Reflection for December 19 Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.  

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.  

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”  

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” 

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.  

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

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Reflection:

How profound is your faith in the Lord? Does your faith create awareness in you that nothing is impossible with the Lord?  

We have in our gospel Zechariah a priest who is in the twilight of his life. For the reason of his advance age Zechariah thought that he would never have a child. Until the Lord through an angel intervened and granted what he longs for but Zechariah still did not believe.      

Nothing is impossible with God for those who believe; unfortunately, Zechariah was deficient in this aspect. The possible for God was impossible for him. Considering that he is a Priest his faith seems to be shallow. But we can’t blame Zechariah for he was just being realistic; he and his wife Elizabeth were both old already. So, how could his wife be pregnant?  

Once in a while we also pass through this episode of unbelief and lack of faith. Amidst this episode, let us not lose focus on the fact that nothing is impossible with the Lord for those who believe and have faith.   

We may have dreams or aspirations in life that may seem impossible for us to achieve and we naturally doubt. But let us not doubt let us continue to silently work for that seemingly impossible dream. Then let us leave everything to the Lord’s providence let us ask Him to bless and guide us as we aspire for this impossible dream.  

Do you believe that the Lord will give you what you’ve been praying for? If you believe and you have strong faith you will have it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 19 Lunes Ika-4 na Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 1:5-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:5-25

Nang si Herodes ang hari ng Judea, may isang saserdote na ang ngala'y Zacarias, sa pangkat ni Abias. At mula rin sa lipi ni Aaron ang kanyang asawang si Elisabet. Kapwa sila kalugod-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos, namumuhay ng ayon sa mga utos at tuntuning mula sa Panginoon. Wala silang anak pagkat baog si Elisabet, at sila'y matanda na.  

Ang pangkat ni Zacarias ang nanunungkulan noon, at sila'y naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos bilang saserdote. Nang sila'y magsapalaran, ayon sa kaugalian ng saserdote, siya ay nahirang na maghandog ng kamanyang. Kaya't pumasok siya sa templo ng Panginoon sa oras ng pagsusunog ng kamanyang, samantalang nagkakatipon sa labas ang mga tao at nananalangin.  

Walang anu-ano'y napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel ng Panginoon, nakatayo sa gawing kanan ng damabanang sunugan ng kamanyang. Nagulat si Zacarias at sinidlan ng matinding takot nang makita ang anghel. Ngunit sinabi nito sa kanya, "Huwag kang matakot, Zacarias! Dininig ng Diyos ang panalangin mo. Kayo ni Elisabet ay magkakaanak ng isang lalaki, at Juan ang ipapangalan mo sa kanya. 

Ikaw ay matutuwa at magiging maligaya, at maraming magagalak sa kanyang pagsilang sapagkat siya'y magiging dakila sa paningin ng Panginoon. Hindi siya iinom ng alak o anumang inuming nakalalasing. Sa sinapupunan pa lamang ng kanyang ina, mapupuspos na siya ng Espiritu Santo. Marami sa mga anak ng Israel ang panunumbalikin niya sa Panginoon, taglay ang espiritu at kapangyarihan ni Elias, upang pagkasunduin ang mga ama at mga anak, at panumbalikin sa matuwid ang mga suwail.  

Sa gayon, ipaghahanda niya ng isang bayan ang Panginoon." Sinabi ni Zacarias sa anghel, "Paano ko po matitiyak na mangyayari ito? Sapagkat ako'y napakatanda na at gayon din ang aking asawa." Sumagot ang anghel, "Ako si Gabriel ang anghel na naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos. Sinugo ako upang ihatid ang mabuting balitang sinabi ko sa iyo. At ngayon, mabibingi ka't hindi makapagsasalita hangang sa araw na maganap ang mga bagay na ito, sapagkat hindi ka naniniwala sa mga sinabi ko na matutupad pagdating ng takdang panahon." 

Samantala, naghihintay naman kay Zacarias ang mga tao. Nagtaka sila kung bakit nagtagal siya ng gayon sa loob ng templo. Paglabas niya ay hindi na siya makapagsalita, mga senyas na lamang ang ginagamit niya; kaya natanto nila na nakakita siya ng pangitain. At siya'y nanatiling pipi. Nang matapos ang kanyang paglilingkod ay umuwi na siya. Hindi nga nagtagal at naglihi si Elisabet, at hindi ito umalis ng bahay sa loob ng limang buwan. "Ngayo'y nilingap ako ng Panginoon," wika ni Elisabet. "Ginawa niya ito upang alisin ang aking kadustaan sa harapan ng mga tao!" 

Reflection for Sunday December 18, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Matthew 1:18-24

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife into his home.

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Reflection:

Why can’t husbands be faithful to their wives? I can only surmise that it’s the lack of sufficient moral and spiritual groundings. I think it’s also the husband’s intentional forgetfulness of their Marriage vows which states: “To have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health till death do us part.”

In contrast to the philandering husbands of today is Joseph the faithful, righteous and obedient husband of Mary. When Joseph found out that Mary was pregnant before they lived together he decided to divorce her quietly so that she would not be exposed to shame, humiliation and severe punishment.

 It was Joseph’s intention to divorce Mary but the angel of the Lord intervened in a dream and said: "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife into his home.

In the Sacrament of Matrimony the husband is also being told by God thru the  Marriage vows and thru the Sacramental blessing of the Priest who officiates in the person of Jesus that he must be faithful to his wife not only for a month, not only for a year but for the rest of his life!

In the gospel we see Joseph’s humble submission to the will of God. He obediently followed what God said thru an angel; he therefore brought Mary to his home and took care of her for the rest of his life.

Are you like Joseph? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Disyembre 18 Ika-4 na Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon : Mateo 1:18-24

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-24

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, Si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito ng lihim.

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito'y panganganlan mong Jesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan."

Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta:

"Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at manganganak ng isang lalaki; at tatawagin itong Emmanuel" ang kahuluga'y "Kasama natin ang Diyos". Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang utos ng anghel ng Panginoon; pinakasalan niya si Maria. 

Reflection for December 17 Saturday of the Third Week in Advent: Matthew 1:1-17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. 

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,  whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. 

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.  

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of  Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

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Reflection:

Do you know your own family’s genealogy? 

Our gospel for today traces the genealogy of Jesus. From Abraham to David to Solomon just to name a few. As we look at the bloodline of Jesus, we would find out that some of them are sinners. But God in His infinite wisdom chose them to become the ancestors of Jesus. 

We may think that this is bizarre or strange, some of the members of Jesus family tree are sinners?   Isn’t this inappropriate for the Son of God to originate from their bloodlines? But this is how God works, very mysterious and very unexpected. 

All of us are sinners also, let us not think that because of our being sinful we are already beyond redemption and beyond the reach of the love of God. Everything is possible with our God. If we judge others or if we think of others and ourselves as incorrigible sinners. God doesn’t think that way, God can change sinners to become saints. 

If others have already judged you as a sinner and beyond redemption already, remember that God is not judgmental towards you. Or God is not judging you because God is interested in your conversion. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 17 Sabado sa Ika-3 Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Mateo 1:1-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:1-17

Ang simula ng Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon ayon kay San Mateo. 

Ito ang lahi ni Hesukristo na mula sa angkan ni David na mula naman sa lahi ni Abraham. Si Abraham ang ama ni Isaac; si Isaac ang ama ni Jacob na ama ni Juda at ng kanyang mga kapatid. Naging anak naman ni Juda kay Tamar sina Fares at Zara. Si Fares ang ama ni Esrom at si Esrom ang ama ni Aram. Si Aram ang ama ni Aminadab; si Aminadab ang ama ni Naason na ama naman ni Salmon. Naging anak ni Salmon kay Rahab si Booz, at naging anak naman ni Booz kay Ruth si Obed. Si Obed ang ama ni Jesse na ama ni Haring David. 

Naging anak ni David si Solomon sa dating asawa ni Urias. Si Solomon naman ang ama ni Roboam. Si Roboam ang ama ni Abias, at si Abias ang ama ni Asa. Si Asa ang ama ni Josafat, at si Josafat ang ama ni Joram na siya namang ama ni Ozias. Itong si Ozias ay ama ni Jotam na ama ni Acaz, at si Acaz ang ama ni Ezequias. Si Ezequias ang ama ni Manases, at si Manases ang ama ni Amos na ama naman ni Josias. Si Josias ang ama ni Jeconias at ang kanyang mga kapatid. Panahon noon ng pagkakatapon ng mga Israelita sa Babilonia. 

Matapos ang pagkakatapon sa Babilonia, naging anak ni Joconias si Salatiel na ama ni Zorobabel. Si Zorobabel ang ama ni Abiud na ama ni Eliaquim, at si Eliaquim ang ama ni Azor. si Azor ang ama ni Sadoc na ama ni Aquim; itong si Aquim ang ama ni Eliud. Si Eluid ang ama ni Eleazar; si Eleazar ang ama ni Matan na ama ni Jacob. At si Jacob ang ama ni Jose na asawa ni Maria. Si Maria naman ang ina ni Hesus na tinatawag na Kristo.  

Samaktwid, labing-apat ang salin-lahi mula kay Abraham hanggang kay David, labing-apat mula kay David hanggang sa pagkakatapon ng mga Israelita sa Babilonia, at labing-apat din mula sa pagkakatapon sa Babilonia hanggang kay Kristo.

Reflection for December 16 Friday of the Third Week in Advent (1st day of Missa de Gallo): John 5:33-36

Gospel: John 5:33-36

(Jesus said to the Jews) You sent emissaries to John and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being but I say this so that you may be saved. 

He was a burning and shining lamp and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.   

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Reflection:

Today is the first day of Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. As we go through this nine days novena Mass let us try to prepare ourselves to be worthy to the coming birth of our savior. This we could do best by having an interior renewal of ourselves. For example, by reconciling with our enemies, by forgiving those who have done us wrong and by not focusing on the material side of Christmas focusing rather on the true essence of Christmas which is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. 

Have you testified for Jesus by the way you talk and live? Have you humbly called for repentance and renewal? John humbly did all of these noble things, he was sent by God to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. Have you done something also to prepare the way for the coming birth of the Lord? 

For example, if you’re a parent, have you taught your children that the true essence of Christmas is not the material gifts that they would be receiving not either the appearance of Santa Claus? Have you pointed out to your children that the essence of Christmas is about Jesus our savior? 

Slowly but surely the true meaning of Christmas is being overpowered already by materialism and commercialism. In our own little way, we could be like John also if we would try to highlight the true reason for this Christmas season no other than the birth of Jesus.   

Have you done something or are you doing something to gently point out that the true essence of Christmas are not the glittering lights, the abundance of food  and material gifts? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 16 Biyernes sa Ika-3 Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon (Simula ng Simbang Gabi): Juan 5:33-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:33-36

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judio, “Nagpasugo kayo kay Juan, at nagpatotoo siya tungkol sa katotohanan. Hindi sa kailangan ko ang patotoo ng tao; sinasabi ko lamang ito para maligtas kayo. Si Juan ay parang maningas na ilaw na nagliliwanag noon, at kayo’y sandaling nasiyahan sa kanyang liwanag. 

Ngunit may patotoo tungkol sa akin na higit sa patotoo ni Juan: ang mga gawang ipinagagawa sa akin ng Ama, at siya ko namang ginaganap – iyan ang nagpapatotoo na ako’y sinugo niya.”  

Reflection for December 15 Thursday of the Third Week in Advent: Luke 7:24-30

Gospel: Luke 7:24-30

When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. 

Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”  

All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.

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Reflection:

Why is Jesus speaking about John in the gospel for today? Because John fulfilled his mission as the precursor of the Lord with utmost humility. John never had any fantasy of upstaging Jesus, so John lived simply and humbly as what is expected of anyone who follow the Lord. 

We ask ourselves this question, “Am I also living a life of simplicity and humility.” Every follower of the Lord is required to live simply and humbly these are the requirements simplicity and humility. Why? For the simple reason that Jesus is the role model of living a life of simplicity and humility. Hence, as followers of the Lord it is incumbent upon us to live his life also. Because it is only thru living the life of the Lord that we can become his true and faithful followers. 

Jesus mentions also that the least in the kingdom is greater than John. Who are these people that Jesus mentions as the least in the kingdom that is greater than John? It’s us, everyone of us who are striving very hard to follow in the footsteps of John and Jesus. Why? Because sinners as we are we have been redeemed by the Lord through His sacrificial and salvific death on the cross. 

Do you live your life according to the footsteps of John and Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 15 Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Lucas 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:24-30

Pagkaalis ng mga sinugo ni Juan, si Hesus ay nagsalita sa mga tao tungkol kay Juan. “Bakit kayo lumabas sa ilang? Ano ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang tambong inuugoy ng hangin? Ano nga ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang taong may maringal na kasuutan? Ang mga nagsusuot ng maringal at namumuhay sa karangyaan ay nasa palasyo ng mga hari.  

Ano nga ba ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang propeta? Oo. At sinasabi ko sa inyo, higit pa sa isang propeta. Sapagkat si Juan ang tinutukoy ng Kasulatan: ‘Ipadadala ko ang aking sugo na mauuna sa iyo, Ihahanda niya ang iyong daraanan.’ Sinasabi ko sa inyo: si Juan ang pinakadakila sa mga isinilang, ngunit dakila kaysa kanya ang pinakaaba sa mga taong pinaghaharian ng Diyos.”  

Pinakinggan siya ng mga mamamayan, pati ng mga publikano. Ang mga ito’y sumunod sa kalooban ng Diyos nang pabinyag sila kay Juan. Subalit tinanggihan ng mga Pariseo at ng mga eskriba ang layunin ng Diyos sa kanila sapagkat hindi sila nagpabinyag kay Juan.

Reflection for Wednesday December 14 Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Luke 7:18b-23

Gospel: Luke 7:18b-23

At that time, John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” When the men came to the Lord, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? 

At that time Jesus cured many of their diseases, sufferings, and evil spirits; he also granted sight to many who were blind. And Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

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Reflection:

Jesus and John the Baptist go a long way as far as their association is concerned. Their mothers (Mary and Elizabeth) were cousins that makes both Jesus and John related. During the sixth (6) month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy she was visited by Mary who stayed with her until she gave birth. 

Then, when Jesus was thirty years old, John appeared preaching in the desert of Judea calling for repentance. At the same time saying that somebody much greater than him is coming; alluding to Jesus. 

John denounced the immorality of Herod for coveting the wife (Herodias) of his brother (Philip) this is one of the primary reasons why Herod ordered the arrest and imprisonment and eventual beheading of John. So, we see the close kinship of John and Jesus they go a long way.   

The gospel for today brings us to this situation wherein John was in prison while there he told his disciples to go and ask Jesus if He was the one.  

Being a close relative and a collaborator in the salvific mission of Jesus perhaps John was expecting Jesus to pay him a visit and boost his morale. Don’t we expect a visit from our close relatives if we’re sick, in difficult predicament and in prison? Of course we do! 

But Jesus did not visit John it was enough for Him that He told the disciples: “The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” 

We must not expect any form of reward in serving/following Jesus we should just be content on doing our mission for Him. If there would be people who will detest and persecute us in following Jesus so be it.  

John did not complain about his predicament in prison he continued to be faithful to his assigned mission. John even gave his very life for the mission of Jesus. Perhaps even then, John already knew that there was an everlasting life. Where he will finally taste the sweetness of the reward that God will give him for his faithfulness to his mission.   

We have to expect hardships, we have to expect people to persecute us and we have to expect moments of loneliness and isolation. Amidst these factors let us continue to be faithful to Jesus and to our mission for His people. 

There may not be rewards here in this world but there will surely be after our lives come to an end in this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Miyerkules Disyembre 14 San Juan dela Cruz, pari at pantas ng Iglesya (Paggunita): Lucas 7:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:19-23

Noong panahong iyon, tinawag ni Juan ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad at pinapunta sa Panginoon upang itanong, “Kayo po ba ang paririto, o maghihintay pa kami ng iba?” Pagdating nila kay Hesus ay kanilang sinabi, “Pinaparito po kami ni Juan Bautista at ipinatatanong kung kayo ang paririto o maghihintay pa kami ng iba.”  

Nang mga sandaling yaon ay maraming pinagaling si Hesus: mga pinahihirapan ng karamdaman, at mga inaalihan ng masasamang espiritu. Ipinagkaloob niyang makakita ang mga bulag. Sinabi niya sa kanila pagkatapos, “Bumalik kayo kay Juan at sabihin ang inyong nakita at narinig: nakakikita ang mga bulag, nakalalakad ang mga pilay, gumagaling ang mga ketongin, nakaririnig ang mga bingi, muling nabubuhay ang mga patay, at ipinangangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita. Mapalad ang taong hindi nag-aalinlangan sa akin!” 

Reflection for Tuesday December 13 Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr: Matthew 21:28-32

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.  

Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

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Reflection:

Is there hope of redemption for sinners like us? Yes there is always hope for us for as long as we change our ways. God’s love for us is without limit and it’s always there for us and it’s ours to take anytime we want it.  

Aside from Jesus and the man and his two sons there are others who play an important role in this Sunday’s gospel reading. They are the following: Chief Priest, Elders of the people, Tax collectors, the prostitutes and John the Baptist.  

The chief Priest and the elders of the people are those who are authorities of the faith. They are always in their place of worship but ironically they oftentimes are wanting or lacking in terms of living their faith. Jesus is actually subtly telling the chief Priest and the elders of the people about their faith that lacks life and action.  

The chief Priest and the elders of the people  represents the Son who said, Yes, sir, but did not go to work in the vineyard. They also did not listen to the call of John the Baptist to turn away from their sins and completely repent.  

The tax collectors and the prostitutes were obviously the sinners that repented. They represent the Son who said: “I will not go to the vineyard”, but afterwards changed his mind and went and did his father’s will. They listened to the call of John the Baptist: “Repent and change your ways for the kingdom of God is forthcoming.”  

What is the relevance of the gospel to our lives? We who are all sinners like the tax collectors and prostitutes. We are being called by Jesus to repent from our sinful ways. It’s not anymore John who calls us out to repentance but Jesus Himself.   

Life is so fragile it can end anytime we are alive and well today but we never know if we would still be alive tomorrow. Therefore, we must listen to this clarion call of Jesus while we still have time for this is what He desires for us all: To lead lives according to His will and not according to our selfish and sinful will. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Disyembre 13 Santa Lucia, dalaga at martir (Paggunita): Mateo 21:28-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:28-32

Noong panahong iyon, tinanong ni Hesus ang mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan: “Ano ang palagay ninyo rito? May isang tao na may dalawang anak na lalaki. Lumapit siya sa nakatatanda at sinabi, ‘Anak, lumabas ka at magtrabaho sa ubasan ngayon.’ ‘Ayoko po.’ tugon niya. Ngunit nagbago ang kanyang isip at siya’y naparoon.  

Lumapit din ang ama sa ikalawa at gayon din ang kanyang sinabi. ‘Opo’ tugon nito, ngunit hindi naman naparoon. Sino sa dalawa ang sumunod sa kalooban ng kanyang ama?” “Ang nakatatanda po,” sagot nila. Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mga publikano at masasamang babae’y nauuna pa sa inyong pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos. 

Sapagkat naparito sa inyo si Juan at ipinakilala ang matuwid na pamumuhay, at hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan. Ngunit pinaniwalaan siya ng mga publikano at ng masasamang babae. Nakita ninyo ito, subalit hindi pa rin kayo nagsisi at naniwala sa kanya.” 

Reflection for Monday December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Patroness of the Philippines (M): Matthew 21:23-27

Gospel: Matthew 21:23-27

When Jesus had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?  

Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.  Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?  

But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know. He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

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Reflection:

Where does Jesus’ authority come from? We know that it comes from God, God gave Jesus the authority to preach, heal, exorcise those who are possessed by the devil and so forth.  

The ruling class at that time (Pharisees, chief priest and elders of the people) were questioning Jesus’ authority because Jesus’ authority was more powerful than theirs. People were starting to flock more to Jesus than to them therefore they have to question the legitimacy of Jesus’ authority.  

Parent’s authority over their children is encompassing this means that for as long as parents live they have authority over their children until mortal death ends this authority. But why is it that many parents are being disrespected by their children?  

This is for the reason that many parents failed to properly role model their authority over their children. They did not discipline their children; they spoiled their children by showering them material things. But they failed to lead by example and they failed to impose discipline upon their children.    

They also failed to introduce God to their children by teaching them about Jesus and by bringing them to church for Holy Mass.  Thus they end up losing their authority over their children and the respect of their children.  

If we want to have authority over our children and with other people under our care we must therefore be like Jesus. For Jesus exercised His authority by being a good role model, Jesus led by example until the end, even at the cost of His very own life. 

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

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Disyembre 12 Mahal na Birhen ng Guadalupe Makalangit na Patrona ng Pilipinas (Paggunita): Mateo 21:23-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:23-27

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Hesus sa templo. Samantalang nagtuturo siya, lumapit sa kanya ang mga punong saserdote at ang matatanda ng bayan at siya’y tinanong, “Ano ang karapatan mong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito? Sino ang nagbigay sa iyo ng karapatang ito?”  

Sumagot si Hesus, “Tatanungin ko rin kayo. Kapag sinagot ninyo ako, saka ko naman sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito. Kanino nagmula ang karapatan ni Juan upang magbinyag – sa Diyos ba o sa tao?” At sila’y nagusap-usap: “Kung sabihin nating mula sa Diyos, sasabihin naman niya sa atin, ‘Bakit hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan?’  

Ngunit kung sabihin nating mula sa tao baka naman kung ano ang gawin sa atin ng bayan, sapagkat kinikilala ng lahat na si Juan ay isang propeta.” Kaya’t sumagot sila kay Hesus, “Hindi namin alam!” Sinabi niya, “Hindi ko rin sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga ginagawa ko.”

Reflection for Sunday December 11, Third Sunday of Advent: Matthew 11:2-11

Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” 

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

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Reflection:

What do you do when you are in a difficult situation?

There’s a lot of second guessing as to why did John (while in prison) sent his followers to Jesus to ask Him if he is the one. Perhaps, John wanted Jesus to help him to bolt out of prison. Perhaps, John wanted to be assured of Jesus’ support because to begin with he baptized Jesus in the river Jordan (Matthew 3:13). 

Jesus affirmed the question by saying to John’s followers: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 

Perhaps, the disciples of John were expecting Jesus to say, let us go to John. And reassure him of my support in whatever way possible, but he did not. Jesus then said: “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Possibly to say to John’s followers, don’t get disappointed if I will not help John in his most difficult time. 

We may also have this feeling of being abandoned by Jesus. And we may also have questions like: Why is this happening to me and my family considering that I’m following God?  Why am I still poor and in difficult predicament when I am faithfully following God?  We may have countless whys before God; we may have this emotion of being abandoned by Jesus in our most difficult time as well.   

So what must we do if we are in this situation? We must continue to follow Jesus we must continue to be faithful to Him even if He seems to be far and unconcerned with us. We must not veer away from Jesus and not blame Him for whatever difficulties we are in. 

To follow Jesus or to always pray to Jesus is not an assurance that we would be free from trials and persecutions. And John is the best evidence of this for the reason that John humbly and faithfully followed Jesus. Yet he was persecuted, imprisoned and beheaded. 

Will you still follow Jesus amidst your trials and difficulties? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Disyembre 11 Ikatlong Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon : Mateo 11:2-11

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:2-11

Noong panahong iyon: Nabalitaan ni Juan Bautista, na noo’y nasa bilangguan, ang mga ginagawa ni Kristo. Kaya’t nagsugo si Juan ng kanyang mga alagad at ipinatanong sa kanya, “Kayo po ba ang ipinangakong paririto, o maghihintay pa kami ng iba?”

Sumagot si Hesus, “Bumalik kayo kay Juan at sabihin sa kanya ang inyong narinig at nakita: nakakikita ang mga bulag, nakalalakad ang mga pilay, gumagaling ang mga ketongin, nakaririnig ang mga bingi, muling nabubuhay ang mga patay, at ipinangangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita. Mapalad ang taong hindi nag-aalinlangan sa akin!”

Pag-alis ng mga alagad ni Juan, nagsalita si Hesus sa mga tao tungkol kay Juan: “Bakit kayo lumabas sa ilang? Ano ang ibig ninyong makita? Isa bang tambo na inuugoy ng hangin? Ano nga ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang taong may maringal na kasuutan? Ang mga nagdaramit ng maringal ay nasa palasyo ng mga hari! Ano nga ba ang ibig ninyong makita? Isang propeta? Oo. At sinasabi ko sa inyo, higit pa sa propeta.

Sapagkat si Juan ang tinutukoy ng Kasulatan: ‘Narito ang sugo ko na aking ipinadadalang mauuna sa iyo; ihahanda niya ang iyong daraanan.’ Sinasabi ko sa inyo: sa mga isinilang, wala pang lumilitaw na higit na dakila kay Juan Bautista; ngunit ang pinakaaba sa mga taong pinaghaharian ng Diyos ay dakila kaysa kanya.”

Reflection for December 10 Saturday of the Second Week of Advent: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down from the mountain the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. 

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

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Reflection:

Do you have the courage to advice a person to repent? 

The call of Jesus for repentance continuous until this very hour, he speaks to us through people around us and through our conscience. We should not ignore it, we should listen to it because to listen and repent is the right course of action that we must take. 

Like John who prepared the way for Jesus, we too should become the modern day John. Thus we should also gently call for repentance to those within our sphere of environment. This is for the reason that this is a call of duty for us Christians. 

Lest we forget that by virtue of our Baptism we also become a modern-day John. Therefore, we have to call for repentance and conversion as well. For this call to be effective we have to do this with gentleness, with mercy and compassion. 

It is obvious that Jesus was pertaining to John as the second coming of the prophet Elijah. But majority of the people then did not listen to John’s call because they were busy with the things of this world. They had no time to listen to the messenger of God. 

You have nothing to lose if you tread the way of John. Yes, it will not be a walk in the park and there will be challenges as well. But if Christ is with you who will be against you? Nobody for you have Jesus at your back silently supporting you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 10 Sabado sa Ika-2 Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Mateo 17:10-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:10-13

Habang bumababa sila sa bundok, tinanong si Hesus ng mga alagad, "Bakit po sinasabi ng mga eskriba na dapat munang pumarito si Elias?" Sumagot siya, “Paririto nga si Elias upang ihanda ang lahat ng bagay. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na pumarito na si Elias, ngunit hindi siya nakilala ng mga tao. 

At kanilang ginawa sa kanya ang gusto nila. Gayon din naman, pahihirapan nila ang Anak ng Tao." At naunawaan ng mga alagad na si Juan Bautista ang tinutukoy niya.

Reflection for December 9 Friday of the Second Week of Advent: Matthew 11:16-19

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

(Jesus said to the crowds) 16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, 17 `We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.'  

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon'; 19 the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

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Reflection:

Are you quick to judge based on what you see? The people during Jesus and John’s time most especially the Pharisees and scribes were like that as well. They judge both John and Jesus; John they judged as having a demon and Jesus as a glutton and a drunkard. They based their judgment on the external actuations that they saw on both of them. 

However, their judgment was misplaced and farthest from the truth. Those who judged Jesus and John should have first tried to know them first by becoming their followers but they never cared to follow, they instead quickly judged. Thus, they missed the opportunity of a lifetime to know John and Jesus. 

Those who are quick to judge allow themselves to be controlled by their biased emotions. Those who judge usually end up missing something worthy and beautiful from the person that they judge.     

There are times that I see married couples the husband is handsome but the wife is not beautiful and vice versa. I usually tell myself, how come they ended up together? The reason behind is simple, they never cared to judge based on what they saw on their future spouse. They instead delve deeper, thus they discovered how beautiful the character of the person they chose to be with for the rest of their lives.   

Are you quick to judge? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Disyembre 9 Biyernes sa Ika-2 Linggo sa Panahon ng Pagdating ng Panginoon: Mateo 11:16-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:16-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, "Sa ano ko nga ihahambing ang mga tao ngayon? Katulad sila ng mga batang nakaupo sa plasa at sumisigaw sa kanilang mga kalaro, 'Tinugtugan namin kayo ng plauta, ngunit hindi kayo sumayaw! Nanambitan kami, ngunit hindi kayo tumangis!' 

Sapagkat naparito si Juan na nag-aayuno at di uminom ng alak, at sinabi nila, 'Inaalihan siya ng demonyo!' Naparito rin ang Anak ng Tao, na kumakain at umiinom, at sinasabi naman nila, 'Masdan ninyo ang taong ito! Matakaw at maglalasing, kaibigan ng mga publikano at mga makasalanan!' Gayunman, ang karunungan ng Diyos ay napatutunayang tama sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga gawa."

Reflection for Thursday December 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Principal Patroness of the Philippines: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”  

But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.  

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 

And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”  

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Do you always accept the will of the Lord for your life or you sometimes contradict it? 

Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This was defined by Pope Pius IX in Ineffabilis Deus and was promulgated on December 8, 1854, it states that Mary, through God's grace, was conceived free from the stain of original sin through her role as the Mother of God.  

The Gospel tells us that God thru the Angel Gabriel had chosen the Blessed Mother to be the Mother of Jesus, of all women why the Blessed Mother? We don’t know the answer but the Blessed Mother’s humility, docility and abandonment to the will of God speaks volumes about her.  

The Blessed Mother humbly followed God’s desire and will when she said: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38)." Like the Blessed Mother, are you willing to humble yourself before the Lord? Are you willing to abandon your life to the will of God? And do you always discern the desire of the Holy Spirit in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Wednesday December 7 Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

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Reflection:

Are you sometimes feeling weary and burdened by the daily challenges/problems of life? You‘re not alone for all of us are burdened by our challenges and problems. However these burdens the we carry are miraculously made light the moment we learn to submit it to Jesus and when we invite Jesus to help us carry it. 

Why do you endure to carry the burden of someone you love or to suffer for someone you love? This is for the reason that you are already yoked or made one with this person that you love. For example, in married life if your spouse is sick you would sacrifice to take care of your spouse until he/she gets well. Or you may even wish that you’re the one that is sick and not your spouse. 

Why is this so? This is for the reason that Jesus bonded the two of you to become one through the Sacrament of Matrimony.  Remember the words of your marriage vows that says: “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." If marriage made you one with your spouse, through your Baptism you became one with Jesus or you are already yoked with Jesus. 

Let us therefore always respond to this invitation of Jesus; we who are often times burdened by the difficulties of life for we will always find healing and strength in HIM. Are you burdened by your problems right now? Bring it to Jesus and humbly ask him to help you carry it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas