Reflection for Friday January 31, Saint John Bosco, priest: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come."

He said, "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

Did you know that God has scattered the seeds of faith in your heart?

Your knowledge of God always starts with a little idea in your mind. For example, when you were young you know that there’s a God but as to who is this God and what is the role of this God in your life you don’t know yet. As you mature you nurture this idea by thinking  about God. By going to Holy Mass, by reading the scriptures and by researching about your faith in the internet.

By doing all these things the little idea that God has given you would now grow bigger until God becomes the stronghold of your life. He now becomes your safe refuge that you always look for during your times of distress.

However, not all nurture their idea about God and not all seek refuge in God. Many of us seek refuge in our vices and with our friends. Only to discover later that the refuge that they provide are short lived and passing. The only refuge that is forever is God all other refuges that others seek during their time of distress are all tied with the passing of time.

What is your part in this scheme of scattering of seeds by God? Your part is to help this seeds grow in the hearts of your fellowmen. This you can best do by sharing what you know about God, by living the teachings of God. And by encouraging others to read the scriptures and to attend Holy Mass. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Enero 31, San Juan Bosco, pari: Marcos 4:26-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

• 26 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao: “Maihahambing ang kaharian ng Diyos sa paghahasik ng isang tao ng buto sa lupa. 27 Tulog man siya o gising, sa gabi o araw, sumisibol ang binhi at lumalago nang hindi niya namama­layan. 28 Nagbu­bu­nga ang lupa sa ganang sarili nito: una’y ang usbong, saka ang uhay at ang butil na humihitik sa uhay. 29 At kapag nagbunga na ito, agad siyang mag­papadala ng karit sapagkat suma­pit na ang anihan.”

• 30 At sinabi niya: “Sa ano natin ma­iku­kumpara ang kaharian ng Diyos? Sa anong talinhaga natin ito mai­pakikilala? 31 Natutulad ito sa paghahasik ng buto ng mustasa na pinakamaliit sa mga binhing inihahasik sa lupa. 32 Ngunit pag­­ka­hasik nito, tumataas ito at lumalaki na higit pa sa lahat ng gulay at nag­sa­sanga nang malaki hanggang sumilong sa kanyang lilim ang mga ibon ng langit.”

33 Itinuro niya sa kanila ang lahat ng ito sa pamamagitan ng mga talinhagang gaya nito ayon sa kakayahan ng kani­lang isipan. 34 Hindi siya nag­turo sa ka­nila nang hindi guma­gamit ng mga ta­linhaga. Ngunit nilinaw niya ang lahat sa kanyang mga alagad nang sila-sila na lamang. Pinahupa ni Jesus ang bagyo

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Thursday January 30, Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:21-25

Gospel: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear. He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

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Reflection:

Do you take time to share what you know about God? Do you live the faith that God has given you? Our knowledge and faith about God will further blossom if we learn to share it. We will  also grow in faith as we care to share it. But have we thought of sharing God?

Sometimes we are afraid to share God because many of the population of today are not anymore centered on God. They are more centered on how they could earn a living, centered on the material side of this world and how to survive in this world. But what kind of people are we growing if they will be more focused on this world than God?   

Jesus in our gospel mentions about a lamp that must not be hidden under a bed for it will have no use at all! Jesus mentions about a lamp that is put in a lampstand so that it will serve as a guiding light where others could gain wisdom and enlightenment from it.

Your knowledge about God and your faith is the lamp of your life. You must not keep it to yourself! You must share and live it so others would be enlightened by it! There are people who don’t know God because there are people who don’t care to share and live what they know about God.

Therefore, bring the lighted lamp of Jesus into your own environment and bring the lamp of Jesus into your own family. So that they could be enlightened and transformed by Jesus, this you will do with utmost humility. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Enero 30, Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 4:21-25

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4: 4:21-25

21 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao: “Dumarating ba ang ilaw para takpan ng salop o para ilagay sa ilalim ng higaan? Hindi! Inilalagay ito sa patungan! 22 Walang na­lilihim na di nabubunyag at walang tinatakpan na di malalantad. 23 Makinig ang may tainga!”

24 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Isip-isipin ninyo ang inyong naririnig. Sa sukatang ginamit ninyo, susukatin ang para sa inyo at higit pa ang ibibigay sa inyo. 25 Bibigyan pa nga ang meron na ­ngunit ang wala ay aagawain pa ng anumang nasa kanya.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for Wednesday January 29, Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:1-20

Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,  “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. He answered them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.”

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. But they have no roots; they last only for a time. Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort.

They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

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Reflection:

Do you want to grow in faith?

Sometimes we may wonder why others do not grow in faith yet others grow in faith? The secret for those who grow in faith is the time that they invest with God. For example if we would have a solemn daily prayer life we would be assured that God would look kindly upon us and He will give us the gift of faith.

We have in our gospel the parable of the sower who is no other than God. He sows the seeds of faith in our hearts but not everyone of us are able to grow and deeply nurture the seeds of faith that He sows. For the reason that we lack time for God but the paradox is we have time for this world and we even create time for this world. But do we have time for God? Do we create time for God?

Faith is a gift from God but at the same time we have to open and use this gift of faith we should not take it for granted. Otherwise this gift will not blossom, grow and have deep roots within us. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why our faith don’t blossom because we take it for granted.

When are we going to get serious with our faith in God? When are we going to live our faith? So that it could finally blossom and bear abundant fruit? When we are already sickly and near the cliff of death? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Enero 29, Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 4:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:1-20

• 1 Muling nagsimulang magturo si Jesus sa tabing-dagat at mara­mi ang nagkatipon sa kanya. Kaya su­makay siya sa bangka at naupo. Nasa dagat siya at nasa tabing-dagat naman ang lahat. 2 At marami siyang itinuro sa kanila sa tulong ng mga talinhaga. Si­nabi niya sa kanila sa kanyang pagtuturo:

3 “Makinig kayo! Lumabas ang mang­ha­hasik para maghasik. 4 Sa kanyang paghahasik, may butong nahulog sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at ki­nain ang mga iyon. 5 Nahulog na­man ang ibang buto sa batuhan at ma­babaw ang lupa roon. Madaling tumu­bo ang mga buto dahil hindi ma­lalim ang lupa. 6 Ngunit pagsikat ng araw, nasunog ito sa init at sapagkat walang ugat, natuyo ito. 7 Na­hulog ang iba pang buto sa mga tinikan. At nang lumago ang mga tinik, sinikil ng mga ito ang halaman at hindi namunga. 8 Nahulog naman ang iba sa matabang lupa at namunga sa paglaki at paglago. May nagbunga ng tat­lumpu, animnapu ang iba at sandaan ang iba pa.”

9 At idinagdag ni Jesus: “Makinig ang may tainga!” 10 Nang wala na ang mga tao, tina­nong siya ng mga nakapalibot sa kanya, na kasama ng Labindalawa tung­­kol sa mga talinhaga: “Bakit sa pama­magitan ng mga talinhaga ka nagsasalita sa kanila?” 11 At sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Sa inyo ipinagkakaloob ang lihim ng kaha­rian ng Langit ngunit sa mga iyon na nasa labas, ang lahat ay sumasapit gaya ng talinhaga. 12 Kaya tumitingin sila pero di naka­kakita; nakaririnig pero di nakau­unawa kaya naman di sila nagbabalik-loob at di pinatatawad.”

• 13 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Hin­di ninyo nauunawaan ang talinhagang ito, kayat paano ninyo mau­unawaan ang iba pa? 14 Ang Salita ang inihahasik ng mang­hahasik. 15 Ang mga nasa tabi ng daan ay ang mga nahasikan ng Salita, na pag­ka­rinig nila sa Salita ay agad na duma­ting ang Masama at inagaw ang nahasik sa kanila.

16 Gayundin ang nahasik sa batu­han. Pagkarinig nila sa Salita, kaagad nila itong tinanggap nang buong kasi­yahan. 17 Ngunit hindi ito nag-ugat sa kanilang kalooban at panandalian lamang. Ka­pag nagkaroon ng pagsu­bok at pag-uusig dahil sa Salita, agad-agad silang natitisod. 18 May iba pang nahasik sa mga tini­kan. Ang mga ito ang nakarinig sa Salita. 19 Ngunit pinapasok ang mga ito ng mga makamundong kabalisahan, ng pandaraya ng kayamanan at ng iba pang mga pagnanasa. Sinikil ng mga ito ang Salita at hindi na nakapagbunga.

20 Ang mga buto namang nahasik sa matabang lupa ay ang mga nakari­nig sa Salita at isinasagawa ito. At nag­bubunga sila ng sandaan, animnapu o tatlumpu.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Tuesday January 28, Saint Thomas Aquinas, priest and doctor of the Church: Mark 3:31-35

Gospel Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, "Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you." But he said to them in reply, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother."

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Reflection:

A homeless boy was given shelter by a compassionate family. They treated him as a member of their family and shouldered his education until college. After finding a job he generously gave back to the family. All the love and care that they gave him he gave back a hundred times.

The family who assumed responsibility for this boy is a relative of Jesus and this poor God fearing boy is a brother of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus tells us that whoever does the will of God is His brother, sister and mother.

How about those who do not live their lives according to the commandments of Jesus?  Who do no good to the poor and in need? Are they already cut off from Jesus? No they’re not, for the simple reason that Jesus is a merciful and forgiving God. He patiently waits for those who are misguided, those who do not show compassion and love until they find enlightenment.

The infinite mercy of Jesus is always available for us no matter who we are yet Jesus is also challenging us to do good to our fellowmen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Martes Enero 28, Santo Tomas Aquino pari at pantas ng Iglesia : Marcos 3:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Mark 3:31-35

31 Dumating naman ang ina ni Jesus at ang kanyang mga kapatid; naka­tayo sila sa labas at ipinatawag siya. 32 Naka­upo si Jesus at napapaligiran ng mga tao nang may magsabi sa kanya: “Nasa labas ang iyong ina at mga kapatid; hinahanap ka nila.” 33 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Sino ang aking ina at mga kapatid?”

34 At pagtingin niya sa mga nakaupo sa paligid niya ay kanyang sinabi: “Na­rito ang aking ina at mga kapatid. 35 Ka­patid kong lalaki at kapatid na babae at ina rin ang sumusunod sa kalooban ng Diyos.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for Monday January 27, Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:22-30

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin. For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.

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Reflection:

What comes to your mind when you hear or read about Satan? Is it the usual concept of a dark and frightening figure with horns and tail?

The devil is real but it doesn’t appear as what we’ve usually conceived it to be. Often times it disguises itself using other means so that we would not be able to identify it. Satan is real, in fact he is always around us taking his time until it sees an opportunity to take control of us.

It disguises itself in the appearance of an attractive woman or an attractive man   whom we still crave to covet even if we’re already committed or married. It disguises itself through a friend who wants to bring us to sleazy clubs and other sinful places.

 It masquerades as an uncontrollable sexual desire that tries very hard to take control of us. It presents itself in the form of money that will try to enslave and control us until such time that we already make it our God hence it will eventually destroy us.

Who can defeat the devil? It’s Jesus! We therefore have to know more about Jesus by reading the bible most especially the gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and by our frequent presence at Holy Mass. So that we can easily ward off the devil the moment he presents himself to us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Enero 27, Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Mark 3:22-30

22 May dumating namang mga guro ng Batas na galing sa Jerusalem, at sinabi nila: “Sumasakanya si Beelzebul at sa tulong ng pinuno ng mga demon­yo siya nagpapalayas sa mga ito.”

 23 Tinawag sila ni Jesus at nagsalita sa talinhaga: “Puwede bang Satanas ang mag­­palayas sa Satanas? 24 Kung may pag­ka­­kahati-hati ang isang k­aha­rian, hindi na makatatayo ang kaha­riang iyon. 25 At kung may sambaha­yang nagkakahati-hati, hindi na ma­ka­ta­tayo ang sambahayang iyon. 26 At kung si Satanas ang lumalaban sa kan­yang sarili at nagkakahati-hati, hindi na siya makatatayo kundi malapit na ang wakas niya. 27 Walang makapa­pasok sa bahay ni Malakas at maka­a­agaw sa lahat niyang mga gamit kung hindi muna itatali si Malakas. Saka lamang niya masasaid ang lahat ng ari-arian nito.

28 Sinasabi ko sa inyo: patatawarin ang mga anak ng tao sa lahat – sa kani­lang mga kasalanan at pati sa kanilang mga paglait sa Diyos kahit na marami man ang mga paglait nila sa Diyos. 29 Ngunit kung may magsalita laban sa Espiritu Santo, kailanma’y di siya mapa­patawad; kasa-lanang walang hanggan ang nasa kanya.” 30 Ang pagsasabi nilang may masa­mang espiritu siya ang tinutukoy ni Jesus.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Sunday January 26, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 4:12-23

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

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Reflection:

Do you allow Jesus to be the guiding light of your life?

After the arrest of John his followers were in the dark as to who would lead them. Until they heard about Jesus so they went to Jesus and they followed Him hence Jesus became their new leader. John’s followers who were without a leader suddenly had seen a great light in Jesus.

The prophet Isaiah in the first reading prophesied this when he said:  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 9:1).

While walking in the sea of Galilee Jesus called the first four apostles namely: Peter, Andrew, James and John. They were all fishermen. What made them respond to the call of Jesus to follow Him? It was the call of Jesus and it was also the light that they saw in Jesus.

Were Peter, Andrew, James and John living in darkness before Jesus called them? Yes in a way, they were in darkness because they were living their lives without the presence of Jesus. They only saw light when Jesus called them.     

There will be moments of darkness in our lives too! Regardless whoever we are, no one is exempt from this darkness moments. We may be rich, we may be poor and we may be educated or not educated. Nonetheless, we would still be passing thru this darkness moments.

In the middle of this darkness moments there’s always Jesus who’s always ready to step into our lives to call us and to give us His light. The light that He gives will give us hope, will give us motivation to move forward and will give us strength to mend the shattered pieces of our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo January 26, Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 4:12-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:12-23

12 Nang marinig ni Jesus na dinakip si Juan, lumayo siya pa-Galilea. 13 Hindi siya tumigil sa Nazaret, kundi sa Capernaum nanirahan, sa may baybayin ng lawa ng Galilea, sa teritoryo ng Zabulon at Neftali.

14 Kaya natupad ang salita ni Propeta Isaias: 15 “Makinig kayo, mga lupain ng Zabulon at Neftali, mga daang patungo sa Dagat, kabilang ibayo ng Jordan; pa­-king­gan ako, Galileang lupain ng mga pagano.16 Nakakita na ng malaking liwa­nag ang mga lugmok sa kadiliman. Sumikat na ang liwanag sa mga nasa anino ng kamatayan.”

17 At magmula noon, sinimulang ipa­hayag ni Jesus ang kanyang mensahe: “Magbagong-buhay; lumapit na nga ang Kaharian ng Langit.” 18 Sa paglalakad ni Jesus sa pampang ng lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya ang  mag­kapatid na Simon na tinawag na Pedro at Andres na naghahagis ng mga lambat dahil mga mangingisda sila. 19 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Halikayo, sumunod kayo sa akin, at gagawin ko kayong mangingisda ng tao.”

20 Agad nilang iniwan ang kanilang mga lambat at sumunod sa kanya. 21 Nagpatuloy siya sa paglakad at na­kita naman niya ang magkapatid na Jaime at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo. Nasa bangka sila kasama ng kani­lang amang si Zebedeo at nagsu­sursi ng kani­lang lambat. 

Tinawag sila ni Jesus. 22 Agad nilang iniwan ang bangka nila at ang ka­nilang ama, at nag­simulang sumunod sa kanya. 23 Nagsimulang maglibot si Jesus sa buong Galilea. Nagturo siya sa kani­lang mga sinagoga, ipinahayag ang Mabu­ting Balita ng Kaharian at pina­galing ang kung anu-anong klase ng sakit at kapansanan ng mga tao.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Saturday January 25, the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle: Mark 16:15-18

Gospel Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

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Reflection:

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how a persecutor of Jesus becomes a follower of Jesus. Often times we are skeptical about them, we don’t believe that they’ve turned a new page in their lives. But nothing is impossible for Jesus; He can do miracles in our lives He can convert us to become His followers.

Today is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Saul who became Paul is a former persecutor of Jesus and the church that He built. He had nothing but hatred and scorn for the church and its people until Jesus converted Him.

While he was on a journey going to Damascus he saw a blinding light and he heard a voice that asked him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me (Acts 9:3-4)?” This encounter with Jesus on the road of Damascus was the beginning of Saul’s conversion and it culminated when he regain his sight.

Everyone of us has a dark past yet the good Lord is always there for us ever ready to convert us. What He only asks from us is our willingness to leave behind our sinful lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Enero 25, Ang Pagbabalik-loob ni San Pablo, apostol: Marcos 16:15-18

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-18

15 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal. 16 Maliligtas ang maniniwala at mag­papabinyag; ha­hatulan naman ang di maniniwala. 17 At ito ang mga tandang sasama sa mga mani­niwala: magpapalayas sila ng mga de­mon­­yo sa aking Pangalan, magsasa­lita sila sa iba pang mga wika, 18 hahawakan nila ang mga ahas, at di sila maaano kung iinom man sila ng may lason. Ipa­patong nila ang kanilang kamay sa mga maysakit at gagaling ang mga iyon.”

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Friday January 24, Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor: Mark 3:13-19

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

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Reflection:

Do you wonder why Jesus did not call the powerful and educated to be His apostles? The core of His apostles were fishermen and the others were like us ordinary people. Perhaps the message for all of us is this: We will hear the powerful voice of Jesus in our lives if we live simple lives.  

Often times we don’t anymore hear the voice of Jesus calling us to follow Him because we have very complicated lives. We are very busy with this world, we allow this world to possess us as if we could bring to our graves the riches of this world.

When we become overly preoccupied with this world we also distance ourselves from Jesus. So because of this we are not able anymore to feel and hear the voice of Jesus in our hearts. Thus we become prone to commit sin.

The best lifestyle for us so that we would be able to hear the voice of Jesus who always knocks in our hearts is simple lifestyle. this doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t anymore be aspiring to improve our wellbeing. We will still aspire but in the midst of our aspirations we will remain humble and simple.

Just like the apostles who were humble and simple we too must be humble and simple. So that we would be able to hear the voice of Jesus. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Enero 24, San Francisco de Sales, Obispo at pantas: Marcos 3:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:13-19

13 Umakyat si Jesus sa burol at tinawag ang mga gusto niya. At lumapit sila sa kanya. 14 Sa gayon niya hinirang ang La­bin­­­­-da­lawa (na tinawag din niyang Mga Apos­tol) upang makasama niya at ma­ipadala sila para mangaral 15 at mag­ka­roon ng kapang­yarihan para pa­la­yasin ang mga demonyo.

16 Kaya itinalaga niya ang Labinda­lawa at tinawag na Pedro si Simon, 17 at  si Jaime na anak ni Zebedeo, at ang kapatid nitong si Juan, at tinawag niya silang Boanerges, na ang ibig sabihi’y “Sina-Parang-Kulog”; 18 at saka si An­dres, at si Felipe, si Bartolome, si Mateo, si Tomas, si Jaimeng anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo,  19 si Simong Kananeo, at si Judas Iskariote na magka­kanulo sa kanya.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Thursday January 23, Second Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:7-12

Gospel: Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

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Reflection:

Do you always go to Jesus in prayer everyday? It’s a must for all of us believers so that He could always bless and heal us.  If we will not sought Jesus, to where would we go? We go after the ephemeral riches that this world is always offering us?  Until we become hooked to the many temporal offerings of this world. Then slowly but surely the devil will see to it that he gets hold of us as we go after the many tempting offerings of this world.

In our gospel people from all over the place went after Jesus because they knew that only Jesus could heal and help them. They sought Jesus like a priceless diamond so that they could be healed of their many sickness.

Let us learn from them by seeking Jesus as well in everyday of our life through our prayers, our presence at Holy Mass and other forms of devotions that will show our deep love for Jesus.  Let us not wait for the time that we are already sick before we embrace Jesus.

Let us go to Him now so that as we go on with our journey in this world we will have Jesus journeying also by our side. And as He journeys with us He will surely see to it that He will always be there for us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Enero 23, sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 3:7-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:7-12

Kaya lumayo si Jesus na kasama ang kanyang mga alagad papunta sa dagat. Maraming taga-Galilea ang su­mu­­­nod sa kanya. Mayroon din namang mga taong ga­ling sa Judea 8 at Jerusalem, at sa Idumea at sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan, at sa Tiro at Sidon. Maraming-marami ang nagpunta sa kanya nang mabalitaan nila ang lahat niyang ginagawa.

9 Kaya tinagubilinan niya ang kanyang mga alagad na ihanda ang isang bangka para sa kanya dahil maraming tao, at baka nila siya maipit. 10 Marami na siyang pinaga­ling kaya pilit siyang inaabot ng lahat ng may karamdaman para mahipo siya. 11 Sinu­sugod siya ng mga inaalihan ng maruruming espiritu pagkakita sa kanya at pasi­gaw nilang si­na­sabi: “Ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos.” 12 Ngunit tinagubilinan niya silang huwag siyang ibunyag.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

1Reflection for Wednesday January 22, Second Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:1-6

Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

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Reflection:

Do you strictly observe the law or  you  sometimes bend the law so that the mercy, love and compassion of Jesus could be seen through you?

The question of observing the Sabbath day crops up again in the gospel. And  Jesus proves once again that it is far more important for Him to make a big difference in the lives of the people. Than observe the Sabbath day as what He did when He cured a man with a withered hand amidst the protestation of the Pharisees.

The gospel is silent if the sick man had faith but he was obedient, when Jesus told him: “Come up here.” He simply followed without question. Our obedience to the teachings of the good Lord can do us a lot of good if only we would learn to follow it.

Jesus was also aware of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. He knew that they were there to watch and denounce His every move. For the simple reason that He was slowly becoming a threat to their dominance in their society.

In the same manner, Jesus is also aware of our own hypocrisy towards Him. If we are only using His name to gain dominance and popularity in our respective field of influence. And if we are only using His name to advance our own selfish interest. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Enero 22, sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 3:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:1-6

1 Muling pumasok si Jesus sa sinagoga, at naroon ang isang lalaki na hindi maigalaw ang kamay, at mayroon ding gustong magsumbong tungkol kay Je­sus. 2 Kaya nagmasid sila at baka pa­galingin siya ni Jesus sa Araw ng Pa­hinga.

3 At sinabi naman niya sa taong hindi ma­igalaw ang kamay: “Tumindig ka sa gitna.” 4 At saka niya sila tina­nong: “Ano ang ipina­hihintulot sa Araw ng Pa­hinga, gumawa ng mabuti o gumawa ng masa­ma, magligtas ng buhay o pumatay?” At di sila umimik.

5 Nalungkot si Jesus dahil sa kati­gasan ng kanilang puso kaya galit niyang tiningnan silang lahat, at sinabi sa lalaki: “Iunat mo ang iyong kamay.” Iniunat nga ng tao ang kamay at guma­ling ito. 6 Pagkalabas ng mga Pariseo, naki­pag­tipon sila sa mga kakampi ni Hero­des para masiraan nila siya.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for Tuesday January 21, Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr: Mark 2:23-28

Gospel Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

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Reflection:

What would be your stand if you are made to choose between the observance of the law or the lawful need of your fellowmen? Jesus gives us a clear choice, for Him it’s always the primary need of our fellowmen. As exemplified by His mention of David who violated the Sabbath to address their need to satisfy their hunger.

Rules and laws are created to create order and to prevent chaos. But there are times that it’s disregarded for a much higher and noble purpose. If the welfare of our fellowmen are at stake their interest  must come first. This is what we must always follow and we must also not create rules to serve our own selfish ends.

For example in a family setting, parents would normally have rules for their children to follow. However, we must always be amenable to bend these rules no matter how stringent. We do this if there is a valid need or reason. Stringent rules can also be bent when parents want to show that they love their children more than the implementation of their house rules.

Jesus is a compassionate God, He would not mind if we violate rules for so long as there is a higher and noble purpose. – Marino J. Dasmarinas