Reflection for September 25 Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.  

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

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Reflection:

When Jesus said to the twelve, 'Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic,' He was espousing absolute detachment from any kind of worldly things. He was telling them to rely on no one except Himself, for He would provide for them. 

This is how Jesus also lived His ministry—He relied on no one except the providence of God. God provided for Him because He entrusted His life to Him. In our present, materially driven world, it’s difficult to solely trust in God. For example, how can we advance His teachings without any material provisions? How can we keep going without financial help? These are valid questions that are difficult to ignore. 

Nevertheless, if we truly have rock-solid faith, we would let go of our worldly worries and rely on no one but God alone. This is the challenge for all of us believers: to rely on no one except God. Often, we fail to recognize how God is moving in our lives because we don’t fully rely on Him. We tend to rely more on ourselves and those around us rather than on God. 

We would not be able to feel the presence of Jesus in our lives if we continue to rely on ourselves. Let us continue to have faith, for Jesus has not forsaken anyone who follows Him. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 25, Miyerkules ng Ika-25 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 9:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, tinawag ni Jesus ang Labindalawa at binigyan sila ng kakayahan at kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo at magpagaling ng mga karamdaman. At sinugo niya sila upang ipahayag ang paghahari ng Diyos at magpagaling ng mga maysakit. 

Sila'y pinagbilinan niya: "Huwag kayong magbaon ng anuman para sa inyong paglalakbay -- kahit tungkod, supot, tinapay, salapi o bihisan. Makituloy kayo sa alinmang bahay na tumanggap sa inyo, at manatili roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo sa bayang iyon.

 At sakaling hindi kayo tanggapin, umalis kayo roon, at ipagpag ninyo ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa bilang babala sa kanila." Kaya't humayo ang mga alagad at naglakbay sa mga nayon, na ipinangangaral ang Mabuting Balita at nagpapagaling ng mga maysakit sa lahat ng dako.

Reflection for September 24 Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 8:19-21

Gospel: Luke 8:19-21

The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” 

He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”

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Reflection:

Who would not want to become a relative of Jesus? Of course we all want to become His relatives. But Jesus has one important requirement for all of us so that we could become His relatives: Hear His word and act on it (Luke 8:21). 

Do we hear the word of God and act upon it? For example the commandment of Jesus to love our enemies and to do good to those who hurt us (Matthew 5:44). Do we love our enemies and do good to them?  Or we immediately follow our natural instinct not to love those who don’t love us and hurt those who hurt us. 

But what would happen if we follow our selfish human instinct? There would be more hatred and hurt, more walls than bridges. Mahatma Gandhi once said: An Eye for an eye would only make the whole world blind. 

It’s not easy to become a relative of Jesus if we place too much value on ourselves. If we hold ourselves in such high regard, we may quickly despise those who have hurt or disrespected us. However, Jesus himself forgave those who hurt, persecuted, and killed Him.

Though it’s difficult to become a relative of Jesus for it requires humility and forgetting of ourselves. Nevertheless, we must aspire to become a relative of Jesus and not aspire to become a lover of unforgiveness, ego and pride. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 24 Martes ng Ika – 25 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 8:19-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:19-21

Noong panahong iyon, dumating ang ina at kapatid ni Jesus, ngunit hindi sila makalapit dahil sa dami ng tao. May nagsabi sa kanya, "Nasa labas po ang inyong ina at mga kapatid; ibig nilang makipagkita sa inyo."  

Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang mga nakikinig ng salita ng Diyos at tumutupad nito ang siya kong ina at mga kapatid."

Reflection for Monday September 23 Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest: Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.  

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away. 

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Reflection: 

The story is told about a long dormant lighthouse that was revived and brightly lighted by the community around it.  The voyagers and fishermen were very happy to see its light once again. For it gave them direction and it made their life easier at sea.  

By virtue of our faith and what we know about Jesus we also have the potential to become a bright lighthouse. That gives direction, inspiration and hope to our fellowmen. This could happen provided we have the courage to live and share Jesus through our words and actions.  

But how many of us have become the living light of Jesus to our fellowmen? How many of us have dared to live and share the teachings of Jesus? If we don’t dare live and share Jesus we simply become an unlighted lighthouse. A lighthouse that is overcome by darkness it doesn’t give hope, inspiration and direction.  

Let us never forget to remember that we can always become a lighted lamp that is placed on a lampstand that Jesus mentions in the gospel. In that way we can bless others by sharing and living our faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas       

Ang Mabuting Balita: Lunes Setyembre 23, Paggunita kay San Pio ng Pietrelcina, pari: Lucas 8:16-18

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Walang taong nagsisindi ng ilaw at pagkatapos ay tatakluban ng banga o ilalagay kaya sa ilalim ng higaan. Sa halip, inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang makita ng mga pumapasok ang liwanag. 

Walang natatago na di malalantad, at walang lihim na di malalaman at mabubunyag. Kaya pagbutihin ninyo ang inyong pakikinig; sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, ngunit ang wala ay aalisan pati ng inaakala niya nasa kanya.”

Reflection for Sunday September 22, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:30-37

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 

Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who heard an announcement in their parish church about its need for those who would be interested to volunteer for parish work. Thus, he volunteered and he went through the formation process.  

However, he had this thought that his volunteer parish work was an opportunity to become popular and influential in the community. He was already imagining that his newfound popularity would lead him into politics.

In the Gospel, while journeying through Galilee, Jesus heard His disciples arguing. When they were in a house in Capernaum, He asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the way?' (Mark 9:33). They were unable to answer because they had been arguing about who was the greatest among them.

Who is the greatest in the eyes of the Lord? For Jesus, the greatest is the one who is willing and ready to serve and not be served. The greatest is the one who humbles himself despite the temptation to boast and be arrogant. The greatest are those who quietly fulfill their vocation for the Lord without expecting anything in return.

Many of us love to project power and feel superior because we hold exalted positions in our work, church, or community. However, this is of no importance in the eyes of the Lord. What matters to Jesus is our childlike humility and our willingness to follow Him without expecting anything in return.

Are you ready to humbly follow the Lord without expecting anything in return? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Setyembre 22 Ika-25 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:30-37

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:30-37

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagdaan sa Galilea. Ayaw ni Hesus na malaman ito ng mga tao, sapagkat tinuturuan niya ang kanyang mga alagad. Sinabi niya: “Ang Anak ng Tao ay ipagkakanulo at papatayin, ngunit muling mabubuhay sa ikatlong araw.” Hindi nila naunawaan ang sinabi niya, ngunit natatakot naman silang magtanong sa kanya. At dumating sila sa Capernaum.

Nang sila’y nasa bahay na, tinanong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, “Ano ba’ng pinagtatalunan ninyo sa daan?” Hindi sila kumibo, sapagkat ang pinagtatalunan nila’y kung sino sa kanila ang pinakadakila. Naupo si Hesus, tinawag ang Labindalawa at sinabi, “Ang sinumang nagnanais maging una ay dapat maging huli sa lahat, at maging lingkod ng lahat.”

Tinawag niya ang isang maliit na bata, at pinatayo sa harapan nila. Pagkatapos, kinalong niya ito at sinabi, “Ang sinumang tumanggap sa isang maliit na batang tulad nitong alang-alang sa akin ay tumatanggap sa akin; at sinumang tumanggap sa akin – hindi ako ang kanyang tinatanggap kundi ang nagsugo sa akin.”

Reflection for Saturday September 21 Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

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

  

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

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Reflection:

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

All of us are sinners, and Jesus is continuously calling us to leave our sinful lives for good and follow Him. The gravity of our sins is no longer important to Jesus. What matters to Him is that we respond to His call, just as Matthew did in the Gospel. 

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

Our lives will never be the same again the moment we accept this call of Jesus. There will be healing in the family; we will now become averse to commit any form of sin and we will be freed from its bondage.  We have nothing to lose if we would follow the Lord in fact we gain everything including our future dwelling in heaven someday. 

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Setyembre 21, Apostol San Mateo, manunulat ng Mabuting Balita (Kapistahan): Mateo 9:9-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:9-13

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus sa lugar na iyon. Sa kanyang paglalakad, nakita niya ang isang taong ang pangala'y Mateo; nakaupo ito sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya, "Sumunod ka sa akin." Tumindig si Mateo at sumunod sa kanya. 

Nang si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nasa bahay ni Mateo, dumating ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanan. At sila'y magkakasalong kumain. Nang makita ito nang mga Pariseo, tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, "Bakit sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan ang inyong guro?" 

Narinig ito ni Jesus at siya ang sumagot, "Ang mga maysakit ang siyang nangangailangan ng manggagamot, hindi ang mga walang sakit. Humayo kayo at unawain ang kahulugan nito, 'Habag ang ibig ko at hindi hain.' Sapagkat naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal."

Reflection for Friday September 20 Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs: Luke 8:1-3

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. 

Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

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Reflection:

Who are the majority crowd during Sunday Holy Mass or daily Holy Mass for that matter? The majority are women, who are the majority who volunteers for church work? It’s women again! During the time of Jesus and as it is today the silent workers and supporters of Jesus and His church are women.

When Jesus was dying on the cross the majority of those who remained loyal to Him are women too (Luke 23:49)! The same when Jesus resurrected, the loyal woman supporters of Jesus saw Him first (Luke 24:9–11).

The gospel this Friday mentions Jesus, the twelve apostles and a number of women with different backgrounds. Some are sinners, some are rich and some are poor also. What brought these women with diverse background together? What made them silently support Jesus?

It’s their love and loyalty to Jesus. The same love and loyalty to Jesus that fuels the many women of today who silently support Jesus and the church that He founded through peter.   

Like the women in the gospel who followed and provided help for Jesus. We too are being challenged to humbly follow Jesus and provide support for the church that He founded through Peter. 

What can you contribute to Jesus and the church today? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Setyembre 20, San Andres Kim Taegon, pari, San Pablo Chong Hasang at mga kasama, mga martir (Paggunita): Lucas 8:1-3

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:1-3

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon. Nangaral siya at nagtuturo ng Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos.

Kasama niya ang Labindalawa, at ilang babaing pinagaling niya sa masasamang espiritu at mga karamdaman: si Maria na tinatawag na Maria Magdalena mula sa kanya'y pitong demonyo ang pinalayas; si Juanang asawa ni Cusa na katiwala ni Herodes; si Susana at marami pang iba. Ang ari-arian nila ang itinustos nila sa pangangailangan ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad.

Reflection for September 19 Thursday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:36-50

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. 

Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 

“Two people were in debt to a certain creditor; one owed five hundred days’ wages and the other owed fifty. Since they were unable to repay the debt, he forgave it for both. Which of them will love him more?” Simon said in reply, “The one, I suppose, whose larger debt was forgiven.” He said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 

Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your house, you did not give me water for my feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but she has not ceased kissing my feet since the time I entered. 

You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with ointment. So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The others at table said to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” But he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

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Reflection:

Why is it that many of us are very quick to condemn those who are supposedly sinners? I for one is oftentimes like that I’m very quick at judging people but on second thought who are we to judge them? When we in fact are sinners too! We are quick to judge because we see them as bigtime sinners so we condemn or judge them. 

How about the private sins that we commit? Those sins that nobody else knows except us and God only. Most of the time those who are self-righteous are sinners too. They only refuse to admit that they are for they are blinded by the very high esteem that they give to themselves. 

Regardless if we are a public sinner of private sinner Jesus wants us to have a renewal in our lives. This we do by means of humbly approaching Him through the Sacrament of Reconciliation/Confession. 

Most of the time repentant public sinners are the most effective bearers of Jesus love and forgiveness. Why? For the reason that they have nothing to hide anymore they humbly open themselves to God’s infinite grace, mercy and forgiveness. 

Are you a sinner who is very much willing to repent? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 19, Huwebes ng Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 7:36-50

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:36-50

Noong panahong iyon, inanyayahan si Hesus ng isa sa mga Pariseo upang makasalo niya. Pumaroon siya sa bahay nito at dumulog sa hapag. Sa bayan namang yaon ay may isang babae na kilalang makasalanan. Nabalitaan niyang kumakain si Hesus sa bahay ng Pariseo, kaya’t nagdala siya ng pabangong nasa sisidlang alabastro. 

At lumapit siya sa likuran ni Hesus, sa gawing paanan. Siya’y nanangis at nabasa ng kanyang luha ang mga paa ni Hesus. Pinunasan niya ang mga ito ng kanyang buhok, hinagkan, at pinahiran ng pabango. Nang makita ito ng Pariseong nag-anyaya kay Hesus, nasabi nito sa sarili, “Kung talagang propeta ang taong ito, alam niya kung sino at kung anong uri ng babae ang humihipo sa kanya — isang makasalanan!” 

Bilang tugon sa iniisip ni Simon, sinabi ni Hesus, “Simon, may sasabihin ako sa iyo.” Sumagot siya, “Ano po iyon, Guro?” Sinabi ni Hesus, “May dalawang taong nanghiram sa isang nagpapautang; ang isa’y limandaang denaryo at ang isa nama’y limampu. Nang hindi makabayad, pareho silang pinatawad. Ngayon, sino sa kanila ang lalong nagmamahal sa nagpautang?” Sumagot si Simon, “Sa palagay ko po’y ang pinatawad ng malaking halaga.” 

“Tama ang sagot mo,” ang tugon ni Hesus. Nilingon niya ang babae, at sinabi kay Simon, “Nakikita mo ba ang babaing ito? Pumasok ako sa iyong bahay at hindi mo man lamang ako binigyan ng tubig para sa aking mga paa; ngunit binasa niya ng luha ang aking mga paa at pinunasan ng kanyang buhok. Hindi mo ako hinagkan, ngunit siya, mula nang pumasok siya ay hindi tumigil sa paghalik sa aking mga paa. Hindi mo pinahiran ng langis ang aking ulo, subalit pinahiran niya ng pabango ang aking mga paa. 

Kaya’t sinasabi ko sa iyo, ang malaking pagmamahal na ipinamalas niya ang nagpapatunay na ipinatawad na ang marami niyang kasalanan; ngunit ang pinatawad ng kaunti ay kaunti lang ang pagmamahal na ipinamamalas.” Saka sinabi sa babae, “Ipinatawad na ang iyong mga kasalanan.” At ang kanyang mga kasalo sa pagkain ay nagsimulang magtanong sa sarili, 

“Sino ba itong pati pagpapatawad sa kasalanan ay pinangangahasan?” Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus sa babae, “Iniligtas ka ng iyong pananalig; yumaon ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban.”

Reflection for September 18 Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:31-35

Gospel: Luke 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ 

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

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Reflection:

Are you quick to judge? 

Every once in a while, each and every one of us are guilty of judging our fellowmen by what we exteriorly see on them. This happened to John and Jesus, they both were unfairly judged based on what they exteriorly saw. But the danger of judging quickly is we immediately close our minds to further be enlightened by the person/s that we judge. 

But how could we know the person better if we quickly judge them? How could we see their pureness, gentleness and humility if we judge them? It’s always better to know the person first and if possible to get acquainted with them before we judge them. 

Because if we do, we would not be judging or condemning them quickly anymore. This is for the reason that we would be able to discover who they really are. Those who judged John and Jesus were deprived of discovering the real identity of Jesus and John. They also unknowingly deprived themselves of their friendship, blessing and wisdom. 

This may happen also to us if we are quick to judge. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 18, Miyerkules ng Ika-24 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 7:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:31-35

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ng Panginoon, “Sa ano ko nga ihahambing ang mga tao ngayon? At ano ang nakakatulad nila? Katulad sila ng mga batang nakaupo sa plasa at sumisigaw sa kanilang mga kalaro: ‘Tinugtugan namin kayo ng plauta, ngunit hindi kayo sumayaw! Nanambitan kami, ngunit hindi kayo tumangis! 

Sapagkat naparito si Juan Bautista na nag-aayuno at hindi umiinom ng alak, at sinasabi ninyo, ‘Inaalihan siya ng demonyo.’ Naparito naman ang Anak ng Tao, na kumakain at umiinom tulad ng iba, at sinasabi ninyo, ‘Masdan ninyo ang taong ito! Matakaw at maglalasing, kaibigan ng mga publikano at ng mga makasalanan!’ Gayunman, ang karunungan ng Diyos ay napatutunayang matuwid sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga anak.”

Reflection for September 17 Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 7:11-17

Gospel: Luke 7:11-17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. 

A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 

Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

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Reflection:

 What does Jesus do to our life? 

He makes miracles for us everyday some of us notice these miracles that’s why we always thank HIM everyday through prayers. Many of us also do not notice this, so we live our lives without being aware of the goodness of Jesus. 

While on their way to Nain Jesus saw a funeral march with a grieving widow. Jesus saw her approached her and told her, “Do not weep.” And thereafter HE approached the coffin of her son and HE said, Young man I tell you arise! The grieving widow suddenly became joyous and thankful for the reason that Jesus brought to life again her only son. 

This is Jesus for you and me, a God who heals, a God who create miracles. And a God that is always by our side ever ready to help us in whatever way. Therefore, in everyday of our life we must strive to walk with Jesus. We must discard any actions and thoughts which would only make us sin. 

Do you make a conscious effort to avoid sin or distance yourself away from people who influence you to sin? Have you recently thought of submitting yourself to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 10 Martes ng Ika – 24 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 7:11-17

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:11-17

Noong panahong iyon, pumunta si Hesus sa isang bayang tinatawag na Nain. Sumama sa kanya ang kanyang mga alagad at ang napakaraming tao. Nang malapit na siya sa pintuan ng bayan, nasalubong niya ang libing ng kaisa-isang anak na lalaki ng isang babaing balo. 

Marami ang nakikipaglibing. Nahabag ang Panginoon nang makita ang ina ng namatay, at sinabi sa kanya, “Huwag kang tumangis.” Lumapit siya at hinipo ang kinalalagyan ng patay at tumigil naman ang mga may dala nito. Sinabi niya, “Binata, bumangon ka!” Naupo ito at nagsalita; at siya’y ibinigay ni Hesus sa kanyang ina. 

Sinidlan ng takot ang lahat at sila’y nagpuri sa Diyos. Sabi nila, “Dumating sa atin ang isang dakilang propeta! Nilingap ng Diyos ang kanyang bayan!” At kumalat sa buong Judea at sa palibot na lupain ang balitang ito tungkol sa kanya.

Reflection for Monday September 16 Memorial of Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs: Luke 7:1-10

Gospel: Luke 7:1-10

When Jesus had finished all his words to the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave who was ill and about to die, and he was valuable to him. When he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save the life of his slave. 

They approached Jesus and strongly urged him to come, saying, “He deserves to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation and he built the synagogue for us.” And Jesus went with them, but when he was only a short distance from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof.

Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed. For I too am a person subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 

When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him and, turning, said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When the messengers returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

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Reflection:

Do you have concern for the poor and powerless? The concern of the military officer/centurion  for his slave is very admirable. We must emulate his worthy action of giving concern most especially to those who are poor and powerless. 

What if the officer was heartless? There would have been no healing for the slave. By his act of concern his slave was healed by Jesus. We often times lose sight of the fact that we need to be concerned as well with the wellbeing of others especially those who are powerless and poor. 

The me first attitude often times envelope us already thus we fail to see the many needs of others most especially the poor and powerless. Why? For the simple reason that we are already overly fixated with our own needs.   

We would reap enormous spiritual blessings if we would find time to help those who are poor and powerless. Thus, we would be closer to Jesus who loves the poor dearly. And we will find true joy and fulfillment the moment we begin to help them. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita: Lunes Setyembre 16, Paggunita kay San Cornelio, papa at San Cipriano, obispo, mga martir: Lucas 7:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 7:1-10

Noong panahong iyon, nang maituro ni Hesus sa mga tao ang kanyang aral, siya’y pumasok ng Capernaum. Doo’y may isang kapitang Romano na may aliping mahal sa kanya. May sakit ang aliping ito at nasa bingit ng kamatayan. Nang mabalitaan ng kapitan ang ginagawa ni Hesus, nagpasugo siya sa ilang matatanda sa mga Judio upang ipakiusap kay Hesus na puntahan at pagalingin ang alipin.  

Nang makita nila si Hesus, taimtim silang nakiusap sa kanya, “Siya’y karapat-dapat na pagbigyan ninyo sapagkat mahal niya ang ating bansa,” wika nila. ”Ipinagpatayo pa niya tayo ng isang sinagoga.” Kaya’t  sumama sa kanila si Hesus. Nang malapit na siya sa bahay, ipinasalubong siya ng kapitan sa kanyang mga kaibigan at ipinasabi ang ganito: “Ginoo, huwag na po kayong magpakapagod. Hindi ako karapat-dapat na puntahan ninyo sa aking tahanan. Ni hindi rin po ako karapat-dapat na humarap sa inyo.  

Ngunit magsalita po lamang kayo at gagaling na ang aking alipin. Sapagkat ako’y isang taong nasa ilalim ng mga nakatataas na pinuno, at may nasasakupan din po akong mga kawal. Kung sabihin ko sa isa, ‘Humayo ka!’ siya’y humahayo; at sa iba, ‘Halika! siya’y lumalapit; at sa aking alipin, ‘Gawin mo ito!’ ito’y ginagawa niya.” 

Namangha si Hesus nang marinig ito, at humarap sa makapal na taong sumusunod sa kanya. Sinabi niya, “Kahit sa Israel ay hindi ako nakakita ng ganito kalaking pananalig.” Pagbabalik sa bahay, naratnan ng mga sinugo na magaling na ang alipin.

Reflection for Sunday September 15, Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:27-35

Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” 

And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.”  Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. 

He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who wanted to have a personal encounter with Jesus. He said to Jesus, "Please show yourself to me. I want to see you. I want to follow you, and I want to have a deep friendship with you.

In his dream, Jesus replied, “Would you be willing to follow the path of my suffering and sacrifice?” With a forlorn expression, the man said, no. Jesus then said to him, “So, you will not be able to know me deeply, nor will you be able to have a personal friendship with me.

Just like many of us, Peter seemed to be averse to suffering, as he reproached Jesus after He told him that He must suffer, be rejected, and eventually be killed (Mark 8:31). Why are we afraid of suffering, by the way?

Is it because we love the self-indulgent lifestyle of this temporary world? Which would we prefer: the temporal pleasures of this world or a deep friendship with Jesus? A lot would blindly choose the many short-lived pleasures of this world than to have a deep friendship with Jesus. But a deep friendship with Jesus forged through our sufferings is the best choice.

Many of us lack a personal friendship with Jesus because we love this world more than we love Him. We do not experience personal closeness with Jesus because we easily forsake the Lord in favor of the many temptations and pleasures of this world.

What benefit is there if we gain the world but do not have Jesus in our lives? Nothing—it's pure emptiness! Yes, we may find worldly happiness and enjoyment, but it is always short-lived. It won't last long and will eventually lead us to sin. Then, emptiness and loneliness will follow. Let us not allow ourselves to be deceived by the self-indulgent lifestyle of this world, for we gain nothing from it.

It is only through our faithful discipleship with Jesus that we would be able to find ourselves. It is only through the carrying of our own cross that we would be able to develop personal, deep and lasting friendship with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Setyembre 15 Ika-24 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:27-35

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:27-35

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad, ay nagtungo sa mga nayon ng Cesarea, sakop ni Filipo. Samantalang sila’y naglalakbay, tinanong niya ang kanyang mga alagad, “Sino raw ako ayon sa mga tao?” Sumagot sila, 

“Ang sabi ng ilan ay si Juan Bautista kayo; sabi naman ng iba, si Elias kayo; at may nagsasabi pang isa kayo sa mga propeta.” “Kayo naman – ano ang sabi ninyo? Sino ako? tanong niya. “Kayo ang Kristo,” tugon ni Pedro. “Huwag ninyong sasabihin kaninuman kung sino ako,” mahigpit na utos niya sa kanila.

Mula noon, ipinaalam na ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad na ang Anak ng Tao’y dapat magbata ng maraming hirap. Siya’y itatakwil ng matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga eskriba at ipapapatay. Ngunit sa ikatlong araw, muli siyang mabubuhay. 

Maliwanag na sinabi niya ito sa kanila. Kaya’t niyaya siya ni Pedro sa isang tabi at sinimulang pagsabihan. Ngunit humarap si Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad at pinagwikaan si Pedro: “Lumayo ka, Satanas! Ang iniisip mo’y hindi sa Diyos kundi sa tao.”

Pinalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao, pati ang kanyang mga alagad, at sinabi, “Kung ibig ninumang sumunod sa akin, limutin niya ang ukol sa kanyang sarili, pasanin ang kanyang krus at sumunod sa akin. 

Ang naghahangad na magligtas ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito; ngunit ang mag-alay ng kanyang buhay alang-alang sa akin at sa Mabuting Balita ay siyang magkakamit niyon.”

Reflection for Saturday September 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: John 3:13-17

Gospel: John 3:13-17

Jesus  said to Nicodemus: "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life."

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

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Reflection:

Why do we suffer and what is the purpose of our suffering in this world? We suffer because we refuse to embrace the love of God. Human suffering is not a suffering that God created for us because it’s us who create our own suffering/s. And when we suffer many of us point not to ourselves as the culprit.

Think about the many wars that the powerful leaders of this world have created. Think about the many personal and family problems that many of us have created for ourselves. Nevertheless, in the midst of our self-created sufferings there’s hope and this hope is being offered to us by Jesus on the cross.

Perhaps, many of us are averse to look at this cross of Jesus because we are reminded of Jesus’ own sufferings. We are reminded that to suffer entails hardship and sacrifice. But how would we know that there’s hope, healing and salvation in the cross of Jesus if we will not look up to it? If we will not embrace it and if we will not hold on to it?   

In our first reading the people that were saved by Moses from the slavery of Pharaoh created their own sufferings by complaining to Moses about their hardships. And by complaining they were severely punished by God yet they would also be saved by the same merciful God. 

That is If they’ll would look up to the bronze serpent mounted on a pole. We all know that the bronze serpent that was mounted on the pole that healed the suffering people in our first reading is now represented by Jesus on the cross in our gospel.   

We have so many sufferings in this world and majority if not all of these sufferings are created by us that we ironically sometimes blame on God. Nevertheless our merciful God so loved us that He let His only begotten son to die on the cross for our salvation.

Do you have a cross with Jesus nailed upon it in your house or in your room? Look at it hold it if you could and prayerfully ask Jesus to heal all your pains and sufferings. - Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Setyembre 14, Ang Pagtatampok sa Krus na Banal: Juan 3:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus kay Nicodemo, "Walang umakyat sa langit kundi ang bumaba mula sa langit -- ang Anak ng Tao. "At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas doon sa ilang gayon din naman, kailangang itaas ang Anak ng Tao, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa kanya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.  

Gayun na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Sapagkat sinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, hindi upang maparusahan ang sanlibutan, kundi upang iligtas ito sa pamamagitan niya.

Reflection for Friday September 13 Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Luke 6:39-42

Gospel: Luke 6:39-42

Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? 

How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’ when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

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Reflection:

What is the sure-fire recipe for failure in a friendship? It’s the judgmental and self-righteous attitudes of those inside the friendship relationship. When a friend is quick to draw judgment and if he/she only listens to himself/herself. We can be assured that somewhere down the road the friendship vehicle will stop and will eventually permanently break apart. 

Many friendships fall apart because of our tunnel vision. We manage it with dominance, we never allow a two-way street or a give and take relationship thrive inside it. And so the friendship eventually falls apart. 

Friendship or any kind of relationship is always a democratic and participatory relationship. Never has it become an autocratic and one sided relationship between two or more different and unique individuals. Therefore the best recipe for success in friendship is not to allow a judgmental and dominating mindset inside the friendship. 

In the gospel for this Friday, Jesus warns about being judgmental. Wherein we only choose to see the fault of the other person yet we purposely don’t notice our own shortcomings. We are quick to point an accusing finger yet we don’t have the courage and humility to point the same accusing finger to ourselves. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Setyembre 13, San Juan Crisostomo, obispo at pantas ng simbahan (Paggunita): Lucas 6:39-42

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:39-42

Noong panahong iyon, tinanong sila ni Jesus ng patalinghaga: "Maaari bang maging tagaakay ng bulag ang isa ring bulag? Kapwa sila mahuhulog sa hukay kapag ginawa ang gayun. Walang alagad na higit sa kanyang guro; ngunit kapag lubusang naturuan, siya'y magiging katulad ng kanyang guro.  

"Ang tinitingnan mo'y ang puwing ng iyong kapatid, ngunit hindi mo pinapansin ang tahilan sa iyong mata. Paano mong masasabi sa iyong kapatid, 'Kapatid, bayaan kong alisin mo ang iyong puwing,' gayong hindi mo nakikita ang tahilan sa iyong mata? Mapagpaimbabaw! Alisin mo muna ang tahilan sa iyong mata, at makakikita kang mabuti; sa gayo'y maaalis mo ang puwing ng iyong kapatid."  

Reflection for September 12 Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:27-38

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 

To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. 

Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful. 

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who would always feel pain in his heart whenever he saw his sister, who had wronged him. It was like that for many years until he had a near-fatal heart attack. He reflected deeply on what had happened to him and finally decided to forgive his sister. 

What will liberate us from hatred and negative emotion? Its forgiveness and love. The moment we truly forgive and love every form of hatred and negativity disappears in our hearts. We become free we exude nothing but positive aura. But human as we are we from time to time succumb to hatred thus we allow it to control us instead of us controlling it. 

What is the cure for hatred? Its love, forgiveness and humility; these three can conquer hatred. And it can free us from emotions that bring nothing to us but sickness, disgust and negativity. This could even result to the disruption of our day hence we will not be able to function properly. 

In our gospel reading Jesus tells us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us, to bless those who curse us, to pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27-28). Difficult as it may seem; nonetheless if we want to be free from the enslavement of Satan, hatred and negative emotions, we have to follow what Jesus is telling us. 

It’s only through forgiveness and humility that we would be free from hatred. It’s only through the way of love that we could become true followers of Jesus. There’s no other way but the way of love, humility and forgiveness. 

Would you be willing to forgive those who’ve done you wrong? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 12, Huwebes ng Ika-23 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 6:27-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:27-38

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Sinasabi ko sa inyo, mga nakikinig: Ibigin ninyo ang inyong mga kaaway, gawan ninyo ng mabuti ang mga napopoot sa inyo, pagpalain ninyo ang mga sumusumpa sa inyo, idalangin ninyo ang mga umaapi sa inyo. 

Kapag sinampal ka sa isang pisngi, iharap mo rin ang kabila. Kapag inaagaw ang iyong balabal, ibigay mo pati ang iyong baro. Bigyan mo ang bawat nanghihingi sa iyo: at kung may kumuha sa iyong ari-arian ay huwag mo nang bawiin pa ang mga iyon. Gawin ninyo sa iba ang ibig ninyong gawin nila sa inyo. 

“Kung ang iibigin lamang ninyo ay ang mga umiibig sa inyo, ano pang gantimpala ang inyong hihintayin? Kahit ang mga makasalanan ay umiibig din sa mga umiibig sa kanila. At kung ang gagawan lamang ninyo ng mabuti ang gumagawa sa inyo ng mabuti, ano pang gantimpala ang inyong hihintayin? 

Kahit ang mga makasalanan ay gumagawa rin nito! Kung ang pahihiramin lamang ninyo ay ang mga taong inaasahan ninyong makababayad sa inyo, ano pang gantimpala ang inyong hihintayin? Kahit ang mga makasalanan ay nagpapahiram din sa mga makasalanan sa pag-asang ang mga ito’y makababayad! 

Sa halip, ibigin ninyo ang inyong mga kaaway, at gawan ninyo sila ng mabuti. Magpahiram kayo, na hindi umaasa ng anumang kabayaran. Sa gayun, malaking gantimpala ang tatamuhin ninyo, at kayo’y magiging mga anak ng Kataas-taasan. Sapagkat siya’y mabuti sa masasama at sa mga hindi marunong tumanaw ng utang na loob. Maging mahabagin kayo gaya ng inyong Ama.”  

“Huwag kayong humatol, at hindi kayo hahatulan ng Diyos. Huwag kayong magparusa at hindi kayo parurusahan ng Diyos. Magpatawad kayo sa inyong kapwa, at patatawarin kayo ng Diyos. Magbigay kayo, at bibigyan kayo ng Diyos: hustong takal, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw pa ang ibibigay sa inyo. Sapagkat ang takalang ginagamit ninyo sa iba ay siya ring gagamitin sa inyo.”