Reflection for April 9, Saturday of the Second Week of Easter; John 6:16-21

Gospel: John 6:16-21

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

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Reflection:

Do you fear the unknown? Do you fear darkness? The  disciples in the gospel were fearful  of both the unknown and the darkness. They were at sea in pitch darkness and being tossed by the waves, perhaps it was just fair for them to be fearful.

In pitch darkness and coupled with stormy seas. The disciples in the gospel were afraid when they saw Jesus going to their boat. Why were they afraid considering that they know Jesus? Perhaps they did not recognize Jesus at sea walking towards them.  Perhaps they were overtaken by their fear.

There will be trials and problems that we will encounter for as long as we exist in this world. But in the midst of our trials, problems and fears we are also always assured of Jesus abiding presence in our lives. He is always with us notwithstanding the many trials and problems that we’re going through.

All we need to do is to call upon Him and we will be alright. We will not anymore fear the unknown and even the darkness we will not fear either. For the simple reason that we have Jesus who is ever ready to help and save us whenever we pass though the many trials and trepidations of life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for April 8, Friday of the Second Week of Easter; John 6:1-15

Gospel: John 6:1-15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough  for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

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Reflection:

How strong is your faith in Jesus? A man of faith would always say, everything is possible for Jesus but a man who has no faith would fail to see the infinite power of Jesus.

In our gospel Jesus saw the large crowd who was after Him. Jesus tested the faith of Philip by saying to him, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Philip answered him, "Two hundred days?' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.'" With his negative reply Philip failed his own test of faith.

Soon after, Philip saw the miracle of the loaves and fish before his very eyes. With five barley loaves and two fish Jesus nourished the famished five thousand people and they had twelve wicker baskets with fragments to spare.    

In our discipleship with Jesus we must always be reminded to walk by our faith and not by our sight. If we desire for something that is noble and worthy and we think that it’s very impossible for us to achieve it. Let us reflect on it and let us check our faith meter it may be very low already if this is so, let us pray to Jesus for the grace of increase of faith.

Let us not forget that Jesus fed the five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish. Thus, Jesus makes all things possible. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 7, Thursday Memorial of Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Priest; John 3:31-36

Gospel: John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

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Reflection:

Why is it hard to introduce the teaching of Jesus to our fellowmen most especially to Catholics who seldom go to church for Holy Mass? This is for the reason that many of us don’t live the teachings of Jesus. We are not humble, we are not loving and forgiving thus there’s resistance from those whom we want to share Jesus.  

What must we do if we are in this kind of predicament?  Should we easily give-up or should we change our ways. The wise choice is to change our ways and not give up. Because if we will give up, who will evangelize them? We leave them to be evangelized by those from other Christian faiths?

We must teach our faith but we must do it with humility, patience and love. We have to employ humility, patience and love so that we could impart to them the teachings of Jesus and our faith. For example our gospel for today tells us about the love of God the Father for His Son. How will they know about this if we will not teach them?

We will always become effective evangelizers of our faith if we are humble, loving and forgiving. For these are the qualities of Jesus when He walked on this earth more than two thousand years ago. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for April 6, Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter; John 3:16-21

Gospel: John  3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten 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. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

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Reflection:

Can we measure God’s love for us? No we cannot. God loves us infinitely that He even gave His only begotten son so that we may live. How about us can God measure our love for Him? Of course! If God’s love for us is infinite, our love for God is finite it has boundaries. It only extends up to a certain point, once that point is reached our love for God starts to decline also.

But why do we limit our love for God? Why can’t we love God as He loves us? This is for the reason that we are afraid to lose our earthly liberty for God. To love God infinitely is to follow the teachings of God without any preconditions.

However, the paradox of infinitely loving God is we also have to begin to hate some of the things that this world offers us. Number one on the list that we must hate from this world is sin. Number two is our very high regard for ourselves for we always want to be above everyone else. We often look down on those whom we perceive to be inferior, weak and those not in our level. These are but a few of the things that prevent us from loving God infinitely.

Come to think of it, if God loves us infinitely then we must be prepared to do the same. We must reciprocate God’s love for us by loving those who are difficult to love such as those who’ve hurt us badly. Loving them means forgiving them of the many hurts that they’ve carved in our lives.

Are you prepared to reciprocate God’s infinite love for you? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for April 5, Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter; John 3:7b-15

Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 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.”

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Reflection:

Who is Nicodemus and how does his situation relates with us?  He is a Pharisee, a secret faithful follower of Jesus; He visited Jesus during night time (John 3:1–21). Nicodemus also appeared after the Crucifixion of Jesus to provide the embalming ingredients for the body of Jesus. He also assisted Joseph of Arimathea in preparing the body of Jesus (John 19:39–42).

Like Nicodemus we too should become a faithful follower of Jesus. A follower who doesn’t keep any secrets. A true follower in words and in deeds and a follower who will stay with Jesus no matter how strong the temptation to betray him.  

We should aspire to become a modern day Nicodemus who will silently support Jesus. Who will silently  work for Jesus and who will do things for Jesus even outside of the glare of lights. This is the challenge before us who are following Jesus.  

But are we really His true followers? Or we are followers in good times only but when the testing of our faith comes we easily betray Jesus in favor of the temptation.  Are we also followers who are ever ready to leave behind everything in favor of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday April 3, Second Sunday of Easter (Devine Mercy Sunday); John 20:19-31

Gospel: John 20:19-31

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

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

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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Reflection:

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the risen Lord Jesus?

Thomas in the gospel wanted very much to have an up close and personal encounter with his lord and master. He was yearning for it like a parched land longing for water. 

Therefore when Thomas was told by his fellow disciples that the risen Jesus appeared to them. He pretended not to believe yet deep inside his heart he already believed what his fellow disciples told him. He believed already however he still yearned for physical evidence, he wants to see Jesus in the flesh and he wants to touch the very wounds of Jesus.

Thomas great desire to encounter Jesus came into fruition after a week when they were all in that same room where Jesus first appeared. While all of them were inside the upper room lo and behold Jesus suddenly appeared before them all!

Right after His appearance Jesus singled out Thomas by inviting him to see the wounds on His hands and by touching the wound on the side of His body which was pierced by a lance by the roman soldiers while He was dying on the cross.  

If you want to have a personal encounter with the risen Lord it’s ok to doubt first. Then after doubting feed the same doubt with curiosity by discovering more about Jesus. 

Sooner you will discover and feel for yourself that Jesus is real, that Jesus is alive and that Jesus is just a prayer or even a whisper away from you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Reflection for April 2, Saturday within the Octave of Easter; Mark 16:9-15

Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus is risen? Well and good if you believe for He has indeed risen and appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene believed this too for she saw Him personally and she conversed with the risen Lord.

But when she told the disciples that Jesus had risen they did not believe they instead continued to mourn the death of Jesus. The disciples finally believed only when Jesus personally appeared before them. And right there Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith in His resurrection.

Perhaps the guiding principle of the disciples who did not believe is to see is to believe. For they only believed in the resurrection when He personally appeared to them. Were they already lacking in faith when they did not believe what Mary Magdalene told them? Yes! Lack of faith was slowly but surely creeping into their system until they saw Jesus in the flesh!

The folly of not believing or lack of faith is we will not benefit from Jesus if we don’t have faith or we don’t believe. We will not be healed by Jesus if we lack faith or we don’t believe. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for April 1, Friday within the Octave of Easter; John 21:1-14

Gospel: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

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Reflection:

What is the scenario when fishermen come home after long hours of fishing at sea? They naturally want to go home and rest their tired bodies.

This was the situation when the fishermen arrived from their long hours of fishing without any catch. They simply want to go home and rest their very tired bodies.  But as they approach the shore they saw Jesus who told the fishermen to put their empty nets back to the sea. 

They simple obeyed Jesus and presto they’ve caught the biggest number of fish. We see here in the gospel that Jesus rewards those who obey Him. We see also the love and care that Jesus gave to His disciples. Love and care that never ends and not constrained by time and space.

Why did Jesus appear to His disciples for the third time after His resurrection? Jesus wanted to reassure His disciples that He will never abandon them and that He is still with them in every step of the way. As if saying to His disciples, I am always with you wherever you go ever ready to guide and help you.

Humans as we are we also pass through episodes of weariness, tiredness and frustrations brought about by our many life challenges. We are never alone when we pass through these challenging episodes of life. The Risen Jesus is also with us ever ready to guide and help us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for March 31, Thursday within the Octave of Easter; Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

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Reflection:

How would you react if a dead friend suddenly appears before you? Of course you will be shocked and perhaps after a few seconds you will shout and run away. This reaction is human nature, a natural reaction because you are not used of seeing ghost.

This was also the reaction of the disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared before them and said to them: Peace be with you. They were startled and terrified; who would not be? Then, Jesus slowly opened Himself to His disciples by inviting them to look at His hands and feet. And touch it if they want too to prove to them that He has indeed risen and is with them.

Perhaps some of us are troubled and worried because of our present life circumstances. If we are, Jesus would tell us: "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Firmly believe in me and I will take care of you. Call on me anytime and I will be with you, follow me and I will not disappoint you! I will give you peace, peace that you can’t find anywhere in this world. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid!

The peace that Jesus will give us is beyond compare nothing in this world can approximate it. Some of us mistakenly look for peace and comfort in this world only to end up holding an empty bag. Why? Because it’s only through Jesus that we will find true peace.

Look for the peace that only Jesus will give you and humbly ask Him to give it to you. If you will be persistent He surely will give it to you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for March 30, Wednesday within the Octave of Easter; Luke 24:13-35

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel down and discourage for the reason of the many life challenges that you’re facing?

The two followers who were going to Emmaus were obviously discouraged they were feeling down and had a very low morale. They were in such behavior because their Lord and Master had a violent death on the cross. They thought that Jesus was their powerful savior but they were disappointed. For Jesus died on the cross badly bruised and beaten.

Their joyful expectations were suddenly replaced by feeling of loneliness, defeat and disappointment.  Until the Risen Christ walked with them, conversed with them and eventually went to their house to break bread with them.

After which Cleopas and his companion recognized that it was Jesus who walked, conversed and broke bread with them. Upon discovering the identity of Jesus their loneliness was immediately replaced by happiness, their discouragement was overpowered by encouragement. Their lowly spirits were suddenly aflame and glowing.  

What do you do when you feel down, sad and discouraged? Do you just sulk in one corner as if you’re the most inferior person in the world? Or you always call on Jesus to lift you up and strengthen you?

When you are at your lowest remember that Jesus is eager to be with you. He wants to give you hope, He wants to inspire you and break bread with you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for March 29, Tuesday within the Octave of Easter; John 20:11-18

Gospel: John 20:11-18

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and then reported what he had told her.

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Reflection:

Are you always aware of the movement of the Lord Jesus Christ in your life? 

For example, you’re beginning to like somebody but you’re not free anymore because you’re already married. Then out of the blue you were suddenly reminded by your spouse about this impending transgression. 

You immediately had an awareness of this mistake as if you were doused with cold water. You became aware that the devil is leading you to destroy your marriage. Who gave you the enlightenment? Who stopped the devil from destroying your marriage? It’s none other than Jesus Himself!

Jesus is omnipresent He is always with us, He walks with us, He cries and commiserate with us. He comforts us, He gives us hope.  He is an ever present shoulder to cry and lean on. But we are not always aware of this fact.

Mary Magdalene in our gospel was not aware that Jesus was already beside her, she thought He was the gardener. Until Jesus called her name and right there she had an awareness that He was already with Jesus (John 20:14-16).

How could we always discern the presence of Jesus in our life?  We must have our regular prayer time: Prayer time means time spent conversing and listening with Jesus. We must always attend Holy Mass and receive Him during Holy Communion. We must read about Him in the Bible and we must also lead a life worthy in the eyes of Jesus.

Do you have an awareness of Jesus constant presence in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas