Reflection for Saturday August 8 Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest: Matthew 17:14-20

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? 

How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out?

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

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Reflection:

Jesus tells us today: “Nothing will be impossible for us” (Matthew 17:20). In the midst of our many doubts, fears, and struggles, Jesus gently whispers to our hearts that nothing is impossible for those who place their faith in Him. When we trust in God, we discover that what seems impossible to us is never impossible for Him.

Faith is something we should all strive to have and nurture. But can we all truly have faith? Isn’t faith only for a select few? No. Jesus has already given each of us the gift of faith. When we were baptized, this precious gift was planted within us, and Jesus desires that, as we grow, our faith would grow with us.

But sometimes, this does not happen. As we grow older, we can become so preoccupied with our responsibilities, ambitions, problems, and the cares of this world that we gradually neglect our faith. What was once alive in our hearts can slowly become dormant. Who is to blame when our faith is neglected? Our parents? The people in the Church? Or perhaps we should also ask ourselves: Have we done our part to nurture the gift of faith that God has entrusted to us?

Yet all is not lost. There is still hope. God never abandons us, and He never stops calling us back to Himself. Even when our faith has grown weak or dormant, we can always turn to Jesus and ask Him to awaken and renew it within us.

All we need to do is open our hearts to Him and humbly ask Him to rekindle the gift of faith that He so generously gave us at our Baptism. Let us return to prayer. Let us listen again to His Word. Let us draw closer to Him in the Sacraments. Let us allow His grace to work within us so that our faith may once again become alive, strong, and fruitful.

Lest we forget, faith is essential in our journey through this world. Without faith, we can easily lose our direction and purpose. We may become overwhelmed by our problems, discouraged by our failures, and frightened by the uncertainties of tomorrow. But when our faith is alive, we can face our struggles with hope, endure our trials with courage, and continue walking even when we cannot see what lies ahead.

Faith does not mean that we will never experience difficulties. Rather, faith assures us that we will never face those difficulties alone. Jesus walks with us. He strengthens us when we are weak, carries us when we are weary, and reminds us that no situation is beyond His power.

Let us therefore not allow the noise and distractions of this world to silence our faith. Let us not allow disappointment to extinguish our hope or suffering to separate us from God. Instead, let us place everything in the hands of Jesus and trust Him even when we do not understand His plans.— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Agosto 8 Paggunita kay Santo Domingo, pari: Mateo 17:14-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:14-20

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit ang isang lalaki, lumuhod sa harapan ni Hesus at ang sabi, “Ginoo, mahabag po kayo sa anak kong lalaki! Siya po’y himatayin at lubhang nahihirapan kung sinusumpong, sapagkat madalas siyang mabuwal sa apoy o kaya’y mahulog sa tubig. 

Dinala ko na siya sa inyong mga alagad, ngunit hindi nila mapagaling.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Lahing walang pananampalataya at matigas ang ulo! Hanggang kailan dapat akong manatiling kasama ninyo? Hanggang kailan ko kayo pagtitiisan? Dalhin ninyo rito ang bata!” Pinagwikaan ni Hesus ang demonyo at lumabas ito, at ang bata’y gumaling agad. 

Pagkatapos ay lumapit ang mga alagad kay Hesus at nagtanong nang walang ibang nakaririnig, “Bakit hindi po namin mapalayas ang demonyo?” Sumagot siya, “Dahil sa kaliitan ng inyong pananalig. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung maging sinlaki man lamang ng butil ng mustasa ang inyong pananalig sa Diyos, masasabi ninyo sa bundok na ito, ‘Lumipat ka roon!’ at lilipat ito. Walang bagay na hindi ninyo mapangyayari.”

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Repleksyon:

Sinasabi sa atin ni Jesus ngayon: “Walang imposible para sa atin” (Mateo 17:20). Sa gitna ng ating mga pag-aalinlangan, takot, at mga pagsubok, marahan Niyang ibinubulong sa ating mga puso na walang imposible para sa mga nagtitiwala at nananampalataya sa Kanya. Kapag inilalagak natin ang ating pananampalataya sa Diyos, natutuklasan natin na ang mga bagay na tila imposible para sa atin ay hindi kailanman imposible para sa Kanya.

Ang pananampalataya ay isang bagay na dapat nating pagsikapang taglayin at patuloy na pagyamanin. Ngunit kaya ba nating lahat na magkaroon ng pananampalataya? Hindi ba't para lamang ito sa iilang pinili? Hindi. Ipinagkaloob na ni Jesus sa bawat isa sa atin ang kaloob ng pananampalataya. Nang tayo ay binyagan, itinanim sa ating mga puso ang mahalagang kaloob na ito, at ninanais ni Jesus na habang tayo ay lumalaki, ay lumago rin ang ating pananampalataya.

Ngunit kung minsan, hindi ito nangyayari. Habang tayo ay tumatanda, maaari tayong maging abala sa ating mga responsibilidad, mga pangarap, mga suliranin, at sa mga alalahanin ng mundong ito, hanggang sa unti-unti nating mapabayaan ang ating pananampalataya. Ang dating buhay na pananampalataya sa ating mga puso ay maaaring unti-unting maging tila natutulog o nananahimik.

Sino ang dapat nating sisihin kapag napabayaan ang ating pananampalataya? Ang ating mga magulang ba? Ang mga tao sa Simbahan? O marahil ay kailangan din nating tanungin ang ating sarili: Ginawa ba natin ang ating bahagi upang alagaan at palaguin ang kaloob na pananampalatayang ipinagkatiwala sa atin ng Diyos?

Subalit hindi pa huli ang lahat. May pag-asa pa. Hindi tayo kailanman iniiwan ng Diyos, at hindi Siya tumitigil sa pagtawag sa atin upang manumbalik sa Kanya. Kahit nanghina o naging tila natutulog ang ating pananampalataya, maaari pa rin tayong lumapit kay Jesus at hilingin sa Kanya na muli itong gisingin at palakasin sa ating mga puso.

Ang kailangan lamang nating gawin ay buksan ang ating mga puso sa Kanya at buong pagpapakumbabang hilingin sa Kanya na muling pag-alabin ang kaloob ng pananampalatayang ipinagkaloob Niya sa atin noong tayo ay binyagan. Manumbalik tayo sa panalangin. Muli nating pakinggan ang Kanyang Salita.

Muli tayong lumapit sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng mga Sakramento. Hayaan nating kumilos ang Kanyang biyaya sa ating buhay upang ang ating pananampalataya ay muling maging buhay, matatag, at mabunga.

Huwag nating kalimutan: mahalaga ang pananampalataya sa ating paglalakbay sa mundong ito. Kung wala tayong pananampalataya, madali nating maaaring mawala ang ating direksiyon at layunin sa buhay. Maaari tayong madaig ng ating mga problema, panghinaan ng loob dahil sa ating mga kabiguan, at matakot sa mga bagay na hindi pa natin alam tungkol sa bukas.

Ngunit kapag buhay ang ating pananampalataya, kaya nating harapin ang mga pagsubok nang may pag-asa, tiisin ang mga paghihirap nang may tapang, at magpatuloy sa paglalakbay kahit hindi natin nakikita kung ano ang naghihintay sa atin sa hinaharap.

Hindi nangangahulugan ang pagkakaroon ng pananampalataya na hindi na tayo makakaranas ng mga paghihirap. Sa halip, ipinapaalala sa atin ng pananampalataya na hindi natin kailanman haharapin ang mga ito nang nag-iisa. Kasama natin si Jesus. Pinapalakas Niya tayo kapag tayo ay nanghihina, binubuhat Niya tayo kapag tayo ay napapagod, at ipinapaalala Niya sa atin na walang sitwasyong higit sa Kanyang kapangyarihan.

Kaya huwag nating hayaang patahimikin ng ingay at mga abala ng mundong ito ang ating pananampalataya. Huwag nating hayaang patayin ng mga kabiguan ang ating pag-asa o ilayo tayo ng mga paghihirap sa Diyos. Sa halip, ilagak natin ang lahat sa mga kamay ni Jesus at magtiwala sa Kanya kahit hindi natin nauunawaan ang Kanyang mga plano.— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 7 Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:24-28

Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

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 each according to his conduct. 

Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

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Reflection:

What does the cross signify to us?

Does it represent hardship and burden? During the time of Jesus, the cross was a symbol of judgment, suffering, and even death. Yet, through Christ, it became the greatest sign of God's love, redemption, and victory.

When Jesus told His disciples that they had to take up their own cross if they desired to follow Him, He was teaching them that true discipleship would require sacrifice. They had to be ready to face oppression, endure hardships, and even be judged unfairly for His sake.

Many of the disciples embraced this challenge with faith and courage, and in doing so, they discovered that a life surrendered to Christ is the life that is truly worth living.

Like them, many of us naturally long for a life of ease, comfort, and security, believing that these are the measure of a happy and successful life. Yet Jesus gently reminds us that the deepest joy and lasting fulfillment are not found in worldly comfort but in faithfully following Him.

Can we truly discover the meaning of our lives by chasing the values of the world? Can wealth, popularity, or success alone satisfy the deepest longing of our hearts? History reminds us that many who seemed to have everything still struggled with emptiness because earthly possessions and achievements can never fill the space in our hearts that only God can occupy.

The true meaning of our lives is found only in following Jesus and faithfully carrying our own cross each day. The cross we bear may come in the form of trials, sacrifices, forgiveness, service, or remaining faithful amid suffering.

Yet every cross carried with Christ becomes a path to deeper holiness, greater love, and the hope of eternal life. The Lord never asks us to carry our cross alone; He walks beside us, strengthens us with His grace, and transforms our suffering into a means of drawing us closer to Him.

Today, let us not fear the cross that God permits in our lives. Instead, let us embrace it with faith, trusting that beyond every sacrifice is His loving purpose and beyond every cross is the promise of resurrection.

Are we willing to embrace our own cross with love and trust, believing that the path of sacrifice with Him is the very path that leads us to true life, lasting joy, and eternal glory?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Agosto 7 Biyernes ng Ika-18 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 16:24-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:24-28

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus 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 yao’y gagantihan niya ang bawat tao ayon sa kanyang ginawa. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: may ilan sa inyo rito na hindi mamamatay hangga’t di nila nakikita ang Anak ng Tao na pumaparito bilang Hari.”

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang kahulugan ng krus para sa atin? 

Sagisag ba ito ng paghihirap at mabigat na pasanin? Noong panahon ni Jesus, ang krus ay tanda ng paghatol, pagdurusa, at maging ng kamatayan. Ngunit sa pamamagitan ni Hesus, ito ay naging pinakadakilang sagisag ng pag-ibig ng Diyos, ng ating kaligtasan, at ng tagumpay laban sa kasalanan at kamatayan.

Nang sabihin ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga alagad na kailangan nilang pasanin ang kani-kanilang krus upang sumunod sa Kanya, itinuturo Niya na ang tunay na pagiging alagad ay nangangailangan ng pagsasakripisyo.

Dapat tayong maging handang makaranas ng pang-uusig, magtiis sa gitna ng mga pagsubok, at maging ng hindi makatarungang paghatol alang-alang sa Kanya. Marami sa Kanyang mga alagad ang buong pusong tumugon sa hamong ito. Dahil sa kanilang katapatan, natuklasan nila na ang buhay na iniaalay kay Hesus ang siyang buhay na tunay na may kabuluhan. 

Tulad nila, marami rin sa atin ang naghahangad ng maginhawa, komportable, at panatag na buhay, sa pag-aakalang dito matatagpuan ang tunay na kaligayahan at tagumpay. Ngunit marahang ipinapaalala sa atin ni Jesus na ang tunay na kagalakan at ganap na katuparan ay hindi matatagpuan sa mga bagay na iniaalok ng sanlibutan, kundi sa tapat na pagsunod sa Kanya.

Matatagpuan ba natin ang tunay na kahulugan ng ating buhay kung ang ating puso ay nakatuon lamang sa kayamanan, kasikatan, at tagumpay? Hindi ba't ipinakikita ng maraming kuwento ng buhay na kahit ang mga tila nasa tuktok ng tagumpay ay nakaranas pa rin ng matinding kawalan ng saysay at pag-asa? Sapagkat walang anumang bagay sa mundong ito ang makapupuno sa puwang ng ating puso na Diyos lamang ang makapupuno.

Matatagpuan lamang natin ang tunay na kahulugan ng ating buhay sa pagsunod kay Jesus at sa tapat na pagpapasan ng ating sariling krus araw-araw. Ang ating krus ay maaaring anyo ng mga pagsubok, sakripisyo, pagpapatawad, paglilingkod, o pananatiling tapat sa gitna ng pagdurusa.

Ngunit ang bawat krus na ating pinapasan kasama ni Kristo ay nagiging daan tungo sa higit na kabanalan, mas malalim na pag-ibig, at katiyakan ng buhay na walang hanggan. Hindi Niya tayo iniiwang mag-isa sa ating paglalakbay. Kasama natin Siya sa bawat hakbang, pinalalakas tayo ng Kanyang biyaya, at ginagawang daan ang ating mga pagdurusa upang higit tayong mapalapit sa Kanya.

Kaya't huwag nating katakutan ang mga krus na ipinahihintulot ng Diyos sa ating buhay. Sa halip, yakapin natin ang mga ito nang may pananampalataya at pagtitiwala, sapagkat sa likod ng bawat sakripisyo ay naroon ang Kanyang mapagmahal na layunin, at sa likod ng bawat krus ay naghihintay ang kaluwalhatian ng muling pagkabuhay.

Habang patuloy tayong sumusunod kay Jesus, handa ba nating yakapin ang ating sariling krus nang may pag-ibig at buong pagtitiwala, nananalig na ang landas ng pagsasakripisyo kasama Niya ang siyang landas patungo sa tunay na buhay, ganap na kagalakan, at buhay na walang hanggan?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Matthew 17:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. 

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." 

When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and do not be afraid." And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, "Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

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Reflection:

Do we want to be in heaven when our time in this world is over?

Of course, we all long to be in heaven when our time in this world comes to an end. Deep within our hearts is the desire to spend eternity in the loving presence of God. But an important question remains: Are we willing to sacrifice something of ourselves so that we may one day enter His heavenly kingdom?

The account of the Transfiguration of our Lord reminds us that heaven is not merely a distant dream—it is a glorious reality prepared by God for those who remain faithful to Him. It also gives us a glimpse of the eternal glory that awaits those who persevere in following Christ. Therefore, let us all aspire to be heaven-bound, keeping our eyes fixed not only on the joys of this life but, more importantly, on the everlasting joy that God has promised.

Yet the Gospel also reminds us that there is no free ride to heaven. Following Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and faithfully walk in His footsteps. If we truly desire to enter God's eternal kingdom, we must be willing to make sacrifices out of love for Him and for others.

Many of us hesitate to make sacrifices because they require us to surrender our comfort, our plans, our pride, or even our personal desires. But what is any sacrifice compared to the incomparable joy of heaven? What is any temporary suffering in exchange for everlasting life? And what is any cross we carry if it leads us closer to the Kingdom of God?

After their extraordinary encounter with the glory of Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John did not remain on the mountaintop. They descended the mountain and returned to the ordinary realities of life, where they would each face hardships, persecution, and sacrifices for the sake of proclaiming the Kingdom of God.

They could have chosen the easier path by distancing themselves from their Lord and Master. Instead, they remained faithful to Jesus despite suffering, rejection, and even death. They endured because they trusted His promise and believed that beyond every cross awaited the everlasting glory of heaven.

The same invitation is extended to us today. Our own journey of faith will also include sacrifices, disappointments, and crosses. Yet whenever we offer them to God with love and perseverance, He transforms them into stepping stones that lead us closer to Him. No sacrifice made for Christ is ever wasted, and no act of faithful obedience goes unnoticed by God. In His perfect time, He will reward those who remain steadfast in faith.

As we continue our pilgrimage through this earthly life, may we never lose sight of our true destination. Let us carry our crosses with hope, remain faithful in every trial, and courageously live out the teachings of Jesus each day, knowing that the glory of heaven far outweighs every hardship we endure for His sake.

When our earthly journey is over and we finally stand before the Lord, will He find in us hearts that loved Him enough to embrace the sacrifices required of faithful discipleship? Today, what comfort, attachment, or fear is Jesus asking us to surrender so that we may follow Him more wholeheartedly on the path that leads to eternal life? ?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes Agosto 6 Kapistahan ng Pagliliwanag sa Bagong Anyo ng Panginoon: Mateo 17:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:1-9

Noong panahong iyon: Isinama ni Hesus si Pedro, at ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan, at sila’y umakyat sa isang mataas na bundok. Samantalang sila’y naroon, nakita nilang nagbagong-anyo si Hesus: nagliwanag na parang araw ang kanyang mukha, at pumuting parang busilak ang kanyang damit. 

Nakita na lamang at sukat ng tatlong alagad sina Moises at Elias na nakikipag-usap kay Hesus. Kaya’t sinabi ni Pedro kay Hesus, “Panginoon, mabuti pa’y dumito na tayo. Kung ibig ninyo, gagawa ako ng tatlong kubol: isa sa inyo, isa kay Moises at isa kay Elias.” Nagsasalita pa siya nang liliman sila ng isang maningning na ulap. 

At mula rito’y may tinig na nagsabi, “Ito ang minamahal kong Anak na lubos kong kinalulugdan. Pakinggan ninyo siya!” Ang mga alagad ay natakot nang gayun na lamang nang marinig nila ang tinig, at sila’y napasubasob. Nguni’t nilapitan sila ni Hesus at hinipo. “Tumindig kayo,” sabi niya, “huwag kayong matakot.” At nang tumingin sila ay wala silang nakita kundi si Hesus.

At habang bumababa sila sa bundok, iniutos ni Hesus sa kanila, “Huwag ninyong sasabihin kaninuman ang pangitain hangga’t hindi muli nabubuhay ang Anak ng Tao.”

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Repleksyon:

Nais ba nating makapunta sa langit kapag natapos na ang ating paglalakbay sa mundong Ito?

Siyempre, lahat tayo ay naghahangad na makapunta sa langit kapag natapos na ang ating paglalakbay sa mundong ito. Sa kaibuturan ng ating mga puso ay naroon ang pananabik na makapiling ang Diyos magpakailanman. Ngunit may isang mahalagang tanong tayong dapat harapin: Handa ba tayong magsakripisyo at isuko ang ilang bahagi ng ating sarili upang makapasok sa Kanyang kaharian?

Ang salaysay tungkol sa Pagbabagong-anyo (Transfiguration) ng ating Panginoong Hesus ay nagpapaalala sa atin na ang langit ay hindi kathang-isip o malabong pangarap lamang. Ito ay isang dakila at maluwalhating katotohanang inihanda ng Diyos para sa mga nananatiling tapat sa Kanya. Sa tagpong ito ay nasilayan ng mga alagad ang munting sulyap ng kaluwalhatiang naghihintay sa lahat ng patuloy na sumusunod kay Kristo. Kaya naman, nawa'y lagi nating ituon ang ating mga mata, hindi lamang sa mga bagay na panandalian sa mundong ito, kundi higit sa lahat sa buhay na walang hanggan na ipinangako ng Diyos.

Gayunman, malinaw ding itinuturo sa atin ng Ebanghelyo na walang madaling landas patungo sa langit. Ang pagsunod kay Hesus ay nangangahulugan ng pagkakait sa ating sarili, pagpasan ng ating krus araw-araw, at matapat na paglakad sa Kanyang mga yapak. Kung tunay nating ninanais na makapasok sa kaharian ng Diyos, kailangan nating maging handang magsakripisyo alang-alang sa ating pagmamahal sa Kanya at sa ating kapwa.

Marahil marami sa atin ang nag-aatubiling magsakripisyo sapagkat nangangahulugan ito ng pagsuko sa ating kaginhawaan, sariling plano, kapalaluan, o mga personal na hangarin. Ngunit ano nga ba ang anumang sakripisyo kung ihahambing sa kaluwalhatiang naghihintay sa atin sa langit? Ano ang ilang taong pagtitiis kung ihahambing sa buhay na walang hanggan? At ano ang bigat ng ating krus kung ito naman ang magiging daan upang lalo tayong mapalapit sa kaharian ng Diyos?

Matapos masaksihan nina Pedro, Santiago, at Juan ang kaluwalhatian ni Hesus sa Bundok ng Pagbabagong-anyo, hindi sila nanatili roon. Bumaba sila mula sa bundok at muling hinarap ang pang-araw-araw na buhay, kung saan naghihintay ang mga pagsubok, pag-uusig, at mga sakripisyong kakailanganin nilang pagdaanan alang-alang sa pagpapalaganap ng kaharian ng Diyos.

Madali sana nilang pinili ang mas maginhawang landas sa pamamagitan ng paglayo sa kanilang Panginoon at Guro. Ngunit pinili nilang manatiling tapat kay Hesus sa kabila ng pagdurusa, pagtanggi ng marami, at maging ng kamatayan. Nagtiis sila sapagkat buong puso silang nagtitiwala sa pangako ng Panginoon na sa likod ng bawat krus ay naroon ang walang hanggang kaluwalhatian.

Ang paanyayang ito ay para rin sa ating lahat. Ang ating paglalakbay bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo ay hindi rin mawawalan ng mga pagsubok, kabiguan, at mga krus na kailangang pasanin. Ngunit kapag iniaalay natin ang lahat ng ito sa Diyos nang may pagmamahal at pagtitiwala, ginagawa Niya itong mga hakbang tungo sa mas malalim na pakikipag-isa sa Kanya. Walang sakripisyong iniaalay para kay Kristo ang nasasayang, at walang tapat na paglilingkod ang hindi Niya nakikita. Sa takdang panahon, gagantimpalaan Niya ang lahat ng nananatiling tapat.

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating paglalakbay sa mundong ito, nawa'y hindi natin kailanman malimutan ang ating tunay na hantungan. Patuloy nating pasanin ang ating mga krus nang may pag-asa, manatiling matatag sa pananampalataya sa gitna ng bawat pagsubok, at buong tapang na isabuhay ang mga turo ni Hesus. Sapagkat ang kaluwalhatiang naghihintay sa atin sa langit ay higit na dakila kaysa sa anumang hirap at sakripisyong ating pinagdaraanan ngayon.

Kapag dumating ang araw na tayo ay haharap na sa Panginoon, masusumpungan kaya Niya sa atin ang mga pusong handang magmahal, magsakripisyo, at maging tapat hanggang wakas? Ngayon, ano ang hinihiling ni Hesus na ating isuko—isang kasalanan, isang maling kinagawian, isang labis na pagkakapit sa mga bagay ng mundo, o isang takot na humahadlang sa ating lubos na pagsunod sa Kanya—upang higit nating maranasan ang kagalakan ng paglalakbay patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 5 Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 15:21-28

Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her.

His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

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Reflection:

Is our faith in the Lord as strong as that of the Canaanite woman in the Gospel?

The unwavering faith of the Canaanite woman, whose daughter was tormented by a demon, shines brightly in the Gospel. Although Jesus initially seemed to ignore her, she refused to lose heart. Even when she heard the disciples say to Jesus, “Send her away,” she did not turn back or surrender to discouragement.

Because she was not a Jew, Jesus told her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Yet she persisted all the more. She humbly knelt before Jesus, pleading, “Lord, help me.” Her desperate cry was not only a mother's plea but also a beautiful expression of complete trust in the Lord.

After a few more exchanges, Jesus revealed the greatness of her faith and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” At that very hour, her daughter was healed.

Like the Canaanite woman, we, too, come before Jesus carrying the burdens of our hearts. We bring Him our prayers for healing, peace, guidance, reconciliation, and countless other intentions. Yet there are times when heaven seems silent and our prayers appear to go unanswered. During those moments, we may wonder if the Lord has heard us at all.

The Gospel reminds us not to lose heart. God's silence is never His absence, and His delay is never His denial. At times, He allows us to wait because He desires to deepen our trust, strengthen our faith, and teach us to rely completely on His wisdom rather than on our own understanding. Our persistence in prayer is not meant to change God's heart; it transforms ours, making us more patient, humble, and faithful.

True faith continues to trust even when we cannot yet see the answer. It continues to hope when circumstances seem impossible. It continues to love and follow Jesus even when the road is difficult and His plans remain hidden from us. Faith is not built on what our eyes can see or our hands can touch, but on the certainty that the Lord is always faithful to His promises and is working for our good, even when we cannot yet understand His ways.

May the steadfast faith of the Canaanite woman inspire all of us to persevere in prayer, to trust God's perfect timing, and to remain faithful in every season of life. May we never allow disappointments, delays, or trials to weaken our confidence in the Lord. Instead, may every challenge become another opportunity to surrender ourselves more completely into His loving hands, knowing that His wisdom, love, and mercy are always greater than our own.

Today, when the Lord seems silent and the answers to our prayers are still beyond our sight, will we continue to kneel before Him with unwavering faith, trusting that His perfect timing is preparing not only the answer we seek but also the hearts He desires us to have?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Agosto 5, Miyerkules ng Ika-18 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 15:21-28

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 15:21-28

Noong panahong iyon, nagpunta si Hesus sa lupaing malapit sa Tiro at Sidon. Lumapit sa kanya ang isang Cananeang naninirahan doon at malakas na sinabi, “Panginoon, Anak ni David, mahabag po kayo sa akin! Ang anak kong babae ay inaalihan ng demonyo at masyadong pinahihirapan.”

Ngunit gaputok ma’y di tumugon si Hesus. At lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad at sinabi sa kanya, “Pagbigyan na nga po ninyo at nang umalis. Siya’y nag-iingay at susunud-sunod sa atin.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sa mga tupang naliligaw ng sambahayan ng Israel lamang ako sinugo.”

Ngunit lumapit sa kanya ang babae, lumuhod sa harapan at ang sabi, “Tulungan po ninyo ako, Panginoon.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Hindi dapat kunin ang pagkain ng mga anak upang ihagis sa mga tuta.” “Tunay nga po, Panginoon,” tugon ng babae, “Ngunit ang mga tuta man ay nagsisikain ng mumong nalalaglag sa hapag ng kanilang panginoon.”

Kaya’t sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Napakalaki ng iyong pananalig! Mangyayari ang hinihiling mo.” At noon di’y gumaling ang kanyang anak.

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Repleksyon:

Kasing tibay Ba ng pananampalataya ng Babaeng Cananea ang Ating Pananampalataya sa Panginoon?

Maliwanag na ipinakita sa Ebanghelyo ang matatag at hindi matitinag na pananampalataya ng babaeng Cananea na ang anak ay pinahihirapan ng isang demonyo. Bagama't sa simula ay tila hindi siya pinansin ni Jesus, hindi siya nawalan ng pag-asa. Kahit narinig niya ang mga alagad na nagsabi kay Jesus, “Paalisin Mo na siya,” hindi siya umurong at hindi siya nagpadaig sa panghihina ng loob.

Dahil hindi siya isang Hudyo, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanya, “Ako'y isinugo lamang sa mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel.” Ngunit lalo pa siyang nagtiyaga. Lumuhod siya sa harapan ni Jesus at buong pagpapakumbabang nakiusap, “Panginoon, tulungan Mo po ako.” Ang kanyang pagsusumamo ay hindi lamang panawagan ng isang nagmamahal na ina, kundi isang malinaw na pagpapahayag ng kanyang lubos na pagtitiwala sa Panginoon.

Matapos ang ilan pang palitan ng salita, ipinahayag ni Jesus ang kadakilaan ng kanyang pananampalataya at sinabi sa kanya,  “O babae, dakila ang iyong pananampalataya! Mangyari sa iyo ang iyong hinihiling.” At noon ding oras na iyon ay gumaling ang kanyang anak.

Katulad ng babaeng Cananea, tayo rin ay lumalapit kay Jesus na dala ang iba't ibang pasanin, sugat, at mga kahilingan ng ating mga puso. Inilalapit natin sa Kanya ang ating mga panalangin para sa kagalingan, kapayapaan, patnubay, pagkakasundo, at marami pang iba.

Ngunit may mga pagkakataong tila nananatiling tahimik ang langit at wari'y wala pa ring tugon ang ating mga panalangin. Sa mga sandaling iyon, maaari nating itanong sa ating sarili kung naririnig nga ba tayo ng Panginoon.

Ngunit itinuturo sa atin ng Ebanghelyo na huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang katahimikan ng Diyos ay hindi nangangahulugang wala Siya sa ating tabi, at ang Kanyang tila pagkaantala ay hindi nangangahulugang tinanggihan na Niya tayo.

Kung minsan, hinahayaan Niya tayong maghintay upang higit pang patatagin ang ating pagtitiwala, palalimin ang ating pananampalataya, at turuan tayong umasa hindi sa ating sariling pagkaunawa kundi sa Kanyang perpektong kalooban.

Sa ating matiyagang pananalangin, hindi ang puso ng Diyos ang nagbabago, kundi ang ating mga puso ang unti-unting hinuhubog upang maging higit na mapagpakumbaba, matiyaga, at tapat sa Kanya.

Ang tunay na pananampalataya ay patuloy na nagtitiwala kahit hindi pa natin nakikita ang kasagutan. Patuloy itong umaasa kahit tila imposible ang sitwasyon. Patuloy itong sumusunod at nagmamahal kay Jesus kahit mahirap ang landas at hindi pa malinaw ang Kanyang mga plano para sa atin.

Ang pananampalataya ay hindi nakabatay sa ating nakikita o nahahawakan, kundi sa matibay na paniniwalang ang Panginoon ay laging tapat sa Kanyang mga pangako at patuloy na kumikilos para sa ating kabutihan, kahit hindi pa natin ito lubos na nauunawaan.

Nawa'y maging inspirasyon sa ating lahat ang matatag na pananampalataya ng babaeng Cananea upang hindi tayo magsawang manalangin, magtiwala sa tamang panahon ng Diyos, at manatiling tapat sa Kanya sa bawat yugto ng ating buhay. Huwag nawa nating hayaang pahinain ng mga kabiguan, paghihintay, at pagsubok ang ating pagtitiwala sa Panginoon.

Sa halip, nawa'y maging pagkakataon ang bawat pagsubok upang lalo nating isuko ang ating sarili sa Kanyang mapagmahal na kalooban, sapagkat ang Kanyang karunungan, pag-ibig, at awa ay higit na dakila kaysa sa ating kayang maunawaan.

Kapag tila nananatiling tahimik ang Panginoon at hindi pa natin nakikita ang kasagutan sa ating mga panalangin, magpapatuloy pa rin ba tayong lumuhod sa Kanya nang may matatag na pananampalataya, nagtitiwalang sa Kanyang perpektong panahon ay hindi lamang Niya inihahanda ang ating hinihiling, kundi hinuhubog din Niya ang ating mga puso upang maging higit na katulad ng Kanya?— Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Tuesday August 4 Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

Gospel: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14

Some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.” He summoned the crowd and said to them, “Hear and understand. 

It is not what enters one’s mouth that defiles the man; but what comes out of the mouth is what defiles one.” Then his disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 

He said in reply, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.

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Reflection:

Whom would we prefer: a person who observes the tradition of washing hands before eating a meal, or a person who does not observe this tradition? Naturally, we would prefer the one who observes the tradition.

But what if those who observe the tradition do so only to be seen by others, while no interior cleansing takes place within them? What if those who do not observe the tradition are the ones whose hearts have been purified by God? We would then prefer those whose hearts are clean within, even if they do not practice the external tradition.

Jesus is not against the washing of hands per se. Rather, what He opposes is the mere external display of holiness that is not matched by an interior conversion of the heart. He reminds us that true holiness does not begin with outward appearances but with hearts that are humble, sincere, and transformed by God's grace.

For example, what is the value of our prayers, our attendance at Holy Mass, our novenas, our Rosaries, our acts of charity, and our other religious devotions if they do not lead us to genuine interior transformation? If they do not make us more loving, forgiving, truthful, compassionate, and obedient to God's will, then we have missed their true purpose.

If we continue to do what is wrong while clinging to what is evil, then what is the value of our outward acts of holiness if they are done only for others to see? God is never deceived by outward appearances. He lovingly looks beyond what others can see and searches the deepest intentions of our hearts. He desires not merely religious rituals but hearts that truly belong to Him.

May we, therefore, allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from within so that our words, our actions, and our lives may genuinely reflect the presence of Christ. May our faith never become a performance for human approval but a sincere response of love and gratitude to the God who knows us completely and loves us unconditionally.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Are we more concerned about appearing holy before others, or are we allowing Jesus to transform our hearts day by day? When God looks into the depths of our hearts, will He find merely the appearance of holiness, or will He find hearts that truly love, trust, and follow Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Martes Agosto 4 Paggunita kay San Juan Maria Vianney, pari: Mateo 15:1-2, 10-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 15:1-2, 10-14

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit kay Hesus ang ilang Pariseo at mga eskribang galing sa Jerusalem. Kanilang tinanong siya, “Bakit nilalabag ng mga alagad mo ang turo na minana natin sa ating mga ninuno? Kumakain sila nang hindi muna naghuhugas ng kamay ayon sa paraang iniutos!”

Pinalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao at kanyang sinabi, “Makinig kayong lahat, at unawain ang aking sasabihin. Hindi ang pumapasok sa bibig ng tao kundi ang lumalabas ang nakapagpaparumi sa kanya sa mata ng Diyos.”

Lumapit ang mga alagad at kanilang sinabi, “Alam ninyo, nagdamdam po ang mga Pariseo sa sinabi ninyo!” Sumagot siya, “Bubunutin ang bawat halamang hindi itinanim ng aking Amang nasa langit. Hayaan ninyo sila. Sila’y mga bulag na taga-akay; at kapag bulag ang umakay sa bulag, kapwa sila mahuhulog sa hukay.”

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Repleksyon:

Sino ang mas pipiliin natin: ang taong sumusunod sa tradisyon ng paghuhugas ng kamay bago kumain, o ang taong hindi sumusunod sa tradisyong ito? Marahil, ang una nating pipiliin ay ang taong sumusunod sa tradisyon.

Ngunit paano kung ang pagsunod niya sa tradisyong iyon ay ginagawa lamang upang mapansin at hangaan ng iba, samantalang walang tunay na paglilinis na nagaganap sa kanyang kalooban? At paano kung ang taong hindi sumusunod sa tradisyong iyon ang siyang may pusong dalisay at malinis sa harapan ng Diyos? Kung gayon, mas pipiliin natin ang taong may malinis na puso, sapagkat higit na mahalaga sa Diyos ang kalinisan ng ating kalooban kaysa sa panlabas na anyo ng ating kabanalan.

Hindi tinututulan ni Jesus ang paghuhugas ng kamay. Ang Kanyang tinututulan ay ang pagpapakita lamang ng kabanalan sa panlabas na anyo, samantalang ang puso ay nananatiling malayo sa Diyos. Ipinaaalala Niya sa atin na ang tunay na kabanalan ay hindi nagsisimula sa mga ritwal o panlabas na gawain, kundi sa pusong mapagpakumbaba, tapat, at hinahayaang baguhin ng biyaya ng Diyos.

Halimbawa, ano ang halaga ng ating mga panalangin, pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, pagdarasal ng Santo Rosaryo, mga nobena, mga gawa ng kawanggawa, at iba pa nating debosyong Kristiyano kung hindi naman tayo nito inaakay tungo sa tunay na pagbabago ng ating puso? Ano ang saysay ng lahat ng ito kung hindi tayo nagiging mas mapagmahal, mapagpatawad, mahabagin, matapat, at masunurin sa kalooban ng Diyos?

Kung patuloy tayong gumagawa ng mali at kumakapit sa kasamaan, ano ang halaga ng ating mga panlabas na pagpapakita ng kabanalan kung ginagawa lamang natin ang mga ito upang mapansin ng iba?

Hindi nalilinlang ang Diyos ng ating panlabas na anyo. Nakikita Niya ang kaibuturan ng ating puso at alam Niya ang tunay nating mga hangarin. Higit sa ating mga ritwal, ang ninanais Niya ay pusong lubos na nagmamahal, nagtitiwala, at sumusunod sa Kanya.

Nawa'y pahintulutan natin ang Espiritu Santo na linisin at baguhin tayo mula sa ating kalooban upang ang ating mga salita, kilos, at buong pamumuhay ay maging tunay na salamin ng presensya ni Hesus. Nawa'y ang ating pananampalataya ay hindi maging isang palabas upang tumanggap ng papuri mula sa tao, kundi isang taos-pusong tugon ng pag-ibig at pasasalamat sa Diyos na lubos na nakakakilala at walang hanggang nagmamahal sa atin.

Ngayong araw, tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: Mas mahalaga ba sa atin ang magmukhang banal sa paningin ng iba, o ang tunay na maging banal sa paningin ng Diyos? Kapag siniyasat ng Panginoon ang ating puso, makikita kaya Niya ang isang pusong binago ng Kanyang pag-ibig at biyaya, o panlabas na kabanalan lamang na walang tunay na pagbabagong-loob?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 3 Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-36

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 

Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." 

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."  

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

What is faith in Jesus?

It is keeping our eyes fixed on Him and refusing to let anything distract us or draw our attention away from His loving presence. Faith is choosing to trust Him even when the road before us is uncertain, believing that His hand is always guiding us, even when we cannot clearly see where He is leading us.

When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he asked the Lord to allow him to come to Him, and Jesus graciously granted his request (Matthew 14:29–30).

As Peter walked toward Jesus, however, he noticed the strong wind and the waves crashing around him. The moment he shifted his focus from Jesus to the storm, fear overcame his faith, and he began to sink.

Yet Jesus did not abandon him. He immediately reached out His hand and saved him. This Gospel account speaks not only of Peter’s wavering faith but also of our own. It gently invites us to ask ourselves: How strong is our faith in Jesus when the storms of life begin to rage?

Can we continue to trust Him when we go through severe trials? What if we become seriously ill, lose someone we dearly love, face financial hardships, or carry burdens that seem too heavy to bear? Would these painful moments shake our confidence in the Lord?

Would we begin to ask Him, “Why?” These are honest questions that many of us have asked at one time or another. Yet even in our questions, the Lord patiently remains beside us, waiting for us to place our trust in Him once again.

Life is indeed a mystery. We may be here today, yet there is no guarantee that we will still be breathing tomorrow. Even our faith in Jesus is, in many ways, a mystery. We place our trust in Someone whom we cannot see with our physical eyes, yet we continue to hold on to Him because we have come to know His unfailing love and faithfulness.

Our faith is not built on what is visible but on the certainty that the Lord always keeps His promises. It is this faith that strengthens us, enables us to persevere, and carries us through every trial that comes our way.

Peter clearly had faith; otherwise, he would never have asked Jesus to let him come to Him. But for a brief moment, he allowed the wind and the waves to weaken his trust in the Lord. How often do we do the same? We begin our journey with confidence, but when difficulties arise, our fears, worries, and uncertainties can easily draw our eyes away from Jesus.

Still, the Good Shepherd never stops reaching out to us. Whenever we begin to sink beneath the weight of life's storms, His loving hand is always extended, ready to lift us up if only we turn back to Him.

As we continue our journey of faith, we will surely encounter moments that test our trust in the Lord. These trials are not meant to drive us away from Him but to draw us closer to His Sacred Heart, where we discover that His grace is always greater than our weakness and His love is stronger than our fears.

Let us, therefore, remain steadfast and never lose heart, no matter how fierce the storms may become. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who never abandons those who place their trust in Him. He is always with us—strengthening us when we are weak, comforting us when we are discouraged, and carrying us safely through every test of faith.

Today, where are our eyes fixed—on the storms that surround us or on Jesus who walks above them? Will we allow our fears to pull us beneath the waves, or will we place our complete trust in the Lord, whose outstretched hand is always ready to lift us up?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Agosto 3 Lunes ng Ika-18 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 14:22-36

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 14:22-36

Matapos mabusog ang mga tao, agad pinasakay ni Hesus sa bangka ang kanyang mga alagad at pinauna sa kabilang ibayo samantalang pinauuwi niya ang mga tao. Pagkaalis ng mga ito, umahon siya sa burol upang manalangin. Nag-iisa siyang inabot doon ng gabi.

Samantala, nasa laot na noon ang bangka at sinasalpok ng mga alon sapagkat pasalungat sa hangin. At nang madaling araw na’y sumunod sa kanila si Hesus na naglalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig. Kinilabutan sa takot ang mga alagad nang makita nilang may lumalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig. “Multo!” sigaw nila.

Ngunit agad siyang nagsalita at sinabi sa kanila, “Huwag kayong matakot; si Hesus ito!” At nagsalita si Pedro, “Panginoon, kung talagang kayo iyan, papariyanin ninyo ako sa ibabaw ng tubig.” Sumagot siya, “Halika.” Kaya’t lumunsad si Pedro sa bangka at lumakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, palapit kay Hesus.

Ngunit nang mapansin niya ang hangin, siya’y natakot at nagsimulang lumubog. “Sagipin ninyo ako, Panginoon!” sigaw niya. Agad siyang inabot ni Hesus. “Napakaliit ng iyong pananalig!” sabi niya kay Pedro. “Bakit ka nag-alinlangan?” Pagkasakay nila sa bangka, tumigil ang hangin. At sinamba siya ng mga nasa bangka. “Tunay na kayo ang Anak ng Diyos!” sabi nila.

Tumawid sila ng lawa, at dumaong sa Genesaret. Nakilala si Hesus ng mga tagaroon. Agad nilang ipinamalita sa buong palibot ng lupaing iyon ang pagdating ni Hesus, kaya’t dinala nila sa kanya ang lahat ng maysakit. Hiniling nila sa kanya na ipahipo man lamang sa mga maysakit kahit ang laylayan ng kanyang kasuutan. At lahat ng makahipo nito ay gumagaling.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ba ang ating pananampalataya kay Jesus?

Ito ay ang pagpapanatili ng ating mga mata at puso na nakatuon sa Kanya at ang hindi pagpapahintulot sa anumang bagay na ilayo ang ating pansin mula sa Kanyang mapagmahal na presensya.

Ang tunay na pananampalataya ay ang pagpiling magtiwala sa Panginoon kahit hindi malinaw ang landas na ating tinatahak, sapagkat naniniwala tayong lagi Niya tayong inaakay at hindi Niya tayo kailanman iiwan.

Nang makita ni Pedro si Jesus na naglalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, nakiusap siya sa Panginoon na papuntahin din siya sa Kanya. At buong kabutihang-loob na pinagbigyan ni Jesus ang kanyang kahilingan (Mateo 14:29–30).

Ngunit habang naglalakad si Pedro patungo kay Jesus, napansin niya ang malakas na hangin at ang naglalakihang alon. Nang ilihis niya ang kanyang paningin mula kay Jesus at ituon ito sa unos, nanaig ang takot kaysa sa kanyang pananampalataya kaya nagsimula siyang lumubog. Subalit hindi siya pinabayaan ng Panginoon. Agad Siyang nag-unat ng Kanyang kamay at iniligtas siya.

Ang pangyayaring ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa panandaliang panghihina ng pananampalataya ni Pedro. Sumasalamin din ito sa ating sariling buhay. Inaanyayahan tayo nitong tanungin ang ating mga sarili: Gaano katatag ang ating pananampalataya kay Jesus kapag dumaraan tayo sa mabibigat na unos ng buhay?

Patuloy pa rin ba tayong magtitiwala sa Kanya kapag tayo ay dumaranas ng matitinding pagsubok? Paano kung tayo ay magkasakit nang malubha, mawalan ng mahal sa buhay, makaranas ng matinding paghihirap sa kabuhayan, o magdala ng mga pasaning tila hindi na natin kayang pasanin?

Hindi ba tayo matutuksong magtanong sa Panginoon, "Bakit?" Marahil marami sa atin ang nakaranas nang itanong ito. Ngunit maging sa gitna ng ating mga luha, pagdududa, at mga katanungan, nananatili Siyang nasa ating tabi, matiyagang naghihintay na muli nating ipagkatiwala sa Kanya ang ating buhay.

Tunay na isang hiwaga ang buhay. Narito tayo ngayon, ngunit walang katiyakang tayo ay mabubuhay pa bukas. Maging ang ating pananampalataya kay Jesus ay isang hiwaga rin. Hindi natin Siya nakikita ng ating mga mata, ngunit buong puso tayong nagtitiwala sa Kanya sapagkat naranasan na natin ang Kanyang walang hanggang pag-ibig, kabutihan, at katapatan.

Ang ating pananampalataya ay hindi nakabatay sa ating nakikita kundi sa katiyakang ang Panginoon ay laging tumutupad sa Kanyang mga pangako. Ang pananampalatayang ito ang nagbibigay sa atin ng lakas upang magpatuloy at magtiis anuman ang mga pagsubok na ating kinakaharap.

Malinaw na may pananampalataya si Pedro, sapagkat kung wala, hindi niya hihilinging makalakad patungo kay Jesus. Ngunit sa isang sandali, hinayaan niyang ang malakas na hangin at naglalakihang alon ang mangibabaw sa kanyang pagtitiwala sa Panginoon.

Hindi ba't madalas din itong mangyari sa atin? Nagsisimula tayong puno ng pananampalataya, ngunit kapag dumarating ang mga problema, unti-unting napapalitan ng takot, pag-aalala, at pangamba ang ating pagtitiwala.

Gayunman, hindi tayo kailanman iniiwan ng Mabuting Pastol. Sa tuwing tayo ay tila lumulubog sa gitna ng mga unos ng buhay, nakaunat pa rin ang Kanyang kamay, handang tayo'y ibangon at yakapin sa Kanyang walang hanggang pagmamahal.

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating paglalakbay bilang mga tagasunod ni Jesus, tiyak na darating ang mga pagkakataong susubukin ang ating pananampalataya. Ngunit ang mga pagsubok na ito ay hindi upang ilayo tayo sa Panginoon kundi upang higit tayong ilapit sa Kanyang Banal na Puso, kung saan matatagpuan natin ang biyayang higit na dakila kaysa sa ating kahinaan at ang pag-ibig na higit na makapangyarihan kaysa sa ating mga takot.

Kaya't manatili tayong matatag at huwag mawalan ng pag-asa gaano man kalakas ang mga unos na ating pinagdaraanan. Ituon natin ang ating paningin kay Jesus, sapagkat hindi Niya kailanman pinababayaan ang mga nagtitiwala sa Kanya. Siya ang nagpapalakas sa atin kapag tayo ay nanghihina, nagbibigay ng pag-asa kapag tayo ay pinanghihinaan ng loob, at umaakay sa atin hanggang makatawid tayo sa bawat pagsubok ng pananampalataya.

Ngayon, saan nakatuon ang ating mga mata at puso—sa mga unos na kinakaharap natin o kay Jesus na Panginoon ng lahat ng unos? Kapag tayo ay nagsimulang lumubog dahil sa takot at pag-aalala, pipiliin ba nating kumapit sa ating sariling lakas, o buong kababaang-loob ba nating hahawakan ang kamay ni Jesus na laging nakaunat upang tayo'y ibangon, akayin, at dalhin sa ligtas na pampang?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 2 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:13-21

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick. 

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, "This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." He said to them, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves." But they said to him, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have here."  

Then he said, "Bring them here to me," and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.

They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over – twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

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Reflection:

Do we still have quiet time alone with God?

Once in a while, we need to withdraw from the madding crowd to be alone with God. In the midst of our busy schedules, endless responsibilities, and the constant noise of the world, our souls long for moments of silence in the loving presence of the Lord. We need these regular quiet moments with Him so that we can discern His presence, listen to His gentle voice, and allow Him to renew our hearts.

Upon learning of the beheading of His relative, John the Baptist, Jesus went to a deserted place by Himself for personal reflection and prayer. He was saddened by the death of His relative, and He sought strength and consolation in His communion with the Father. If even Jesus, the Son of God, made time to be alone with His Father, how much more do we need to pause from the demands of life and seek God's presence?

We, too, need these brief interludes of peace and quiet, when there is no one else except us and God. It is during these sacred moments that we become more aware of His loving presence and hear His gentle invitation to entrust our burdens to Him. The Lord continues to call all who are weary, burdened, and spiritually thirsty to come to Him, for He alone can refresh our souls, strengthen our hearts, and fill us with the peace that the world can never give.

Let us not be consumed by the deafening noise of a world where money, possessions, and power often rule and are even treated as gods by many. These things may promise happiness, but they can never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Instead, let us dig deeper into our spiritual lives and rediscover that beneath the concerns of our earthly existence is the loving presence of God, who desires to strengthen, guide, and transform us each day.

After His solitary time of prayer and reflection, Jesus was once again ready to continue His mission. His first act was to heal the sick who had followed Him. His time with the Father did not lead Him away from people—it prepared Him to serve them with greater compassion and love. The more deeply we encounter God, the more readily we become instruments of His mercy to others.

The disciples wanted to send the people away, saying to Jesus, "Dismiss the crowd, for it is already getting late" (Matthew 14:15). But Jesus replied, "There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves" (Matthew 14:16).

Then the miracle of the loaves and fish took place. Although there were only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed more than five thousand people, and there was still plenty left over.

How did this miracle happen? It happened because of the generosity and love of Jesus. When we cling tightly to what we have and refuse to share, we limit the good that God desires to accomplish through us. But when we willingly place our little into His hands, He can multiply it beyond anything we could ever imagine. What seems insufficient to us becomes more than enough when entrusted to Him.

Jesus is forever generous and loving toward us. Out of His boundless love, He instituted the Eucharist, the Holy Mass, to nourish us with His very life. Even today, He continues to feed us with His Body and Blood whenever we receive Him in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Every Eucharist is a profound reminder that our Lord never ceases to satisfy our deepest spiritual hunger and to accompany us on our journey of faith.

Let us, therefore, learn from the generosity and love of Jesus. Let us become people who willingly share our time, our blessings, our compassion, and our very selves with others. The more generously we give in love, the more we open our hearts to receive the immeasurable blessings that God longs to pour into our lives. True abundance is not measured by what we keep but by what we lovingly place into God's hands for the good of others.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we make time each day to be alone with the Lord, allowing His presence to renew our hearts, deepen our trust, and transform us into faithful disciples who reflect His love in the world.

Will we choose to step away from the noise of the world and spend time with Jesus today, allowing Him to fill us with His love so that we, in turn, may become His generous hands and compassionate heart to everyone we meet?— Marino J. Dasmarinas