Reflection for January 27, Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

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

He said, "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

Do you know that God has scattered the seeds of faith in your heart? 

Our knowledge of God always starts with a little idea in our minds. For example, when we were young we know that there’s a God but as to who is this God and what is the role of this God in our life we don’t know it yet. As we mature we nurture this idea by thinking  about God. By going to Holy Mass, by reading the scriptures and by researching about our faith on the internet. 

By doing all these things the little idea that God has given us would now grow bigger until God becomes the stronghold of our life. God now becomes our safe refuge that we always look for during our time of distress.  

However, not all nurture their idea about God and not all seek refuge in God. Many of us seek refuge in our vices and with our friends. Only to discover later that the refuge that they provide are short lived and passing. The only refuge that is forever is God all other refuges that others seek during their time of distress are all tied with the passing of time.  

What is our part in this scheme of scattering of seeds by God? Our part is to help this seeds grow in the hearts of our fellowmen. This we can best do by sharing what we know about God, by living the teachings of God. And by encouraging others to read the scriptures and to attend Holy Mass. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 27, Biyernes ng Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:26-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

Noong panahong iyon, Sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad sa isang naghahasik ng binhi sa kanyang bukid. Pagkatapos niyon, magpapatuloy siya sa kanyang pang araw-araw na gawain, tutubo at lalago ang binhi nang hindi niya nalalaman kung paano. Ang lupa'y siyang nagpapasibol at nagpapabunga ng mga pananim: usbong muna, saka uhay na pagkatapos ay mahihitik sa mga butil. Pagkahinog ng mga butil, agad itong ipagagapas sapagkat dapat ng anihin."  

"Sa ano natin ihahambing ang paghahari ng Diyos?" sabi pa ni Jesus. "Anong talinghaga ang gagamitin natin upang ilarawan ito? Tulad ito ng butil ng mustasa na siyang pinakamaliit sa lahat ng binhi. Kapag natanim at lumago, ito'y nagiging pinakamalaki sa lahat ng puno ng gulay; nagkakasanga ito nang malalabay, anupat ang mga ibon ay nakapamumugad sa mga sanga nito."  

Ang Salita'y ipinangaral ni Jesus sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maraming talinghaga tulad nito, ayon sa makakaya ng kanilang pang-unawa. Hindi siya nangaral sa kanila nang hindi gumagamit ng talinghaga; ngunit ipinaliwanag niya nang sarilinan sa kanyang mga alagad ang lahat ng bagay.

Reflection for Thursday January 26, Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops: Luke 10:1-9

Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

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

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

Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

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Reflection:

Are you doing something to share the teachings of Jesus? 

Like the seventy two which Jesus sent ahead of Him. We too are laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, what is the implication of this to our life? We are also called to share and live the teachings of Jesus. 

Jesus told the disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” This is very true until to this very day. The harvest indeed is plentiful but the laborers are so few. Therefore in our own little way let us also be laborers like the seventy two. Let us spread and live the teachings of Jesus, let us not be afraid for God will be with us.  

Many of us invest so much of our time in laboring for this world alone that we forget to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. But where would our labors for this world bring us? Only here in this world but if we labor for the Lord we go to the Lord’s kingdom after the end of our journey in this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Jesus’ Powerful and Life-Changing Words - 2

 

Si Jesus at ang kanyang Makapangyarihang mga Pananalita - 2

 

Reflection for Wednesday January 25, Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle: Mark 16:15-18

Gospel Mark 16:15-18

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

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

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Reflection:

Do you know of someone who was formerly a critic of the church that eventually converted to become a follower of Jesus?

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how a persecutor of Jesus becomes a follower of Jesus. Often times we are skeptical about them, we don’t believe that they’ve turned a new page in their lives. But nothing is impossible for Jesus; He can do miracles in our lives He can convert us to become His followers. 

Today is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Saul who became Paul is a former persecutor of Jesus and the church that He built. He had nothing but hatred and scorn for the church and its people until Jesus converted Him. 

While he was on a journey going to Damascus he saw a blinding light and he heard a voice that asked him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me (Acts 9:3-4)?” This encounter with Jesus on the road of Damascus was the beginning of Saul’s conversion and it culminated when he regain his sight. 

Everyone of us has a dark past yet the good Lord is always there for us ever ready to convert us. What He only asks from us is our willingness to leave behind our sinful lives and start a new journey with the Lord for the rest of our life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-18

Noong panahong iyon, nagpakita si Hesus sa Labing-isa at sinabi sa kanila, “Humayo kayo sa buong sanlibutan at ipangaral ninyo sa lahat ang Mabuting Balita. Ang sumasampalataya at magpabinyag ay maliligtas, ngunit ang hindi sumampalataya ay parurusahan.  

Ang mga sumampalataya ay magtataglay ng ganitong tanda ng kapangyarihan: sa pangalan ko’y magpapalayas sila ng mga demonyo at magsasalita sila ng mga demonyo at magsasalita ng ibang wika; sila’y hindi maaano dumampot man ng ahas o uminom ng lason; at gagaling ang mga maysakit na mapatungan ng kanilang kamay.” 

Reflection for Tuesday January 24, Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Mark 3:31-35

Gospel: Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” 

But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

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Reflection:

Would you want to be a relative of Jesus? 

Jesus has a very simple requirement for us to become His brother, sister and mother and this is to do the will of God. What does this mean to us? We must feed the hungry, we must help those who need help, we must forgive and pray for those who’ve hurt us. And there are many more selfless actions that we can do, so that we can be called relatives of Jesus.  

It seems simple by reading through it but to live what Jesus wants us to do is another story. Do we really feed the hungry? Are we really quick to forgive? Are we really selfless? The challenge for all of us is to live our faith to the hilt. This means that we must at all times be like Jesus: through our actions, words and through our way of life.  

However, this is easier said than done, yet God in His infinite mercy gives us the opportunity everyday for us to become part of Him. He presents us life situations wherein we could always live what we have learned from Him. 

The reality of life is it’s hard to be a relative of Jesus because many of us don’t undress ourselves with everything that makes us creatures of this world. Such as self-centeredness, arrogance, greed and a lot more negative attitudes. Which makes us relatives of the evil one rather than a relative of Jesus.   

But all is not lost yet, if we want to be a relative of Jesus we must strive to be like Him: His humility, His acts of kindness and His countless selfless actions.  These are the challenges that we must ponder if we want be a true relative of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Enero 24, Sa Francisco de Sales, Obispo at pantas ng Simbahan (Paggunita): Marcos 3:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:31-35

Noong panahong iyon, dumating ang ina at mga kapatid ni Hesus. Sila’y nasa labas ng bahay at ipinatawag siya. Noon nama’y maraming taong nakaupo sa palibot ni Hesus, at may nagsabi sa kanya, “Nariyan po sa labas ang inyong ina at mga kapatid; ipinatatawag kayo.”  

“Sino ang aking ina at mga kapatid?” ani Hesus. Tumingin siya sa mga nakaupo sa palibot niya at nagwika: “Ito ang aking ina at mga kapatid! Sapagkat ang sinumang tumatalima sa kalooban ng Diyos; ay siya kong ina at mga kapatid.” 

Reflection for January 23, Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:22-30

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

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

And if a house is divided against itself that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man.  

Then he can plunder his house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin. For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.

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Reflection:

What is the antidote to evil possession or who can defeat the devil? It’s our faith in Jesus, only Jesus can defeat the devil. Before we only attribute the presence of the devil to evil possession.  But not anymore today!  

The devil of today doesn’t only present itself by way of evil possession. It presents itself in manifold ways such as: greed, lust, covetousness, enslavement to the modernity of time and so forth. Who can defeat the devil today? It’s still Jesus the same Jesus that defeated the devil in our gospel.    

Jesus doesn’t change He is the same Jesus yesterday, today and tomorrow. His power to defeat the devil is still present today as it was present in the gospel. But do we allow Jesus to dwell in our lives? Do we still have time for Him in this era of internet and high-tech gadgets?    

We must at all times give time for Jesus so that we could always ward off the devil from our midst. If we always have Jesus in our life we give no room for the devil to dwell in our life. How do we give time for Jesus? We have to read the inspiring life of Jesus in the bible, we have to be present at Holy Mass as often as we can. And we have to have our personal prayer time for Jesus every day.    

Do you give time for Jesus even for only a minute every day? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 23, Lunes ng Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng mga eskribang dumating mula sa Jerusalem, “Inaalihan siya ni Beelzebul, ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo. Ito ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo!” Kaya’t pinapalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila ang ilang talinghaga: “Paano mangyayaring palayasin ni Satanas si Satanas?” 

Kapag naglaban-laban ang nasasakupan ng isang kaharian, hindi mananatili ang kahariang iyon. At kapag naglaban-laban ang magkakasambahay, hindi mananatili ang sambahayang iyon. Gayun din naman, kapag naghimagsik si Satanas laban sa kanyang sarili at naglaban-laban ang kanyang nasasakupan, hindi magtatagal at darating ang kanyang wakas. 

“Walang makapapasok sa bahay ng isang taong malakas at makaaagaw ng kanyang ari-arian, malibang gapusin muna niya ang taong iyon. Saka pa lamang niya malolooban ang bahay na iyon. 

“Tandaan ninyo ito: maaaring ipatawad sa mga tao ang lahat ng kasalanan at panlalait nila sa Diyos, ngunit ang sinumang lumait sa Espiritu Santo ay hindi mapatatawad. Ang kanyang kasalanan ay hindi mapapawi kailanman.” Sinabi ito ni Hesus sapagkat ang sabi ng ilan, “Inaalihan siya ng masamang Espiritu.”

The Life Changing and Powerful Words of Jesus - 1

 

Ang Nakapagbabago ng buhay at Makapangyarihang mga pananalita ni Jesus - 1

 

Reflection for Sunday January 22, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 4:12-23

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.

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Reflection:

Have you had an experience of a call from Jesus which facilitated a much deeper friendship with the Lord? For example, you have read something about the words of Jesus in the bible and thereafter you felt that He was already directly speaking to you. Calling you to renew your life and become His faithful follower.  

Perhaps the four apostles (Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John) have already heard about Jesus. They might have heard about His baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). Until they saw and heard Jesus up close and personal, calling them to follow Him. That encounter with Jesus resulted to a lifetime discipleship. 

The four apostles were veteran fishermen but deep in their hearts there was still that empty space and they were yearning for something that would finally fill that empty space.

Until their yearning for fulfillment was addressed by their personal encounter with Jesus. After which their lives were never the same again and from thereon they lived their lives with deeper meaning and purpose.

Are you yearning for something meaningful in your life? Yes, you may be financially secure already, but deep inside; you are still looking for that something that is still lacking within you. 

That something is no other than Jesus, the same Jesus who called Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 22, Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 4:12-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:12-23

Noong panahong iyon, nabalitaan ni Hesus na ibinilanggo si Juan, kaya’t bumalik siya sa Galilea. Ngunit hindi na siya sa Nazaret nanirahan kundi sa Capernaum. Ang bayang ito ay nasa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea, sa mga hangganan ng Zabulon at Neftali. Sa gayo’y natupad ang sinabi ni Propeta Isaias:

“Ang lupain ng Zabulon at lupain ng Neftali daanan sa gawing dagat sa ibayo ng Jordan, Galilea ng mga Hentil! Itong bayang nag-apuhap sa gitna ng kadiliman sa wakas ay nakakita ng maningning niyang ilaw!

Liwanag na taglay nito’y siya ngayong tumatanglaw sa lahat ng nalugami sa lilim ng kamatayan!” Magmula noon ay nangaral na si Hesus. Ang sabi niya, Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, sapagkat malapit nang maghari ang Diyos.”

Sa paglalakad ni Jesus sa pampang ng lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya ang  magkapatid na Simon na tinawag na Pedro at Andres na naghahagis ng mga lambat dahil mga mangingisda sila. Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Halikayo, sumunod kayo sa akin, at gagawin ko kayong mangingisda ng tao.”

Agad nilang iniwan ang kanilang mga lambat at sumunod sa kanya. Nagpatuloy siya sa paglakad at nakita naman niya ang magkapatid na Jaime at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo. Nasa bangka sila kasama ng kanilang amang si Zebedeo at nagsusursi ng kanilang lambat.

Tinawag sila ni Jesus. 22 Agad nilang iniwan ang bangka nila at ang kanilang ama, at nag-simulang sumunod sa kanya. Nilibot ni Hesus ang buong Galilea. Nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at ipinangangaral ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos. Pinagaling din niya ang mga tao sa kanilang mga sakit at karamdaman.

Reflection for Saturday January 21, Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr: Mark 3:20-21

Gospel: Mark 3:20-21

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

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Reflection:

Are you quick to judge based on what you see? Jesus was called as someone who is out of His mind by His relatives. Why? Because Jesus dared to do something out of the ordinary. Just imagine instead of enjoying an ordinary life as a carpenter Jesus did the extra-ordinary.  

 Jesus ventured into something that is totally alien to His environment and background. Jesus left His comfort zone to become a nomad, a healer and itinerant preacher. And Jesus relatives couldn’t believe and accept His unorthodox decision.  

This is perhaps the reason why they called Him as someone who is out of His mind. Did Jesus’ relatives really know who He was during that time? Yes, perhaps they knew Him as the son of Mary and Joseph but they had no idea about His true identity. 

They judged Jesus based on their superficial knowledge about Him. The trouble with judging others is it blinds us of our own faults and shortcomings as if we are perfect, as if we don’t sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Enero 21, Santa Agnes, dalaga at martir (Paggunita): Marcos 3:20-21

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:20-21

Noong panahong iyon, pag-uwi ni Jesus, muling nagkatipon ang napakaraming tao, anupa't hindi man lamang makuhang kumain ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad. Nang mabalitaan ito ng kanyang mga kasambahay, sila'y pumaroon upang kaunin siya, sapagkat ang sabi ng mga tao, "Nasisiraan siya ng bait!"

Reflection for January 20, Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:13-19

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

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

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Reflection:

Do you have regular solemn moments of reflection in your life? Solemn moment of reflections concerning your relationship with God, your family and an honest to goodness assessment of your life’s true purpose in this world. 

Jesus had those solemn moments, every now and then He would go to the mountain primarily to pray and commune with God. Then after His private moments in the mountain He would make important decisions. In the gospel, after going to the mountain He called and appointed the twelve apostles.   

We should also have our own private moments with God for us to reflect and know our deeper purpose in this fragile world. We should not allow ourselves to be eaten by the frenetic pace of this world. Otherwise before we know it we are not anymore in touch  with God and God has no more say in our life. This is very dangerous because the moment that God is not anymore in our life that’s also when the devil comes in to temp and eventually destroy our life.  

We therefore must always allocate our daily private moments with God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 20, Biyernes ng Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:13-19

Noong panahong iyon, umahon si Hesus sa kaburulan, kasama ang kanyang mga pinili. Humirang siya ng labindalawa na tinawag niyang mga apostol upang maging kasa-kasama niya, suguing mangaral, at bigyan ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo.  

Ito ang labindalawang hinirang niya: Si Simon na tinagurian niya ng Pedro, Si Santiago at si Juan, na mga anak ni Zebedeo, sila’y tinagurian niyang Boanerges, na ibig sabihi’y mapupusok; sina Andres, Felipe, Bartolome, Mateo, Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at Tadeo; si Simon na makabayan, at si Judas Iscariote na siyang nagkanulo sa kanya.

Reflection for January 19, Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:7-12

Gospel: Mark 3:7-12

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

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

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Reflection:

Why do you follow Jesus? Many were pressing themselves towards Jesus because of His healing touch. Do we also follow Jesus for the reason of the miracles that we can receive from Him? But it’s not all the time that Jesus would heal us. There would be times that we will still be sick no matter how hard we push ourselves towards Jesus. 

Let us not lose faith in Jesus even if He doesn’t heal us physically because the Lord has His own reasons. Perhaps it’s a test of our faith; perhaps Jesus wants us to journey with Him in His suffering towards Calvary. The more that healing seems elusive that more that we must intensely follow Jesus. 

How about the miraculous healings of Jesus? Does Jesus wants His miraculous healings publicized? No! Jesus would never want publicity from His miracles and healings. The more that His actions are unknown the more the He likes it, the more that He is not given credit the more that He appreciates it.  

This is attributed to Jesus’ Humility and Self-effacing behavior. Let us therefore forget about prestige and honor and let us not fret if we are not given honor for the things that we do. It’s already enough that we do silent acts of kindness with no one noticing it.   

Would you want to emulating the humility and self-effacing attitude of Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 19, Huwebes ng Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:7-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:7-12

Noong panahong iyos, umalis si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad at nagpunta sa tabi ng lawa. Sinundan siya ng maraming tao buhat sa Galilea. Nagdatingan din naman ang napakaraming tao mula sa Judea, sa Jerusalem, sa Idumea, sa ibayo ng Jordan, at sa palibot ng Tiro at Sidon nang mabalitaan nila ang lahat ng ginawa ni Jesus.  

Nagpahanda si Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad ng isang bangkang magagamit niya, upang hindi siya maipit ng mga taong dumaragsa. Marami na siyang pinagaling, kaya't pinagdumugan siya ng lahat ng maysakit upang mahipo man lamang nila. Bawat inaalihan ng masamang espiritu na makakita sa kanya ay nagpapatirapa sa harapan niya at sumisigaw, "Ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos!" At mahigpit silang pinagbawalan ni Jesus; ayaw niyang ipasabi kung sino siya.

Reflection for January 18, Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 3:1-6

Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

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

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

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Reflection:

Do you always help when you see somebody in need of help or you sometimes make excuses so that you would not be obliged to help? Like, pretending not to see anyone who is in need of your help. For example you see a poor man who is in dire need of help, what are you going to do to that poor man? Pretend not to see his obvious need of help? 

When Jesus went to the synagogue there was this man with a withered hand. He did not ask Jesus for help but Jesus knew that he needed help so Jesus called him and right there Jesus restored his withered hand.  

All of us also encounter people who are in need of our help. Perhaps many of us simply pretend not to see them for we don’t want to be disturbed. But there are those who would proactively go out of their way to give help even if they are not asked and these people are like Jesus and they have the heart of Jesus.

Let us always be proactive when we give help and let us always be sensitive to their needs. For there really are people who will not ask for help even if they obviously need help. They will simply leave everything in the hands of God and keep silent in the midst of their agony and distress. Therefore, we must do something to help them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 18, Miyerkules ng Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 3:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 3:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, muling pumasok si Jesus sa sinagoga, at naratnan niya roon ang isang lalaking patay ang isang kamay. Kaya't binantayan si Jesus ng ilang taong naroon upang tingnan kung pagagalingin niya ang lalaking iyon sa Araw ng Pamamahinga, para may maiparatang sila sa kanya.  

Tinawag ni Jesus ang lalaking patay ang kamay: "Halika rito sa unahan!" Tinanong niya pagkatapos ang mga tao, "Alin ba ang ayon sa Kautusan: ang gumawa ng mabuti o gumawa ng masama sa Araw ng Pamamahinga? Magligtas ng buhay o pumatay?"Ngunit hindi sila sumagot.  

Habang tinitingnan ni Jesus ang mga nasa paligid niya, galit at lungkot ang nabadha sa kanyang mukha, dahil sa katigasan ng kanilang ulo. Bumaling siya sa lalaki at sinabi, "Iunat mo ang iyong kamay." Iniunat naman ng lalaki ang kanyang kamay at ito'y gumaling. Umalis ang mga Pariseo at nakipagsabwatan sa mga kampon ni Herodes upang ipapatay si Jesus.

Reflection for Tuesday January 17, Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbott: Mark 2:23-28

Gospel Mark 2:23-28

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

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

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Reflection:

What would be your stand if you are made to choose between the observance of the law or the lawful need of your fellowmen? Jesus gives us a clear choice, for Him it’s always the primary need of our fellowmen. As exemplified by His mention of David who violated the Sabbath to address their need to satisfy their hunger. 

Rules and laws are created to create order and to prevent chaos. But there are times that it’s disregarded for a much higher and noble purpose. If the welfare of our fellowmen are at stake their interest  must come first. This is what we must always follow and we must also not create rules to serve our own selfish ends.  

For example, in a family setting, parents would normally have rules for their children to follow. However, we should always be amenable to bend these rules no matter how stringent. We do this if there is a valid need or reason. Stringent rules can also be bent when parents want to show that they love their children more than the implementation of their house rules. 

Jesus is a compassionate God, He would not mind if we violate religious rules for so long as there is a higher and noble purpose. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Enero 17, San Antonio Abad (Paggunita): Marcos 2:23-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:23-28

Isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, naparaan si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad sa tabi ng triguhan. Habang daa'y nangingitil ng uhay ang mga alagad, Kaya't sinabi ng mga Pariseo kay Jesus, "Tingnan mo ang ginagawa ng iyong mga alagad. Bawal iyan kung Araw ng Pamamahinga!"  

Sinagot sila ni Jesus, "Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa ang ginawa ni David noong si Abitar ang pinakapunong saserdote? Nang siya at kanyang mga kasama'y magutom at walang makain, pumasok siya sa bahay ng Diyos at kumain ng tinapay na handog sa Diyos. Ayon sa Kautusan, ang mga saserdote lamang ang may karapatang kumain niyon, ngunit kinain iyon ni David, at binigyan pa ang kanyang mga kasama.  

Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Itinakda ang Araw ng Pamamahinga para sa kabutihan ng tao; hindi nilikha ang tao para sa Araw ng Pamamahinga. Kaya't maging ang Araw ng Pamamahinga ay nasa ilalim ng kapangyarihan ng Anak ng Tao."

Reflection for January 16, Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 2:18-22

Gospel Mark 2:18-22

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast? Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.  

But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them and then they will fast on that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak. If he does, its fullness pulls away, the new from the old, and the tear gets worse. Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

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Reflection:

What is a wineskin? A wineskin is a dried goat or sheep’s skin used as a container for wine this is perhaps the equivalent of wine bottle or wine drum today. What is the relevance of the new wineskin which represents Jesus?  

By our sinfulness we become the old wine that is not fit to be poured into the new wineskin. But if we desire to be poured into the new wineskin we have to decide to leave behind our old sinful lives. 

Thus we become new wine that is very much appropriate for the new wineskin. And the moment we are poured into this new wineskin we become secure. In other words the new wineskin which is Jesus Himself becomes our security blanket. Jesus is always offering Himself to us so that we can have a new life in this world. What He only asks from us is to leave behind our sinfulness.  

Has sin done us any good? No it did no good to us and it will never do good to us in the future! We therefore have to leave it behind so that we could journey in this world hand in hand with our new wineskin and our security blanket which is none other than Jesus. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 16, Lunes ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 2:18-22

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:18-22

Noong panahong iyon, nag-aayuno ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista at mga Pariseo. May lumapit kay Jesus at nagtanong, "Bakit po nag-aayuno ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista at ang mga alagad ng mga Pariseo, ngunit ang mga alagad ninyo'y hindi?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Makapag-aayuno ba ang mga panauhin sa kasalan samantalang kasama nila ang lalaking ikinasal? Hindi! Kapag wala na ang ikinasal, saka pa lamang sila mag-aayuno. 

"Walang nagtatagpi ng bagong kayo sa lumang kasuutan; pag urong ng bagong kayo, mababatak ang luma at lalong lalaki ang punit. Wala rin namang nagsisilid ng bagong alak sa lumang sisidlang-balat. Kapwa masasayang ang alak at ang sisidlan. Bagong alak, bagong sisidlang-balat!"

Reflection for Sunday January 15, Feast of the Sto. Nino (Philippines): Matthew 18:1-5, 10

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. 

And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”

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Reflection:

Why did the disciples ask Jesus: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” Were they expecting that Jesus would tell them that they’re the greatest in the kingdom of heaven because they are His disciples?  

Instead, Jesus called a child and said: “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4) 

The key that can unlock for us the kingdom of heaven is the humility of a child that we must always emulate. The key that can invite the grace of the Holy Spirit upon us is the same childlike humility. 

 It’s no brainer to ask why a child and not an adult?  Unlike adults, children have the simplest and purest minds. Children are not tainted by any form of sin and they are docile humble and obedient. Adults like us are sinful we defy God’s commandments to satisfy our whims and caprices. 

Life nowadays is not easy as well many of our children today are also more exposed to poverty than before. We just need to open our eyes wide and we would see it. What intervention can we do to help these children? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Sunday January 15, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: 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 the sky 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:

Would we be willing to give our life so that others may live? Jesus did that for us, He gave His very life on the cross so that we may live and have life. What have we given Jesus in return? Have we thought of silently helping the poor and unwanted which Jesus always represent? 

We often have this me and myself mentality; me first, myself first before the wellbeing of others. But Jesus did not think of Himself first, it was us first and never Himself otherwise He would not have freely given His life on the cross.  

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world as John the Baptist referred Him to be in our gospel. Let us not simply forget this ultimate sacrifice of Jesus by doing nothing, by not helping the poor and unwanted. We have to do something good for them no matter how small or insignificant for this is our responsibility. 

Just imagine the good that we will be doing if we would help the poor and unwanted. What we do to the poor and unwanted we do to Jesus. We help the poor we help Jesus, we give water and food to the poor and unwanted we give it to Jesus. Let us never worry for whatever help that we silently give to the poor Jesus will give back to us in manifold ways. 

Have you silently given help to the poor? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 15, Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: 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 January 14, Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 2:13-17

Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me. And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus heard this and said to them “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

Are we sometimes quick to judge those who sin? For example, we judge somebody as sinner because of his/her sinful lifestyle. 

However, the moment we judge we also begin to distance ourselves from the person that we judge. And in doing so we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to convert this person.

Those who sin are not permanent sinners there comes a certain point in their lives that they want to change. This change is facilitated when they are not judged for the things that they’ve done. Instead, they are listened, forgiven and given the freedom to live a new life.  

Jesus in our gospel reading did not judge Levi a tax collector and labeled as a sinner by those who know him. What did Jesus do? Instead of judging or even condemning Levi; He went to Levi talked to him and told Levi to come and follow Him. And immediately Levi left whatever that he was doing and followed Jesus.

What if Jesus judged Levi as sinner and told Levi that that he deserves to be roasted in hell? There would have been no conversion and healing on the part of Levi. These acts of mercy, compassion and forgiveness of Jesus should serve as a lesson for all of us.

If we want conversion from sinners, we should not judge them. Because who are we to judge when we are also sinners like them? We should instead help them live a new life permanently away from their former sinful lives. - Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 14, Sabado ng Unang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 2:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, muling pumunta si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea. Sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao, at sila’y tinuruan niya. Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad at nakita niya si Levi na anak ni Alfeo, nakaupo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Tumindig naman si Levi at sumunod. 

Nang si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay kumakain sa bahay ni Levi, nakisalo sa kanila ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanang sumunod sa kanya. Nakita ito ng ilang eskribang kabilang sa pangkat ng mga Pariseo at tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, “Bakit siya sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan?” 

Narinig ito ni Hesus, at siya ay sumagot, “Hindi nangangailangan ng manggagamot ang walang sakit, kundi ang maysakit. Naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal.”