Friday, March 22, 2024

Repleksyon para sa Linggo Marso 24, Linggo ng Palaspas sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon: Marcos 14:1, 15:47


Mabuting Balita: Marcos 14:1, 15:47
Dalawang araw na lamang at Pista na ng Paskuwa at ng Tinapay na Walang Labadura. Ang mga punong saserdote at ang mga eskriba ay naghahanap ng paraan upang lihim na maipadakip si Hesus at maipapatay. Sinabi nila, “Ngunit huwag sa kapistahan, baka magkagulo ang mga tao.”

Noo’y nasa Betania si Hesus, sa bahay ni Simong ketongin. Samantalang siya’y kumakain, dumating ang isang babaing may dalang sisidlang alabastro na puno ng mamahaling pabango – ito’y dalisay na nardo. Binasag niya ang sisidlan at ang pabango’y ibinuhos sa ulo ni Hesus.

 Nagalit ang ilang naroroon, at sila’y nag-usap-usap, “Ano’t inaksaya ang pabango? Maipagbibili sana iyon nang higit pa sa tatlong daang denaryo, at maibibigay sa mga dukha ang pinagbilhan!” At sinisi nila ang babae. Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, “Bakit ninyo siya ginugulo? Pabayaan ninyo siya! Mabuti ang ginawa niyang ito sa akin. Habang panaho’y kasama ninyo ang mga dukha, at anumang oras na inyong ibigin ay magagawan ninyo sila ng mabuti. Ngunit ako’y hindi ninyo kasama sa habang panahon. 

Ginawa niya ang kanyang makakaya – hindi pa ma’y binusan na niya ng pabango ang aking katawan bilang paghahanda sa paglilibing sa akin. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: saanman ipangaral ang Mabuting Balita, mababanggit din naman ang ginawa niyang ito bilang pag-aalaala sa kanya.”

Si Judas Iscariote, isa sa Labindalawa, ay pumunta sa mga punong saserdote upang ipagkanulo si Hesus. Natuwa sila nang marinig ang gayon at nangakong bibigyan siya ng salapi. Mula noo’y humanap na si Judas ng pagkakataon upang maipagkanulo si Hesus.

Unang araw ng Pista ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura, araw ng pagpatay ng kordero para sa Paskuwa. Tinanong si Hesus ng kanyang mga alagad, “Saan po ninyo ibig na ipaghanda namin kayo ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa?” Inutusan niya ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad. “Pumunta kayo sa bayan. May masasalubong kayong isang lalaki na may dalang isang bangang tubig.

 Sundan ninyo siya sa bahay na kanyang papasukan at sabihin ninyo sa may-ari, ‘Ipinatatanong po ng Guro kung saang silid siya maaaring kumain ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa, kasalo ng kanyang mga alagad.’ At ituturo niya sa inyo ang isang malaking silid sa itaas na mayroon nang kagamitan. Doon kayo maghanda para sa atin.” Nagtungo sa bayan ang mga alagad at natagpuan nga nila roon ang lahat, gaya ng sinabi niya sa kanila. At inihanda nila ang Hapunang Pampaskuwa.

Kinagabiha’y dumating si Hesus, kasama ang Labindalawa. Nang sila’y kumakain na, sinabi ni Hesus: ”Tandaan ninyo ito: isa sa inyo na kasalo ko’y magkakanulo sa akin.” Nanlumo ang mga alagad, at isa’t isa’y nagtanong sa kanya, “Ako po ba Panginoon?” Sumagot siya, “Isa sa inyo na kasalo ko sa pagsawsaw ng tinapay sa mangkok. Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa nasusulat, ngunit sa aba ng taong magkakanulo sa kanya! Mabuti pa sa taong yaon ang hindi na ipinanganak.”

Samantalang sila’y kumakain, dumampot ng tinapay si Hesus, at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay kanyang pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa mga alagad. “Kunin ninyo; ito ang aking katawan,” wika niya. Hinawakan niya ang kalis, at matapos magpasalamat ay ibinigay sa kanila; at uminom silang lahat. Sinabi niya, “Ito ang aking dugo ng tipan, ang dugong mabubuhos dahil sa marami. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi na ako iinom ng alak na mula sa ubas hanggang sa araw na inumin ko ang bagong alak sa kaharian ng Diyos.” Umawit sila ng isang imno, at pagkatapos nagtungo sa Bundok ng mga Olibo.

Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Ako’y iiwan ninyong lahat, sapagkat nasasaad sa Kasulatan, ‘Papatayin ko ang pastol, at mangangalat ang mga tupa,’ Ngunit pagkatapos na ako’y muling mabuhay, mauuna ako sa inyo sa Galilea.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Kahit na po iwan kayo ng lahat, hindi ko kayo iiwan.” “Tandaan mo,” sabi ni Hesus sa kanya, “sa gabi ring ito, bago tumilaok nang makalawa ang manok ay makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” Subalit matigas na sinabi ni Pedro, “Kahit ako’y pataying kasama ninyo, hindi ko kayo itatatwa.” Gayon din ang sabi ng ibang alagad.

Dumating sila sa isang lugar na tinatawag na Getsemani. Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Dito muna kayo at mananalangin ako.” Ngunit isinama niya si Pedro, Santiago at Juan. At nagsimulang mabagabag at maghirap ang kanyang kalooban. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ang puso ko’y tigib ng hapis at halos ikamatay ko! Maghintay kayo rito at magbantay.” 

Pagkalayo nang kaunti, siya’y nagpatirapa at nanalangin na kung maaari’y huwag nang dumating sa kanya ang oras ng paghihirap. “Ama, Ama ko!” wika niya, “mapangyayari mo ang lahat ng bagay. Alisin mo sa akin ang kalis na ito ng paghihirap. Gayunma’y huwag ang kalooban ko kundi ang kalooban mo ang masunod.”

Nagbalik siya at dinatnan niyang natutulog ang tatlong alagad. Sinabi niya kay Pedro, “Natutulog ka, Simon? Hindi ka ba makapagbantay kahit isang oras man lang? Magpuyat kayo at manalangin upang huwag kayong madaig ng tukso. Ang espiritu’y nakahanda, ngunit ang laman ay mahina.”

Muling lumayo si Hesus at nanalangin, at ang dati niyang kahilingan ang siyang sinambit. Nagbalik siyang muli sa kanyang mga alagad at naratnan na namang natutulog, sapagkat sila’y antok na antok. At hindi nila malaman kung ano ang kanilang sasabihin sa kanya.

Sa ikatlong pagbabalik niya ay kanyang sinabi sa kanila, “Tulog pa ba kayo hanggang ngayon? Kayo ba’y namamahinga pa? Tama na! Dumating na ang oras na ang Anak ng Tao’y ipagkakanulo sa masasama. Tayo na’t narito na ang magkakanulo sa akin!”

Nagsasalita pa si Hesus nang dumating si Judas, isa sa Labindalawa, na kasama ng maraming taong may mga dalang tabak at pamalo. Inutusan sila ng mga punong saserdote, ng mga eskriba at ng matatanda ng bayan. Ang taksil ay nagbigay sa kanila ng isang hudyat: “Ang hagkan ko – iyon ang inyong hinahanap. Siya’y dakpin ninyo at dalhin, ngunit bantayang mabuti.”

Pagdating ni Judas, agad siyang lumapit kay Hesus, “Guro!” ang bati niya, sabay halik. At sinunggaban si Hesus ng mga tao at dinakip. Nagbunot ng tabak ang isa sa mga naroon, at tinaga ang alipin ng pinakapunong saserdote, at natigpas ang tainga niyon. At sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Tulisan ba ako at naparito kayong may mga dalang tabak at pamalo upang ako’y dakpin? 

Araw-araw ako’y nagtuturo sa templo at naroon din kayo, ngunit hindi ninyo ako dinakip. Subalit kailangang matupad ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan!” Nagsitakas ang mga alagad at iniwan siya. Sinundan siya ng isang binatang walang damit sa katawan maliban sa balabal niyang kayong lino. Sinunggaban siya ng mga tao, ngunit iniwan niya ang kanyang balabal at tumakas na walang kadamit-damit.

At dinala nila si Hesus sa bahay ng pinakapunong saserdote; doo’y nagkatipon ang lahat ng punong saserdote, ang matatanda ng bayan, at ang mga eskriba. Si Pedro’y sumunod sa kanya, ngunit malayo ang agwat. Nagtuloy siya hanggang sa patyo ng bahay ng pinakapunong saserdote, naupo sa tabi ng apoy at nagpainit na kasama ng mga bantay.

Ang mga punong saserdote at ang buong Sanedrin ay naghahanap ng maipararatang kay Hesus upang maipapatay siya, ngunit wala silang makuha. Maraming saksi ang nagsabi ng kasinungalingan laban sa kanya, ngunit hindi nagkaisa ang kanilang mga patotoo.

May ilang sumaksi laban sa kanya at nagsabi ng ganitong kasinungalingan: “Narinig naming sinabi niya, ‘Gigibain ko ang templong ito na gawa ng tao, at sa loob ng tatlong araw ay magtatayo ako ng iba na di gawa ng tao.’” Gayunma’y hindi pa rin nagkaisa ang kanilang mga patotoo.

Tumindig ang pinakapunong saserdote sa harap ng kapulungan, at tinanong si Hesus, “Ano ang masasabi mo sa paratang nila sa iyo? Bakit di ka sumagot?” Ngunit hindi umimik si Hesus; hindi siya nagsalita gaputok man. Muli siyang tinanong ng pinakapunong saserdote: “Ikaw ba ang Mesiyas, ang Anak ng Kataastaasan?” “Ako nga,” sagot ni Hesus. 

“At makikita ninyo ang Anak ng Tao, na nakaupo sa kanan ng Makapangyarihan sa lahat. At makikita ninyong siya’y dumarating, nasa alapaap ng langit.” Winasak ng pinakapunong saserdote ang sariling kasuotan, at sinabi, “Hindi na natin kailangan ang mga saksi! Kayo na ang nakarinig ng kanyang kalapastanganan sa Diyos! Ano ang pasya ninyo?” Ang hatol nilang lahat ay kamatayan.

At niluran siya ng ilan, piniringan at pinagsusuntok, kasabay ng wikang “Hulaan mo nga, sino ang sumuntok sa iyo?” at pinagsasampal siya ng mga bantay. Si Pedro nama’y naroon pa sa ibaba, sa patyo, nang dumating ang isa sa mga alila ng pinakapunong saserdote. Nakita ng babaing ito si Pedro na nagpapainit sa apoy, at kanyang pinagmasdang mabuti.

 “Kasama ka rin ng Hesus na iyang taga-Nazaret!” sabi niya. Ngunit tumanggi si Pedro. “Hindi ko nalalaman… hindi ko nauunawaan ang sinasabi mo,” sagot niya. At siya’y lumabas sa pasilyo at tumilaok ang manok. Nakita na naman siya roon ng alilang babae at sinabi sa mga naroon, “Ang taong ito’y isa sa kanila!” Ngunit itinatwa na naman ito ni Pedro. 

Makalipas ang ilang sandali’y sinabi na naman kay Pedro ng mga nakatayo roon, “Talagang isa ka sa kanila. Taga-Galilea ka rin!” “Sumpain man ako ng langit, talagang hindi ko nakikilala ang taong iyan!” sagot ni Pedro. 

Siyang namang pagtilaok ng manok. Naalaala ni Pedro ng sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Bago tumilaok nang makalawa ang manok ay makaikatlo mo akong itatatwa.” At siya’y nanangis. Kinaumagahan, nagpulong agad ang mga punong saserdote, ang matatanda ng bayan, ang mga eskriba, at ang iba pang bumubuo ng Sanedrin. 

Ipinagapos nila si Hesus, at dinala kay Pilato. “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” tanong sa kanya ni Pilato. “Kayo na ang nagsasabi,” tugon naman ni Hesus. Nagharap ng maraming sumbong ang mga punong saserdote laban kay Hesus, kaya’t siya’y muling tinanong ni Pilato, “Wala ka bang isasagot?  Narinig mo ang dami ng kanilang sumbong laban sa iyo.” Ngunit hindi na tumugon pa si Hesus, kaya’t nagtaka si Pilato.

Tuwing Pista ng Paskuwa ay nagpapalaya si Pilato ng isang bilanggo – sinuman ang hilingin sa kanya ng taong-bayan. Nakabilanggo noon ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Barrabas, kasama ng ibang naghimagsik at nakapatay nang nagdaang himagsikan. Lumapit ang mga tao at hiniling kay Pilato na isagawa na ang kanyang kinaugaliang pagpapalaya ng isang bilanggo. 

“Ibig ba ninyong palayain ko ang Hari ng mga Judio?” tanong niya sa kanila. Alam ni Pilato na inggit ang nag-udyok sa mga punong saserdote na dalhin sa kanya si Hesus. Ngunit ang mga tao’y sinulsulan ng mga punong saserdote na si Barrabas ang hilinging palayain. 

“Kung gayon, ano ang gagawin ko sa taong ito na tinatawag ninyong Hari ng mga Judio?” tanong uli ni Pilato. “Ipako sa krus!” sigaw ng mga tao. “Bakit, ano ba ang kasalanan niya?” ani Pilato. Ngunit lalo pang sumigaw ang mga tao, “Ipako siya sa krus!” Sa paghahangad ni Pilato na pagbigyan ang mga tao, pinalaya niya si Barrabas. Si Hesus ay kanyang ipinahagupit at ibinigay sa kanila upang ipako sa krus.

Dinala ng mga kawal si Hesus sa pretoryo, ang tirahan ng gobernador, at kanilang tinipon ang buong batalyon. Sinuutan nila si Hesus ng isang balabal na purpura. Kumuha sila ng halamang matinik, ginawang korona at ipinutong sa kanya. At sila’y patuyang nagpugay at bumati sa kanya: “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” Siya’y pinaghahampas nila ng tambo sa ulo, pinaglulurhan, at palibak na niluhud-luhuran. At matapos kutyain, siya’y inalisan nila ng balabal, sinuutan ng sariling damit, at inilabas upang ipako sa krus.

Nasalubong nila ang isang lalaking galing sa bukid, si Simon na taga-Cirene, ama nina Alejandro at Rufo. Pilit nilang ipinapasan sa kanya ang krus ni Hesus. At kanilang dinala si Hesus sa lugar na kung tawagi’y Golgota – ibig sabihi’y “Pook ng Bungo.” Binigyan nila siya ng alak na may kahalong mira, ngunit hindi niya ininom. Ipinako siya sa krus, at nagsapalaran sila upang malaman kung alin sa kanyang mga damit ang mapupunta sa bawat isa. 

Ikasiyam ng umaga nang ipako nila sa krus si Hesus. Sa itaas ng krus isinulat ang sakdal laban sa kanya, “Ang Hari ng mga Judio.” Dalawang tulisan ang kasabay niyang ipinako sa krus – isa sa kanan niya at isa sa kaliwa. Sa gayo’y natupad ang nasasaad sa Kasulatan: “Ibinilang siya sa mga salarin.”

Nilibak siya ng mga nagdaraan, na tatangu-tangong nagsabi, “Di ba ikaw ang gigiba ng templo at muling magtatayo nito sa loob ng tatlong araw? Iligtas mo ngayon ang iyong sarili! Bumaba ka sa krus!” Kinutya rin siya ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga eskriba, at ang sabi sa isa’t isa: “Iniligtas niya ang iba, ngunit di mailigtas ang sarili! Makita lang nating bumaba sa krus ang Mesiyas na iyan na Hari ng Israel – maniniwala tayo sa kanya.” Inalipusta din siya ng mga nakapakong kasama niya.

At nagdilim sa buong lupain mula sa tanghaling tapat hanggang sa ikatlo ng hapon. Nang mag-iikatlo ng hapon, si Hesus ay sumigaw, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Diyos ko! Diyos ko! Bakit mo ako pinabayaan?” Narinig ito ng ilan sa mga nakatayo roon, at kanilang sinabi, “Pakinggan ninyo, tinatawag niya si Elias!”

May tumakbo at kumuha ng espongha; ito’y binasa ng maasim na alak, at pagkatapos ay inilagay sa dulo ng isang tambo at ipinasipsip kay Hesus. Sabi niya, “Tingnan nga natin kung darating si Elias upang ibaba siya.” Sumigaw nang malakas si Hesus at nalagutan ng hininga.

Dito luluhod ang tanan at sandaling mananahimik.

Biglang nawasak sa gitna ang tabing ng templo, mula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba. Nakatayo sa harap ng krus ang isang kapitan ng mga kawal at kanyang nakita kung paano namatay si Hesus kaya’t sinabi niya, “Tunay ngang Anak ng Diyos ang taong ito!” Naroon din ang ilang babae at nakatanaw mula sa malayo; kabilang sa kanila si Maria Magdalena, si Mariang ina nina Santiagong bata, at Jose at Salome. Mula pa sa Galilea’y nagsisunod na sila at naglingkod kay Hesus. At naroon din ang iba pang babaing sumama kay Hesus sa Jerusalem.

Nang magtatakipsilim na, dumating si Jose na taga-Arimatea, isang iginagalang na kagawad ng Sanedrin; siya’y naghihintay sa pagdating ng paghahari ng Diyos. Sapagkat araw noon ng Paghahanda, o bisperas ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, naglakas-loob siyang lumapit kay Pilato at hiningi ang bangkay ni Hesus. Nagtaka si Pilato nang marinig niyang patay na si Hesus, kaya’t ipinatawag niya ang kapitan at tinanong kung ito’y totoo. 

Nang malaman niya sa kapitan na talagang patay na si Hesus, pumayag siyang kunin ni Jose ang bangkay. Bumili si Jose ng kayong lino. Nang maibaba na ang bangkay ay kanyang binalot sa kayong ito at inilagay sa isang libingang inuka sa tagiliran ng dalisdis na bato. Pagkatapos, iginulong ang isang malaking bato sa pintuan ng libingan. Nagmamasid naman si Maria Magdalena at si Mariang ina ni Jose, at nakita nila kung saan inilibing si Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

Nakikita mo ba ang iyong sarili sa mabuting balita ngayong linggo ng pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon? Isa ka ba doon sa mga taong sumisigaw ng Hosanna, hosanna habang ang Panginoon ay nakasakay sa asno na pumapasok sa jerusalem? 

Ikaw ba si Pedro na nagsabi kay Jesus na hindi nya siya iiwan at itatatwa? Pero siya rin ang pedro na nag tatwa kay Jesus, hindi lang isang beses, o dalawang beses kundi tatlong beses. 

Isa kaba sa mga punong pari o  escriba na nag plano na ipapatay si Jesus? Ikaw ba si Judas iscariote  na nagkanulo kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng tatlumpong salaping pilak? Kabilang kaba sa mga taong sumigaw na si Jesus ay ipako sa Krus? 

Ikaw ba si Simon na taga-Cirene na nag pasan ng krus ni Jesus? Isa ka ba sa mga babaeng naging tapat kay Jesus hangang sa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay sa Krus? Ikaw ba yung kapitan ng mga kawal na nagsabing, tunay ngang anak ng Diyos ang taong ito. Ikaw ba si Jose na taga- Arimatea na nag ayos at nag libing sa bangkay ni Jesus? 

Maaring isa ka sa kanila na gumanap ng importanteng papel sa pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon. Maaring isa ka sa mga nag pahirap sa buhay ni Jesus. Pwede ring isa ka sa iilan na naging tapat kay Jesus hangang sa dulo ng kanyang buhay. 

Sa Pagsisimula ng semana santa, pagnilayan mo ang iyong relasyon kay Jesus. Paano mo ba ito mas mapapalalim pa para mas maging matingkad pa ang presensya ni Jesus sa buhay mo. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for March 23, Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 11:45-56


Gospel: John 11:45-56
45 Many of the Jews, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him; 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council, and said, "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.  

48 If we let him go on thus, every one will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all; 50 you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish."  

51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they took counsel how to put him to death.  

54 Jesus therefore no longer went about openly among the Jews, but went from there to the country near the wilderness, to a town called  E'phraim; and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?"

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Reflection:

There’s a saying that, Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.  

During the time of Jesus the Pharisees were the ruling class they were very powerful yet they were also afraid to lose power. Why were they afraid to lose power? For the reason that they were afraid to lose their influence in their territory.  

 After years of being in power the powerful Pharisees were suddenly being threatened by the powerful and charismatic personality of Jesus. So they must do everything to hold on to their power which includes the plot to kill Jesus.  

But why were the Pharisees afraid to lose power? They were afraid that people would discover the many skeletons in their closets. That’s why they plotted to kill Jesus because they saw in Jesus someone who would finally unseat and expose them.  

What is the lesson for us here? 1. We should not be threatened by anyone who does good, instead of being threatened we should help that person who does good. 2. Our hands must always be clean and free from any form of sin otherwise there would come a time that we would be exposed eventually. 3. We must not use and manipulate others to advance our own corrupt and selfish agenda/s. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 23, Sabado sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 11:45-56


Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:45-56
Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga Judiong dumalaw kay Maria ang nakakita sa ginawa ni Hesus, at nanalig sa kaniya. Ngunit ang ilan sa kanila’y pumunta sa mga Pariseo at ibinalita ang ginawa ni Hesus. Kaya’t tinipon ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo ang mga kagawad ng Sanedrin. 

“Ano ang gagawin natin?” wika nila. “Gumagawa ng maraming kababalaghan ang taong ito. Kung siya’y pababayaan natin, mananampalataya sa kanya ang lahat. Paririto ang mga Romano at wawasakin ang Templo at ang ating bansa.”  Ngunit isa sa kanila, si Caifas, ang pinakapunong saserdote noon ay nagsabi ng ganito: “Ano ba kayo? Hindi ba ninyo naiisip na mas mabuti para sa atin na isang tao lamang ang mamatay alang-alang sa bayan, sa halip na mapahamak ang buong bansa?” 

Sinabi niya ito hindi sa ganang kanyang sarili lamang. Bilang pinakapunong saserdote ng panahong iyon, hinulaan niyang mamamatay si Hesus dahil sa bansa – at hindi dahil sa bansang iyon lamang, kundi upang tipunin ang nagkawatak-watak na mga anak ng Diyos. Mula noon, binalangkas na nila kung paano ipapapatay si Hesus, kaya’t hindi na siya hayagang naglakad sa Judea. Sa halip, siya’y nagpunta sa Efraim, isang bayang malapit sa ilang. At doon siya nanirahang kasama ng kanyang mga alagad.  

Nalalapit na ang Pista ng Paskuwa. Maraming taga-lalawigang pumunta sa Jerusalem bago mag-Paskuwa upang isagawa ang paglilinis ayon sa Kautusan. Hindi nila nakita si Hesus sa templo, kaya’t nagtanungan sila,”Ano sa akala ninyo? Paririto kaya sa pista o hindi?” Ipinag-utos ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo na ituro ng sinumang nakaaalam kung nasaan si Hesus upang siya’y maipadakip nila. 

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Reflection for March 22, Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 10:31-42


Gospel: John 10:31-42
The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me? The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.”  

Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, ‘You are gods”‘? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?  

If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained.  

Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel unrewarded for the effort/s that you do? For example, you did something good to someone and then the person did not care to compliment or recognize your good deed.  

How would you feel? Perhaps you would be disheartened or even feel bad. On second thought instead of feeling disheartened or bad I think you should still feel good for the reason that you’ve done something worthy to someone.  

In the gospel, Jesus did everything for the Jews yet they never recognized Him. He instead was persecuted for doing good. Did He feel bad for not being given due recognition? Perhaps yes, because He was human like us. However Jesus did not allow their ingratitude to bring Him down and distract Him from His mission of salvation.   

This is the reality of life, there are those who would not compliment us for the good that we’ve done for them. Nevertheless let us continue to do good and not be disheartened for God knows everything and God will always reward those who do good. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 22, Biyernes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 10:31-42


Mabuting Balita: Juan 10:31-42
Noong panahong iyon, ang mga Judio'y muling kumuha ng bato upang batuhin si Hesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus,: "Maraming mabubuting gawa mula sa Ama ang ipinakita ko sa inyo; alin ba sa mga ito ang dahilan at ako'y inyong babatuhin?" Sinagot siya ng mga Judio, "Hindi dahil sa mabuting gawa kaya ka namin babatuhin, kundi dahil sa paglapastangan mo sa Diyos! 

Sapagkat nagpapanggap kang Diyos gayong tao ka lang." Tumugon si Jesus, "Hindi ba nasusulat sa inyong Kautusan, 'Sinabi ko, Mga diyos kayo'? Mga diyos ang tawag sa Kautusan sa mga pinagkatiwalaan ng salita ng Diyos, at hindi maaaring tanggihan ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan. 

Ako'y hinirang at sinugo ng Ama; paano ninyong masasabi ngayon na nilalapastangan ko ang Diyos sa sinabi kong ako ang Anak ng Diyos? Kung hindi ko ginawa ang ipinagagawa ng aking Ama, huwag ninyo akong paniwalaan. Ngunit kung ginagawa ko iyon, paniwalaan ninyo ang aking mga gawa, kung ayaw man ninyo akong paniwalaan. Sa gayon, matitiyak ninyong nasa akin ang Ama at ako'y nasa kanya." 

Tinangka na naman nilang dakpin siya, ngunit siya'y nakatalilis. Muling pumunta si Jesus sa ibayo ng Jordan, sa pook na noong una'y pinagbabautismuhan ni Juan. Nanatili siya roon, at maraming lumapit sa kanya. Sinabi nila, "Si Juan ay walang ginawang kababalaghan, ngunit totoong lahat ang sinabi niya tungkol sa taong ito." At doo'y maraming sumampalataya kay Jesus.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Reflection for March 21, Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:51-59


Gospel: John 8:51-59
Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’

Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar.

But I do know him and I keep his word.  Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

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Reflection:

Are you always on the same page with Jesus?

It’s very obvious that Jesus and those who were listening to Him were not on the same page. Otherwise they would have understood each other. For example, Jesus told the Jews; whoever keeps my world will never see death and the Jews were mocking Jesus because they couldn’t believe this statement.

How about us? Do we believe this statement of Jesus that whoever keeps His word will never see death? For worldly people this is hard to believe they will even be mocking also those who would tell this to them. But come to think about it, how would those with deeper faith react to these pronouncements of Jesus?

Of course they will believe since they have deeper faith and they’ve already developed this personal and deep relationship with Jesus. This is what separates the believer from the unbeliever, the believer because of his deep and personal relationship with Jesus will always believe whatever Jesus tells him in the gospel.

Believer makes every pronouncement of Jesus in the scriptures as their guiding light. Jesus is not a historical figure to them Jesus to them is an ever present guiding light that illuminates their lives.

Invite Jesus to guide and illuminate your life too! -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 21, Huwebes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:51-59


Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:51-59
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judio: "Tandaan ninyo: ang namumuhay ayon sa aking aral, kailanma'y di makararanas ng kamatayan." Sinabi ng mga Judio, "Ngayo'y natitiyak naming inaalihan ka nga ng demonyo. Namatay si Abraham, at ang mga propeta, pero sinasabi mong hindi mamamatay kahit kailan ang sinumang namumuhay ayon sa iyong aral. Dakila ka pa ba kaysa aming amang si Abraham? Siya'y namatay, gayon din ang mga propeta. Ano ba ang akala mo sa sarili mo?" 

Sumagot si Jesus, "Kung ako ang nagpaparangal sa aking sarili, iya'y walang kabuluhan. Ang aking Ama ang nagpaparangal sa akin at sinasabi ninyong siya ang inyong Diyos. Hindi ninyo sila nakikilala, ngunit siya'y nakikilala ko. Kung sabihin kong hindi ko siya nakikilala, ako'y magigng sinungaling tulad ninyo. Subalit nakikilala ko siya at ginagawa ko ang kanyang sinasabi.

Natuwa ang inyong amang si Abraham nang mabatid na makikita niya ang araw ng pagparito ko; nakita nga niya ito at siya'y nagalak." Dahil dito'y sinabi sa kanya ng mga Judio, "Wala ka pang limampung taon, at nakita mo na si Abraham?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Sinasabi ko sa inyo: bago ipanganak si Abraham 'Ako'y Ako Na'. Dumampot sila ng bato upang siya'y batuhin, ngunit nagtago si Jesus at lumabas ng templo.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Reflection for March 20, Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:31-42


Gospel: John 8:31-42
Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, 'You will become free'?" Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. 

A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father's presence; then do what you have heard from the Father." 

They answered and said to him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!" So they said to him, "We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God." 

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me."

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Reflection:

What will happen to us if we give space for the words of Jesus in our hearts? Of course we will start to build a deeper friendship with Jesus. We will start to trust Jesus more than we trust ourselves and we will also become averse to sin.  

In the first reading, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego trusted more on their faith in God than  obey the command of the king. They were being forced by king Nebuchadnezzar to worship his own God. But until the end the three did not follow the king’s order so they were thrown into the fiery furnace yet they were not hurt because God was with them. 

This is what would happen to us also if we faithfully follow Jesus, yes there would be instances of persecution. But if we remain faithful until the end, our being persecuted is nothing compared to the glory or reward that awaits us.  

If there’s glory or reward for those who would remain faithful, why are we not faithful to Jesus? Why do we easily betray Him for the fleeting and sinful pleasures of this world?  This is so for the simple reason that we allow ourselves to succumb to the inducement of the devil. That’s how plain and simple it is, we give up Jesus for this world because we love this world more than we love Jesus. We love to satisfy our sinful human needs than satisfy the needs of our souls.  

As we approach the holiest of weeks let us reflect on how many times have we given up Jesus for the sinful pleasures of this world. And what have we gained for giving up Jesus for this world? Nothing except the continuous pilling up of emptiness and problems disguised as hedonistic pleasures. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 20, Miyerkules sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:31-42


Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:31-42
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judiong naniniwala sa kanya, “Kung patuloy kayong susunod sa aking aral, tunay ngang kayo’y mga alagad ko; makikilala ninyo ang katotohanan, at ang katotohanan ang magpapalaya sa inyo.” Lahi kami ni Abraham,” tugon nila, “at kailanma’y di kami naalipin ninuman. Paano mo masasabing palalayain kami?” 

Sumagot si Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo: alipin ng kasalanan ang lahat ng nagkakasala. Ang alipin ay hindi kabilang sa sambahayan sa habang panahon, subalit ang anak ay kabilang magpakailanman. Kapag kayo’y pinalaya ng Anak, tunay nga kayong malaya. 

Nalalaman kong lahi kayo ni Abraham; gayunma’y pinagsisikapan ninyo akong patayin, sapagkat walang pitak sa inyong puso ang aral ko. Sinasabi ko ang aking nakita sa aking Ama; ginagawa naman ninyo ang inyong narinig sa inyong ama.” Sumagot sila, “Si Abraham ang aming ama.” “Kung kayo’y mga anak ni Abraham, tutularan ninyo ang kanyang ginawa,” ani Hesus. “Ngunit pinagsisikapan ninyo akong patayin, gayong sinasabi ko lamang ang katotohanang narinig ko sa Diyos. 

Hindi ganyan ang ginawa ni Abraham. Ang ginagawa ninyo’y tulad ng ginawa ng inyong ama.” “Hindi kami mga anak sa labas,” tugon nila. “Ang Diyos ang aming Ama.” Sinabi ni Hesus, “Kung talagang ang Diyos ang inyong Ama, iibigin ninyo ako, sapagkat nagmula ako sa Diyos. Hindi ako naparito sa ganang sarili ko lamang, kundi sinugo niya ako.”

Monday, March 18, 2024

Reflection for Tuesday March 19, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a


Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

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

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 

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

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Reflection:

Do you always obey the will of God for your marriage? For example the will of God for the marriage covenant is for the couple to be faithful until the end. Are you always faithful to this marriage covenant in your thoughts and actions?

Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Aside from being a responsible father and husband to Jesus and Mary, what else makes Saint Joseph so especial? Joseph humbly and quietly followed the will of the Lord.

Saint Joseph accepted without question what God wanted him to do. Yes he was planning to quietly divorce Mary. However, the moment the angel appeared in his dream to convey God’s message for him. He never questioned the will of the Lord. He humbly and quietly followed what the angel told him to do, he loved Mary and Jesus deeply and he responsibly took care of them.

Let us reflect on the humility of Saint Joseph and compare it with our humility before God and our fellow human beings. Let us reflect on the submissiveness of Joseph to the will of the Lord and compare it with our own submissiveness to the will of the Lord regarding our fidelity to the marriage covenant. 

Let us reflect on the sacrificial and deep love of Joseph towards Mary and Jesus and compare it with our love for our respective spouses and children. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Martes Marso 19, San Jose, Kabiyak ng Puso ng Mahal na Birheng Maria (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24a


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Si Jacob, ang ama ni Jose na asawa ni Maria. Si Maria naman ang ina ni Jesus na tinatawag na Cristo.

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

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

Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang utos ng anghel ng Panginoon.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Reflection for March 18, Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent: John 8:1-11


Gospel: John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 

They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. 

But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her. Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one beginning with the elders. 

So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? She replied, “No one, sir. Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.

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Reflection:

Are we sometimes quick to judge those whom we perceived to be sinners?  In the gospel the Pharisees and scribes were very quick to draw judgement from the woman caught committing adultery. They brought this woman to Jesus with the expectation that Jesus Himself would pronounce judgment upon her. 

Yet, Jesus never judged her for what she did, Jesus choose to highlight God’s mercy and compassion upon her. At the end of the gospel Jesus told her, “I do not condemn you, go and do not sin anymore (John 8:11). As if Jesus was telling her, go and start a new life, forget the past for I have already forgiven you. This gospel episode is perhaps one of the best showcase of Jesus’ mercy and compassion. 

Through this gospel Jesus is also inviting us to look at ourselves and have a self-reflection on how we relate to sinners. Do we also judge them quickly just like the Pharisees and scribes did? When we judge we also invite judgment on ourselves, when we judge we further push this person to commit more sins. And when we judge we only highlight the arrogance of the devil instead of the mercy and compassion of Jesus. 

But who are we to condemn or judge when we are to be judged also? Who are we to judge when we are sinners also? Instead of judging let us always show the mercy and compassion of Jesus. In doing so we show the sinner that there’s a God who cares, a God who listens and surely a God who is always merciful and forgiving. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 18, Lunes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:1-11


Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:1-11
Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay pumunta sa Bundok ng mga Olibo. Kinaumagaha’y nagbalik siya sa templo. Lumapit sa kanya ang lahat, kaya’t umupo siya at sila’y tinuruan. Noo’y dinala sa kanya ng mga eskriba at ng mga Pariseo ang isang babaing nahuli sa pakikiapid. Pinatayo ito sa harapan nila, at sinabi kay Hesus, “Guro, ang babaing ito’y nahuli sa pakikiapid. Ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, dapat batuhinhanggang sa mamatay ang mga gaya niya.  

Ano ang masasabi mo?” Itinanong nila ito upang subukin siya, nang may maisumbong sila laban sa kanya. Ngunit yumuko si Hesus at sumulat sa lupa sa pamamagitan ng daliri. Ayaw nilang tigilan nang katatanong si Hesus, kaya’t sila’y tiningnan niya at sinabi ang ganito, “Sinuman sa inyo na walang kasalanan ang siyang maunang bumato sa kanya.” At muli siyang yumuko at sumulat sa lupa.  

Nang marinig nila ito, sila’y isa-isang umalis, simula sa pinakamatanda. Walang naiwan kundi si Hesus at ang babaing naroon pa rin sa harapan niya. Tiningnan siya ni Hesus at tinanong: “Nasaan sila? Wala bang nagparusa sa iyo?” “Wala po, Ginoo,” sagot ng babae. Sinabi ni Hesus: “Hindi rin kita parurusahan. Humayo ka, at huwag nang magkasala.”  

Monday, March 11, 2024

Reflection for Sunday March 17, Fifth Sunday of Lent: John 12:20-33


Gospel: John 12:20-33
Some Greeks who had come to worship at the Passover Feast came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 

Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me. 

"I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name." Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it and will glorify it again." The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, "An angel has spoken to him." 

Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself." He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a middle-aged man who presented himself to his parish priest and asked the priest if he could join the ministry of extra-ordinary ministers of the Holy Communion.  When the priest asked why he desired to join the ministry, he said that he wants to serve the people of God. To make a long story short he was eventually allowed to join the ministry. 

What the priest did not know was this: the middle-aged man lied when he answered that he wants to serve the people of God. Because he only desires to become popular in their community for He loves influence, respect and attention. After six months of serving he was told by the priest not to serve anymore because he was serving for the wrong reason. 

We sometimes seek Jesus with the thought in mind that once we are with Him life would be blissful already. We seek Jesus because we think that the moment we are with Him there would be no more problems and difficulties to overcome. We seek Jesus because we think that He is the panacea for our personal and emotional difficulties. 

In the gospel, there were some Greeks who worshipped at the Passover Feast and wanted to personally see Jesus. For what reason did they want to see Jesus? Were they expecting to witness more miracles from Jesus? Were they expecting to be healed? Were they expecting to hear more life-changing preaching and so forth? 

Yet, Jesus mysteriously tells us in the gospel, as He told Andrew and Philip, that if we want to have a full comprehension of His Lordship, we must be ready to die to our own selfish desires.

We must be ready to throw away our worldly lives in order to have eternal life with Him. And if we really want to serve Him, we must be ready to bear our own cross as He carried and bore His own cross on His way to Calvary. 

A life with Jesus is never easy, but it’s only through Him that you will discover the true meaning of your life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Marso 17, Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 12:20-33


Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:20-33
Noong panahong iyon: Kabilang ang ilang Griego sa mga pumunta sa pista upang sumamba. Lumapit sila kay Felipe na taga Betsaida, Galilea, at nakiusap, "Ginoo, ibig po naming makita si Jesus." Sinabi ito ni Felipe kay Andres , at silang dalawa'y lumapit kay Jesus at ipinaalam ang kahilingan ng mga iyon. 

Sinabi ni Jesus, "Dumating na ang oras upang parangalan ang Anak ng Tao. Tandaan ninyo: malibang mahulog sa lupa ang butil ng trigo at mamatay, mananatili itong nag-iisa. Ngunit kung mamatay, ito'y mamumunga ng marami. Ang taong labis na nagpapahalaga sa kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito, ngunit ang napopoot sa kanyang buhay sa daigdig na ito ay siyang magkakaroon nito. 

Hanggang sa buhay na walang hanggan. Dapat sumunod sa akin ang naglilingkod sa akin, at saanman ako naroroon ay naroon din ang aking lingkod. Pararangalan ng ama ang sinumang naglilingkod sa amin." "Ngayon, ako'y nababagabag. Sasabihin ko ba, 'Ama, iligtas mo ako sa kahirapang daranasin ko? Hindi! Sapagkat ito ang dahilan kung bakit ako naparito -- upang danasin ang kahirapang ito. 

Ama, parangalan mo ang iyong pangalan." Isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi, "Pinarangalan ko na ito, at muli kong pararangalan." Narinig ito ng mga taong naroroon at sabi nila, Kumulog!" Sabi naman ng iba, "Nagsalita sa kanya ang isang anghel!" sinabi ni Jesus, "Ipinarinig ang tinig na ito dahil sa inyo, hindi dahil sa akin. 

"Panahon na upang hatulan ang sanlibutan. Itataboy ngayon sa labas ang pinuno ng sanlibutang ito. At kung ako'y maitaas na, ilalapit ko sa akin ang lahat ng tao." Sinabi niya ito upang ipakilala kung paano siya mamamatay.

Reflection for March 16, Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:40-53


Gospel: John 7:40-53
Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet. Others said, “This is the Christ. But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived? So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.  

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him? The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man. So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed. Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing? They answered and said to him “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”  

Then each went to his own house.

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Reflection:

Do you find time to read the words of Jesus in the bible with reverence? 

You allow the Lord to speak to you when you read the words of Jesus in the bible with reverence. And this encounter will transform you and create a positive impact in your life. There would be renewal in your life and you will live a life that has new meaning and purpose.  

The guards who were supposed to arrest Jesus were suddenly converted by the very words of Jesus. Thus they were not able to carry out their mission they instead became secret followers of Jesus. This is the great mystery of the words of Jesus the moment you begin to read it.  

Just try reading His words in the bible with reverence and notice how it will take root in you and how it will transform you. There’s great power in the words of Jesus if only we would try to read and reflect upon it.  

But do we still have time to read His words in the bible today? Today wherein our time is occupied by our worries on how we can get by. We must create time for this noble endeavor regardless of what is happening around us. Because this is our ticket to have a personal encounter with Jesus and this is also our ticket to have calmness in the midst of the uncertainties around us.  

Never mind if you will read the words of Jesus for the very first time or you haven’t read them in a very long time. For the Holy Spirit will always be there to open your mind and walk you through it. After a period of time of reading the bible you will notice a positive transformation in your life.  

Positive transformation that will change you and those around you. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 16, Sabado sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 7:40-53


Mabuting Balita: Juan 7:40-53
Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga nakarinig kay Jesus ang nagsabi, "Tunay ngang ito ang Propetang hinihintay natin!" "Ito nga ang Mesias! sabi ng iba. Ngunit sumagot ang iba pa, "Maaari bang magmula sa Galilea ang Mesias? Hindi ba sinabi ng Kasulatan na magmumula ang Mesias sa lipi ni David, at sa Betlehem na bayan ni David ipanganganak?"

Magkakaiba ang palagay ng mga tao tungkol sa kanya. Ibig ng ilan na dakpin siya, ngunit wala namang nangahas humuli sa kanya.

Ang mga kawal na bantay sa templo ay nagbalik sa punong saserdote at sa mga Pariseo. "Bakit hindi ninyo sila dinala rito?" tanong nila sa mga bantay. Sumagot sila, "Wala pa pong nagsalita nang gaya niya!" "Kayo man ba'y nalinlang din?" tanong ng mga Pariseo. "Mayroon bang pinuno nang Pariseong naniniwala sa kanya? Wala! Mga tao lamang na walang nalalaman sa Kautusan ang naniniwala sa kanya -- mga sinumpa!"

Isa sa naroon ay si Nicodemo, na nagsadya kay Jesus noong una. Tinanong niya sila, "Labag sa ating Kautusan na hatulan ang isang tao na di muna nililitis at inaalam kung ano ang kanyang ginawa, hindi ba?" Sumagot sila, "Ikaw ba'y taga-Galilea rin? Magsaliksik ka't makikita mo na walang propetang magmumula sa Galilea."

At umuwi na ang bawat isa.

Reflection for March 15, Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30


Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.  

Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”  

So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me. So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

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Reflection:

Does Jesus fear death? Yes, He feared death, yet Jesus did not allow His fear of death to paralyze His movement and desire to do His salvific mission. He continued with His mission and became more creative in doing it until He reached His appointed time of arrest, persecution and death on the cross.  

We see this in the gospel reading for today, Jesus did not want to travel to Judea for the reason that the Jews were planning to kill Him. But it was the feast of tabernacles, a sacred Jewish feast that He must observe. So, Jesus went albeit secretly and there He preached with passion as if there was no threat on His life.    

Do you also have fears in your life? Whatever your fears are don’t let it paralyze you. You have to face it so that you could conquer and defeat it. If Jesus let His fear of death overcome Him.  There would have been no triumphant death on the cross and there would have been no salvation for all of us.  

When we face our fears we live our dreams and we are able to achieve great things for us and our fellowmen. Fear is an instrument of the devil to prevent us from achieving great things for us and for God. What are your fears? Ask Jesus to help you overcome it for He will surely help you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 15, Biyernes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30


Mabuting Balita: Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30
Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Jesus ang Galilea; iniwasan niya ang Judea, sapagkat ibig siyang patayin ng mga Judio roon. Nalalapit na ang Pista ng mga Tolda, isang pista ng mga Judio. Pagkaalis ng kanyang mga kapatid, si Jesus ma'y pumunta rin sa pista, ngunit hindi hayagan. 

Sinabi ng ilang taga-Jerusalem, "Hindi ba ito ang taong gusto nilang patayin? Hayan! Lantaran siyang nagsasalita, ngunit wala silang sinasabi laban sa kanya! Baka naman nakilala ng mga pinuno na siya nga ang Mesias! Walang makaaalam kung saan magmumula ang Mesias pagparito niya, ngunit alam naman natin kung saan nagmula ang taong ito!" 

Kaya't nang nasa templo si Jesus at nagtuturo, malakas niyang sinabi, "Ako ba'y nakikilala ninyo? Alam ba ninyo kung saan ako nagmula? Hindi ako naparito sa ganang akin lamang. Ang Totoo ang siyang nagsugo sa akin, ngunit hindi ninyo sila nakikilala. Nakikilala ko siya, sapagkat ako'y mula sa kanya, at siya ang nagsugo sa akin." Tinangka nilang dakpin siya; ngunit walang nangahas, sapagkat hindi pa niya oras.

Reflection for March 14, Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:31-47


Gospel: John 5:31-47
Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved.  

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

But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life. “I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him.  

How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

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Reflection:

How do we testify our life as a follower of Jesus? The best testimony of a follower is how he/she lives his own life. Does he live his life with forgiveness, humility, simplicity, sacrifice, unconditional love and the like?  Many of us call ourselves follower of Jesus but when it comes to forgiving those who’ve hurt us we cannot forgive.  

If we cannot forgive those who’ve hurt us, then we are followers in name only. Sad to say, many of us are like that: followers in name only. On the aspect of humility, we can best testify that we are followers of Jesus when we don’t seek prominence and silently do our work for the Lord.

On the aspect of simplicity, Jesus is the supreme model of simplicity. He is content with whatever that He has Jesus did not desire expensive things and other appendages. Many of us live complicated lives for the simple reason that we live the life of this world rather than live the life of Jesus.  

So, in the end we will find out that we have been living an empty life because we lived our life testifying for this world instead of testifying for the Lord.  However, it’s not yet late to change this worldly life that we presently have we still can turn it around by living our life for  the Lord and not for this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 14, Huwebes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: John 5:31-47


Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:31-47
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judio: "Kung ako lamang ang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa aking sarili, huwag ninyong tanggapin, ngunit may ibang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin, at totoo ang kanyang sinasabi. Nagpasugo kayo kay Juan, at nagpatotoo siya tungkol sa katotohanan. Hindi sa kailangan ko ang patotoo ng tao; sinasabi ko lamang ito para maligtas kayo. 

Si Juan ay parang maningas na ilaw na nagliliwanag noon, at kayo'y sandaling nasiyahan sa kanyang liwanag. Ngunit may patotoo sa akin na higit sa patotoo ni Juan: ang mga gawaing ipinagagawa sa akin ng Ama, at siya ko namang ginaganap -- iyan ang patotoo na ako'y sinugo niya. At ang Amang nagsugo sa akin ay nagpapatotoo rin tungkol sa akin. 

Kailanma'y hindi ninyo narinig ang kanyang tinig, at nakita ang kanyang anyo. Walang pitak sa inyong puso ang kanyang salita, sapagkat hindi kayo nananalig sa akin na sinugo niya. Sinasaliksik ninyo ang Kasulatan, sa paniwalang doon ninyo matatagpuan ang buhay na walang hanggan. Ang mga ito ang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin, ngunit ayaw naman ninyong lumapit sa akin upang kayo'y magkaroon ng buhay. 

"Hindi ako naghahangad ng parangal ng mga tao. Ngunit kilala ko kayo; alam kong wala kayong pag-ibig sa Diyos. Naparito ako sa ngalan ng aking Ama, at ayaw ninyo akong tanggapin. Kung may ibang pumarito sa kanyang sariling pangalan, siya'y inyong tatanggapin. Ang hinahangad ninyo'y ang parangal ng isa't isa, at hindi ang parangal na nanggagaling sa iisang Diyos; paano kayong makapaniniwala? 

Huwag ninyong isiping ako ang magsasakdal sa Ama laban sa inyo; si Moises na inaasahan ninyo ang siyang maghaharap ng sakdal laban sa inyo. Kung talagang pinaniniwalaan ninyo si Moises, ako'y paniniwalaan din sana ninyo, sapagkat sumulat siya tungkol sa akin. Ngunit kung hindi ninyo pinaniniwalaan ang mga sinulat niya, paano ninyong paniniwalaan ang mga sinasabi ko?"

Reflection for March 13, Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:17-30


Gospel: John 5:17-30
Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 

Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 

For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation. 

“I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

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Reflection:

What does faith do to you? It makes you believe in something that is hard to believe for many. 

In the gospel Jesus mentions of His equality with God.  Do you believe it? If you do, count yourself as blessed for others do not believe. After believing in the equality of Jesus and God the Father, what should you do next? You must obey His teachings and help Him spread the good news of His salvation for this is His will for you. 

As we journey in this world there would be instances that we would veer away from Jesus and disobey His commands. We would embrace the teachings of this world, we would embrace sin and in the process we slowly but surely are creating distance between us and Jesus. 

But all is not lost no matter how despicable the sins that we have committed. The infinite love of Jesus is always there for us, it’s there for us to take and to ask for. Therefore, let us be aware of this infinite love and mercy of Jesus while we still have the luxury of time in this world. Let us go to Him and let us turn our backs from sin. 

In the latter part of the gospel Jesus mentions about judgment that would befall those who have done evil. Let us not wait for that judgment to come to us.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas