Reflection for Sunday July 16, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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Reflection:

Do you give time to listen to Jesus?

Whenever Jesus speaks everyone listens because whatever Jesus talks about is always wisdom filled. Who would not want to listen to someone who imparts wisdom? We all want to listen to a person whose words are full of wisdom. 

But how could we listen to Jesus in this smart phone and social media dominated times? First, is we listen to HIM by reading and reflecting on HIS life and teachings in the bible. Many of us have no more time to open the bible even for a brief moment. Yet we have time for other worldly things that often times bring no value to our life.

Second is we listen to Jesus through our solemn presence at Holy Mass. Because of our many self-created distractions there are times that it’s so hard to allocate time to this Holy and Sacred Celebration. Nevertheless, if we really desire to give time for this holy and sacred celebration we would be able to do it and in return receive unfathomable blessings from it.

Third is we go to the Adoration Chapel to stay there to be with Jesus and allow Him to speak to us. If we can spend time daily using our smart phones,  why can’t we give time for the Lord? There’s an enormous blessings that awaits us whenever we give time to the Lord. 

If only we would care to give time to the Lord we would be like the seed that fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Let us spend more time with Jesus, let us listen more to Him and let us be prepared for the spiritual blessings that will come our way. 

Do you give time for the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hulyo 16, Ika – 15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:1-9

Noon ding araw na iyon, si Hesus ay lumabas ng bahay at naupo sa tabi ng lawa. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng makapal na tao, kaya sumakay siya sa isang bangka at doon naupo. Nasa dalampasigan naman ang mga tao. At nagturo siya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga.  

“May isang magsasakang lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Sapagkat manipis lang ang lupa roon, sumibol agad ang binhing iyon, ngunit nang mapabilad sa matinding sikat ng araw ay natuyo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat.  

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga iyon. Ngunit ang binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa ay nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. Ang may pandinig ay makinig!”

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Repleksyon:

Palagi po ba tayo naglalaan ng oras para makinig kay Jesus?

Dapat tayo po ay nakikinig kay Jesus dahil lahat ng kanyang mga sinasabi ay puno ng mga aral na nagbibigay sa atin ng liwanag at kapanatagan.  

Kung tayo lamang po ay mag lalaan ng oras para makinig sa Panginoon. Tayo ay magiging katulad ng binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa na nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. 

Pag maglaaan po tayo ng oras para kay Jesus tayo ay makakatangap ng maraming biyaya mula sa kanya at magkakaroon ng tamang dereksyon ang ating mga buhay. 

Reflection for Saturday July 15, Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (M): Matthew 10:24-33

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! “Therefore do not be afraid of them. 

Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

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Reflection:

What is the mark of a true and faithful follower of Jesus? It’s the mark of obedience, a true follower will obey the command of Jesus to share His good news. But we  may say that sometimes it’s hard to share Jesus because the environment is not conducive for sharing Jesus. If this is the case when are we going to share Jesus? 

If we wait for the right environment to share Jesus that right environment may not come at all.  As the apostles were commissioned by Jesus to share the gospel we too are tasked to do the same. Let us not wait for the right environment to share Jesus because Jesus Himself will guide us going to that environment which is safe and ripe for evangelization. 

No harm will fall upon us if we share Jesus because we are sharing the good news of humanity’s salvation. If we share Jesus we would be able to change lives and we will be able to give hope which many badly needs today. 

The apostles treated with sacredness their commissioning from Jesus and as a result of it they became very successful in their mission. How about us? When are we going to share Jesus? Would we still wait for the right time and environment? 

Why not share Jesus now? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Hulyo 15, San Buenaventura, Obispo at pantas ng Simbahan (Paggunita): Mateo 10:24-33

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:24-33

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Walang alagad na higit kaysa kanyang guro, at walang aliping higit sa kanyang panginoon. Masiyahan ang alagad na matulad sa kanyang guro, at ang alipin na matulad sa kanyang panginoon. Kung ang puno ng sambahayan ay tinawag nilang Beelzebul, lalo na nilang aalimurahin ang kanyang mga kasambahay!"   

"Kaya huwag kayong matakot sa kanila. Walang natatago na di malalantad, o nalilihim na di mabubunyag. Ang sinasabi ko sa inyo sa dilim, ulitin ninyo sa liwanag; at ang ibinulong sa inyo ay inyong ipagsigawan. Huwag ninyong katakutan ang pumapatay ng katawan ngunit hindi nakapapatay ng kaluluwa.   

Sa halip, ang katakutan ninyo'y ang nakapapatay ng kaluluwa at katawan sa impyerno. Hindi ba ipinagbibili ang maya nang dalawa isang pera? Gayunman, Kahit isa sa kanila'y hindi nahuhulog sa lupa kung hindi kalooban ng inyong Ama. Maging ang buhok ninyo'y bilang na lahat. Kaya, huwag kayong matakot; higit kayong mahalaga kaysa libu-libong maya."   

"Ang sinumang kumilala sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay kikilalanin ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit. Ngunit ang magtatwa sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay itatatwa ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa Langit."

 

 

Do You Know the Health Benefits of Eating Water Spinach (Kangkong)?/Alam mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Kangkong?

 

Reflection for July 14, Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:16-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

(Jesus said to the twelve Apostles) “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. 

You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

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Reflection:

How far would we go for our love for Jesus? Would we be willing to give our life so that HIS teachings would continue to live and spread in the hearts of our fellowmen? 

Jesus needs us today more than any other time because today we see the world being slowly enveloped by the culture of secularization. What are we going to do about this tilting shift toward secularization? Are we just going to stand idly, do nothing and be indifferent to the mission of Jesus? 

If we do nothing because we are afraid to embrace sacrifice and persecution, what will happen to this world? This world will eventually be ruled and populated by people who are not anymore worshippers of God. 

Just look and observe, abortion is prevalent even legal in many countries same as with divorce. Why are these incidents happening now? Because many are afraid to give their life in the service of Jesus many of us now have the mindset of apathy (I am only concerned with my family and my own welfare). 

Our indifference towards the mission of Jesus contributes to the degeneration of the value formation of the people of this world. We therefore must wake up and do our part (No matter how small) to continue to spread the values and teachings of Jesus in this world. We do this not for our own sake anymore we do this for the sake of the future generation which now belongs to our children. 

Just imagine children growing up with a scant idea of who Jesus is? What would happen to them when they grow up and have their own family? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

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

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:16-23

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

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

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

Reflection for July 13, Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

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

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

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

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Reflection:

The story is told about a righteous man who was thinking about the kingdom of God, he was asking himself, when will I feel the kingdom of God? Then, suddenly he had a heart attack and he died after which his soul was ushered by an angel into heaven to be with Jesus. 

The kingdom of God comes to us through the many avenues of life and one of these avenues is though our death. Are we already prepared for death? Many if not all of us would say, not yet for we still have our many preoccupations in life. 

We are so busy with many earthly things but have we been busy with the heavenly things, with the things for God? The things which will bring us to close friendship with Jesus; such as doing good toward others? 

The instruction of Jesus for the apostles is HIS marching order for us as well. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. In other words Jesus is telling us to make a difference in the lives of others most especially the poor. Let us not be selfish, let us rather be sensitive to their needs and we help them for in doing so we bring ourselves closer to the Lord. 

Would we gain financial windfall for doing Jesus mission in this world? No we will not but let us not be afraid to follow the instruction of Jesus. Because when we follow we are already preparing our eternal dwelling in heaven someday. 

What would we gain lf we have all the wealth in this world if we would be hellbound someday?  And if we don’t have God in our heart?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita, Hulyo 13, Huwebes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:7-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga may sakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo. Yamang tumanggap kayo nang walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo nang walang bayad. 

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

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

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

Do You Know the Health Benefits of eating Cabbage? / Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng pagkain ng Repolyo?

 

Reflection for July 12, Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

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

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

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Reflection:

The story is told about an old man that died, when he was about to enter the pearly gates it was Jesus who was at the gate and not St. Peter. So Jesus asked the old man, have you done anything to propagate the faith? The man wasn’t able to reply for he did not do anything to evangelize anyone. 

Perhaps when it will be our time to go through that very same pearly gates who knows this question might be asked of us as well: Have you done anything to spread the faith? How would we answer the Good Lord then? 

When Jesus called the twelve apostles HE told them to evangelize not to the far-flung areas yet. But rather to evangelize those within their sphere of influence first. Perhaps this thought was playing in the mind of Jesus; before you go far ensure first that all those near you have been evangelized first. 

This is the call for all of us today: before we evangelize our neighbors. We must see to it first that those within our family circle have been evangelized already. Parents therefore must see to it that everyone inside their house has already been evangelized. 

For example, it’s so powerful to see the whole family going to Holy Mass every Sunday. When the neighborhood would see it, it sends a powerful message that they too must go to Holy Mass as a family. 

But we are on a selfie mindset today brought about by facebook, social media and the modernity of our time. We have now this culture of I will mind myself, my own worship and my own faith! Which if not corrected would eventually lead us to indifference and selfishness. 

Let us therefore reverse this selfie mindset by gently sharing our faith through our words and actions within our family first.  Have you already shared your faith to your family? – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita, Hulyo 12, Miyerkules ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:1-7

Noong panahong iyon, tinipon ni Jesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpapalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman. 

Ito ang pangalan ng labindalawang apostol: si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; sina Felipe at Bartolome; si Tomas, at si Mateo na publikano; si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo; si Simong Makabayan at si Judas Iscariote, ang nagkanulo kay Jesus. 

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

 

Reflection for Tuesday July 11, Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot: Matthew 9:32-38

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

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

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

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Reflection:

What are you going to do if the good that you do is not appreciated or complimented? For example, you did good to a neighbor but instead of saying, “Thank you” the neighbor accused you of having a hidden agenda for doing good.   

For driving out the demoniac from the mute man Jesus was suspected to be a demon Himself. What an irony of life! But such is life and our fellowmen they sometimes do not appreciate the good that we do for them. It happened to Jesus and it surely will happen to us also: we sometimes will not be appreciated for the good that we do for them.

Jesus in the gospel gives us an idea on what to do when we are not appreciated. Simply continue on doing good for we do not do it to gain personal honor. We humbly do good for the greater glory of God and not for our own glory.

When we do good for God even if we are not appreciated let us not worry for the good Lord sees us. And HE surely knows everything about us including the core of our hearts and minds. The reward is for HIM to give us and not for our fellowmen to give it to us.

Let us therefore not tire of doing good. If we don’t see our reward right now someday we will see it. It may not be in this lifetime but in a different life where there’s no end, worries nor sadness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hulyo 11, San Benito abad (Paggunita): Mateo 9:32-38

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:32-38

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

Nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila'y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol. 

Kaya't sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang aanihin."

Reflection for July 10, Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:18-26

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

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

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

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

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Reflection:

Do you worry that your prayer before the Lord will not be heard? 

Let us not worry for as long as we have faith our prayer will be realized. Why is it that we don’t usually get what we wish for from Jesus? Because we doubt,  and we don’t work for what we want from HIM. 

Some of us would pray but there’s no conviction in our prayers we just pray for the sake of praying. The most powerful prayer is when we pray with conviction and we pray without any sign of doubt in our hearts. And the moment we pray without any doubts we could expect something in return from Jesus for Jesus is a gracious and merciful God. 

We have two stories of prayers with actions and faith in our gospel. Both the man and the woman had prayer request before Jesus and both of them were granted by Jesus for it was prayers with faith and actions. 

Let us therefore always go to Jesus, in good times and in bad, even if we are not in need of HIM let us still go to HIM. This is for the reason that the more we get in touch with Jesus the more that our friendship and faith in HIM is strengthened. 

How are we going to be friends with Jesus? We regularly read HIS life story in the Bible, we ensure our regular presence at Holy Mass and we regularly visit HIM in the Adoration chapel. 

Are you taking action to deepen your friendship with the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 10, Lunes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:18-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:18-26

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

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

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

Reflection for Sunday July 9, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:25-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."

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

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Reflection:

The story is told of two neighbors, one was rich, wise and learned and the other one was a simple and humble man. Naturally being poles apart they both have their own lifestyles. The rich one is fond of expensive things, he had good taste with the finer things in life and he lived a complicated lifestyle.

He trusted in his wealth: whenever he had problems he would always look for comfort on his wealth.  On the other hand the simple man trusted on God he would always pray for his protection and guidance. And he would consistently  attend Sunday Mass; God was always number one in his life.

To be rich is not a sin neither a curse in fact it’s a blessing from God that we must properly take care of. Riches or material possession becomes a curse in one’s life when we put our trust on it. When we regard ourselves so highly that we become domineering and arrogant.

So, what is the right attitude that we should always have especially if we are rich, learned and powerful? The proper behavior to have is to always be humble and simple. If we have almost everything in life the more that we become humble and simple. Jesus has everything yet He chose the less travelled path of simplicity and humility. 

In the first reading the prophet Zechariah echoes the power of Jesus by saying that His dominion shall be from sea to sea. And from the river to the ends of the world; He is meek and rode on an ass.

A person will never go to Jesus if he is full of himself. But the moment that person chooses to become humble and simple, he begins to open his life to Jesus.

When we begin to live Jesus’ life of humility and simplicity we would also clearly begin to discern this invitation of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. (Matthew 11:28-30)” – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hulyo 9, Ika – 14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 11:25-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:25-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus, "Pinasasalamatan kita, Ama, Panginoon ng langit at lupa, sapagkat inilihim mo ang mga bagay na ito sa marurunong at matatalino at inihayag sa mga may kaloobang tulad ng sa bata. Oo, Ama, sapagkat gayon ang ikinalulugod mo.

"Ibinigay sa akin ng aking Ama ang lahat ng bagay. Walang nakakikilala sa Anak kundi ang Ama, at walang nakakikilala sa Ama kundi ang Anak at yaong marapating pagpahayagan ng Anak.

"Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at; nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y pagpapahingahin ko. Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok, at mag-aral kayo sa akin; ako'y maamo at mababang-loob, at makasusumpong kayo ng kapahingahan para sa inyong kaluluwa. Sapagkat maginhawang dalhin ang aking pamatok, at magaan ang pasaning ibibigay ko sa inyo."

Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng Ampalaya? / Do You Know the Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya)?

 

Reflection for July 8, Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:14-17

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

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

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

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Reflection:

Who can make us complete? Its Jesus he only can complete us, the things and power of this world no matter how enormous will never complete us. Our treasures and power will never complete us and if these are not handled properly this may even destroy us.   It will never fill our longing for God because our love for the things of this world only brings us farther from God.     

John’s disciples asked Jesus: "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus meaningfully answered them: "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The wedding guests are the followers of Jesus and the bridegroom is no other than Jesus himself. 

Just like in a wedding banquet wherein the guests are forever joyous the same also with us. We become renewed, happy and complete for we are already with Jesus. We permanently leave behind every aspect of our old sinful selves and everything that made us sin. 

We also throw our fears of what tomorrow may bring us for the simple reason that we  are already with Jesus. With Jesus the fear of the unknown is permanently banished from our system, what would remain is our faith in our Lord and savior. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 8, Sabado ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:14-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:14-17

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

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

1Reflection for July 7, Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

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

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

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Reflection:

Does Jesus have a soft spot for sinners? Yes Jesus has a soft spot for all of us sinners. For example in our gospel HE called a tax collector and a sinful man named Matthew. After calling Matthew Jesus went to Matthew’s house to dine with tax collectors and sinners.   

All of us are sinners and Jesus is continuously calling upon us to leave for good our sinful lives and follow HIM. The gravity of our sins are not anymore important for Jesus what is important for HIM is we respond to HIS call same as how Matthew in our gospel responded.   

Perhaps we may ask, why is Jesus calling us to follow HIM? Among many other reasons Jesus wants us to be freed from the bondage of sin; HE wants us to be enlightened by HIS grace. And Jesus wants to save us from hell where Satan holds court. These are the reasons why Jesus is calling us to follow HIM.   

Your life will never be the same again once you accept this call of Jesus. There will be healing in your family; you will now become averse to commit any form of sin and you will be freed from its bondage.  

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

Do You Know the Health Benefits of Banana?/ Alam Mo ba ang mga Benepisyo ng Saging?

Reflection for July 6, Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8

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

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

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Reflection:

Who brought the paralytic to Jesus? 

Nobody knows because their names were not mentioned by Jesus in the gospel. Jesus knew that those who brought the paralytic to Him were very humble and not very concerned with the credit that they would receive. It was enough for them that they’ve helped this paralytic go to Jesus. 

 After they were through with their mission to bring the paralytic to Jesus they simply blended away with the multitude of people. Not concerned of their good deed and not concerned of the accolade that they could receive. 

How many of us are like those who brought the paralytic to Jesus? They were very humble, very selfless not concerned of the credit and publicity that is rightly due them.  

In our world today where we can easily publicize via social media every good deed that we do. The gospel is teaching us to be silent when we do good for the simple reason that every acts of goodness that we do in secrecy and silence is appreciated more by the Lord. 

 Let us therefore help without any expectation of something in return. Let us help without trumpeting the good deeds that we do because God is more pleased by this kind of attitude. And certainly God rewards more those who help and those who do good in silence and secrecy. 

What is your mindset when you help?– Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 6, Huwebes ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:1-8

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:1-8

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

Isinaloob ng ilang eskribang naroon, "Nilalapastangan ng taong ito ang Diyos." Ngunit batid ni Jesus ang kanilang iniisip kaya't sinabi niya, "Bakit kayo nag-iisip nang ganyan? Alin ba ang mas madali: ang sabihing, 'Ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo,' o ang sabihing, 'Tumindig ka at lumakad'? 

Patutunayan ko na dito sa lupa ang Anak ng Tao'y may kapangyarihang magpatawad ng mga kasalanan." At sinabi niya sa paralitiko, "Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at umuwi ka." Tumindig nga ang lalaki at umuwi. Nang makita ito nang mga tao, sila'y natakot at nagpuri sa Diyos na nagbigay ng ganitong kapangyarihan sa mga tao.

Reflection for July 5, Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:28-34

Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him. They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” 

Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding. The demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. 

The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.

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Reflection:

What can demons do to us if we have Jesus in our lives? Nothing absolutely nothing! We are untouchable by any demonic power if we have Jesus in our lives. But do we still have Jesus in our lives today? 

This is the big question now; do we still have Jesus in our lives today? Or it might be that we are very preoccupied with worldliness that we hardly have time for Jesus anymore. And when we hardly have time for Jesus that is when the devil comes to slowly possess us. 

As evidenced by our gospel today, the demons were no match to Jesus they capitulate in surrender to Jesus. This is the power of Jesus; it can subject anyone including the devil to HIS will. But it’s sad that many of us today don’t realize this anymore for the simple reason that we have no more time for Jesus yet we create time for this world. 

 Where are we leading if we go with this world? It will lead us closer to the devil hiding beneath the many pleasures of this world. We must realize this urgency before it’s too late. Let us disengage ourselves from our worldliness and let us engage Jesus for we will never go wrong with HIM.   

The closer we go to Jesus the farther we go away from the devil. The closer we go to Jesus the more that we have peace and serenity in our lives. Do you believe this? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 5, Miyerkules ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:28-34

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:28-34

Noong panahong iyon, nang dumating si Jesus sa ibayo, sa lupain ng mga Gadenero, sinalubong siya ng dalawang lalaking galing sa libingan. Sila'y inaalihan ng mga demonyo at napakababangis kaya't walang mangahas na dumaan doon. Pagdaka'y sumigaw sila: "Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Anak ng Diyos? Naparito ka ba upang pahirapan kami nang hindi pa panahon?" 

Sa di kalayuan ay may malaking kawan ng baboy na nanginginain. At namanhik sa kanya ang mga demonyo, "Kung kami'y palalayasin mo, bayaan mo kaming pumasok sa mga baboy na iyon." Sinabi ni Jesus, "Humayo kayo." Kaya't lumabas sila sa dalawang lalaki at pumasok sa mga baboy. Ang buong kawan ay biglang sumibad ng takbo tungo sa bangin, nahulog sa lawa, at nalunod. 

Patakbong umuwi ng bayan ang mga tagapag-alaga ng kawan at pagdating doon ay ipinamalita ang lahat ng bagay, pati ang nangyari sa mga inalihan ng demonyo. Kaya't lumabas ang buong bayan upang salubungin si Jesus. Pagkakita sa kanya, ipinamanhik nilang siya'y umalis sa kanilang lupain.

Reflection for July 4, Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:23-27

Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

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

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

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Reflection:

Do you always seek the help of Jesus when you pass through the storms of your life? 

While in the boat with Jesus the disciples encountered a very powerful storm. They were naturally terrified so they asked Jesus for help, they said to Him; “Lord save us we are perishing (Matthew 8:25)!”    

How many times have you encountered storms in your life? Many time over perhaps, in every storm that you encounter always remember that Jesus is always there for you. Ever ready to help you and bring you out safely of these storms that you encounter and may encounter still. 

What if Jesus was not with the disciples during that fateful night when their boat was being battered by the storm? To whom would they be asking for help? To no one, they could have all perished in that violent storm but Jesus was there to save them all. 

This is the advantage of having Jesus in your life. You always have somebody very powerful to rescue you whenever you are in distress. You always have somebody who will take away your fears, even your biggest and greatest fears. 

Do you always seek the help of Jesus whenever you pass through the storms of your life?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 4, Martes ng Ika-13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:23-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:23-27

Noong panahong iyon, sumakay si Jesus sa bangka, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Bumugso sa lawa ang isang malakas na unos, at halos matabunan ng mga alon ang bangka. ngunit natutulog noon si Jesus. 

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

 

Do You Know the Health Benefits of Moringa or Malunggay leaves?/ Alam mo naba ang mga Mabuting Dulot sa Kalusugan ng Malunggay?

 

Reflection for Monday July 3, Feast of Saint Thomas, Apostle: John 20:24-29

Gospel: John 20:24-29

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord." But Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe." 

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe." 

Thomas answered and said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed."

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Reflection:

What moves us to be present at Holy Mass? It’s our deep faith in Jesus, we allocate time and we prepare ourselves for this union with Jesus. But there are times that we get disappointed with the homily of the priest. So instead of going back to Mass some of us would purposely miss it and we will just be content on watching tv Mass. 

But is this correct? No it’s not! Whenever we purposely fail to voluntarily submit ourselves to the celebration of the Holy Mass. We also deny ourselves deeper intimacy with Jesus and as a result of this we miss the opportunity to further deepen our faith in the Lord. 

Thomas was nowhere to be found when Jesus made himself visible for the first time to His apostles. Where was he during that time? Perhaps he was just around the vicinity pondering about his faith and the role of Jesus in his life.  Perhaps he was also questioning his discipleship in Jesus. However, amidst the questioning and doubt he finally went to see Jesus.    

What made Thomas go to see Jesus this time? It was his deep faith and longing for his Lord and Master. May we all have this deep faith and longing for Jesus so that we would always be present at Holy Mass. – Marino J. Dasmarinas