Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 12, Sabado ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:1-10

1 Maraming tao ang sumama kay Jesus at wala silang makain. Kaya tinawag ni Jesus ang kanyang mga alagad at sinabi sa kanila: 2 “Labis akong naaawa sa mga taong ito, pangatlong araw ko na silang ka­sama at wala nang makain 3 at kung paalisin ko silang gutom, baka mahilo sila sa daan. Ga­ling pa sa malayo ang ilan sa kanila.”  

4 Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad: “At paano naman maka­kakuha ng tinapay para pakainin sila sa ilang na ito?” 5 Tinanong sila ni Jesus: “Ilan bang tinapay meron kayo?” Sumagot sila: “Pito.”   

6 Pinaupo ni Jesus sa lupa ang mga tao, kinuha ang pitong tinapay at nag­pa­salamat sa Diyos. Pinagpira-­piraso niya ang mga ito at ibinigay sa kan­yang mga alagad para ihain; at inihain nila ang mga ito sa mga tao. 7 Meron din silang ilang isda. Binasbasan ito ni Jesus at iniutos na ihain din ang mga ito.  

8 Kumain sila at nabusog at inipon ang mga natirang pira-piraso – pitong bayong. 9 Apat na libo ang naroon, at saka sila pinauwi ni Jesus. 10 Agad siyang sumakay sa bangka kasama ang kanyang mga alagad at pumunta sa lupain ng Dalma­nuta.

Reflection for February 11, Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:31-37

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd.  

He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was diagnosed to have a terminal sickness, of course he was bothered, who would not be? But the man had great faith in Jesus so he earnestly prayed for his healing.  He went to Mass everyday, he prayed the rosary regularly and he read his bible fervently.   

As the days, weeks and months passed by there was observable decline on his physical appearance. But those around him noticed also the increase in his faith and confidence in Jesus. They’ve noticed the peacefulness and calmness that he exudes so unlikely of a dying man.  

We are presented in the gospel a story of physical healing, a deaf man was able to speak again through the healing power of Jesus.  With the help of those around him the deaf man was brought closer to Jesus. After which he begged Jesus to lay His hand on him. 

Jesus took the man away from the crowd. And in the stillness of the environment Jesus groaned and said, “Ephphatha!” which means be opened. The man was immediately healed, he was able to hear and speak once again.  

Eventually, everyone of us will get sick and everyone of us will also pray for physical healing from Jesus. But not all of us would experience physical healing like what the deaf man experienced in the gospel. Some of us would experience deep spiritual healing, the same spiritual healing that the terminally sick man in our story received from Jesus.  

We must therefore take steps also to get closer and build a relationship with Jesus. Let us take the initiative and do it by ourselves now. Let us not wait for the time to come that we will go to the Lord because we are already in dire need of Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Thursday February 10, Saint Scholastica, Virgin (M): Mark 7:24-30

Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.  

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

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Reflection:

What is the key for us to have what we want from Jesus? 

It’s persistence, if we think that Jesus doesn’t hear our prayers, we should continue to beg Him to grant us what want. We should never give up because giving up is a sign of our lack of faith in Jesus. 

The Syrophoenician woman in our gospel never gave up on her prayer request even if she was already being tested by Jesus. She persisted and humbly beg Jesus to cure her daughter possessed by the devil. Eventually her persistence bore fruit for when she went home she found out that her daughter was not anymore possessed by the devil.  

As we continue our journey in this temporal world, we surely will be facing a lot of problematic situations. Let us not let these disappointing events bring us down and let us not let these situations separate us from Jesus. The more we encounter trials in our lives the more that we go persistently to Jesus for help.  

For it’s only Jesus and it’s only through Jesus that we would be able to survive the many trials and tribulations in this world.  What if for example we persistently pray to Jesus for help and he does not help us? What are we going to do? We simply have to continue to pray and have faith, the more that we are ignored by the Lord the more that we have to pray and have faith.  

How’s your faith in the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Pebrero 10, Santa Escolastica, dalaga (Paggunita): Marcos 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:24-30

24 Lu­ma­yo si Jesus patungo sa hangganan ng Tiro. Pumasok siya roon sa isang bahay at kahit na ayaw niya itong malaman ninuman, hindi ito nalihim. 25 May isang babaeng nakabalita tung­kol sa kanya. Inaalihan ng maruming espiritu ang kan­yang dalagita kaya pumunta siya at nag­patirapa sa kan­yang paanan. 26 Isa siyang paga­nong taga-Sirofenicia. At ipinaki­usap niya kay Jesus na palayasin ang demonyo sa kanyang anak.  

27 Sinabi naman ni Jesus sa kanya: “Ba­ya­an mo munang mabusog ang mga anak. Hindi tama na kunin ang tinapay sa mga bata at itapon ito sa mga tuta.” 28 Su­ma­got ang babae: “Totoo nga, Ginoo, pero kinakain ng mga tuta sa ilalim ng mesa ang mga nalalaglag mula sa mga bata.” 29 At sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Dahil sa sinabi mong ito, lumabas na sa iyong anak na babae ang demonyo.” 30 Kaya umuwi ang babae at nakita niya ang bata na naka­higa sa kama; lumabas na nga ang demonyo. 

Reflection for February 9, Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:14-23

Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”  

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)  

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

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Reflection:

Where does the desire to commit sin emanates? It first emanates from within us. It begins when we think about it and if we don’t stop thinking about our desire to commit sin it slowly progresses. Until we actually give flesh to our desire to sin by actually doing it.  

For example, the desire of a husband/wife to betray their marriage vows. He/she starts by thinking about it and when she/he sees that the situation is conducive to commit the act of sin/betrayal. The spouse will now succumb to commit this immoral sin. Therefore, the desire to commit sin originates from within us first.  

How then could we avoid sin? We pray to Jesus and ask His help to exterminate whatever sinful desires that we have in our minds. Then we also have to do our part by taking action to rid ourselves of the desire to sin and by confronting the sin and stepping on it so that it would die. Because if we pray yet our actions are not according to what we have been praying for we would still commit sin sooner or later. As the saying goes God help those who help themselves. 

But come to think of it, why do we commit sin? The simple answer is we don’t take our faith in Jesus seriously this is the reason why we commit sin when we want to commit it. Are we not tired yet of sinning? Are we not tired yet of mortgaging our lives to the devil? When we continuously mortgage our lives to the devil through sin, there is the danger that we may not anymore be able to get out of it! 

It’s about time that we change this cycle of sin, it’s about time that we rid ourselves of any sinful thoughts and desires. It’s about time that we free ourselves from any problems and complication brought about by sin.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 9, Miyerkules ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:14-23

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:14-23

14 Tinawag ni Jesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila: “Pakinggan ako at unawain sana ninyong lahat. 15 Hindi ang pumapasok sa tao mula sa labas ang nakapagpaparumi sa kanya kundi ang lumalabas sa tao ang nakapagpaparumi sa kanya. 16 Makinig ang may tainga.”   

17 Pagkalayo ni Jesus sa mga tao, nang nasa bahay na siya, tinanong siya ng kanyang mga alagad tungkol sa talin­hagang ito. 18 At sinabi niya: “Wala rin ba kayong pang-unawa? Hindi ba ninyo na­uunawaan na sa bituka pumu­punta ang anumang pumapasok sa tao mula sa labas? 19 Sapagkat hindi sa puso ito puma­pasok kundi sa tiyan at pagkatapos ay itinatapon sa labas.” (Sa gayo’y sinabi niya na malinis ang tanang mga pagkain.)  

20 At idinagdag niya: “Ang luma­labas sa tao ang nagpaparumi sa tao. 21 Sa puso nga ng tao nagmumula ang masa­samang hangarin – kahalayan, pagna­nakaw, pag­patay sa kapwa, 22 pakiki­apid, kasa­kiman, kasamaan, pandaraya, ka­las­waan, pagkainggit, paninira, kapala­luan, kabuktutan. 23 Ang masasamang bagay na ito ang nagpaparumi sa tao.

Reflection for February 8, Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:1-13

Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves.  

And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

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Reflection:

Are you very strict with the observance of your customs and traditions?  

The Pharisees were very particular of their customs/traditions they follow it to the letter. So, when they saw that Jesus’ disciples ate their meals without washing their hands—they told Jesus about it.  

They said to Jesus: “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?" and Jesus told them: You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition." He went on to say, "How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!  

We see that Jesus puts more weight on the commandments of God more than their traditions the interior rather than the exterior, the inside conversion rather than the fake exterior observance of their laws. 

The conversion that Jesus desires for us is one that involves change of our hearts and mindsets. For example, from indulging in sin we now try our very best to avoid sin. From staying in an environment where we’ve sinned, we now completely walk away from that environment and so on. For Jesus, what matters most is not our external acts but our internal conversion and renewal.   - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 8, Martes ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-13

1 Nagkatipon sa paligid ni Jesus ang mga Pariseo at ilan sa mga guro ng Batas na galing sa Jeru­salem. 2 Napansin nila na kumakain ang ilan sa mga alagad niya nang may maruming ka­may, na hindi naghu­hugas ayon sa sere­monya. 3 Sinusunod nga ng mga Pariseo pati na ng mga Judio ang tra­disyon ng kanilang mga ninuno at hindi sila kumakain nang hindi muna nag­huhugas ng mga kamay. 4 At hindi rin sila kuma­kain ng anumang galing sa palengke nang di muna ito nililinis, at marami pa’ng dapat nilang tuparin, ha­lim­bawa’y ang pag­li­li­nis ng mga inu­man, mga kopa at ping­gang tanso.  

5 Kaya tinanong siya ng mga Pariseo at mga guro ng Batas: “Bakit hindi isi­nasabuhay ng iyong mga alagad ang tra­disyon ng mga ninuno? Hindi nga sila naghuhugas ng kamay bago ku­main.”

6 At sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Tama ang propesiya ni Isaias tungkol sa in­yong mga mapagkunwari. Nasusulat na “Pinararanga­lan ako ng mga ito sa kanilang labi, at ma­layo naman sa akin ang ka­nilang mga puso. 7 Walang silbi ang kani­lang pag­samba sa akin at ka­utusan lamang ng tao ang kanilang itinuturo.”  

8 Pinabayaan nga ninyo ang utos ng Diyos para itatag ang tradisyon ng mga tao.” 9 At sinabi ni Jesus: “Mahusay na pina­walang-bisa ninyo ang salita ng Diyos para tuparin ang inyong tradis­yon. 10 Si­nabi nga ni Moises: ‘Igalang mo ang iyong ama at ina’, at ‘patayin ang sinu­mang sumumpa sa kanyang ama o ina.’ 11 Ngunit ayon sa inyo, masasabi ninuman sa kanyang ama o ina, “Inilaan ko na para sa Templo ang maaasahan ninyo sa akin.” 

12 At hindi na ninyo siya pinapayagang tumulong sa kanyang ama o ina. 13 Kaya pina­walang-bisa ninyo ang salita ng Diyos sa tulong ng sarili ninyong tradisyon. At marami pa ang mga ginagawa ninyong ganito.” 

Reflection for February 7, Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:53-56

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.  

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was sick with cancer that asked the Lord, “Why am I suffering Lord”? I can’t bear my sickness anymore and I can’t bear the pain of going through the procedure of chemotherapy anymore.”      

In the gospel, those who were able to touch the tassel of Jesus’ cloak were very fortunate for they received healing in return.  It speaks volumes of their faith and the power of Jesus.  

But not everyone who has faith is healed. There are those who have faith but they continue to suffer from their sickness. Sometimes it may baffle us why they physically suffer considering that they also have faith that they also love Jesus. 

The healing that Jesus gives us is not always physical, oftentimes its spiritual which means that we're given the grace to accept our physical sickness and the grace to completely surrender our life to the great power and mercy of Jesus.  

There are people who are still happy in spite of their physical sickness for they’ve learned to offer to God their suffering. They’ve learned that the suffering that they’re undergoing is nothing compared to the suffering that Jesus went through.  

There will come a time that we will also get sick and will suffer as well. Let us never forget to offer our suffering/s to Jesus. Let us ask Jesus to help us endure our suffering/sickness. Though it may be difficult, let us learn to accept it and continue to have that enormous faith in the Lord. 

How’s your faith in the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 7, Lunes ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:53-56

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:53-56

53 Pagkatawid ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad, dumating sila sa pampang ng Genesaret at doon nila           isi­nadsad ang bangka. 54 Paglunsad nila ng bangka, nakilala si Jesus ng mga taga­­roon 55 at pa­takbo nilang ipinama­lita ito sa lupaing iyon.   

Kaya dinala nila ang mga maysakit na nasa higaan kung saan nila mabalitaang naroon siya. 56 At saanman siya lumakad, sa mga nayon man o sa bayan o sa bukid, inilalagay nila sa mga liwasan ang mga maysakit at nakikiusap sa kanya na mahipo man lamang sana nila ang laylayan ng kanyang damit, at gumaling ang lahat ng humipo rito.

Reflection for Sunday February 6, Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 5:1-11

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a middle-aged man who wanted to follow Jesus. But he would always have second thoughts if he would proceed with his desire because he was sinful. Thus, the feeling of unworthiness always creeps into him. However, there was always that inner voice that whispers to him to follow the Lord no matter his sinfulness.

Who among us are worthy to become a follower of Jesus? Nobody for all of us are sinful, all of us have offended the Lord one way or another. Yet, in spite of our unworthiness we are always being called by Jesus to follow Him so that He can purify us of our sins no matter how dark those sins are. 

The Lord does not call us to condemn us of the countless sins that we have committed. The Lord calls us so that He could restore us of our dignity which we lost through our sinfulness. He calls us to tell us that His love for us can overcome whatever sins that we have committed.

All He wants from us is our yes and our firm commitment to walk away from our sins! When we say yes to the Lord, we also would be willing to leave behind the environment that made us sin. We leave behind those people who influenced us to sin. In other words, there’s no turning back or looking back the moment we decide to follow the Lord. Because the Lord is not anymore interested in our sinful past what matters to Jesus is our present and future with Him.

In the gospel, after Jesus performed the miracle of the great catch of fish before the very eyes of Simon and the other fishermen (Luke 5:6). Simon Peter kneeled before Jesus and he begged Jesus to leave them for they were all sinful. And therefore unworthy of His presence and the miracle that he did for them (Luke 5:8). 

However, Jesus with all the love, mercy and forgiveness told Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men (Luke 5:10).” After bringing their boats to the shore, Simon and the other fishermen left everything to follow the Lord. (Luke 5:11)

Regardless of your sins and your dark past Jesus is calling you as well to begin a new life with Him. Would you respond to this call of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Pebrero 6, Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon (K): Lucas 5:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:1-11

Noong panahong iyon 1 Dinagsa si Jesus ng napakaraming taong nakikinig sa salita ng Diyos at nakatayo naman siya sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Genesaret. 2 Nakita niya noon ang dalawang bangka sa baybay. Kaba­baba pa lamang ng mga mangi­ngisda mula sa mga ito para hugasan ang mga lambat. 3 Kaya suma­kay siya sa isa rito na pag-aari ni Simon at hiniling dito na lumayo nang kaunti mula sa dalampasigan. Umupo siya at mula sa bangka’y sinimulang turuan ang maraming tao.   

4 Matapos siyang magsalita, sinabi niya kay Simon: “Pumalaot ka at ihulog ninyo ang inyong mga lambat para hu­muli.” 5 Ngunit sumagot si Simon: “Guro, buong magdamag kaming nagpagod at wala kaming nakuha pero dahil sinabi mo, ihuhulog ko ang mga lambat.” 6 At nang gawin nila ito, naka­huli sila ng napaka­raming isda kaya halos mag­kandasira ang kani­lang mga lambat. 7 Kaya kinawayan nila ang kanilang mga kasamahang nasa kabilang bang­ka para lumapit at tulungan sila. Du­mating nga ang mga ito at pinu­no nila ang dalawang bangka hang­gang halos lumu­bog ang mga iyon.  

8 Nang makita ito ni Simon Pedro, nag­pa­tirapa siya sa harap ni Jesus at sinabi: “Lumayo ka sa akin, Panginoon, sapagkat taong makasalanan lamang ako.” 9 Tala­ga ngang nasindak siya at ang lahat niyang kasama dahil sa huli ng mga isda na nakuha nila. 10 Gayundin naman ang mga anak ni Zebedeo na sina Jaime at Juan na mga kasama ni Simon.  

Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus kay Simon: “Huwag kang matakot; mula ngayo’y mga tao ang huhulihin mo.” 11 Kayat nang ma­dala na nila ang mga bangka sa lupa, iniwan nila ang lahat at sumu­nod sa kanya.

Reflection for Saturday February 5, Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (M): Mark 6:30-34

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place.  

People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and 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.

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Reflection:

To whom can we compare Jesus in this world?  

We can somehow compare Jesus to our parents. Let us try recalling how patient our parents were in teaching us the basics about life. Let us try recalling how hard they’ve tried to provide the very best for us.  

Let us try recalling the many family bondings that they’ve planned to further strengthen the family’s union. Let us try to recall the countless shepherding or guiding moments that we’ve received from them. And let us try to recall the countless times they’ve comforted and motivated us when we were feeling weary and tired.    

In essence Jesus is like a parent to the apostles and to those who followed Him He was a unifying factor for them. He motivated them, He bonded with them, He guided them, He healed them, He empathized with them and most of all He was a good shepherd to them.  

In our gospel, after doing their mission and after telling Jesus what they have done the apostles were naturally exhausted. Jesus told them to go to a deserted place to rest for a while to recharge their weary bodies and minds. Perhaps Jesus also wanted to give an inspirational talk to His apostles so that He could further strengthen their resolve to continue their mission. Isn’t this what worthy parents would normally do the moment they see their children tired and weary from doing something commendable and important?   

Finally, when Jesus arrived on the supposed to be deserted place the vast crowd who have been following Him were already there waiting for Him. Instead of telling them to go away because He wants privacy. He was moved with pity for them for they were like sheep without a shepherd. And being a good shepherd himself Jesus began to teach them many things.  

The shepherding that Jesus gave to His apostles and followers during that time is still very much alive up to this very moment and He is offering it to us right now. If we are tired and weary with the challenges and burdens of life. Let us go to Jesus for He will always be there to tell us to come let us go to a quiet place and let us rest, there for I (Jesus) will be there to shepherd and strengthen you.  

You have in Jesus the personification of a good parent and shepherd who has nothing but the very best for you. Always go to Him and always desire to be with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Pebrero 5, Santa Agueda (Agata), dalaga at martir (Paggunita): Marcos 6:30-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:30-34

30 Pagbalik ng mga apostol kay Jesus, isinalaysay nila sa kanya ang lahat nilang ginawa at itinuro. 31 Sinabi naman niya sa kanila: “Tayo na sa isang ilang na lugar para mapag-isa tayo at makapagpahinga kayo nang kaunti.” Sapagkat doo’y marami ang paroo’t parito at hindi  man lamang sila makakain. 32 Kaya lumayo sila at namangka na sila-sila lang patungo sa ilang na lugar.  

33 Ngunit nakita silang umalis ng ilan at nabalitaan ito ng marami. Kaya nagtakbuhan sila mula sa kani-kanilang bayan at nauna pang dumating na lakad kaysa kanila. 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.

Reflection for February 4, Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:14-29

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets. But when Herod learned of it, he said “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.  

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. 

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.  

He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist. The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.  

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

What does it mean when we are constantly being bothered by our conscience? It simply means that we’ve done something wrong and the only cure for this wrongdoing is to correct it. For example, if a believer has cheated on his/her spouse she/he would naturally be bothered by her/his conscience. And this torment will not end until there’s a closure or admission of sin.  

When King Herod heard about the miraculous actions of Jesus and the popularity that He was earning from the people. Herod thought of John whom he ordered beheaded, it suddenly came to his mind that John was still alive. But it was very clear to King Herod that he ordered John killed.  

So why did King Herod thought of John when he heard about Jesus? This is for the reason that King Herod was already being bothered by his conscience. Herod did something which is terribly wrong and the price that he has to pay for his wrongdoing was the guilt of conscience which was constantly bothering him.  

Aren’t we like that also when we do wrong? But what separates us from Herod is we have an opportunity to repent and admit our wrongdoing. And once we do so the guilty feeling will not be there anymore.  

But why allow ourselves to be pestered by our guilt? Why not permanently delete guilt from our minds by not committing sin? Some of us may say that it’s impossible not to commit a wrongdoing or sin. Yes it may be impossible but, why not try asking Jesus to help us be clean all the time? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 4, Biyernes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:14-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:14-29

14 Nabalitaan din ni Haring Herodes ang tungkol kay Jesus sapagkat tumanyag na ang kanyang pangalan. May nag­sasabing nabuhay si Juan Bautista mula sa mga patay kaya nagkakabisa sa kanya ang makalangit na kapang­yarihan. 15 Si­nabi naman ng iba: “Si Elias nga ito,” at ng iba pa: “Ito ay isang propeta gaya ng mga propeta noon.” 16 Nang mabalitaan ito ni Herodes ay sinabi niya: “Nabuhay nga sa mga patay si Juan na pinapugutan ko ng ulo.”   

17 Si Herodes nga ang nagpahuli kay Juan, at ipinakadena ito sa kulungan dahil kay Herodias na asawa ng kanyang kapatid na si Felipe. Pinakasalan ni Herodes si Herodias 18 at sinabi ni Juan kay Herodes: “Hindi mo puwe­deng kasamahin ang asawa ng iyong kapatid.” 19 Talaga ngang matindi ang galit ni Hero­dias kay Juan at gusto niya itong patayin pero hindi niya ma­gawa. 20 Iginagalang nga ni Herodes si Juan dahil itinuturing niya itong mabuti at banal na tao, kaya pinanatili niya itong buhay. Nalilito siya matapos ma­kinig kay Juan, gayunma’y gusto pa rin niyang marinig ito.   

21 At nagkaroon ng pagkakataon sa kaarawan ni Herodes nang maghanda siya para sa kanyang mga opisyal, mga pinuno ng hukbo at mahalagang tao ng Galilea. 22 Pagpasok ng anak ni Herodias, nagsayaw ito at nasiyahan naman sa kanya si Herodes at lahat ng nasa handaan. Sinabi ng hari sa dalagita: “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang anu­mang hingin mo.” 23 At sinumpaan pa niya ang pa­ngakong ito: “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang anumang hingin mo, kahit na ang kala­hati ng aking kaha­rian.” 24 Lu­mabas ang anak at tinanong ang kanyang ina: “Ano ang hihingin ko?” At sumagot naman ito: “Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista.” 25 Agad niyang pinuntahan ang hari at sinabi: “Gusto kong ibigay mo agad sa akin ang ulo ni Juan Bautista sa isang bandeha.”   

26 Nabalisa ang hari ngunit ayaw niyang tumanggi dahil sa sinumpaan niyang pangako sa harap ng mga bisita. 27 Kaya iniutos ng hari sa isa niyang guwar­diya na dalhin ang ulo ni Juan. Pinu­gutan nito si Juan sa kulu­ngan, 28 inilagay sa isang bandeha ang kanyang ulo, ibinigay sa dalaga, at ibinigay naman ito ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. 29 Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, dumating sila para kunin ang kanyang katawan at ini­libing.

Reflection for February 3, Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:7-13

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick –no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.  

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

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Reflection:

Do you share in the mission of Jesus and the apostles?  

According to a written commentary in Judaism there is a need for two witnesses to attest to the reality of a completed accomplishment. That’s why Jesus sent the apostles two by two to serve as witness to each other’s good deeds. 

But more than that I think the twelve were sent two by two to be of help to each other, to strengthen each other whenever they feel like giving up in their mission of evangelization.  

Jesus emphasized to the apostles that they should have complete trust and confidence on Him because He will provide for them. That’s why He said: “Take nothing with you except for your walking stick: “No food, no sack, no money in your belts.”  

By our Baptism we also share in the mission of Jesus and the twelve apostles. We are also being commissioned by Jesus to heal those who are emotionally and spiritually wounded. And this is brought about by the harsh realities of life most especially now primarily brought about by covid-19.  

There are many who still needs to be helped and to be evangelized let us therefore take part in the mission of the apostles. Let’s not worry about ourselves Jesus will take care of us in return as what He did for the apostles. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 3, Huwebes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:7-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:7-13

Naglibot naman si Jesus sa mga nayon sa paligid sa kanyang pagtuturo. 7 At tinawag niya ang Labindalawa at sinimulang isugo sila nang dala-dalawa. Binigyan niya sila ng kapangyarihan sa mga maruming espiritu. 8 At sinabihan niya silang huwag magdala ng anuman para sa paglalakbay kundi tungkod lamang. Walang pagkain, walang pitaka o pera sa sinturon. 9 Nakasandalyas at may isang damit lang.  

10 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Pagtuloy ninyo sa isang bahay, manatili kayo roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo mula roon. 11 Kung may lugar na hindi tatanggap o makikinig sa inyo, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ang alikabok sa inyong mga paa bilang sakdal sa kanila.”  

12 At pag-alis nila, ipinangaral nila ang pagbabalik-loob. 13 Maraming demonyo ang kanilang pinalayas at marami ring maysakit ang pinagaling nila sa pagpapahid ng langis.

Reflection for Wednesday February 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses. Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Just as it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord. And to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.   

He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go  in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Reflection:

The story  is  told about a dying man who had one fervent wish before he dies. His fervent wish was to see Jesus in the flesh and to talk to Him even for a short while. Unfortunately, his wish did not become a reality for he died without seeing Jesus. Is there a magic word for us to see Jesus? Or is there a secret for us to see Jesus?  

When the child Jesus was brought into the temple to present Him before the Lord. It was in fulfillment of the Jewish law which states that a child should be brought into the temple to present him before God forty days after its birth.”  

We have in our gospel a Holy man named Simeon who has one wish before he dies which is to see Jesus. And Simeon was very blessed to see and hold in his arms the child Jesus. Was it pure luck that he was able to be with Jesus and His parents up close and personal? No, luck had nothing to do with Simeon’s meeting with the Holy family. Simeon as stated in our gospel was a righteous and devout man.  

He was a good man; he was a man who wholeheartedly strived to follow the teachings of his faith. That’s why God through the Holy Spirit gifted Simeon the very rare opportunity to be with the child Jesus in the temple before he dies. What a way to die! Isn’t this our wish also before we die? We would want to see Jesus and we would want to hold the hand of Jesus as we take our last gasp of breath?  

When a person is near death, he/she would normally say that he is already seeing his departed relatives around him. Rarely would we hear a dying person say that he now see Jesus by his side.  

By the life of Simeon, we now know the secret as to how we would be able to see Jesus as we fade out of this world. We have to be righteous and we have to be devout followers of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Pebrero 2, Ang Pagdadala kay Jesus na Panginoon sa Templo (Kapistahan): Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

22 Nang dumating na ang araw ng paglilinis nila ayon sa Batas ni Moises, dinala ang sanggol na si Jesus sa Jerusalem para iharap sa Panginoon – 23 tulad ng nasu­sulat sa Batas ng Panginoon: Lahat ng panganay na lalaki ay ituturing na banal para sa Panginoon. 24 Dapat din silang mag-alay ng sakripisyo tulad ng binabanggit sa Batas ng Panginoon: isang pares na batubato o dalawang inakay na kalapati.   

25 Ngayon, sa Jerusalem ay may isang taong nagngangalang Simeon; totoong matuwid at makadiyos ang taong iyon. Hinihintay niya ang pagpapaginhawa ng Panginoon sa Israel at sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo. 26 Ipinaalam naman sa kanya ng Espi­ritu Santo na hindi siya mamamatay hangga’t hindi niya naki­kita ang Mesiyas ng Pangi­noon. 27 Kaya pumunta siya ngayon sa Templo sa pag­tutulak ng Espiritu, nang dalhin ng mga magulang ang batang si Jesus para tu­parin ang kaugaliang naa­ayon sa Batas tungkol sa kanya.   

28 Kinalong siya ni Simeon sa kanyang mga braso at pinuri ang Diyos, at sinabi: 29 “Mapayayaon mo na ang iyong utusan, Panginoon, nang may kapayapaan ayon na rin sa iyong wika; 30 pagkat nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong pagliligtas 31 na inihanda mo sa paningin ng lahat ng bansa, 32 ang liwanag na ibubunyag mo sa mga bansang pagano at ang luwalhati ng iyong bayang Israel.”   

33 Nagtataka ang ama at ina ng bata sa mga sinasabi tungkol sa kanya. 34 Pinag­pala naman sila ni Simeon at sinabi kay Mariang ina ng bata: “Dahil sa kanya, ba­bagsak o babangon ang mga Israelita at magiging tanda siya sa harap nila at ka­nilang sasalungatin. 35 Kaya mahaha­yag ang lihim na pag-iisip ng mga tao. Ngu­nit paglalagusan naman ng isang pun­yal ang puso mo.”    

36 May isa ring babaeng propeta, si Ana na anak ni Panuel na mula sa tribu ng Aser. Matandang-matanda na siya. Pag­kaalis sa bahay ng kanyang ama, pitong taon lamang silang nagsama ng kanyang asawa, 37 at nagbuhay-biyuda na siya at hindi siya umaalis sa Templo.  

Araw-gabi siyang sumasamba sa Diyos sa pag-aayuno at pana­nalangin. Wa­lum­pu’t apat na taon na siya. 38 Sa pag-akyat niya sa sandaling iyon, nagpuri rin siya sa Diyos at nag­pa­hayag tungkol sa bata sa lahat ng naghihintay sa katubusan ng Jeru­salem.   

39 Nang matupad na ang lahat ng ayon sa Batas ng Panginoon, umuwi sila sa kanilang bayan, sa Nazaret sa Galilea. 40 Lumalaki at lumalakas ang bata; napus­pos siya ng karunungan at sumasakanya ang kagandahang-loob ng Diyos.  

Reflection for February 1, Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.  

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.  

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”  

 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer? Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

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Reflection:

Sickness and death are words that we are afraid to hear much less experience. Who wants to get sick and who wants to die? Nobody for we all want to enjoy life. Yet, Physical death brought about by our being human is a certainty of life nobody can get away from it. It will visit us one day; because physical death is part of the natural process of life.  

There is another form of death that is more dangerous; this is called spiritual death and this is always being enticed to us by the devil. The evil one always invites us to commit sin and if we are not careful we may fall into this trap. This would result in our permanent separation from the love of God unless we are willing to humbly submit ourselves into the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession.  

In the gospel a sick woman of great faith wished to touch even the tassel of Jesus clothes. For she believed that the moment she does, it would cure her of her sickness. Therefore, while Jesus was passing her way she touched His clothes and immediately she was healed.  

Jesus felt that power had gone out of Him so He asked the crowd: “Who touched my clothes?” hearing this; the woman fell down and told Him the whole truth. He said to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction."  

In that situation there were a lot who were in contact with Jesus clothes and He never felt that power has gone out of Him. Why is it that when the sick woman touched Him he felt the loss of His power? The woman was in need of Jesus healing, she also had great faith and she knew that Jesus would heal her the moment she touch His clothes.  

There will come a time that we too will be in need of Jesus healing. When that time comes let us not doubt the power of the Lord to heal us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas