Reflection for January 11, Monday of the First Week: Mark 1:14-20

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” 

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who dreamed that he died. Thus he dreamt being ushered into a dark and grisly environment wherein he heard people groaning in agony.  Then he saw the devil frighteningly smiling at him motioning him to go towards him. He suddenly run away as fast as he could and soon after he woke up from his horrible dream. The man incidentally was living a very sinful life. 

The horrifying dream led the man to church he prayed and ask Jesus’ forgiveness then he saw the confessional booth. He went there and confessed his sins to the priest and the priest advised him to repent and follow Jesus by faithfully practicing his faith. 

The story of this man is our own story of sinfulness too, we are sinful and we keep on sinning. Would we allow the devil to continue to enslave us by incessantly sinning? Would we allow the devil to bring us to hell by ignoring Jesus’ call of repentance? What if we die right now do we want to end up in hell and be in the possession of the devil? 

No one of us is wishing for hell, deep inside our beings we yearn for heaven and God, we yearn for peace and serenity in our life. And this is what God wants for us also; He wants to give us peace and calmness that He only can give us. But what must we do?  We must repent, believe in the gospel and follow Jesus. 

In the gospel for this Monday, the four fishermen (Simon, Andrew, James and John) heard this call of repentance of Jesus for they too were sinful just like all of us. Then after repenting they followed Jesus to become His disciples. 

Do you also hear Jesus’ call of repentance  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 11, Lunes sa Unang Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 1:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:14-20

14 Pagkadakip kay Juan, pumunta si Jesus sa Galilea. Doon niya ipina­hayag ang magandang balita ng Diyos sa pagsa­sabing 15 “Sumapit na ang panahon; mag­bagong-buhay at mani­wala sa magandang balita; lumapit na nga ang Kaharian ng Langit.” 

16 Sa pagdaan ni Jesus sa pampang ng lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya si Simon ka­sama si Andres na kapatid niya na naghahagis ng mga lambat sa lawa; mga mangingisda sila. 17 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Halikayo, sumunod kayo sa akin at gagawin ko kayong mangingisda ng tao.” 18 Agad nilang iniwan ang kanilang mga lambat at sumunod sa kanya. 

19 Nagpatuloy pa siya nang kaunti, nakita naman niya ang magkapatid na Jaime at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; nasa bangka sila at nagsusursi ng kani­lang lambat. 20 Tinawag sila ni ­Jesus. Agad nilang iniwan sa bangka ang kanilang amang si Zebedeo kasama ang mga tauhan nito, at umalis silang kasunod niya.

1Reflection for Sunday January 10, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Mark 1:7-11

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

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

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

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Reflection:

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

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

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

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

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 10, Ang Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon (Kapistahan): Marcos 1:7-11

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:7-11

7 Ito ang sinabi ni Juan Bautista sa kanyang panga­ngaral: “Parating na kasunod ko ang gagawa nang higit pa sa akin. Hindi nga ako karapat-dapat yumuko para magkalag ng tali ng kanyang panya­pak. 8 Sa tubig ko kayo binin­yagan, at sa Espiritu Santo naman niya kayo bibin­yagan.” 

9 Nang panahong iyon, dumating si Jesus mula sa Nazaret ng Galilea at binin­yagan siya ni Juan sa Ilog Jordan. 10 At pagkaahon niya mula sa tubig, nakita niyang nahawi ang langit at parang kalapating bumababa sa kanya ang Espi­ritu ng Diyos. 11 At narinig mula sa langit: “Ikaw ang aking Anak, ang Minamahal, ikaw ang aking Hinirang.”

Reflection for January 9, Saturday after Epiphany: John 3:22-30

Gospel: John 3:22-30

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. 

So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him.  

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to decrease so that Jesus should increase? Would you be willing to remain as a faceless worker in the vineyard of the Lord? 

John had no insecurities whatsoever towards Jesus for he knew where he stood in the plan of salvation. When he was told that Jesus was baptizing and everyone was coming to Him. He calmly said: “You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him (John 3:28).  

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice (John 3:29). So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease (John 3:30).” 

John was never tempted to upstage Jesus even if there was an inviting opportunity to do so. John perfectly knew that his role was to be the best man for the bridegroom that is Jesus. John knew that his role is to simply prepare the way for Jesus. He therefore did it with utmost humility; John even said: “He must increase and I must decrease.” 

Are you like John?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 9, Sabado; pagkaraan ng Epifania: Juan 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:22-30

22 Pagkatapos nito, pumunta si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad sa lupain ng Judea, at tumigil siya roong kasama nila at nagbinyag. 23 Nagbi­binyag din noon si Juan sa Ainon na malapit sa Salim dahil maraming tubig doon, at may mga nag­sisidating at nagpapabinyag. 24 Hindi pa nabi­bilanggo noon si Juan. 

25 At nagkaroon ng pagtatalo ang mga alagad ni Juan at ang isang Judio tungkol sa paghuhugas. 26 Pinuntahan nila si Juan at sinabi sa kanya: “Rabbi, ang kasa-kasama mo sa ibayo ng Jordan, na pina­tunayan mo, nagbibinyag siya ngayon at sa kanya pumupunta ang lahat.” 27 Suma­got si Juan: “Walang anu­mang makukuha ang isang tao malibang ibigay ito sa kanya ng Langit. 

28 Kayo mismo ang maka­pagpa­patu­nay na sinabi kong ‘Hindi ako ang Mesiyas kundi sinugo akong manguna sa kanya.’ 29 Sa nobyo ang nobya. Naroon naman ang abay ng nobyo para makinig sa kanya at galak na galak siya sa tinig ng nobyo. Ganito ring lubos and aking kagalakan. 30 Dapat siyang humigit at ako nama’y lumiit.”

Reflection for January 8, Friday after Epiphany: Luke 5:12-16

Gospel: Luke 5:12-16

It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said “I do will it. Be made clean. And the leprosy left him immediately. 

Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them. The report about him spread all the more and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

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Reflection:

Why was the man with leprosy cured by Jesus? He was cured because he humbled himself before Jesus. The man sick with leprosy humbly pleaded to Jesus to heal him of his dreaded and contagious disease (Luke 5:12). What else did the sick man do? He was also crying while pleading Jesus to heal him. 

In His humanity perhaps Jesus was also wary of the man’s contagious disease. But when He saw the humility of the sick man Jesus suddenly throw cautions to the wind. Jesus stretched His hand and touched the man and during that instance he was instantly healed by Jesus. His act of humility facilitated the grace of healing from Jesus.  

There shall be time that we will also get sick for this is the reality of life. As we grow old we become more vulnerable to sickness. Would we also humble ourselves before Jesus? Would we also cry while pleading Jesus to heal us?  Of course we will do these so that we would be healed by Jesus. 

However it will not be all the time that we will receive healing from Jesus. Time will come that we will reach the end point of our temporary journey in this world. We will eventually cease breathing, what are we going to do by then? Should we stop praying? Of course not! For as long as we have consciousness we continue to plead Jesus. 

Not anymore for healing but for mercy and for forgiveness of our many sins. Let us not wait for that time for it may be years from now. Let us do it right now while we are still healthy, let us beg Jesus for His mercy and forgiveness for He will surely give it to us. This we could best do if we humbly submit ourselves to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation.     

Will you submit yourself to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 8, Biyernes; pagkaraan ng Epifania: Lucas 5:12-16

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:12-16

12 Nang nasa isang bayan si Jesus, may isang taong tadtad ng ketong doon. Nang makita niya si Jesus, nagpatirapa siya at nakiusap sa kanya: “Ginoo, kung gusto mo, mapalilinis mo ako.” 

13 Kaya iniunat ni Jesus ang kanyang kamay at hinipo siya at sinabi: “Gusto ko, luminis ka!” Nang oras ding iyo’y iniwan ng ketong ang lalaki. 14 Ini­utos sa kanya ni Jesus: “Huwag mo itong sabi­hin ka­nino man kundi pumunta ka sa pari para masuri ka niya at maialay alang-alang sa iyo ang handog na ini­utos ni Moises para mag­karoon sila ng patunay.” 

15 Ngunit lalo namang kumalat ang balita tungkol sa kanya at pumunta sa kanya ang mara­ming tao para ma­kinig at mapagaling sa kanilang mga karam­daman. 16Kaya madalas na mag-isang pumupunta si Jesus sa mga ilang na lugar para manalangin.

Reflection for January 7, Thursday after Epiphany: Luke 4:14-22

Gospel: Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. 

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing. And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

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Reflection:

Do you always see to it that the words that you say are always motivating and remarkable? For example, in your house, do you always see to it that you avoid negative words or words that creates stigma to those who hear and receive it? 

Your words are very powerful it can build or destroy a person or a child. If your words are always words that condemns or words that brings down the dignity of a person or a child. You can be sure that this person or child will have an inferiority complex. He will lose confidence in himself which is very important for a person growth and development. 

When Jesus preached in their synagogue He spoke words that builds, words that gently informs and words that heals and motivates. Why? Because this is the innate character of Jesus, He would always see to it that when He speaks His words would be forever treasured in the hearts of those who receive it. And up until today when His words are read in the bible or at Holy Mass those who read and hear it are moved and changed toward a better life.   

In our gospel, after Jesus preached in the synagogue those who’ve heard Him had nothing but respect and admiration toward Him (Luke 4:22). This is for the fact that Jesus words are always healing and motivating. Never words that curses, never words than injures the feelings and never words that downgrades the human dignity. 

What are the usual words that emanates from you? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 7, Huwebes; pagkaraan ng Epifania: Lucas 4:14-22

 

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:14-22

14 Nagbalik si Jesus sa Galilea na taglay ang kapangyarihan ng Espiritu at lumaganap sa buong kapaligiran ang balita tungkol sa kanya. 15 Kina­ugalian niyang magturo sa kanilang mga sinagoga, at pinupuri siya ng lahat. 

• 16 Pagdating niya sa Nazaret, kung saan siya lumaki, pumasok siya sa sinagoga sa Araw ng Pahinga ayon sa kanyang kinaugalian. Tumindig siya para bumasa ng Kasulatan, 17 at iniabot sa kanya ang aklat ni Propeta Isaias. 

Sa paglaladlad niya sa rolyo, natag­puan niya ang lugar kung saan nasu­sulat: 18 “Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Pangi-noon kayat pinahiran niya ako upang ihatid ang mabuting balita sa mga dukha. Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag ang paglaya sa mga bilang­go, sa mga bulag ang pagkabawi ng pa­ni­ngin, upang bigyang-ginhawa ang mga api, 19 at ipahayag ang taon ng kabutihang-loob ng Panginoon.” 

20 Binilot ni Jesus ang aklat, ibinigay ito sa tagapaglingkod at naupo. At naka­tuon sa kanya ang mga mata ng lahat ng nasa sina­goga. 21 Sinimulan niyang magsalita sa ka­nila: “Isinaka­tuparan ang Kasula­tang ito ngayon ha­bang naki­kinig kayo.” 22 At sumang-ayon silang lahat sa kanya habang nagtataka sa gayong pagpapahayag ng kabutihang-loob ng Diyos na nangga­ling sa kanyang bibig. At sinabi nila: “Hindi ba’t ito ang anak ni Jose?”

Reflection for January 6, Wednesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:45-52

Gospel: Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. 

When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. 

But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

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Reflection:

Do you have the habit of isolating yourself everyday to pray? 

Due to the busyness and the hassle and bustle of life many of us have no more time to pray. Or if we have time we rarely pray with solemness and reflection we simply pray because we have to pray and it simply becomes routine and mechanical for many of us. 

After feeding the more than five thousand people Jesus went to the mountain by himself to pray. Even if He is the Son of God, Jesus recognized the importance of prayer in His life; Jesus perfectly knew that life without prayer is empty, without direction and shallow. 

So He went to the mountain to pray and there He asked God for guidance and strength as He continues His ministry. Do you always prayerfully ask for guidance and strength from the Lord God as you face your daily challenges? 

Everything that you do in this world no matter how important will pass you by. You will leave it behind even be forgotten someday. But the prayers that you do everyday will carry you through as you proceed with the daily grind of life. 

Then the same daily prayers made in isolation with the Lord will become the key to your passage to the doorway of heaven someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 6, Miyerkules; pagkaraan ng Epifania: Marcos 6:45-52

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:45-52

45 Agad na pinilit ni Jesus na sumakay sa bang­ka ang mga alagad at pinauna sa Betsaida sa kabilang ibayo habang pinaaalis niya ang mga tao. 46 At pagka­paalis niya sa kanila, mag-isa siyang lumayo papunta sa kaburulan para ma­nalangin. 

47 Nasa laot na ang bangka nang gumabi at nag-iisa naman siyang nasa lupa. 48 Nakita niya silang nahihirapan sa pagsagwan sapagkat pasalungat ang hangin. Kaya nang madaling-araw na, pinuntahan sila ni Jesus na nagla­lakad sa dagat at waring lalampas sa kanila. 49 Nang makita nila siyang naglalakad sa dagat, akala nila’y multo siya. Kaya sumigaw sila. 50 Nakita nga siya nilang lahat at nasindak sila. Ngunit agad niya silang kinausap: “Lakasan ang loob! Ako ito, huwag kayong matakot.” 

51 Nang nakasakay na siya sa bang­ka ka­sama nila, tumigil ang hangin kaya lalo pa silang namangha. 52 Hindi nga nila naunawaan ang tungkol sa mga tinapay, kundi sarado ang kani­lang isip.

Reflection for January 5, Tuesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:34-44

 

Gospel: Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late. Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat. 

He said to them in reply Give them some food yourselves. But they said to him “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat? He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see. And when they had found out they said “Five loaves and two fish. So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. 

The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people he also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

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Reflection:

What impels us to do extraordinary things for our fellowmen? For example, to give food to the hungry or to do something especial for somebody without expecting anything in return. It’s love, the root of our extraordinary actions for our fellowmen is love. When we love somebody we would be willing to give something of ourselves for the people or person that we love.   

In our gospel the many that have been following Jesus has nowhere to go for it was getting late and there was no food available for them. Jesus knew about this and He could have simply told the crowd to disperse. And look for their own food and then comeback on the next day. But He did not for He dearly loved them, thereafter Jesus asked His disciples, how much food do you have?  

The disciples told Him five loaves and two fish.  And the five loaves and two fish suddenly were multiplied by Jesus to become hundreds and were able to feed more than five thousand. Jesus did the miracle of loaves out of His infinite love for them all. 

You too are dearly loved by Jesus for He supplies you food everyday. You may think that the food that you have on the table is courtesy of your own hard work. No, it’s not from your hard work it’s actually given to you by the Lord out of His great love for you.       

What have you given Jesus in return for His love? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 5, Martes; pagkaraan ng Epifania: Marcos 6:34-44

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:34-44

34 Pagdating ni Jesus sa pampang, nakita niya ang maraming taong nag­kakatipon doon at naawa siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang wa­lang pastol. At nagsimula siyang mag­turo sa kanila nang matagal.  35 Nang humahapon na, lumapit sa kanya ang mga alagad at sinabi: “Nasa ilang na lugar tayo at lampas na ang oras.” 36 Pa­alisin mo sila nang maka­­punta sila sa mga nayon at bukid sa paligid at makabili ng kani-kanilang makakain.” 

37 Ngunit sumagot si Jesus sa kanila: “Kayo ang magbigay sa kanila ng maka­­kain.” Sinabi naman nila: “At kami pa pala ang bibili ng tinapay – dala­wandaang denaryo, di ba? At bibigyan na­min sila.” 38 Ngunit sinabi niya: “Ilang tinapay meron kayo? Sige, tingnan ninyo.” At pagka­tingin nila ay kanilang sinabi: “Lima at may dalawa pang isda.” 

39 Kaya iniutos niya sa kanila na pa­upuin nang grupu-grupo ang ma-ka­pal na tao sa berdeng damuhan. 40 At naupo silang grupu-grupo, tigsasandaan at tiglilimampu. 41 Ki­nuha niya ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda, tumi­ngala sa langit, nagpuri, hinati ang mga tinapay at ibinigay sa kanyang mga alagad para ibigay din nila sa mga tao. Gayun­din naman, hinati niya ang dalawang isda. 42 At kumain silang lahat at nabusog, 43 at inipon nila ang mga natirang pira-piraso – labindalawang punong basket ang mga piraso ng tinapay pati na ang mga piraso ng isda. 44 Mga limanlibong lalaki ang napakain.

Reflection for January 4, Monday Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

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. 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. 

His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

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Reflection:

When does the Kingdom of heaven comes to you? It’s when you have a personal relationship with Jesus. Personal relationship with Jesus means that He becomes your friend, your savior and the rock solid foundation of your life. When Jesus is an integral part of your lives the Kingdom of heaven is already within you even while you are still in this world. 

To many of us heaven is the literal heaven that we all know about. It’s upstairs in the skies where God, His angels and other Holy companions are located. And we would only be able to go there after we die. But it’s very much possible for all of us to have a taste of heaven while we are still alive in this world if only we would learn to abide by the teachings of Jesus.   

Jesus in our gospel preached to the people of His time to repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. And who is the Kingdom of Heaven that is at hand? That Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus is talking about is no other than Himself. Jesus was literally offering Himself to the people of His time to have heaven. 

Many listened to this call of repentance by Jesus that’s why they followed Him and their lives were never the same again. They felt heaven in the company of Jesus, they were fed by Jesus, they were healed by Jesus they were given hope by Jesus; they were forgiven of their many sins and the like. 

How about you? Will you listen to this call of repentance by Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 4, Lunes; Santa Isabel Ana Seton: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

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.” 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. 

24 Lumaganap sa buong Siria ang ba­li­ta tungkol sa kanya. Kaya dinala sa kan­ya ang mga may karamdaman, ang lahat ng naghihirap dahil sa sakit, ang mga ina­alihan ng demonyo, ang mga nasisi­raan ng bait, ang mga para­litiko, at pina­galing niya silang lahat. 25 Sinun­dan siya ng maraming taong galing sa Galilea, sa Sampung Lunsod, sa Jerusalem, sa Judea at sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan.

Reflection for Sunday January 3, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

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

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

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

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

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Reflection:

What can you give Jesus this 2021? 

Perhaps the best gift you could give Jesus is your complete trust and faith in Him.  Another gift that you can give Jesus is your continuous hunger for Him. You may say that you already know Him but it’s not enough. So long as you live you must endlessly continue to search and hunger for Jesus. This is for the reason that the more that you hunger for Him the more that you would discover more about Him.  And the more that you hunger for Him the more that you become closer to Him. 

The Magi did not stop their search for the baby Jesus until they found Him. Surely, there were obstacles but it did not deter them. And upon finding Him, they did Him homage and prostrated themselves before Him and offered Him gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. 

Continue your search for Jesus until you find Him and when you find Him let Him dwell in your heart forever. You will surely find Him if you would search for Him. Then when you find Jesus, give the best that you could ever give Him. Do it in silence and humility, see to it that nobody will know about it except you and Jesus only. 

If you’re a parent, what is the best gift that you could give Jesus? The best gift that you could give Jesus is to direct your children towards Him. Bring them all to the celebration of the Holy Mass and help them encounter Jesus through the Bible; teach them also how to pray the Holy Rosary. 

What else can you give Jesus? You can give Jesus your time and your treasures by helping the poor, the troubled and the unwanted for Jesus is always with them. What else can you give Jesus? You can offer Jesus your life by walking away from your sins and from anything that makes you sin. What else can you do for Jesus? You can also bring others to Him by sharing Him and by living His teachings.   

What else can you do and give to Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 3, Ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:1-12

1 Pagkapanganak kay Jesus sa Betlehem sa Judea, sa panahon ni Haring Herodes, dumating sa Jerusalem ang ilang pantas mula sa Silangan. 2 Nag­tanong sila: “Nasaan ang bagong silang na hari ng mga Judio? Nakita namin ang pagsikat ng kanyang tala sa Silangan at naparito kami para sambahin siya.” 3 Nang marinig ito ni Herodes, na­ligalig siya at ang buong Jerusalem. 4 Ipinatawag niya kaagad ang buong kaparian at ang mga dalubhasa sa Batas, at itina­nong sa kanila kung saan ipanganganak ang Me­siyas. 

5 At sinabi nila: “Sa Betlehem ng Juda sapagkat ito ang isinulat ng Propeta: 6 “At ikaw, Betlehem, sa lupain ng Juda, hindi ikaw ang pinakaaba sa mga angkan ng Juda, sapagkat sa iyo magmumula ang isang pinuno: siya ang magiging pastol ng aking bayang Israel.” 7 Kaya lihim na tinawag ni Herodes ang mga pantas at hiningi sa kanila ang mga impormasyon tungkol sa sumikat na tala. 8 At saka niya sila pina­punta sa Betlehem at sinabi: “Pumunta kayo at alamin ang tung­kol sa bata. Pagkakita ninyo sa kan­ya, bumalik kayo sa akin para maka­punta rin ako sa kanya at makasamba.” 

9 Umalis sila pagkarinig nila sa hari. Nagpauna sa kanila ang tala na nakita nila sa Silangan, at tumigil ito sa itaas ng lugar na kinaroroonan ng sanggol. 10 Labis na natuwa ang mga pantas nang makita nilang muli ang tala! 11 Pumasok sila sa bahay at nakita nila ang sanggol kasama ni Mariang kan­yang ina. Lumu­hod sila at sumam­ba, at binuksan ang kanilang mga mama­haling dala at hinandugan siya ng mga regalong ginto, kamanyang at mira. 12 At nag-iba sila ng daan pag-uwi nila sa kanilang lupain dahil binilinan sila sa pana­ginip na huwag nang bumalik kay Herodes.

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

Gospel: John 1:19-28

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

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

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

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Reflection:

Are you sometimes tempted to assume honor that is not for you? John had the opportunity to assume who he was not but he did not succumb to the temptation of fleeting power, adulation and popularity. 

We cannot compare to John the Baptist in every aspect of his virtuous life. His humility is beyond question; his steadfastness to fight for what is right and moral is worthy of our emulation. John remained true to his mission as the humble precursor of Jesus. 

How about you? Are you humble enough to let others take credit for an endeavor which was partly realized with your help? Are you humble enough to simply be on the sideline when you have all the opportunity to be in the frontline? 

 It’s very tempting to ego trip and take credit for something that is not for us. But the gospel is telling us that we must be humble at all times. We must not bestow upon ourselves our own achievements we should rather let others bestow it upon us and humbly accept it. 

John teaches us that true greatness before the Lord is only possible through humility no other way but through humility only. Never mind the adulation or praises of the crowd for these are intoxicating, temporary and passing. 

Never mind if others are taking credit for the good that you’ve done for God is not sleeping anyway. God sees everything that we do we cannot hide anything from Him. Not only that God sees us; He also knows our hidden motives. 

Always be humble if you want to be close to Jesus, always be humble if you want to grow in faith and always be humble if you want others to respect you.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 2, Sabado; San Basilio Magno at San Gregorio Nasianseno, mga Obispo at mga pantas (Paggunita) Juan 1:19-28

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:19-28

19 Ito ang pagpapatunay ni Juan nang papuntahin sa kanya ng mga Judio ang ilang mga pari at Levita mula sa Jerusalem para tanungin siya: “Sino ka?” 20 Inako niya di ipinagkaila, inako nga niyang “Hindi ako ang Kristo.” 21 At tinanong nila siya: “Ano ka kung gayon? Si Elias ka ba?” At sinabi niya: “Hindi.” “Ang Propeta ka ba?” Isinagot naman niya: “Hindi” 22 Kaya sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sino ka ba? Para may mai­sagot kami sa mga nagpapunta sa amin. 

Ano ba ang masasabi mo tungkol sa ‘yong sarili?” 23 Sumagot siya gaya ng sinabi ni Propeta Isaias: “Tinig ako ng isang sumisigaw sa disyerto: Tuwirin ang daan ng Panginoon.” 24 May mga pinapunta mula sa mga Pariseo. 25 At tinanong nila siya: “Eh, ba’t ka nagbibinyag kung hindi ikaw ang Kristo, ni si Elias, ni ang Propeta?” 

26 Sina­got sila ni Juan: “Sa tubig ako nag­bibin­yag ngunit may nakatayo sa piling ninyo na hindi n’yo kilala. 27 Siya ang dumating na kasunod ko pero hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng panali ng kanyang panyapak.” 28 Sa Betaraba nangyari ang mga ito, sa kabilang-ibayo ng Jordan na pinag­bi­binyagan ni Juan.

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

 

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

Today is the first day of the year 2021! We celebrate today the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God, this is also a holiday of obligation here in the Philippines. Thus we are all required to attend Holy Mass today but due to the Covid-19 pandemic many of us will not be able to be at Holy Mass personally. However, there’s a remedy for the time being and that is our pious attendance in an online Holy Mass. 

Amidst the joy of the people around her the Blessed Mother just kept silent and she deeply reflected on the miracle that has unfolded before her. Surely, one of the things being reflected by the Blessed Mother was her being chosen as the Mother of God. 

 Perhaps she was asking herself: “Why was I given this great honor to become the mother of the Messiah?” Perhaps this is also what is in our minds; among the many women during her time why Mary and not other women? 

God works in mysterious ways; He does things by His will. 

Sometimes this also happens to us, for example in our career pathing or in our personal lives. We may wonder why we are in a certain arena of life when we did not even consider being in that field, not even in our wildest dreams. God has put us in our vocation or God has put us where we are today for a good reason. Therefore we need to do right and make a big difference in the lives of others. 

Upon deep reflections the Blessed Mother realized her enormous responsibilities. Thus she lived and imbibed it with all her heart and she therefore raised Jesus to become a Man for others and not a man only for himself. 

We may be in different field of endeavors in the vineyard of the Lord or in other field of life. However like the Blessed Mother we too are called to realize our enormous responsibilities. We are called to live and imbibe this not with arrogance and brashness but with humility, obedience and gentleness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas