Reflection for July 9 Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: 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:

How does the gospel speaks to you today? Does it tell us that you need to do something for the kingdom of God? Jesus tells the disciples in the gospel and He tells this to you too. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37)”.

Indeed, the harvest is abundant yet those who venture to volunteer their time for God’s kingdom are still few. We don’t know the reason behind but perhaps we could guess that it’s our worldly preoccupations. So we forget that there is a much greater purpose and glory beyond this world that awaits us and that is the kingdom of God.  

When we are near death already the labors that we have given to this world will not matter anymore. We will not think about how big our bank accounts. We will not think about our many worldly achievements. What we will be thinking about is the status of our soul and where it would be after we die. 

This is what confronts us when we are already near death: the status of our souls after they depart from our bodies. Therefore, to avoid this dilemma, let us do something for the advancement of the kingdom of God in this world.

Any effort that we do today for God no matter how small for so long as we sincerely do it for His greater glory. Will be permanently remembered by God and will become our passport to heaven when our departure time comes. 

We therefore have to do something no matter how insignificant it may seem to help the Lord advance the faith. Let us not worry for the Good Lord will be with us and we would richly be rewarded someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 9 Martes ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: 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 8 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 believe that Jesus can cure you of whatever sickness that you have? The woman who had been bleeding for twelve years believed that she would be healed by Jesus. She believed that the moment she touched even the tassel of Jesus cloak she would be healed. What a display of deep faith!  

Sometimes we don’t get what we wish from the Lord because we doubt. We allow the devil to disturb our faith thus we don’t get what we want. We see in the gospel a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve long years she obviously has deep faith. Faith that is willing to overcome whatever obstacles that are put in front of her.  Do you have the same deep faith as this woman in the gospel? 

When Jesus noticed this woman of faith, He told her, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you (Matthew 9:22).” And the result was immediate healing for the woman. 

Are we suffering from any form of sickness right now? Let us pray to the Lord and let us ask Him to heal us. Let us beseech the Lord to give us the same healing that He gave the woman in the gospel. Jesus will surely heal us for He will not refuse anyone who approaches Him with deep faith and humility. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 8 Lunes ng Ika- 14 na 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 7, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? 

What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” 

So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

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Reflection:

How do you handle rejection? 

Rejection is very difficult to handle. Just imagine going on vacation to the place where you grew up. Naturally, you expect nothing less than the best reception you could ever have. 

You expect your relatives and friends to treat you affectionately, and you expect everyone to be kind to you. But you were unfortunately rejected, how would you feel? Of course, you would feel bad. Just imagine being rejected in your own native land. 

How did Jesus handle His own rejection from His townspeople in Nazareth? Jesus handled His rejection with humility. He never raised His voice or got angry with anyone there. Though He could have done something sinister, He chose not to. Instead, He continued His ministry by curing a few sick people. Of course, He could have performed more miracles, but He was being insulted. 

The crux of the matter here is Jesus’ humility as opposed to our arrogance when somebody rejects us. Take for example in our own sphere of environment. Don’t we feel bad when we don’t get what we want? 

Let us, therefore, take every rejection we encounter in our lives with humility. Let us never react with anger, as this is not the proper way to respond. Our fellowmen would respect and admire us more if we remain calm and humble in the face of rejection.  

Can we be like Jesus, who took His rejection with calmness and humility? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Linggo Hulyo 7 Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, si Jesus at nagtungo sa sariling bayan, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pagdating ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, nagturo siya sa sinagoga, nagtaka ang maraming nakarinig sa kanya at nagtanong, "Saan niya nakuha ang lahat ng iyan? Anong karunungan itong ipinagkaloob sa kanya? Paano siya nakagagawa ng mga kababalaghan? 

Hindi ba ito ang karpinterong anak ni Maria, at kapatid nina Santiago,Jose, Judas, at Simon? Dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba?" At siya'y ayaw nilang kilanlin. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, "Ang propeta'y iginagalang ng lahat, liban lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan, mga kamag-anak, at mga kasambahay." 

Hindi siya nakagawa ng anumang kababalaghan doon, maliban sa pagpapatong ng kanyang kamay sa ilang maysakit upang pagalingin ang mga ito. Nagtaka siya sapagkat hindi sila sumampalataya. At nilibot ni Jesus ang mga nayon sa paligid upang magturo.

Reflection for July 6 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:

What happens when we give our life to Jesus, when we begin to fully trust HIM and leave behind our sinful past? We are introduced to a new life environment with Jesus where everything is new and spotless. 

What is this new life with Jesus all about? This is a new life totally free from our dark past. Yes we all have our own share of dark past that nobody knows except us. We must never look back to this dark past otherwise we may be tempted to mire our lives with sin once again. And this is not good because we would go back to our sinful lives again induced by the devil. 

What will make us permanently free from the temptations of the devil? We must always be connected with Jesus in every second of our lives for this is the only way that we could prevent the devil from destroying us. Just look around, temptations disguised as beautiful things are everywhere tempting us. 

Let us never allow Satan to get hold of us once again, let us remember that Jesus saved us already. We are now the new wine that has already been poured into the fresh wineskin no other than Jesus Himself. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 6 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.”

Reflection for July 5 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:

Do you feel that Jesus is calling you to live a new life, a new life free of sinfulness? 

Aside from Matthew whom Jesus called to follow Him we too are being called by the Lord. We may say that we are not worthy to follow Jesus but who amongst us are worthy? No one for we are all sinful creatures of this world.  

Matthew was called by Jesus to follow Him for the precise reason that he was a sinner. This is the character and mission of Jesus to call every sinner to follow Him. But why is it that even if we know that we are called to repentance we still continue to sin? We refuse to leave behind us our sinful ways.  

This is indeed very puzzling, why is it that many of us ignore Jesus’ call for us to follow Him and to leave behind whatever that makes us sin? Does this mean that we love this world more than we love Jesus? Does this mean that Jesus is losing influence over us and the devil is slowly but surely gaining control of our lives that is why we refuse to heed Jesus’ call to a life of renewal and repentance?  

Why did Matthew follow Jesus call? Perhaps somebody had shared to him the love and unfathomable mercy of Jesus. Somebody had lived his faith in Jesus and Matthew heard and saw it, that’s why it was not anymore difficult for Matthew to recognize and follow Jesus. 

The challenge before us is to share and live our faith in Jesus to the many Matthews (Sinners) of our time. They may not have heard yet anything about Jesus that is why they keep on sinning until this very day. Why not share the mercy and love of Jesus? Or if we cannot share Jesus let us live Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for July 4 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:

What does this story of the paralytic who was brought to Jesus tells us? It tells us that we too need to go to Jesus for Him to heal us and to forgive us of all our sins. This tells us as well that we also need to bring others to Jesus to be healed and forgiven by Him too. 

We all have a need for Jesus in our lives. We may not need Him now because we are in the pink of health and financially capable. But time will certainly come that we will go to Jesus even beg Jesus so that He could heal us also. 

Let us not anymore wait for that time to come when we are already sick before we go to Jesus. Let us go to Him now while we are still healthy, let us not delay for tomorrow may be late already.    

In like manner we too are encouraged by the gospel to bring others to Jesus. This we could do best through our acts of love, mercy and compassion. The reason behind is we can’t bring others to Jesus without loving them, without showing them our mercy and compassion. 

The Lord is always expecting us to bring others to Him so that they too can experience the healing and forgiveness that we’ve received from Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 4 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 Wednesday 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 nail marks 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:

Where was Thomas during this appearance of Jesus before the other disciples? We don’t know, but one thing is sure: Thomas was missing in action when Jesus appeared to the other disciples. After a week, Thomas would have his second chance to see Jesus alive and a second chance to renew his faith in Jesus. 

It was a sort of redemption for him, for after being full of unbelief about the resurrection of Jesus, Thomas now became a firm believer. He felt and saw Jesus up close and personal, and Jesus even allowed Thomas to touch the wound on His side. 

Life is full of second chances, we may be down today but certainly there shall also be a second chance for all of us to get up. We may be sick today but there's a second chance for us to be in the pink of health once again. 

However, our second chance hinges in our faith in Jesus, for as long as we have faith we have a second chance. For as long as we have faith we could conquer all our self doubts and be triumphant once again. 

Do you have doubts in your heart right now? Be not doubtful anymore for Jesus is giving you a second chance of savoring life. Not this worldly life anymore but a life with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Hulyo 3 Santo Tomas, apostol: Juan 20:24-29

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:24-29

Ngunit si Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, isa sa Labindalawa, ay wala roon nang dumating si Jesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng ibang alagad, "Nakita namin ang Panginoon!" Sumagot si Tomas, "Hindi ako naniniwala hangga't di ko nakikita ang butas ng mga pako sa kanyang mga kamay, at naisusuot dito ang aking daliri, at hangga't hindi ko naipapasok ang aking kamay sa kanyang tagiliran." 

Makalipas ang walong araw, muling nagkatipon sa bahay ang mga alagad; kasama nila si Tomas. Nakapinid ang mga pinto, ngunit pumasok si Jesus at tumayo sa gitna nila. Sinabi niya, "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" Saka sinabi kay Tomas, "Tingnan mo ang aking mga kamay at ilapit dito ang iyong mga daliri. 

Ipasok mo ang iyong kamay sa aking tagiliran. Huwag ka nang magalinlangan, maniwala ka na." Sumagot si Tomas, "Panginoon ko at Diyos ko!" Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Naniniwala ka na ba sapagkat nakita mo ako? Mapapalad ang mga naniniwala kahit hindi nila ako nakita."

Reflection for July 2 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:

The story is told about a young man who was on the verge of giving up on his life, so he thought of hanging himself to end it all. But before doing it he said this silent prayer, Jesus if you are really alive let somebody come into my house and I will not push through anymore with my desperate plan. Lo and behold, after a few seconds a neighbor was knocking at his door inviting him to join their bible study. 

We must always remember that God is alive. He is always just a prayer away but often times we forget about this. Because of our worldliness we always focus on our struggles rather than our triumphs in life. Thus, we forget that there’s a God who is ever ready to help and listen to us. A God who is always there to lift us up whenever we are feeling down and weary.    

In our gospel for today the disciples encountered a violent storm and in that desperate moment they had nothing to hold on but Jesus. So they said, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” After which there was great calm because Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea. 

Whatever that we’re going through right now we have to always remember that Jesus is just a prayer away. Let us therefore Seek Him, Pray to Him and Invite Him to come into our life for He is always there for us ever ready to save us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 2 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!"

Reflection for July 1 Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:18-22

Gospel: Matthew 8:18-22

When Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other shore. A scribe approached and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” 

Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

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Reflection:

Are you always generous with the God given talents or gifts that you have?  

In the first sentence of the gospel, it appears that Jesus was trying to evade the crowd that had been following Him for healing. However, the situation is not as it seems; it was rather time for Jesus to move on and share His gift of preaching and healing with other places. 

Jesus is an itinerant preacher and healer; as much as possible He wants to share His many super natural gifts with as many people as He can. This is the reason why He wants to go to other places as much as He can. For the reason that Jesus’ wants to share His talents without expecting anything in return. 

Each of us has been blessed by God with gifts/talents that He wants us to share. It may be the gift of preaching, it may be the gift of writing about God it may be the gift of empathy, unconditional love and concern. It may be the gift of attentively listening to those who are burdened, it may be the gift of material wealth and the like. 

Let us generously share these blessings let us not hoard it for ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 1 Lunes ng Ika- 13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 8:18-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:18-22

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Hesus ang makapal na tao sa kanyang paligid, iniutos niya sa mga kasama na maghandang tumawid sa ibayo. Nilapitan siya ng isang eskriba at sinabi sa kanya, “Guro, susunod po ako sa inyo saan man kayo pumaroon?” Sumagot si Hesus: “May mga lungga ang mga asong-gubat, at may mga pugad ang mga ibon, ngunit ang Anak ng Tao’y wala man lamang matulugan o mapagpahingahan.”  

Isa naman sa mga alagad ang nagsabi sa kanya, “Panginoon, maaari po bang umuwi muna ako upang ipalibing ang aking ama?” Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Sumunod ka sa akin, at ipaubaya mo na sa mga patay ang paglilibing ng kanilang mga patay.”

Reflection for Sunday June 30, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him and a large crowd followed him. 

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” 

But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” 

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

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Reflection:

A sick woman wanted to be healed from her sickness, but she was not willing to attend Holy Mass or watch online Holy Mass. She was also not willing to pray to the Lord for healing, pray the Holy Rosary, or read about the miraculous healing ministry of Jesus in the Bible. 

Do you have a prayer before Jesus? Pray for it, never give up, and continue to badger Jesus with your prayer because this is the secret to receiving what you wish for from Him. However, everything must start with faith. Once you begin your interaction with Jesus in faith, everything will simply fall into place, including what you wish for from Him. 

But how can we grow in faith? We should humbly ask Jesus to give su the gift of faith. Not only should we ask Jesus for the gift of faith, but we should also reach out to Him through our prayers, our presence at Holy Mass, and by reading the most precious book of all books, which is the Holy Bible. 

The woman in the Gospel had been bleeding for twelve long years. She went to anyone who could cure her, but to no avail. Then she heard about a healer named Jesus, and from thereon she started to have faith in Him. Her faith was her motivation to reach out to Jesus. She even said to herself, "If only I could touch a portion of His clothes, I would be healed. 

All of us have heard about Jesus, but not all of us are praying for the gift of faith. Not all of us are reaching out to Jesus through our prayers and pious presence at Holy Mass. Not all of us have the habit of reading and reflecting on the words of Jesus in the Bible. 

Some of us may even say, "I’m very busy. I have no more time to do these acts of faith." How then can we grow in faith? How then can we be friends with Jesus? How then can we receive healing from Jesus if we do not give a little of our precious time to the Lord? 

If we want an increase of our faith and if we want to get healed by Jesus we have to give Him even a little of our precious time. 

Do we still give time to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo Hunyo 30, Ika -13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:21-43

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:21-43

Noong panahong iyon, muling tumawid si Hesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakasakay sa bangka. Nasa baybay pa siya ng lawa ay pinagkalipumpunan na siya ng maraming tao. Dumating ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Jairo, isang tagapamahala ng sinagoga. 

Pagkakita kay Hesus, siya’y nagpatirapa sa kanyang paanan, at ang samo: “Agaw-buhay po ang anak kong dalagita. Kung maaari, sumama kayo sa akin at ipatong ninyo sa kanya ang inyong kamay upang siya’y gumaling at mabuhay!” Sumama naman si Hesus. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming taong nagsisiksikan, anupa’t halos maipit na siya.  

May isang babae roon na labindalawang taon nang dinudugo, at lubhang nahihirapan. Marami nang manggagamot ang tumingin sa kanya, at naubos na sa kapapagamot ang kanyang ari-arian, ngunit hindi siya napabuti kahit kaunti bagkus ay lalong lumubha. 

Narinig niya ang sinasabi ng mga tao tungkol kay Hesus, kaya’t nakipagsiksikan siya hanggang sa makalapit sa likuran ni Hesus. At hinipo niya ang damit nito. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, “Mahipo ko lang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako.” 

Biglang tumigil ang kanyang pagdudugo at naramdaman niyang magaling na siya. Naramdaman naman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa kanya, kaya’t bumaling siya sa mga tao at nagtanong, “Sino ang humipo sa akin?” Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad, “Nakikita po ninyong nagsisiksikan ang napakaraming tao, bakit itinatanong ninyo kung sino ang humipo sa inyo?” 

Subalit patuloy na luminga-linga si Hesus, hinahanap ang humipo sa kanya. Palibhasa’y alam ng babae ang nangyari, siya’y nanginginig sa takot na lumapit kay Hesus, nagpatirapa, at ipinagtapat ang buong katotohanan.  

Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Anak pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig sa akin. Umuwi ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban. Lubusan ka nang magaling sa iyong karamdaman.” Samantalang nagsasalita pa si Hesus, may ilang dumating mula sa bahay ni Jairo. “Patay na po ang anak ninyo,” sabi nila. “Bakit pa ninyo aabalahin ang Guro?” Hindi pinansin ni Hesus ang kanilang sinabi, sa halip ay sinabi sa tagapamahala, “Huwag kang mabagabag, manalig ka.”   

At wala siyang isinama kundi si Pedro at ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan. Nang dumating sila sa bahay ng tagapamahala, nakita ni Hesus na gulung-gulo ang mga tao; may mga nananangis pa at nananaghoy. Pagpasok niya ay kanyang sinabi, “Bakit kayo nagkakagulo at nananangis? Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lamang!”  

Ngunit pinagtawanan siya ng mga tao. Pinalabas niya ang lahat, maliban sa ama’t ina ng bata at sa tatlong alagad, at sila’y pumasok sa kinaroroonan ng bata. Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at sinabi, “Talita kumi,” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Ineng, sinasabi ko sa iyo, magbangon ka!” Pagdaka’y bumangon ang bata at lumakad. Siya’y labindalawang taon na. At namangha ang lahat. Mahigpit na ipinagbilin ni Hesus na huwag ipaalam ito kaninuman; at iniutos niyang bigyan ng pagkain ang bata.

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Repleksyon:

May isang babae na gustong gumaling sa kanyang sakit pero ayaw nyang magsimba o manood ng  banal na Misa online. Ayaw nya rin na magdasal sa Diyos para siya ay gumaling. Ayaw nya ring mag dasal ng sto. Rosaryo o basahin ang pagpapagaling at mga milagro ni Jesus sa mga tao sa biblia. 

Mayroon ka bang ipinapanalangin kay Jesus? Ipagdasal mo ito, huwag kang susuko at patuloy mo itong hilingin kay Jesus dahil ito ang susi para ito ay iyong makamit. Pero kailagan ay mayroon kang pananampalataya dahil ang pananampalataya ang susi para makamit mo ang iyong hinihiling kay Jesus. 

Pero, paano po ba tayo lalago sa ating pananampalataya sa Panginoong Jesus Kristo? Kailagan po ay palagi tayong nag lalaan ng oras ng pananalangin para sa kanya. Palagi tayong naglalaan ng oras para mag simba o manood ng banal na Misa online. Palagi tayong naglalaan ng regular na oras para mag basa ng bibliya para mas makilala natin si Jesus. 

Ang babaeng maysakit sa mabuting balita ay labing dalawang taon ng dinudugo at lubhang nahihirapan na sa kanyang sakit. Marami ng doktor ang tumingin sa kanya pero hindi siya gumaling. Hangang sa mabalitaan o marinig nya ang pangalan ni Jesus. At simula ng marinig nya ang pangalan ni Jesus ay nakaroon na sya ng malalim na pananampalataya kay Jesus. Ang  pananampalataya ring ito ang nagtulak sa kanya para lumapit kay Jesus. At sinabi nya, “mahipo ko lamang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako.” 

Lahat po tayo ay kilala si Jesus pero hindi lahat sa atin ay nananalagin ng grasya ng pananampalataya. Hindi lahat ay palaging nagsisimba tuwing linggo, hindi po lahat sa atin nag uukol ng oras na magbasa ng biblia para mas makilala pa si Jesus. 

Yung iba po sa atin ay baka sabihin na busy sila kaya  di sila makapagsimba, di makapagdasal ng Santo Rosaryo at di makapagbasa ng bibliya. Kung ganon po ay paano po tayo lalago sa ating pananampalataya at paano po natin mas makikilala ng mas malalim pa si Jesus? 

Kung gusto po natin na lumakas ang ating pananampalataya at kung gusto po natin na tayo ay  pagalingin ni Jesus kailagan po na mag laan tayo ng oras para sa kanya. 

May inilalaan ka pa bang oras para kay Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday June 30, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

 

Repleksyon para Linggo Hunyo 30, Ika -13 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:21-43

 

Reflection for Saturday June 29 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles: Matthew 16:13-19

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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Reflection:

Do you know Jesus? Yes you know Jesus but do you feel the presence of Jesus in your life? Knowing and feeling Jesus are two different things. Many of us know Jesus but not as many feel His majestic presence. We don’t feel the presence of Jesus in our hearts because we lack time for Jesus. 

Peter did not only know Jesus, he felt also the presence of Jesus in his life. Peter felt the presence of Jesus in his life because Peter gave time for Jesus. Among the disciples it was Peter who was always with Jesus it was Peter who had more time for Jesus. 

Peter went with Jesus to the mountain of transfiguration. When Jesus walked on water Peter saw Jesus and even asked Jesus if she could go to him. And there were many other events that Peter was always in the company Jesus. 

Paul formerly Saul was initially a persecutor of the church. But in spite of being a fierce critic of the church Paul allowed Jesus to take control of his life. Thus, from being a persecutor Paul became a zealous propagator of the church. He became one of its foremost missioner. 

If you want to feel the presence of Jesus in your life. You only have to do one thing and that is to spend more time with Jesus. Be with Him at Holy Mass, hear Him speak to you by  reading your bible. Hear Him assuring you of His abiding presence in your life through your prayers. 

Do you want to feel the presence of Jesus in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Hunyo 29 San Pedro at San Pablo mga apostol (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 16:13-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-19

Noong panahong iyon, dumating si Jesus sa Cesarea ng Filipos, tinanong niya ang kanyang mga alagad, "Sino raw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa mga tao?" At sumagot sila, "Ang sabi po ng ilan ay si Juan Bautista kayo. Sabi naman ng iba, si Elias kayo. At may nagsasabi pang si Jeremias kayo o isa sa mga propeta." "Kayo naman, ano ang sabi ninyo? Sino ako?" tanong niya sa kanila. 

 Sumagot si Simon Pedro, "Kayo po ang Cristo, ang Anak ng Diyos na buhay." Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Mapalad ka, Simon na anak ni Jonas! Sapagkat ang katotohanang ito'y hindi inihayag sa iyo ng ibang tao kundi ng aking Amang nasa langit. At sinasabi ko naman sa iyo, ikaw ay Pedro, at sa ibabaw ng batong ito ay itatayo ko ang aking simbahan, at hindi makapananaig sa kanya kahit sa kapangyarihan ng kamatayan.  

Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng langit: ang ipagbawal mo sa lupa ay ipagbabawal sa langit, at ang ipahintulot mo sa lupa ay ipahihintulot sa Langit."

Reflection for Friday June 28 Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr: Matthew 8:1-4

Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I will do it. Be made clean." 

His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, "See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who was scheduled for a dangerous operation. Before going thru the operation she was advised by a relative to go first to a priest. So that she could first be conferred with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. 

After a few days the operation went on smoothly and the woman eventually recovered and she resumed her normal life. Jesus heals us through the hand of the priest who confers to us the Sacrament of Anointing of the sick. Jesus heals us also through our time spent with Him in prayer and in reading His life changing words in the bible. 

There is always a healing experience whenever we seek the presence of Jesus in our lives. We may not immediately experience this healing but it’s always there being conferred to us by the Lord, it’s either physical or spiritual. He confers it to us through the Sacrament for the Sick and through our prayerful encounter with Him. 

In our gospel a person sick with leprosy approached Jesus, did him homage, and prayerfully said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean and the man was immediately cured of his contagious sickness.  

This healing would also happen to us if we pay homage to Jesus and prayerfully approach Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hunyo 28 San Ireneo, obispo pantas ng simbahan at martir (Paggunita): Mateo 8:1-4

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 8:1-4

Nang makababa si Jesus mula sa bundok, sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao. Lumapit sa kanya ang isang ketongin at lumuhod sa harapan niya, "Ginoo," ang wika niya, "kung ibig po ninyo, ako'y inyong mapagagaling." 

Hinipo siya ni Jesus at sinabi, "Ibig ko, gumaling ka." At pagdaka'y nawala ang kanyang ketong. "Huwag mo itong sasabihin kaninuman," bilin ni Jesus. Pumunta ka't pasuri sa saserdote. Pagkatapos maghandog ka ng haing iniuutos ni Moises, bilang patotoo sa mga tao na magaling ka na."

Reflection for June 27 Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:21-29

Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ 

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” 

When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

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Reflection:

Does a priest have safe passage to heaven? Does a nun have safe passage to heaven? Does a person who always goes to church for Holy Mass have safe passage to heaven? 

The answers to all of these questions are no! Nobody has a monopoly of heavenly dwelling, everyone of us has a chance provided we do the will of God and we live our lives according to how God wants us to live it. 

So, what are we going to do? We have to live what we preach and teach because if we don’t live what we preach and teach, we have no chance of entering heaven someday. Many are only good at teaching and preaching, and it ends there, much like the false prophets who were only good at preaching and teaching but lived unholy lives. 

Jesus himself tells us this: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven (Matthew 7:21). 

Jesus knows everything about us. If to our fellowmen we could sugarcoat our image as Godly with Jesus we cannot. For He knows our deepest secrets, He knows if we are only pretending to be Good, Holy and Godly. 

Jesus knows the secret lives we live and the hidden sins we commit; we can’t hide anything from Him. Therefore, we must reform and leave behind anything that causes us to sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 27 Huwebes ng Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:21-29

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:21-29

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Hindi lahat ng tumatawag sa akin, ‘Panginoon, Panginoon,’ ay papasok sa kaharian ng langit, kundi yaon lamang sumusunod sa kalooban ng aking Amang nasa langit. Pagdating ng huling Araw, marami ang magsasabi sa akin, ‘Panginoon, nangaral po kami at nagpalayas ng mga demonyo, at gumawa ng mga kababalaghan sa inyong pangalan!’ At sasabihin ko sa kanila, ‘Kailanma’y hindi ko kayo nakilala. Lumayo kayo sa akin, mga mapaggawa ng masama!’

“Kaya’t ang bawat nakikinig at nagsasagawa ng mga salita kong ito ay matutulad sa isang taong matalino na nagtayo ng kanyang bahay sa ibabaw ng bato. Umulan nang malakas, bumaha, at binayo ng malakas na hangin ang bahay na iyon, ngunit hindi nagiba sapagkat nakatayo sa ibabaw ng bato. Ang bawat nakikinig ng aking mga salita at hindi nagsasagawa nito ay matutulad sa isang taong hangal na nagtayo ng kanyang bahay sa buhanginan. Umulan nang malakas, bumaha, at binayo ng malakas na hangin ang bahay. Bumagsak ang bahay na iyon at lubusang nawasak.”

Nang masabi na ni Hesus ang mga pananalitang ito, ang mga tao’y namangha. Sapagkat nagturo siya na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba.