Reflection for July 8, Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:16-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.  

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.  

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

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Reflection:

There was a very corrupt high ranking government official who had a stirring turnabout in his life. From being corrupt he became saintly and from thereon he never engaged in any form of corruption. His saintly lifestyle eventually became his cross because he was maliciously persecuted by his former cohorts in his corruption activities.  

Does it pay to leave our sinfulness for the sake of Jesus? Does it pay to leave behind friends who bring us nothing but sinfulness? Of course it pays! It may not be easy, we may be persecuted, scorned and even be harmed. However all of these dangers and earthly imbalances in our life are nothing compared to what Jesus will bring into our life.  

We must always expect persecution the moment we decide to faithfully follow Jesus. We should expect to be looked down, expect insulting comments. Nonetheless; let these persecutions strengthen our resolve to follow Jesus.  

Almost all of the apostles were severely persecuted for faithfully following Jesus. They were persecuted by this world yet God exalted them for their faithfulness to Jesus. 

How about you which would you prefer the immoral and corrupt enticements of this world or the initially difficult but eventually rewarding path towards Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 8 Biyernes ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:16-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:16-23

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Ngayon, sinusugo ko kayo na parang mga tupa sa gitna ng mga asong gubat. Maging matalino kayo, gaya ng mga ahas, at matapat, gaya ng mga kalapati. Mag-ingat kayo, sapagkat may mga taong magkakanulo sa inyo sa mga hukuman; at hahagupitin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga.  

Dahil sa akin, ihaharap kayo sa mga gobernador at mga hari, at magpapatotoo kayo sa harapan nila at ng mga Hentil. Kapag nililitis na kayo, huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa sasabihin ninyo o kung paano ninyo sasabihin. Pagdating ng oras, ito'y ipagkakaloob sa inyo. Sapagkat hindi kayo ang magsasalita kundi ang Espiritu ng inyong Ama ang magsasalita sa pamamagitan ninyo.  

"Ipagkakanulo ng kanyang kapatid ang kanyang kapatid upang ipapatay; gayon din ang gagawin ng ama sa kanyang anak. Lalabanan ng mga anak ang kanilang mga magulang, at ipapapatay. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin; ngunit ang manatiling tapat hanggang wakas ang siyang maliligtas. Kapag inuusig nila kayo sa isang bayan, tumakas kayo sa kasunod. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi pa ninyo napupuntahan ang lahat ng bayan ng Israel ay darating na ang Anak ng Tao."

Reflection for July 7, Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.  

Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace.  

If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” 

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Reflection:

Have you already shared Jesus using social media? 

Lady A, is a social media fanatic she would always share anything about herself on facebook. Simply to create an impression about how good her life is. But is it really her real life or it’s simply a facade of her real life? 

Some of us are actually like Lady A, we are fond of sharing our every activity even non- essential activities via social media most especially via facebook. But have we shared Jesus or anything that relate to Jesus using the internet?  

We have in the gospel the commissioning or sending off of the apostles. They were told by Jesus to share the good news of our salvation. They did their mission by advancing the teachings of Jesus and the many miracles that He did.  

The apostles did not share anything about themselves it was always about Jesus and never about themselves. For a change why not think of sharing Jesus instead of sharing yourself using social media? If you share Jesus you would change and bless lives and in the process you would also become a blessing for others.  

Would you share Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 7 Huwebes ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:7-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo.  

Yamang tumanggap kayo ng walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo ng walang bayad. Huwag kayong magdala ng salapi -- maging ginto, pilak, o tanso -- sa inyong mga lukbutan. Huwag din kayong magdala ng supot sa inyong paglalakbay, ni bihisan, pampalit na panyapak, o tungkod; sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatan sa kanyang ikabubuhay.  

"At saan mang bayan o nayon kayo dumating, humanap kayo ng taong karapat-dapat pakituluyan, at manatili kayo roon habang kayo'y nasa lugar na iyon. Pagpasok ninyo sa bahay, sabihin ninyo, 'Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!' Kung karapat-dapat ang mga tao sa bahay na iyon, panatilihin ninyo sa kanila ang inyong bati.  

Ngunit kung hindi, bawiin ninyo ito. At kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang tahanan o bayan, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang ipaparusa sa mga tao sa bayang yaon kaysa dinanas ng mga taga-Sodoma at taga-Gomorra."

Reflection for July 6, Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. 

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

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Reflection:

How can we effectively evangelize? We must always be connected with Jesus in our words and deeds. We can never be effected evangelizers of Jesus' teachings if we only preach it and not live it.  

Except for Judas who betrayed Jesus, the other eleven apostles were effective messengers of Jesus’ teachings. For the simple reason that they preached it, they lived it and even gave their lives for it.  

 They were simple people some were fishermen, they were like us sinners as well. In the eyes of men they may not be worthy to become Jesus apostles but Jesus called them and qualified them.  

Jesus is neither a discriminating God nor a condemning God, He is a God of love, mercy and compassion. He therefore calls us all to turn our backs from our sinful lives and become His followers that will help Him advance the good news of His love and compassion.  

You may say that you are not worthy to be called, but who is worthy? Nobody because we are all sinners what Jesus is after is your yes to His call. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 6 Miyerkules ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:1-7

Noong panahong iyon, tinipon ni Jesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpapalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman. Ito ang pangalan ng labindalawang apostol: si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; sina Felipe at Bartolome; si Tomas, at si Mateo na publikano; si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo; si Simong Makabayan at si Judas Iscariote, ang nagkanulo kay Jesus. 

Ang labindalawang ito'y sinugo ni Jesus at kanyang pinagbilinan: "Huwag kayong pupunta sa lugar ng mga Hentil, o alinmang bayan ng mga Samaritano. Sa halip ay hanapin ninyo ang mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel. Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos." 

Reflection for July 5, Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:32-38

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”  

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

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Reflection:

Are you quick to hurl accusations without careful thought?  

After driving out the demon from the man Jesus is now accused by the Pharisees of being the prince of demons. A wild accusation that has no basis at all, the sole basis of their accusation was their hatred towards Jesus. Why? Because He was easily becoming popular among the masses thus they saw Jesus as a threat to their rule.  

Perhaps, some of us are like the Pharisees every once in a while. We hurl baseless accusation against our fellowmen simply because we have an axe to grind against them. For example, some of us may accuse somebody of wrongdoing because we simply want to get back against someone who did us wrong in the past.  

Hurling baseless accusation is not only exclusive in church organization. In general terms this happens also among friends, people in politics particularly during election. But why throw baseless accusation? Why not become friends and co-exist peacefully? If we are true followers of the Lord we will not dare try to destroy the reputation of anyone.  

In the latter part of the gospel, seeing how enormous the crowd. Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Indeed, the laborers in the vineyard of the Lord are so few. This statement of Jesus still rings true up to this time. Many still do not know Jesus very well we therefore have to share and live the teachings of Jesus so that those who do not know Jesus may now know Jesus through us.  

Would you help advance the teachings of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 5 Martes ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:32-38

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:32-38

Noong panahong iyon, dinala kay Jesus ang isang piping inaalihan ng demonyo. Pinalayas ni Jesus ang demonyo at nakapagsalita ang pipi. Namangha ang mga tao, at sinabi nila, "Kailanma'y walang nakitang katulad nito sa Israel!" Datapwat sinabi ng mga Pariseo, "Ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo."  

Nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila'y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol. Kaya't sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang aanihin."

Reflection for July 4, Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:18-26

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.  

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. 

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

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Reflection:

Do you always compliment your faith with actions? Our faith in God is measured by our actions. 

In the gospel a man who is full of faith went to Jesus and told Him: “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live. (Matthew 9:18) 

There’s also a woman who was suffering hemorrhages for twelve long years that went behind the Lord to touch the tassel on his cloak. Before that she said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured. (Matthew 9:21) 

We too have our own stories about our faith in Jesus. Our faith stories didn’t just happen by accident it happened for a reason. We supported our faith with actions and after which we rested it on Jesus’ mercy, love and compassion.  

The same mercy, love and compassion that He gave to the official’s daughter. The same mercy and compassion that He had given also to the woman who had been suffering hemorrhages for twelve long years.  

Let us therefore continue to have an unwavering faith in Jesus. And let us support our faith with our actions and God’s mercy, love and compassion will surely be upon us too. 

Do you always support your with action? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 4 Lunes ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:18-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:18-26

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang nagsasalita si Jesus, may dumating na isang pinuno ng mga Judio. Lumuhod sa harapan niya at ang sabi, "Kamamatay lang po ng aking anak na babae; ngunit sumama lang kayo sa akin at ipatong ang inyong kamay sa kanya ay mabubuhay siya." Tumindig si Jesus at sumama sa kanya, gayon din ang kanyang mga alagad.  

Sumunod din ang isang babaing may labingdalawang taon nang dinudugo. Lumapit ito sa likuran ni Jesus at hinipo ang laylayan ng kanyang damit. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, "Mahipo ko lamang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako." Bumaling si Jesus at pagkakita sa kanya'y sinabi, "Anak, lakasan mo ang iyong loob! Pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig." Noon di'y gumaling ang babae.  

Nang dumating si Jesus sa bahay ng pinuno, nakita niya ang mga manunugtog ng plauta at ang maraming taong nagkakaingay. Sinabi niya, "Magsilabas kayo! Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lang!" At siya'y pinagtawanan nila. Ngunit nang mapalabas na ang mga tao, pumasok siya, hinawakan sa kamay ang bata at ito'y nagbangon. At ang balita tungkol sa pangyayaring ito ay kumalat sa buong lupaing iyon.

Reflection for Sunday July 3, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

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

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.' If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment.

Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God is at hand for you.' Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, 'The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.' Yet know this: the kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."

The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name." Jesus said, "I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to 'tread upon serpents' and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

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Reflection:

An Extra Ordinary Minister of the Holy Communion was asked by his parish priest if he could go to a nearby village to give the Body of Christ to an old sick man. The minister of the Holy Communion agreed so he went wearing his uniform that would identify him as such. When he arrived everyone was calling him father so the lay minister would always tell them that he was not the priest. Majority of those who were present were also not able to respond to the prayers.

What can we learn from this true story? Many Catholics do not know how to differentiate a priest from a lay minister. Many of us do not even know the basic prayers of the church. Thus many are Catholics in name only. Many still need to be evangelized; many still need to be educated about the teachings of the church.

When Jesus appointed the seventy two to become His co-workers in his vineyard He recognized that there was plentiful harvest but very few workers to help Him. Is this not the situation also right now?  The call of Jesus to the seventy two is His call to us also. Jesus wants us to become His close friends and partners in His ministry of evangelization.

Let us not worry about the cost and hardship that it would entail us because Jesus will always be there for us to help us survive along the way. Let us also not be taken by the superficiality of this world that we don’t notice the gentle voice of God whispering to us to help Him in His mission.

Upon the return of the disciples Jesus told them: “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven." The same words we will hear someday the moment we respond in whatever way to the call of God.

Would you respond to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hulyo 3 Ika - 14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon : Lucas 10:1-12, 17-20

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:1-12, 17-20

Noong panahong iyon, ang Panginoon ay humirang pa ng pitumpu't dalawa. Pinauna sila ng dala-dalawa sa bawat bayan at pook na patutunguhan niya. Sinabi niya sa kanila, "Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mga manggagawa. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang bukirin.

Humayo kayo! Sinusugo ko kayong parang mga kordero sa gitna ng mga asong-gubat. Huwag kayong magdadala ng lukbutan, supot, o panyapak. Huwag na kayong titigil sa daan upang makipagbati kaninuman. Pagpasok ninyo sa alinmang bahay, sabihin muna ninyo, 'Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!' Kung maibigin sa kapayapaan ang nakatira roon, sasakanya ang kapayapaan; ngunit kung hindi, hindi sila magkakamit nito.

Manatili kayo sa bahay na inyong tinutuluyan; kanin ninyo at inumin ang anumang idulot sa inyo -- sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatang tumanggap ng kanyang upa. Huwag kayong magpapalipat-lipat ng bahay. Kapag tinanggap kayo sa alinmang bayan, kanin ninyo ang anumang ihain sa inyo; pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit doon, at sabihin sa bayan, 'Nalalapit na ang paghahari ng Diyos sa inyo.'

Ngunit sa alinmang bayang hindi tumanggap sa inyo, lumabas kayo sa mga lansangan nito at sabihin ninyo, 'Pati ang alikabok dito na dumikit sa aming mga paa ay ipinapagpag namin bilang babala sa inyo. Ngunit pakatandaan ninyong malapit na sa inyo ang pagahahari ng Diyos!' Sinasabi ko sa inyo: sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang kaparusahan ng mga tao sa bayang yaon kaysa dinanas ng mga taga-Sodoma!"

Bumalik na tuwang-tuwa ang pitumpu't dalawa, "Panginoon," sabi nila, "kahit po ang mga demonyo ay sumusunod kapag inutusan namin, sa ngalan ninyo." Sumagot si Jesus, "Nakita ko ang pagkahulog ni Satanas mula sa langit -- parang kidlat. Binigyan ko kayo ng kapangyarihang tumapak sa mga ahas at mga alakdan, at yumurak sa kapangyarihan ng kaaway. Walang makapipinsala sa inyo. Gayunman, magalak kayo, hindi dahil sa suko sa inyo ang masasamng espiritu, kundi dahil sa nakatala sa langit ang pangalan ninyo."

Reflection for July 02, Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:14-17

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.  

No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

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Reflection:

Do you already have Jesus in your life?  

When you already have Jesus in your life you are already like a fresh wineskin. Fresh or new wineskin is sturdy and strong. It can withstand the pressure when a new wine is poured into it.  

This is what we become when we already have Jesus in our life. We can withstand whatever problems that life would bring to us. Nobody and no problem no matter how difficult can break us because we have Jesus in our life already.  

It’s so hard for many of us to feel the presence of Jesus because we hardly have time for Him. We don’t invest time with Jesus yet we can invest time for other worldly things. Some of us would even reason out that we hardly have time to be with Jesus because of the many pressures of life.     

But how come we have time for worldly things? For example, why is it that we can squeeze in chit-chat or gossip time?  If we can chi-chat and do other worldly things why can’t we have time for Jesus our life giver? This is the paradox of our modern times right now: We don’t have time for Jesus yet we create time for other worldly things. 

If you want to have a fresh and positive viewpoint about your future and about life in general. Let Jesus come into your life do not close your heart to the Lord in favor of the things of this world. Things of this world which will bring you nothing in the end except sickness, troubles and pressures. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 2 Sabado ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:14-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:14-17

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista at ang wika, "Malimit kaming mag-ayuno, gayon din ang mga Pariseo. Bakit po hindi nag-aayuno ang inyong mga alagad?" Sumagot siya, "Maaari bang magdalamhati ang mga panauhin sa kasalan habang kasama nila ang lalaking ikinasal? Kapag wala na siya, saka pa lamang sila mag-aayuno.  

"Walang nagtatagpi ng bagong kayo sa isang lumang kasuutan; sapagkat mababatak nito ang tinagpian, at lalong lalaki ang punit. Wala ring nagsisilid ng bagong alak sa lumang sisidlang-balat. Kapag gayon ang ginawa, puputok ang balat, matatapon ang alak, at mawawasak ang sisidlan. Sa halip ay isinisilid ang bagong alak sa bagong sisidlang-balat, at sa gayo'y kapwa nagtatagal."

 

Reflection for July 01, Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.  

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:
Why does Jesus calls us to follow Him?  

He calls us out of His great love for us. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to be lead astray by the many sins of this world. Jesus doesn’t want any of us to suffer in hell after our mortal life in this world is over and done with already.

We have in our gospel a man named Matthew a corrupt tax collector who was called by Jesus to follow Him. Even if Matthew is a sinner deep in his heart he knows Jesus. Matthew knows deep in his heart that in Jesus he would find healing, forgiveness and a new life. Matthew knows deep in His heart that in Jesus he has somebody who will not condemn him but would be very much willing to listen to his desire to repent and become His follower.  

Therefore, when Jesus told Matthew to follow Him (Matthew 9:9) he immediately left everything behind him and followed the Lord. When Matthew heard Jesus telling him to follow Him, Matthew heard the sweetest words that he could ever hear in his entire life. 

The call from Jesus made Matthew whole once again for he has been broken by sin throughout his adult life. Perhaps Matthew burst into tears when he heard Jesus told him to come and follow Him. It was tears of unexplained happiness, tears of relief and freedom from the enslavement of the devil.  

 Do you also want to feel how Matthew felt during that very day when Jesus called him to come and follow Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for June 30, Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town. And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.”  

 Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”– he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He rose and went home. When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to men.

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Reflection:

Can you obtain the same forgiveness and healing which Jesus gave to the paralytic? 

 Yes you can! The same forgiveness and healing are given to us by the priest who acts in Persona Christi (In the Person of Christ) the moment we humbly submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Confession. However, the sad part is this: Not everyone is aware of this grace of forgiveness and healing!  

If only we have an awareness of the grace that is given to us by Jesus when we submit ourselves to this Healing Sacrament. We will not think twice of humbly submit to this Healing Sacrament.  

A large part of the blame why not everyone is educated about this sacrament lies in us who know the enormous gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Because we don’t bother to share what we know and we don’t live and pay forward the grace that we receive from Jesus through this sacrament.  

Nevertheless, it’s never too late to repent, it’s never too late to ask God to heal us of our many sickness caused by our sinfulness. Let us go and humbly submit ourselves to this healing sacrament and let us not also forget to share the grace that we have received from this healing Sacrament.  

Will you humbly submit yourself to this healing Sacrament today or perhaps in the coming days? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 30 Huwebes ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:1-8

Noong panahong iyon, sumakay si Jesus sa bangka, tumawid sa kabilang ibayo at tumuloy sa sariling bayan. Pagdating niya roon, dinala sa kanya ng ilang katao ang isang paralitikong nakaratay sa kanyang higaan. Nang makita ni Jesus kung gaano kalaki ang kanilang pananalig, sinabi niya sa paralitiko, "Anak, lakasan mo ang iyong loob! Pinatatawad ka na sa iyong mga kasalanan." Isinaloob ng ilang eskribang naroon, "Nilalapastangan ng taong ito ang Diyos."  

Ngunit batid ni Jesus ang kanilang iniisip kaya't sinabi niya, "Bakit kayo nag-iisip nang ganyan? Alin ba ang mas madali: ang sabihing, 'Ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo,' o ang sabihing, 'Tumindig ka at lumakad'? Patutunayan ko sa inyo na dito sa lupa ang Anak ng Tao'y may kapangyarihang magpatawad ng mga kasalanan." At sinabi niya sa paralitiko, "Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at umuwi ka." Tumindig nga ang lalaki at umuwi. Nang makita ito ng mga tao, sila'y natakot at nagpuri sa Diyos na nagbigay ng ganitong kapangyarihan sa mga tao.  

Reflection for Wednesday June 29, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Matthew 16:13-19

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi 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.”

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Reflection:

How well do you know Jesus? 

After Peter correctly answered the question of Jesus about His true identity. Jesus told Peter that the enlightenment to know Him came from God and not from him. Thus, being the anointed one Peter was chosen by Jesus to be the first head of the church. It was not by Peter’s own effort that he was chosen it was God who chose Peter.   

How many times have we credited ourselves for our achievements and success?    How many times have we owned to ourselves our knowledge about God? Many of us would always attribute to ourselves and through our hard work everything that we know and have.  

But the truth is what we know and have right now are purely gifts from God. Amongst the many we were chosen by God with those gifts not for us to boast about it and certainly not for us to keep it to ourselves. But for us to humbly use it for the greater glory of the kingdom of God in this world.  

The Apostles Peter and Paul used their God given gifts and talents to humbly advance God’s kingdom. How about you? – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Hunyo 29 San Pedro at San Pablo mga apostol (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 16:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-19

Noong panahong iyon, dumating si Jesus sa Cesarea ng Filipos, tinanong niya ang kanyang mga alagad, "Sino raw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa mga tao?" At sumagot sila, "Ang sabi po ng ilan ay si Juan Bautista kayo. Sabi naman ng iba, si Elias kayo. At may nagsasabi pang si Jeremias kayo o isa sa mga propeta." 

"Kayo naman, ano ang sabi ninyo? Sino ako?" tanong niya sa kanila. Sumagot si Simon Pedro, "Kayo po ang Cristo, ang Anak ng Diyos na buhay." Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Mapalad ka, Simon na anak ni Jonas! Sapagkat ang katotohanang ito'y hindi inihayag sa iyo ng ibang tao kundi ng aking Amang nasa langit. 

At sinasabi ko naman sa iyo, ikaw ay Pedro, at sa ibabaw ng batong ito ay itatayo ko ang aking simbahan, at hindi makapananaig sa kanya kahit sa kapangyarihan ng kamatayan. Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng langit: ang ipagbawal mo sa lupa ay ipagbabawal sa langit, at ang ipahintulot mo sa lupa ay ipahihintulot sa langit."

Reflection for Tuesday June 28, Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr: Matthew 8:23-27

Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”  

He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

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Reflection:

What is faith? Faith is the fuel that keeps us going in the midst of uncertainty. When the disciples were being tossed by a violent storm they suddenly were overcome by fear. They did not cling to their faith in Jesus considering that HE was also with them.  That’s why Jesus told them: “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 8:26)  

Don’t we allow ourselves also to be paralyzed by our unfounded fears? For example, the fear of dying, the fear of sickness and so forth, we often times allow ourselves to be paralyzed by these uncertainties in our lives. However, what if we pray to Jesus and ask Him to help us befriend death, sickness and everything that we fear? Then, fear will be erased from our mindset permanently.  

 If we have faith in Jesus we need not fear anything that may come to us because we would be calm in the midst of uncertainties.  Our faith in Jesus is more than enough to strengthen us and conquer all our worries in life.  

Next time that we face storms in our lives let us be still, keep calm and firmly hold on to our faith in Jesus. Even if what is ahead of us is a little bit hazy let us have faith. Let us continue to believe that Jesus will never forsake those who believe. 

Let us continue to have a laser like focus and faith in Jesus, let us not give space for fear in our hearts. For fear is an instrument of the devil to sway us away from the loving care of Jesus.  

If you think you lack faith, humbly ask the Jesus to give you the gift of faith. And strengthen it further by your active prayer life, by reading the Holy bible and by your presence at Holy Mass. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hunyo 28 San Ireneo, Obispo at martir (Paggunita): Mateo 8:23-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:23-27

Sumakay si Jesus sa bangka, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Bumugso sa lawa ang isang malakas na unos, at halos matabunan ng mga alon ang bangka. Ngunit natutulog noon si Jesus. Kaya't nilapitan siya ng mga alagad at ginising. "Panginoon, tulungan ninyo kami!" sabi nila. "Lulubog tayo!" 

At sinabi niya sa kanila, "Ano't kayo'y natatakot? Napakaliit naman ng pananalig ninyo!" Bumangon siya, sinaway ang hangin at dagat, at tumahimik ang mga ito. Namangha silang lahat at ang sabi, "Anong tao ito? Kahit ang hangin at ang dagat ay tumatalima sa kanya!"

 

Reflection for June 27, Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:18-22

Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”  

Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

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Reflection:

There’s an old adage that says: “To follow Christ is always right but it is not always easy.”  

In the gospel passage a scribe approached Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”  

In truth, Jesus is telling the scribe who signified his intention to follow Him that it’s never easy to follow me. You have to think a hundred times before you decide to follow me.  

Indeed, it’s not always a bed of roses when we decide to follow Jesus. Oftentimes Jesus would tell us that if you really want to follow me, you need to forget yourself and you need to be selfless. But amidst the hardship that we may encounter in following Him, we can also rest assure that Jesus will always be there for us to guide and inspire us. 

Be not afraid therefore to follow Jesus no matter how hard it is. For the reason that every second that you invest in following Him will give you great reward someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 27 Lunes sa Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:18-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:18-22

Nang makita ni Jesus ang makapal na tao sa kanyang paligid, iniutos niya sa mga kasama na maghandang tumawid sa ibayo.  

Nilapitan siya ng isang eskriba at sinabi sa kanya, "Guro, susunod po ako sa inyo saanman kayo pumaroon." Sumagot si Jesus: "May mga lungga ang mga asong-gubat, at may mga pugad ang mga ibon, ngunit ang anak ng Tao'y wala man lamang matulugan o mapagpahingahan." 

Isa naman sa mga alagad ang nagsabi sa kanya, "Panginoon, maaari po bang umuwi muna ako upang ipalibing ang aking ama?" Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Sumunod ka sa akin, at ipaubaya mo na sa mga patay ang paglilibing sa kanilang mga patay."

Reflection for Sunday June 26, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:51-62

Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

When the days for Jesus' being taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.  

When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?" Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village. As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus answered him, "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."

 And to another he said, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father." But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." And another said, "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home." To him Jesus said, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was newly transplanted in his new community. While at church for Sunday Mass he heard the announcement of the church’s need for Catechists so he went to the parish office to signify his intention. 

The parish priest asked him: Why do you want to become a Catechist?   The man replied: I want to have new friends in the parish community. The priest said to him: is it the sole reason why you want to become a Catechist? The man replied: no, I also want to serve the church based on my own convenience.  

While going to Jerusalem Jesus met three men who want to follow Him. The two men signified their intention to follow and the other one He personally called. Jesus emphasized to each of them that it’s not easy to follow Him going to Jerusalem because they have to sacrifice and persevere. Since he himself will persevere, sacrifice and eventually die on the cross. 

Many of us have this mistaken notion that to follow Jesus is easy but it’s not. Many of us think that the moment we follow Jesus our life will now become a bed of roses, but it will not.  To follow Jesus is to carry our cross and others cross too! To follow Jesus is to be ready to embrace suffering and even humiliation for this is really how it is when we decide to become Jesus’ faithful followers. 

Will you still follow Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas