lives, we correct errant behaviors. And we create awareness that evil deeds will not get away unnoticed.    

We too could become a prophet when we are not afraid to speak about the truth no matter who gets hurt. But there is a price to pay for our discipleship for Jesus and that is to face our respective trials. 

It’s so tempting to always package Jesus as a God of miracles, abundance and prosperity. But this is not the totality of Jesus because Jesus also went through sacrifices and trials without which there would have been no triumph over the cross and there would have been no salvation. 

 What would happen to a follower when he/she encounters trials if he/she only knows Jesus as a God of prosperity?  He may not know how to deal with his trials and the worst case scenario is he/she may even blame Jesus for his/her trials. 

We should therefore not forget to also present Jesus as someone who will bring us trials. This is for the reason that it is only through our trials that we get to have a deeper friendship with Him.   

Are you going through hardship and trials right now? It has a purpose, none other than for you to be aware of the abiding presence of Jesus in your life. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday October 18, Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist: Luke 10:1-9

Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.  

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.  

Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'"

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Reflection:

Why do we sometimes waver in our discipleship for the Lord? I think it is for the reason that we lack focus, we don’t trust God and we love this world more than we love God. As a result we become half-hearted until we do not anymore trust the providence of God. After which we now trust more on ourselves and Jesus becomes a minimal factor in our lives.  

But what is the message of our gospel today? Its full trust and dependence on God alone! If we would only learn to entrust our lives to Jesus and if we would only learn to be faithful to the mission that He has given us. Then we would see how God would provide for us, but the problem is some of us don’t even know what is our mission in this world.  

We don’t know our mission because we don’t take our faith seriously. We hardly give it time because we are always busy with our worldly undertakings. Worldly undertakings that can evaporate from us anytime. Worldly undertakings that will not bring us eternal peace and happiness.  

But what is our mission? Our mission is to become modern day zealous disciples that will help Jesus spread the good news of our salvation.  

Have you already shared the Lord's good news? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Tuesday October 17, Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr: Luke 11:37-41

Gospel: Luke 11:37-41

After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 

The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

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Reflection:

Was the Pharisee who invited Jesus to dine in his house a fan of Jesus? Perhaps, yes, he was a fan, for he liked the wisdom and eloquence of Jesus, which is why he invited Jesus to dine in his home. Everything was going smoothly between the teacher and His fan until Jesus did not wash His hands before eating.

Did Jesus purposely skip washing His hands so that His fan would see Him doing it? Yes, yet there was a deeper reason why He did not wash His hands. Jesus wanted His fan (the Pharisee) to realize that there is something more profound than mere external observance of the Jewish law.

For Jesus it’s always what’s inside our hearts! Never mind those things that are visible to the naked eye for the reason that what is seen will eventually pass and be forgotten. But what is in our hearts will never be forgotten. For example, the acts kindness, mercy and love that we do for others. 

For instance, we forever remember the acts of kindness, mercy and love that had been given or done to us. But we don’t anymore remember the external appearance (What clothes he/she was wearing and so forth) of the person who did those acts of kindness, mercy and love for us. 

Jesus is always biased toward acts of kindness, mercy, and love, especially unseen acts of kindness, mercy, and love. For these are the spirit and backbone of His teachings. Jesus never taught us to always be concerned about our external appearance, reputation, and the many other external aspects of our worldly lives. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 16, Monday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 11:29-32

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.  

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

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Reflection:

Can you still remember the thief at the side of Jesus who asked Jesus to remember him when He is in His kingdom? The thief had an on-the-spot salvation because he repented from his sins (Luke 23:42-43).  

Jesus calls us also to repentance every minute of our life. Let us not be deaf to this call, let us listen, follow and embrace this call.  

What is sin that many of us can’t leave it behind? What does it give us?  Does committing sin give us fulfillment that many of us continue to embrace it? Whatever pleasure/s sin gives us it’s actually a curse coated in pleasure. For example the sin of adultery, it’s pleasurable and exciting  for the person who commits adultery. Why? Because he/she walks into satan’s trap which blinds the adulterer or whatever thought of consequence, until the adulterer gets caught. 

As the person enjoys the pleasure and excitement, sins and problems start to pile up as well. Until such time that it destroys the individuals involved in the sinful relationship. However, why wait to be destroyed by sin when Jesus is always offering us repentance? When Jesus is ever and always ready to forget and forgive all our past sins provided we leave it behind and completely walk away from it.       

There’s a reward that awaits us the moment we listen to Jesus’ call of repentance. The incentive is like the reward of salvation that He gave to the repentant thief on the cross.  

Perhaps it may not be instant salvation but certainly there would be a reward if we decide to leave our sinful lives. Rewards like: peace of mind, peace in the family, a life free from any guilt of conscience and so forth. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday October 15, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:1-14

Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14

Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 

A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 

The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 

But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, 'My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, 'Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen."

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Reflection:

What are you going to do if, for example, a neighbor invites you to go to church for Holy Mass? Would you accept it or not? It would be easy to accept the invitation for those who grew up attending Holy Mass. But it would also be hard to accept the invitation if those who are being invited are not regular Sunday Mass goers.

But what are you missing when you refuse the invitation of the Lord to be present at Holy Mass? You miss being in heaven for an hour while you are still here on earth. You miss attending the holiest and most blessings-filled gathering of people.

In our gospel, those who were invited refused the invitation of the king to attend the wedding feast of his son. For they all have their own preoccupations and priorities. But come to think of it, what is one hour for the wedding feast? What is one hour for our attendance at Holy Mass compared to seven days or 168 hours that we give to our personal lives in a week?

Jesus, in the gospel, invites us to go to Holy Mass. He doesn’t care about who we are: how sinful we are, how poor or rich we are. What the good Lord only cares about is our willingness to be with Him at Holy Mass so that He could bless us.

If our focus is always on our personal and worldly activities, we would end up with nothing eventually. What is the purpose of all these worldly activities when none of them are permanent and lasting? We will leave all of them behind when we eventually die. Many of these worldly undertakings that we prioritize over our worship for God could even result in the disintegration of our family or could even lead to illness.

By the way, what would it benefit you if you possess all the material riches in this world, yet you don't have Jesus in your life?- Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Oktubre 15 Linggo, Ika-28 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 22:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22:1-14

Noong panahong iyon, muling nagsalita sa mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan si Jesus sa pamamagitan ng talinghaga. Sinabi niya, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: naghandog ng isang piging ang isang hari sa kasal ng kanyang anak na lalaki. Sinugo niya ang kanyang mga alipin upang tawagin ang mga inanyayahan ngunit ayaw nilang dumalo.

t kanyang pinagbilinan, 'Sabihin ninyo sa mga inanyayahan na naihanda ko na ang aking piging: napatay na ang aking mga baka at mga pinatabang guya, at handa na ang lahat ng bagay. Halina kayo sa piging!' Ngunit hindi ito pinansin ng mga inanyayahan. Humayo sila sa kani-kanilang lakad; ang isa'y sa kanyang bukid at sa kanyang pangangalakal naman ang isa. 

Sinunggaban naman ng iba ang mga alipin hinamak at pinatay. Galit na galit ang hari, Pinaparoon niya ang kanyang mga kawal, ipinapuksa ang mga mamamatay-taong iyon at ipinasunog ang kanilang lungsod. Sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alipin, 'Nakahanda na ang piging, ngunit hindi karapat-dapat ang inanyayahan. Kaya't pumunta kayo sa mga lansangang matao, at inyong anyayahan sa kasalan ang lahat ng makita ninyo.' Lumabas nga sa mga pangunahing lansangan ang mga alipin at isinama ang lahat ng natagpuan, masasama't mabubuti, anupa't napuno ng mga panauhin ang bulwagang pangkasalan.

"Pumasok ang hari upang tingnan ang mga panauhin, at nakita niya roon ang isang taong hindi nakadamit pangkasalan. 'Kaibigan, bakit ka pumasok dito nang hindi nakadamit pangkasalan?' tanong niya. Hindi nakaimik ang tao. Kaya't sinabi ng hari sa mga katulong, 'Gapusin ninyo ang kanyang kamay at paa at itapon siya sa kadiliman sa labas. Doo'y mananangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.' Sapagkat marami ang tinatawag, ngunit kakaunti ang nahihirang.

Reflection for October 14, Saturday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 11:27-28

Gospel: Luke 11:27-28

While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

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Reflection:

Are you taking care of your mother? Many of us today pamper our mother with material things. But when a mother is old and already a member of the senior citizen's club she is not anymore concerned with material things. She is more concerned with the love and care that she will receive from her children.

A mother will never say to her children to give her love and care rather than material things. Yet she will greatly appreciate it if she would be given love and care by her children love and care that she richly deserves. Let us not forget that our mothers carried us in their wombs for nine long months and we gained nourishment from them as well.

In the gospel, a woman who perhaps knows the Blessed Virgin Mary told Jesus: “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed (Luke 11:27).” She possibly said this to honor Mary for properly rearing Jesus.

Yet, Jesus gave the more profound honor to His Mother Mary by saying: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it (Luke 11:27).” For the Blessed Mother heard the word of God, she treasured it in her heart and followed it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 13, Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 11:15-26

Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said: “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? 

For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 

“When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.”

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Reflection:

Many years ago there was an advertisement on TV that had a catchy phrase that goes like this: "Our products are everywhere." Could we also say this to the devil, that he and his minions are everywhere today? Yes, the sad reality is the devil and his minions are prevalent today more than ever. They are everywhere literally disguised in so many attractive ways and things that we cannot identify who they are and where they reside. 

We may not be aware of this, but some of these evils reside within us. This is the reason why evil thoughts suddenly pop into our minds from time to time. Should we worry about this? Yes, of course, because it shows our feeble faith and our very poor relationship with Jesus.

Evil thrives within us when Jesus is absent within us, when we shabbily treat Him and when our faith in Jesus is weak. Therefore, when we have weak faith we also give the devil a window of opportunity to cast his evil magic spell upon us. 

Our gospel for this Friday tells us that Jesus is far more powerful than the devil. That Jesus can demolish the devil anytime He wants. But Jesus needs also our cooperation. For the simple reason that He also gave us the freewill to decide for ourselves. If we are going to embrace Him and let Him come into our lives or we continue to allow the devil to gain control of our lives. 

The choice is yours to make,  but let us take the right choice by choosing Jesus over the devil no matter how attractive the enticements of the devil. This simply means that we will leave sin and anything that makes us sin from hereon. - Marino J. Dasmarinas