Reflection for January 13, Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 2:1-12

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him.  

After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts?  

Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

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Reflection:

What would you do if a sick person who is poor will ask you for help? Will you bring him to a hospital or would you simply ignore and move on with your life?  

The gospel for today gives us direction on what to do whenever somebody asks us for help regardless of who this somebody is. We must help in whatever way the person in need this was the deed that was done by the four men who went to the roof of the house where Jesus was staying.  

The four men brought the paralytic to Jesus. They did not care if they have to open the roof of the house so that they could bring the paralytic in front of Jesus. What was important for them was to extend help to the paralytic in whatever forms and ways.    

What happened to the four men after the paralytic was healed and forgiven of his sins by Jesus? They simply fade away into the sunset; they did not receive any words of appreciation from the crowd and from the man that they’ve helped.  

But certainly, as they walked away and mingled with the crowd. They carried in their hearts this unexplainable happiness. Happiness that no human could give them, happiness that no amount of money could satisfy them and happiness that only Jesus can give them.  

This unexplainable happiness was given to them by Jesus for a job well done. And for getting out of their own comfort zones so that they could give comfort and help to someone in need.  

How about us, what would we do if a sick person who is poor would ask us for help? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 13, Biyernes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Capernaum, at kumalat ang balitang siya’y nasa kanyang tahanan. Kaya’t nagkatipon ang napakaraming tao, anupat wala nang matayuan kahit sa labas ng pintuan. Samantalang nangangaral si Hesus, may idinating na isang paralitikong dala ng apat katao. 

Hindi nila ito mailapit kay Hesus dahil sa dami ng tao, kaya’t binakbak nila ang bubong sa tapat niya, at inihugos ang paralitikong nakaratay sa kanyang higaan. Nang makita ni Hesus kung gaano kalaki ang kanilang pananalig, sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Anak, ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo.”  

May nakaupo roong ilang eskriba na nagsaloob ng ganito: “Bakit nagsasalita ng ganito ang taong ito? Kalapastanganan sa Diyos iyan! Hindi ba’t Diyos lamang ang makapagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan?” Talos ni Hesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Bakit kayo nagsasaloob ng ganyan? Alin ba ang lalong madali: ang sabihin sa paralitiko, ‘Ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo,’ o ang sabihing, ‘Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan ay lumakad ka’?  

Patutunayan ko sa inyo na dito sa lupa, ang Anak ng Tao ay may kapangyarihang magpatawad ng mga kasalanan.” Sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at umuwi ka!” Tumindig naman ang paralitiko, binuhat ang kanyang higaan at umalis na nakikita ng lahat. Sila’y pawang nanggigilalas at nagpuri sa Diyos. “Hindi pa kami nakakikita ng ganito!” sabi nila.

Reflection for January 12, Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:40-45

Gospel Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.  

Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

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Reflection:

What moves you to go to Jesus? 

The leper went to Jesus knelled down and begged Jesus by saying, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” And immediately the leper was healed by Jesus. You may ask, what moved the leper to ask Jesus to heal him?  

Was it his grave sickness? No, his leprosy was not the driving force that moved him to seek the help of Jesus. It was something far bigger than his sickness and it was the leper’s deep reservoir of faith in Jesus! Otherwise if he did not have faith he wouldn’t have gone to Jesus.  And what drove Jesus to heal the leper? Was it His leprosy? No it was not his leprosy that moved Jesus to heal him. It was the leper’s great faith in Him!  

What brings us to Jesus and why do we pray to Jesus? Do we pray to Jesus because of our problems? Are we doing this because of our sickness? Our sickness and our problems must not be the primary reason why we go in prayer to Jesus. It must always be our deep faith in Him!  

Let us always see to it that our faith is always the main driving force why we want to commune with Jesus. For the reason that the more that we are driven by faith to go to Jesus. The bigger our chance of being heard by Him. 

What moves you to pray to Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 12, Huwebes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:40-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:40-45

Noong panahong iyon, may isang ketonging lumapit kay Hesus, nanikluhod at nagmakaawa: “Kung ibig po ninyo’y mapagagaling ninyo ako.” Nahabag si Hesus at hinipo siya, sabay ang wika, “Ibig ko. Gumaling ka!” Noon di’y nawala ang ketong at gumaling ang tao. Pinaalis siya agad ni Hesus matapos ang ganitong mahigpit na bilin: “Huwag mong sasabihin ito kaninuman.  

Sa halip ay pasuri ka sa saserdote. Pagkatapos, maghandog ka ayon sa iniutos ni Moises, upang patunayan sa mga tao na ikaw ay magaling na.” Ngunit umalis siya at bagkus ipinamalita ang nangyari, anupat hindi na hayagang makapasok ng bayan si Hesus. Naroon na lamang siya sa labas, sa mga ilang na pook, at doon pinagsasadya ng mga tao buhat sa iba’t ibang dako.

Reflection for January 11, Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:29-39

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”  So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a family who had a bedridden mother. Being in such situation her husband and children confined her to a room within their house. The mother was wondering, why they isolated her when she doesn’t have a contagious sickness? Deep in her heart she was wishing for a daily small talk with her family or even a quick peek from her husband and children. But they rarely did she eventually died not from her sickness but from her loneliness. 

When Jesus was told that Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever, He immediately approached her and grasp her hand. As if to say that I’m here for you and I’m concerned with your wellbeing.  Then she was healed by Jesus before they left her. 

What is Jesus telling us in this gospel? Jesus is telling us that we have to visit the sick. We have to talk to them and we have to let them know that we are here for them. Many of us don’t visit the sick because we are so busy with our daily undertakings. Or we don’t visit the sick because we have no money to help them. 

But there’s more to life than our daily undertakings and there’s certainly more to life than having money. Life is all about touching lives! It’s making a person feel special more so if she/he is sick. Just imagine if a sick person would see us, it certainly would brighten the  face and boost the sagging morale of the sick person. 

Nevermind, if we cannot give financial help since our mere presence is more than enough to help her get well. Our mere presence is like saying, I’m here for you, you can count on me and I love you more than words can say.  

We must never underestimate the power of a visit or even a quick visit to a sick relative or friend. It could do wonders for their wellness of course we are not Jesus thus we would not be able to cure them physically, but who knows? Nonetheless, it still can do wonders for them on the level of their emotions and morale.  

Jesus is showing us the way on what to do when somebody is sick we therefore have to follow the way of Jesus. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 11, Miyerkules ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:29-39

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:29-39

Noong panahong iyon, mula sa sinagoga, sila'y nagtuloy sa bahay ni Simon at Andres. Kasama nila sina Santiago at Juan. Nararatay noon ang biyenan ni Simon Pedro, dahil sa matinding lagnat, at ito'y agad nilang sinabi kay Jesus. Nilapitan ni Jesus ang babae, hinawakan sa kamay at ibinangon. Noon di'y inibsan ito ng lagnat at naglingkod sa kanila.  

Pagkalubog ng araw, dinala kay Jesus ang lahat ng maysakit at ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo. At nagkatipon ang buong bayan sa may pintuan ng bahay. Pinagaling niya ang maraming maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman at nagpalayas sila ng mga demonyo. Hindi niya hinayaang magsalita ang mga ito, sapagkat alam nila kung sino siya. 

Madaling-araw pa'y bumangon na si Jesus at nagtungo sa isang ilang na pook at nanalangin. Hinanap siya ni Simon at ng kanyang mga kasama. Nang siya'y matagpuan, sinabi nila, "Hinahanap po kayo ng lahat." Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Kailangang pumunta rin naman tayo sa mga kalapit-bayan upang makapangaral ako roon -- ito ang dahilan ng pag-alis ko sa Capernaum." At nilibot niya ang buong Galilea, na nangangaral sa mga sinagoga at nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo.

Reflection for January 10, Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”  

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him. His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a married man who succumb to an adulterous relationship with his  equally married officemate. The man would always attend Holy Mass with his wife every Sunday. Yet, he still surrendered to the enticement of the devil acting through his married officemate by jumping with reckless abandon into that adulterous relationship.   

Why was he overpowered by the woman who was doing it on behalf of the devil? This is for the simple reason that he had superficial faith, he did not allow Jesus to take control of his life. He instead allowed the devil through the woman who was ostensibly nice and accommodating to her to seduce, control and manipulate him.  

When Jesus went to the synagogue He encountered a man with an unclean spirit or a man possessed by a demon. Then after conversing with the unclean spirit Jesus drove it away from the man. 

Everyone, of us is susceptible to be possessed by a demon that is if our faith in Jesus is weak and if we don’t live our faith. Therefore, we are easily tempted by the devil to commit sin no matter how severe without guilt of conscience. This is what the evil one does to us he uses people to probe our faith. And if it’s weak and shallow it would never stop until it capture, ravage and destroy us.  

Unclean spirit and evil spirit are very real it hides deep in our being it only comes out when the environment is conducive for it to come out. For example, when there’s temptation for us to do something immoral, adulterous and sinful. When the opportunity presents itself the demon that hides within us would now suddenly take control of us until it accomplishes its evil will for us.  

Why does the presence of the evil one hide within us? It hides for the reason that we give it space, in other words it hides within us because we consent to it. Most especially when the situation to sin and do evil is favorable.  

However, if we really desire to completely extricate ourselves from any form of evil possession and unclean spirit. We actually can with the help of Jesus, how would we do it? We must get closer to Jesus we must always ask Jesus to weed out and to completely overpower, defeat and eliminate the evil that resides within us.  

And of course we also have to do our part. We have to confront, permanently avoid and distance ourselves from the human representative of the devil which ostensibly appear to be nice and accommodating to us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 10, Martes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:21b-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:21b-28

Sa lungsod ng Capernaum sa Araw ng Pamamahinga si Jesus ay pumasok sa sinagoga at nagturo. Namangha ang mga tao sapagkat nagturo siya sa kanila na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba. Bigla namang pumasok sa sinagoga ang isang inaalihan ng masamang espiritu, at sumigaw: "Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Jesus na taga-Nazaret? 

Kilala kita: Ikaw ang Banal na mula sa Diyos!" Ngunit iniutos ni Jesus sa masamang espiritu , "Tumahimik ka! Lumabas ka sa kanya!" Pinapangisay ng masamang espiritu ang tao, at sumisigaw na lumabas. Nanggilalas ang lahat, kaya't sila'y nagtanungan. "Ano ito? Bagong aral? Nauutusan niya pati ang masasamang espiritu. At sinunod naman siya!" At mabilis na kumalat sa buong Galilea ang balita tungkol kay Jesus.

Reflection for Monday January 9, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: Matthew 3:13-17

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.  

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

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Reflection:

Why was there a need for Jesus to be baptized considering that he is God the Son? Jesus went through his own baptism as an act of solidarity with us sinful humanity.    

Jesus’ Baptism is an expression of the Lord’s great desire to be one with us. The Lord could have avoided baptism but he went through it also as an expression of his immense love for us. Love that culminated in the Lord’s death on the cross at Calvary. 

Having been baptized too and being of age already we partake of Jesus’ mission to spread the good news of the faith, that’s why we have to live our faith. We have to bring people to God, we have to do acts of mercy and compassion and we have to follow and live the life of the Lord. The Lord’s life of self-sacrifice, life of love and forgiveness and the like. 

By celebrating the Baptism of Jesus today we don’t only recall and remember Jesus baptism. We are also reminded that we have our very own baptismal mission which we have to live and fulfill. 

Are we able to live and fulfill our own Baptismal mission? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Lunes Enero 9 Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon (Kapistahan): Mateo 3:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 3:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay dumating naman sa Jordan mula sa Galilea, at lumapit kay Juan upang pabinyag. Sinansala siya ni Juan na ang wika, "Ako po ang dapat binyagan ninyo, at kayo pa ang lumalapit sa akin!" Ngunit tinugon siya ni Hesus, "Hayaan mo itong mangyari ngayon; sapagkat ito ang nararapat nating gawin upang matupad ang kalooban ng Diyos."  

At pumayag si Juan. Nang mabinyagan si Hesus, umahon siya sa tubig. Nabuksan ang langit at nakita niya ang Espiritu ng Diyos, bumababa sa kanya, ang isang kalapati. At isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi, "Ito ang minamahal kong Anak na lubos kong kinalulugdan!"

Words of Wisdom - 5

 

Mga salita na puno ng Aral at Karunungan - 7

 

Reflection for Sunday January 8, Solemnity of The Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” 

Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” 

After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. 

They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Reflection:

The story is told about an old woman who was living alone in her house. A neighbor noticed her and she asked the old woman, “Why are you alone? Don’t you have children? The old woman replied, “I have children however they have their respective family already but they still visit me every once in a while.” 

She further said: I used to be lonely but I’m okay now because a relative introduced me to Jesus: Jesus is in my life now. I go to Mass everyday, I read my bible and  I’m all right: I submit my life to Jesus because Jesus cured my loneliness, depression and emptiness. 

The Magi were in search for Jesus to give Him homage and to offer Jesus their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But come to think of it, was it the sole purpose why they were in desperate search of the baby Jesus?

There might have been loneliness and emptiness also in their hearts. That is why they were searching for Jesus for they knew that it was only Jesus who would cure their hidden loneliness and emptiness. 

In our fast moving and technology driven world today wherein social media connects and drives everyone of us. Many of us are still lonely, depressed and empty deep inside us. Up to this time we are longing for that something that would inwardly cure our loneliness and emptiness. This something that we are longing for is none other than Jesus. We also have to diligently search for Jesus as the Magi diligently searched for the baby Jesus.

Do you search for the Lord?  - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 8, Dakilang Kapistahan ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Mateo 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 2:1-12

Si Hesus ay ipinanganak sa Betlehem ng Judea noong kapanahunan ni haring Herodes. Dumating naman sa Jerusalem ang ilang Pantas mula sa Silangan at nagtanung-tanong doon: “Nasaan ang ipinanganak na Hari ng mga Judio? Nakita namin sa Silangan ang kanyang tala at naparito kami upang sambahin siya.” 

Nang mabalitaan ito ni haring Herodes, siya’y naligalig, gayun din ang buong Jerusalem. Kaya’t tinipon niya ang lahat ng punong saserdote at mga eskriba sa Israel at itinanong sa kanila kung saan ipinanganak ang Mesiyas. “Sa Betlehem po ng Judea,” tugon nila. “Ganito ang sinulat ng propeta:

‘At ikaw, Betlehem, sa lupain ng Juda,

ay hindi nga huli sa mga pangunahing bayan ng Juda.

Sapagkat sa iyo lilitaw ang isang pinuno

na mamamahala sa aking bayang Israel.’” 

Nang mabatid ito, lihim na ipinatawag ni Herodes ang mga Pantas at itinanong kung kailan lumitaw ang mga tala. At pinalakad niya sila patungong Betlehem matapos pabilinan ng ganito: “Humayo kayo at inyong hanaping mabuti ang sanggol. Kapag inyong natagpuan, ibalita agad ninyo sa akin upang ako may makasamba sa kanya.” 

At lumakad na nga ang mga Pantas. Muli silang pinangunahan ng talang nakita nila sa silangan hanggang sa sumapit ito sa tapat ng kinaroroonan ng bata. Gayun na lamang ang galak ng mga Pantas nang makita ang tala! Pagpasok sa bahay, nakita nila ang bata sa piling ng kanyang inang si Maria.  

Lumapit sila at nagpatirapa at sinamba ang bata. Binuksan nila ang kanilang mga sisidlan at inihandog sa kanya ang dala nilang ginto, kamanyang at mira.

Nang sila’y pabalik na, sinabi sa kanila ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng panaginip na huwag na silang babalik kay Herodes. Kaya, nag-iba na sila ng daan pauwi.

Reflection for January 7, Saturday before Epiphany: John 2:1-11

Gospel: John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” 

His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it.  

And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from — although the servers who had drawn the water knew —, the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

How influential is your mother to you? Do you always listen to her whenever she speaks to you?  Influence is something that Mary has over her son Jesus not only that she exercised influence over Jesus. She also has the listening ear of Jesus. 

The backdrop of Jesus’ first miracle is the wedding at Cana that run out of wine. The wedding feast could have already been over in that instance but Mary was there to save the day. She went to Jesus for the reason that she knows that she exercised influence over her son. Mary also knows that she has the listening ear of Jesus.  

What does Mary teach us? She teaches us that we always have to go to Jesus when we have issues in our life. We have to let Jesus take over the driver seat not us taking over it, we have to be patient and not be demanding toward Jesus.  

This simply means that we have to let Jesus answer our prayers on His own time and terms. Not us dictating the time and terms of our prayers before our Lord. Mary is also silently teaching us about humility, patience and acceptance of the will of God for our life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 7 Sabado bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 2:1-11

 

Mabuting Balita: Juan 2:1-11

At nang ikatlong araw ay nagkaroon ng isang kasalan sa Cana ng Galilea; at naroon ang ina ni Jesus: At inanyayahan din naman si Jesus, at ang kaniyang mga alagad, sa kasalan. At nang magkulang ng alak, ang ina ni Jesus ay nagsabi sa kaniya, Wala silang alak. At sinabi sa kaniya ni Jesus, Babae, anong pakialam ko sa iyo? ang aking oras ay hindi pa dumarating. 

Sinabi ng kaniyang ina sa mga alila, Gawin ninyo ang anomang sa inyo'y kaniyang sabihin. Mayroon nga roong anim na tapayang bato na nalalagay alinsunod sa kaugaliang paglilinis ng mga Judio, na naglalaman ang bawa't isa ng dalawa o tatlong bangang tubig. Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, Punuin ninyo ng tubig ang mga tapayan. At kanilang pinuno hanggang sa labi. At sinabi niya sa kanila, Kunin ninyo ngayon, at inyong iharap sa pangulo ng kapistahan. 

At kanilang iniharap. At nang matikman ng pangulo ng kapistahan ang tubig na naging alak nga, at hindi niya nalalaman kung saan buhat (datapuwa't nalalaman ng mga alila na nagsikuha ng tubig), ay tinawag ng pangulo ng kapistahan ang kasintahang lalake, At sinabi sa kaniya, Ang bawa't tao ay unang inilalagay ang mabuting alak; at kung mangakainom nang mabuti ang mga tao, ay saka inilalagay ang pinakamasama: itinira mo ang mabuting alak hanggang ngayon. 

Ang pasimulang ito ng kaniyang mga tanda ay ginawa ni Jesus sa Cana ng Galilea, at inihayag ang kaniyang kaluwalhatian; at nagsisampalataya sa kaniya ang kaniyang mga alagad. Pagkatapos nito ay lumusong siya sa Capernaum, siya, at ang kaniyang ina, at ang kaniyang mga kapatid, at ang kaniyang mga alagad; at sila'y nangatira roong hindi maraming araw.

Reflection for January 6, Friday before Epiphany: Mark 1:7-11

Gospel: Mark 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  

It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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Reflection:

What does baptism signify? It signifies the beginning of our faith life journey with Jesus. It also signifies our humility and our willingness to become member of the church that Jesus founded through Peter.  

When we were brought to church by our parents for Baptism our parents did this from their own freewill. Nobody told them to bring that newly born child to church so that it could be baptized. They did this because they want their child to become a member of the church and a certified follower of Jesus.  

Unfortunately to many parents this desire for their child to become a member of the church and a follower of Jesus begins and ends with the child’s baptism. They fail to recognize that after their child’s baptism comes the responsibility to bring the child to church for Holy Mass every Sunday.   

When the child is at the right age already it is also the responsibility of the parents to teach the growing child about the teachings of the catholic faith. And it is also the responsibility of the parents to open their bible to the growing child so that the child could be familiar with the teachings of God. 

So what happens to the child? He/she grows without any awareness about his/her responsibilities as a baptized catholic. He/she becomes a follower of this world than a follower of Jesus and the church that He founded. Would you want your child to become a follower of this world than become a follower of Jesus? Of course not! 

The Baptism of the Lord is a timely reminder for all parents that their faith obligation to their child doesn’t end with his/her baptism. Baptism is only the beginning after baptism the parents are tasked to form this child about the importance of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the church in their faith life.  So that this child would eventually become a good son or a good daughter and a productive citizen of this world and fruitful follower of Jesus.  

How are you raising your child after his/her baptism or how did your raise your children after they were baptized? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 6 Biyernes bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Marcos 1:7-11

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:7-11

Noong panahong iyon, sinasabi ni Juan Bautista sa kanyang pangangaral: “Darating na kasunod ko ang isang makapangyarihan kaysa sa akin: ni hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang mga panyapak. Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, ngunit bibinyagan niya kayo sa Espiritu Santo.” 

Hindi nagluwat, dumating si Hesus mula sa Nazaret, Galilea, at siya’y bininyagan ni Juan sa Ilog-Jordan. Pagkaahung-pagkaahon ni Hesus sa tubig ay nakita niyang nabuksan ang kalangitan, at bumababa sa kanya ang Espiritu na gaya ng isang kalapati. At isang tinig ang nagmula sa langit: “Ikaw ang minamahal kong Anak, lubos kitang kinalulugdan.”

Reflection for January 5, Thursday before Epiphany: John 1:43-51

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth."  

But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."  

Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus knows everything about you? Yes, Jesus knows everything about you! Your thoughts, your actions, your sinful past and your future with Him if you would choose to journey with Him for your future.   

Jesus in the gospel tells Nathanael that he knows about him even if they had just met for the first time. This is how powerful Jesus is, He is all knowing but how come very few are following Him? This is for the reason that only a few wants to work under His vineyard.  

What a paradox of life; quite a few wants to volunteer their time for the advancement of the teachings of Jesus. For what reason? For the reason that we will not earn a windfall of money under Jesus? But money is temporary, in fact it easily slips from our hands.  

However, if we would choose to do work for Jesus we are already assured of life beyond this world. We are assured of His lifetime guidance, we are assured that Jesus will walk with us even in the most difficult times. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 5 Huwebes bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:43-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:43-51

Kinabukasan, minabuti ni Jesus na pumunta sa Galilea. Nakita niya si Felipe, at sinabi rito, "Sumunod ka sa akin." (Si Felipe'y taga-Betsaida, tulad nina Andres at Pedro.) Hinanap ni Felipe si Natanael, at sinabi rito, "Natagpuan namin si Jesus na taga-Nazaret, ang anak ni Jose. Siya ang tinutukoy ni Moises sa kanyang sinulat sa Kautusan, at gayon din ng mga propeta."  

"May magmumula bang mabuti sa Nazaret?" tanong ni Natanael. Sumagot si Falipe, "Halika't tingnan mo." Nang malapit na si Natanael ay sinabi ni Jesus. "Masdan ninyo ang isang tunay na Israelita; siya'y hindi magdaraya!" Tinanong siya ni Natanael, "Paano ninyo ako nakilala?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Bago ka pa tawagin ni Falipe, nakita na kita kita nang ikaw ay nasa ilalim ng puno ng igos," "Rabi, kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos! Kayo ang Hari ng Israel!" wika ni Natanael.  

Sinabi ni Jesus, "Nanampalataya ka ba dahil sa sinabi ko sa iyong nakita kita sa ilalim ng puno ng igos? Makakikita ka ng bagay ng higit kaysa rito!" At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Tandaan ninyo: makikita ninyong bukas ang langit, at ang mga anghel ng Diyos ay manhik-manaog sa kinaroroonan ng anak ng Tao.!" 

Reflection for January 4, Wednesday before Epiphany: John 1:35-42

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?"  

They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.  

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

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Reflection:

Would you respond to Jesus if He calls you? The call of Jesus comes in so many ways. He would indirectly call you using a friend, a written commentary, an event in your life and there are many more ways when the Lord calls.    

We have to respond when Jesus calls us, we must not ignore His call. What is the centerpiece of Jesus call? It’s always to walk away from sinfulness. Therefore, when God calls us it’s an offer to take away our problems, problems that we create for ourselves brought about by our sinfulness.     

Let us respond to this call of Jesus and we would see that little by little there will be less sin related problems in our life. Problems that we create for ourselves because we refuse to hear the call of Jesus.  

What else would happen when we respond to Jesus call? We will know more about Jesus and His life. There would be strengthening of our faith and we will have a sturdy wall to lean on whenever we pass through the many challenges of life.  

In our gospel when Andrew and his companion heard John said: “Behold the Lamb of God.” The phrase uttered by John struck a chord in them that they decided to follow Jesus. As they were following they asked Him: Where are you staying?” And Jesus gave them a very meaningful response by saying: “Come and you will see.” (John 1:39)  

This is also what Jesus is telling us, come because you will discover more of me. Come because I am here to help you carry whatever burdens that you have. Come for I will walk with you from now on. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 4 Miyerkules bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:35-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:35-42

Noong panahong iyon, naroon uli si Juan at ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad. Nakita niya si Jesus na nagdaraan, at kanyang sinabi, "Ito ang Kordero ng Diyos!" Narinig ng dalawang alagad ang sinabi niya, at sumunod sila kay Jesus. Lumingon si Jesus at nang makitang sumusunod sila ay kanyang tinanong, "Ano ang hinahanap ninyo?"  

Sumagot sila, "Saan po kayo nakatira, Rabi?" Ang kahulugan ng salitang ito'y Guro. "Halikayo at tingnan ninyo," ani Jesus. Sumama sila at nakita nila ang kanyang tinitirhan; at tumuloy sila roon ng araw na yaon. Noo'y mag-iikaapat na ng hapon. Ang isa sa dalawang nakarinig kay Juan at sumunod kay Jesus ay si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro. 

Una niyang hinanap ang kapatid niyang ito, at kanyang sinabi sa kanya, "Natagpuan namin ang Mesias!" Ang kahulugan ng salitang ito'y Cristo. At siya'y isinama ni Andres kay Jesus. Tiningnan ni Jesus si Simon at sinabi sa kanya, 'Ikaw si Simon na anak ni Juan. ang ipangangalan sa iyo'y Cefas." Ang katumbas ng pangalang ito'y Pedro. 

Reflection for January 3, Tuesday before Epiphany: John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.”  

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

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Reflection:

When John was asked by the priest and Levites to confirm if he is the messiah he instead said: “I am not the messiah” (John 1:20). It never came to the thought of John to assume and pretend that he was the messiah. From the very start John knew his role, he knew that he was just the precursor. That’s why he said: “I must decrease and He must increase” (John 3:30).  

Let us take a closer look at the life of John, he lived a simple life, he shunned publicity, he was humble, he never took credit for the things that was attributed to him. He instead always pointed to Jesus.  

John is the epitome of a self-assured humble man who is content to do the role that was given to him by God. Fame, power even fortune was within his reach but he was never tempted to grab it. John is so unlike with many of us who will always take hold of every opportunity to gain credit. 

By virtue of our baptism each and everyone of us especially those who know something about our faith are called by God to be like John. To let God shine at all times, and never be tempted to upend God for our own personal gains.  

We must not use God for us to become popular and powerful. For true service for God and His people are not about popularity or about power. True service for God happens when we silently and humbly do our task. And we do it for the greater glory of God and not for our own glory! 

John chose humility and simplicity; he chose to highlight Jesus more than himself.  Let us also choose humility and simplicity and let us also bring to light Jesus in our lives. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 3 Martes bago ang Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 1:29-34

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:29-34

Kinabukasan, nakita ni Juan si Hesus na lumalapit sa kanya. Sinabi niya, “Ito ang Kordero ng Diyos. Ito ang nag-aalis ng mga kasalanan ng sanlibutan! Siya ang tinutukoy ko nang sabihin kong dumarating na kasunod ko ang isang higit sa akin sapagkat siya’y siya na bago pa ako ipanganak. Hindi ko rin siya lubos na nakikilala noon, bagamat ako’y naparitong nagbibinyag sa tubig upang ipakilala siya sa Israel.”  

Ito ang patotoo ni Juan, “Nakita ko ang Espiritung bumababa buhat sa langit, gaya ng isang kalapati, at nanatili sa kanya. Hindi ko nga siya lubos na nakikilala noon, ngunit ang nagsugo sa akin upang magbinyag sa tubig ang nagsabi sa akin, ‘Makikita mo ang Espiritu na bababa at mananatili sa isang tao – siya ang magbibinyag sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo.’ Nakita ko ito, at pinatototohanan kong siya ang Anak ng Diyos.”

Reflection for Monday January 2, Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you? He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah? And he said, “I am not. “Are you the Prophet? He answered, No. So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” 

He said: 

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said. Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet? John answered them “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize the one who is coming after me whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie. This happened in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

How would we start this New Year as followers of the Lord? 

Let us start the year right by emulating the humility of John; he purposely decreased as Jesus increased. John was not publicity hungry and he shunned honor even if he richly deserved it. John instead deflected the honor being given to him in favor of Jesus.  

A glass that is full of water will not anymore be able to contain the water that is being poured into it. But the glass that is half-full will still be able to accommodate water.   

This is basically the same with those who are so full of themselves they will not anymore grow in faith. For the simple reason that they think that they already know everything but those who are humble will still grow in faith. This is for the reason that they are like the half-full glass that yearns for more water. 

If we want to grow in faith; we must at all times be humble because humility is the password for us to further grow in faith. And this great virtue of humility was lived by John in favor of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Lunes Enero 2 San Basilio at San Gregorio Nasianseno mga Obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Juan 1:19-28

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:19-28

Nang suguin ng mga Judio sa Jerusalem ang ilang saserdote at Levita upang itanong kung sino siya, sinabi ni Juan ang katotohanan. Sinabi niyang hindi siya ang Mesias. “Kung gayo’y sino ka?” tanong nila. “Ikaw ba si Elias?” “Hindi po,” tugon niya. “Ikaw ba ang Propetang hinihintay namin?” Sumagot siya, “Hindi po.”  

“Sino ka kung gayun?” Tanong nila uli. “Sabihin mo sa amin para masabi namin sa mga nagsugo sa amin. Ano ang masasabi mo tungkol sa iyong sarili?” Sumagot si Juan, “Ako ‘Ang tinig ng isang sumisigaw sa ilang: Tuwirin ninyo ang daraanan ng Panginoon!’” Ang Propeta Isaias ang maysabi nito.  

Ang mga nagtanong ay sugo ng mga Pariseo. Muli nilang tinanong si Juan, “Bakit ka nagbibinyag, hindi pala naman ikaw ang Mesias, ni si Elias, ni ang Propeta?” Sumagot siya, “Ako’y nagbibinyag sa tubig, ngunit nasa gitna ninyo ang isang hindi ninyo nakikilala. Siya ang susunod sa akin, subalit hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag man lamang ng tali ng kanyang panyapak.” Ito’y nangyari sa Betania, sa ibayo ng Jordan na pinagbibinyagan ni Juan. 

Reflection for Sunday January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. 

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:

Do you submit to the will of God? 

The Blessed Mother humbly submitted herself to the will of God she quietly reflected on the uncertainties and surprises that went her way. In the midst of her trepidations she remained faithful to the will of God she was with her son Jesus until the very end of His life on the cross.  

As we begin our new year we will be swimming into the ocean of uncertainties and surprises. Let us be ready by having a positive mindset and by keeping our strong faith in our God. Let us continue to glorify and praise God and let us strive to share and deepen our faith.  

The Lord wants nothing but the best for us; He desires us peace and He wishes to always be with us. Let us open ourselves to the many blessings that the Lord wants to give us. But this will only materialize if we continue to be near His presence and by avoiding sin. 

As we step inside this New Year let us strive to always be near God, let us remain Hopeful and Optimistic for nothing is impossible with God. Let us make the Blessed Mother our prayer partner and our spiritual mother as we wade through the many surprises and uncertainties of this year.  - Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Enero 1, Dakilang Kapistahan ni Maria Ina ng Diyos: Lucas 2:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:16-21 

Noong panahong iyon: nagmamadali silang lumakad patungong Betlehem at nakita nila sina Maria at Jose at ang sanggol na nakahiga sa sabsaban. Kaya't isinaysay nila ang mga sinabi ng anghel tungkol sa sanggol na ito; at nagtaka ang lahat ng nakarinig sa sinabi ng mga pastol.

Natanim sa isip ni Maria ang mga bagay na ito at kanyang pinagbulay-bulay. Umalis ang mga pastol na nagpupuri sa Diyos at nagpapahayag ng kanyang kadakilaan dahil sa lahat ng narinig nila at nakita na ayon sa ibinalita sa kanila ng anghel.

Pagdating ng ikawalong araw ay tinuli ang bata at pinangalanang Hesus – ang pangalang ibinigay ng anghel bago pa siya ipinaglihi.