Reflection for February 1 Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:1-20

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain. 

In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones. 

Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory. 

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. 

As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. 

Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

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Reflection:

Do you fear the devil? If you have faith in Jesus you need not fear the devil! But human as we are many of us fear the devil, and what is the reason for this fear? It’s our feeble faith in Jesus. 

In the gospel there is this man violently possessed by an evil spirit he is so powerful that no one could subdue him. Perhaps the possessed man was briefly in control of himself after which he was again taken control by the evil spirit.  

In his brief moment of self-control he saw Jesus from a distance and he run to Him. To shortcut this long story the man was eventually freed by Jesus from evil possession.  

There are many evils that possesses us nowadays: the evil of greed, lust, pride, materialism, arrogance and many more evils that take control of us. Do you want to be healed from these evils? Humbly  pray to Jesus and ask Him to free you from these evils.  

Oftentimes we underestimate the power of Jesus to make a big impact in our lives; this is normally caused by our lack of faith and our lack of fidelity to His teachings. This is the main reason why many are still possessed by the many evils of this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 1 Lunes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 5:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:1-20

Dumating si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad sa lupain ng mga Geraseno.^[a] 2 Pagbaba ni Jesus sa bangka, sinalubong siya ng isang lalaking galing sa kwebang libingan. Ang lalaking itoʼy sinasaniban ng masamang espiritu, ³ at doon na siya nakatira sa mga libingan. Hindi siya maigapos ng matagal kahit kadena pa ang gamitin nila. ⁴ Ilang beses na siyang kinadenahan sa kamay at paa, pero nalalagot niya ang mga ito. Walang nakakapigil sa kanya. ⁵ Nagsisisigaw siya araw at gabi sa mga libingan at kaburulan, at sinusugatan ang sarili ng matatalas na bato.  

⁶ Malayo pa si Jesus ay nakita na siya ng lalaki. Patakbo siyang lumapit kay Jesus at lumuhod sa harapan niya. ^7-8 Sinabi ni Jesus sa masamang espiritu, “Ikaw na masamang espiritu, lumabas ka sa taong iyan!” Sumigaw ang lalaki, “Ano ang pakialam mo sa akin, Jesus na Anak ng Kataas-taasang Dios? Nakikiusap ako, sa pangalan ng Dios, huwag mo akong pahirapan!” ⁹ Tinanong siya ni Jesus, “Ano ang pangalan mo?” Sagot niya, “Kawan, dahil marami kami.” ¹⁰ At paulit-ulit na nagmakaawa ang masamang espiritu kay Jesus na huwag silang palayasin sa lupaing iyon.

¹¹ Sa di-kalayuan ay may malaking kawan ng mga baboy na nanginginain sa gilid ng burol. ¹² Nagmakaawa ang masasamang espiritu na kung maaari ay payagan silang pumasok sa mga baboy. ¹³ Kaya pinayagan sila ni Jesus. Lumabas ang masasamang espiritu sa lalaki at pumasok sa mga baboy. Nagtakbuhan ang may dalawang libong baboy pababa ng burol, nagtuloy-tuloy sa lawa at nalunod. 

¹⁴ Tumakbo ang mga tagapag-alaga ng baboy papunta sa bayan at ipinamalita roon at sa mga kalapit-nayon ang nangyari. Kaya pumunta roon ang mga tao para alamin ang tunay na nangyari. ¹⁵ Pagdating nila kay Jesus, nakita nila ang taong dating sinasaniban ng kawan ng masasamang espiritu. Nakaupo siya at nakadamit, at matino na ang pag-iisip. Kaya natakot ang mga tao. ¹⁶ Ikinuwento sa kanila ng mga nakakita kung ano ang nangyari sa taong iyon at sa mga baboy. ¹⁷ Kaya pinakiusapan nila si Jesus na umalis sa kanilang lugar.  

¹⁸ Nang sumasakay na si Jesus sa bangka, nakiusap sa kanya ang lalaking gumaling na isama siya. ¹⁹ Pero hindi pumayag si Jesus. Sa halip, sinabi niya sa lalaki, “Umuwi ka sa pamilya mo at sabihin mo sa kanila ang lahat ng ginawa sa iyo ng Panginoon at kung paano ka niya kinaawaan.” ²⁰ Kaya umalis ang lalaki at ipinamalita sa Decapolis, ang ginawa sa kanya ni Jesus. At namangha ang lahat ng nakarinig tungkol sa nangyari.

Reflection for Sunday January 31, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  

Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Reflection:

Do you know how to maximize the power of your authority? 

Parents have a built-in authority over their children. However over the course of time this authority tends to wane until it lost its effect. This happens most especially when the parents are irresponsible in exercising it. For example if parents do not lead by example, if parents do not do what they say and if they don’t know how to impose discipline on their children.    

Perhaps, each and everyone of us have that hidden desire to exercise authority. Who wouldn’t want to take control of people?  Who wouldn’t want power and influence? 

Yet, when we don’t know how to properly exercise authority it is also like a time bomb that may explode on our face and destroy us. So how should we use authority? We must use it with temperance, gentleness and with humility. We must not abuse it or use it for power tripping and arrogance. 

Jesus did not only speak with authority, He also used it with temperance and humility.  He never abused nor used it for power/ego tripping and arrogance. Jesus knew that He had power and dominion over everyone but He never used it for selfish and arrogant reasons. He instead used His authority to gently heal those who were wounded to humbly guide those who were misguided and to give hope to those who were losing hope.  

Do you use your authority as the Lord used it? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 31, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:21-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:21-28

21 Pumunta si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad sa Capernaum. At nagturo siya sa sinagoga sa mga Araw ng Pahinga. 22 Nagulat ang mga tao sa kanyang pangangaral sapagkat nangaral siya nang may kapang­yari­han, hindi gaya ng mga guro ng Batas. 

• 23 May isang tao sa sinagoga na ina­alihan ng isang maruming espiritu. 24 Su­migaw ito: “Ano ang kailangan mo sa akin, Jesus na taga-Nazaret? Para ipahamak kami kaya ka dumating. Alam ko kung sino ka: ang Banal ng Diyos.”  

25 Ngunit iniutos sa kanya ni Jesus: “Tumahimik ka’t lumabas sa kanya.” 26 Matinding niyugyog ng espiritu ang taong iyon at pagkasigaw nang malakas ay saka lumabas.  

27 Talagang takang-taka ang lahat at nag-usap-usap sila: “Ano ito? Isang ba­gong pagtuturo na may kapang­ya­rihan! Inuutusan niya kahit maru­ruming espi­ritu at sinusunod nila siya.” 28 At luma­ganap ang katanyagan niya saan man sa buong lupain ng Galilea.

Reflection for January 30 Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. 

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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Reflection:

Are you easily rattled when you pass through stormy episodes in your life? Or you remain calm amidst the storms because you know that Jesus is always there for you.  

The disciples were in a boat together with Jesus when it suddenly encountered a violent storm. They were terrified for they thought that the boat might not be able to withstand the storm.  Why were they terrified when Jesus was with them? Perhaps they were overtaken with fear that’s why they suddenly forgot that Jesus was with them.  

For as long as we exist in this world we would continue to encounter also our own share of storms and worrisome moments in our lives. But we have nothing to worry if we have faith in Jesus, we have nothing to worry if we have a personal relationship with Jesus.  

 We simply have to constantly be connected with Him for the reason that He will take care of everything. Jesus will calm us in the midst of our distressful storms. Jesus will make a way when there seems to be no way.  

 All He asks from us is to have faith and this we can have if we ask Him to give us the gift of faith. Because faith is a gift that Jesus gives to those who sincerely ask for it. 

Prayer:

O Lord in the midst of the many storms in our life we beseech you to give us the gift of faith. So that we would be able to withstand whatever worrisome situation that we may encounter. Forgive our feeble faith, forgive us for not trusting you and for not always recognizing that you’re with us with us. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 30, Sabado sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 4:35-41

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:35-41

35 Kinahapunan ng araw na iyon, sina­bi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Tumawid tayo sa kabilang ibayo.” 36 Kaya iniwan nila ang mga tao at namangka silang kasama ni Jesus sa bangkang inu­upuan niya. At may iba pang mga bangka na kasabay nila. 37 At nagkaroon ng malakas na ipu­­ipo. Hinampas ng mga alon ang bang­­ka at halos  lumubog na 38 samantalang tulog siya sa kutson sa hulihan. 

Kaya ginising nila siya at sinabi: “Guro, halos mamamatay na tayo at bale-wala sa iyo!”

39 Pagbangon niya, inutusan niya ang hangin at sinabi sa dagat: “Tahi­mik, huwag kumibo.” Nabawasan ang hangin at nag­karoon ng ganap na kapa­yapaan. 40 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Napakatatakot ninyo! Bakit? Wala pa ba kayong pani­wala?” 

41 Ngunit lalo silang nasindak at nag-usap-usap: “Sino ito na pati hangin at dagat ay sumusunod sa kanya?”

Reflection for January 29 Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

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

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

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Reflection:

Do you want to feel the kingdom of God in your life? Then you should open your life to God. In everyday of your life God showers you with every blessing that He could give you. But do you notice and acknowledge these blessings that God gives you?  

For example, the blessing of a new life when you wake up in the morning, the sunlight, the air that you breathe and so forth. Do you care to thank God for all of these blessings?  

Acknowledgement of God’s many blessings is the first step for you to feel the kingdom of God in your life. When you recognize the majesty and power of God you also open your life to His kingdom. And you let God come into your life; eventually you let God rule your life.  

Then little by little you let God take charge of your life and not you anymore taking charge of your own life. Thus, you would be able to avoid sin no matter how tempting. And you would be able to carefully discern right from wrong.  

This is where the kingdom of God begins to take root in your life. It grows little by little until it blooms wherein you would be able to fight temptation in whatever forms and shapes.   

Jesus in our gospel for this Friday mentions about the small mustard seed which is none other than Himself and His kingdom. This small mustard seed once acknowledged and recognized by the soil (Which is no other than you). Begins to sprout until it blooms and eventually grows bigger so that those who needs shelter can go there. 

Do you always acknowledge, recognize and discern the presence of God’s kingdom in your life? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 29, Biyernes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 4:26-34

 

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

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

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

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

Reflection for January 28 Thursday, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church (M): Mark 4:21-25

Gospel: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.  

Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

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Reflection:

There was a man who had an enormous thirst for God. He reads his bible everyday in the process he could already remember majority of the bible verses. But he was selfish and not willing to share what he knew about the bible with his friends.  

He defends his selfishness by saying: How could they be encouraged to read the bible if I would share my knowledge with them? He further said that it would be better for them to invest some of their time in reading the bible also.  

But this is not what Jesus commands us Jesus doesn't want us to be stingy with whatever knowledge we know about Him. Jesus doesn’t want us to create self-serving reason to escape sharing what we know about God.  

Jesus wants us to be generous with our knowledge about Him. He wants us to share Him with others so that He can continue to change lives. Most importantly, Jesus wants us to live His teachings. So that it could spread even to the farthest corner of the world.  

When we share and live the teachings of Jesus we become like lighted lamps in the midst of darkness. This is the purpose why we are in this world; to be Christ light which brightly illuminates and enlightens those who are in darkness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 28, Huwebes Santo Tomas Aquino, pari at pantas ng Iglesya (Paggunita): Marcos 4:21-25

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:21-25

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

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

Reflection for January 27, Wednesday of the Third Week in OT: Mark 4:1-20

Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

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

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

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

Then when tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Those sown among thorns are another sort. They are the people who hear the word, but worldly anxiety, the lure of riches, and the craving for other things intrude and choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But those sown on rich soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.”

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Reflection:

How can we become the seed that fell on rich soil? We have to attend Holy Mass as often as possible most especially on Sundays, we have to read the bible, we have to be prayerful, we have to ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit and we have to live our faith.  

Many of us go off course and do not become the seed that fell on rich soil for the simple reason that we don’t take seriously our faith. We attend Holy Mass, we read the bible but we don’t practice what we read and hear. We simply let it inside our ear and let it pass on the other side of our ear.  

What we have to do is to let what we hear go down to our hearts afterwards we let it go up to our brains. Thus, we would be able to live what we read and hear.  

There is a story of a man who goes to Mass every Sunday and who profess to be faithful to his wife. However, his wife discovered that she was not the only woman in his life. Why did it happen that he was not true to his profession of fidelity towards his wife? This is for the reason that his faith was superficial and many of us are like this man: We have superficial faith.  

How could we transform this superficial faith for it to become the seed which fell on rich soil and produced hundredfold of fruits?  

We have to be docile to the desire of the Holy Spirit and that is to transform us to become a faithful follower of Jesus. And this is very possible for the simple reason that nothing is impossible to our God. 

Is your faith in the Lord bearing fruit already? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 27, Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 4:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:1-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection for January 26, Tuesday Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops (M): Luke 10:1-9

Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.  

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.  

Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'"

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Reflection:

Why do we sometimes waver in our discipleship for the Lord? I think it is for the reason that we lack focus, we don’t trust God and we like this world more than we like God. As a result we become half-hearted until we do not anymore trust the providence of God. After which we now trust more on ourselves and Jesus becomes a minimal factor in our lives.  

But what is the message of our gospel today? Its full trust and dependence on God alone! If we would only learn to entrust our lives to Jesus and if we would only learn to be faithful to the mission that He has given us. Then we would see how God would provide for us, but the problem is some of us don’t even know what is our mission in this world.  

We don’t know our mission because we don’t take our faith seriously. We hardly give it time because we are always busy with our worldly undertakings. Worldly undertakings that can evaporate from us anytime. Worldly undertakings that will not bring us eternal peace and happiness.  

But what is our mission? Our mission is to become modern day zealous disciples that will help Jesus spread the good news of our salvation.  

Have you already shared the Lord's good news? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

1Reflection for January 25, Monday the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle (Feast): Mark 16:15-18

Gospel: Mark 16:15-18

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

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Reflection:

There is a story of a woman who would always share pictures of herself on social media. Her husband who was a pastor would always tell her to share instead bible quotations so that she could inspire others to know more about God and in the process share in the mission of Jesus as well. 

Transmission of communication nowadays is very fast, for example if we post something on the internet. And if the content of what we post is good, we could be assured that it will go viral and it can reach the farthest corner of the world thru internet. 

During the time of Jesus transmission of communication was on a word of mouth basis. No internet and other high-end form of communication. It was simple word of mouth only. And yet the gospel was able to spread until it reached us. The key element in the spread of the gospel was the committed apostles and Saint Paul whose conversion we celebrate today. 

The desire of Jesus today is for us to become the modern day apostles and Saint Paul to whom he could entrust the mission of evangelization. He trusts us that we could also proclaim the gospel using the many forms of social media mode of communication today.   

There’s no more excuse for us not to help Jesus spread the gospel because we have in our fingertips the internet. Let us exploit the use of this technology to reach as many as possible.  

For example, if you’ve been posting updates about yourself using facebook, twitter, instagram and other forms of social media portals. Why not post quotations from the bible instead? Why not post something that would inspire others to take seriously their faith?  By doing so you inspire others, you change lives and you help Jesus spread the gospel.  

Have you already propagated the faith using social media? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas   

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

 

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-18

15 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal. 16 Maliligtas ang maniniwala at mag­papabinyag; ha­hatulan naman ang di maniniwala. 

17 At ito ang mga tandang sasama sa mga mani­niwala: magpapalayas sila ng mga de­mon­­yo sa aking Pangalan, magsasa­lita sila sa iba pang mga wika, 18 hahawakan nila ang mga ahas, at di sila maaano kung iinom man sila ng may lason. Ipa­patong nila ang kanilang kamay sa mga maysakit at gagaling ang mga iyon.”

 

 

 

Reflection for Sunday January 24, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: 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 fulfillment. 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:

A father would always call his children to go home for lunch as they play in front of their house. The moment his children hears his voice they would immediately pack things up to respond to his call. Why? For the simple reason that he is their father the one who takes care of them, who feeds them and who gives his time for them. 

The four disciples knew something that we don’t know that’s why they responded to Jesus’ call. Jesus did not promise them anything verbally but perhaps Jesus was silently talking to them in their hearts. That if they would respond they would have a new perspective about life and the afterlife.  And if they would respond He would take care of them for the rest of their lives. 

What is it that keeps us from responding to the call of Jesus? Are we afraid to lose our financial security? Are we afraid to leave behind our family and friends? Are we afraid to leave behind the usual sinful lifestyle that has become part already of our daily lives? We have to remember that we are only on a temporary journey in this world. Whatever worldly things that we presently have are temporary and passing, we will leave it all someday. 

Jesus is calling us to follow Him and leave whatever worldliness and sinfulness that we have. For example, the call would go this way: Follow me and leave behind your sinful life, follow me and begin to live a fulfilled, peaceful and meaningful life. 

Perhaps, Jesus is not asking us to leave our present environment and be with Him in another place. Perhaps Jesus is telling us this: Follow me where you are today by leaving behind whatever sinfulness that you are in right now. Never worry when you do so for I will take care of you and will never leave you alone. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 24, Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: 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 January 23, Saturday of the Second Week: Mark 3:20-21

Gospel Mark 3:20-21

Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

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Reflection:

There is a story about an intelligent young man who decided to enter the seminary against the will of his parents. Being poor and the only child his parents wanted him to be a doctor so that he’ll become rich and eventually properly take care of them when they become old. But he was adamant in his desire thus he was labelled as someone who is out of His mind by his relatives and friends. 

Jesus too was called as someone that is out of his mind by his relatives because He chose to live the life of an itinerant preacher. He chose to fight for the poor and oppressed, he chose to go against some of the Jewish laws specifically the law of the Sabbath. Thus earning the ire of the powerful Jewish elite. 

Be not afraid to tread the less travelled road of Jesus. Follow it for so long as you are not steeping on the toes of anyone and you’re not doing any wrong. They may oppose it now but in God’s time they surely would be enlightened and they will understand you. 

The voice of God is much superior than any worldly voice. You therefore have to hear it and follow it notwithstanding the contradiction and opposition. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 23, Sabado sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 3:20-21

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:20-21

20 Pagkauwi ni Jesus, nagsidating ang mga tao kayat hindi na sila nakakain. 21 Nang mabalitaan ito ng kanyang mga kamag-anak, lumabas sila para hulihin siya. Sinasabi nga nilang “Nababaliw   siya.”

Reflection for January 22, Friday of the Second Week: Mark 3:13-19

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 

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

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Reflection:

What is the relevance of the selection of the twelve apostles to us? It reminds us that we also have a mission for the propagation of the faith. Many of us  may say: I know nothing about the faith therefore I can do nothing for I know nothing. 

The twelve that were chosen by Jesus knew nothing also about the faith; many of them were in fact ordinary men and they were sinners too like us. Yet they were called by Jesus to follow Him. Therefore to say that we know nothing is not an excuse because we will know if we would only try to know something about the faith. 

Jesus will not fail us He will even equip us so that from knowing nothing we will now know something. And this something that Jesus will give us will soon grow if we would continue to respond to His call. 

Be not afraid to respond, be not afraid to dive into the deep waters of our faith for Jesus will always be with you. Begin your mission in your family first which is your domestic church. Gently evangelize them about Jesus and about our Roman Catholic faith through your healing words and actions. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 22, Biyernes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 3:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:13-19

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

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