Reflection for August 11, Tuesday; Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

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Reflection:

Many of us if not all of us put premium in recognition.  For example we love it when people recognize our effort and when they commend us for what we do. We nod in approval and deep inside us we feel proud for the recognition that we have received.

In our gospel the disciples asked Jesus about who is the greatest in His kingdom. In reply to their question Jesus called a child and told them, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.” Jesus obviously did this to teach His disciples about the great virtue of humility.

Perhaps Jesus was telling Himself, did they follow me because they want to be great in my kingdom? Did they follow me for the reason that they want to be recognized? Do they know that to follow me is the beginning of forgetting of oneself and any personal agenda/s? Do they know that the true essence of discipleship lies in humility?

Many of us today are like the disciples, we want greatness and recognition for the things that we do for the church and our fellowmen. But God did not made us to be great and to be recognized we were made by God to be humble.

Therefore, in whatever that we do; let us not aspire to be great or to be recognized. Let us humbly do what we are asked to do, for this is what Jesus wants us to do.

Let us not worry about recognition, greatness and honor for it will eventually come. Once we humbly do everything for the greater glory of God and not for our own glorification. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 11, Martes; Santa Clara, dalaga (Paggunita): Mateo 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

1 Nang panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad at tina­nong nila siya: “Sino ang mas una sa kaharian ng Langit?”

2 Tinawag ni Jesus ang isang maliit na bata at ipinagitna sa kanila, 3 at sinabi: “Sinasabi ko sa inyo na hang­gang hindi kayo nagbabago at nagi­ging katulad ng maliliit na bata hindi kayo makapapasok sa kaharian ng Langit. 4 Ang nag­papaka­baba gaya ng maliit na batang ito, siya ang pinaka­malaki sa kaharian ng Langit. 5 At ang sinumang tumanggap sa batang ito dahil sa aking pangalan ay tumatang­gap sa akin.

10 Huwag sana ninyong hamakin ang isa sa maliliit na ito; talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo na laging nasa harap ng aking Ama sa Langit ang kanilang mga anghel sa Langit.

12 Ano sa palagay ninyo? Kung may sandaang tupa ang isang tao at naligaw ang isa sa mga ito, hindi ba niya iiwan sa kaburulan ang siyam¬napu’t siyam para hanapin ang naliligaw? 13 At sinasabi ko sa inyo: Kapag nakita niya ito, mas matu¬tuwa pa siya rito kaysa siyam¬napu’t siyam na hindi naligaw. 14 Gayun¬din naman, ayaw ng inyong Amang nasa Langit na mawala isa man sa maliliit na ito.

Reflection for August 10, Monday; Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr: John 12:24-26

Gospel: John 12:24-26

Jesus said to his disciples: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me."

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Reflection:

Do we love our life in this world?

Jesus gives us today a puzzling statement by saying: “Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life (John 12:25).” How could this be?

The answer perhaps to this mystifying statement is we will have no life beyond this world: If we would love worldly life if we would love the trappings of this world such as wealth, power and other worldly things.

We hate our life in this world yet preserve it for eternal life if we have Christ like behaviors such as: Humility, Selflessness, Prayerfulness, Kind heartedness and many more Christ like virtues.

Therefore, we are given two choices: To love our life in this world or hate it. Surely there would be those who would choose to love their life in this world but for what price? The problem of loving our present life for the sake of this world is we slowly close our hearts to Jesus. Yet we open it wide for the devil.

Let us discover the true meaning of life by being a true follower of Christ and by loving Him. Let us discover the true meaning of life by denying ourselves of the many useless excesses of this world which brings us nothing but sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 10, Lunes; San Lorenzo diyakono at martir: Juan 12:24-26

Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:24-26

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad 24 Talagang-talagang sina­sabi ko sa inyo, nama­malaging nag-iisa ang butil ng trigo kung hindi ito nama­matay pag­kahulog sa lupa. Ngunit kung mama­tay ito, nagdudulot ito ng mara­ming bunga.

25 Nagpapahamak ng kanyang sarili ang umiibig dito ngunit iingatan naman ito para sa buhay magpakailanman ng napopoot sa kanyang sarili sa mun­dong ito. 26 Patuloy akong sundan ng nagli­lingkod sa akin at kung nasaan ako, naroon din ang aking lingkod. Kung may nagli­­lingkod sa akin, parara­ngalan siya ng Ama.

Reflection for Sunday August 9, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-33

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

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Reflection:

Do we have this feeling of constant need for Jesus? Wherein our day is not complete without praying to Him? Many of us have this thirst for Jesus not only because we need Him to help us with our daily challenges. We have this need for Jesus for the reason that we simply want to connect with Him and our day is not complete without Him. 

Jesus in our gospel saw to it that Peter and the other disciples ride the boat going to the other side of the lake while He went to the mountain to pray. Unfortunately the boat encountered a severe storm that it was being battered by huge waves. During that scary ride they suddenly thought about Jesus to save them from that dangerous situation but He was not with them.

Early morning  came and they saw Jesus walking on water going toward them. Their need for their savior was addressed by Jesus. Why? Because in that dire situation Peter and the other disciples were already praying for Jesus’ help and Jesus heard their prayers that’s why He walked on water going to them to save them.

We are presently in the midst of a severe storm as well not a sea storm but a storm of pandemic proportion called Covid-19. Let us not let our fear of this pandemic paralyze us. Let us instead call on the Lord for help because the Lord has not forsaken anyone who called upon Him. Like the disciples we too will be saved by the Lord in the midst of this pandemic that we are going through.

We therefore have to remain hopeful and prayerful no matter how dark, disordered and stormy the horizon that appears in front of us.  Because after darkness comes light, after disorder comes order and after the storm comes peace and calm.

Let us therefore not waiver on our faith and let us continue to call upon the Lord. For Help, Strength and Protection for He will surely help us overcome this storm of pandemic proportion called Covid-19. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Agosto 9, Ika-19 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 14:22-33

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:22-33

22 Matapos pakainin ang mga taoagad pinasakay ni Jesus sa bang­ka ang mga alagad at pinauna sa kabilang ibayo habang pinaaalis niya ang mga tao. 23 At pagkaalis ng mga tao, mag-isa siyang pumunta sa kaburulan para mana­langin. Nag-iisa siya roon nang gumabi. 24 Samantala, malayo na sa lupa ang bangka, sina­salpok ng mga alon sapag­kat pasa­lungat ang hangin.

25 Nang madaling-araw na, pinuntahan sila ni Jesus na naglalakad sa dagat. 26 Nang makita nila siyang nag­la­lakad sa dagat, natakot sila, at akala nila’y multo siya. Kaya sumigaw sila. 27 Ngunit agad niyang sinabi sa kanila: “Lakasan ang loob! Ako ito, huwag kayong matakot.” 28 Sumagot si Pedro: “Panginoon, kung ikaw nga, papuntahin mo ako sa iyo na naglalakad sa tubig.”

29 At sinabi niya: “Halika.” Bumaba naman sa bangka si Pedro at naglakad sa tubig papunta kay Jesus. 30 Ngunit natakot siya sa harap ng malakas na hangin at nagsimulang lumubog. Kaya sumigaw siya: ”Panginoon, iligtas mo ako!” 31 Agad na iniunat ni Jesus ang kanyang kamay at hinawakan siya, at sinabi: “Taong maliit ang pananampalataya, bakit ka nag-alin­langan?”

32 Nang nakasakay na sila sa bang­ka, tumigil ang hangin. 33 At yumuko sa harap ni Jesus ang mga nasa bangka at sinabi: “Totoo ngang ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos!”

1Reflection for August 8, Saturday; Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest: Matthew 17:14-20

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out? He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

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Reflection:

Jesus tells us today: “Nothing will be impossible for us (Matthew 17:20).” In the midst of our many doubts Jesus is whispering to us that nothing is impossible for us because all things are possible for those who have faith in Him.

Faith is something that we should all strive very hard to have, can we all have faith? Isn’t faith only for the select few? Jesus already gave us faith when we were Baptized and He hoped that as we grow the faith that He gave us would grow as well.

But it did not happen to many of us because as we grow our faith was left out, even forgotten. Who is to blame for this faith that was left out? Our parents? The people of the church?  But all is not lost yet because we still have the chance to call out this faith that has been left out.

All we need to do is to ask Jesus to give us once again the gift of faith that He so generously showered upon us when we were baptized. Lest we forget, faith is important in a person’s journey in this world. Without it we are simply like zombies roaming around without direction and purpose.

Prayer:

Oh Dear Jesus we humbly pray that you make alive our dormant faith. For without it we are like zombies roaming around without any direction and purpose. Give us faith so that we’ll have hope, give us faith so that we’ll have purpose and give us faith so that we would withstand whatever problems that we may encounter in this world such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 8, Sabado; San Domingo, pari (Paggunita) : Mateo 17:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:14-20

14   Lumapit kay Jesus ang isang lalaki, lumuhod sa harap niya at nagsabi: 15 “Ginoo, maawa ka sa aking anak na lalaki na may epilepsi at lub­hang nahi­hirapan. Madalas siyang ma­hulog sa apoy at kung minsan nama’y sa tubig. 16 Dinala ko na siya sa mga alagad mo pero hindi nila siya napaga­ling.”

17 Sumagot si Jesus: “Mga walang pana­­nampalataya at ligaw na tao kayo! Gaano pa katagal na panahon ako ma­nanatili sa piling ninyo? Hanggang ka­ilan ako mag­titiis sa inyo? Dalhin siya rito sa akin.” 18 At inutusan ito ni Jesus, at umalis sa kanya ang masamang espiritu. At guma­ling ang bata sa sandaling iyon.

19 Pagkatapos ay nilapitan si Jesus ng mga alagad, at tinanong nang sarilinan: “Bakit hindi namin napalayas ang espiritu?” 20 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Sa­pagkat maliit ang inyong pana­nam­palataya. Kung may pananam­palataya kayong sinlaki ng buto ng mustasa, masasabi sana ninyo sa bundok na ito na gumalaw mula rito at gagalaw ito. At walang magiging impo­sible para sa inyo.

1Reflection for August 7, Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:24-28

Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

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Reflection:

During the fifteenth century a rich and educated man named Bernadino Realino left everything for Christ. At 26 he was already a lawyer,  a doctor and a town mayor, he had everything that a young man could ever ask for.

When he was 34, he went to attend a retreat and during that retreat he felt an overwhelming call from Jesus to become a priest. Thus, he left everything to become a priest and from that moment onwards he devoted his life to serve the poor.    

This saint found the real meaning of his life by leaving all of his earthly riches and attachments in favor of Jesus. He found his heavenly wealth by leaving behind his earthly wealth. He knew that nothing compares to Jesus.

This is an eye opener for all of us who are so very enamoured by material wealth and earthly power. Many of us are so taken by the things of this world that we take Jesus for granted in favor of this world. But everything from this world is passing and temporary, someday we will leave it behind.

We will have neither earthly influence nor riches if we decide to follow Jesus. We would be losing many of our friends if we follow Jesus. But all of these earthly trappings are immaterial compared to the life that awaits us if we decide hear the call of Jesus.

To hear the call of Jesus is to be willing to leave behind our sinfulness, our arrogance and egotism. To hear the call of Jesus is to be willing to be present at Holy Mass and read the bible. To hear the call of Jesus is to have the courage to leave behind friends who do nothing to us except to influence us to sin. To be hear the call of Jesus is to desire to serve the poor and downtrodden without expecting anything in return. 

Are we willing to leave everything for the sake of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 7, Biyernes sa Ika-18 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 16:24-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:24-28

24 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Kung may ibig sumunod sa akin, itakwil ang kanyang sarili at kunin ang kanyang krus para sumunod sa akin. 25 Sa­pagkat ang naghahangad na magligtas ng kanyang sarili ang mawa­walan nito ngunit ang naghahangad na mawa­lan ng sarili alang-alang sa akin ang makaka­tagpo nito. 26 Ano ang pakinabang ng tao tubuin man niya ang buong daigdig kung sarili naman niya ang mawala? Ano ang maibibigay niya para mabawi ito?

27 Darating nga ang Anak ng Tao taglay ang kaluwalhatian ng kanyang Ama at kasama rin ang kanyang mga banal na anghel, at doon niya gagantimpalaan ang bawat isa ayon sa kanyang mga gawa. 28 Totoong sina­sabi ko sa inyo na makikita ng ilan sa inyo ang Anak ng Tao na duma­rating bilang Hari, bago sila ma­matay.”

1Reflection for August 6, Thursday; Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Matthew 17:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

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Reflection:

Do you want to be in heaven when your journey in this world is over already? Of course you want to be in heaven. However, would you be willing to sacrifice something of yourselves for you to go to heaven?

The episode of the Transfiguration of the Good Lord clearly tells us that there is heaven. And we should aspire to be heaven bound and not hell bound someday. However, there is no free ride going to heaven we have to do some sacrifice  for us to go to heaven.

Many of us may be afraid to do some sacrifice for the simple reason that doing some sacrifice would require us to give something of ourselves. But what is sacrifice in exchange of heaven? What is sacrifice in exchange of everlasting life? And what is sacrifice when it assures is of the kingdom of God?

After the fleeting heavenly experience of Peter, James and John in the mount of Transfiguration. They descended back to this world to face their respective share of sacrifice for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. They could have easily avoided the sacrifice by detaching themselves from their Lord and Master. But they chose to stick it out with Jesus in spite of all the hardships and trials.

What sacrifices for the advancement of the Kingdom of God are we willing to face so that we can also be in heaven someday? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 6, Huwebes ang Pagliliwanag sa Bagong Anyo ng Panginoon (Kapistahan) : Mateo 17:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:1-9

1 Pagkaraan ng anim na araw, isinama ni Jesus sina Pedro, Jaime at ang kapatid nitong si Juan, at umakyat na sila lamang ang kasama sa isang mataas na bundok. 2 Nagbago ang anyo ni Jesus sa harap nila: nag­ning­ning gaya ng araw ang kanyang mukha at kuminang na puting-puti ang kanyang damit gaya ng liwanag. 3 At napa­kita sa kanila sina Moises at Elias na nakikipag-usap kay Jesus.

4 Kaya nagsalita si Pedro at sinabi niya: “Panginoon, mabuti at narito tayo. Kung gusto mo, gagawa ako ng tatlong kubol: isa para sa iyo, isa para kay Moises, at isa para kay Elias.” 5 Nagsasalita pa si Pedro nang takpan sila ng isang makinang na ulap. At mula sa ulap ay narinig ang salitang ito: “Ito ang aking Anak, ang Mina­mahal, ang aking Hinirang; pakinggan ninyo siya.”

6 Nang marinig iyon ng mga alagad, napasubsob sila sa lupa, na takot na takot. 7 Ngunit nilapitan sila ni Jesus at hinipo, at sinabi: “Tumayo kayo, huwag matakot.” 8 At pagtingala nila, wala silang nakita liban kay Jesus. 9 At sa pagbaba nila mula sa bundok, inutusan sila ni Jesus na huwag sabihin kani­numan ang pangitain hanggang ma­ibangon ang Anak ng Tao mula sa mga patay.”

1Reflection for August 5, Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 15:21-28

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

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Reflection:

How do we define our faith in Jesus? It’s when we don’t give up on what we want from Jesus. We continuously badger Him until He gives in to our prayer for Him.

The Canaanite woman had this kind of faith, she never gave up on her prayer request for Jesus to heal her daughter tormented by a demon. There were many obstacles stacked against her, foremost of this was her being not a Jew but it did not matter to her. She persisted and she even argued with Jesus until she passed Jesus’ examination of her faith. After which her daughter was healed by Jesus.

This gospel relates with our own journey of faith with Jesus also. Anyone of us could be that Canaanite woman who badgered Jesus no end until she got the healing that she wants for her daughter.

 However, unlike the woman from Canaan who persisted until the very end we may not have the will to badger Jesus. We may have quit already and said to ourselves, “I give up on my prayer for Jesus because He seems to be deaf.” What we do not know is the delay is just part of the testing of our faith.

Every trial that we go through is our own test of faith. For example this covid-19 pandemic that is making life so difficult for us this is just a test of faith for us. Let us therefore not give up and let us continue to pray to the Lord for our safety for we will overcome this eventually with the help of the Lord. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 5, Miyerkules sa Ika-18 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 15:21-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 15:21-28 

21 Pumun­ta si Jesus sa gawing Tiro at Sidon. 22 May isang babaeng Kananea noon na nag­punta sa dakong iyon at sumigaw: “Pangi­noon, anak ni David, maawa ka sa akin! Pina­hihirapan ng isang demon­yo ang anak kong babae.” 23 Ngunit hindi siya tinugon ni Jesus kaya lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad at hiniling ng mga ito: “Paalisin mo na siya’t sigaw siya nang sigaw sa likod natin.”

24 At sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Sa nawawalang tupa ng bayan ng Israel ako sinugo.” 25 Ngunit lumapit ang babae at lumu­hod sa harap ni Jesus at sinabi: “Ginoo, tulungan mo ako!” 26 Sumagot si Jesus: “Hindi tama na kunin ang tinapay sa mga bata at itapon ito sa mga tuta.” 27 Su­ma­got ang babae: “Totoo nga, Ginoo, pero kinakain naman ng mga tuta ang mga nalalaglag mula sa hapag ng kanilang mga amo.” 28 Kaya nagsalita sa kanya si Jesus: “Babae, napakalaki ng iyong pana­­­­nalig! Maganap sa iyo ayon sa nais mo.” At nang oras ding iyon, gumaling ang kanyang anak.

Reflection for August 4, Tuesday; Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

Gospel: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.” He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Then his disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” He said in reply, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.

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Reflection:

Are we strict observers of our faith’s many traditions? Nothing is wrong with this in fact this is very good. However, observing our faith’s tradition becomes useless when we don’t live our faith. For example, the teaching of Jesus about forgiveness, what is good with observing our faiths tradition if we don’t forgive? Another example is the teaching of Jesus about loving our enemies, what is good with strictly observing the tradition if we don’t love our enemies?    

Many Pharisees and scribes were so good at observing their many Jewish traditions but when it comes to living their faith they were miserably very deficient. The Pharisees and the scribes were very particular of the fake exterior, the pretence. But Jesus is very particular on the pure interior, the real us, the things that we do when nobody’s around to see.

Let us therefore do away with our exterior pretenses because this is not good and it doesn’t please God. What pleases the Lord is our internal conversion and renewal. What appears outside of us no matter how beautiful is of no use to Him and the Lord is not impressed by it.

Are we very particular with our exterior appearance but very much deficient when it comes to our internal  renewal? – Marino J, Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 4, Martes; San Juan Maria Vianney, pari: Mateo 15:1-2, 10-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 15:1-2, 10-14

1 Nagkatipon sa paligid ni Jesus ang ilang Pariseo at mga guro ng Batas na galing pa sa Jeru­salem. At sinabi nila sa kanya: 2 “Bakit nilalabag ng iyong mga alagad ang tradisyon ng mga ninuno? Hindi nga sila naghuhugas ng  kamay bago ku­main.”

10 Kaya tinawag ni Jesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila: “Pakinggan at una­wain. 11 Hindi ang pumapasok sa bibig ang nakapagpaparumi sa tao kundi ang lumalabas sa bibig ang naka­pagpaparumi sa tao.”

12 Pagkatapos ay lumapit kay Jesus ang kanyang mga alagad at sinabi: “Alam mo bang naiskandalo ang mga Pariseo sa sinabi mo?” 13 Sumagot si Jesus: “Ang bawat tanim lamang na hindi itinanim ng aking Amang nasa Langit ang mabu­bunot. 14 Huwag ninyo silang pansinin! Mga bulag na gabay sila. Kapag isang bulag ang umakay sa kapwa-bulag, silang dalawa ang mahu­hulog sa hukay.”

Reflection for August 3, Monday; the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-36

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

22 Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." 28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; 30 but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." 34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent round to all that region and brought to him all that were sick, 36 and besought him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.

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Reflection:

What is faith in Jesus? It’s when you look at Jesus and you disregard anything that will detach your attention from Jesus.  When Peter saw Jesus walking on water he told Jesus to allow him to go to Him and Jesus obliged Peter’s request (Matthew 14:29-30).

However, when Peter was walking towards Jesus he felt the strong wind and saw the waves coming his way. And thereupon he began to sink but Jesus was there to save him. We speak here not only of Peter’s weak faith in Jesus we also speak of our own faith in Jesus, how strong is our faith in Jesus?

 Can we still have faith even if we go through severe testing? For example, we get sick of covid-19. Would this not disturb our faith in the Lord? Would we not question the Lord, why?

Life is really a mystery we may be here today but there’s no assurance that we would still be breathing the next day. Even our faith in Jesus in itself is a mystery because we hold on to something that we don’t see yet we still hold on tightly to this something that we don’t see. For the reason that we have faith. And this faith that we have will pull us through no matter how severe the trials that may come to us.

Peter obviously has faith otherwise he wouldn’t have told Jesus to let him go to HIM. But Peter allowed also the wind and the waves to momentarily diminish his faith in Jesus. As we go on with our lives we will surely face our own episodes of test of faith in Jesus.

 Let us remain faithful and not lose heart no matter how severe our own test of faith. Because the Lord is always there to carry us thru this test of faith. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 3, Lunes; sa Ika-18 na Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 14:22-36

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:22-36

22 Agad pinasakay ni Jesus sa bang­ka ang mga alagad at pinauna sa kabilang ibayo habang pinaaalis niya ang mga tao. 23 At pagkaalis ng mga tao, mag-isa siyang pumunta sa kaburulan para mana­langin. Nag-iisa siya roon nang gumabi. 24 Samantala, malayo na sa lupa ang bangka, sina­salpok ng mga alon sapag­kat pasa­lungat ang hangin.

25 Nang madaling-araw na, pinuntahan sila ni Jesus na naglalakad sa dagat. 26 Nang makita nila siyang nag­la­lakad sa dagat, natakot sila, at akala nila’y multo siya. Kaya sumigaw sila. 27 Ngunit agad niyang sinabi sa kanila: “Lakasan ang loob! Ako ito, huwag kayong matakot.” 28 Sumagot si Pedro: “Panginoon, kung ikaw nga, papuntahin mo ako sa iyo na naglalakad sa tubig.”

29 At sinabi niya: “Halika.” Bumaba naman sa bangka si Pedro at naglakad sa tubig papunta kay Jesus. 30 Ngunit natakot siya sa harap ng malakas na hangin at nagsimulang lumubog. Kaya sumigaw siya: ”Panginoon, iligtas mo ako!” 31 Agad na iniunat ni Jesus ang kanyang kamay at hinawakan siya, at sinabi: “Taong maliit ang pananampalataya, bakit ka nag-alin­langan?”

32 Nang nakasakay na sila sa bang­ka, tumigil ang hangin. 33 At yumuko sa harap ni Jesus ang mga nasa bangka at sinabi: “Totoo ngang ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos!” 34 Pagkatawid nila, dumating sila sa pampang ng Gene­saret. 35 Nakilala si Jesus ng mga tagaroon at ipinamalita nila sa buong kapaligiran. Kaya dinala nila sa kanya ang mga maysakit. 36 May naki­usap sa kanya na mahipo man lamang sana nila ang laylayan ng kanyang damit, at gu­maling ang lahat ng humipo rito.

1Reflection for Sunday August 2, Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:13-21

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over–twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a poor woman who got sick of Covid-19, being poor she naturally cant afford the expensive medication process. So, she said to Jesus: “O my Lord I have nothing except my faith, I will go to the nearest hospital and simply entrust everything to you.” And she went to the hospital, upon arriving a kind hearted doctor asked her: “What can I do for you.” The woman said: “I’m sick with Covid-19 please help me and the doctor said: “Don’t worry I will help you get healed.” While she was being assisted by the doctor the woman saw a gleaming pin of the sacred heart of Jesus attached to the doctor’s coat.    

When we have faith the impossible becomes possible, the faraway becomes within reach and the unbelievable becomes believable.

In the gospel, when Jesus saw the vast crowd waiting for Him, His heart was moved with pity for them. Thus, Jesus cured those who were sick (Matthew 14:14). When evening came the disciples told Jesus to let go of the vast crowd so that they can buy their food. But Jesus would have nothing of His disciples’ suggestion.

He instead told His disciples to feed them but there was no food except for the five loaves and two fish. So, Jesus asked for the five loaves and two fish and it was all what Jesus needed to feed the vast crowd.

We are presently in a very dire situation right now caused by this Covid-19 pandemic. Thousands are sick, dying and hungry. This dire situation is what confronts us everyday right now and many are losing hope, in dire straits and getting desperate already.    

But there is hope and this is being offered to us by Jesus in the gospel. What only Jesus is asking from us is to continue to have faith. The same faith of the crowd who waited for Jesus’ healing and the same faith of the crowd who were fed by Jesus by means of the multiplication of the five bread and two fish.

Let us never doubt the power of Jesus to see us through out of our difficult situation right now caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Let us continue to pray and have faith in the power of Jesus. Let us continue to have faith that Jesus will make a way when there seems to be no way. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Agosto 2, Ika-18 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 14:13-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:13-21

13 Nang marinig ito ni Jesus, lumayo siya at namangka na sila-sila lang patungo sa ilang na lugar. Ngunit nalaman ito ng mga tao at sumunod sila sa kanya na naglalakad mula sa kanilang mga bayan. 14 Pagdating ni Jesus sa pampang, nakita niya ang maraming taong nag­ka­katipon doon at naawa siya sa kanila. At pinaga­ling niya ang mga maysakit.

15 Nang hapon na, lumapit sa kanya ang mga alagad at sinabi: “Nasa ilang na lugar tayo at lampas na ang oras. Paalisin mo na ang maraming taong ito para ma­kapunta sila sa mga nayon at makabili ng kani-kanilang pagkain.” 16 Ngunit sumagot si Jesus: “Hindi na nila kailangang umalis pa; kayo ang mag­bigay sa kanila ng makakain.” 17 Sinabi nila: “Wala kami rito kundi limang tinapay at dalawang isda.” 18 Sinabi niya: “Akin na.”

19 At iniutos niyang maupo sa damu­han ang makapal na tao. Kinuha niya ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda, tumi­ngala sa langit, nagpuri, hinati ang mga tinapay at ibinigay sa kanyang mga alagad; at ibinigay rin nila sa mga tao. 20 At kumain silang lahat at nabusog, at inipon nila ang mga natirang pira-piraso – labindalawang punong basket. 21 Mga limanlibong lalaki ang napakain bukod pa sa mga babae at mga bata.

Reflection for August 1, Saturday; Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 14:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him. Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him “It is not lawful for you to have her. Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist. The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

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Reflection:

There is a saying that, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” King Herod is an example of a man who was corrupted by his absolute power. He allowed his power to rule over him and not him ruling over his power. Otherwise if King Herod was in control of his power he would have not ordered the beheading of John.

When a leader allows his power to get into his head he would do many foolish things. For example, he may act as if he is more powerful than God by saying words and doing things that are inconceivable for a normal person to say and do.

In the gospel we have a character named King Herod he is a perfect example of a leader who is drunk with power. His power made him arrogant and it made him act as if he is more powerful than God for the reason that he ordered the killing of John. But we also know that those who arrogantly abuse power suffers defeat at the end.   

So what is the lesson for us here? Simple, we should not abuse the power that we hold otherwise we will have to pay for it someday. As they say, “What goes around comes around.” In other words this simply tells us that whatever evil that we do today brought about by our abuse of power will eventually catch up with us someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas