Reflection for March 16, Thursday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 11:14-23

Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. 

But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? 

Therefore, they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe.  But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

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Reflection:

Is the devil real?  

The devil is real and he's a pervading influence in our society and in our political system as well. This is the reason why every now and then we get to hear stories of killings, corruption and abuse of authority of political leaders not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. 

In the same vein, the devil is also an insidious presence inside the family. This is the reason why there are separation and infidelity inside the marriage covenant. Who can defeat the influence of the devil in our society’s political system and in our respective families? It’s Jesus and our practice of our faith in Jesus.  

Many of us profess to be believers in Jesus and many of our politicians are graduates of catholic schools. Yet there are plunderers and killers in government nowadays, yet there are many broken families. Why is this so? This is for the reason that many of us are believers in name only. Many of us attend Holy Mass but we don’t live the grace of Holy Mass.  

If only we would allow our faith in Jesus to take root deep into our bones, our country would be progressive. If only we would allow our faith in Jesus to take center stage in our respective families there would also be less broken marriages.  

Let us think about how many times we have betrayed our faith in Jesus. In exchange for the salivating offers of Satan which sooner or later will only destroy us. We therefore have to immediately reject Satan the moment it manifest itself upon us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 16, Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Lucas 11:14-23

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 11:14-23

Noong panahong iyon, pinalayas ni Jesus ang isang demonyong sanhi ng pagkapipi ng isang lalaki, at ito'y nakapagsalita na mula noon. Nanggilalas ang mga tao, ngunit may ilan sa kanila ang nagsabi, "Si Beelzebul na prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo." 

May iba namang nais siyang subukin, kaya't nagsabi, "Magpakita ka ng kababalaghang magpapakilala na ang Diyos ang sumasaiyo. Ngunit batid ni Jesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya't sinabi sa kanila, "babagsak ang bawat kahariang nahahati sa magkakalabang pangkat at mawawasak ang mga bahay roon. 

Kung maghimagsik si Satanas laban sa kanyang sarili, paano mananatili ang kanyang kaharian? Sinasabi ninyong nagpapalayas ako ng demonyo sapagkat binigyan ako ni Beelzebul ng kapangyarihang ito. Kung ako'y nagpapalayas ng demonyo sa pamamagitan ni Beelzebul, sino naman ang nagbigay ng kapangyarihan sa inyong mga tagasunod na magbigay na makagawa ng gayon? 

Sila na rin ang nagpapatunay na maling-mali kayo. Ngayon, kung ako'y nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos, nangangahulugang dumating na sa inyo ang paghahari ng Diyos. 

"Kapag ang isang taong malakas at nasasandatahan ay nagbabantay sa kanyang bahay, malayo sa panganib ang kanyang ari-arian. Ngunit kung salakayin siya at talunin ng isang taong higit na malakas, sasamsamin nito ang mga sandatang kanyang inaasahan at ipamamahagi ang ari-ariang inagaw. "Ang hindi panig sa akin ay laban sa akin, at nagkakalat ang hindi tumutulong sa aking mag-ipon.

1Reflection for March 15, Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent: Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.   

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”

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Reflection:

What is life without Jesus? It’s barren, chaotic and without peace. What is life without following the laws of God? It’s the same as well.  Jesus comes into our lives to make it meaningful, peaceful and productive. Not meaningful, peaceful and productive in the eyes of our fellowmen but meaningful and productive in His eyes.   

When we break the laws of God we also distance ourselves from the love of Jesus. For example, if a politician shows in his public image that he is a follower of Jesus. He will not break the law by stealing money from the coffers of the government, etc.  

 He will not break the law of God by siding with those who are espousing anti life/poor laws such as legalization of abortion, death penalty and the like. Otherwise, he is only using Jesus to serve his own hidden agenda. Same goes for a priest/man of God who professes to follow Jesus. He/she should not break the law by engaging in sexual or homosexual relationships.  

There’s always a reward that awaits those who follow the laws of God. And there’s always a reward that awaits those who follow Jesus and His commandments. It may not be the reward that we expect it to be but there would certainly be a reward. 

How about those who violate the law/s? Of course, the wrath of God will be due them sooner or later. Why? Because that is the unwritten law of the universe. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 15, Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Mateo 5:17-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:17-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong akalaing naparito ako upang pawalang bisa ang Kautusan at ang aral ng mga propeta. Naparito ako, hindi upang pawalang-bisa kundi para ipaliwanag at ganapin ang mga iyon. Tandaan ninyo ito: magwawakas ang langit at ang lupa, ngunit ang kaliit-liitang bahagi ng Kautusan ay di mawawalan ng bisa hangga't hindi nagaganap ang lahat. 

Kaya't sinumang magpawalang-halaga kahit sa kaliit-liitang bahagi nito, at magturo nang gayon sa mga tao, ay ibibilang na pinakamababa sa kaharian ng Diyos. Ngunit ang gumaganap ng Kautusan at nagtuturo na tuparin iyon ay ibibilang na dakila sa kaharian ng Diyos."

Reflection for March 14, Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent: Matthew 18:21-35

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 

Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. 

Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! 

I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about an unforgiving man who would always harbor resentment towards those who have hurt him. Be unforgiving was always his attitude towards those who did him wrong until he had a heart attack. After he recovered from his sickness, he decided not to keep any resentment anymore and he subsequently felt like a bird freed from a cage.   

Is it normal for us to harbor resentment/anger? Yes of course for we are humans with emotions. But we must not let our anger/resentment control us by allowing it safe harbor in our hearts for so long. Therefore, after that moment wherein we let our feeling of resentment control us let us quickly allow Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness to take over our selfish and destructive feelings.  

In the gospel Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?"  Jesus answered, "I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times (Matthew 18:21-22). 

This is a very simple yet very effective teaching about forgiveness for us from Jesus. In other words the Lord is saying to us that we should always be forgiving. It’s normal for us to be hurt but let us not allow these hurtful feelings to control and to wound us permanently. Hence, we can only be freed from the vicious control of anger which by the way comes from the devil, if we forgive those who have hurt us. 

What if we don’t forgive? We are only hurting ourselves if we don’t forgive and we only put ourselves in an invisible prison cell called unforgiveness. And then this unforgiveness will sooner or later bring us down until we self-destruct.   

What if we follow Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, how would we feel?  We feel light and free and we have no burden in our hearts. Don’t we all want to feel light, to feel free and without any burdens and hurtful feelings in our hearts? 

There are two options before us: To follow Jesus’ teaching on infinite forgiveness or we continue to punish and burden ourselves by unforgiveness. The wisdom filled choice is to follow Jesus’ teaching. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 14, Martes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Mateo 18:21-35

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:21-35

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit si Pedro at nagtanong kay Hesus, “Panginoon, makailan kong patatawarin ang aking kapatid na paulit-ulit na nagkakasala sa akin? Makapito po ba?” Sinagot siya ni Hesus, “Hindi ko sinasabing makapito, kundi pitumpung ulit pa nito. 

Sapagkat ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: ipinasiya ng isang hari na pagbayarin ang kanyang mga lingkod na may utang sa kanya. Unang dinala sa kanya ang isang may utang na sampung milyung piso. Dahil sa siya’y walang ibayad, iniutos ng hari na ipagbili siya, ang kanyang asawa, mga anak, at lahat ng ari-arian, upang makabayad. 

Nanikluhod ang taong ito sa harapan ng hari at nagmakaawa: ‘Bigyan pa ninyo ako ng panahon, at babayaran ko sa inyo ang lahat.’ Naawa sa kanya ang hari kaya ipinatawad ang kanyang mga utang at pinayaon siya. “Ngunit pagkaalis niya roon ay nakatagpo niya ang isa sa kanyang kapwa lingkod na may utang na limandaang piso sa kanya. 

Sinunggaban niya ito at sinakal, sabay wika: ‘Magbayad ka ng utang mo!’ Naglumuhod iyon at nagmakaawa sa kanya: ‘Bigyan mo pa ako ng panahon at babayaran kita.’ Ngunit hindi siya pumayag; sa halip ipinabilanggo niya ang kanyang kapwa lingkod hanggang sa ito’y makabayad. Nang makita ng kanyang mga kapwa lingkod ang nangyari, sila’y labis na nagdamdam; pumunta sila sa hari at isinumbong ang nangyari. 

Kaya’t ipinatawag siya ng hari. ‘Ikaw – napakasama mo!’ Sabi niya. ‘Pinatawad kita sa utang mo sapagkat nagmakaawa ka sa akin. Nahabag ako sa iyo; hindi ba dapat ka ring mahabag sa kapwa mo?’ At sa galit ng hari, siya’y ipinabilanggo hanggang sa mabayaran niya ang kanyang utang. Gayun din ang gagawin sa inyo ng aking Amang nasa langit kung hindi ninyo patatawarin ang inyong kapatid.

Words of Wisdom - 8

 

Mga salita na puno ng Aral at Karunungan - 10

 

Reflection for March 13, Monday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 4:24-30

Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 

It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. 

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

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Reflection:

Do we expect Jesus to bless us abundantly because we always pray and do good? How would we feel if our expectation is not meet by Jesus?  Would we now be indifferent to Jesus? 

We cannot fathom the mind of God, there are times that His decisions will not fit our own comprehension. We nevertheless should continue to be faithful to Him even if His will is often times not attuned to our own will. In His own time God would eventually give us what we want, we simply have to be patient. 

In our gospel the people of Nazareth is angry with Jesus for the simple reason that what Jesus said did not fit their expectation. Their minds were already conditioned to believe their own expectations. But we cannot read the mind of Jesus and we cannot put Jesus in a box because His decisions and His answers to our prayers are often times out of the box. 

We simply have to believe and hold on to our faith in Jesus no matter what happens. Even if sometimes or even often times His decisions doesn’t fit our own selfish expectations. Who knows one of these days when we least expect it Jesus will suddenly give us what we want. 

Let us continue to have faith in Jesus even if He is not meeting our expectations for He knows what is best for us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 13, Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Lucas 4:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:24-30

Nang dumating si Hesus sa Nazaret, sinabi niya sa mga nasa sinagoga: “Tandaan ninyo: walang propetang kinikilala sa kanyang sariling bayan. Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming babaing balo sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Elias nang hindi umulan sa loob ng tatlong tao’t kalahati at magkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa buong lupain. 

Subalit hindi sa kaninuman sa kanila pinapunta si Elias kundi sa isang babaing balo sa Sarepta, sa lupain ng Sidon. Sa dinami-dami ng mga ketongin sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Eliseo, walang pinagaling isa man sa kanila; si Naaman pang taga-Siria ang pinagaling.”  

Galit na galit ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga nang marinig ito. Nagtindigan sila, at ipinagtabuyan siyang palabas, sa taluktok ng burol na kinatatayuan ng bayan, upang ibulid sa bangin. Ngunit dumaan siya sa kalagitnaan nila at umalis.

Mga salita mula sa Biblia na nagbibigay ng Lakas ng Loob - 1

 

Inspirational Words from the Bible - 1

 

Reflection for Sunday March 12, Third Sunday of Lent: John 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42 or John 4:5-42

Gospel: John 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42

Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask  me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” —For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.—

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink, ‘ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.

“I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews.

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.”

Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking with you.”

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him. When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” 

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Reflection:

Do you want to have an encounter with Jesus? 

The gospel is so pregnant with the encounter narrative at Jacob’s well between Jesus and the Samaritan woman.  Jesus went to the well to rest and the woman went to the well to get water. Was it purely coincidence that the woman met Jesus at Jacob’s well? 

I don’t think so, Jesus went to the well because he was expecting the woman to go there.  So they met and a conversation ensued, during their conversation the woman felt something that she never felt before in her entire life. Why? Because the woman found out that Jesus knew everything about her life and Jesus spoke to her in a personal and enlightening manner. 

At the end of the gospel, the woman was converted simply because of that up close and personal encounter at Jacobs well. 

Do you know that the Lord is also wishing for an up close and personal encounter with you this lent? The Lord wants to have a conversation with you also, the Lord wants to know more about you: Your life, your problems, your fears and even your darkest secrets. 

But you first have to find your own Jacob’s well or your own quite place where you can be alone with the Lord. And when you find that quite place go there and once there already close your eyes and begin a silent conversation with the Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Marso 12, Ikatlong Linggo ng Apatnapung araw na Paghahanda: Juan 4: 5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42 or Juan 4:5-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 4: 5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42 

Noong panahong iyon: Dumating si Hesus sa isang bayan sa Samaria, na tinatawag na Sicar, malapit sa bukid na ibinigay ni Jacob sa kanyang anak na si Jose. Dito matatagpuan ang balon ni Jacob. Umupo si Hesus sa tabi nito, sapagkat siya’y napagod sa paglalakbay. Halos katanghaliang-tapat na noon.

May isang Samaritanang dumating upang umigib. SInabi ni Hesus sa kanya, “Maari bang makiinom?” Wala noon ang kanyang mga alagad sapagkat bumili ng pagkain sa bayan. Sinabi sa kanya ng Samaritana, “Kayo’y Judio at Samaritana ako! Bakit kayo humihingi sa akin ng inumin?” Sapagkat, ‘hindi nakikitungo ang mga Judio sa mga Samaritano. Sumagot si Hesus, “Kung alam lamang ninyo kung ano ang ipinagkakaloob ng Diyos, at kung sino itong humihingi sa inyo ng inumin, marahil ay kayo ang hihingi sa kanya, at kayo nama’y bibigyan niya ng tubig na nagbibigay-buhay.” 

“Ginoo,” wika ng babae, “malalim ang balong ito at wala man lamang kayong panalok. Saan kayo kukuha ng tubig na nagbibigay-buhay? Higit pa ba kayo kaysa aming ninunong si Jacob, na nagbigay sa amin ng balong ito? Uminom siya rito, pati ang kanyang mga anak, at ang kanyang mga hayop.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ang uminom ng tubig na ito’y muling mauuhaw. Ito’y magiging isang bukal sa loob niya, babalong, at magbibigay sa kanya ng buhay na walang hanggan.” 

Sinabi ng babae, “Ginoo, kung gayun po’y bigyan ninyo ako ng tubig na sinasabi ninyo, Nang hindi na ako mauhaw, ni pumarito pa upang sumalok. Ginoo, sa wari ko’y propeta kayo. Dito sa bundok na ito sumamba sa Diyos ang aming mga magulang, ngunit sinasabi ninyong mga Judio, na sa Jerusalem lamang dapat sambahin ang Diyos.” Tinugon siya ni Hesus, “Maniwala ka sa akin, Ginang, dumarating na ang panahon na sasambahin ninyo ang Ama, hindi lamang sa bundok na ito o sa Jerusalem. 

Hindi ninyo nakikilala ang inyong sinasamba, ngunit nakikilala namin ang aming sinasamba, sapagkat ang kaligtasan ay galing sa mga Judio. Ngunit dumarating na ang panahon – ngayon na nga – na ang mga tunay na sumasamba sa Ama ay sasamba sa kanya sa espiritu at sa katotohanan. Sapagkat ito ang hinahanap ng Ama sa mga sumasamba sa kanya. Ang Diyos ay Espiritu kaya dapat siyang sambahin sa espiritu at sa katotohanan.”

Sinabi ng babae, “Nalalaman ko pong paririto ang Mesiyas, ang tinatawag na Kristo. Pagparito niya, siya ang magpapahayag sa atin ng lahat ng bagay.” “Akong nagsasalita sa iyo ang tinutukoy roon,” sabi ni Hesus. Maraming Samaritano sa bayang yaon ang sumampalataya kay Hesus. Kaya’t paglapit ng mga Samaritano kay Hesus, hiniling nila na tumigil muna siya roon; at nanatili siya roon nang dalawang araw.

At marami pang sumampalataya nang mapakinggan siya. Sinabi nila sa babae, “Nananampalataya kami ngayon, hindi na dahil sa sinabi mo kundi dahil sa narinig namin sa kanya. Nakilala naming siya nga ang Tagapagligtas ng sanlibutan.”

Reflection for March 11, Saturday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. 

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. 

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.” 

’So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. 

But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

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Reflection:

Can we measure the love of God? 

The infinite love of God is showcased in our gospel today. The loving and infinitely forgiving father is no other than God. And the repentant younger son who squandered all of his inheritance through debauchery and sinful living could be anyone of us. 

We may think that because of our many sins we are already beyond reach by God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. No, the Lord can still reach us no matter how far we have strayed. Why?  For the reason that God’s love is pervading and infinite. It’s like the sun which is available to all of us no matter the sins that we have committed and no matter who we are. 

But for us to be reached by this infinite and pervading love of God. We must first be willing to repent from all of our sins. And we must be willing to humble ourselves before God. We have to humbly admit and realize that we are all sinners. Thus, just like the younger son we too are in need of God’s mercy, love and forgiveness.   

It’s about time that we return back to our forgiving, merciful and loving God. It’s about time that we repent and leave behind us our sinful lives and those people who influence us to commit sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 11, Sabado sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Lucas 15: 1-3, 11-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 15: 1-3, 11-32

Noong panahong iyon, ang mga publikano at ang mga makasalanan ay nagsisilapit upang makinig kay Hesus. Nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Pariseo at ang mga eskriba. Ang sabi nila: “Ang taong ito’y nakikisalamuha sa mga makasalanan at nakikisalo sa kanila.”

Kaya’t sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus ang talinghagang ito: “Isang tao ang may dalawang anak na lalaki. Ang wika ng bunso, ‘Ama, ibigay na po ninyo sa akin ang mamanahin ko.’ At binahagi sa kanila ng ama ang kanyang ari-arian. Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, ipinagbili ng bunso ang kanyang ari-arian at nagtungo sa malayong lupain, taglay ang buo niyang kayamanan, at doo’y nilustay na lahat sa di wastong pamumuhay.  

Nang malustay na niya ang kanyang kayamanan, nagkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa lupaing yaon, at nagdalita siya. Kaya’t namasukan siya sa isang mamamayan ng lupain yaon. Siya’y pinapunta nito sa bukid upang mag-alaga ng baboy. Ibig sana niyang punan ang kanyang pagkain kahit ng mga bungang-kahoy na ipinakakain sa mga baboy ngunit walang magbigay sa kanya.  

Nang mapag-isip-isip niya ang kanyang ginawa, nasabi niya sa sarili, ‘Ang mga alila ng aking ama ay may sapat na pagkain – at lumalabis pa – samantalang ako’y namamatay ng gutom dito! Babalik ako sa kanya, at sasabihin ko, “Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak; ibilang na lamang ninyo akong isa sa inyong mga alila.”, At tumindig siya at pumaroon sa kanyang ama. 

“Malayo pa’y natanawan na siya ng ama at ito’y labis na nahabag sa kanya, kaya’t patakbo siyang sinalubong, niyakap, at hinagkan. Sinabi ng anak, ‘Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak.’ Ngunit tinawag ng ama ang kanyang mga alila, ‘Madali! Dalhin ninyo rito ang pinakamahusay na damit at isuot sa kanya.  

Suutan siya ng singsing at panyapak. Kunin ang pinatabang guya at patayain; kumain tayo at magsaya! Sapagkat namatay na ang anak kong ito; ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan.’ At sila’y nagsaya. 

"Nasa bukid noon ang anak na panganay. Umuwi siya, at nang malapit na sa bahay ay narinig niya ang tugtugan at sayawan. Tinawag niya ang isa sa mga alila at tinanong: 'Bakit? May ano sa atin?' Dumating po ang inyong kapatid!' tugon ng alila. 'Ipinapatay ng iyong ama ang pinatabang guya, sapagkat nagbalik siyang buhay at walang sakit.' 

Nagalit ang panganay at ayaw itong pumasok sa bahay. Kaya't lumabas ang kanyang ama at inamu-amo siya. Ngunit sinabi nito, 'Pinaglingkuran ko po kayo sa loob ng maraming taon, at kailanma'y hindi ko kayo sinuway. Ngunit ni minsa'y hindi ninyo ako binigyan ng kahit isang bisirong kambing para magkatuwaan kami ng aking mga kaibigan. 

Subalit nang dumating ang anak ninyong lumustay ng inyong kabuhayan sa masasamang babae, ipinagpatay pa ninyo ng pinatabang guya!' Sumagot ang ama, 'Anak, lagi kitang kapiling. Lahat ng ari-arian ko'y sa iyo. Ngunit dapat tayong magsaya at magalak, sapagkat namatay na ang kapatid mo, ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan. 

Reflection for March 10, Friday of the Second Week of Lent: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. 

Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 

What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? 

Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

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Reflection:

One of the gifts that God gave us is our Catholic faith, Jesus gave this to us through our baptism. Does this gift of faith end with our baptism? No, Jesus is also expecting us to share this gift of our baptism by living and sharing our faith.  

We read in our gospel this Friday that there was a landowner who leased his vineyard to some tenants. After a period of time the landowner was now demanding his share of their produce. But they did not give him his share. The tenants were ruled by greed that they kept to themselves the fruits of the vineyard. 

The same is true with the gift of faith that Jesus gave us, Jesus expects us to share the fruits of our faith. Let us not be content with the status quo or inaction let us move and do something so that we could share our faith for this is what Jesus demands from us.  

For example, why don’t we share our faith with the members of our family by inviting them to go to Holy Mass? Why don’t we share our catholic faith with them by having a regular time for family reflection about the words of Jesus in the bible?  Or perhaps by praying the Holy Rosary which can certainly strengthen the unity of the family.  

What have you done so far with this gift of faith that Jesus gave you through the Sacrament of Baptism? Have you shared it already? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 10, Biyernes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan: "Pakinggan ninyo ang isa pang talinghaga. May isang taong nagtanim ng ubas sa kanyang bukid, at ito'y binakuran niya. Gumawa siya roon ng pisaan ng ubas, at nagtayo ng isang mataas na bantayan. 

Pagkatapos, kanyang iniwan sa mga kasama ang ubasan, at siya'y nagtungo sa ibang lupain. Nang dumating ang panahon ng pitasan, pinapunta ng may-ari ng ubasan ang kanyang mga alipin upang kunin sa mga kasama ang kanyang kaparte. Ngunit sinunggaban ng mga kasama ang mga alipin; binugbog nila ang isa, pinatay ang ikalawa, at binato naman ang ikatlo. 

Pinapunta ng may-ari ang mas maraming alipin, ngunit gayon din ang ginawa ng mga kasama sa mga ito. Sa kahuli-huliha'y pinapunta niya ang kanyang anak na lalaki. 'Igagalang nila ang aking anak,' wika niya sa sarili. Ngunit ng makita ng mga kasama ang anak, sila'y nag-usap-usap: 'Ito ang tagapagmana. Halikayo! Patayin natin ng mapasaatin ang kanyang mamanahin.' Kaya't siya'y sinunggaban nila, inilabas sa ubasan at pinatay. 

"Pagbalik ng may-ari ng ubasan, ano kaya ang gagawin niya sa mga kasamang iyon?" sumagot sila, "Lilipulin niya ang mga buhong na iyon, at paaalagaan ang ubasan sa ibang kasama na magbibigay sa kanya ng kaparte sa panahon ng pamimitas." Tinanong sila ni Jesus, "Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa ang talatang ito sa Kasulatan? 

'Ang batong itinakwil ng mga tagapagtayo ng bahay ang siyang naging batong panulukan. Ginawa ito ng Panginoon, at ito'y kahanga-hanga!' Kaya nga sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi na kayo ang paghaharian ng Diyos kundi ang bansang maglilingkod sa kanya ng tapat. Narinig ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo ang mga talinghaga ni Jesus, at naunawaan nilang sila ang pinatatamaan niya. Darakpin sana nila siya, ngunit natakot sila sa mga tao, sapagkat kinikilala ng mga ito na propeta si Jesus.

Reflection for March 9, Thursday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 16:19-31

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham.   

The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.' 

Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’   

He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.' But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. ’Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who did not believe in God and in the afterlife. He wantonly wasted his life by living a life of sinful pleasures.   It was always a life of immoral satisfaction for him: drugs, sex, and other sinful things, in other words he had no time for God. This became his life because he did not believe in the existence of the afterlife much less God.   

Is there really an afterlife or a life which will immediately replace our present life after our life in this world is over and done with already? The answer is a resounding yes! The gospel shows us that there is an afterlife which is very different from the life that we have today. There in the afterlife exist two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of satan where he  and his minions dwell.   

In the gospel, we see the characters of the unnamed rich and indifferent man and the poor man named Lazarus. The rich man perhaps did not believe in the afterlife or was not aware that there is an afterlife that’s why he did not mind the poor man Lazarus who was in dire need of his help. He nonchalantly ignored Lazarus as if the poor man did not exist.  

When both of them died there was a reversal of places: The poor man Lazarus who endured a difficult life when he was still alive was in the kingdom of God and the rich man who savored earthly life was in the dark kingdom of the devil.   

Why was there a reversal of places? Because the rich man was indifferent to the crying need of the poor man Lazarus. If he only knew that Lazarus was very close to God. If he only knew that Lazarus could have been God in disguise. The lesson for us is very simple, we should not ignore the crying need of the poor and we should always be sensitive to their plight. Why? Because the poor is the physical representation of God in disguise.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 9, Huwebes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Lucas 16:19-31

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 16:19-31

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Pariseo: "May isang mayamang nagdaramit ng mamahalin at saganang-sagana sa pagkain araw-araw. At may isa namang pulubing nagngangalang Lazaro, tadtad ng sugat, na nakalupasay sa may pintuan ng mayaman upang mamulot kahit mumong nahuhulog mula sa hapag ng mayaman. At doo'y nilalapitan siya ng aso at dinidilaan ang kanyang mga sugat.  

Namatay ang pulubi, at dinala ng mga anghel sa piling ni Abraham. Namatay rin ang mayaman, at inilibing. Sa gitna ng kanyang pagdurusa sa Hades, tumingala ang mayaman at kanyang natanaw sa malayo si Abraham, kapiling si Lazaro. At sumigaw siya: 'Amang Abraham, mahabag po kayo sa akin. Utusan ninyo si Lazaro na isawsaw sa tubig ang dulo ng kanyang daliri at palamigin ang aking dila, sapagkat naghihirap ako sa apoy na ito.'  

Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Abraham, 'Anak, alalahanin mong nagpasasa ka sa buhay sa ibabaw ng lupa, at si Lazaro'y nagtiis ng kahirapan. Ngunit ngayo'y inaaliw siya rito, samantalang ikaw'y nama'y nagdurusa. Higit sa lahat, inilagay sa pagitan natin ang isang malaking bangin upang ang mga narini ay hindi makapariyan at ang mga nariyan ay hindi makaparini.' At sinabi ng mayaman, 'Kung gayon po, Amang Abraham, ipinamamanhik ko sa inyong papuntahin si Lazaro sa bahay ng aking ama, sapagkat ako'y may limang kapatid na lalaki.  

Paparoonin nga ninyo siya upang balaan sila at nang hindi sila humantong sa dakong ito ng pagdurusa.' Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Abraham, 'Nasa kanila ang mga sinulat ni Moises at ng mga propeta; pakinggan nila ang mga iyon.' 'Hindi po sapat ang mga iyon,' tugon niya, 'Ngunit kung pumunta sa kanila ang isang patay na muling nabuhay, tatalikdan nila ang kanilang mga kasalanan.' Sinabi sa kanya ni Abraham, 'Kung ayaw nilang pakinggan ang mga sinulat ni Moises at ng mga propeta, hindi rin nila paniniwalaan ang isang patay na muling nabuhay.'"  

Reflection for March 8, Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent: Matthew 20:17-28

Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.”  

Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?”  

They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt.  

But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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Reflection:

Why do we desire to follow the Lord?  

If we want to follow we should prepare for the many sacrifices that we have to go through for the greater glory of God. Many of us are averse to sufferings and sacrifices we want a life of ease and comfort. But life of ease and comfort are not the way of life of Jesus for His way of life is laden with trials, humility and sacrifice.   

Using their mother as their emissary the two disciples were aspiring to be great in the eyes of the world yet they were followers of Jesus. Were they really followers or just pretending to be followers? If they were true followers they would have not asked for the best seats beside Jesus.  

Let us not lose sight of the fact that the essence of following Jesus is to serve with humility. It’s not to serve for us to be noticed, admired and respected for these are all ego-tripping and self-advertisement. 

The true follower is not hungry for power, prestige and entitlement. He is content to humbly serve even if nobody would notice him. The more that he is not noticed for what he does for the Lord the more that the Lord would favor it.  

This is the paradox of true discipleship, it contradicts our way of self-centered thinking. It rather directs us to the real essence of discipleship which involves humility and sacrifice. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 8, Miyerkules sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Mateo 20:17-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:17-28

Noong panahong iyon, nang nasa daan na si Hesus patungong Jerusalem, ibinukod niya ang Labindalawa. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Aakyat tayo sa Jerusalem. Doo’y ipagkakanulo sa mga punong saserdote at sa mga eskriba ang Anak ng Tao. Hahatulan siya ng kamatayan, at ibibigay sa mga Hentil. Siya’y tutuyain, hahagupitin at ipapako sa krus; ngunit muli siyang bubuhayin sa ikatlong araw.”  

Lumapit kay Hesus ang asawa ni Zebedeo, kasama ang kanyang mga anak. May ibig siyang hilingin, kaya’t lumuhod siya sa harapan ni Hesus. “Ano ang ibig mo?” tanong ni Hesus. Sumagot siya, “Sana’y ipagkaloob ninyo sa dalawa kong anak na ito ang karapatan na makaupong katabi ninyo sa inyong kaharian – isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa.”  

“Hindi ninyo nalalaman ang inyong hinihingi,” sabi ni Hesus sa kanila. “Makakainom ba kayo sa kopa ng hirap ko?” “Opo”, tugon nila. Sinabi ni Hesus “Ang kopa ng hirap ko ay maiinom nga ninyo. Ngunit wala sa akin ang pagpapasiya kung sino ang mauupo sa aking kanan at sa aking kaliwa. Ang mga luklukang sinasabi ninyo’y para sa mga pinaghandaan ng aking Ama.” Nang marinig ito ng sampung alagad, nagalit sila sa magkapatid.  

Kaya’t pinalapit sila ni Hesus at sinabi sa kanila, “Alam ninyo na ang mga pinuno ng mga Hentil ay naghahari sa kanila, at ang mga dinadakila ang siyang nasusunod. Ngunit hindi ganyan ang dapat na umiral sa inyo. Sa halip, ang sinuman sa inyo na ibig maging dakila ay dapat maging lingkod. Ang sinumang ibig maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ninyo, tulad ng Anak ng Tao na naparito, hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at ialay ang kanyang buhay upang matubos ang marami.”

Reflection for March 7, Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent: Matthew 23:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 

As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

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Reflection:

Do you live what you preach?  

Walk your talk is a language of management, what does this mean? It simply signifies to do what you say and lead by example. For instance, if the leader tells those under him to do this and that, the leader must ensure that he does it first thus he leads the way for his people. 

Many of the Pharisees and the scribes during the time of Jesus were leaders of their communities. And as such they give orders to their people to do this and that, then it ends with giving orders. There was no leadership by example from them, they gave orders and they just stay in their ivory towers observing their subjects.    

Effective leadership for Jesus is leadership by example. These are leaders who walk their talk. For instance, in a family setting if the parents would say to their children, do this and that and observe this discipline and that. To facilitate thorough accomplishment of their orders the parents should lead by example. Thus, they earn the respect of their children. 

Isn’t this advice of Jesus also very useful to our personal lives? If we want our orders to be accomplished and if we want to gain the respect of our people, we must then be ready to lead by example. And this is the way how Jesus lived His life and His leadership. 

How are you as an individual or perhaps as a leader? Are you the type who’s just content of giving orders or you lead by example? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 7, Martes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Mateo 23:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:1-12

Noong panahong iyong, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao at sa kanyang mga alagad, “Ang mga eskriba at ang mga Pariseo ang kinikilalang tagapagpaliwanang ng Kautusan ni Moises. Kaya’t gawin ninyo ang itinuturo nila at sundin ang kanilang iniuutos. Ngunit huwag ninyo tularan ang kanilang gawa, sapagkat hindi nila isinasagawa ang kanilang ipinangangaral. 

Nagbibigkis sila ng mabibigat na dalahin at ipinapasan sa mga tao; ngunit ni daliri ay ayaw nilang igalaw upang tumulong sa pagdadala ng mga iyon. Pawang pakitang-tao ang kanilang mga gawa. Nilalaparan nila ang kanilang mga pilakterya at hinahabaan ang palawit sa laylayan ng kanilang mga damit. Ang ibig nila’y ang mga upuang pandangal sa mga piging at ang mga tanging luklukan sa mga sinagoga. Ang ibig nila’y pagpugayan sila sa mga liwasang-bayan, at tawaging guro. 

Ngunit kayo — huwag kayong patawag na guro, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Guro, at kayong lahat ay magkakapatid. At huwag ninyo tawaging ama ang sinumang tao sa lupa, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Ama, ang Amang nasa langit. Huwag kayong patawag na tagapagturo, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Tagapagturo, ang Mesias. Ang pinakadakila sa inyo ay dapat maging lingkod ninyo. Ang nagpakakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas.”

Reflection for March 6, Monday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 6:36-38

Gospel: Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

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Reflection:

What is this mercy that Jesus speaks about in our gospel today? This is an encompassing mercy, mercy that has no limitation and mercy that we give even to our enemies. Often times our mercy is selective we give mercy to those whom we thought deserves our mercy. But to those who we think doesn’t deserve our mercy we don’t. 

The mercy of Jesus is an encompassing mercy. It’s for all of us regardless of how grave our sins are. It doesn’t discriminate and it’s always there available for us. And we find this mercy of Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through the priest who acts in the person of Jesus we are able to receive this healing and merciful sacrament through the priest absolution of our sins.    

Are we taking advantage of this mercy of Jesus? It may be yes or no, the season of lent is the most opportune time for us to humbly submit to this healing and merciful sacrament. The moment we submit we would feel that a big burden has been lifted off our backs.  

One of the famous lines of the prayer of saint Francis of Asisi states: It is in giving that we receive and It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. Perhaps one of his inspirations when he wrote this prayer is our gospel for today.  

It is indeed true that it is through giving and through our generosity that we will receive more than what we’ve given.   It is in forgiving that we will be forgiven. Who does the giving back of the gifts that we’ve given? Who forgives us when we unconditionally forgive those who’ve hurt us? He is none other than Jesus himself. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Marso 6, Lunes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Lucas 6:36-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:36-38

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: Maging mahabagin kayo gaya ng inyong Ama." "Huwag kayong humatol, at hindi kayo hahatulan ng Diyos. Magpatawad kayo sa inyong kapwa, at patatawarin kayo ng inyong Diyos. Magbigay kayo, at bibigyan kayo ng Diyos: hustong takal, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw pa ang ibibigay sa inyo. Sapagkat ang takalang ginagamit ninyo sa iba ay siya ring gagamitin ng Diyos sa inyo."