Reflection for January 18 Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 2:13-17

Gospel Mark 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

How can we evangelize sinners and bring them closer to Jesus? The answer is very simple, by not judging them and by showing them the love of Jesus. 

There are sinners because there are people who don’t care to show Jesus’ language of love. The language of forgiveness, the language of not judging them for what they do. However, the moment we dare show them Jesus language of love. Expect these sinners to walk away from their sinfulness sooner or later. 

In the gospel the language of love, of forgiveness and of not being judgmental are exhibited by Jesus towards the sinful tax collector Levi. Jesus went to the tax collector Levi not minding Levi’s reputation, Jesus even went to Levi’s house to mingle and break bread with him and his fellow sinners. 

We cannot convert sinners by judging them as good for nothing and beyond redemption. We cannot convert sinners by bluntly telling them to walk away from their sinfulness or they would die or be imprisoned. And we cannot convert sinners by not showing them the love, forgiveness and gentleness of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 18 Sabado sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 2:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, muling pumunta si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea. Sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao, at sila’y tinuruan niya. Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad at nakita niya si Levi na anak ni Alfeo, nakaupo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Tumindig naman si Levi at sumunod. 

Nang si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay kumakain sa bahay ni Levi, nakisalo sa kanila ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanang sumunod sa kanya. Nakita ito ng ilang eskribang kabilang sa pangkat ng mga Pariseo at tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, “Bakit siya sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan?” 

Narinig ito ni Hesus, at siya ay sumagot, “Hindi nangangailangan ng manggagamot ang walang sakit, kundi ang maysakit. Naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal.”

Reflection for Friday January 17 Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot: Mark 2:1-12

Gospel Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.  

Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming.  

Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

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Reflection:

Are we humble enough to admit that we are sinners? 

We have in our gospel a paralytic who is also a sinner. In the midst of great odds, four men brought him to Jesus. It did not matter to them that they had to climb the roof and break through it. Aware of their own frailties, the four men and the paralytic himself summoned every ounce of courage they had to be in front of Jesus. What an expression of faith! What an expression of hunger to be forgiven by Jesus! And what an expression of humility!

The faith of the paralytic and also those who helped him eventually paid off for Jesus forgave him of his many sins. Not only that he was forgiven by Jesus he got a bonus because he was also physically healed of physical sickness.  

We may not be aware of this, but our spirits long to be forgiven and healed by Jesus, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We may also not realize that the sins we have committed are what prevent us from receiving more blessings from Jesus.

It takes great courage, effort and tons of humility to approach a priest and ask for his time in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If we humbly submit ourselves to this healing Sacrament we would receive enormous spiritual and physical blessings.

Let us therefore be like the paralytic and his four companions who braved the great odds to approach Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Enero 17 Paggunita kay San Antonio, Abad: Marcos 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Capernaum, at kumalat ang balitang siya’y nasa kanyang tahanan. Kaya’t nagkatipon ang napakaraming tao, anupat wala nang matayuan kahit sa labas ng pintuan. Samantalang nangangaral si Hesus, may idinating na isang paralitikong dala ng apat katao. 

Hindi nila ito mailapit kay Hesus dahil sa dami ng tao, kaya’t binakbak nila ang bubong sa tapat niya, at inihugos ang paralitikong nakaratay sa kanyang higaan. Nang makita ni Hesus kung gaano kalaki ang kanilang pananalig, sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Anak, ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo.”  

May nakaupo roong ilang eskriba na nagsaloob ng ganito: “Bakit nagsasalita ng ganito ang taong ito? Kalapastanganan sa Diyos iyan! Hindi ba’t Diyos lamang ang makapagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan?” Talos ni Hesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Bakit kayo nagsasaloob ng ganyan? Alin ba ang lalong madali: ang sabihin sa paralitiko, ‘Ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo,’ o ang sabihing, ‘Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan ay lumakad ka’?  

Patutunayan ko sa inyo na dito sa lupa, ang Anak ng Tao ay may kapangyarihang magpatawad ng mga kasalanan.” Sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at umuwi ka!” Tumindig naman ang paralitiko, binuhat ang kanyang higaan at umalis na nakikita ng lahat. Sila’y pawang nanggigilalas at nagpuri sa Diyos. “Hindi pa kami nakakikita ng ganito!” sabi nila.

Reflection for January 16 Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:40-45

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” 

The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”  

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who had kidney failure. To temporarily extend his life, he submitted himself to twice-a-week dialysis treatments. After two years of searching for a donor, he finally found a poor relative who was very willing to donate one of his kidneys.

To facilitate fast matching and compatibility the donor was invited to stay with the family of the sick man. He was treated well until it was found out during the battery of test that he had AIDS. Naturally he was not anymore fit to be a donor and fearing contagion all his things were isolated by his relatives including his utensils.

After the discovery that he had AIDS, their behavior towards him radically changed as well. He was no longer welcome, and he felt his relatives' isolation and ill-treatment. A few days later, he was asked to leave them permanently.

In our gospel we have a man with leprosy (a contagious disease) who humbly went to Jesus He knelt and begged Jesus to cure him. Jesus had nothing in His heart but love, mercy and compassion for the man. So, He touched him and was immediately made clean.

By touching the man with leprosy Jesus broke the stereotypical ill-treatment of those who were sick with leprosy. By touching the man with leprosy Jesus shows us that love, mercy and compassion are more powerful than any dreaded disease.

As we move forward in this journey called life we will meet or be acquainted with people with contagious diseases. Or people who are sinful or who lived wayward and misguided lives. Let us not scorn them, let us not avoid them and let us not judge them.

Let us help them heal by giving them our unconditional LOVE, MERCY and COMPASSION. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 16 Huwebes sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:40-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:40-45

Noong panahong iyon, may isang ketonging lumapit kay Hesus, nanikluhod at nagmakaawa: “Kung ibig po ninyo’y mapagagaling ninyo ako.” Nahabag si Hesus at hinipo siya, sabay ang wika, “Ibig ko. Gumaling ka!” Noon di’y nawala ang ketong at gumaling ang tao. Pinaalis siya agad ni Hesus matapos ang ganitong mahigpit na bilin: “Huwag mong sasabihin ito kaninuman.  

Sa halip ay pasuri ka sa saserdote. Pagkatapos, maghandog ka ayon sa iniutos ni Moises, upang patunayan sa mga tao na ikaw ay magaling na.” Ngunit umalis siya at bagkus ipinamalita ang nangyari, anupat hindi na hayagang makapasok ng bayan si Hesus. Naroon na lamang siya sa labas, sa mga ilang na pook, at doon pinagsasadya ng mga tao buhat sa iba’t ibang dako.

Reflection for January 15 Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:29-39

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”  So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

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Reflection:

How’s your relationship with your mother-in-law?

Many married couples are not in good terms with their mother-in-laws Why? Because they see their mother in laws as interventionist but not all mother-in-laws are like that. Many mother-in-laws are low profile and quite because they respect the privacy and independence of their married children. But they would always be there for their married children whenever they would need her. 

In our gospel Jesus was brought by Simon to their house to cure his mother-in-law. Why? Because Simon loved his mother-in-law. She must have been quite, low profile and not interventionist.   Simon saw his mother-in-law as a blessing and guiding light to his family otherwise Simon would have not asked Jesus to come by to their house and heal her.

Simon told Jesus about her sickness and entrusted her healing to Him. Jesus immediately went to her grasped her hand and she was immediately cured. That’s how big the love of Simon towards his mother-in-law and that’s how huge the trust of Simon toward Jesus.

Sometimes we trust more on ourselves rather than Jesus. We put more weight on our human effort rather than the divine effort of Jesus. This is perhaps the reason why many of us forget to bring first our sick to Jesus by way of our prayers before bringing them to those who could cure them.

What is it that is bothering you right now? Is it the harshness of life? Is it sickness? Is it unfulfilled dreams? Is it family and personal problems? Please tell Jesus about it, be patient, don’t give up; continue to have hope and trust in Jesus. His help and healing will come to you sooner than you expect it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 15 Miyerkules sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:29-39

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:29-39

Noong panahong iyon, mula sa sinagoga, sila'y nagtuloy sa bahay ni Simon at Andres. Kasama nila sina Santiago at Juan. Nararatay noon ang biyenan ni Simon Pedro, dahil sa matinding lagnat, at ito'y agad nilang sinabi kay Jesus. Nilapitan ni Jesus ang babae, hinawakan sa kamay at ibinangon. Noon di'y inibsan ito ng lagnat at naglingkod sa kanila.  

Pagkalubog ng araw, dinala kay Jesus ang lahat ng maysakit at ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo. At nagkatipon ang buong bayan sa may pintuan ng bahay. Pinagaling niya ang maraming maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman at nagpalayas sila ng mga demonyo. Hindi niya hinayaang magsalita ang mga ito, sapagkat alam nila kung sino siya. 

Madaling-araw pa'y bumangon na si Jesus at nagtungo sa isang ilang na pook at nanalangin. Hinanap siya ni Simon at ng kanyang mga kasama. Nang siya'y matagpuan, sinabi nila, "Hinahanap po kayo ng lahat." Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Kailangang pumunta rin naman tayo sa mga kalapit-bayan upang makapangaral ako roon -- ito ang dahilan ng pag-alis ko sa Capernaum." At nilibot niya ang buong Galilea, na nangangaral sa mga sinagoga at nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo.

Reflection for January 14 Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” 

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Reflection:

What would you get if you are taught by someone without authority? You get nothing from it. Would you still go and listen to him? Of course not! You would prefer to go and listen to the person who teaches with authority and conviction. 

Jesus teaches with both authority and conviction, which is why, when He entered the synagogue and taught there, everyone was captivated with amazement and admiration. This was further reinforced when they saw Jesus rebuke and command the evil spirit to come out of the man it had possessed.

Jesus still speaks to you with authority and conviction, even to this very moment—it happens when you read the Bible. If you take your Bible reading or study seriously, you will be able to discern Jesus directly speaking to you. But the big question is: Do you read your Bible, or is it just gathering dust?

The man possessed with an unclean spirit immediately sensed the presence of Jesus that’s why when Jesus said: “"Quiet! Come out of him!" It instantly convulsed and was immediately freed from evil possession.  

This is also what Jesus will do in your life if you allow Him to speak to you through reading the Bible. If you commune with Him through your devout presence at Holy Mass, He will drive out all the demons and evil influences that seek to cause you harm. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 14 Martes sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:21-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:21-28

Sa lungsod ng Capernaum sa Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay pumasok sa sinagoga at nagturo. Namangha ang mga tao sapagkat nagturo siya sa kanila na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba. 

Bigla namang pumasok sa sinagoga ang isang lalaking inaalihan ng masamang espiritu, at sumigaw: “Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Hesus na taga-Nazaret? Naparito ka ba upang puksain kami? Kilala kita: ikaw ang Banal mula sa Diyos!” Ngunit iniutos ni Hesus sa masamang espiritu, “Tumahimik ka! Lumabas ka sa kanya!” 

Pinapangisay ng masamang espiritu ang tao, at sumisigaw na lumabas. Nanggilalas ang lahat, kaya’t sila’y nagtanungan, “Ano ito? Bagong aral? Nauutusan niya pati ang masamang espiritu. At sinunod naman siya!” At mabilis na kumalat sa buong Galilea ang balita tungkol kay Hesus.

Reflection for January 13 Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:14-20

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfilment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” 

As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who dreamed that he died. Thus he dreamt being ushered into a dark and grisly environment wherein he heard people groaning in agony.  Then he saw the devil frighteningly smiling at him motioning him to go towards him. He quickly run away as fast as he could and soon after he woke up from his horrible dream. The man incidentally was living a very sinful life. 

The horrifying dream led the man to church he prayed and ask Jesus’ forgiveness then he saw the confessional booth. He went there and confessed his sins to the priest and the priest advised him to repent and follow Jesus by faithfully practicing his faith. 

The story of this man is our own story of sinfulness too, we are sinful and we keep on sinning. Would we allow the devil to continue to enslave us by incessantly sinning? Would we allow the devil to bring us to hell by ignoring Jesus’ call of repentance? What if we die right now do we want to end up in hell and be in the possession of the devil? 

No one of us is wishing for hell, deep inside our beings we yearn for heaven and God, we yearn for peace and serenity in our life. And this is what God wants for us also; He wants to give us peace and calmness that He only can give us. But what must we do?  We must repent, believe in the gospel and follow Jesus. 

In the gospel for this Monday, the four fishermen (Simon, Andrew, James and John) heard this call of repentance of Jesus for they too were sinful just like all of us. Then after repenting they followed Jesus to become His disciples. 

Do you also hear Jesus’ call of repentance?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 13 Lunes sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:14-20

Pagkatapos dakpin si Juan, si Hesus ay nagtungo sa Galilea at ipinangaral ang Mabuting Balitang mula sa Diyos: “Dumating na ang takdang panahon, at malapit na ang paghahari ng Diyos! Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan at maniwala kayo sa Mabuting Balitang ito.” 

Samantalang naglalakad si Hesus sa tabi ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya ang magkapatid na Simon at Andres na naghahagis ng lambat, “Sumama kayo sa akin at kayo’y gagawin kong mamamalakaya ng tao.” Pagdaka’y iniwan nila ang kanilang lambat, at sumunod sa kanya.

Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad, at sa di kalayuan ay nakita niya ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo. SIla’y nasa kanilang bangka at naghahayuma ng mga lambat. Tinawag din sila ni Hesus at sumunod naman sa kanya. Iniwan nila sa bangka ang kanilang ama, kasama ng mga taong upahan. 

Reflection for Sunday January 12 The Baptism of the Lord: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

The people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

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Reflection:

A man wanted to become a Catholic, so he inquired about the process of membership. He was told that he needed to be baptized first. In addition, he was told that he needed to turn away from his life of sinfulness and be ready to help Jesus carry his cross.

Before the baptismal scene in the Gospel, John first called for repentance of sins as a way to prepare the way for Jesus. Those who responded to his call for repentance went to the River Jordan to be baptized by him, and they soon became John’s followers.

After everyone was baptized, Jesus also submitted Himself to baptism by John. During the process of Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended upon Him. But why did Jesus submit Himself to John’s baptism when He could have easily avoided it? After all, He is the Son of God! Jesus underwent baptism because it was the will of God. Through His baptism, Jesus demonstrated solidarity with the people who had undergone the same baptism from John.

Through His baptism, Jesus was reaching out to us. He wanted to show that, although He could have easily avoided being baptized, He chose to undergo it as a way of immersing Himself with us and making Himself accessible to us. After His baptism, Jesus also began His ministry, which would ultimately lead Him to endure suffering, persecution, and the harrowing death on the cross.

By Jesus’ baptism we too are reminded about our own baptism. Baptism which call upon us to walk away from all forms of sinfulness. Baptism which reminds us to courageously spread and share our faith. Baptism which reminds us that like Jesus we should also be ready to go through the process of sufferings and sacrifices if need be. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 12 Ang Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon: Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 3:15-16, 21-22

Noong panahong iyon: Naghahari sa mga tao ang pananabik sa pagdating ng Mesiyas at ang akala ng marami’y si Juan ang kanilang hinihintay. Kaya’t sinabi ni Juan sa kanila, “Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, ngunit ang darating na kasunod ko ang magbibinyag sa inyo sa Espiritu Santo at sa apoy. Siya’y makapangyarihan kaysa sa akin, at ni hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang panyapak.”

Nabinyagan na noon ang lahat ng tao, gayun din si Hesus. Nang siya’y nananalangin, nabuksan ang langit at bumaba sa kanya ang Espiritu Santo sa anyong kalapati. At isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi, “Ikaw ang minamahal kong Anak; lubos kitang kinalulugdan.”