Reflection for August 16, Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:16-22

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  

The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

 + + + + + + +

Reflection:

Would you give up everything to follow Jesus?  

So near and yet so far, perhaps this was the predicament of the man who asked Jesus on what must he do to have eternal life. He already did everything that was asked of him until Jesus told him to sell everything in his possession and give the proceeds to the poor then follow Him. The man quietly walked away for the reason that he can’t let go of his many earthly possessions.  

Somehow this man represents many if not all of us we who find it very hard to let go of our earthly possession in favor of following the Lord. What is with wealth that we cannot let go? We cannot bring it to our graves we cannot even possess it anymore when we are already old for someone will possess it for us or even hide it from us.  

Saint Francis of Asisi was from a noble and rich family he gave everything to the poor so that he could respond to God’s call.  God’s will for us also is to give up our riches so that others may live from it. This is very hard to do that requires radical change of mindset and lifestyle for us to fully embrace it.  

Perhaps if we are not willing to give up everything because we also have our own family to feed and take care of. We can give to the poor the amount does matter what matter is it comes from our hearts. Because it’s only through giving up of something that we treasure in this world that we could follow Jesus.     

Are you like the young man in our gospel who walked away from Jesus because he had many possessions? Or you are like Saint Francis of Asisi who gave up everything to the poor so that he could respond to the call of the Lord? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 16 Lunes sa Ika-20 Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 19:16-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:16-22

16 Lumapit kay Jesus ang isang binata at nagtanong: “Guro, anong mabuti ang dapat kong gawin para makamit ang buhay na wa­lang hanggan?” 17 Sumagot si Jesus: “Bakit tungkol sa mabuti ang tanong mo? 

Iisa lang ang Mabuti. Kung gusto mong pumasok sa buhay na walang hanggan, sundin mo ang mga utos.” 18 At sinabi naman ng binata: “Anong mga utos?” Sumagot si Jesus: “Huwag papatay, huwag makiapid, huwag mag­­nakaw, huwag manirang-puri ng kapwa, 19 iga­lang ang iyong ama at ina, at mahalin ang iyong kapwa gaya ng pagmamahal mo sa iyong sarili.” 

20 At sinabi sa kanya ng binata: “Sinu­nod ko ang lahat ng ito, ano pa ang kulang ko?” 21 At sinabi ni Jesus: “Kung gusto mong maging ganap, umuwi ka’t ipagbili ang mga ari-arian mo at ibigay ang pera sa mga dukha, at magka­karoon ka ng kayamanan sa Langit. At saka ka bumalik para sumunod sa akin.” 

22 Pagkarinig ng binata sa pahayag na ito, umalis siyang malungkot sapagkat napakayaman niya. 

1Reflection for Sunday August 15, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:39-56

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”  

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.  

He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”  

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a rich and generous woman who would always give to anyone who is need regardless if she would be asked for help or not. A close friend who was so amazed by her generosity asked her: “Why are you so generous and don’t you keep something for yourself?” The generous woman replied: “I am not a permanent dweller in this present world sooner or later I would be leaving this world and my acts of generosity is my way of preparation for my journey going to heaven where I will permanently dwell with my God.  

Today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This dogma was defined by Pope Pius XII on November 1 1950. It states that the immaculate Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, after completing her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”  

The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin reminds all of us of what awaits us when our time to depart this world comes. We are also destined for heaven someday but we are still presently in a journey.  

Therefore we are called to do good and to touch lives. We are presently in the midst of this destructive covid-19 pandemic and obviously many are in need of help. Hence we have to help if we have the necessary means to help.     

In the gospel, the Blessed Mother went to visit her cousin Elizabeth for she knew that her cousin was in need of her help. It was an unexpected visit from the Blessed Mother which her cousin Elizabeth deeply appreciated. They shared lots of stories about themselves. They strengthened each other’s morale, love and bond. Thus, the Blessed Mother stayed with her cousin until she gave birth.  

Today because of fear of being infected with covid-19 we are being discouraged to visit anyone. As much as possible we only stay inside our homes but we still can help if we would desire to help. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Agosto 15 Ang Pag aakyat sa Langit ng Mahal na Birheng Maria: Lucas 1:39-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-56

39 Nang mga araw ring iyo’y nag­mamadaling naglakbay si Maria pa­punta sa isang bayan sa mataas na lupain ng Juda. 40 Pumasok siya roon sa bahay ni Zacarias at binati si Eli­zabeth. 41 Nang marinig ni Elizabeth ang bati ni Maria, sumikad ang sanggol sa si­na­pupunan niya, at napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elizabeth 42 at mala­kas siyang sumigaw at sinabi: “Lubos kang pi­nagpala sa mga kababaihan. Pinag­pala rin ang bunga ng iyong sina­pu­punan! 

43 Sino nga ba naman ako’t na­parito sa akin ang ina ng aking Pa­ngi­noon? 44 Nang umabot sa aking pan­dinig ang iyong pagbati, sumikad sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking sina­pu­punan. 45 Pinagpapala ang naniniwa­lang magaganap ang mga sinabi sa kanya ng Pa­nginoon.” 46 At sinabi ni Maria: “Dinadakila ng aking kaluluwa ang Panginoon 47 at nagagalak ang aking espiritu sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas 48 dahil isinaalang-alang niya ang abang utu­san niya, at mula ngayon, ituturing akong mapalad ng lahat ng salinlahi. 49 Dakila nga ang ginawa sa akin ng Ma­kapangya­rihan, banal ang kanyang Pangalan. 

50 Patuloy ang kanyang awa sa mga sali’t salinlahi para sa mga may pitagan sa kanya. 51 Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang bisig, ipinagtabuyan ang mga taong may ma­pagma­taas na balak. 52 Pinatalsik niya sa luklukan ang mga makapang­yarihan, itinampok naman ang mga bale-wala. 53 Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga na­gugutom at itinaboy namang walang-wala ang maya­yaman. 54 Nilingap niya ang Israel na kanyang lingkod, inalaala ang kanyang awa 55ayon sa ipinangako niya sa ating mga ninuno, kay Abraham at sa kanyang angkan mag­paka­ilanman.” 56 Mga tatlong buwang nanatili si Ma­riang ka­sa­ma ni Elizabeth at saka nagbalik sa kanyang bahay.

1Reflection for August 14, Saturday Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr (M): Matthew 19:13-15

Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

In a faraway village lived two families with five children each. Family number one was a devout catholic; they always attend Sunday Holy Mass. The parents lead their children in reflecting the words of Jesus in the bible and they regularly pray the Holy Rosary. On the other hand, family number two is the complete opposite of family number one.  

Twenty years after, the children of family number one were all successful and respected in their respective communities. The children of family number two were again the opposite of the children of family number one.  

Many parents today forget the primacy of God over everything that this world offers us. They are always very busy with their worldly undertakings. They forget to gather their children during Sundays to watch online Holy Mass. They forget to share to their children the words of Jesus in the bible. They forget to teach their children about the faith.  

We all know that as children grow up they would encounter their own share of problems. Where would they go to unburden their problems if they don’t know God?  

In the gospel, Jesus tells us, “Let the children come to me (Matthew 19:14)”. Why? For the simple reason that the Good Lord wants to ensure a Bright, Good and Godly future for our children.  

Have you already introduced your children to the Lord and are they friends with Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 14 Sabado San Maximiliano Maria Kolbe: Mateo 19:13-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:13-15

Noong panahong iyon, may nagdala ng mga bata kay Jesus upang hilinging ipatong niya sa mga ito ang kanyang kamay at ipanalangin.  

Ngunit pinagwikaan sila ng mga alagad. Datapwat sinabi ni Jesus, "Hayaan ninyong lumapit sa akin ang mga bata. Huwag ninyo silang hadlangan, sapagkat sa katulad nila naghahari ang Diyos." Ipinatong niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay, saka umalis.

 

1Reflection for August 13, Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:3-12

Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12

Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?  

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate. They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.  

His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry. He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

How’s your married life?  

From the beginning up until this very moment separation is never in the agenda of God. God’s desire for married couples is to remain married until death. Yet, some contradict this agenda of God by introducing separation in the marriage. Some contradict this agenda of God by betraying the sacred marriage vows, not once, not twice but many times.  

But come to think of it, why do married couples separate? They separate because there is an absence of God in their marriage. They separate because they allow the temptations of the devil to overpower God and His command to make marriage Sacred and Holy.  This is the primary reason otherwise they wouldn’t separate if there’s an active presence of God in their marriage.  

When God is left out of the marriage or the teaching of God is not taken seriously. The devil is given the opportunity to create havoc in the couple’s married life. And the devil will never stop until it finally destroys the marriage covenant of the couple.   

Therefore, make Jesus an active player in your marriage.  How are you going to do this? Have time for Holy Mass as a family. Have time for prayer as a family and have time for reading and afterwards reflection of the words of Jesus in the bible as a family.  

Is Jesus an active member in your marriage? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 13 Biyernes sa Ika-19 na Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 19:3-12

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:3-12

3 Lumapit kay Jesus ang ilang Pariseo na hangad siyang subukan, at tinanong nila siya: “Pinahihintu­lutan bang diborsiyuhin ng lalaki ang kanyang asawa sa anumang dahi­lan?” 

4 Sumagot si Jesus: “Hindi ba ninyo na­basa na sa simula’y ginawa sila ng May­kapal na lalaki at babae, 5 at sinabi rin nitong iiwanan ng lalaki ang kanyang ama at ina, at pipisan sa kan­yang asawa, at magiging iisang katawan ang dalawa? 6 Kung gayo’y hindi na sila dalawa kundi iisang katawan lamang; kaya huwag pag­hiwalayin ng tao ang pinagbuklod ng Diyos.” 

7 At sinabi nila: “Kung gayon, bakit ini­utos ni Moises na bigyan ang babae ng kasulatan ng diborsiyo bago siya pa­alisin?” 8 Sinabi naman niya sa kanila: “Alam ni Moises na matigas ang inyong puso kaya pinayagan kayong diborsiyuhin ang inyong mga asawa, ngunit hindi ganito sa simula. 9 At sinasabi ko naman sa inyo: kung may magpaalis sa kanyang asawa, mali­ban kung dahil sa pag­tataksil, at saka magpakasal sa iba, naki­apid na siya.” 

10 Sinabi naman ng mga alagad: “Kung iyan ang itinatadhana para sa lalaking may-asawa, walang pakinabang sa pag-aasawa.” 11 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Hindi matatanggap ng lahat ang salitang ito, kundi ng mga pinagkalooban lamang nito. 12 May ilang ipina­nganak na hindi maka­pag-aasawa. May iba namang ipinakapon ng tao. At may iba ring tuma­likod sa pag-aasa­wa alang-alang sa kaha­rian ng Langit. Tanggapin ito ng puwe­deng tumanggap.”

Reflection for August 12, Thursday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:21-19:1

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-19:1

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 

Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 

But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! 

I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” 

When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan.

+ + + +  + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a philandering husband who was finally caught by his wife. The husband realized his mistake so he asked for forgiveness.  After days of contemplation the wife finally forgave his unfaithful husband. 

In the gospel, Jesus talks about forgiveness. Jesus forgiveness is a wholesale kind of forgiveness a forgiveness without trace of bitterness and hatred. A forgiveness that is ever willing to erase our dark past and replace it with bright and pastel colors for the future. 

But in hindsight, are we capable of forgiving like Jesus? Perhaps many of us would say that we are not capable. But why? For the simple reason that we are only humans and Jesus is God, we are finite and Jesus is infinite. However, if this is our argument we have to remember that He not only forgave us, Jesus even gave His very life for us. 

Who is your role model when it comes to forgiveness is it Jesus or the unforgiving servant in the gospel? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 12 Huwebes sa Ika-19 na Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 18:21-19:1

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:21-19:1

 21 Nagtanong si Pedro: “Pa¬nginoon, gaano kadalas ko naman dapat patawarin ang mga pagku-kulang ng aking kapatid? Pitong be¬ses ba?” 22 Sumagot si Jesus: “Hindi, hindi pitong beses kundi pitumpu’t pitong beses.  23 Tungkol sa kaharian ng Langit ang kasaysayang ito. Isang hari ang nag¬pasyang pagbayarin ng utang ang kanyang mga utusan. 24 Nang simulan niyang suriin ang kuwenta, ini¬harap sa kanya ang isang may utang na sampung libong baretang ginto. 25 Dahil walang ma¬ibayad sa kanya ang tao, iniutos ng panginoon na ipagbili at maging alipin siya kasama ng kan¬yang asawa, mga anak at mga ari-arian bilang bayad-utang.

26 At nagpatirapa sa paanan ng hari ang opisyal at sinabi: ‘Bigyan mo pa ako ng panahon, at ba¬bayaran kong lahat ang utang ko.’ 27 Naawa sa kanya ang hari at hindi lamang siya pinalaya kundi kinansela pa ang kanyang utang.28 Pagkaalis ng opisyal na ito, nasa¬lu¬bong ni¬ya ang isa sa kanyang mga kasamahan na may utang namang sandaang barya sa kanya. Si¬nung¬gaban niya ito sa leeg at halos sakalin habang sumisigaw ng ‘Bayaran mo ang utang mo!’ 29 Nagpa¬tirapa sa paanan niya ang kanyang kasamahan at nag¬sabi: ‘Big¬yan mo pa ako ng panahon, at baba-yaran kong lahat ang utang ko sa iyo.’ 30 Ngunit tumanggi siya at ipina¬kulong ito hanggang maka¬bayad ng utang.

31 Labis na nalungkot ang iba nilang kapwa-lingkod nang makita ang nang¬yari. Kaya pinuntahan nila ang kani¬lang panginoon at ibinalita ang buong pang¬yayari. 32 Ipinatawag naman niya ang opisyal at sinabi: ‘Masamang utusan, pinatawad ko ang lahat ng iyong utang nang maki¬usap ka sa akin. 33 Di ba dapat ay naawa ka rin sa iyong kasamahan gaya ng pagkaawa ko sa iyo?’ 34 Galit na galit ang panginoon kaya ibinigay niya ang kanyang utusan sa mga tagapag¬pa¬hirap hang¬gang mabaya¬ran nito ang lahat ng utang.”

35 Idinagdag ni Jesus: “Ganito rin ang gagawin sa inyo ng aking Ama sa Langit kung hindi pata-tawarin ng bawat isa sa inyo mula sa puso ang kanyang kapatid.”   19     1 Nang tapos na si Jesus sa mga aral na ito, umalis siya sa Galilea at pu¬munta sa probinsya ng Judea sa kabilang ibayo ng Ilog Jordan. 

Reflection for August 11, Wednesday Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin: Matthew 18:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

(Jesus said to his disciples) “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

+ + + +  + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a mother who would always shout at her daughter whenever she commits mistake. This was her behavior until her child grew up, eventually the child learned to answer back. Thus, whenever the mother would shout at her, she would shout at her also to reciprocate the insult. When the daughter matured she became aloof and distant toward her mother.  

What is the importance of having a one on one talk with someone who offended you or someone who is at fault? You signify your sincerity to correct the person who is at fault. And you send a message that you want to immediately contain and solve the problem without grandstanding  and without offending anyone. By doing so you create a sincere message that you want to build bridges and not walls.  

Many of us commit the mistake of correcting a person in front of a crowd but this will not help heal a wayward behavior. This would only create a deeper emotional injury to the person who is at fault. Hence, instead of bringing him/her closer to correction, healing and reconciliation we instead are creating an emotional wound that may permanently injure the person.  

This teaching of Jesus on how to privately correct a person is very useful for all of us. For the reason that there are times that we let ourselves be taken over by our arrogance rather than our kindness and gentleness. What is the use of power if it will only divide and create deeper emotional injury? What is the use of correcting a person in full view of the public if it would only create deep-seated feeling of hatred that might result to something untoward?  

The way of Jesus in solving conflict is always the way of diplomacy, fraternal correction and gentleness. Never through arrogance and power tripping to propel one’s authority and influence. 

How do you exercise your power and authority? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 11 Miyerkules Santa Clara, dalaga (Paggunita): Mateo 18:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:15-20

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 15 Kung nagkasala sa iyo ang iyong kapatid, puntahan mo siya at kausapin nang sarilinan; at kung makinig siya sa iyo, tinubo mo na ang iyong kapatid. 16 Kung hindi naman siya makinig sa iyo, magsama ka ng dalawa o tatlo para luta­sin ang kaso sa pagsaksi ng da­lawa o tatlo. 17 Kung tatanggi siyang makinig sa kanila, sabi­hin ito sa Iglesya; at kung hindi pa rin siya ma­kikinig sa Iglesya, itu­ring siyang pagano o publikano.  

18 Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang talian ninyo sa lupa ay matatali rin sa Langit, at ang kalagan ninyo dito sa lupa ay kakalagan din sa Langit. 19 Sinasabi ko rin sa inyo: kung dito sa lupa ay may dalawa sa inyo na nagka­­­kaisang humihingi ng anuman, gagawin ito para sa kanila ng aking Amang nasa Langit. 20 Sapagkat kung saan may dala­wa o tatlong nagkakatipon sa Ngalan ko, kapiling nila ako.” 

Reflection for August 10, Tuesday Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr (Feast): John 12:24-26

Gospel: John 12:24-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.  

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What does it mean to hate your life in this world?  

It’s to give your life in the service of Jesus so that through you others may know Jesus. When you do not give your life for the mission of Jesus and just keep it to yourself you will not grow in wisdom and faith. Yes, you will grow in worldliness and perhaps riches but eventually your life will come to a halt and that’s basically the end of it.  

When you choose to give your life for the mission of Jesus you will not anymore enjoy this world as you enjoyed it before.  Yet you will also discover a more profound and deeper meaning in your life that only Jesus can give you.  

 Why? Because you chose to give your life for the mission of Jesus. You chose to throwaway your life away from worldliness going to the direction of Jesus so that you could walk hand in hand with Him.  

As Jesus gave away His very own life on the cross so that God’s kingdom in this world could grow and flourish. We too should not be afraid to give away our life for the sake of the kingdom of God for this is where we can find the true essence and meaning of life.  

Have you already found the true essence and meaning of life with Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 10 Martes San Lorenzo diyakono at martir (Kapistahan): Juan 12:24-26

Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:24-26

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

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

Reflection for August 9 Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 17:22-27

Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.  

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?   

From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you generously give to the church? Because of the covid-19 pandemic the church’s finances and its charitable projects have also been affected that’s why we need to be generous to the church. 

The gospel speaks about the payment of the temple tax. Even if they were exempted from paying the temple tax Jesus still instructed Peter to pay the temple tax. Perhaps Jesus did this for the reason that He wants to contribute something for the maintenance of the church and its facilities.  

This generous payment of the temple tax by Jesus invites us to examine our generosity to our church as well.  Are we generous to our church? Do we give generously during offertory?  

We have to be generous to our church so that it can have funds not only for the maintenance of its facilities. But also for the welfare of those who are working for the church. The money that we give to the church is not only for the church it is also for the poor.  

We may not know this but the church takes care of the poor, the church doesn’t blare it but it silently helps the poor and those who are in need. Therefore, we have to generously give to our church and whatever we give to our church will come back to us a hundredfold.    

What may come back to us may not necessarily be through financial rewards. It can be peace and harmony in the family; it can be good health and many more blessings that do not involve money.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 9 Lunes sa Ika-19 na Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 17:22-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:22-27

22 Minsan nang maglakbay si Jesus sa Galilea kasama ang Labindalawa, sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ibibigay ang Anak ng Tao sa kamay ng mga tao. 23 Papa­tayin nila siya ngunit babangon siya sa ikatlong araw.” Kaya lubha silang nalungkot. 

24 Nang makapasok na sila ng Capernaum, lumapit kay Pedro ang mga tagakolekta sa Templo at tina­nong nila siya: “Nagbabayad ba ng buwis ang guro ninyo?” 25 Sumagot siya: “Siyem­pre.”At pumasok si Pedro sa bahay ngunit agad siyang tinanong ni Jesus: “Ano sa palagay mo, Simon? Sino ang nagba­ba­yad ng buwis o parangal sa mga hari ng mundo: ang mga anak ba o ang iba?” 

26 Sumagot si Pedro: “Ang iba.” At sinabi ni Jesus: “Kung gayon, di-saklaw ang mga anak. 27 Ngunit hindi rin natin dapat saktan ang mga taong ito kaya pumunta ka sa dagat, maghagis ng bingwit at  buksan ang bibig ng unang isdang iyong mahu­huli. May pera kang matatagpuan doon, kunin mo iyon at magbayad ka para sa iyo at sa akin din.”

Reflection for Sunday August 8, Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: John 6:41-51

Gospel: John 6:41-51

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven, ” and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. 

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. 

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:   

What were the Jews murmuring all about?

The bone of contention of their murmuring was the statement of Jesus that He is the bread that came down from heaven. Perhaps they were murmuring this: “How can it be that He is the bread that came down from heaven when he is just human like us?” The Jews find it hard to understand or accept what Jesus was saying to them for the reason that they were full of unbelief and scorn towards Jesus.

Unbelief or unstable faith is the wall that prevents us from truly understanding the real identity of Jesus. On the other hand our firm faith in Jesus is the catalyst that will open our minds regarding HIS true identity. And it is thru the grace of the Holy Spirit that we begin to comprehend the real Jesus: HIS Humanity and Divinity.

Without a doubt Jesus is the true bread that came down from heaven. He is the same bread that we receive during Holy Communion when we are at Holy Mass. He is the same Bread that is always in the tabernacle. We need to believe this because our belief is the key that would open the door of infinite enlightenment from God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Agosto 8 Ika – 19 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Juan 6:41-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:41-51

Noong panahong iyon, 41 nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Judio tungkol sa kanya dahil sinabi niyang: “Ako siyang tinapay na puma­naog mula sa Langit.” 42 At sinabi nila, “Di ba’t ito si Jesus na anak ni Jose? Di ba’t kilala natin ang kanyang ama at ina? Pa­ano niya ngayong masasabing ‘Mula sa Langit ako pumanaog?”        

43 Sumagot si Jesus at sinabi sa kanila: “Huwag na kayong magbulung-bulu­ngan pa sa isa’t isa. 44 Walang ma­ka­lala­pit sa akin kung hindi siya aakitin ng Amang nagpadala sa akin. At itatayo ko siya sa huling araw. 45 Na­susulat sa Mga Propeta: Tuturuan nga silang lahat ng Diyos. Kaya lumalapit sa akin ang bawat nakarinig at tinuruan ng Ama. 

46 Wala ngang nakakita sa Ama liban sa kanya na galing sa Diyos; siya ang naka­kita sa Diyos. 47 Talagang-tala­gang sina­sabi ko sa inyo, may buhay magpaka­ilanman ang naniniwala. Katawan ni Kristo, tinapay ng buhay • 48 Ako siyang tinapay ng buhay. 49 Ku­main nga ng manna sa disyerto ang inyong mga ni­nuno at nangamatay pa rin. 

50 Narito naman ang tinapay na puma­panaog mula sa Langit, upang maka­kain nito ang sinuman at di ma­matay. 51 Ako siyang tinapay na buhay, na pumanaog mula sa Langit. Kung may kakain ng tinapay na ito, mabubuhay siya magpa­kailanman. At ang laman ko ang tinapay na aking ibibigay alang-alang sa ikabu­buhay ng mundo.

Reflection for August 7 Saturday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 17:14-20

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 

Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out? 

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What can your faith in Jesus do to you? It will move you to have hope and it will move you to hold on to Jesus no matter how difficult the situation. The man in our gospel who asked Jesus to cure his son had faith in Jesus. Otherwise he would not have dared approach Jesus and asked for the healing of his son. 

In contrast to the faith of the man was the lack of faith of Jesus’ disciples. What was the cause of the disciples’ lack of faith? Perhaps, they treated Jesus as an ordinary mortal like them. Perhaps their reverence for Jesus was little by little being eroded by the trials of their discipleship. 

If we treat Jesus as an ordinary mortal we too are susceptible to a spiritual disease called erosion of faith. And the result of this is we will be lukewarm towards Jesus. There would be less motivation on our part to continue to pursue Jesus. We would be more susceptible to doubts and spiritual apathy. 

What then is the cure if our faith is dwindling? We should pray and ask Jesus for the gift of increase of faith. We should be present and always paying attention to the Eucharistic Celebration (Holy Mass). We should partake of His Body as often as possible and we should give time for reading the words of Jesus in the bible. 

If we would have time to do all of these, we surely would always have rock solid faith in Jesus. Thus, no problems and life challenges no matter how difficult can defeat us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 7 Sabado sa Ika-18 na Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 17:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:14-20

14   Lumapit kay Jesus ang isang lalaki, lumuhod sa harap niya at nagsabi: 15 “Ginoo, maawa ka sa aking anak na lalaki na may epilepsi at lub¬hang nahi-hirapan. Madalas siyang ma¬hulog sa apoy at kung minsan nama’y sa tubig. 16 Dinala ko na siya sa mga alagad mo pero hindi nila siya napaga¬ling.”  

17 Sumagot si Jesus: “Mga walang pana¬¬nampalataya at ligaw na tao kayo! Gaano pa katagal na panahon ako ma¬nanatili sa piling ninyo? Hanggang ka¬ilan ako mag-titiis sa inyo? Dalhin siya rito sa akin.” 18 At inutusan ito ni Jesus, at umalis sa kanya ang masamang espiritu. At guma¬ling ang bata sa sandaling iyon. 

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

Reflection for August 6 Friday the Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast): Mark 9:2-10

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. 

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him. Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. 

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Have you been tested by God and has that test of faith transformed you to become a more zealous and faithful follower of the Lord? 

In the Old Testament (Genesis 22:1-19) Abraham survived the litmus test of his faith when he responded to God’s command to bring his son Isaac to the mountain and offer him as his sacrifice to Him. Abraham obeyed God without question even if it was at the expense of his son. For his obedience Abraham was blessed abundantly by God and he was rewarded by God with countless descendants. 

If we are in the shoes of Abraham would we sacrifice our son/child without any question? Would we be as faithful as Abraham in his discipleship to God? These two questions invite us to examine our faithfulness towards God. How are we as a disciple/follower of God? 

In the gospel Jesus together with Peter, James and John went to the mountain when He was there already He was transfigured before them. Why did Jesus go to the mountain? Was He called by God to go to the mountain? 

There was no mention of that call. Perhaps, there was a call from God for Jesus to go to the mountain so that God can further strengthen Him as He nears His passion. And so that He would remain obedient and focused on His salvific mission. 

In the transfiguration of Jesus we are made aware of the reality of heaven, the reality of heavenly life and the reality of God’s existence. On the other hand we are also being confronted of the present realities of our earthly journey. 

That life in this world is not easy, that it’s full of trials and sacrifices. Nevertheless, we should not allow these hardships, trials and sacrifices to distract us from reaching our ultimate goal which is to be with God in heaven someday. 

The trials that we are presently facing and we would be facing in the future are test of our fidelity towards God. If we would be able to pass all these test there surely would be a reward which is everlasting life in heaven with God someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 6 Biyernes Ang Pagliliwanag sa Bagong Anyo ng Panginoon (Kapistahan): Marcos 9:2-10

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:2-10

2 Pagkaraan ng anim na araw, isinama ni Jesus sina Pedro, Jaime at Juan, at umakyat na sila lamang ang kasama sa isang mataas na bundok. At nagbago ang anyo ni Jesus sa harap nila 3 at ku¬minang na puting-puti ang kanyang da¬mit, na walang makapaglalabang simputi ni¬yon sa lupa. 4 At napakita sa kanila sina Elias at Moises na nakikipag-usap kay Jesus.  

5 Kaya nagsalita si Pedro at kanyang sinabi: “Panginoon, mabuti at narito tayo. Gagawa kami ng tatlong kubol: isa para sa iyo, isa para kay Moises, at isa para kay Elias.” 6 Nasindak sila kaya hindi niya malaman kung ano ang sa¬sabihin.  

7 At may ulap na lumilim sa kanila. At na¬rinig mula sa ulap ang salitang ito: “Ito ang aking Anak, ang Minamahal, pa¬king¬gan nin¬yo siya.” 8 At biglang-bigla, pagti¬ngala nila, wala silang nakita liban kay Jesus na kasama nila.  

9 At pagbaba nila mula sa bundok, inu¬tu¬san niya sila na huwag sabihin ka¬ni¬nu¬man ang nakita nila hanggang ma¬ka¬ba¬ngon ang Anak ng Tao mula sa mga patay. 10 Ini¬ngatan nila ang bagay na ito sa kanilang sarili pero nagta¬nu¬ngan sila kung ano ang pagbangon mula sa mga patay.

Reflection for August 5 Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:13-23

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-23

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.  

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Is there a reward for a person who exerts effort to know Jesus deeply? Yes there is and this is proven in the gospel reading for today. 

When Jesus said to His disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter knew Him well thus he said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Aside from the gift of knowing Jesus which God gave Peter. Peter also exerted effort to know Jesus otherwise Peter would have not said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  

What was the reward of Peter? Jesus rewarded Simon Peter by building the church through him: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” (Matthew 16:18)  

What is then the reward for us if we exert effort to know Jesus? The rewards are enormous, infinite and unfathomable: such as peace of mind, peaceful life, obedient and loving children and many more.   

Through our Baptism we are already given the gift of knowing Jesus and having a personal relationship with Him. Let us not throw this gift away by not opening it, to open this is to have an interest in Jesus. 

This we can do by reading His life story in the scripture through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. By living His teachings and by our sacred presence in the celebration of the Holy Mass.  

Do you also want to receive rewards from the Lord? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Agosto 5 Huwebes sa Ika-18 na Linggo ng Taon: Mateo 16:13-23

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-23

13 Pumunta noon si Jesus sa may dakong Cesarea ni Filipo. Tinanong niya ang kanyang mga ala­gad: “Ano ang Anak ng Tao para sa mga tao? Sino ako para sa kanila?” 14 Sumagot sila: “May nagsasa­bing si Juan Bautista ka; may iba pang nagsasabing si Elias ka o si Jeremias o isa sa mga propeta kaya.”  

15 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ngunit sino ako para sa inyo?” 16 At sumagot si Simon Pedro: “Ikaw ang Mesiyas, ang Anak ng Diyos na Buhay.” 17 Sumagot naman si Jesus: “Mapalad ka, Simon Bar-Yona, hindi nga laman at dugo ang nagbunyag nito sa iyo kundi ang aking Amang nasa Langit.  

18 At ngayon sinasabi ko sa iyo: Ikaw si Pedro (o Bato) at sa batong ito ko itatayo ang aking Iglesya; at hinding-hindi ito madadaig ng kapangyarihan ng kama­tayan. 19 Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng Langit: ang itali mo dito sa lupa ay itatali rin sa Langit, at ang ka­lagan mo dito sa lupa ay kakalagan din sa Langit.”  

20 At inutusan niya ang kanyang mga alagad na huwag sabihin kanino man na siya nga ang Mesiyas. • 21 Mula sa araw na iyon, ipinaalam ni Jesucristo sa kanyang mga alagad na kailangan siyang pumunta sa Jerusalem: pahihirapan siya ng mga Matatanda ng mga Judio, ng mga punong-pari at ng mga guro ng Batas. Papa­tayin siya at muling babangon sa ikatlong araw.  

22 Dinala naman siya ni Pedro sa isang tabi at sinimulang pagsabihan: “Hu­wag sana, Panginoon! Hindi ito puwede.” 23 Ngunit hinarap ni Jesus si Pedro at sinabi sa kanya: “Sa likod ko, Satanas! At baka mo pa ako tisu­rin. Hindi sa Diyos galing ang iyong iniisip kundi mula sa tao.”

Reflection for August 4 Wednesday Saint John Vianney, Priest (M): Matthew 15:21-28

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, "Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, "Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us."  

He said in reply, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But the woman came and did him homage, saying, "Lord, help me." He said in reply, "It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters." Then Jesus said to her in reply, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that hour.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

How strong is your faith in the Good Lord?  

Our faith is always measured by our persistence. No matter how impossible our petitions before God if we would persist and never give up God shall grant us what we wish for. 

This was proven by the Canaanite woman who never gave up on Jesus to heal her daughter (Tormented by a demon). She persisted no matter the rejection by Jesus until He saw her great faith. If the woman easily gave up her daughter would have not been healed by Jesus but she persisted with faith, then Jesus granted the wish of her heart.  

We too have our own request before God; we may have been praying before Jesus for something and He may seem deaf to our pleadings. Let us not give up for He will grant us what we want in His own perfect time. Let us work silently, let us be patient and let us continue to pray for His guidance.   

Work for what you want to have in your life, never give up, continue to pray and ask God to grant your prayers. He shall surely smile at you someday so long as you never quit. – Marino J. Dasmarinas