Reflection for March 30 Monday of Holy Week: John 12:1-11

Gospel: John 12:1-11

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." 

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

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Reflection:

Do we sometimes allow hatred, greed, and envy to quietly take hold of our hearts? And when we do, where do these lead us?

The chief priests allowed these dark desires to rule over them. Blinded by fear and pride, they saw in Jesus a threat to their power and position. Instead of seeking truth, they chose to silence Him. At all costs, they resolved to remove Him—and they succeeded. But in doing so, they surrendered themselves to something far more dangerous: they allowed evil to take root within them.

Hatred, greed, and envy are not merely emotions—they are subtle traps that slowly pull us away from God. When we entertain them, even in small ways, they begin to shape our thoughts, our decisions, and ultimately our actions. We see this in the world around us: leaders who cling to power at any cost, relationships broken by unforgiveness, hearts hardened by jealousy and resentment.

And if we are honest, we may also see traces of these in our own lives.

We know where these led the chief priests—they were driven to destroy the very One who came to save them. In their minds, they believed they had finally rid themselves of Jesus.

But they were mistaken.

Through His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over their hatred and exposed the emptiness of their actions. What they thought would bring them security only led to deeper unrest. What they believed would give them control only revealed their inner bondage.

And the same can happen to us.

When we allow hatred, greed, and envy to take root in our hearts, they do not give us peace—they rob us of it. They distance us from God and from one another. But the Risen Christ offers us another way—a way of love, humility, forgiveness, and freedom.

What are we allowing to grow within us—and are we willing to surrender these to Christ so that His love, not our hidden darkness, may truly reign in our lives? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 30 Lunes Santo: Juan 12:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 12:1-11

Anim na araw bago mag-Paskuwa, si Hesus ay dumating sa Betania, sa bayan ni Lazaro na kanyang muling binuhay. Ipinaghanda siya roon ng hapunan; naglingkod si Marta, at si Lazaro’y isa sa mga kasalo ni Hesus. Kumuha si Maria ng mamahaling pabango, isang libra ng dalisay na nardo, at ibinuhos sa mga paa ni Hesus. Pagkatapos, pinunasan ng kanyang buhok. At humalimuyak sa buong bahay ang pabango. 

Si Judas Iscariote, ang alagad na magkakanulo kay Hesus, ay nagsabi, “Bakit hindi ipinagbili ang pabango at ibinigay sa mga dukha ang pinagbilhan? Maaaring umabot sa tatlong daang denaryo ang halaga niyan.” Hindi dahil sa siya’y may malasakit sa mga dukha kaya niya sinabi iyon, kundi dahil sa siya’y magnanakaw. Siya ang nag-iingat ng kanilang salapi at kinukupit niya ito. 

Sumagot si Hesus, “Ano’t siya’y ginugulo ninyo? Pabayaan ninyong ilaan niya ito para sa paglilibing sa akin. Habang panaho’y kasama ninyo ang mga dukha, ngunit ako’y hindi ninyo kasama sa habang panahon.” 

Nabalitaan ng maraming Judio na si Hesus ay nasa Betania kaya’t pumaroon sila, hindi lamang dahil sa kanya, kundi para makita si Lazaro na kanyang muling binuhay. Kaya’t binalak ng mga punong saserdote na ipapatay rin si Lazaro, sapagkat dahil sa kanya’y maraming Judio ang humihiwalay na sa kanila at nananalig kay Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

Hinahayaan ba natin na ang poot, kasakiman, at inggit ay unti-unting maghari sa ating mga puso? At kapag hinayaan natin ito, saan tayo dinadala ng mga ito?

Pinahintulutan ng mga punong pari na manaig sa kanila ang ganitong uri ng kadiliman. Dahil sa takot at pagmamataas, nakita nila si Jesus bilang banta sa kanilang kapangyarihan at katayuan. Sa halip na hanapin ang katotohanan, pinili nilang patahimikin Siya. Sa anumang paraan, nagpasiya silang alisin Siya—at nagtagumpay sila. Ngunit kapalit nito, isinuko nila ang kanilang sarili sa isang mas mapanganib na bagay: hinayaan nilang mag-ugat ang kasamaan sa kanilang kalooban.

Ang poot, kasakiman, at inggit ay hindi lamang simpleng pakiramdam—ito ay mga patibong na unti-unting humihila sa atin palayo sa Diyos. Kapag hinahayaan natin ang mga ito, kahit sa maliliit na paraan, naaapektuhan ang ating pag-iisip, ang ating mga desisyon, at ang ating mga kilos. Nakikita natin ito sa ating paligid: mga politikong kumakapit sa kapangyarihan sa anumang paraan, mga ugnayang nasisira dahil sa kawalan ng pagpapatawad, at mga pusong hindi nagpapatawad dahil sa sama ng loob.

At kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, marahil ay makikita rin natin ang bakas ng mga ito sa ating sariling buhay.

Alam natin kung saan dinala ng mga ito ang mga punong pari—umabot sila sa puntong pinlano nilang patayin ang mismong Tagapagligtas na dumating upang iligtas sila. Sa kanilang akala, tuluyan na nilang naalis si Jesus sa kanilang buhay.

Ngunit sila ay nagkamali.

Sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang muling pagkabuhay, nagtagumpay si Jesus laban sa kanilang kasamaan at ipinakita ang kawalan ng saysay ng kanilang ginawa. Ang inaakala nilang magbibigay sa kanila ng kapanatagan ay lalo lamang nagdulot ng kaguluhan sa kanilang kalooban. Ang inaakala nilang magbibigay sa kanila ng kapangyarihan ay lalo lamang naglantad ng kanilang pagkaalipin sa kapangyarihan.

At maaari rin itong mangyari sa atin.

Kapag hinayaan nating mag-ugat sa ating puso ang poot, kasakiman, at inggit, hindi ito nagdudulot ng kapayapaan—inaagaw nito ang ating kapayapaan. Inilalayo tayo nito sa Diyos at sa isa’t isa. Ngunit ang Muling Nabuhay na Kristo ay nag-aanyaya sa atin sa ibang landas—ang landas ng pag-ibig, kababaang-loob, pagpapatawad at tunay na kalayaan.

Ano ang pinapayagan nating tumubo sa ating kalooban—at handa ba nating isuko ang mga ito kay Kristo upang ang Kanyang pag-ibig, at hindi ang ating mga maitim na budhi ang tunay na maghari sa ating buhay? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 29 Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion: Matthew 26: 14 – 27:66

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-27:66

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said,“Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written:I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise.

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep.

He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear.

Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area,  yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.

Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses?

You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?” Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” 

Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.

When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.

Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field  just as the Lord had commanded me.

Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over.

While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?”

They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.

And when they came to a place called Golgotha ¬—which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!”

Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.

From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice,  “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.

And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.

The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go, secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.

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Reflection:

A familiar saying tells us: “Victory has many fathers, and defeat is an orphan.” As we prayerfully reflect on our Palm Sunday Gospel, we begin to see how this truth unfolds in the life of Jesus—and, perhaps, in our own lives as well.

Because of His miraculous deeds, Jesus drew many followers. Crowds gathered around Him, eager to witness His power, to receive His blessings, and to be part of something extraordinary. Yet when opposition arose—when He was persecuted and rejected—many quietly faded away. The same voices that once praised Him grew silent.

If we look honestly into our hearts, we may recognize that this story is not only about those people long ago—it is also about us. At times, we follow Jesus because of what He can do for us. We seek Him in moments of need, in times of uncertainty, in seasons when we long for miracles. But when His ways challenge us, when His silence tests us, or when His path leads us to sacrifice, we may find ourselves drifting away.

How easily we can replace Him with the passing “gods” of this world—the allure of wealth, the pull of pleasure, the desire for power, and the many distractions that promise fulfillment but leave us empty. Without realizing it, we can turn Jesus into a “God of convenience,” someone we follow only when it suits us.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, riding humbly on a donkey, He was welcomed with joy and celebration. The people cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Their hearts seemed full of devotion. Yet only days later, after betrayal, suffering, and humiliation, many turned away. Some even joined the voices that cried out, “Crucify Him!”

What a painful reminder of how fragile human loyalty can be. How often our faith depends on comfort, on blessings, on answered prayers. How quickly our commitment fades when faced with trials, sacrifices, or the call to true conversion.

And so, as we journey together through this Holy Week, we are invited not only to remember the Passion of Jesus but to enter into it—to walk with Him, to stay with Him, even when the road leads to the Cross.

Let us pause and examine our hearts with sincerity and humility. Let us ask for the grace to love Jesus not only in moments of joy but also in moments of suffering; not only when He gives, but simply because He is our Lord.

As we stand before the Cross this Holy Week, will we remain with Jesus in faithful love—or will we, too, walk away when following Him becomes difficult?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Marso 29 Linggo ng Palaspas sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon: Mateo 26:14 – 27:66

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 26:14 – 27:66

Noong panahong iyon: Si Judas Iscariote, isa sa Labindalawa, ay nakipagkita sa mga punong saserdote. “Ano po ang ibibigay ninyo sa akin kung tulungan ko kayong madakip si Hesus?” tanong niya. Noon din ay binilangan nila siya ng tatlumpung salaping pilak. Mula noon, humanap na si Judas ng pagkakataon upang maipagkanulo si Hesus.

 Dumating ang unang araw ng Kapistahan ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura. Lumapit kay Hesus ang mga alagad at nagtanong, “Saan po ninyo ibig na ipaghanda namin kayo ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa?” Sumagot siya, “Pumunta kayo sa lungsod at hanapin ninyo ang taong ito. Sabihin sa kanyang ganito ang ipinasasabi ng Guro: ‘Malapit na ang aking oras. Ako at ang mga alagad ko’y sa bahay mo kakain ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa.’” Sinunod ng mga alagad ang utos ni Hesus, at inihanda nila ang Hapunang Pampaskuwa.

Nang gabing yaon, dumulog sa hapag si Hesus, kasama ang labindalawang alagad. Samantalang sila’y kumakain, nangusap si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko: isa sa inyo ang mga magkakanulo sa akin.” Nanlumo ang mga alagad, at isa’t isa’y nagtanong sa kanya, “Ako po ba, Panginoon?” Sumagot siya, “Ang kasabay kong sumawsaw sa mangkok ang siyang magkakanulo sa akin. Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa nasusulat, ngunit sa aba ng magkakanulo sa kanya! Mabuti pang hindi na ipinanganak ang taong iyon.” Si Judas, na magkakanulo sa kanya, ay nagtanong din, “Guro, ako po ba?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ikaw na ang nagsabi.”

Samantalang sila’y kumakain, hinawakan ni Hesus ang tinapay, at matapos na magpasalamat sa Diyos, kanyang pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa mga alagad. “Kunin ninyo ito at kanin; ito ang aking katawan,” wika niya. Hinawakan niya ang kalis, nagpasalamat sa Diyos at ibinigay sa kanila. “Uminom kayong lahat nito,” sabi niya. “Sapagkat ito ang dugo ng tipan, ang aking dugo na mabubuhos dahil sa marami, sa ikapagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na hindi na ako iinom nitong alak na mula sa ubas hanggang sa araw na ang bagong alak ay inumin kong kasalo kayo sa kaharian ng aking Ama.” At pagkaawit ng isang imno, sila’y nagpunta sa Bundok ng mga Olibo.

Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Sa gabing ito, ako’y iiwan ninyong lahat, gaya ng nasasaad sa Kasulatan, ‘Papatayin ko ang pastol, at mangangalat ang mga tupa.’ Ngunit pagkatapos na ako’y muling mabuhay, mauuna ako sa inyo sa Galilea.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Kahit na po iwan kayo ng lahat, hindi ko kayo iiwan.” “Tandaan mo,” sabi ni Hesus, “sa gabi ring ito, bago tumilaok ang manok, makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” Ngunit matigas na sinabi ni Pedro, “Kahit na ako pataying kasama ninyo, hindi ko kayo itatatwa.” Gayun din ang sinabi ng lahat ng alagad.

At isinama sila ni Hesus sa isang lugar na tinatawag na Getsemani. Sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, “Dito muna kayo; mananalangin ako sa dako roon.” Ngunit isinama niya si Pedro at ang dalawang anak ni Zebedeo. At nagsimulang mabagabag at maghirap ang kanyang kalooban. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ang puso ko’y tigib ng hapis na halos ikamatay ko! Maghintay kayo rito at makipagpuyat sa akin!” Pagkalayo nang kaunti, nagpatirapa siya at nanalangin: “Ama ko, kung maaari’y ilayo mo sa akin ang kalis ng paghihirap na ito. Gayunman, huwag ang kalooban ko kundi ang kalooban mo ang mangyari.”

Nagbalik siya at dinatnan niyang natutulog ang tatlong alagad. Sinabi niya kay Pedro, “Talaga bang hindi kayo makapagpuyat na kasama ko kahit isang oras man lamang? Magpuyat kayo at manalangin upang huwag kayong madaig ng tukso. Ang espiritu’y nakahanda ngunit mahina ang laman.”

Muli siyang lumayo at nanalangin: “Ama ko, kung hindi maiaalis ang kalis na ito nang hindi ko iinumin, mangyari ang iyong kalooban.” Muli siyang nagbalik at dinatnan na naman niya silang natutulog, sapagkat sila’y antok na antok.

Iniwan niya uli ang tatlong alagad at muli siyang nanalangin, at iyon din ang sinabi. Nagbalik na naman siya sa mga alagad at sinabi sa kanila, “Natutulog pa ba kayo at nagpapahinga? Dumating na ang oras na ipagkakanulo ang Anak ng Tao sa mga makasalanan. Tayo na! Narito na ang magkakanulo sa akin.”

Nagsasalita pa si Hesus nang dumating si Judas, isa sa Labindalawa. May kasama siyang maraming tao na may dalang mga tabak at mga pamalo; galing sila sa mga punong saserdote at sa matatanda ng bayan. Bago pa sila dumating doon, ibinigay na ng taksil ang ganitong hudyat: “Ang hagkan ko ang siya nating pakay. Dakpin ninyo agad!”

Kaya’t nilapitan ni Judas si Hesus at binati, “Magandang gabi po, Guro!” saka hinagkan. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Kaibigan, gawin mo na ang sadya mo.” At nilapitan siya ng mga tao at dinakip. Nagbunot ng tabak ang isa sa mga kasama ni Hesus. Tinaga niya ang alipin ng pinakapunong saserdote, at natigpas ang tainga niyon.

Sinabi ni Hesus, “Isalong mo ang iyong tabak! Ang gumagamit ng tabak ay sa tabak mamamatay. Hindi mo ba alam na makahihingi ako sa aking Ama nang higit pa sa labindalawang batalyon ng mga anghel at padadalhan niya ako agad? Ngunit paanong matutupad ang mga Kasulatang nagsasabi na ito’y dapat mangyari?”

At binalingan niya ang mga tao at sinabi, “Ako ba’y tulisan at naparito kayong may mga tabak at mga pamalo para dakpin ako? Araw-araw, ako’y nagtuturo sa templo, at hindi ninyo ako dinakip. Ngunit nangyaring lahat ito upang matupad ang sinulat ng mga propeta.”

Tumakas ang mga alagad at iniwan siyang mag-isa.

Dinala si Hesus ng mga dumakip sa kanya sa bahay ni Caifas, ang pinakapunong saserdote; doo’y nakakatipon ang mga eskriba at ang matatanda ng bayan. Sumunod sa kanya si Pedro, ngunit malayo ang agwat nila. Pagdating sa tahanan ng pinakapunong saserdote, pumasok siya sa patyo at naupong kasama ng mga bantay upang makita kung ano ang mangyayari.

Naghahanap naman ang mga punong saserdote at ang buong Sanedrin ng saksing magsisinungaling laban kay Hesus, upang maipapatay siya. Ngunit wala silang matagpuan, bagama’t maraming humarap at nagsabi ng kabulaanan tungkol sa kanya. Sa wakas, may dalawang humarap at nagsabi, “Sinabi ng taong ito na gigibain niya ang templo at muling itatayo sa loob ng tatlong araw.”

Tumindig ang pinakapunong saserdote at sinabi kay Hesus, “Wala ka bang maisasagot sa paratang na ito sa iyo?” Ngunit hindi umimik si Hesus. At sinabi sa kanya ng pinakapunong saserdote, “Iniuutos ko sa iyo: sabihin mo sa amin, sa ngalan ng Diyos na buhay, kung ikaw ang Mesiyas, ang Anak ng Diyos.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Kayo na ang nagsabi.

Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: Mula ngayon ay makikita ninyo ‘ang Anak ng Taong nakaupo sa kanan ng Maykapangyarihan, at dumarating na nasa alapaap ng langit!’” Nang marinig ito ng pinakapunong saserdote, winahak niya ang sariling kasuotan at sinabi, “Ito’y kalapastanganan sa Diyos! Hindi na natin kailangan ang mga saksi. Narinig ninyo ang kanyang paglapastanganan sa Diyos! Ano sa palagay ninyo?” Sumagot sila, “Dapat siyang mamatay!”

Siya’y niluran nila sa mukha at pinagsusuntok. Sinampal naman siya ng iba at ang sabi, “Kristo, hulaan mo nga kung sino ang sumampal sa iyo!”

Samantala, si Pedro’y nakaupo sa patyo. Nilapitan siya ng isang alilang babae at ang sabi, “Kasama ka rin ni Hesus na taga-Galilea, hindi ba?” Ngunit itinanggi niya ito sa harapan ng lahat. “Wala akong nalalaman sa sinasabi mo,” sagot niya. Pumunta sa may pintuan si Pedro. Nakita siya ng isa pang alilang babae, at sinabi sa mga naroon, “Ang lalaking ito’y kasama ni Hesus na taga-Nazaret.” Muli siyang tumanggi: “Isinusumpa ko, hindi ko nakikilala ang taong iyan.”

Mayamaya’y lumapit kay Pedro ang mga naroon. Sinabi nila, “Isa ka nga sa kanila. Nakikilala sa iyong pagsasalita.” “Mamatay man ako, talagang hindi ko nakikilala ang taong iyan,” sagot ni Pedro. Siya namang pagtilaok ng manok. At naalaala ni Pedro ang sabi ni Hesus, “Bago tumilaok ang manok, makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” Lumabas siya at nanangis nang buong kapaitan.

Kinaumagahan, nagpulong ang mga punong saserdote at ang mga matatanda ng bayan kung paano maipapapatay si Hesus. Iginapos nila siya at dinala kay Gobernador Pilato.

Nang makita ni Judas na si Hesus ay hinatulang mamatay, nagsisi siya at isinauli sa mga punong saserdote at sa matatanda ng bayan ang tatlumpung salaping pilak. Sinabi niya, “Nagkasala ako! Ipinagkanulo ko ang taong walang sala.” “Ano ang pakialam namin? Bahala ka!” sagot nila. Inihagis ni Judas ang mga salaping pilak sa loob ng templo saka siya umalis at nagbigti.

Pinulot ng mga punong saserdote ang mga salaping pilak. Sinabi nila, “Labag sa Kautusan na ilagay ang salaping ito sa kabang-yaman ng templo. Ito’y kabayaran sa buhay ng isang tao.” Nagkaisa sila na ang salapi ay ibayad sa bukid ng magpapalayok upang gawing libingan ng mga dayuhan. Kaya ang bukid na iyon ay tinawag na “Bukid ng Dugo” hanggang sa panahong ito.

Sa ganitong paraan natupad ang sinabi ni Propeta Jeremias: “Kinuha nila ang tatlumpung salaping pilak, ang inihalaga sa kanya ng mga Israelita, at ibinayad sa bukid ng magpapalayok, ayon sa iniutos sa akin ng Panginoon.”

Iniharap si Hesus sa gobernador. “Ikaw ba ang hari ng mga Judio?” tanong sa kanya ng gobernador. Sumagot si Hesus, “Kayo na ang nagsasabi.” Ngunit nang paratangan siya ng mga punong saserdote at ng matatanda ng bayan, hindi na siya sumagot. Kaya’t sinabi sa kanya ni Pilato, “Hindi mo ba naririnig ang mga ipinararatang nila sa iyo?” Ngunit hindi sumagot si Hesus gaputok man, kaya’t nagtaka ang gobernador.

Tuwing Pista ng Paskuwa, kinaugalian na ng gobernador ang magpalaya ng isang bilanggo — sinumang mahiling ng taong-bayan. Noon ay may isang kilalang bilanggo na nagngangalang Barrabas. Kaya’t nang magkatipon ang mga tao, tinanong sila ni Pilato, “Sino ang ibig ninyong palayain ko, si Barrabas o si Hesus na tinawag na Kristo?” Alam ni Pilato na inggit ang nag-udyok sa kanila na dalhin sa kanya si Hesus.

Hindi lamang iyan. Samantalang siya’y nakaluklok sa hukuman, nagpasabi sa kanya ang kanyang asawa, “Huwag kang makialam sa taong iyan na walang kasalanan, sapagkat kagabi’y pinahirapan ako ng aking panaginip tungkol sa kanya.”

Ang mga tao nama’y sinulsulan ng mga punong saserdote at ng matatanda ng bayan na hilingin kay Pilato na si Barrabas ang palayain, at si Hesus ay ipapatay. Muli silang tinanong ng gobernador, “Sino sa dalawa ang ibig ninyong palayain ko?” “Si Barrabas po!” sagot nila. Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kung gayon, ano ang gagawin ko kay Hesus na tinatawag na Kristo?” Sumagot ang lahat, “Ipako sa krus!” “Bakit, anong masama ang ginawa niya?” tanong ni Pilato.

Ngunit lalo pa nilang isinigaw, “Ipako sa krus!” Nang makita ni Pilato na wala siyang magagawa, at malamang pang magkagulo ang mga tao, nagpakuha siya ng tubig at naghugas ng kamay sa harapan ng mga tao. “Wala akong pananagutan sa kamatayan ng taong ito. Bahala kayo!” sabi ni Pilato. Sumagot ang mga tao, “Pinananagutan namin at ng aming mga anak ang pagkamatay niya!” At pinalaya niya si Barrabas, ngunit ipinahagupit si Hesus at ibinigay sa kanila upang ipako sa krus.

Si Hesus ay dinala ng mga kawal ng gobernador sa pretoryo, at nagkatipon ang buong batalyon sa paligid niya. Hinubaran nila siya at sinuutan ng isang balabal na pulang-pula. Naglikaw sila ng halamang matinik at ipinutong sa kanya, saka pinapaghawak ng isang tambo sa kanyang kanang kamay. At palibak siyang niluhudluhuran at binati: “Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!” Siya’y pinaglulurhan; kinuha nila ang tambo at siya’y pinaghahampas sa ulo. At matapos kutyain, kanilang inalisan siya ng balabal, sinuutan ng sariling damit, at inilabas upang ipako sa krus.

Paglabas nila ng lungsod, kanilang nakita ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Simon, isang taga-Cirene. Pilit nilang ipinapasan sa kanya ang krus ni Hesus. Pagdating sa lugar na tinatawag na Golgota na nangangahulugang Pook ng Bungo, binigyan nila si Hesus ng alak na hinaluan ng apdo. Ngunit nang matikman niya ay hindi ininom.

Nang maipako na siya sa krus, pinaghati-hatian nila ang kanyang mga damit matapos magsapalaran. At naupo sila upang siya’y bantayan. Nakasulat sa kanyang ulunan ang sakdal laban sa kanya: “Ito’y si Hesus, ang Hari ng mga Judio.” Dalawang tulisan ang kasabay niyang ipinako sa krus – isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa.

Nilibak siya ng mga nagdaraan, at tatangu-tango pang sinabi, “Di ba ikaw ang gigiba ng templo at muling magtatayo nito sa loob ng tatlong araw? Iligtas mo ngayon ang iyong sarili! Kung ikaw nga ang Anak ng Diyos, bumaba ka sa krus!” Kinutya rin siya ng mga punong saserdote, ng mga eskriba at ng matatanda ng bayan. Sabi nila, “Iniligtas ang iba ngunit ang sarili’y di mailigtas! Di ba siya ang Hari ng Israel?

Bumaba lang siya ngayon sa krus, maniniwala kami sa kanya! Nananalig siya sa Diyos, at sinasabi niyang siya ang Anak ng Diyos. Iligtas siya ng Diyos kung talagang iniibig siya!” At inalipusta rin siya ng mga tulisang ipinakong kasabay niya.

Mula sa tanghaling tapat hanggang sa ikatlo ng hapon ay nagdilim sa buong lupain. Nang mag-iikatlo ng hapon, sumigaw si Hesus, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” ibig sabihi’y “Diyos ko, Diyos ko, bakit mo ako pinabayaan?” Narinig ito ng ilan sa mga nakatayo roon, at sinabi nila, “Tinatawag niya si Elias!” Agad tumakbo ang isa sa kanila at kumuha ng espongha, tinigmak ng maasim na alak, inilagay sa dulo ng isang tambo at ipinasipsip kay Hesus. Ngunit sinabi naman ng iba, “Hintay muna tingnan natin kung darating si Elias upang iligtas siya!” Muling sumigaw si Hesus at nalagutan ng hininga.

Dito luluhod ang tanan at sandaling mananahimik.

Biglang napunit sa gitna ang tabing ng templo, mula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba. Nayanig ang lupa, nagbitak ang mga bato, nabuksan ang mga libingan, at nabuhay ang maraming banal na namatay na. Lumabas sila ng libingan, at nang muling mabuhay si Hesus, sila’y pumasok sa Banal na Lungsod at nakita roon ng marami.

Nasindak ang kapitan at ang mga kawal na nagbabantay kay Hesus nang maramdaman nila ang lindol at masaksihan ang lahat ng nangyari. “Tunay na ito’y Anak ng Diyos!” sabi nila.

Naroon din ang maraming babaing nakatanaw mula sa malayo. Mula pa sa Galilea’y sumusunod na sila kay Hesus at naglilingkod sa kanya. Kabilang sa kanila si Maria Magdalena, si Mariang ina ni Santiago at ni Jose, at ang asawa ni Zebedeo.

Bago magtakipsilimm dumating ang isang mayamang taga-Arimatea, na ang ngala’y Jose. Siya’y alagad din ni Hesus. Lumapit siya kay Pilato at hiningi ang bangkay ni Hesus. Iniutos naman ni Pilato na ibigay ito sa kanya. Kaya’t kinuha ni Jose ang bangkay at binalot ng bagong kayong lino. Inilagay niya ito sa sariling libingan na di pa nalalaunang ipinauka niya sa bato. Pagkatapos, iginulong niya sa pintuan nito ang isang malaking bato, saka umalis. Naroon si Maria Magdalena at ang isa pang Maria, na nakaupo sa tapat ng libingan.

Kinabukasan, alalaong baga’y pagkatapos ng Araw ng Paghahanda, samasamang nagpunta kay Pilato ang mga punong saserdote at ang mga Pariseo. Sinabi nila, “Naalaala po namin na sinabi ng mapagpanggap na iyon noong nabubuhay pa, na siya’y muling mabubuhay pagkaraan ng tatlong araw. Pabantayan nga po ninyong mabuti ang libingan hanggang sa ikatlong araw. Baka pumaroon ang kanyang mga alagad at nakawin ang bangkay, at sabihin sa mga tao na siya’y muling nabuhay. At ang pandarayang ito ay magiging masahol pa sa nauna.” Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Kumuha kayo ng mga kawal at pabantayang mabuti ang libingan.” Kaya’t pumaroon sila at nilagyan ng tatak ang bato at pinabantayan ang libingan upang matiyak nilang di ito pakikialaman ninuman.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kilalang kasabihan: “Ang tagumpay ay maraming ama, ngunit ang pagkatalo ay walang gustong umaako.” Habang tayo ay tahimik na nagninilay sa Ebanghelyo ng Linggo ng Palaspas, nakikita natin kung paano ito nahahayag sa buhay ni Jesus—at marahil, sa ating sariling buhay din.

Dahil sa Kanyang mga himala, marami ang sumunod kay Jesus. Dumagsa ang mga tao sa Kanya, sabik na masaksihan ang Kanyang kapangyarihan at makatanggap ng Kanyang pagpapala. Ngunit nang Siya ay usigin at tanggihan, unti-unti ring nawala ang marami sa Kanyang mga tagasunod. Ang mga tinig na minsang pumuri ay biglang nanahimik.

Kung susuriin natin ang ating mga puso, maaaring makita natin na ang kuwentong ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa kanila noon—ito rin ay tungkol sa atin ngayon. Madalas, sinusunod natin si Jesus dahil sa kung ano ang maibibigay Niya sa atin.

Lumalapit tayo sa Kanya kapag tayo ay may pangangailangan, kapag tayo ay nalilito, o kapag naghahanap tayo ng himala. Ngunit kapag ang Kanyang mga daan ay mahirap tanggapin, kapag tila Siya ay tahimik, o kapag tayo ay inaanyayahan sa sakripisyo, tayo rin ay unti-unting lumalayo.

Gaano kadali para sa atin na palitan Siya ng mga “diyos” ng mundong ito—ang pagnanasa sa kayamanan, ang paghahangad ng kaligayahang panandalian, ang pag-ibig sa kapangyarihan, at ang maraming tukso na tila nagbibigay-ligaya ngunit sa huli ay nag-iiwan ng kahungkagan. Hindi natin namamalayan, ginagawa nating “Diyos ng kaginhawaan” si Jesus—sinusunod lamang natin Siya kapag madali at pabor sa atin.

Nang pumasok si Jesus sa Jerusalem na nakasakay sa isang asno, sinalubong Siya ng galak at papuri. Sumigaw ang mga tao, “Hosanna sa Anak ni David!” Tila puno ng pananampalataya ang kanilang mga puso. Ngunit makalipas lamang ang ilang araw, kung saan siya ay dumaan sa pagdurusa, at kahihiyan, napakarami ang tumalikod sa Kanya. Ang iba pa nga ay sumigaw, “Ipako Siya sa krus!”

Napakasakit na paalala kung gaano kahina ang katapatan nating mga tao. Gaano kadalas na ang ating pananampalataya ay nakabatay sa ginhawa, sa biyaya, at sa mga sagot sa ating mga panalangin. At gaano rin kadaling maglaho ang ating pagsunod kapag tayo ay nahaharap sa pagsubok, sakripisyo, at tunay na pagbabago ng buhay.

Kaya habang sama-sama tayong naglalakbay ngayong Mahal na Araw, inaanyayahan tayong hindi lamang alalahanin ang Pasyon ni Jesus kundi samahan Siya—manatili sa Kanya, kahit ang landas ay patungo sa krus.

Sandali tayong huminto at suriin ang ating mga puso nang may katapatan at kababaang-loob. Hilingin natin ang biyaya na mahalin si Jesus hindi lamang sa panahon ng kagalakan, kundi pati sa gitna ng pagdurusa; hindi lamang kapag Siya ay nagbibigay, kundi dahil Siya ang ating Panginoon.

Sa harap ng krus ngayong Mahal na Araw, mananatili ba tayong tapat kay Jesus sa kabila ng hirap—o tatalikod din ba tayo kapag ang pagsunod sa Kanya ay nangangailangan ng sakripisyo? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 28 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 11:45-56

Gospel: John 11:45-56

Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” 

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God. So from that day on they planned to kill him.  

So, Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”

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Reflection:

Why was Jesus so popular during His life in this world?

Aside from performing miraculous healings, Jesus was also a man of the masses. He was approachable, humble, and helpful. He made time for everyone, including the poor and the lowly. Because of these qualities, He became dear to the hearts of the people—especially the common people who longed to be seen, heard, and loved.

Because of this, many were drawn to Him. Whoever saw Him or even heard about Him felt a deep desire to follow Him. His presence brought hope, comfort, and new life. Yet, in the midst of this growing love from the people, He also became a threat to those in power, the ruling authorities of His time.

As we who profess to follow Jesus, we are invited to reflect on these same qualities in our own lives. We may not have the gift of performing miraculous healings, but we are all given the grace to be humble, approachable, and generous with our time—especially to those who are often overlooked, the poor and the powerless. In our own simple ways, we can become living signs of the Lord’s presence to others.

When we choose to listen, to care, and to be present, we allow others to encounter not just us, but Christ within us.

Do we make ourselves available for others the way Jesus did, or are we too busy, too distant, or too preoccupied to reflect His love?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 28 Sabado sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 11:45-56

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:45-56

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga Judiong dumalaw kay Maria ang nakakita sa ginawa ni Hesus, at nanalig sa kaniya. Ngunit ang ilan sa kanila’y pumunta sa mga Pariseo at ibinalita ang ginawa ni Hesus. Kaya’t tinipon ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo ang mga kagawad ng Sanedrin. 

“Ano ang gagawin natin?” wika nila. “Gumagawa ng maraming kababalaghan ang taong ito. Kung siya’y pababayaan natin, mananampalataya sa kanya ang lahat. Paririto ang mga Romano at wawasakin ang Templo at ang ating bansa.”  Ngunit isa sa kanila, si Caifas, ang pinakapunong saserdote noon ay nagsabi ng ganito: “Ano ba kayo? Hindi ba ninyo naiisip na mas mabuti para sa atin na isang tao lamang ang mamatay alang-alang sa bayan, sa halip na mapahamak ang buong bansa?” 

Sinabi niya ito hindi sa ganang kanyang sarili lamang. Bilang pinakapunong saserdote ng panahong iyon, hinulaan niyang mamamatay si Hesus dahil sa bansa – at hindi dahil sa bansang iyon lamang, kundi upang tipunin ang nagkawatak-watak na mga anak ng Diyos. Mula noon, binalangkas na nila kung paano ipapapatay si Hesus, kaya’t hindi na siya hayagang naglakad sa Judea. Sa halip, siya’y nagpunta sa Efraim, isang bayang malapit sa ilang. At doon siya nanirahang kasama ng kanyang mga alagad. 

Nalalapit na ang Pista ng Paskuwa. Maraming taga-lalawigang pumunta sa Jerusalem bago mag-Paskuwa upang isagawa ang paglilinis ayon sa Kautusan. Hindi nila nakita si Hesus sa templo, kaya’t nagtanungan sila,”Ano sa akala ninyo? Paririto kaya sa pista o hindi?” Ipinag-utos ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo na ituro ng sinumang nakaaalam kung nasaan si Hesus upang siya’y maipadakip nila.

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Repleksyon:

Bakit naging napakapopular ni Jesus noong Siya ay nabubuhay sa mundong ito?

Bukod sa Kanyang mga mahimalang pagpapagaling, si Jesus ay isang taong malapit sa masa. Siya ay madaling lapitan, mapagpakumbaba, at matulungin. Naglaan Siya ng oras para sa lahat—lalo na sa mga mahihirap at mga aba sa lipunan. Dahil sa mga katangiang ito, naging mahal Siya sa puso ng maraming tao, lalo na ng mga karaniwang mamamayan na naghahangad na mapansin, mapakinggan, at mahalin.

Dahil dito, marami ang naakit sa Kanya. Ang sinumang makakita o makarinig tungkol sa Kanya ay nahihikayat na sumunod sa Kanya. Ang Kanyang presensya ay nagdudulot ng pag-asa, ginhawa, at bagong buhay. Subalit kasabay ng pagmamahal ng mga tao, Siya rin ay naging banta sa mga may kapangyarihan at sa mga namumuno noong panahong iyon.

Tayo na nagsasabing sumusunod kay Jesus ay inaanyayahang pagnilayan ang mga katangiang ito sa ating sariling buhay. Maaaring wala tayong kakayahang gumawa ng mga himala, pero hinahamon tayong lahat upang maging mapagpakumbaba, madaling lapitan, at bukas sa pagbibigay ng ating oras—lalo na sa mga madalas na binabaliwala, ang mga mahihirap at walang kapangyarihan. Sa ganitong paraan, maaari tayong maging daluyan ng presensya ng Panginoon sa iba.

Sa tuwing pinipili nating makinig, magmalasakit, at maglaan ng oras, hinahayaan nating maranasan ng iba hindi lamang ang ating sarili, kundi si Kristo na nananahan sa atin.

Handa ba tayong maging tulad ni Jesus—bukas sa lahat, mapagkumbaba at handang maglaan ng ating oras—o pinipili nating manaig ang ating pagiging abala, paglayo at pagiging makasarili kaysa sa pagmamahal at mamalasakit na nais Niyang ipahayag sa pamamagitan natin? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 27 Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 10:31-42

Gospel: John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God." Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, 'You are gods"'? 

If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not perform my Father's works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father." Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power. 

He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, "John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true." And many there began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

Raffy was a well-known figure in their parish church. He was often consulted whenever there were problems to solve or decisions to be made. In many ways, he had become a trusted voice in the community.

Then someone new came into the parish—a humble man whose wisdom was quiet yet deeply profound. Little by little, the people began to gravitate toward him. His humility spoke louder than words, and his wisdom touched hearts.

As this happened, Raffy felt something stir within him. Instead of rejoicing, he began to feel threatened. Slowly, envy took root in his heart, and he began to plan how to bring this humble man down so that he could once again take the center stage.

In the same way, the growing hostility of the Jews toward Jesus was not only because of His declaration that He and the Father are one. It was also driven by envy—especially as they saw how ordinary people were drawn to Him. Their influence was fading, and instead of opening their hearts to the truth, they allowed jealousy and pride to take over. Because of this, they plotted to silence Him at all costs.

In our own lives, we may encounter people who seem better than us—more gifted, more appreciated, or even more humble. When that happens, what stirs in our hearts? Do we quietly celebrate God’s work in them, or do we begin to compare, compete, and feel diminished?

To rejoice when someone else is being lifted up, especially when we are being set aside, is not easy. It touches something deep within us—our desire to be seen, to be recognized, to be valued. Yet, as followers of Jesus, we are called to something greater. We are invited to live with humility, to let go of envy, and to trust that our worth does not depend on recognition but on God’s love for us.

The Pharisees and scribes made a tragic mistake. They allowed envy and pride to take control of their hearts, and in doing so, they became blind to the very presence of God before them.

As we reflect on this, let us look honestly within ourselves. When someone else rises and we seem to fade into the background, will we choose humility and rejoice with them—or will we allow envy to take root in our hearts?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 27 Biyernes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 10:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 10:31-42

Noong panahong iyon, ang mga Judio'y muling kumuha ng bato upang batuhin si Hesus. Kaya't sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus,: "Maraming mabubuting gawa mula sa Ama ang ipinakita ko sa inyo; alin ba sa mga ito ang dahilan at ako'y inyong babatuhin?" Sinagot siya ng mga Judio, "Hindi dahil sa mabuting gawa kaya ka namin babatuhin, kundi dahil sa paglapastangan mo sa Diyos! 

Sapagkat nagpapanggap kang Diyos gayong tao ka lang." Tumugon si Jesus, "Hindi ba nasusulat sa inyong Kautusan, 'Sinabi ko, Mga diyos kayo'? Mga diyos ang tawag sa Kautusan sa mga pinagkatiwalaan ng salita ng Diyos, at hindi maaaring tanggihan ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan. 

Ako'y hinirang at sinugo ng Ama; paano ninyong masasabi ngayon na nilalapastangan ko ang Diyos sa sinabi kong ako ang Anak ng Diyos? Kung hindi ko ginawa ang ipinagagawa ng aking Ama, huwag ninyo akong paniwalaan. Ngunit kung ginagawa ko iyon, paniwalaan ninyo ang aking mga gawa, kung ayaw man ninyo akong paniwalaan. Sa gayon, matitiyak ninyong nasa akin ang Ama at ako'y nasa kanya." 

Tinangka na naman nilang dakpin siya, ngunit siya'y nakatalilis. Muling pumunta si Jesus sa ibayo ng Jordan, sa pook na noong una'y pinagbabautismuhan ni Juan. Nanatili siya roon, at maraming lumapit sa kanya. Sinabi nila, "Si Juan ay walang ginawang kababalaghan, ngunit totoong lahat ang sinabi niya tungkol sa taong ito." At doo'y maraming sumampalataya kay Jesus.

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Repleksyon:

Si Raffy ay isang kilalang tao sa kanilang parokya. Madalas siyang lapitan tuwing may mga problemang kailangang lutasin o mga desisyong dapat gawin. Sa maraming paraan, siya ang naging sandigan at tinig ng komunidad.

Ngunit may isang bagong dumating sa parokya—isang mapagkumbabang tao na may malalim at makahulugang karunungan. Unti-unti, ang mga tao ay nagsimulang lumapit sa kanya. Ang kanyang kababaang-loob ay nagsalita nang mas malakas kaysa sa anumang salita, at ang kanyang karunungan ay umabot sa puso ng marami.

Habang ito ay nangyayari, may kung anong gumalaw sa puso ni Raffy. Sa halip na magalak, nakaramdam siya ng pagbabanta. Dahan-dahang umusbong ang inggit sa kanyang puso, hanggang sa siya ay nagplano na ibagsak ang mapagkumbabang taong ito upang muli niyang mabawi ang sentrong papel sa parokya.

Sa ganitong paraan rin, ang lumalaking galit ng mga Hudyo laban kay Jesus ay hindi lamang dahil sa Kanyang pahayag na Siya at ang Ama ay iisa. Ito rin ay dahil sa inggit, lalo na nang makita nila kung paano Siya minahal at sinundan ng mga karaniwang tao. Unti-unti nawawala ang kanilang impluwensya, at sa halip na tanggapin ang katotohanan, pinayagan nilang manaig ang inggit at kapalaluan. Dahil dito, binalak nilang patahimikin Siya sa anumang paraan.

Sa ating sariling buhay, makakatagpo rin tayo ng mga taong mas mahusay kaysa sa atin—mas magaling, mas pinahahalagahan, o marahil ay mas mapagkumbaba pa. Kapag nangyari ito, ano ang sumisibol sa ating puso? Tayo ba ay tunay na nagagalak sa gawa ng Diyos sa kanila, o tayo ay naghahambing at unti-unting nakakaramdam ng kakulangan?

Ang magalak para sa iba, lalo na kung tila tayo ay natatabunan, ay hindi madali. Hinahaplos nito ang ating hangaring mapansin, makilala, at mapahalagahan. Ngunit bilang mga tagasunod ni Jesus, tinatawag tayo sa mas mataas na antas ng pamumuhay—isang pusong mapagkumbaba, malaya sa inggit, at nagtitiwala na ang ating halaga ay hindi nakasalalay sa pagkilala ng tao kundi sa pag-ibig ng Diyos para sa atin.

Ang pagkakamali ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba ay hinayaan nilang manaig ang inggit at kapalaluan sa kanilang puso. Dahil dito, naging bulag sila sa presensya mismo ng Diyos na nasa kanilang harapan.

Kapag may ibang itinataas at tayo ay tila dina napapansin, pipiliin ba nating magpakumbaba at makigalak kasama nila—o hahayaan nating mag-ugat ang inggit sa ating puso?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 26 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:51-59

Gospel: John 8:51-59

Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ 

Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. 

But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?”  Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

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Reflection:

What does Jesus give us?

Jesus gives us eternal life. We believe that if we have faith in Him, we will never truly die. Yes, we physically die, but beyond that, we hold on to the promise that we will be with Jesus in heaven and live eternally in His loving presence.

Oftentimes, we believe in and love Jesus because we long to be with Him someday in heaven. Yet, there are still many among us who do not truly believe in Him. They may know about Jesus, but they have not come to know Him in a personal and living way. Like the Jews in the Gospel, who could not accept His words and even rejected Him, there are hearts today that remain closed to His truth and love.

As one community of faith, we are gently called not to judge, but to reach out—to become instruments of God’s grace so that others may encounter Jesus through us. How can we do this? We can begin by inviting them, especially during this coming Holy Week, to join us in the sacred celebrations of our Church. These moments are not just rituals; they are living encounters with the mystery of Christ’s love.

When we walk the Way of the Cross, we journey with Jesus in His suffering. When we witness the Institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, we remember His gift of Himself to us. When we venerate the Cross on Good Friday, we stand before the depth of His sacrifice. And in the Easter Vigil, we rejoice together in the light of His Resurrection. Through these sacred celebrations, our hearts—and the hearts of those we invite—can be renewed and drawn closer to Him and to the Church He lovingly established.

Let us not keep our faith and love for Jesus to ourselves. Let us live it, share it, and allow it to shine through our words and actions, so that others may come to believe—not just in name, but in truth and in life.

Are we willing to be instruments of God’s love, reaching out to others so that they, too, may truly encounter Jesus and share in the gift of eternal life?— Marino J. Dasmarinas