Reflection for Sunday January 30, Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:21-30

Gospel: Luke 4:21-30

Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying: “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’ And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 

Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.  

Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.

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Reflection:

Do we have an attitude of exclusivity? For example we want to reside in an exclusive community so that those who are not members and those who are not rich will not be able to disturb our peace. We want to be in the company of those who are rich because it enhances our status of being member of an exclusive group of people.  

Jesus is not in favor of this exclusive mentality, Jesus mindset is inclusive regardless of who we are. Even if we  are poor, sinner and uneducated.  Jesus desires everyone to come to Him and He reaches out to everyone regardless of faith Jesus welcomes everyone for He is for everyone.

In the gospel, Jesus town mates got angry with Him because they wanted Him to be their exclusive property. His town mates wanted Jesus to exclusively heal and do miracles for them only: The Jewish people.  But Jesus would have none of their exclusive mentality.

Our exclusive mentality if we allow it to capture us would detach us from reality. It will dictate upon us to have a superiority mindset. It will force us to look down on others especially the poor and unlearned and regard them as good for nothing which the Lord is not in favor.

Do you sometimes have an exclusive mentality?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 30, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:21-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:21-30

21 Sinimulan ni Jesus magsalita sa ka­nila: “Isinaka­tuparan ang Kasula­tang ito ngayon ha­bang naki­kinig kayo.”  

22 At sumang-ayon silang lahat sa kanya habang nagtataka sa gayong pagpapahayag ng kabutihang-loob ng Diyos na nangga­ling sa kanyang bibig. At sinabi nila: “Hindi ba’t ito ang anak ni Jose?” 23 Nagsalita si Jesus sa kanila: “Tiyak na babanggitin ninyo sa akin ang kasabihang: ‘Manggagamot, paga­lingin mo ang iyong sarili! Gawin mo rin dito sa iyong bayan ang mga bagay na narinig naming ginawa mo sa Capernaum’.”

24 At idinagdag niya: “Talagang sinasabi ko: walang propetang katanggap-tanggap sa sarili niyang bayan. 25 Tinitiyak ko sa inyo na maraming babaeng balo noon sa kapana­hunan ni Elias nang sarhan ang langit sa loob ng tatlo’t kala­hating taon at nagkaroon ng matin­ding taggutom sa buong lupain. 26 Gayon pa ma’y hindi ipinadala si Elias sa isa man sa kanila kundi sa baba­eng balo ng    Sarepta sa may Sidon. 27 Marami ring may­ketong sa Israel sa kapana­hunan ni Propeta Eliseo pero wala sa kanilang pinaga­ling kundi ang Siriong si Naaman.”

28 Napuno ng galit ang lahat sa sinagoga pagkarinig dito, 29 tumindig sila at ipinagtulakan siya sa labas ng bayan. Dinala nila siya sa gilid ng burol na ki­na­­­ta­tayuan ng kanilang bayan para ihu­log. 30 Ngunit du­maan siya sa gitna nila at umalis. 

1Reflection for January 29 Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

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

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

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Reflection:   

The story is told about a man who was so afraid of darkness. He feared darkness because he imagines evil things coming out from it. For the same reason, when sleeping time comes in the evening he tells his wife not to turn off the lights.  

For many of us evening or darkness depicts uncertainty, it registers fears in our hearts. Notice when there’s brownout/blackout in the community. Everyone would look for their flashlights, candles or anything that could defeat darkness.  

It was evening when Jesus and His disciples were crossing to the other side of the lake. They were in a boat and darkness pervades their environment, when out of the blue they suddenly encountered a violent storm. All of them were scared (who wouldn’t be?) the fear of the violent storm coupled with darkness made them momentarily forgot that Jesus was with them.  

And then they remembered that Jesus (the light of their lives and our lives too!) was with them. He was soundly asleep (notwithstanding the violent storm) in the stern on a cushion. So they woke Him up and they asked Jesus for help. And right in front of them Jesus rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm (Mark 4:39).  

All of us pass thru certain stretches of darkness and storms in our life and we naturally fear it. Many of us would want to avoid these stretches of darkness and storms. Yet we cannot avoid it for these are part and parcel of our life.  

So what are we going to do when we pass thru these episodes of storms and darkness? We always have to remember that Jesus the light of our lives is always with us. We always have to remember that no storms or darkness can break us down. For we have Jesus walking with us and lighting our paths.  

Do you always call on Jesus when you pass thru storms and darkness in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 29, Sabado ng Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:35-41

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:35-41

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

Kaya ginising nila siya at sinabi: “Guro, halos mamamatay na tayo at bale-wala sa iyo!”39 Pagbangon niya, inutusan niya ang hangin at sinabi sa dagat: “Tahi­mik, huwag kumibo.” Nabawasan ang hangin at nag­karoon ng ganap na kapa­yapaan. 40 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Napakatatakot ninyo! Bakit? Wala pa ba kayong pani­wala?”  

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

 

Reflection for Friday January 28, St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church (M): Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

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

He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”  

With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:   

The story is told about a man who wants to write for God but he was hesitant for he knows his limitations. He doesn’t write well and could hardly compose a decent sentence.  

Yet deep in his heart there was a persistent voice that tells him to write. He therefore submitted himself to the urgings of the inner voice. And to make a long story short, this man who can hardly create a sentence became well known for his meditations about God.  

Jesus speaks about a small seed that has been scattered into the land. The seed had grown so big and was soon harvested. Jesus also speaks about a tiny mustard seed that was sown. After a while it soon became so big where birds rested in its shade.  

Does God sow seed within us also with the intention of making it grow so that others could also benefit from it? Yes! God sows a seed in each and every one of us. But more often than not this small seed doesn’t grow until it eventually dies. Why? Because many of us are afraid to trust God, so we do not take action.  

Surely, we will not be able to do it by ourselves. Yet if we would only learn to call on God, if we would only learn to have faith in Him. The seed that God sows in our hearts will surely blossom so that it could be useful to our fellowmen. What is this seed that God sows within us? It could be  talent, wealth or anything that would benefit or help our fellowmen. 

Try to discover the seed that God has sown into your heart. Upon discovering it, don’t just keep it within yourself. Share it so that it could grow bigger, share it so that others could also benefit from it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Enero 28, Santo Tomas de Aquino, pari at pantas ng simbahan : Marcos 4:26-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

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

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

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

Reflection for January 27, Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:21-25

Gospel Mark 4:21-25

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

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

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Reflection:

What do we do after our presence at Holy Mass? What do we do after we’ve read and reflected on the words of God? 

God who continues to make a difference in our life must shine brightly within us. Not necessarily through our words but most importantly through our actions. If we read in the bible that we should be humble and forgiving by all means we have to be forgiving and humble.  

If there’s a need for us to reach out let us reach out and let Jesus who always reach out shine within us. When we do things for Jesus we have to always do it with humility so that Jesus should always be seen in us. 

We allow ourselves to become the lampstand of Jesus when we do things with humility. As such we would shine brightly and it will be Jesus who would be highlighted and not ourselves.

Many of us commit this frequent mistake of raising ourselves in the pedestal of prominence. We purposely upstage Jesus and it is our ego and our very high regard of ourselves that are seen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 27, Huwebes ng Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:21-25

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4: 4:21-25

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

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

Reflection for Wednesday January 26, Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops (M): Mark 4:1-20

Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

On another occasion, Jesus began to teach by the sea. A very large crowd gathered around him so that he got into a boat on the sea and sat down. And the whole crowd was beside the sea on land. And he taught them at length in parables, and in the course of his instruction he said to them,  “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 

Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots.  Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain. And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” 

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

Jesus said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown. As soon as they hear, Satan comes at once and takes away the word sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground who, when they hear the word, receive it at once with joy. 

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

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Reflection:

Are you open to hear or read the words of Jesus? The word of Jesus are the seed that He sows in your hearts. You can read this when you open your bible, when you go to Holy Mass and when you hear or read commentaries about the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Some of us hear or read this good news of Jesus when we are burdened by our problems. Then after our problems have been solved, we once again distance ourselves from the words of God until the next problem engulfs us. We only treat God like a commodity that we only use when we are in need. Thus, the word of God does not bear fruit in our hearts and we also do not become fruitful followers of Jesus. 

How can we become fruitful followers of the Lord? It’s when we read, hear and share His words. It’s when we allow the words of God to bear much fruit in our hearts that it transforms us to become a person with a new mindset soundly grounded upon Jesus’ teachings. Thus, we become the rich soil that Jesus mentions in the gospel (Mark 4:20)  

There are people who allow themselves to be transformed by the seeds or the words of God. For example, from being bad they become good, from being irresponsible they now become responsible, and from being corrupt they become incorruptible. Why? This is for the reason that they allowed God’s words to work miracles in their life!  

Will you allow the seeds of the words of Jesus to grow in your heart so that the Lord could bless others through you?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Enero 26, San Timoteo at San Tito; mga obispo (Paggunita): Marcos 4:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:1-20

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection for Tuesday January 25, The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle (Feast): Mark 16:15-18

Gospel: Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.  

These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

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Reflection:

Have you already shared Jesus and the gospel to anyone? Jesus tells the apostles and us too: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).”  

Perhaps more than half of us would be saying that we’ve not yet shared the word of God and what is the reason? Perhaps lack of time is not the reason because if we can give time to our other worldly activities why can’t we have time to share the words of the Lord?  

To share our faith and Jesus is the duty of every baptized Christian no one is exempt from this responsibility. But how can we share if we don’t regularly read the bible? If we seldom go to Holy Mass? It’s by reading the words of the God and by making ourselves available at Holy Mass that we can become effective sharers of our faith.  

Saint Jerome has said: “Ignorance of the bible is ignorance of Christ.” This is very true, for us to effectively share Jesus we must know Him first. How can we share the faith if we seldom read the words of God in the bible and if we seldom go to Holy Mass? There’s no way for us to share our faith if we don’t know something about it and if we don’t make ourselves present at Holy Mass for the simple reason that we cannot give what we don’t have.   

Let us not be stagnant followers of Jesus, let us not be satisfied with this status quo. Let us read God’s words in the bible, let us live it and then let us have the courage to share it in whatever means possible.  

Share your faith within your family first, to your spouse, children and to the other members of your household. And see for yourself the miracle that Jesus would create in your life and in your family the moment you share Him.   

When you share Jesus, you assure yourself of a sacred space in heaven when your life in this temporal world is over and done with already. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Martes Enero 25 Ang Pagbabagong Buhay ni San Pablo, apostol (Kapistahan): Marcos 16:15-18

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-18

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

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

Reflection for Monday January 24, Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Mark 3:22-30

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 

And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

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Reflection:

A  family would always go to church as a family and whenever there is a problem in their family. The father or mother would always see to it that they reconcile before the day is over. For to them God always wants a unified family. Indeed, God is an advocate of unity. 

Yet the devil wants to destroy the unity of the family for the simple reason that the devil is for disunity, problem and conflict. Because when there’s problem, disunity and conflict the evil one has the opportunity to come in and sow more havoc and disunity.     

In the gospel, Jesus talks about the importance of unity. He tells us; If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.  

Unity indeed is very important and essential, for example in a family. What would happen If there’s no unity between the father and mother? Same as with friendship, how can friendship last if friends are not operating on the same wavelength?  

The same is true if we are not united with Jesus in everyday of our lives. What would happen to us If we live our lives apart from Jesus? And if we stand by ourselves in this world? We end up with nothing but division, loneliness and evil. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Enero 24 San Francisco de Sales, obispo at pantas ng simbahan (Paggunita): Marcos 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Mark 3:22-30

22 May dumating namang mga guro ng Batas na galing sa Jerusalem, at sinabi nila: “Sumasakanya si Beelzebul at sa tulong ng pinuno ng mga demon­yo siya nagpapalayas sa mga ito.” 

 23 Tinawag sila ni Jesus at nagsalita sa talinhaga: “Puwede bang Satanas ang mag­­palayas sa Satanas? 24 Kung may pag­ka­­kahati-hati ang isang k­aha­rian, hindi na makatatayo ang kaha­riang iyon. 25 At kung may sambaha­yang nagkakahati-hati, hindi na ma­ka­ta­tayo ang sambahayang iyon. 26 At kung si Satanas ang lumalaban sa kan­yang sarili at nagkakahati-hati, hindi na siya makatatayo kundi malapit na ang wakas niya. 27 Walang makapa­pasok sa bahay ni Malakas at maka­a­agaw sa lahat niyang mga gamit kung hindi muna itatali si Malakas. Saka lamang niya masasaid ang lahat ng ari-arian nito. 

28 Sinasabi ko sa inyo: patatawarin ang mga anak ng tao sa lahat – sa kani­lang mga kasalanan at pati sa kanilang mga paglait sa Diyos kahit na marami man ang mga paglait nila sa Diyos. 29 Ngunit kung may magsalita laban sa Espiritu Santo, kailanma’y di siya mapa­patawad; kasa-lanang walang hanggan ang nasa kanya.” 30 Ang pagsasabi nilang may masa­mang espiritu siya ang tinutukoy ni Jesus.

Reflection for Sunday January 23, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.  

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. 

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a group of young people that asked a learned man of faith about Jesus and the Catholic faith. He answered them and was able to satisfactorily address their questions. But when pressed to share some more of his wisdom he politely refused to do so. He told them that they should also read and study so that they would learn too.  

But what this learned man of faith doesn’t know was  the group who’ve asked him to share more of his wisdom were uneducated (they don’t know how to read and write). If only this learned man of faith were generous enough to share his time and wisdom. He could have blessed and watered barren minds thirsting to know more about Jesus and the universal faith. He could have been an instrument of evangelization and propagation of the faith. But he chose to be selfish so he kept to himself what was supposed to be generously shared. 

In the gospel we read about Saint Luke who is very generous about his knowledge of the faith. He wrote everything about the teachings accurately and then he shared it with Theophilus.  

In the second part of the gospel we also read about Jesus who was just through with His mission. Instead of resting for a while He went directly into the synagogue for the Sabbath day. There He passionately read the scroll about the prophet Isaiah that says: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord (Luke 4:18-19).”  

in the first reading we also read about the Priest Ezra who generously read about the laws of God to all people from daybreak till midday. While reading it he touched hearts and minds thus it moved his audience to tears. The crowd was touched by the Holy Spirit because the priest Ezra passionately shared the book about God.  

We may not be that learned or knowledgeable about Jesus and our catholic faith but in our own little way we certainly know something that others don’t. Why don’t we also share what we know about Jesus and His message of salvation? There are many ways and means now of sharing our faith. For example, If we are not used to preaching before an audience let us use the many platforms available in the internet. Let us do it and let us not allow discouragement and fear to paralyze us because the Holy Spirit will be there to guide and help us.  

Let us take this extra step for Jesus because we will certainly touch hearts, empower minds and change lives too! – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 23, Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Marami na ang nagsikap na isalaysay ang mga nangyari sa pi­ling natin, 2 batay sa mga ipinaabot sa atin ng mga nakakita nito noong unang panahon na naging mga lingkod din ng Salita. 3 Kaya minarapat ko ring isulat ang mga ito nang may kaayusan para sa iyo, matapos maingat na ma­suri ang lahat ng ito mula pa sa simula. Kaya ka­galang-galang na Teofilo, 4 ikaw mismo ang makaaalam na matatag ang mga bagay na iyong natutuhan.

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

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

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

20 Binilot ni Jesus ang aklat, ibinigay ito sa tagapaglingkod at naupo. At nakatuon sa kanya ang mga mata ng lahat ng nasa sinagoga. 21 Sinimulan niyang magsalita sa kanila: “Isinakatuparan ang Kasulatang ito ngayon habang nakikinig kayo.”

Reflection for January 22, Saturday of the Second Week: Mark 3:20-21

Gospel: Mark 3:20-21

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

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Reflection:

What happens when we get to serious with our vocation for the Lord? They normally would label us as someone who is out of his/her mind. For example, when we prioritize God over money, when we avoid friends even relatives from our environment friends/relatives who do not bring us any good. And instead we focus our time and energy working for the greater glory of God. They would really label us as somebody who is out of his/her mind.  

But come to think of it, who is out of his/her mind? Those who focus their time and energy for the greater glory of God or those who focus their time and energy to this world only? If you focus your attention to this world what would happen to you when you die? Where would you end up if you allow yourself to be possessed by this world?   

Jesus is labeled as out of His mind for the reason that He is very zealous in His mission for God. He allowed Himself to be possessed by His mission rather than embrace worldliness.  

There really are people who will not understand us for the things that we do for the greater glory of God. We must move on and continue doing our mission for Jesus. Let us just pray for the enlightenment of those who do not understand or refuse to understand what we do for the Lord.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 22 Sabado ng Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:20-21

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:20-21

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

Reflection for Friday January 21, Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr (M): Mark 3:13-19

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

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

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Reflection:

How do you deal with betrayal? 

Jesus appointed the twelve to be His apostles; it means that they would be His supporter, helper, co-missioners and co-propagators of the gospel. It means also that they would stick it out with Jesus until the very end even at the cost of their lives.

Unfortunately there was one who betrayed Him in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Betrayal is an unfortunate incident that happens to all of us, sometimes those whom we trust or even love are the very people who would betray us.  

But we must learn from Jesus on how He handled Judas’ betrayal. He did not seek revenge for He knew that nothing good would come out of it. He just let it be and He continued to do His mission and let Judas deal with himself.  

Eventually Judas was bothered by his conscience and had a realization he returned the money to the chief priest. Then, he went away and hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5).  

There would be those who will betray our trust even love. How should we react if say for example we pass through this betrayal? Should we get back at him/her and get even? Of course not! If we get even we are no different from the person who betrayed us. 

 Let us follow Jesus’ example when he dealt with Judas betrayal. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Biyernes sa Enero 21 Santa Ines (Agnes), birhen at martir (Paggunita): Marcos 3:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:13-19

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

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

Reflection for January 20, Thursday of the Second Week: Mark 3:7-12

Gospel Mark 3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.  

He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.

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Reflection:

Would you always be with Jesus in good times and in bad? 

We normally converge with those who have power: Politicians, powerful government officials and healers. Nothings wrong with it for that’s our nature as humans we gravitate towards the powerful. What if they’re not in power anymore would we still gravitate towards them? 

In our gospel Jesus is treated like a rock star people from all over the place were flocking to Him. For what reason? It was for his healing power. What if He had no power to heal? Of course there would be no pursuers or fans. 

In the infancy of Jesus’ ministry hundreds up to thousands would follow because He had that power to heal, to speak wondrously and the like. But towards the end when He was about to be crucified the thousands evaporated like a dew in the morning.  

It should not be like that with our walk with Jesus, in good times and in bad we should always remain with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 20 Huwebes ng Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:7-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:7-12

Kaya lumayo si Jesus na kasama ang kanyang mga alagad papunta sa dagat. Maraming taga-Galilea ang su­mu­­­nod sa kanya. Mayroon din namang mga taong ga­ling sa Judea 8 at Jerusalem, at sa Idumea at sa kabilang ibayo ng Jordan, at sa Tiro at Sidon. Maraming-marami ang nagpunta sa kanya nang mabalitaan nila ang lahat niyang ginagawa.   

9 Kaya tinagubilinan niya ang kanyang mga alagad na ihanda ang isang bangka para sa kanya dahil maraming tao, at baka nila siya maipit. 10 Marami na siyang pinaga­ling kaya pilit siyang inaabot ng lahat ng may karamdaman para mahipo siya. 11 Sinu­sugod siya ng mga inaalihan ng maruruming espiritu pagkakita sa kanya at pasi­gaw nilang si­na­sabi: “Ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos.” 12 Ngunit tinagubilinan niya silang huwag siyang ibunyag.

Reflection for January 19, Wednesday of the Second Week: Mark 3:1-6

Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?”  

But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

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Reflection:

What would you do if you see a man with a withered hand? 

Jesus had two choices when He saw a man with a withered hand in the synagogue. The first choice was to simply ignore the sick man because it was the Sabbath day. The other choice was to cure the man and in the process ignore the Sabbath day. 

Jesus chose to heal the man and disregarded the Sabbath day. For Jesus it’s the welfare of the sick man first before the observance of the Sabbath law. In that instance Jesus chose to give priority to His ministry of healing rather than observe the Sabbath law.  

Jesus is a healer and His healing power is not bounded by anything be it criticism by His perceived enemies. His healing power is not solely restricted with physical healing; He heals us more spiritually and emotionally.  

But Jesus requires something from us also for us to get cured and that is our faith in Him. The same faith also of this man with a withered hand that was cured by Jesus on the Sabbath.  

Let us therefore hold on to Jesus with faith and never give up on the Lord no matter how hazy the horizon that is in front of us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Enero 19 Miyerkules ng Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:1-6

1 Muling pumasok si Jesus sa sinagoga, at naroon ang isang lalaki na hindi maigalaw ang kamay, at mayroon ding gustong magsumbong tungkol kay Je­sus. 2 Kaya nagmasid sila at baka pa­galingin siya ni Jesus sa Araw ng Pa­hinga.   

3 At sinabi naman niya sa taong hindi ma­igalaw ang kamay: “Tumindig ka sa gitna.” 4 At saka niya sila tina­nong: “Ano ang ipina­hihintulot sa Araw ng Pa­hinga, gumawa ng mabuti o gumawa ng masa­ma, magligtas ng buhay o pumatay?” At di sila umimik.   

5 Nalungkot si Jesus dahil sa kati­gasan ng kanilang puso kaya galit niyang tiningnan silang lahat, at sinabi sa lalaki: “Iunat mo ang iyong kamay.” Iniunat nga ng tao ang kamay at guma­ling ito. 6 Pagkalabas ng mga Pariseo, naki­pag­tipon sila sa mga kakampi ni Hero­des para masiraan nila siya.

Reflection for January 18, Tuesday of the Second Week: Mark 2:23-28

Gospel: Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? 

How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”

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Reflection:

What is a Sabbath? 

Sabbath is a day of rest and worship based on this command: “Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day. Six days you may work and do all your occupation, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD, your God. No work may be done then.” (Exodus 20:8-10) 

 Whenever there is a rule there is also a valid exception. And this is what Jesus was pointing out to the Pharisees. For Jesus the fulfilment of a valid human need is more important than fulfilling the law in this case the Sabbath law. 

Law/s should always serve the good of humanity, laws are there to serve humanity not to punish or restrict humanity. 

Some of us create restrictive and oppressive laws inside our own respective fields. Not to serve its purpose but to serve our own selfish purpose and interest. At the end, due to our insistence of fulfilling our self-created and self-serving laws. It results to enmity and discord among us. 

And the law that we have created to create order becomes the very reason for disorder, conflict and disunity. – Marino J. Dasmarinas