Reflection for January 9, Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “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, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him. His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Reflection:

What is the modern day unclean spirits that could possess us now? It’s our greed, our lack of concern for others, our arrogance, our lustful desires and the like. Who can defeat these evil spirits that enslaves us? It’s Jesus and our faith in him! But the big question is  Do we always communicate with Jesus through our prayers? Do we thirst for Jesus by always desiring to partake of His body at Holy Mass? 

Evil/unclean spirit has no chance to possess us when we are always in union with Jesus. Those who are possessed by evil spirits are those who distance themselves from Jesus. Just try to always get connected with Jesus and you will see that you will always be shielded from the possession of the evil one. 

In today's gospel, Jesus forcefully commanded the evil spirit that possessed the man to leave him. The evil spirit had no choice but to obey Jesus' authoritative command. Why? Because Jesus possesses power and authority over everything, including the numerous modern-day evils that control us! 

But come to think of it, why was the man in our gospel possessed by an unclean spirit? Why was he among the many people in the synagogue? He was lacking in faith in Jesus and perhaps he was living his life in sin otherwise he would have not been possessed.    

Let us always strive to always get in touch with Jesus for He is always there for us and let us always live righteous lives. By doing so we free ourselves from the possession of the devil and the many modern-day evils that lurks around us today. 

Do you always create time to reach out to Jesus and are you living a righteous life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 9, Martes sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:21b-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:21b-28

Sa lungsod ng Capernaum sa Araw ng Pamamahinga si Jesus ay pumasok sa sinagoga at nagturo. Namangha ang mga tao sapagkat nagturo siya sa kanila na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba. Bigla namang pumasok sa sinagoga ang isang inaalihan ng masamang espiritu, at sumigaw: "Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Jesus na taga-Nazaret? 

Kilala kita: Ikaw ang Banal na mula sa Diyos!" 

Ngunit iniutos ni Jesus sa masamang espiritu , "Tumahimik ka! Lumabas ka sa kanya!" Pinapangisay ng masamang espiritu ang tao, at sumisigaw na lumabas. Nanggilalas ang lahat, kaya't sila'y nagtanungan. "Ano ito? Bagong aral? Nauutusan niya pati ang masasamang espiritu. At sinunod naman siya!" At mabilis na kumalat sa buong Galilea ang balita tungkol kay Jesus.

Reflection for Monday January 8, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Mark 1:7-11

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."  

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."

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Reflection:

Do you still remember the date of your baptism and the priest that administered your baptism? Perhaps you don’t remember anymore for the simple reason that it was a long long time ago. But should we strive to remember the date of our baptism? we should because it is through our baptism that we became members of the Catholic/Universal church. 

 Our Baptism is not only a rite or a Sacrament it is also a responsibility that we need to fulfill and what is the responsibility? The responsibility is to help Jesus spread the faith. Therefore, through baptism we become one with the mission of the church. 

In the gospel, Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan river it was not a mere ceremonial baptism. It was a baptism that signaled the beginning of the mission of Jesus. Thus, after baptism Jesus commenced His mission of salvation. 

We have to be gently reminded that we always share in the mission of Jesus by virtue of our baptism. Hence, we have to ask ourselves: Have I already shared the gospel of Christ and am I living right now the teachings of the gospel? – Marino J. Dasmarinas           

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Enero 8, Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag ng Panginoon: Marcos 1:7-11

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:7-11

Noong panahong iyon, sinasabi ni Juan Bautista sa kanyang pangangaral: “Darating na kasunod ko ang isang makapangyarihan kaysa sa akin: ni hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang mga panyapak. Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, ngunit bibinyagan niya kayo sa Espiritu Santo.” 

Hindi nagluwat, dumating si Hesus mula sa Nazaret, Galilea, at siya’y bininyagan ni Juan sa Ilog-Jordan. Pagkaahung-pagkaahon ni Hesus sa tubig ay nakita niyang nabuksan ang kalangitan, at bumababa sa kanya ang Espiritu na gaya ng isang kalapati. At isang tinig ang nagmula sa langit: “Ikaw ang minamahal kong Anak, lubos kitang kinalulugdan.”

Reflection for Sunday January 7, Solemnity of The Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” 

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. 

They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was thinking of something that he can give Jesus this 2024. So, he was asking himself: What can I give Jesus this year being the year of Prayer? Then, he immediately answered his question by saying; “I will be prayerful and I will teach others how to pray. 

The Magi from the East presented extraordinary gifts to the baby Jesus—Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Gold symbolized Jesus' kingship, Frankincense signified that the child Jesus was to be worshipped, and Myrrh, traditionally used for anointing the dead, foreshadowed His eventual death on the cross. 

What is the best gift you could give Jesus this year? Is it your time and strength for the furtherance of the gospel, or is it your treasure and knowledge? Whatever it may be, give Jesus nothing less than your very best. Do not mind what it will cost you; you have to give Jesus what He truly deserves, for He is your Lord and Savior.  

Sometimes it is very hard to give especially if we will not immediately receive something in return. Many of us find it difficult to give to Jesus because He does not physically reciprocate our generosity. 

But, where can we find Jesus in this era of social media such as facebook, twitter, instagram and so forth? Can we find Jesus in these social media platforms? No, we cannot find Jesus there.  

Jesus is in the poor you pass by every day, in the hungry and homeless you always see, and in anyone who desperately needs your help. Have you ever felt the desire to give them something, but you held back? 

Don’t hold back when you see or pass by them again. Give them something, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you. For that something means the world to them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 7, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Mateo 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:1-12

Si Hesus ay ipinanganak sa Betlehem ng Judea noong kapanahunan ni haring Herodes. Dumating naman sa Jerusalem ang ilang Pantas mula sa Silangan at nagtanung-tanong doon: “Nasaan ang ipinanganak na Hari ng mga Judio? Nakita namin sa Silangan ang kanyang tala at naparito kami upang sambahin siya.” 

Nang mabalitaan ito ni haring Herodes, siya’y naligalig, gayun din ang buong Jerusalem. Kaya’t tinipon niya ang lahat ng punong saserdote at mga eskriba sa Israel at itinanong sa kanila kung saan ipinanganak ang Mesiyas. “Sa Betlehem po ng Judea,” tugon nila. “Ganito ang sinulat ng propeta:

‘At ikaw, Betlehem, sa lupain ng Juda,

ay hindi nga huli sa mga pangunahing bayan ng Juda.

Sapagkat sa iyo lilitaw ang isang pinuno

na mamamahala sa aking bayang Israel.’” 

Nang mabatid ito, lihim na ipinatawag ni Herodes ang mga Pantas at itinanong kung kailan lumitaw ang mga tala. At pinalakad niya sila patungong Betlehem matapos pabilinan ng ganito: “Humayo kayo at inyong hanaping mabuti ang sanggol. Kapag inyong natagpuan, ibalita agad ninyo sa akin upang ako may makasamba sa kanya.” 

At lumakad na nga ang mga Pantas. Muli silang pinangunahan ng talang nakita nila sa silangan hanggang sa sumapit ito sa tapat ng kinaroroonan ng bata. Gayun na lamang ang galak ng mga Pantas nang makita ang tala! Pagpasok sa bahay, nakita nila ang bata sa piling ng kanyang inang si Maria.  

Lumapit sila at nagpatirapa at sinamba ang bata. Binuksan nila ang kanilang mga sisidlan at inihandog sa kanya ang dala nilang ginto, kamanyang at mira.

Nang sila’y pabalik na, sinabi sa kanila ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng panaginip na huwag na silang babalik kay Herodes. Kaya, nag-iba na sila ng daan pauwi.

Reflection for Saturday January 6, Saint André Bessette (M): Mark 1:7-11

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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Reflection:

What would you do when you’re given the opportunity to bask in the glory of your achievements? Do you point to yourself as the sole anchor of your achievements? Or do you point to Jesus as the one who is responsible for the glory and achievement that you are presently enjoying right now? 

John pointed to Jesus as the one - the mighty one which he is not even worthy to be compared. This is what John said about Jesus:  I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:7-8).” 

John had the opportunity to claim the peoples’ adulation and bask in the limelight but he never did. Why? For the simple reason that John perfectly knew his role, he is only the precursor. John knew that he is not the actor which occupies the starring role. 

Whatever achievement we have or attain, we should always learn to point to Jesus as the anchor and the originator of our achievement. For the simple reason that everything emanates from Him and without Him in our lives we are nothing. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 6, Sabado bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Marcos 1:7-11

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:7-11

Noong panahong iyon, sinasabi ni Juan Bautista sa kanyang pangangaral: “Darating na kasunod ko ang isang makapangyarihan kaysa sa akin: ni hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang mga panyapak. Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, ngunit bibinyagan niya kayo sa Espiritu Santo.” 

Hindi nagluwat, dumating si Hesus mula sa Nazaret, Galilea, at siya’y bininyagan ni Juan sa Ilog-Jordan. Pagkaahung-pagkaahon ni Hesus sa tubig ay nakita niyang nabuksan ang kalangitan, at bumababa sa kanya ang Espiritu na gaya ng isang kalapati. At isang tinig ang nagmula sa langit: “Ikaw ang minamahal kong Anak, lubos kitang kinalulugdan.”

Reflection for Friday January 5, Saint John Neumann (M): John 1:43-51

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth." 

But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." 

Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

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Reflection:

Jesus said to Philip: Follow me, such powerful words coming from Jesus. Thus, Philip could do nothing except to humbly follow the Messiah. This is the reason why Philip became one of the twelve apostles, he was called by Jesus.   

What if Jesus would call you to follow Him, would you respond to His call? 

Follow where? Follow Him in His humility, follow Him in His perseverance, follow Him in His being a man for others. Follow Him in His gentleness and follow Him in His humble obedience to the will of God. 

These powerful words of Jesus echoes until this very moment and it is not anymore addressed to Philip but to us! He gently tells us to follow Him; many have said yes and followed Jesus already. 

Many have forsaken their material riches, high society status and power for the sake of Jesus. Why? Because at last they found the one that will finally cure their emptiness and brokenness. Emptiness and brokenness which they thought could be filled up by their riches and power but it never did. 

Many of us are still chasing after riches, earthly things and power at what cost and for what? When we are at our deathbeds riches and power will not anymore matter what will matter is the relationship that we have with Jesus. 

Even now the riches and power that we are chasing will never complete us it will even exacerbate our emptiness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 5, Biyernes bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:43-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:43-51

Kinabukasan, minabuti ni Jesus na pumunta sa Galilea. Nakita niya si Felipe, at sinabi rito, "Sumunod ka sa akin." (Si Felipe'y taga-Betsaida, tulad nina Andres at Pedro.) Hinanap ni Felipe si Natanael, at sinabi rito, "Natagpuan namin si Jesus na taga-Nazaret, ang anak ni Jose. Siya ang tinutukoy ni Moises sa kanyang sinulat sa Kautusan, at gayon din ng mga propeta."  

"May magmumula bang mabuti sa Nazaret?" tanong ni Natanael. Sumagot si Felipe, "Halika't tingnan mo." Nang malapit na si Natanael ay sinabi ni Jesus. "Masdan ninyo ang isang tunay na Israelita; siya'y hindi magdaraya!" Tinanong siya ni Natanael, "Paano ninyo ako nakilala?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Bago ka pa tawagin ni Felipe, nakita na kita nang ikaw ay nasa ilalim ng puno ng igos," "Rabi, kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos! Kayo ang Hari ng Israel!" wika ni Natanael.  

Sinabi ni Jesus, "Nanampalataya ka ba dahil sa sinabi ko sa iyong nakita kita sa ilalim ng puno ng igos? Makakikita ka ng bagay ng higit kaysa rito!" At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Tandaan ninyo: makikita ninyong bukas ang langit, at ang mga anghel ng Diyos ay manhik-manaog sa kinaroroonan ng anak ng Tao.!" 

Reflection for Thursday January 4, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (M): John 1:35-42

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 

He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. 

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

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Reflection:

A sinful man saw a poster that states: Do you want to know Jesus? If your answer is yes, you have to read your bible specifically the first four gospels of the New Testament. Out of curiosity the sinful man followed the instruction and he read the first four gospels of the New Testament. As he read it he felt an edifying feeling that he never felt before in his life. He therefore left everything that made him sin and he became a zealous follower of the Lord. 

The call of Jesus comes to us in different shapes and forms. It sometime comes to us through a life altering experience. It comes to us through a friend who would invite us to church and there we become enlightened about the life of Jesus. 

What is important in these Jesus experience is our willingness to walk the extra mile to be with Jesus and to know Jesus. What does this mean? It simply means that we would be willing to leave behind everything for Jesus. This also means that we would invest time to read the life story of Jesus in the bible.   Many do this and they experience life changing conversion. 

Many respond as well but they’re not willing to leave behind sin. They continue to sin even if they know that sin is not good and against the teaching of the faith and Jesus. They therefore continue to mire themselves in sin that would eventually make life miserable for them. 

When the followers of John left him for Jesus, it was not an easy decision for them.  But they had a strong resolve to follow Jesus.  So they did and from being ordinary fishermen they became Extra-Ordinary fishers of men.   

You may as well encounter an offer to follow Jesus. Follow Him with all your heart this simply means that you would be willing to leave sin behind. And you leave everything including your very life in the healing and loving hands of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 4, Huwebes bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:35-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:35-42

Noong panahong iyon, naroon uli si Juan at ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad. Nakita niya si Jesus na nagdaraan, at kanyang sinabi, "Ito ang Kordero ng Diyos!" Narinig ng dalawang alagad ang sinabi niya, at sumunod sila kay Jesus. Lumingon si Jesus at nang makitang sumusunod sila ay kanyang tinanong, "Ano ang hinahanap ninyo?"  

Sumagot sila, "Saan po kayo nakatira, Rabi?" Ang kahulugan ng salitang ito'y Guro. "Halikayo at tingnan ninyo," ani Jesus. Sumama sila at nakita nila ang kanyang tinitirhan; at tumuloy sila roon ng araw na yaon. Noo'y mag-iikaapat na ng hapon. Ang isa sa dalawang nakarinig kay Juan at sumunod kay Jesus ay si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro. 

Una niyang hinanap ang kapatid niyang ito, at kanyang sinabi sa kanya, "Natagpuan namin ang Mesias!" Ang kahulugan ng salitang ito'y Cristo. At siya'y isinama ni Andres kay Jesus. Tiningnan ni Jesus si Simon at sinabi sa kanya, 'Ikaw si Simon na anak ni Juan. ang ipangangalan sa iyo'y Cefas." Ang katumbas ng pangalang ito'y Pedro. 

Reflection for January 3, Wednesday before Epiphany: John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel."  

John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God."

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Reflection:

Do you once in a while crave for attention and recognition? 

Whether we admit it or not, there are times that we gloat about ourselves and we crave to be recognized. This is one of our human frailties to raise ourselves in the altar of prominence most especially when we gain something for ourselves. Or when there is an opportunity for us to be recognized we immediately grab that fleeting moment of opportunity.  

There are even some who change with time; for example in friendships, some are like weather conditions. They often change as they gain riches and higher life status. But lest we forget that whatever we have now is temporary. Someday or even sooner what we have now may be taken from us and we end up with nothing. 

So let us keep our feet on the ground, let us at all times follow the humble path of John the Baptist so that we could become effective heralds for Jesus. Let us share Jesus if not in our words we do it through our actions. Many do not know Jesus because we don’t live the teachings of Jesus. 

John lived to the hilt the teachings of Jesus, he did not compete with Jesus for attention. He instead let Jesus shine not minding if some of his followers left him for Jesus. Why? For the simple reason that John was so secure in His role as the precursor for the messiah. 

Insecurity was never in the bones of John, he let Jesus bloom as he silently did his role outside of the fleeting lights of recognition. 

Are you like John also? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 3, Miyerkules bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:29-34

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:29-34

Kinabukasan, nakita ni Juan si Hesus na lumalapit sa kanya. Sinabi niya, “Ito ang Kordero ng Diyos. Ito ang nag-aalis ng mga kasalanan ng sanlibutan! Siya ang tinutukoy ko nang sabihin kong dumarating na kasunod ko ang isang higit sa akin sapagkat siya’y siya na bago pa ako ipanganak. Hindi ko rin siya lubos na nakikilala noon, bagamat ako’y naparitong nagbibinyag sa tubig upang ipakilala siya sa Israel.”  

Ito ang patotoo ni Juan, “Nakita ko ang Espiritung bumababa buhat sa langit, gaya ng isang kalapati, at nanatili sa kanya. Hindi ko nga siya lubos na nakikilala noon, ngunit ang nagsugo sa akin upang magbinyag sa tubig ang nagsabi sa akin, ‘Makikita mo ang Espiritu na bababa at mananatili sa isang tao – siya ang magbibinyag sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo.’ Nakita ko ito, at pinatototohanan kong siya ang Anak ng Diyos.”

Reflection for Tuesday January 2, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church (M): John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?  

What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

Would you want to follow the way of John? 

If only we are all like John, we could have avoided so many troubles in this world. But we are not because we are not as humble as John. And we are not like John because many of us are not also ready to die for the sake of upholding what is moral and right. 

John is a paradox for many of us because he was at the threshold of attaining instant fame. But he refused it, he instead choose to remain humble and not fool around with fleeting fame. Around that time John had all the opportunities to put himself above everyone else but he did not. 

John chose the way of humility. Such is John, humble to the core of his bones and loyal to Jesus and His teachings. The way of John is the way of humility, the way of John is to shun fame and adulation for the sake of Jesus and His teachings. 

Many of us love to be in the limelight, we hunger for attention and adulation. We love it when we are praised to high heavens. Our ears even flap in acknowledgment of the honor that is not ours. Let us be like John at all times always humble, always self-effacing and always pointing to Jesus as the one sent by God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Enero 2, San Basilio Magno at San Gregorio Nasianceno mga Obispo at pantas ng Simbahan (Paggunita): Juan 1:19-28

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:19-28

Nang suguin ng mga Judio sa Jerusalem ang ilang saserdote at Levita upang itanong kung sino siya, sinabi ni Juan ang katotohanan. Sinabi niyang hindi siya ang Mesias. “Kung gayo’y sino ka?” tanong nila. “Ikaw ba si Elias?” “Hindi po,” tugon niya. “Ikaw ba ang Propetang hinihintay namin?” Sumagot siya, “Hindi po.”   

“Sino ka kung gayun?” Tanong nila uli. “Sabihin mo sa amin para masabi namin sa mga nagsugo sa amin. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa iyong sarili?” Sumagot si Juan, “Ako ‘Ang tinig ng isang sumisigaw sa ilang: Tuwirin ninyo ang daraanan ng Panginoon!’” Ang Propeta Isaias ang maysabi nito.  

Ang mga nagtanong ay sugo ng mga Pariseo. Muli nilang tinanong si Juan, “Bakit ka nagbibinyag, hindi pala naman ikaw ang Mesias, ni si Elias, ni ang Propeta?” Sumagot siya, “Ako’y nagbibinyag sa tubig, ngunit nasa gitna ninyo ang isang hindi ninyo nakikilala. Siya ang susunod sa akin, subalit hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag man lamang ng tali ng kanyang panyapak.” Ito’y nangyari sa Betania, sa ibayo ng Jordan na pinagbibinyagan ni Juan. 

Reflection for Monday January 1, Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

Do you always respect, take care of and honor your mother?

On this first day of the year the church honor’s Mary as the Holy Mother of God. This is so because the church wants to remind us of the important role of Mary in salvation history. In the gospel, the Blessed Mother quietly kept everything that was told them by the shepherd. No complaint whatsoever, she humbly submitted herself to the will of God.

Mary quietly fulfilled her role as the Holy Mother of God. She did not complain, she simply submitted herself to God’s will. She taught Jesus everything that He needs to know about life. And she also stayed with Jesus until the very end of His life. In return, Jesus greatly recognized her humble submission to the will of God by asking John the apostle to take care of His mother ( John 19:27).

All of us have our own mothers and we are all aware of the great sacrifices that they did for us. Like the Blessed Mother, they never complained they instead quietly assumed their motherly roles. But how are we treating them right now that they are in twilight of their years? Are we giving them the best comfort and care that they could ever have?

Let us give our mothers the best that we could ever give them. Let us express to them our love and gratitude for all of the things that they’ve done for us. If they make mistakes or behave erratically due to their advancing age, let us remain patient and gentle with them.     

How are you taking care of your mother? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Enero 1, Dakilang Kapistahan ni Maria Ina ng Diyos: Lucas 2:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:16-21

Noong panahong iyon: nagmamadali silang lumakad patungong Betlehem at nakita nila sina Maria at Jose at ang sanggol na nakahiga sa sabsaban. Kaya't isinaysay nila ang mga sinabi ng anghel tungkol sa sanggol na ito; at nagtaka ang lahat ng nakarinig sa sinabi ng mga pastol.

Natanim sa isip ni Maria ang mga bagay na ito at kanyang pinagbulay-bulay. Umalis ang mga pastol na nagpupuri sa Diyos at nagpapahayag ng kanyang kadakilaan dahil sa lahat ng narinig nila at nakita na ayon sa ibinalita sa kanila ng anghel.

Pagdating ng ikawalong araw ay tinuli ang bata at pinangalanang Hesus – ang pangalang ibinigay ng anghel bago pa siya ipinaglihi.

Reflection for Sunday December 31, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

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

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

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 

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

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

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Reflection:

The story is told about a mother who was wondering how come her children have no proper values and no love for God. Many parents are perhaps in the same boat, they are puzzled how their children grew up in such manner.

But parents need not look far to discover the cause of their children’s negative behavior. They simply have to face the mirror, and they will surely discover the person behind their children’s negative behavior.

Parents are the basic formators of their children and the pillar of the family as such they are the foremost teachers of their children.  If they raise their children with love for God they would mature as lovers of God. If they raise them with discipline and right manners they would grow up as such as well.

Besides fulfilling the Jewish law that mandates bringing the firstborn to the temple and requires the mother to offer a sacrifice for her purification after childbirth. Mary and Joseph ensured that the child Jesus will grow up to become someone who will love God dearly.

This is the reason why they took time to present Jesus to God in the temple. Joseph and Mary knew the crucial role of love for God in their family and in their child’s life. Both of them knew how to properly mold their only child Jesus, so that He would grow as a man who loves God.

Even if we are very busy, let us not forget to make time to bring our children to the Lord by attending Holy Mass as a family. We should introduce Jesus to them by discussing His life, which we can easily find in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, Mark, and John in the Bible. Additionally, let's not overlook the importance of teaching them about our faith, as it will undoubtedly bear fruit in their lives when they start their own families someday.

Do you always attend Holy Mass as a family and have you educated your children about the life of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Disyembre 31, Kapistahan ng Banal na Mag-anak nina Hesus, Maria at Jose: Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

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

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

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

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

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

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