Reflection for August 30 Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:21-27

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.  You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “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 will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?

Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”

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Reflection:

A man who was a Catholic in name only was being convinced by his friend to transfer to their religious congregation. The man asked, “Why should I transfer?” His friend replied, “The moment you do, you will begin to live a life free from worries and problems.” So, the man transferred to the new congregation. However, after almost a year, he experienced even more worries and problems.

This story reminds us that following God does not mean that we will have a life free from worries, trials, and suffering. Faith is not a promise that we will never experience pain; rather, it is the assurance that we will never face our pain alone because God is with us.

When Jesus told His disciples that He would suffer greatly and be killed, Peter rebuked Him and said, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to You.” What was in Peter’s mind when he said this? Perhaps Peter thought that because Jesus was the Son of God, He should be exempt from suffering and could simply avoid everything that would cause Him pain.

Like Peter, we sometimes have the same mindset. We may think that because we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we should somehow be protected from suffering. We attend Holy Mass, read the Bible, pray, and try to do good things for others. Yet, when difficulties come, we may wonder: “Why is this happening to us? Have we not been faithful to God?”

But our faith is not a shield that prevents suffering from entering our lives. Instead, faith gives us the strength to face suffering with courage, hope, and trust in God. Carrying our crosses is part of following Jesus. We may not always understand why certain trials come our way, but we can trust that God can use even our deepest wounds and greatest struggles to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him.

We will not fully comprehend the important role that Jesus plays in our lives if we are unwilling to walk with Him through the sufferings, challenges, and the humps and bumps of life. Sometimes, it is precisely in our darkest moments that we discover how deeply God loves us. When everything seems to be falling apart, God may be quietly teaching us to hold on to Him more firmly.

Let us remember that before gold becomes a precious piece of jewelry, it must first be purified by intense fire. Before a diamond becomes a valuable gem, it goes through cutting, polishing, and refining. In the same way, our faith is constantly being refined. The trials we experience can become instruments through which God purifies our hearts, strengthens our trust, and teaches us to depend not on our own strength but on His grace.

Therefore, let us not be surprised when we suffer, and let us not immediately question God whenever we experience failures, disappointments, and difficulties in life. Instead, let us remain steadfast in our faith. When our crosses become heavy, let us cling more firmly to Jesus. When our prayers seem unanswered, let us continue praying. When we experience failure, let us rise again with hope. And when we feel that we can no longer carry our burdens, let us remember that Jesus walks beside us and invites us to place everything into His loving hands.

Our faith is not proven by the absence of suffering but by our willingness to remain faithful in the midst of it. The fire may be painful, the refining may be difficult, and the road may sometimes seem unbearably long, but God can bring something beautiful out of what we are going through.

So, when suffering comes our way, will we run away from Jesus because the cross is heavy—or will we cling to Him even more tightly, trusting that He can transform our suffering into a deeper faith, a stronger heart, and a life that reflects His love?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Agosto 30 Ika-22 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 16:21-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:21-27

Noong panahong iyon, sinimulang ipaalam na ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad na dapat siyang magtungo sa Jerusalem at magbata ng maraming hirap sa kamay ng matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong saserdote at mga eskriba, at kanilang ipapatay siya. Ngunit sa ikatlong araw siya'y muling mabubuhay. 

Niyaya siya ni Pedro sa isang tabi at pinagsabihan ng ganito: "Panginoon, huwag nawang itulot ng Diyos! Hindi po dapat mangyari ito sa inyo." Ngunit hinarap siya ni Jesus at sinabihan, "Lumayo ka, Satanas! Hadlang ka sa aking landas. Ang iniisip mo'y hindi sa Diyos kundi sa tao." 

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "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 ay siyang magkakamit noon. 

Ano nga ang mapapala ng isang tao, makamtan man niya ang buong daigdig kung ang katumbas naman nito'y ang kanyang buhay? Ano ang maibabayad ng tao para mabalik sa kanya ang kanyang buhay? Sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao na taglay ang dakilang kapangyarihan ng kanyang Ama at kasama ang kanyang mga anghel. Sa panahong iyon ay gagantihan niya ang bawat tao ayon sa kanyang ginawa.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang taong Katoliko na hindi nagsasabuhay ng kanyang pananampalataya. Kaya, kinukumbinsi siya ng kanyang kaibigan na lumipat na sa kanilang pananampalataya. Tinanong niya ang kanyang kaibigan, “Bakit ako lilipat sa inyong pananampalataya?” 

Sumagot ang kanyang kaibigan, “Sa sandaling lumipat ka sa aming pananampalataya, mawawala ang lahat ng iyong mga alalahanin at problema.” Kaya lumipat ang lalaki sa bagong pananampalataya. Ngunit makalipas ang halos isang taon, lalo pa siyang nakaranas ng maraming alalahanin at problema.

Ipinapaalala sa atin ng kuwentong ito na ang pagsunod sa Diyos ay hindi nangangahulugang magkakaroon tayo ng buhay na walang alalahanin, pagsubok, at paghihirap. Ang pananampalataya ay hindi pangakong hindi tayo masasaktan o mahihirapan; sa halip, ito ang katiyakang hindi natin kailangang harapin nang mag-isa ang ating mga pinagdaraanan, sapagkat palagi nating kasama ang Diyos.

Nang sabihin ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga alagad na Siya ay magdurusa nang labis at papatayin, sinaway Siya ni Pedro at sinabi, “Huwag nawang itulot ng Diyos, Panginoon! Kailanma’y hindi iyan mangyayari sa iyo.” Ano kaya ang nasa isip ni Pedro nang sabihin niya ito? Marahil, inakala ni Pedro na dahil si Jesus ay Anak ng Diyos, hindi Siya dapat dumanas ng paghihirap at maaari Niyang iwasan ang anumang magdudulot sa Kanya ng paghihirap.

Tulad ni Pedro, minsan ay ganito rin ang ating pag-iisip. Maaaring isipin natin na dahil kilala natin si Jesus bilang ating Panginoon at Tagapagligtas, dapat ay hindi na tayo makaranas ng paghihirap. Nagsisimba tayo, nagbabasa ng Bibliya, nananalangin, at nagsisikap gumawa ng mabuti para sa ating kapwa. Ngunit kapag dumarating ang mga pagsubok, maaari rin nating itanong: “Bakit nangyayari ito sa atin? Hindi ba naging tapat naman tayo sa Diyos?”

Ngunit ang ating pananampalataya ay hindi isang proteksyon na pipigil sa lahat ng paghihirap na dumating sa ating buhay. Sa halip, binibigyan tayo nito ng lakas upang harapin ang mga pagsubok nang may tapang, pag-asa, at pagtitiwala sa Diyos.

Bahagi ng pagsunod kay Jesus ang pagdadala ng ating mga krus. Maaaring hindi natin palaging nauunawaan kung bakit dumarating ang ilang pagsubok, ngunit makapagtitiwala tayo na sa gitna ng ating mga pinakamabibigat na pagsubok ay palagi paring nandiyan ang Panginoon na handang umalalay sa atin.

Hindi natin lubos na mauunawaan ang mahalagang papel ni Jesus sa ating buhay kung hindi tayo dadaan sa mga hamon ng buhay. Kung minsan, sa mismong pinakamadilim na sandali ng ating buhay natin natutuklasan kung gaano kalalim ang pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin. Kapag tila gumuho na ang lahat, maaaring tahimik tayong tinuturuan ng Diyos na mas mahigpit na kumapit sa Kanya.

Alalahanin natin na bago maging isang mamahaling alahas ang ginto, kailangan muna itong dalisayin sa matinding apoy. Bago maging isang mamahaling hiyas ang isang diamante, dumaraan muna ito sa pagputol, pagpapakinis, at masusing pagdadalisay. Gayundin, patuloy na dadaan sa mga pagsubok ang ating pananampalataya. 

Ang mga pagsubok na ating nararanasan ay maaaring maging kasangkapan ng Diyos upang dalisayin ang ating puso, patatagin ang ating pagtitiwala, at turuan tayong hindi lamang umasa sa sarili nating lakas kundi higit sa Kanyang biyaya.

Kaya naman, huwag tayong mabigla kapag dumarating ang paghihirap, at huwag agad nating kuwestiyunin ang Diyos sa tuwing nakararanas tayo ng kabiguan, pagkadismaya, at mga suliranin sa buhay. Sa halip, manatili tayong matatag sa pananampalataya.

Kapag mabigat na ang ating krus, lalo tayong kumapit kay Jesus. Kapag tila hindi sinasagot ang ating mga panalangin, patuloy pa rin tayong manalangin. Kapag tayo ay nabigo, bumangon tayong muli nang may pag-asa. At kapag nararamdaman nating hindi na natin kayang dalhin ang ating mga pasanin, alalahanin nating hindi tayo nag-iisa. Kasama natin si Jesus at inaanyayahan Niya tayong ilagak ang lahat sa Kanyang mapagmahal na mga kamay.

Hindi nasusukat ang ating pananampalataya sa kawalan ng paghihirap, kundi sa ating katapatan sa Diyos sa gitna ng paghihirap. Maaaring masakit ang apoy, mahirap ang pagdadalisay, at tila napakahaba ng ating paghihirap. Ngunit kahit sa gitna ng lahat ng ito, ay gagawa ang Diyos ng maganda mula sa ating mga pinagdaraanan.

Kaya sa tuwing dumarating ang paghihirap, ano ang pipiliin natin: lalayo ba tayo kay Jesus dahil mabigat ang ating krus, o lalo tayong kakapit sa Kanya at magtitiwala na kaya Niyang gawing mas malalim ang ating pananampalataya, mas matatag ang ating puso, at mas makabuluhan ang ating buhay?

Kapag dumating ang panahong hindi na natin nauunawaan ang ating mga pinagdaraanan, mananatili ba tayong nakakapit sa kamay ni Jesus?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

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

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

Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

How would we react if we discovered an adulterous relationship? Would we simply keep quiet because we are afraid of the consequences of speaking out? Or would we courageously speak against what is wrong, even when doing so may bring us suffering, rejection, or hardship?

Saint John the Baptist chose the road less traveled. He courageously denounced the adulterous relationship of King Herod and Herodias. He knew that speaking the truth could cost him dearly, yet he refused to remain silent. In the end, he paid for his courage with his life.

John could have pretended not to see what was wrong. He could have chosen silence and avoided confrontation. But his love for truth and righteousness was greater than his fear of the consequences. He did not allow evil to pass quietly before him. He spoke out because he knew that remaining silent in the face of wrongdoing could mean allowing that wrongdoing to continue.

What if we were in John’s place? How would we respond? Would we remain silent, indifferent, and simply look the other way? Sometimes, our silence may appear harmless, but when we knowingly remain silent in the face of wrongdoing, we risk becoming indifferent to evil. Our faith calls us not merely to recognize what is right but also to have the courage to stand for it.

Yet standing for truth does not mean condemning or humiliating those who have gone astray. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak the truth with love, humility, and compassion. When we courageously speak against wrongdoing, our hope should be to help others recognize their mistakes, turn away from sin, and return to the path that leads to righteousness and life.

This is not easy. Like Saint John, we may sometimes have to choose between comfort and courage, between silence and truth, between pleasing people and remaining faithful to God. There may be moments when doing what is right will cost us something. But God does not ask us to be faithful only when it is convenient. He calls us to remain faithful even when our faithfulness demands courage and sacrifice.

May Saint John the Baptist inspire us to become people who are not afraid to stand for truth, defend what is right, and speak with love when we encounter wrongdoing. May the Holy Spirit give us wisdom to know when to speak, courage to speak when necessary, and humility to speak not from anger or self-righteousness but from genuine love for God and for our brothers and sisters.

When the moment comes for us to choose between remaining silent and standing courageously for what is right, will we have the faith and courage to stand with God—even when doing so may cost us our comfort, our reputation, or even our security?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Agosto 29 Paggunita sa Pagpapakasakit ni San Juan, ang Tagapagbinyag, Martir: Marcos 6:17-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:17-29

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Repleksyon:

Paano tayo tutugon kung matuklasan natin na may isang relasyong may pangangalunya? Mananahimik na lamang ba tayo dahil natatakot tayo sa maaaring maging bunga ng pagsasalita? O magkakaroon tayo ng lakas ng loob na magsalita laban sa mali, kahit pa maaari itong magdulot sa atin ng pagdurusa, pagtanggi, o mga pagsubok?

Pinili ni San Juan Bautista ang landas na hindi madaling tahakin. Buong tapang niyang tinuligsa ang relasyong may pangangalunya nina Haring Herodes at Herodias. Alam niyang maaaring malaki ang kapalit ng pagsasabi ng katotohanan, ngunit tumanggi siyang manahimik. Sa huli, binayaran niya ng kanyang buhay ang kanyang katapangan.

Maaari sanang magkunwari si Juan na wala siyang nakikita at wala siyang nalalaman tungkol sa mali. Maaari sana siyang nanahimik upang maiwasan ang komprontasyon at anumang panganib. Ngunit higit na pinahalagahan niya ang katotohanan at katuwiran kaysa sa kanyang takot sa maaaring mangyari. Hindi niya hinayaang tahimik na lumipas ang kasamaan sa kanyang harapan. Nagsalita siya sapagkat alam niyang ang pananatiling tahimik sa harap ng mali ay maaaring maging dahilan upang magpatuloy ito.

Paano kung tayo ang nasa kalagayan ni Juan? Paano tayo tutugon? Mananatili ba tayong tahimik, walang pakialam, at magbubulag-bulagan na lamang? Kung minsan, maaaring isipin nating walang masama sa pananahimik. Ngunit kapag alam nating may maling nangyayari at pinili nating manahimik, nanganganib tayong masanay sa kasamaan at maging walang malasakit dito. Bilang mga taong may pananampalataya, hindi sapat na alam lamang natin kung ano ang tama; tinatawag din tayo ng Diyos na magkaroon ng tapang na manindigan para sa tama.

Subalit ang paninindigan sa katotohanan ay hindi nangangahulugang dapat nating hatulan, ipahiya, o tuligsain ang mga taong naligaw ng landas. Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, tinatawag tayong magsalita ng katotohanan nang may pagmamahal, kababaang-loob, at malasakit. Kapag buong tapang tayong nagsasalita laban sa mali, ang ating hangarin ay hindi upang manakit o manghusga kundi upang matulungan ang iba na makita ang kanilang pagkakamali, talikuran ang kasalanan, at muling tahakin ang landas ng katuwiran at buhay.

Hindi ito madaling gawin. Tulad ni San Juan Bautista, darating din ang mga pagkakataong kailangan nating pumili sa pagitan ng kaginhawahan at katapangan, sa pagitan ng pananahimik at pagsasabi ng katotohanan, at sa pagitan ng pagpapalugod sa mga tao at pagiging tapat sa Diyos. Maaaring may mga pagkakataong may kapalit ang paggawa ng tama. Ngunit hindi tayo tinatawag ng Diyos na maging tapat lamang kapag madali at maginhawa ang lahat. Tinatawag Niya tayong manatiling tapat kahit nangangailangan ito ng tapang, pagtitiis, at sakripisyo.

Nawa’y maging inspirasyon sa atin si San Juan Bautista upang hindi tayo matakot na manindigan para sa katotohanan, ipagtanggol ang tama, at magsalita nang may pagmamahal kapag nakikita natin ang mali. Nawa’y pagkalooban tayo ng Espiritu Santo ng karunungan upang malaman kung kailan tayo dapat magsalita kapag kinakailangan, at magkaroon ng kababaang-loob upang ang ating mga salita ay hindi magmula sa galit o pagmamataas, kundi sa tunay na pagmamahal sa Diyos at sa ating kapwa.

Kapag dumating ang sandali na kailangan nating pumili sa pagitan ng pananahimik at matapang na paninindigan para sa katotohanan, magkakaroon kaya tayo ng sapat na pananampalataya at tapang na manindigan kasama ng Diyos—kahit ang kapalit nito ay ang ating kaginhawahan, reputasyon, o maging ang ating seguridad?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday August 28 Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 25:1-13

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.  

The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.  At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’   

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’  

While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

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Reflection:

What is the advantage of being prepared? When we are prepared, we are ready for whatever may happen at any time. More importantly, when we are spiritually prepared, we are ready to meet the Lord whenever He calls us.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). Indeed, none of us knows the moment of the Lord’s coming. This is why we must always strive to be spiritually prepared by faithfully following His teachings and allowing His words to shape the way we live. We must continually turn away from whatever leads us into sin and draw closer to Him.

It is easy for us to say that we are prepared for the Lord’s coming, but sometimes our words can become mere lip service without a genuine commitment to live out what we profess. We can easily be tempted to fall into sin again—to hurt others, to ignore those who are in need, especially the poor, to become selfish, or to develop a sense of superiority over others.

Many of us can sometimes be like this. We may remain spiritually prepared for a short period of time, only to fall back into our sinful ways. We may sincerely promise to change, yet find ourselves returning to the same weaknesses and temptations. Why does this happen, and what can we do to avoid falling back into our old ways?

We need a continuous and meaningful encounter with Jesus. We strengthen our relationship with Him through our participation in Holy Mass, through prayer, and through reading and reflecting on the Bible. These are not merely religious practices that we perform out of habit; they are opportunities for us to encounter the Lord, listen to His voice, and allow His grace to transform our hearts.

When we continually remain close to Jesus, we become more aware of our weaknesses and more willing to seek His mercy when we fall. Our spiritual preparation is not something we accomplish only once. It is a daily journey of conversion—a daily decision to choose God over sin, love over selfishness, humility over pride, and compassion over indifference. In this way, we remain spiritually vigilant and ready for the Lord’s coming.

In the Gospel, we read about the ten virgins: five were foolish, and five were wise. The wise virgins came prepared by bringing extra oil for their lamps so that their lamps would remain lit even if the bridegroom arrived late.

And sure enough, the bridegroom arrived late for the wedding feast. But the five wise virgins were prepared because they had brought extra oil for their lamps. When the bridegroom arrived, they were ready and were allowed to enter the wedding feast and take part in the celebration.

What happened to the other five virgins who were foolish? The bridegroom did not allow them to enter because they were not prepared.

This Gospel reminds us that preparation cannot be postponed indefinitely. There may come a moment when we can no longer say, “I will prepare later.” We do not know when our earthly journey will end, nor do we know when the Lord will come. What we have is today—the opportunity to pray, to repent, to forgive, to love, to serve, and to return wholeheartedly to God.

Our persistent attachment to sin makes us spiritually unprepared for the coming of the Lord. But whenever we sincerely turn back to Him, His mercy invites us to begin again. Let us not wait for a crisis before we seek God. Let us not wait until our final moments before we make peace with Him and with one another.

Let us therefore remain spiritually awake and vigilant. Let us continually seek Jesus, nourish our faith through prayer and participation in Holy Mass, listen to His Word, and live out His teachings in our daily lives. Let us remember that being prepared is not something we do only once; it is a daily commitment to remain faithful to God and to allow His love to transform us.

May our lives become living lamps that continue to shine with faith, love, mercy, humility, and service. And when the Lord comes, may He find us not merely saying that we are ready, but actually living as people whose hearts are prepared to welcome Him.

Are our lamps truly burning with the light of Christ today, or are we still postponing our conversion and telling ourselves that we have plenty of time? If the Lord were to come tonight, would He find our hearts awake, our faith alive, and our lives prepared to welcome Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Agosto 28 Paggunita kay San Agustin, obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 25:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:1-13

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

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

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

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

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

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang kahalagahan ng pagiging handa? Kapag tayo ay handa, nalalampasan natin ang anumang maaaring mangyari sa bawat sandali. Higit sa lahat, kapag tayo ay espirituwal na handa, nakahanda rin tayong humarap sa Panginoon sa oras na tawagin Niya tayo.

Sinabi ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga alagad, “Manatili kayong gising, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam ang araw ni ang oras” (Mateo 25:13). Tunay nga na walang sinuman sa atin ang nakaaalam kung kailan darating ang Panginoon. Kaya naman, dapat tayong laging magsikap na maging espirituwal na handa sa pamamagitan ng tapat na pagsunod sa Kanyang mga aral at pagpayag na hubugin ng Kanyang Salita ang ating pamumuhay. Patuloy nating talikuran ang anumang naglalayo sa atin sa Diyos at magpakalapit sa Kanya.

Madali para sa atin na sabihin na tayo ay handa sa pagdating ng Panginoon, ngunit kung minsan, nagiging mga salita lamang ito kung wala tayong tunay na paninindigang isabuhay ang ating ipinahahayag. Madali rin tayong matukso na muling mahulog sa kasalanan—muling makasakit ng kapwa, muling ipagsawalang-bahala ang mga nangangailangan, lalo na ang mga mahihirap, maging makasarili, o magkaroon ng pakiramdam na tayo ay nakahihigit sa iba.

Marami sa atin ang maaaring maging ganito. Maaaring maging masigasig tayo sa ating buhay espirituwal sa loob ng maikling panahon, ngunit kalaunan ay bumabalik din tayo sa dati nating mga kasalanan at kahinaan.

Maaari tayong taimtim na mangakong magbabago, ngunit natatagpuan natin ang ating sarili na muling nahuhulog sa parehong mga tukso. Bakit kaya ito nangyayari, at ano ang maaari nating gawin upang hindi tayo muling bumalik sa dati nating mga maling gawain?

Kailangan natin ng patuloy at makabuluhang pakikipagtagpo kay Jesus. Pinatitibay natin ang ating ugnayan sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng ating pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa, pananalangin, at pagbabasa at pagbubulay-bulay sa Bibliya. Ang mga ito ay hindi lamang mga gawaing panrelihiyon na ginagawa natin dahil nakasanayan na natin; mga pagkakataon ang mga ito upang makatagpo natin ang Panginoon, mapakinggan ang Kanyang tinig, at hayaang baguhin ng Kanyang biyaya ang ating mga puso.

Kapag patuloy tayong nananatiling malapit kay Jesus, mas nakikilala natin ang ating mga kahinaan at mas natututo tayong lumapit sa Kanyang awa kapag tayo ay nadadapa. Ang pagiging espirituwal na handa ay hindi isang bagay na minsan lamang nating ginagawa.

Ito ay isang araw-araw na paglalakbay ng pagbabagong-buhay—isang araw-araw na pagpili na unahin ang Diyos kaysa kasalanan, pag-ibig kaysa pagiging makasarili, kababaang-loob kaysa kayabangan, at malasakit kaysa pagiging walang pakialam. Sa ganitong paraan, nananatili tayong gising sa espiritu at laging handa sa pagdating ng Panginoon.

Sa Ebanghelyo, mababasa natin ang tungkol sa sampung dalaga: lima ang mangmang at lima ang matatalino. Ang limang matatalinong dalaga ay naghanda sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng ekstrang langis para sa kanilang mga ilawan upang patuloy na magliwanag ang mga ito kahit mahuli ang pagdating ng lalaking ikakasal.

At tunay nga, nahuli ang pagdating ng lalaking ikakasal. Ngunit walang naging problema sa limang matatalinong dalaga dahil mayroon silang ekstrang langis para sa kanilang mga ilawan. Nang dumating ang lalaking ikakasal, sila ay handa at pinayagang pumasok sa piging ng kasalan at makibahagi sa pagdiriwang.

Ano naman ang nangyari sa limang mangmang na dalaga? Hindi sila pinayagang makapasok ng lalaking ikakasal dahil hindi sila naging handa.

Ipinapaalala sa atin ng Ebanghelyong ito na hindi natin maaaring ipagpaliban habambuhay ang ating paghahanda. Darating ang panahon na hindi na natin maaaring sabihin, “Maghahanda na lang ako mamaya.” Hindi natin alam kung kailan matatapos ang ating paglalakbay dito sa mundo, ni hindi natin alam kung kailan darating ang Panginoon. Ang mayroon tayo ay ang araw na ito—ang pagkakataong manalangin, magsisi, magpatawad, magmahal, maglingkod, at buong pusong manumbalik sa Diyos.

Ang patuloy nating pagkakapit sa kasalanan ang nagiging dahilan upang tayo ay maging espirituwal na hindi handa sa pagdating ng Panginoon. Ngunit sa tuwing taos-puso tayong nanunumbalik sa Kanya, inaanyayahan tayo ng Kanyang awa na muling magsimula. Huwag nating hintayin ang isang malaking pagsubok bago tayo lumapit sa Diyos. Huwag din nating hintaying dumating ang ating mga huling sandali bago tayo makipagkasundo sa Kanya at sa ating kapwa.

Kaya manatili tayong gising at mapagbantay sa espiritu. Patuloy nating hanapin si Jesus, palalimin ang ating pananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng pananalangin at pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa, pakinggan ang Kanyang Salita, at isabuhay ang Kanyang mga aral sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay. Tandaan natin: ang pagiging handa ay hindi isang bagay na minsan lamang nating ginagawa. Ito ay araw-araw na paninindigan na manatiling tapat sa Diyos at hayaang baguhin tayo ng Kanyang pag-ibig.

Nawa'y maging mga ilawang buhay ang ating mga puso at buhay—patuloy na nagliliwanag sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya, pag-ibig, awa, kababaang-loob, at paglilingkod. At sa pagdating ng Panginoon, nawa'y matagpuan Niya tayong hindi lamang nagsasabing tayo ay handa, kundi tunay na namumuhay bilang mga taong ang puso ay nakahandang tumanggap sa Kanya.

Tunay nga bang nagliliyab ngayon ang ating mga ilawan sa liwanag ni Cristo, o ipinagpapaliban pa rin natin ang ating pagbabagong-buhay dahil iniisip nating marami pa tayong panahon? Kung dumating ang Panginoon ngayong gabi, matatagpuan kaya Niyang gising ang ating mga puso, buhay ang ating pananampalataya, at handang-handa ang ating buhay na salubungin Siya?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday August 27 Memorial of Saint Monica: Matthew 24:42-51

Gospel: Matthew 24:42-51

Jesus said to his disciples: “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.  

“Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.

But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is long delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with drunkards, the servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who decided to permanently stay in her newly built house. During the two years she had lived there, she had the house blessed three times already. Her reason was that she always had a feeling that something eerie might happen to her in that house. When she was asked if she always made time for God, she said that she did not.

What does it mean to stay awake? It means to always be ready for whatever may come into our lives. We must remind ourselves that life is full of surprises. We cannot predict what may happen to us in the next few seconds or minutes. We may carefully plan our day, secure our possessions, and prepare for the uncertainties of life, yet there will always be things beyond our control.

This is why earthly preparation is always prudent, but nothing compares with being spiritually prepared. Spiritual preparation is the best preparation we could ever make because it prepares not only our minds but, more importantly, our hearts. Whatever may come our way, we will be better able to face it when we are spiritually prepared.

Why? Because we are connected with God. When God is at the center of our lives, we have the strength to face our fears, the courage to endure our trials, and the faith to remain steadfast amid life's uncertainties. And who could ultimately bring us down if God is with us? Nobody!

Let us, therefore, always be prepared by nurturing a special bond with Jesus. We can begin by reading about His life in the Bible and by making ourselves available for the Holy Mass, especially on Sundays. Through prayer, the Sacraments, and acts of love and service, we continually strengthen our relationship with Him. These are not merely religious practices; they are ways of keeping our hearts awake and our souls close to God.

There may be moments when fear enters our hearts, just as it did for the woman in the story. But instead of allowing fear to control us, let us allow our faith to lead us closer to God. We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we know the One who holds tomorrow in His hands. We may not be able to prepare for every event that will happen in our lives, but we can always prepare our hearts to remain faithful to Jesus whatever happens.

Let us not wait for fear, suffering, or an unexpected event to remind us of our need for God. Let us seek Him while we have the opportunity. Let us stay spiritually awake—not because we are afraid of what might happen, but because we love God and desire to remain close to Him.

Are we truly prepared—not only for whatever life may bring, but for the day when Jesus calls us home? And if that day were to come today, would our hearts be ready to meet Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes Agosto 27 Paggunita kay Santa Monica: Mateo 24:42-51

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 24:42-51

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Kaya magbantay kayo, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam kung anong araw paririto ang inyong Panginoon. Tandaan ninyo ito: kung alam lamang ng puno ng sambahayan kung anong oras ng gabi darating ang magnanakaw, siya'y magbabantay at hindi niya pababayaang pasukin ang kanyang bahay. Kaya maging handa kayong lagi, sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao sa oras na di ninyo inaasahan."   

"Ang tapat at matalinong alipin ang siyang pinapamahala ng kanyang panginoon sa ibang mga alipin, upang bigyan sila ng kanilang pagkain sa karampatang panahon. Mapalad ang aliping iyon, kapag dinatnan siyang gumagawa ng gayon sa pagbabalik ng kanyang panginoon! Sinasabi ko sa inyo: pamamahalain siya ng panginoon sa lahat ng kanyang ari-arian.  

Ngunit kung masama ang aliping iyon, sasabihin niya sa sarili, 'Matatagalan pa bago magbalik ang aking panginoon, at sisimulang bugbugin ang kanyang mga kapwa alipin, at makipagkainan at makipag-inuman sa mga lasenggo. Babalik ang panginoon ng aliping iyon sa araw na hindi niya inaasahan at sa oras na hindi niya alam. Buong higpit na parurusahan siya ng panginoon, at isasama sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Doo'y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang babae na nagpasyang permanenteng manirahan sa kanyang bagong tayong bahay. Sa loob ng dalawang taon niyang paninirahan doon, tatlong beses na niyang ipinabless ang kanyang bahay. Ang dahilan niya: palagi niyang nararamdaman na tila may nakakatakot o hindi magandang bagay na maaaring mangyari sa kanya sa bahay na iyon. Nang tanungin siya kung lagi ba siyang naglalaan ng panahon para sa Diyos, sinabi niyang hindi.

Ano nga ba ang ibig sabihin ng “manatiling gising”? Nangangahulugan itong laging maging handa sa anumang maaaring dumating sa ating buhay. Kailangan nating paalalahanan ang ating sarili na ang buhay ay puno ng mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari. Hindi natin alam kung ano ang maaaring mangyari sa atin sa susunod na ilang segundo o minuto. Maaari nating planuhin nang mabuti ang ating mga gawain, pangalagaan ang ating mga ari-arian, at paghandaan ang mga posibleng mangyari, ngunit may mga bagay pa rin na hindi natin kayang kontrolin.

Kaya mahalaga ang paghahanda para sa mga bagay na makalupa, ngunit mas mahalaga ang spirituwal na kahandaan . Ang espirituwal na paghahanda ang pinakamainam na paghahandang maaari nating gawin sapagkat hindi lamang nito inihahanda ang ating isipan kundi, higit sa lahat, ang ating puso.

Anuman ang dumating sa ating buhay, mas kakayanin nating harapin ito kung tayo ay espirituwal na handa. Bakit? Sapagkat nakaugnay tayo sa Diyos. Kapag ang Diyos ang sentro ng ating buhay, binibigyan Niya tayo ng lakas upang harapin ang ating mga takot, lakas ng loob upang tiisin ang ating mga pagsubok, at pananampalataya upang manatiling matatag sa gitna ng mga kawalang-katiyakan ng buhay. At sino ang makapagpapabagsak sa atin kung ang Diyos ay nasa ating panig? Wala!

Kaya, lagi tayong maging handa sa pamamagitan ng paglinang ng isang malalim at natatanging ugnayan kay Jesus. Maaari tayong magsimula sa pagbabasa tungkol sa Kanyang buhay sa Bibliya at sa palagiang pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, lalo na tuwing Linggo.

Sa pamamagitan ng panalangin, mga Sakramento, at mga gawa ng pagmamahal at paglilingkod sa kapwa, patuloy nating pinatitibay ang ating ugnayan sa Kanya. Ang mga ito ay hindi lamang mga gawaing panrelihiyon; ang mga ito ay mga paraan upang manatiling gising ang ating puso at manatiling malapit ang ating kaluluwa sa Diyos.

May mga pagkakataong maaaring pumasok sa ating puso ang takot, tulad ng nangyari sa babae sa kuwento. Ngunit sa halip na hayaang kontrolin tayo ng takot, hayaan nating ang ating pananampalataya ang maglapit sa atin sa Diyos. Maaaring hindi natin alam kung ano ang naghihintay sa atin bukas, ngunit kilala natin ang Diyos na may hawak ng ating kinabukasan.

Maaaring hindi natin kayang paghandaan ang lahat ng maaaring mangyari sa ating buhay, ngunit lagi nating maaaring ihanda ang ating puso upang manatiling tapat kay Jesus anuman ang mangyari.

Huwag nating hintaying dumating ang takot, pagdurusa, o isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari bago natin maalala kung gaano natin kailangan ang Diyos. Lumapit tayo sa kanya habang may pagkakataon. Manatili tayong espirituwal na gising—hindi dahil natatakot tayo sa maaaring mangyari, kundi dahil mahal natin ang Diyos at nais nating manatiling malapit sa Kanya.

Handa na ba talaga tayo—hindi lamang sa anumang maaaring mangyari sa ating buhay, kundi sa araw na tatawagin tayo ni Jesus na umuwi sa Kanya? Kung dumating ang araw na iyon ngayon, magiging handa kaya ang ating puso na humarap sa Kanya?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 26 Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:27-32

Gospel: Matthew 23:27-32

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

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

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Reflection: 

Why was Jesus so aghast at the scribes and the Pharisees?

Because they did not walk their talk. What they said was contrary to what they did. They told the people what to do, yet they themselves did not practice what they preached. They were good at giving commands, but their responsibility seemed to end with giving those commands.

They were also very conscious of their outward appearance. They always put their best foot forward, so to speak, yet they paid little attention to the condition of their hearts and to their manipulative behavior. They were more concerned with how they appeared before others than with who they truly were before God.

As we reflect on their attitudes, let us not be too quick to point our fingers at them. Perhaps, at times, we too can fall into the temptation of saying the right things while failing to live them out. We may speak about humility yet seek recognition, speak about honesty yet hide the truth, or speak about love while being indifferent to those who need our compassion.

Sadly, we can also see this attitude among some powerful people who project a clean public image but lack integrity. They manipulate others so that they will be admired, respected, and looked up to. Yet earthly power, prestige, and influence are temporary. Nothing lasts forever in this world. Eventually, those who rely solely on power will lose it, and those who exalt themselves through arrogance will be humbled.

This reminds us that God does not look merely at our outward appearance. He looks into our hearts. We may be able to impress people with our words, accomplishments, positions, or public image, but we can never hide the truth of our hearts from God.

Therefore, let us ask the Lord to help us become transparent, sincere, humble, and genuine in our relationships with one another. May our words be consistent with our actions, and may our faith be visible not merely in what we say but in how we live. Let us avoid manipulation, arrogance, hypocrisy, and superficiality, and instead allow God's grace to shape our hearts into hearts that are humble, compassionate, and sincere.

May we never become so concerned about appearing good before others that we forget to become good before God. May our lives quietly testify to the faith we profess, not through self-promotion, but through love, service, humility, and integrity.

As we stand before God today, are our words and actions truly walking together—or are we only putting our best foot forward for others to see while God is gently asking us to let Him transform what is hidden within our hearts?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Agosto 26, Miyerkules ng Ika-21 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 23:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:27-32

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

"Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ipinagtatayo ninyo ng mga libingan ang mga propeta at ginagayakan ang mga puntod ng mga taong namuhay nang matuwid. At sinasabi ninyo, 'Kung kami sana'y nabuhay sa kapanahunan ng aming mga ninuno, hindi namin ipapapatay ang mga propeta.' 

Sa sinabi ninyong iyan, inaamin ninyong kayo'y mga anak ng mga nagpapatay sa mga propeta! Sige! Tapusin ninyo ang pinasimulan ng inyong mga ninuno!  

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Repleksyon:  

Bakit labis na nagalit si Jesus sa mga eskriba at mga Pariseo?

Sapagkat hindi nila isinasabuhay ang kanilang sinasabi. Salungat ang kanilang mga salita sa kanilang mga gawa. Sinasabi nila sa mga tao kung ano ang dapat gawin, ngunit hindi naman nila mismo isinasabuhay ang kanilang ipinangangaral. Magaling silang magbigay ng mga utos, ngunit tila hanggang sa pagbibigay lamang ng utos ang kanilang pananagutan.

Mahalaga rin sa kanila ang kanilang panlabas na anyo. Lagi nilang ipinakikita ang kanilang pinakamagandang anyo, wika nga, ngunit kakaunti ang kanilang pagpapahalaga sa kalagayan ng kanilang puso at sa kanilang mapanlinlang na pag-uugali. Mas iniisip nila kung paano sila nakikita ng ibang tao kaysa sa kung sino talaga sila sa harapan ng Diyos.

Habang pinagninilayan natin ang kanilang mga pag-uugali, huwag tayong agad magturo ng daliri sa kanila. Marahil, may mga pagkakataon ding nahuhulog tayo sa tukso na magsabi ng mga tamang bagay ngunit hindi naman natin ito naisasabuhay.

Maaari tayong magsalita tungkol sa kababaang-loob ngunit naghahangad naman ng pagkilala; magsalita tungkol sa katapatan ngunit nagtatago ng katotohanan; o magsalita tungkol sa pag-ibig habang nananatiling walang malasakit sa mga nangangailangan ng ating habag.

Sa kasamaang-palad, nakikita rin natin ang ganitong pag-uugali sa ilang makapangyarihang tao na nagpapakita ng malinis na imahe sa publiko ngunit kulang naman sa integridad. Minamanipula nila ang iba upang sila ay hangaan, respetuhin, at ituring na makapangyarihan.

Ngunit ang kapangyarihan, katanyagan, at impluwensiya sa mundong ito ay pawang panandalian lamang. Walang anumang bagay sa mundong ito ang mananatili magpakailanman. Darating ang panahon na mawawala rin ang kapangyarihan ng mga umaasa lamang dito, at ang mga nagmamataas ay ibababa.

Ipinapaalala nito sa atin na hindi lamang panlabas na anyo ang tinitingnan ng Diyos. Tinitingnan Niya ang ating puso. Maaari nating mapahanga ang mga tao sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita, mga nagawa, katungkulan, o magandang imahe sa harap ng publiko, ngunit hindi natin kailanman maitatago sa Diyos ang tunay na kalagayan ng ating puso.

Kaya hilingin natin sa Panginoon na tulungan tayong maging tapat, bukas, mapagpakumbaba, at tunay sa ating pakikitungo sa isa’t isa. Nawa’y maging magkatugma ang ating mga salita at mga gawa, at nawa’y makita ang ating pananampalataya hindi lamang sa ating sinasabi kundi higit sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay.

Iwasan natin ang pagmamanipula, kayabangan, pagkukunwari, at pagiging mapagpaimbabaw. Sa halip, hayaan nating hubugin ng biyaya ng Diyos ang ating mga puso upang maging mapagpakumbaba, at mahabagin.

Huwag nawa tayong maging labis na abala sa pagpapakitang mabuti sa paningin ng iba na nakalilimutan na nating maging mabuti sa harapan ng Diyos. Nawa’y ang ating buhay ay maging tahimik ngunit malinaw na patotoo sa pananampalatayang ating ipinahahayag—hindi sa pamamagitan ng pagpapakitang-tao, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig, paglilingkod, kababaang-loob, at integridad.

Tunay nga bang magkatugma ang ating mga salita at mga gawa? O baka ang ating “pinakamagandang anyo” lamang ang nakikita ng mga tao, habang mahinahon tayong inaanyayahan ng Diyos na hayaan Siyang baguhin at pagalingin ang mga bahaging nakatago sa kaibuturan ng ating puso?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 25 Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 23:23-26

Gospel: Matthew 23:23-26

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

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

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Reflection:

Why do we follow Jesus?

Do we follow Him because we feel obliged by our faith, or do we follow Him because of our deep love for Him? There is a profound difference between following Jesus out of obligation and following Him out of love. When we follow Jesus simply because we see it as an obligation, our faith can become something external—something we do because we feel that we have to.

We may attend Church, pray, serve, and fulfill our religious duties, yet remain unchanged within. Our discipleship can become nothing more than an outward expression that gives us a positive self-image, without bringing about genuine interior cleansing and transformation.

But when we follow Jesus because we truly love Him, something beautiful begins to happen within us. His love touches the deepest corners of our hearts and gradually transforms the way we think, speak, act, and relate to others.

When we love Jesus, we become more willing to forgive those who have hurt us. We learn not to harbor hatred and resentment in our hearts. We begin to turn away from what is evil and contrary to God’s will because we desire to become more like Jesus. True love for Jesus cannot remain hidden within our hearts. It must bear fruit in the way we live.

Our discipleship must always be rooted in our love for Jesus, not merely in an obligation dictated by our faith. For true discipleship is not simply about following religious practices or fulfilling our responsibilities. It is about allowing Jesus to enter deeply into our hearts and transform us from within. It is about surrendering our woundedness, pride, anger, resentment, and selfishness to Him and allowing His grace to make us new.

Let us therefore pause and examine our hearts. Why are we really following Jesus? Are we following Him because we genuinely love Him, or are we simply doing so because we feel obliged by our faith, our responsibilities, or even our position in the Church and in our community?

If our discipleship is only outward, we may unknowingly become like the Pharisees and scribes whom Jesus rebuked for their hypocrisy. They appeared righteous before others, but their hearts were not truly surrendered to God. May we never allow our religious practices to become a substitute for a genuine relationship with Jesus.

Perhaps it is time for us to return to the heart of discipleship: love. Let us follow Jesus not merely because we are expected to, but because we have come to know, love, and trust Him. And this love becomes real when we forgive those who have hurt us, when we choose to build bridges rather than walls, and when we humble ourselves before those whom we have hurt and sincerely ask for their forgiveness.

Following Jesus because we love Him means allowing His love to change us. It means letting His mercy soften our hardened hearts, His forgiveness teach us to forgive, His humility teach us to become humble, and His love teach us to love even when it is difficult.

May our faith never be merely something that we practice outwardly. May it become a living relationship with Jesus that transforms our hearts and is reflected in the way we live each day.

So, as we look honestly into the depths of our hearts today, why are we really following Jesus—because we feel that we have to, or because we truly love Him? And if we say that we love Him, can others see His transforming love in the way we forgive, humble ourselves, build bridges, and love one another?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Agosto 25 Martes ng Ika-21 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 23:23-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:23-26

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus, Sa aba ninyo, mga eskriba at mga Pariseo! Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Ibinibigay ninyo ang ikapu ng gulaying walang halaga ngunit kinaliligtaan ninyong isagawa ang lalong mahahalagang aral sa Kautusan: ang katarungan, ang pagkahabag, at ang katapatan.

Tamang gawin ninyo ang mga ito, ngunit huwag naman ninyong kaliligtaang gawin ang iba. Mga bulag na tagaakay! Sinasala ninyo ang niknik sa inyong inumin, ngunit nilulunok ninyo ang kamelyo!  

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

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Repleksyon:

Bakit nga ba natin sinusundan si Jesus?

Sinusundan ba natin Siya dahil pakiramdam natin ay obligado tayo dahil sa ating pananampalataya, o sinusundan natin Siya dahil sa malalim at tunay nating pagmamahal sa Kanya? May malaking pagkakaiba ang pagsunod kay Jesus dahil lamang sa obligasyon at ang pagsunod sa Kanya dahil sa pag-ibig.

Kapag sinusundan natin si Jesus dahil lamang sa tingin natin ay tungkulin natin ito, maaaring manatili lamang sa panlabas ang ating pananampalataya. Maaari tayong magsimba, manalangin, maglingkod, at tumupad sa ating mga gawaing panrelihiyon, ngunit maaaring hindi naman tunay na nagbabago ang ating kalooban.

Ang ating pagsunod ay maaaring maging isang panlabas na pagpapakita lamang na nagbibigay sa atin ng magandang imahe sa sarili, ngunit walang malalim na paglilinis at pagbabagong nagaganap sa ating puso.

Ngunit kapag sinusundan natin si Jesus dahil tunay natin Siyang minamahal, may magandang bagay na unti-unting nagaganap sa ating kalooban. Ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay umaabot sa pinakamalalim na bahagi ng ating puso at unti-unting binabago ang paraan ng ating pag-iisip, pagsasalita, pagkilos, at pakikitungo sa iba.

Kapag mahal natin si Jesus, nagiging mas handa tayong magpatawad sa mga nakasakit sa atin. Natututo tayong huwag magkimkim ng galit, poot, at sama ng loob. Unti-unti rin nating tinatalikuran ang anumang masama at salungat sa kalooban ng Diyos sapagkat hangad nating maging higit na katulad ni Jesus.

Ang tunay na pagmamahal natin kay Jesus ay hindi maaaring manatiling nakatago lamang sa ating puso. Kailangang makita ito sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay. Ang ating pagiging alagad ni Jesus ay dapat laging nakaugat sa pagmamahal natin sa Kanya at hindi lamang sa isang obligasyong ipinag-uutos ng ating pananampalataya.

Sapagkat ang tunay na pagiging alagad ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagsunod sa mga gawaing panrelihiyon o pagtupad sa ating mga tungkulin. Ito ay tungkol sa pagpapahintulot kay Jesus na pumasok nang malalim sa ating puso at baguhin tayo mula sa ating kalooban. Ito ay tungkol sa pagsuko sa Kanya ng ating pagmamataas, galit, sama ng loob, at pagiging makasarili, at pagpapahintulot sa Kanyang biyaya na gawin tayong mga bagong nilalang.

Kaya naman, huminto tayo sandali at suriin ang ating puso. Bakit nga ba talaga natin sinusundan si Jesus? Sinusundan ba natin Siya dahil tunay natin Siyang minamahal, o ginagawa lamang natin ito dahil pakiramdam natin ay obligado tayo—dahil sa ating pananampalataya, sa ating mga pananagutan, o maging sa posisyon natin sa Simbahan at sa ating pamayanan?

Kung panlabas lamang ang ating pagsunod, maaari nating hindi namamalayang maging katulad tayo ng mga Pariseo at eskriba na sinaway ni Jesus dahil sa kanilang pagkukunwari. Mukha silang matuwid sa paningin ng mga tao, ngunit ang kanilang mga puso ay hindi tunay na nakasuko sa Diyos. Huwag nating hayaang ang ating mga gawaing panrelihiyon ay maging kapalit ng isang tunay at malalim na relasyon kay Jesus.

Marahil, panahon na upang bumalik tayo sa puso ng tunay na pagiging alagad: pag-ibig. Sundan natin si Jesus hindi lamang dahil inaasahan ito sa atin, kundi dahil nakilala natin Siya, minahal Siya, at natutunan nating magtiwala sa Kanya. At nagiging tunay ang pag-ibig na ito kapag nagpapatawad tayo sa mga nakasakit sa atin, kapag pinipili nating makipagkasundo imbes na makipagaway at kapag nagpapakumbaba tayo sa harap ng mga taong ating nasaktan at taos-pusong humihingi ng kanilang kapatawaran.

Ang pagsunod kay Jesus dahil mahal natin Siya ay nangangahulugang hinahayaan nating baguhin tayo ng Kanyang pag-ibig. Hinahayaan nating palambutin ng Kanyang awa ang ating matigas na puso, turuan tayo ng Kanyang pagpapatawad na magpatawad, turuan tayo ng Kanyang kababaang-loob na magpakumbaba, at turuan tayo ng Kanyang pag-ibig na magmahal kahit mahirap.

Nawa’y hindi lamang maging panlabas na gawain ang ating pananampalataya. Nawa’y maging isang buhay at malalim na relasyon ito kay Jesus—isang relasyong tunay na bumabago sa ating puso at nakikita sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay araw-araw.

Kaya habang tapat nating sinusuri ang kaibuturan ng ating puso ngayon, bakit nga ba talaga natin sinusundan si Jesus—dahil pakiramdam natin ay kailangan natin, o dahil tunay natin Siyang minamahal?

At kung sinasabi nating mahal natin Siya, nakikita ba ng mga tao sa ating paligid ang Kanyang nagbabagong pag-ibig sa paraan ng ating pagpapatawad, pagpapakumbaba, pakikipagkasundo, at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Gospel: John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”  

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

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

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Reflection:

Have we shared our faith and friendship with Jesus?

If we have, well and good. Let us continue sharing Jesus and, through Him, helping to transform and save lives. We may not see worldly rewards for what we do for Jesus now, nor may we receive recognition or appreciation from others. But we can be certain that someday, we will receive from Him a reward beyond anything we can comprehend.

Time and again, we have heard personal testimonies about how Jesus has restored wayward lives—transforming lives that once seemed empty and without direction into lives filled with purpose and meaning. We have heard stories of people who were once trapped in sin but, through the grace and mercy of Jesus, found forgiveness, freedom, and a new way of life.

These stories remind us that no life is ever too broken for Jesus to restore and no heart is ever too far for His love to reach. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to courageously introduce another person to Jesus, to share a word of encouragement, to tell a personal story of faith, or simply to show Christ's love through a kind and selfless act.

In our Gospel, Philip was on fire for Jesus. His heart was filled with excitement because he had found the One whom the Scriptures had promised. He could not keep this wonderful discovery to himself. He immediately went to his friend Nathanael and said, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth” (John 1:45).

What a beautiful example for all of us! Philip did not keep Jesus to himself. He shared Him with someone he cared about. His encounter with Jesus naturally overflowed into an invitation for another person to come and see.

Our faith, love, and friendship with Jesus become more alive, meaningful, and fruitful when we share them with others. When we speak about what Jesus has done in our lives and allow His love to shine through our words and actions, we become beacons of His light. Through us, others may discover hope when they are discouraged, strength when they are weak, forgiveness when they are burdened by sin, and a renewed sense of purpose when they feel lost.

We may sometimes think that our simple words or humble acts of kindness are insignificant. But we should never underestimate what Jesus can do through our little acts of faith. A simple invitation to pray, a sincere conversation, a word of encouragement, or our willingness to listen may become the very instrument Jesus uses to touch and transform someone's life.

Perhaps we have not yet shared Jesus with others because we are afraid—afraid that they might reject us, misunderstand us, or think that we are being too religious. But let us remember Philip. He simply shared what he had discovered. He did not force Nathanael; he invited him to encounter Jesus for himself.

Let us do the same. We do not need perfect words or extraordinary abilities to share Jesus. We only need a willing heart, a genuine love for others, and the courage to say, through our words and lives, “Come and see.”

When we share Jesus, we become instruments through whom others may experience His love, hope, mercy, and transforming grace. And when we help lead others toward Christ, we may discover that our own friendship with Him grows deeper and our faith becomes stronger.

Let us therefore not keep Jesus only within the walls of our churches or within the privacy of our prayers. Let us bring Him into our homes, workplaces, friendships, communities, and everyday encounters. Let our lives become living testimonies of His goodness and mercy.

Who among the people around us might be waiting for someone like Philip to introduce them to Jesus—and are we willing to be that person today?—Marino J. Dasmarinas