Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 21, Martes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:7b-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:7b-15

Sinabi ni Jesus kay Nicodemo 7 Huwag kang magtaka dahil sinabi ko sa iyong kailangan kayong isilang mula sa itaas. 6 Umihip ang hangin kung saan nito nais, at naririnig mo ang ihip nito pero hindi mo alam kung saan ito galing at kung saan ito patungo. Gayon din nga ang bawat isinilang mula sa Espiritu.”

9 Sumagot sa kanya si Nicodemo: “Paano pupuwede ang mga ito?” 10 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Ikaw ang guro ng Israel at hindi mo alam ang mga ito?  • 11 Talagang-talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo: ang alam namin ang aming sinasabi at ang nakita namin ang aming pinatu­tunayan, at hindi naman n’yo tinatanggap ang aming patunay.

12 Mga bagay na nga sa lupa ang sinasabi ko sa inyo at hindi kayo naniniwala, kaya paano kayo maniniwala kapag mga bagay sa langit ang sasabihin ko sa inyo. 13 Walang umakyat sa langit mali­ban sa bumaba mula sa langit – ang Anak ng Tao. 14 At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas sa disyerto, gayundin dapat itaas ang Anak ng Tao 15 upang mag­karoon ng buhay magpakailanman ang bawat nananalig sa kanya.

1Reflection for April 20 Monday Second Week of Easter: John 3:1-8

Gospel: John 3:1-8

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?”

Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

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Reflection:

Who is Nicodemus?

Nicodemus is a follower who is seeking deeper meaning in his discipleship with Jesus. So Jesus gave him a clue on how to discover a more meaningful life with Him. And that is to be born again. 

How could we be born again when we have already been born? Indeed, we can never be literally born again. However to be born again with a more meaningful life of purpose in this world is very much possible for everyone of us.

How can we be born again with a life of purpose and meaning? We must be willing to leave behind our sinfulness. For example, our greed, self-centeredness and anything that makes us sin we must be willing to leave it all behind us. So that we can have a life of purpose and meaning with Jesus and those people that we love. 

Who would benefit if we allow ourselves to be born again with a life of purpose and meaning with Jesus? The first beneficiary is us, second is our family and third is those who are around us and those who know us.

Would we allow ourselves to be born again with a new life of purpose with the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 20, Lunes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:1-8

1 May isang taong kabilang sa mga Pariseo – Nicodemo ang panga­lan niya – pinuno siya ng mga Judio. 2 Isang gabi, pinuntahan niya si Jesus at sinabi sa kanya: “Rabbi, alam namin na guro kang galing sa Diyos. Sapagkat walang makagagawa ng mga tandang ginagawa mo kung hindi sumasakanya ang Diyos.”

3 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanya: “Tala­gang-talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo, walang makakakita sa paghahari ng Diyos kung hindi siya isisilang na muli mula sa itaas.” 4 Sinabi sa kanya ni Nicodemo: “Paano maisisilang ang isang taong matanda na? Di ba’t hindi siya makapapasok sa sinapupunan ng kanyang ina para isilang uli?”

5 Sumagot si Jesus: “Talagang-tala­gang sinasabi ko sa iyo, walang maka­papasok sa kaharian ng Diyos kung hindi siya isisilang mula sa tubig at Espiritu. 6 Laman ang isinilang mula sa laman, at espiritu ang isinilang mula sa Espiritu. 7 Huwag kang magtaka dahil sinabi ko sa iyong kailangan kayong isilang mula sa itaas.

6 Umihip ang hangin kung saan nito nais, at naririnig mo ang ihip nito pero hindi mo alam kung saan ito galing at kung saan ito patungo. Gayon din nga ang bawat isinilang mula sa Espiritu.”

Reflection for Sunday April 19, Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday: John 20:19-31

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained."

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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Reflection:

Do we sometimes feel alone, fearful and without peace of mind caused by the Covid-19 pandemic?

After the death of Jesus the apostles had this feeling of being orphaned and without a leader. Add to this was the feeling of fear that was constantly being fed to their minds by the Jews. To counter this feeling of helplessness the apostles would meet every now and then to strengthen each other’s morale.

So, while in a room meeting and in the midst of their loneliness and fear Jesus appeared to them and told them, “Peace be with you.” Jesus greeted them peace be with you to strengthen and assure them of His abiding presence in each and everyone of them.

Does Jesus still give us this peace right now? Of course! Up to this very moment Jesus is still assuring us of this greeting of peace. But the peace that Jesus’ gives us is something that is elusive for many of us. Because the peace that Jesus’ imparts is not a byproduct of accumulation of money, material things and power.

We may all have the wealth and power in this world but if we don’t have Jesus we would still be without peace of mind. We would still be yearning for something far greater than wealth and that is to have peace within ourselves.

Jesus in the gospel greeted His followers: “Peace be with you” not once, not twice but three times! To say to them that amidst your difficulties continue to believe that I have risen, continue to have faith in me, and continue to be faithful to me. Because no one else can give you peace but me.

Our wealth will not give us peace for it may even give us endless depression and pressure. Our power whatever it is will not give us peace as well. Our friends may give us fleeting happiness but not peace of mind.

Who then can give us this feeling of true peace as we are being assaulted by fear caused by the Covid-19 pandemic? It’s no other than Jesus! He alone can give us this elusive peace and serenity within us.

Amidst the lockdowns, uncertainties and psychological anxieties brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.     Jesus is always with us assuring us of peace that nobody in this world can give us except Himself.

Do we already have the peace of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Repleksyon sa Linggo Abril 19, Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay; Linggo ng Banal na Awa ng Panginoon : Juan 20:19-31

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:19-31  

19 Agaw-dilim na noon sa unang araw na iyon ng sanlinggo at nakasara ang mga pinto sa kinaroroonan ng mga alagad dahil sa takot sa mga Judio, dumating si Jesus at pumagitna. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Kapayapaan sa inyo!” 20 Pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang mga kamay at ang tagiliran. Kaya nagalak ang mga alagad pagka­kita nila sa Panginoon.

21 At muli niyang sinabi sa kanila: “Kapa­­yapaan sa inyo! Kung paanong isinugo ako ng Ama, ipinadadala ko rin kayo.” 22 At pagkasabi nito, hiningahan niya sila at sinabi: “Tanggapin ang Espi­ritu Santo! 23 Patatawarin ang mga kasa­lanan ninu­man na inyong patawarin; at pana­natiliin naman sa sinuman ang in­yong panatiliin.”

24 Hindi nila kasama si Tomas na tina­guriang Kambal, na isa sa Labin­dalawa, nang du­mating si Jesus. 25 Kaya sinabi sa kanya ng iba pang mga alagad: “Nakita namin ang Pangi­noon!” Sinabi naman niya: “Maliban lamang na ma­kita sa kanyang mga kamay ang tatak ng mga pako at maipasok ang aking daliri sa pinag­lagusan ng mga pako at maipasok ang aking kamay sa tagiliran niya, hinding-hindi ako mani­niwala!”

26 Makaraan ang walong araw, mu­ling nasa loob ang kanyang mga ala­gad at kasa­ma nila si Tomas. Dumating si Jesus ha­bang nakasara ang mga pinto at puma­gitna. At sinabi niya: “Kapa­yapaan sa inyo!” 27 At sinabi niya kay Tomas: “Ilapit mo rito ang daliri mo at tingnan ang aking mga kamay. At ilapit ang kamay mo at ipasok sa aking tagiliran at huwag tumangging maniwala kundi ma­niwala!”

28 Sumagot si Tomas sa kanya: “Pangi­noon ko at Diyos ko – ikaw!” 29 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Dahil ba sa nakita mo ako kaya ka naniniwala? Mapapalad ang mga hindi nakakita at naniniwala.” 30 Ngayon, marami pang ibang tan­dang ginawa si Jesus sa harap ng kanyang mga alagad, na hindi naman nasusulat sa kasulatang ito. 31 Isinulat naman ang mga ito upang maniwala kayo na si Jesus ang Kristo, ang Anak ng Diyos. At sa pani­niwala ninyo’y magkaroon kayo ng buhay sa bisa ng kanyang Pangalan.

Reflection for April 18, Saturday in the Octave of Easter: Mark 16:9-15

Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.

But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

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Reflection:

Among the many to whom Jesus can appear, why to Mary Magdalene first a sinner who was formerly possessed by seven demons? Why not to anyone of His eleven apostles first who by the way were with Him for three years? Or why not appear first to His Mother Mary?

Why appear to Mary Magdalene first? We don’t know but what we know of Mary of Magdalene is she is a sinner who repented. A former prostitute who left behind her sinful life to become a follower of Jesus.

Perhaps the message to us is nobody is beyond reach of the love of God. The more sinful we are the more that Jesus desires to manifest Himself to us. The more that Jesus wants to convert us from sinner to become non sinner even saint. 

We should all remember that nothing is impossible with God. That God when He so desires can effect change into our lives no matter how dark our past. However, we must also cooperate with God’s plan of conversion for us.

This is for the reason that even if God desires to change us yet we don’t cooperate with His plan, then He can’t do anything. For He also gave us the freedom of will, if we would abide with His desire then we are assured of salvation.

Mary of Magdalene was docile to the desire of God to convert her that’s why she totally left behind her sinful life and became a follower of the Lord.

How about us? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 18, Sabado sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Marcos 16:9-15

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:9-15

9 Pagkabuhay ni Jesus sa unang araw ng sanlinggo, una siyang napakita kay Maria Magdalena na mula rito’y pitong demonyo ang pinalayas niya. 10 Umalis ito at nag­balita sa mga ka­sama ni Jesus na noo’y umiiyak at nag­luluksa. 11 Ngunit hindi sila naniwala sa kanya nang marinig nilang buhay si Jesus at napakita sa kanya.

12 Pagkatapos nito, napakita naman si Jesus sa ibang anyo sa dalawa sa kanila habang pa­punta sila sa labas ng bayan. 13 At pagbalik nila, ibina­lita rin nila ito sa iba pa pero hindi rin naniwala ang mga ito sa ka­nila. 14 Sa dakong huli, nang nasa hapag ang La­bing-isa, napakita sa kanila si Jesus at pinagsabihan sila dahil sa ka­wa­lang-paniwala nila at kati­gasan ng puso: hindi nga nila pinaniniwalaan ang mga nakakita sa kanya matapos siyang bu­hayin.

15 At sinabi sa kanila: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for April 17, Friday in the Octave of Easter: John 21:1-14

Gospel: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee's sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing."They said to him, "We also will come with you."

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something."

So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught."

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come, have breakfast." And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel spiritually weak and empty? You’re not alone, everyone of us goes through this spiritual dryness. This is the reason why we sometimes feel spiritually weak and empty.

After the death of Jesus some of the apostles didn’t know that Jesus had already risen. So they went back to their former work feeling spiritually empty and weak nonetheless they have to move on with their lives. Feeling weak and empty they went fishing and they returned ashore without any catch at all.

Then afterwards, lo and behold the risen Christ appeared before them and He said to them, have you caught any fish? They said no, so Jesus told them to throw it once again onto the water, consequently they did. And they caught so many fish that they couldn’t bring it anymore to shore.

In their emptiness and weariness Jesus appeared to them to give them hope and to give them strength. To tell them that I am again here with you, I have risen, I have not abandoned you all even for a single second. I was with you as you struggle with my death on the cross as I was with you as you felt your emptiness and loneliness. Never have I abandoned you!

The same is what Jesus is telling us all today as we also struggle with our journey with Him. As we feel and face our own moments of emptiness, helplessness and loneliness caused by this horrifying Covid-19 pandemic. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 17, Biyernes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:1-14

1 Muling ibi­nunyag ni Jesus ang sarili sa mga alagad sa may Dagat ng Tiberias. Ganito ang kanyang pagbu­bunyag.  

2 Magkasamang naroon sina Simon Pedro, Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, Natanael na taga-Cana ng Galilea, ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pa sa  mga alagad niya. 3 Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro: “Aalis ako para ma­ngisda.” Sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sasama kami sa iyo.” Lumabas sila at sumakay sa bang­ka nang gabing iyo’y wala silang nahuli.

4 Nang madaling-araw na, nakatayo si Jesus sa dalampasigan pero hindi naki­lala ng mga alagad na si Jesus iyon. 5 Tina­tawag sila ni Jesus: “Mga bata, wala ba kayong isda?” Sumagot sila sa kanya: “Wala!” 6 Kaya sinabi niya sa kanila: “Iha­gis n’yo ang lambat sa bandang kanan ng bangka at ma­kakatagpo kayo.” Kaya ini­hagis nga nila at hindi na nila maka­yang hilahin iyon dahil sa dami ng isda.

7 Kaya sinabi kay Pedro ng alagad na iyon na mahal ni Jesus: “Ang Pangi­noon siya!” Nang marinig ni Simon Pedro na ang Panginoon iyon, ibinigkis niya ang [kanyang] damit dahil hubad siya, at saka tumalon sa dagat. 8 Dumating namang sakay ng maliit na bangka ang iba pang mga alagad pagkat hindi sila kala­yuan mula sa pampang kundi mga sandaang metro lamang. Hila-hila nila ang lambat ng mga isda.

9 At pagkalunsad sa lupa, nakita nilang may nagbabagang uling doon, na pinagiihawan ng isda, at may tinapay. 10 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Mag­dala kayo mula sa mga isdang nahuli n’yo ngayon.” 11 Kaya sumakay si Simon Pedro at hinila sa pampang ang lambat na puno ng sandaa’t limampu’t tatlong mala­laking isda. At kahit na napakarami’y hindi napunit ang lam­bat.

12 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Hali­kayo’t mag-almusal!” Walang maka­pangahas sa mga alagad na mag-usisa sa kanya: “Sino ba kayo?” dahil alam nilang ang Pangi­noon iyon. 13 Lumapit si Jesus at ku­muha ng tinapay at ipinamahagi sa kanila. Gayun­din sa isda. 14 Ito ngayon ang ikatlong pagbu­bunyag ni Jesus sa mga alagad matapos siyang ibangon mula sa mga patay.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for April 16, Thursday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish;

he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

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Reflection:

Who moves and inspires us to go on when you feel spiritually/emotionally weary and tired? Of course it’s no other than Jesus! During these times of weariness and tiredness we earnestly pray to Him and we ask Him for help and strength. And the moment we sincerely do these prayers and petitions we would feel energized as such we are very much ready again to face the many trials in our life.

While the disciples of Jesus were feeling weary and down because they thought that Jesus had not risen. He suddenly stood in their midst and He greeted them, "Peace be with you and He said to them: “Why are you troubled?” And why do questions arise in your hearts? Jesus appeared to his followers once again to tell them that He had truly risen and that He is there for them.

Whether we admit it or not, we are often times like the disciples of Jesus. We doubt, we feel abandoned by Him and we sometimes question Him. If He is really there for us and if He is really real!

If He is there and if He is truly real then how come there are still difficult moments in our lives like this covid-19 pandemic that has killed thousands already? In the midst of these momentary difficulties let us persevere and let us continue to have faith in Jesus.

What does this gospel episode tells us? It tells us that we are never alone that the Risen Jesus is always by our side most especially when we pass through trials and problems. He is always there to help us and to strengthen us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 16, Huwebes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:35-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:35-48

35 Isinalaysay ng dalawang alagad ang nang­yari sa daan at kung paano nila siya nakilala sa pagpipiraso ng tinapay. 36 Habang pinag-uusapan nila ang mga ito, tumayo siya mismo sa gitna nila (at sinabi sa kanila: “Huwag ka­yong matakot, sumainyo ang kapaya­paan!”). 37 Nagulat nga sila at natakot, at akala’y nakakakita sila ng kung anong espiritu. 38 Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila: “Bakit kayo naliligalig at puma­pasok ang alinla­ngan sa inyong isipan? 39 Ting­nan ninyo ang aking mga ka­may at mga paa, ako nga siya. Hipuin ninyo ako at unawain ninyo na walang laman at mga buto ang isang espiritu, at nakikita ninyo na meron ako.” (40 Matapos masabi ito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay at paa.)

41 Hindi sila makapaniwala sa labis na galak at nagtataka pa rin kaya sinabi niya sa kanila: “May makakain ba kayo rito?” 42 At binigyan nila siya ng isang pirasong inihaw na isda (at pulot-puk­yutan). 43 Ki­nu­ha niya iyon at ku­main sa harap nila. 44 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Sinabi ko na sa inyo ang mga ito nang kasama ninyo ako: kailangang matupad ang lahat ng nasusulat tungkol sa akin sa Batas ni Moises, Mga Propeta at Mga Salmo.”

45 At binuksan niya ang kanilang isipan para maunawaan nila ang mga Kasulatan. 46 Sinabi niya: “Ganito ang na­susulat: kailangang magdusa ang Mesiyas at pagkamatay niya’y buhayin sa ikatlong araw. 47 Sa ngalan niya ipahahayag sa lahat ng bansa ang pagsisisi at ang kapa­tawaran ng mga kasa­lanan – sa Jerusalem kayo mag­sisimula. 48 Kayo ang magiging mga saksi sa mga ito.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for April 15, Wednesday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:13-35

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days? And he replied to them, “What sort of things? They said to him, The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see. And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us? So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon! Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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Reflection:

A husband was always being urged by his wife to join his family to attend Sunday Mass. The husband would always say, I don’t want to go because I don’t understand what’s going on at Mass and I am also busy with other things.

His wife told him, don’t you know that you always have a personal encounter with Jesus whenever you are at Holy Mass?  Don’t you know that the words of Jesus are always proclaimed to you at Holy Mass? And don’t you know that you always partake of Jesus Body and Blood during Holy Communion?

In our gospel, while Cleopas and the other disciple were going to Emmaus, the risen Christ suddenly walked with them and conversed with them. They had no inkling that it was already the risen Christ who was with them. Why? This is for the reason that their focus was not on the risen Christ but on the Christ who died on the cross.

They walked-on until they reached Emmaus it was already night time so they invited Jesus to stay in their house. And while they were at a table Jesus took bread broke it said the blessings and shared it with the two of them. They immediately recognized that it was the risen Jesus who was with them. Because Jesus did the same sacred gesture before them and the apostles during the last supper in the upper room (Luke 22:19-20).

Cleopas and the other disciple are not alone in this predicament of not immediately recognizing the presence of Jesus in their midst. For we too are often guilty of not recognizing that Jesus is always present at Holy Mass.

And the reason behind not recognizing Jesus at Holy Mass is our lack of concentration and attention when we are at Mass. Our lack of interest with the Holy Mass readings and our failure to read Jesus life transforming words in the bible when we are in our home.

If only we would prioritize our presence at Holy Mass, if only we would focus our attention to what the priest does at Holy Mass. And if only we would find time to open and read the life giving words of Jesus in the bible every day. We would know and feel that Jesus is also walking with us and He is ever ready to introduce Himself to us.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 15, Miyerkules sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:13-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:13-35

13 Nang araw ng Linggo, dalawa sa mga alagad ang naglalakad pa-Emmaus na isang nayong mga labin­limang kilo­metro mula sa Jerusalem. 14 Pinag-uusapan nila ang mga nangyari. 15 Sa kanilang pag-uusap at pagtatalakayan, lumapit si Jesus at nakisabay sa paglakad nila 16 pero parang may kung anong hadlang sa kanilang mga mata at hindi nila siya nakilala.

17 Tinanong niya sila: “Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo sa daan?” Tumigil silang mukhang malungkot. 18 Suma­got ang isa sa kanila na nagnga­ngalang Cleofas: “Bakit, mukhang ikaw lang ang kaisa-isahan sa Jerusalem na di alam ang mga nangyari roon nitong mga ilang araw?” 19 Itinanong niya: “Ano?” Sumagot sila: “Tungkol kay Jesus na taga-Nazaret. Sa paningin ng Diyos at ng buong baya’y isa siyang propetang maka­pang­­yarihan sa gawa at salita.

20 Ngunit isinakdal siya ng aming mga punong-pari at mga pinuno para mahatulang mamatay at ipinako siya sa krus. 21 Uma­asa pa naman kaming siya ang tutubos sa Israel ngunit ikatlong araw na ngayon mula nang mangyari ang lahat ng ito. 22 Sa totoo’y ginulat kami ng ilang ba­baeng kasama namin. Maaga silang pu­munta sa libingan 23 pero hindi nila nakita ang kanyang katawan kaya du­mating sila at sinabi sa amin na naka­kita pa raw sila ng aparisyon ng mga anghel na nag­sabi sa kanila na buhay siya.

24 Nagpunta rin sa libingan ang ilan sa amin at natag­puan nga nila ang sinasabi ng mga babae pero hindi nila siya nakita.” 25 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Mga hin­di makaunawa at mapupurol ang isip para maniwala sa lahat ng ipina­hayag ng mga propeta. 26 Di ba’t kaila­ngang mag­dusa nang ganito ang Mesiyas bago pu­masok sa kanyang Lu­walhati?” 27 At sinimulan niyang ipa­liwanag sa kanila ang lahat ng sinasabi ng Kasulatan tungkol sa kanya, mula kay Moises hanggang sa lahat ng Pro­peta.

28 Nang malapit na sila sa nayong pu­puntahan nila, parang magpapatuloy pa siya ng paglakad. 29 Pero pinilit nila siya: “Manatili kang kasama namin dahil dapit­hapon na at lumulubog na ang araw.” Kaya pumasok siya at suma­ma sa kanila. 30 Nang nasa hapag na siyang kasalo nila, kumuha siya ng tinapay, nagpuri at piniraso ito at ibinigay sa kanila. 31 At noo’y nabuksan ang kanilang mga mata at nakilala nila siya, at nawala siya sa kanilang paningin. 32 Nag-usap sila: “Hindi ba’t nag-aalab ang ating puso nang kinakausap niya tayo sa daan at ipinali­liwanag sa atin ang mga Kasulatan?”

33 Noon di’y tumayo sila at nagbalik sa Jerusalem. Nakita nila roon na mag­ka­kasama ang Labing-isa at ang iba ni­lang kasamahan. 34 Sinabi ng mga iyon sa kanila: “Totoo ngang binuhay ang Panginoon at napakita siya kay Simon.” 35 At isinalaysay naman nila ang nang­yari sa daan at kung paano nila siya nakilala sa pagpipiraso ng tinapay.

Ang Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon.

Reflection for April 14, Tuesday in the Octave of Easter: John 20:11-18

Gospel: John 20:11-18

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

Whom are you looking for? She thought it was the gardener and said to him,“ Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him. Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni, which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them,‘I am going to my Father and your Father to my God and your God.’Mary went and announced to the disciples,“I have seen the Lord, and then reported what he had told her.

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Reflection:

Do we always recognize the manifestation of Jesus in our life? Certainly in so many ways Jesus always manifest Himself to us in everyday of our life. We simply need to carefully discern it to feel His presence.

For example, in our desire to follow Him there are times that we get lost and do things as what we want to do it. But somehow Jesus would always find a way to redirect our life to Him. He would straighten us and make us understand that He is always there for us to remind us that you need not lose hope for He’s there for us, we only need to trust Him.

Mary of Magdala was weeping outside the tomb for she did not found Jesus. Perhaps she thought that Jesus’ body was desecrated until Jesus manifested Himself to her. Instantly her feeling of hopelessness was immediately replaced by joyfulness and hope. And then she joyfully went to the disciples and told them that she met and had spoken with Jesus. 

Jesus our Rab-bo'ni (which means Teacher) has already risen therefore He is just around watching over us. Let us always call on His name and let us always ask Him to watch over us and  be with us as we continue our pilgrimage in this world. Most especially right now wherein the entire humanity is being gravely assaulted by the Covid-19 pandemic. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 14, Martes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 20:11-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:11-18

11 Nakatayo namang umiiyak sa labas si Maria sa may libingan. Sa kan­yang pag-iyak, yumuko siyang naka­tanaw sa libingan. 12 At may na­pansin siyang dalawang anghel na nakaputi na naka­upo, isa sa may ulu­nan at isa sa may paanan ng pinag­lagyan sa katawan ni Jesus.

13 Sinabi sa kanya ng mga iyon: “Ale, bakit ka umiiyak?” Sinabi niya sa ka­nila: “May kumuha sa Panginoon ko, at hindi ko alam kung saan siya inilagay.” 14 Pag­kasabi niya nito, tuma­likod siya at napan­sin niya si Jesus na nakatayo pero hindi niya nakilalang si Jesus iyon.

15 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Ale, bakit ka umiiyak? Sino’ng hinahanap mo?” Sa pag-aakala niyang iyon ang hardinero, sinabi niya sa kanya: “Ginoo, kung kayo ang nagdala sa kanya, sabihin n’yo sa akin kung saan n’yo siya inilagay at ku­kunin ko siya.”

16 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Maria!” Pagka­harap niya’y sinabi niya sa kanya sa Aramaiko: “Rabbouni!” (na ibig sabihi’y Guro). 17 Si­nabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Huwag kang humawak sa akin sapagkat hindi pa ako nakaaakyat sa Ama. Puntahan mo ang mga kapa­tid ko at sabihin sa kanila: ‘Paakyat ako sa Ama ko at Ama ninyo, sa Diyos ko at Diyos ninyo.’” 18 Pumunta si Maria Magdalena na ibinabalita sa mga alagad: “Nakita ko ang Panginoon.” At sinabi niya ang mga sinabi sa kanya.”

Reflection for April 13, Monday in the Octave of Easter: Matthew 28:8-15

Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep. And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

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Reflection:

Up to where are we willing to be manipulated by the many evils of money? Are we willing to lie for money? Are we willing to sacrifice our souls to the devil so that we can have dirty money? The problem with allowing money to manipulate and control us, is it will destroy us eventually.

Let us look at Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, what happened to him? He was eventually destroyed by his insatiable greed for money. Judas killed himself because he cannot anymore bear the guilt of his betrayal of Jesus.    

There are many more real life stories of men and women who allowed themselves to be controlled by the evils of money. They took pleasure and served the many evils of corrupted money yet eventually they were left with nothing except shame.

Here in our gospel there are soldiers who allowed themselves to be blinded by the evil glitters of money. The soldiers could have stood up to the chief priest and the elders. They could have told them, we will not lie, we will tell the true story of Jesus’ resurrection. But they failed to seize the moment to witness for the resurrected Christ.

Would we sacrifice our faith for the Lord for money? – Marino J. Dasmarinas