Reflection for August 30 Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:1-13

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. 

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  

But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 

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Reflection: 

Is there a magic word for a successful marriage? Yes, there is and the magic word is preparation. When a couple decides to marry they have to ensure that they plunge into the marriage covenant prepared. 

They have to be prepared spiritually by putting God at the center of their lives. They have to be prepared for the emotional and financial stress that they will be going through. They have to be prepared to swallow their own prides/egos. If there are no preparations their marriage would simply break apart sooner or later. 

In the gospel the five foolish virgins went unprepared to meet the bridegroom. They have no knowledge of the time of the bridegroom’s arrival yet they did not bring extra oil for their lamps. Hence, the five who were unprepared went out for a while to buy oil.  

But upon returning, nobody was present anymore because the bridegroom had already arrived, and everybody was inside at the wedding feast. Despite knocking on the door and begging to be allowed entry, the door was not opened for them.  

Preparation is important in any event of life. For example, a student who prepares for an examination would be able to pass. A soldier who carefully  prepares his battle plan will be able to fight properly.  

A Priest who prepares for his homily will be able to touch and change hearts and minds.  And a person who only has a few months to live and who prepares for his death will be able to die without excess baggage in his heart.  

Should you also prepare as early as now for your ascent to heaven someday? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 30, Biyernes sa Ika-21 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 25:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:1-13

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Dito maitutulad ang pagpasok sa kaharian ng Diyos: may sampung dalagang lumabas upang sumalubong sa lalaking ikakasal. Bawat isa'y may dalang ilawan.  

Ang lima sa kanila'y hangal at ang lima'y matalino. Ang mga hangal ay nagdala ng ilawan ngunit hindi nagbaon ng langis. Subalit ang matatalino'y nagdala ng langis bukod pa sa kanilang ilawan. Nabalam ang dating ng lalaking ikakasal, kaya't inantok silang lahat at nakatulog. 

"Ngunit nang hatinggabi na'y may sumigaw: 'Narito na ang lalaking ikakasal! Salubungin ninyo!' Agad nagbangon ang sampung dalaga at inayos ang kanilang ilawan. Sinabi ng mga hangal sa matatalino, 'Bigyan naman ninyo kami ng kaunting langis. Aandap-andap na ang aming mga ilawan, e!' 'Baka hindi magkasya ito sa ating lahat,' tugon ng matatalino. ' 

Mabuti pa'y pumunta muna kayo sa nagtitinda at bumili ng para sa inyo.' Kaya't lumakad ang limang hangal na dalaga. Samantalang bumibili sila, dumating ang lalaking ikakasal. Ang limang nakahanda ay kasama niyang pumasok sa kasalan, at ipininid ang pinto. 

"Pagkatapos, dumating naman ang limang hangal na dalaga. 'Panginoon, papasukin po ninyo kami!' sigaw nila. Ngunit tumugon siya, 'Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi ko kayo nakikilala.' Kaya, magbantay kayo, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam ang araw ni ang oras." 

Reflection for Thursday August 29 Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist: Mark 6:17-29

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.

Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.

Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” 

She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her.

So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

Would you have the courage to denounce an adulterous relationship? You surely will think and ponder very hard about the consequence of your action. Or perhaps you will not have the courage to speak against it for fear of being rebuked or even killed.

John the Baptist is a man of courage for he did not fear speaking against the adulterous relationship of King Herod and Herodias. John told them that it was wrong for them to be in that relationship because Herodias was married to his brother Philip. Yet, by speaking about what was moral and true John was imprisoned and eventually beheaded.

There comes a time in our lives that we need to make a stand or speak out against what is wrong, evil and immoral. To remain silent against a wrongdoing is never an option because how can we correct a wrong if we would just be silent? How would others know that what they are doing is wrong if we would remain silent? It’s like we are consenting to what is wrong if we will pretend to hear no evil and see no evil.

We therefore have to speak out but this does not necessarily mean that we will be angry and there would be shouting and cursing. We can speak out in a civil manner to those whom we perceive to be at fault. What is important is we point out what is wrong and we let others know that we are not consenting to their actions.

Like John the Baptist, let us also have the courage to denounce anything that is wrong and evil. We can do this by speaking to the concerned individual/s with civility and without implying that we are more holy, powerful and superior than them. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Agosto 29, Ang Pagpapakasakit ni San Juan Bautista (Paggunita): Marcos 6:17-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:17-29

Noong panahong iyon, si Herodes ang nagpahuli, nagpagapos at nagpabilanggo kay Juan dahil kay Herodias. Ang babaing ito'y asawa ni Felipe kapatid ni Herodes ngunit ito'y kinakasama niya. Laging sinasabi sa kanya ni Juan, "Hindi matuwid na kunin ninyo ang asawa ng inyong kapatid."  

Kaya't si Herodias ay nagkimkim ng galit kay Juan. Hinangad niyang ipapatay ito, ngunit hindi niya ito magawa, sapagkat natatakot si Herodes kay Juan. Alam niyang ito'y taong matuwid at banal, kaya't ipinagsasanggalang niya. Gustong-gusto niyang makinig kay Juan, bagama't labis siyang nababagabag sa sinasabi nito.  

Sa wakas ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Herodias nang anyayahan ni Herodes sa kanyang kaarawan ang kanyang mga kagawad, mga pinuno ng hukbo, at ang mga pangunahing mamamayan ng Galilea.

Pumasok ang anak ni Herodias at nagsayaw. Labis na nasiyahan si Herodes at mga panauhin, kaya't sinabi ng hari sa dalaga, "Hingin mo sa akin ang anumang ibig mo at ibibigay ko sa iyo." At naisumpa pa niyang ibibigay kahit ang kalahati ng kanyang kaharian kung ito ang hihilingin. 

Lumabas ang dalaga at tinanong ang kanyang ina. "Ano ang hihingin ko?" "Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sagot ng ina. Dali-daling nagbalik ang dalaga sa kinaroroonan ng hari. "Ang ibig ko po'y ibigay ninyo ngayon din, sa isang pinggan, ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sabi niya. Labis na nalungkot ang hari, ngunit dahil sa kanyang sumpa na narinig ng kanyang mga panauhin, hindi niya matanggihan ang dalaga. 

Kaagad niyang iniutos sa isang bantay na dalhin sa kanya ang ulo ni Juan. Sumunod ang bantay at pinugutan si Juan sa bilangguan, inilagay ang ulo sa isang pinggan, at ibinigay sa dalaga. Ibinigay naman iyon ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, kinuha nila ang kanyang bangkay at inilibing.

Reflection for Wednesday August 28 Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 23:27-32

Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32

Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out! 

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Reflection: 

Why is Jesus so aghast with the scribes and the Pharisees? Because they don’t walk their talk, what they say is contrary to what they do. They tell their people to do this and that yet they don’t do it themselves. They are only good at giving command and it ends with the giving of command.  

They also are very much conscious of their outside appearance. They always put their best foot forward so to speak yet they don’t care about their manipulative behaviors.  

They are very much like many powerful people who project clean public image but lacking in integrity. They manipulate people for them to be looked up to as if they are more powerful than God. But nothing last forever in this world; eventually the powerful will become without power and the arrogant will be crushed and shamed.  

We therefore have to become transparent and sincere toward our fellowmen. No manipulation, no arrogance and superficiality because Jesus’ abhors these kinds of pharisaic attitudes and behaviors. – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Agosto 28, Paggunita kay San Agustin, obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 23:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:27-32

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, "Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ang katulad ninyo'y mga libingang pinaputi, magaganda sa labas, ngunit sa loob ay puno ng kabulukan at buto ng mga patay. Ganyang-ganyan kayo! Sa paningin ng tao'y mabubuti kayo, ngunit ang totoo, punong-puno kayo ng pagpapaimbabaw at kasamaan."

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ipinagtatayo ninyo ng mga libingan ang mga propeta at ginagayakan ang mga puntod ng mga taong namuhay nang matuwid. At sinasabi ninyo, 'Kung kami sana'y nabuhay sa kapanahunan ng aming mga ninuno, hindi namin ipapapatay ang mga propeta.' Sa sinabi ninyong iyan, inaamin ninyong kayo'y mga anak ng mga nagpapatay sa mga propeta! Sige! Tapusin ninyo ang pinasimulan ng inyong mga ninuno!  

Reflection for Tuesday August 27 Memorial of Saint Monica: Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean.

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Reflection:

Which is more important to you? The outside appearance of a person (what is seen) or the interior attitude of a person (what is not seen)? For Jesus it is always the interior, the content of a person’s heart and thought.

What is seen doesn’t matter for what good it is to have a handsome/beautiful face, to have nice houses and to have wealth. If the content of our hearts and minds are filthy and toxic? What good it is to have all the material wealth and power in this world if we have no God in our heart and if we have no compassion and love?

What is seen is temporary but if we have God in our heart, if we have compassion and love, we  are forever peaceful until the end.  

The Pharisees in the gospel which were the ruling religious power during Jesus’ time were the recipient of Jesus woes. For they were always looking good and pious on the outside but morally and spiritually bankrupt in the inside. Thus, Jesus wanted them to change and to have an interior cleansing and renewal.

Let us reflect on these pronouncements of Jesus for He is speaking to us as well. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Agosto 27 Paggunita kay Santa Monica: Mateo 23:23-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:23-26

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus, Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ibinibigay ninyo ang ikapu ng gulaying walang halaga ngunit kinaliligtaan ninyong isagawa ang lalong mahahalagang aral sa Kautusan: ang katarungan, ang pagkahabag, at ang katapatan. Tamang gawin ninyo ang mga ito, ngunit huwag naman ninyong kaliligtaang gawin ang iba. Mga bulag na tagaakay! Sinasala ninyo ang niknik sa inyong inumin, ngunit nilulunok ninyo ang kamelyo! 

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Nililinis ninyo ang tasa at ng pinggan, ngunit ang loob nito'y puno ng nahuthot ninyo dahil sa kasakiman at pagsasamantala. Bulag na Pariseo! Linisin mo muna ang mga nasa loob ng tasa at ng pinggan, at magiging malinis din ang labas nito! 

Reflection for August 26 Monday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:13-22

Gospel: Matthew 23:13-22

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. 

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves. 

“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’ Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred? And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ 

You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it; one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.”+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is the meaning of the word woe? 

Woe is a word that has a negative meaning and Jesus has three woes addressed to the Pharisees and the Scribes. Why? Because many of the Pharisees and scribes were hypocrites. They teach their subjects to practice this and that yet they themselves are not practicing what they are teaching and preaching. 

These woes are not exclusively addressed to the Pharisees and Scribes, this is also for many of us who are hypocrites. We who are not true to our word and we who often are good only with worship for God yet very much wanting in living our faith. 

But it’s not yet late for us to turn things around, to make amends with God. For the simple reason that all of us no matter how sinful have hope before the Lord. For Jesus condemnation is not forever because He can easily erase His condemnation and replace it with mercy, forgiveness  and love.   

Remember the sinner who was crucified with Jesus? He was originally sinful but he repented, thus Jesus brought him along to paradise. (Luke 23:43). Let us therefore repent from our sinfulness while we still have the luxury of time. – Marino J. Dasmarinas          

Ang Mabuting Balita: Agosto 26, Lunes sa Ika-21 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 23:13-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:13-22

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, “Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Hinahadlangan ninyo ang mga tao upang hindi sila mapagharian ng Diyos. Ayaw na ninyong pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos, hinahadlangan pa ninyo ang ibig pasakop!

“Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Inuubos ninyo ang kabuhayan ng mga babaing balo, at ang sinasangkalan ninyo’y ang pagdarasal nang mahaba! Dahil dito’y lalo pang bibigat ang parusa sa inyo! “Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Nilalakbay ninyo ang karagatan at ginagalugad ang buong daigdig, makahikayat lamang kayo ng kahit isang Hentil sa pananampalatayang Judio. At kung mahikayat na’y ginagawa ninyong masahol pa kaysa inyo, kaya’t nagiging ibayo ang dahilan para siya’y parusahan sa impiyerno.

“Sa aba ninyo, mga bulag na taga-akay! Itinuturo ninyo na kung ipanumpa ninuman ang templo, walang anuman ito, ngunit kung ang ipanumpa ay ang ginto ng templo, dapat niyang tuparin ang kanyang sumpa. Mga bulag! Mga hangal! Alin ang mas mahalaga, ang ginto o ang templong nagpapabanal sa ginto? Sinasabi rin ninyo na kung ipanumpa ninuman ang dambana, walang anuman ito, ngunit kung ang ipanumpa ay ang handog na nasa dambana, dapat niyang tupdin ang kanyang sumpa.

Mga bulag! Alin ba ang mas mahalaga, ang handog o ang dambanang nagpapabanal sa handog? Kaya nga, kapag ipinanumpa ninuman ang dambana, ipinanunumpa niya iyon at ang lahat ng handog na naroon. Kapag ipinanumpa ninuman ang templo, ipinanunumpa niya iyon at ang tumatahan doon. At kapag ipinanumpa ninuman ang langit, ipinanunumpa niya ang trono ng Diyos at ang nakaluklok doon.”

Reflection for Sunday August 25, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time: John 6:60-69

Gospel: John 6:60-69

Many of the disciples of Jesus who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, “Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?  

 It is the Spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.” 

As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.”

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Reflection:

A man would always attend Sunday Holy Mass, but suddenly, he stopped attending. When he was asked why, he said, “I cannot believe that the ordinary bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus.” After not attending Holy Mass for a long time, he felt empty, even though he was materially wealthy. He then decided to attend Holy Mass again, and from that moment on, he felt well and fulfilled.

Do you believe the claim of Jesus that He is the Bread of Life? Many of the followers of Jesus were scandalized by His pronouncement that He is the Bread of Life, and that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst (John 6:35).

After detaching themselves from Jesus, they subsequently returned to their former way of life—possibly for many of them – life of sin and emptiness. They chose to regress rather than progress with Jesus. Why did they walk away? It was influenced by their unbelief in Jesus.

Those followers who chose to walk away missed the golden opportunity to know more about the Lord. They also missed the chance to witness more miracles from Jesus. What else did they miss? They were deprived of Jesus' daily abiding presence, protection, and guidance.

Those who walked away simply did not believe and saw it fit to trust in their own understanding rather than have faith in the pronouncements of Jesus. This is what ails many of us: we trust more in ourselves than have faith in the Lord.

Are you also walking away from the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Agosto 25 Ika-21 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Juan 6:60-69

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:60-69

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga alagad ni Jesus ang nagsabi, "Mabigat na pananalita ito; sino ang makatatanggap nito?" Alam ni Jesus na nagbubulung-bulungan ang kanyang mga alagad tungkol dito, kaya't sinabi niya, "Dahil ba rito'y tatalikuran na ninyo ako? Gaano pa kaya kung makita ninyong umaakyat ang Anak ng Tao sa dati niyang kinaroroonan? 

Ang espiritu ang nagbibigay-buhay; hindi ito magagawa ng laman. Ang mga salitang sinabi ko sa inyo ay Espiritu at buhay. Ngunit may ilan sa inyong hindi nananalig sa akin. " Sapagkat talastas ni Jesus buhat pa noong una kung sinu-sino ang hindi nananalig sa kanya. Idinugtong pa niya, "Iyan ang dahilan kaya ko sinabi sa inyo na walang makalalapit sa akin malibang loobin ito ng Ama."  

Mula noo'y marami sa kanyang mga alagad ang tumalikod at hindi na sumama sa kanya. Kaya't tinanong ni Jesus ang Labindalawa, "Ibig din ba ninyong umalis?" Sumagot si Simon Pedro, "Panginoon, kanino po kami pupunta? Nasa inyo po ang mga salitang nagbibigay ng buhay na walang hanggan. Naniniwala kami at ngayo'y natitiyak naming kayo ang Banal ng Diyos."

Reflection for Saturday August 24 Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle: John 1:45-51

Gospel: John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth. But Nathanael said to him “Can anything good come from Nazareth? Philip said to him, “Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel.  

There is no duplicity in him. Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me? Jesus answered and said to him “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree. Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.  

Jesus answered and said to him “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this. And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.

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Reflection:

How do you encounter Jesus in your life? The best encounter with Jesus that you could ever have is through the Holy Mass, prayer and reflections of His words in the bible. Because it’s through these sacred acts that you always unite with Jesus.  

Nathanael in the gospel had an encounter with Jesus. And he was never the same again after that encounter for he was profoundly blessed by Jesus.  

Our spiritual development hinges on our hunger and thirst for Jesus. The more that we hunger for it the more that Jesus becomes more real to us. And the more that we feel His abiding presence in our lives.  

The more also that we are freed from our fears, worries and vulnerabilities from the scheming of the Devil. Let us therefore create time for the Lord because this is the key for us to have an encounter and friendship with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas         

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Agosto 24 Kapistahan ni San Bartolome, apostol: Juan 1:45-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:45-51

Noong panahong iyon, hinanap ni Felipe si Natanael, at sinabi rito, "Natagpuan namin si Jesus na taga-Nazaret, ang anak ni Jose. Siya ang tinutukoy ni Moises sa kanyang Kautusan, at gayon din ng mga propeta." "May magmumula bang mabuti sa Nazaret?" tanong ni Natanael. Sumagot si Falipe, "Halika tingnan mo."  

Nang malapit na si Natanael ay sinabi ni Jesus, "Masdan ninyo ang isang tunay na Israelita; siya'y hindi magdaraya!" Tinanong siya ni Natanael, "Paano ninyo ako nakilala?" Sumagot si Jesus, Bago ka pa tawagin ni Felipe, nakita na kita nang ikaw ay nasa ilalim ng puno ng igos."  

"Rabi, kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos! Kayo ang Hari ng Israel" wika ni Natanael. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Nananampalataya ka ba dahil sinabi kong nasa ilalim ka ng puno ng igos? Makakakita ka ng mga bagay na higit kaysa rito!" At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Tandaan ninyo: makikita ninyong bukas ang langit, at ang anghel ng Diyos ay manhik-manaog sa kinaroroonan ng Anak ng Tao!"

Reflection for August 23 Friday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:34-40

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

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Reflection:

Can we measure the length and breadth of true love? 

The length and breadth of true love is something that we cannot measure no matter how meticulously we try to measure it. We will be willing to give everything for the sake of this true love and this is what our love for God must be. 

If we love God we would be willing to do everything for Him including giving our life for the advancement of His kingdom here in this world. If we love God we would be willing to forgive those who have hurt us no matter how deep the wound it inflicted upon us. And if we truly love God we would be willing to give up whatever form of sinfulness that we have no matter the gratification that we derive from it.  

The martyrs and saints of the church best exemplify this greatest commandment of love. They lived it to the hilt that they willingly gave their very lives for the sake of their great love for God. 

We often times say that we love God but when we are confronted with difficult situations such as giving up something very important out of ourselves. We capitulate thus we betray our self- serving profession of love for God. The same when we are challenged to forgive those who’ve hurt us. 

True love for God is the willingness to give our time, our treasures and even our life for the advancement of God’s kingdom. True love for our neighbor/s is our readiness to forgive somebody even if she/he does not ask for our forgiveness. And true love for God is our willingness to walk away from anything that makes us sin.

Do you really love God? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 23, Biyernes sa Ika-20 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 22-34-40

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22:34-40

Noong panahong iyon, nagtipun-tipon ang mga Pariseo nang mabalitaan nilang napatahimik ni Hesus ang mga Saduseo. At isa sa kanila, isang dalubhasa sa Kautusan, ang nagtanong kay Hesus upang subukin ito: “Guro, alin po ang pinakamahalagang utos sa Kautusan?”  

Sumagot si Hesus, “Ibigin mo ang Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong puso, nang buong kaluluwa, at nang buong pag-iisip. Ito ang pinakamahalagang utos. Ito naman ang pangalawa: “Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng iyong sarili. Sa dalawang utos na ito nakasalalay ang buong Kautusan ni Moises at ang turo ng mga propeta.”

Reflection for Thursday August 22 Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.   

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren for nothing will be impossible for God.”  

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Do you bow in humility to the will of the Lord? For example, you want to focus on something that you want to become your lifelong career. Yet, in your heart you also feel that the Holy Spirit is leading you to something which is for God. Do you listen to this leading of the Holy Spirit or you listen only to what you want for yourself?  

Mary listened to the voice of God coursed through the Angel Gabriel, Mary listened to the Holy Spirit who spoke to her heart. Mary had her own plan yet she subordinated her plan for God’s plan for her which is to become the mother of Jesus.   

When we obey the voice of God who is continuously speaking to us, our life will change for the better not according to the desire of this world. We may not gain the material wealth that many of us want this world to offer us but the moment we say yes to the voice of God. We would gain peace in our life; peace that we have never experienced before and peace that no material wealth could give us.  

The Blessed Mother did this, she listened to the voice of God thru the angel Gabriel and she listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit which was already speaking to her heart. Thus, she gained peace and serenity in her life.   

Let us therefore listen to the voice of God and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It may be telling us to reconcile with someone close to us. It may be telling us to reach out in humility to a friend or it may be telling us to forgive and forget an offense done against us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Agosto 22 Paggunita sa Pagka-reyna ng Mahal na Birheng Maria: Lucas 1:26-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:26-38

Nang ikaanim na buwan na ng pagdadalantao ni Elisabet, ang anghel Gabriel ay sinugo ng Diyos sa Nazaret, Galilea, sa isang dalaga na ang pangala'y Maria. Siya'y nakatakdang ikasal kay Jose, isang lalaki buhat sa lipi ni Haring David. Paglapit ng anghel sa kinaroroonan ng dalaga, binati niya ito.  

"Matuwa ka! Ikaw ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos," wika niya. "Sumasaiyo ang Panginoon!" Nagulumihanan si Maria sa gayong pangungusap, at inisip niyang mabuti kung ano ang kahulugan niyon. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng anghel, "Huwag kang matakot, Maria, sapagkat kinalulugdan ka ng Diyos. Makinig ka! Ikaw ay maglilihi at manganganak ng isang lalaki, at siya'y tatawagin mong Jesus. 

Magiging dakila siya, at tatawaging Anak ng Kataas-taasan. Ibibigay sa kanya ng Panginoong Diyos ang trono ng kanyang amang si David. Maghahari siya sa angkan ni Jacob magpakailanman, at ang kanyang paghahari ay walang hanggan." "Paanong mangyayari ito, gayong ako'y dalaga?" tanong ni Maria. Sumagot ang anghel, "Bababa sa iyo ang Espiritu Santo, at lililiman ka ng kanyang kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasan.  

Kaya't banal ang ipanganganak mo at tatawaging Anak ng Diyos. Natatandaan mo ang iyong kamag-anak na si Elisabet? Alam ng lahat na siya'y baog, ngunit naglihi siya sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan. At ngayo'y ikaanim na buwan na ng kanyang pagdadalantao -- sapagkat walang hindi mapangyayari ang Diyos." Sumagot si Maria, "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon. Mangyari sa akin ang iyong sinabi." At nilisan siya ng anghel. 

Reflection for Wednesday August 21 Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope: Matthew 20:1-16

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise.

Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’  When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage.

So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’

He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes think that God is not treating you fairly? For example, you are faithful to Him, you follow the commandments and you always try to do your best to do good. But you still encounter trials and problems in your life.

The ways of God are unfathomable there are times that HIS decisions are hard for us to comprehend. But that’s how God is; HE does not think the way we think. HE doesn’t decide the way we decide. God is infinite and we are simply finite beings of this world.

We will not be able to comprehend the ways of God no matter how hard we try to comprehend it, we will not. But come to think of it, who are we to question God’s decisions and  infinite goodness? We are mere mortals with a very limited shelf life in this world. Instead of questioning the mysterious ways of God in our lives, why not simply work hard, be a good and faithful follower and trust HIM our lives no matter what may befall us?

In the gospel Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who invited workers to work in his vineyard. Many were invited to work at different hours during that day. Some were invited presumably at 8 in the morning, some during 9 in the morning. And then the last group of workers that were invited was during 5 pm the last hour of work already.   

When evening came every worker was summoned to receive their wages for their day’s work. The first batch that received their wages were those who came at 5 pm the last hour of work and to their surprise they received the full wage for the day.

Therefore those who reported to work the first hour of the morning were expecting a bigger wage. But to their disappointment they received the same wage with those who worked at 5 pm. So, they complained to the landowner for what they perceived to be an injustice that was done to them. However, the landowner told them that there was no injustice and cheating on the wages that was paid because they agreed to be paid with that amount from the outset.   

There may be times that we may feel that God is not treating us fairly. For the reason of the many challenges and trials that we face in our lives. But that feeling is wrong because God is always good and fair to us. It is rather us who fail to discern the goodness, wisdom and infinite mercy and generosity of God.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Agosto 21 Paggunita kay San Pio X, papa: Mateo 20:1-16

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 20:1-16

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: lumabas ng umagang-umaga ang may-ari ng ubasan upang humanap ng mga manggagawa. Nang magkasundo na sila sa upa na isang denaryo maghapon, sila'y pinapunta niya sa kanyang ubasan. Lumabas siyang muli nang mag-iikasiyam ng umaga at nakakita siya ng iba pang tatayu-tayo lamang sa liwasang-bayan.  

Sinabi nya sa kanila, 'Pumaroon din kayo at magtrabaho sa aking ubasan, at bibigyan ko kayo ng karampatang upa. At pumaroon nga sila. Lumabas na naman siya nang mag-iikalabindalawa ng tanghali at nang mag-iikatlo ng hapon, at gayon din ang ginagawa niya. Nang mag-iikalima ng hapon, siya'y lumabas uli at nakakita pa ng mga ibang wala ring ginagawa. Sinabi niya sa kanila, 'Bakit kayo tatayu-tayo lang dito sa buong maghapon?' 'Wala pong magbigay sa amin ng trabaho, e!' sagot nila. At sinabi niya, 'Kung gayun, pumaroon kayo at gumawa sa aking ubasan.'  

"Pagtatakip-silim, sinabi ng may-ari ng ubasan sa kanyang katiwala, 'Tawagin mo na ang mga manggagawa at sila'y upahan, magmula sa huli hanggang sa unang nagtrabaho.' Ang mga nagsimula ng mag-iikalima ng hapon ay tumanggap ng tig-iisang denaryo. At nang lumapit ang mga nauna, inakala nilang tatanggap sila ng higit doon; ngunit ang bawat isa'y tumanggap din ng isang denaryo.  

Pagkatanggap nito, nagreklamo sila sa may-ari ng ubasan. Sabi nila, 'Isang oras lang pong gumawa ang mga huling dumating, samantalang maghapon kaming nagpagal at nagtiis ng nakapapasong init ng araw. Bakit naman po ninyo pinagpare-pareho ang upa sa amin?' At sinabi niya sa isa sa kanila, 'Kaibigan, hindi kita dinadaya. Hindi ba't nagkasundo tayo sa isang denaryo?  

Kunin mo ang ganang iyo, at umalis ka na. Maano kung ibig kong upahan ang nahuli nang tulad ng upa ko sa iyo? Wala ba akong karapatang gawin ang aking maibigan sa ari-arian ko? O naiinggit ka lang sa aking kabutihang loob?' Kaya't ang nahuhuli ay mauuna, at ang nauuna ay mahuhuli."

Reflection for Tuesday August 20 Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 19:23-30

Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30

Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

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Reflection:

What have we given up for our love of Jesus? Have we given up our vices, sinfulness and other ungodly behaviors?  

In the gospel Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Perhaps this is also our question before Jesus, What will there be for us your followers? Ah, Jesus would probably say, there would be peace in your life, there would be less human created stress and the like. 

But judging from the life of Jesus and of those who faithfully followed Him there will be hardships, sacrifices, poverty and even martyrdom. Now that we have an idea, would we still follow? We must still follow Jesus even if people would persecute us for following Him and even if there would be hardships and sacrifices. For this is the true measure of our discipleship. 

Before gold becomes a magnificent piece of jewelry it passes through severe purifying by fire. And before a diamond is made it goes through several painful processes that involves crushing, cutting and refining. 

So is our life with Jesus, there would be humps and bumps here and there. But nothing to worry about these humps and bumps for its just part of the testing of our faith and certainly part of our purification. 

Would we still faithfully follow Jesus from now on notwithstanding the purification that we have to go through? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Agosto 20 Paggunita kay San Bernardo, abad at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 19:23-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:23-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: napakahirap mapabilang ang mayayaman sa mga pinaghaharian ng Diyos! At sinasabi ko rin sa inyo: madali pang makaraan ang kamelyo sa butas ng karayom kaysa pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos ang isang mayaman.” 

Nagtaka ang mga alagad nang marinig ito, kaya’t naitanong nila. “Kung gayun, sino po ang maliligtas?” Tinitigan sila ni Hesus at sinabi, “Hindi ito magagawa ng tao, ngunit magagawa ng Diyos ang lahat ng bagay.”  

At nagsalita si Pedro, “Tingnan po ninyo: iniwan namin ang lahat at kami’y sumunod sa inyo. Ano po naman ang para sa amin?” Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo ito: kapag nakaluklok na ang Anak ng Tao sa kanyang maringal na trono sa bagong daigdig, kayong sumunod sa akin ay luluklok din sa labindalawang trono upang hukuman ang labindalawang lipi ng Israel. 

At ang sinumang magtiis na iwan ang tahanan, mga kapatid na lalaki at babae, ama, ina, mga anak, o mga lupain alang-alang sa akin ay tatanggap ng makasandaang ibayo, at pagkakalooban ng buhay na walang hanggan. Ngunit maraming una na magiging huli, at maraming huli na magiging una.”

Reflection for Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:16-22

Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 

He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 

When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

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Reflection:

Would you give up all your material riches for the sake of the Lord? 

The young man did all of the commandments except for one, to sell all his materials treasures and give the proceeds to the poor. This was the stumbling block to his desire to follow Jesus - not being able to do what Jesus wanted him, he walked away sad for he was rich.  

This is a sad ending to a promising   story of discipleship all because of material possessions. The man failed to discern what is temporary and what is eternal. He didn’t discern that his riches were temporary and following Jesus was everlasting. If only he knew it he would have abandoned everything for the sake of following Jesus. 

We are being challenged by the gospel to be more discerning than the rich young man. We are being challenged by Jesus to look deeply into our hearts for the reason that we may be slaves already of this material world. 

In hindsight, why is it that many of us are very much willing to become slaves of this world when all that is in this world are passing? For example, power, riches and other worldly comforts there will come a time that we will leave it behind. 

There will come a time that everything that we have will not matter anymore except our relationship with Jesus. So, we have to follow the Lord than be slaves of this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita: Agosto 19, Lunes sa Ika-20 na Linggo sa ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 19:16-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:16-22

Noong panahong iyon, may isang lalaking lumapit kay Hesus at nagtanong, "Guro, ano pong kabutihan ang kailangan kong gawin upang magkamit ng buhay na walang hanggan?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Bakit mo ako tinatanong kung ano ang mabuti? Iisa lamang ang mabuti. Kung ibig mong magkamit ng buhay, sundin mo ang mga utos." 

"Alin-alin po?" tanong niya. Sumagot si Jesus, "Huwag kang papatay; huwag kang mangangalunya; huwag kang magnanakaw; huwag kang magsisinungaling sa iyong pagsaksi; igalang mo ang iyong ama at ina; at ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa, gaya nang pag-ibig mo sa iyong sarili." 

Sinabi ng binata, "Tinutupad ko na pong lahat iyan. Ano pa po ang dapat kong gawin?" "Kung ibig mong maging ganap, humayo ka, ipagbili mo ang iyong ari-arian at ipamahagi sa mga dukha ang pinagbilhan. Kapag ginawa mo iyan, magkakaroon ka ng kayamanan sa langit. Pagkatapos, bumalik ka at sumunod sa akin." sagot ni Jesus. Pagkarinig nito, malungkot na umalis ang binata, sapagkat siya'y napakayaman.

Reflection for Sunday August 18, Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: John 6:51-58

Gospel: John 6:51-58

Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 

Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.

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Reflection:

St. Catherine of Genoa was a daily communicant. It was said that during the seasons of Advent and Lent, she lived without food, being nourished solely by receiving Jesus daily through Holy Communion. 

During the thirteenth century in Italy, there was a priest who almost lost his faith in the reality of Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist. Right before the 'Lamb of God,' where the priest breaks the host to put a small part of it into the chalice, the host in his hands began to bleed profusely. It bled over his hands, onto the corporal, and onto the altar cloths. 

There are many more written and unwritten Eucharistic miracles that have happened and will continue to happen in the future. But how about us? Have we personally experienced any form of miraculous Eucharistic occurrence? Perhaps we have not yet experienced it, or maybe we’re simply unaware that Jesus, through His Body and Blood, is actually transforming us into the person He wants us to be.

Is it possible that something miraculous could happen to us if we reverently receive Jesus at Mass? If we faithfully and piously receive Jesus in every Holy Mass, it is not impossible that He will transform us into the person He wants us to become. 

Take, for example, a man who is a chain smoker and an alcoholic—what will happen to him if he doesn’t stop smoking and drinking? He will likely suffer from serious health issues related to cigarettes and alcohol. On the other hand, consider a health-conscious man who exercises regularly and only eats healthy food and vegetables. Naturally, he will look good and be healthy because of his consistent regimen.

The same is true if we faithfully attend Holy Mass and receive Jesus regularly during Holy Communion. There will be a transformation within us; we may not notice it ourselves, but others will become aware of it. This is the miracle that we often are not aware of.

The Body and Blood of Jesus that we receive during Holy Communion makes a significant difference in our lives because Jesus comes into us. We become one with Jesus during Holy Communion, and if we allow it, He will transform us into the person He wants us to be.

Do you always receive Jesus with reverence during Holy Communion? – Marino J. Dasmarinas