Reflection for April 20 Monday of the Third Week of Easter: John 6:22-29

Gospel: John 6:22-29

[After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. 

When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 

Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”

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Reflection:

Do we still make time to reflect on the present state of our spiritual life? In the midst of our busy days and countless responsibilities, we are invited to pause and look within—to ask ourselves whether we are still living a life anchored in purpose, a life centered on Jesus.

Oftentimes, we find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of security and success. We spend our energy thinking about how we can earn more, achieve more, and prepare for a future in this world. Yet, in doing so, do we slowly lose sight of the One who gives true meaning to our lives?

If our hearts are fixed only on earthly concerns, we risk becoming people shaped entirely by this world—forgetting that our lives are meant for something greater, something eternal. We begin to overlook the quiet but essential truth that our relationship with Jesus is not just a part of our life—it is the very foundation of it.

As we journey together through life, we remember how faithfully we care for our physical needs. We nourish our bodies so that we may remain strong and healthy. But do we give the same attention to our souls? Do we nourish our spirits with prayer, reflection, and a deep encounter with Jesus? Our souls, too, hunger and thirst—not for the things of this world, but for the presence of God.

Why do we follow Jesus? Is it because we hope to receive material blessings, to enjoy comfort, and to gain what this world can offer? Or do we follow Him because we long for something more—because we desire to be filled with His love, His truth, and His life?

In the Gospel, we see how the crowd followed Jesus, not because they sought spiritual nourishment, but because they desired their physical hunger to be satisfied. And perhaps, if we are honest with ourselves, we may find a reflection of our own hearts in theirs.

Are we truly following Jesus for who He is, or are we only seeking Him for what He can give us—and if everything else is taken away, will we still choose to follow Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 20 Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:22-29

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:22-29

Kinabukasan, nakita ng mga taong nanatili sa ibayo ng lawa na naroon pa ang isang bangka. Alam nilang si Hesus ay hindi kasama ng mga alagad, sapagkat ang mga ito lamang ang sumakay sa bangka at umalis. 

Dumating naman ang ilang bangkang galing sa Tiberias at sumadsad sa lugar na malapit sa kinainan nila ng tinapay matapos magpasalamat sa Panginoon. Nang makita ng mga tao na wala na roon si Hesus, ni ang kanyang mga alagad, sila’y sumakay sa mga bangka at pumunta rin sa Capernaum upang hanapin si Hesus.  

Nakita nila si Hesus sa ibayo ng lawa, at kanilang tinanong, “Rabi, kailan pa kayo rito?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hinahanap ninyo ako, hindi dahil sa mga kababalaghang nakita ninyo, kundi dahil sa nakakain kayo ng tinapay at nabusog. Gumawa kayo, hindi upang magkaroon ng pagkaing hindi nasisira at nagbibigay ng buhay na walang hanggan.  

Ibibigay ito sa inyo ng Anak ng Tao, sapagkat siya ang binigyan ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos Ama.” Kaya’t siya’y tinanong nila, “Ano po ang dapat naming gawin upang aming maganap ang kalooban ng Diyos?” “Ito ang ipinagagawa sa inyo ng Diyos: manalig kayo sa sinugo niya,” tugon ni Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

May panahon pa ba tayo upang magnilay sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng ating buhay espiritwal? Sa gitna ng ating pagiging abala at sa dami ng ating mga responsibilidad, inaanyayahan tayong huminto sandali at tumingin sa ating kalooban—tanungin ang ating sarili kung tayo pa ba ay namumuhay nang may kabuluhan, isang buhay na nakasentro kay Hesus.

Madalas, nadadala tayo sa paghahangad ng seguridad at tagumpay. Inuubos natin ang ating lakas sa pag-iisip kung paano pa tayo kikita nang higit, makakamit ang mas marami, at masisiguro ang ating kinabukasan sa mundong ito. Ngunit sa ating patuloy na paghabol sa mga bagay na ito, hindi ba natin unti-unting nakakalimutan ang Siya na nagbibigay ng tunay na kahulugan sa ating buhay?

Kung ang ating puso ay nakatuon lamang sa mga bagay na panlupa, nanganganib tayong maging mga taong hinuhubog na lamang ng mundong ito—nakakalimutan na ang ating buhay ay nilikha para sa mas dakila at walang hanggan. Nakakaligtaan natin ang tahimik ngunit mahalagang katotohanan na ang ating ugnayan kay Hesus ay hindi lamang bahagi ng ating buhay—ito ang pinakapundasyon nito.

Habang tayo ay naglalakbay sa mundong ito, alam natin kung paano natin inaalagaan ang ating pisikal na pangangailangan. Pinapakain natin ang ating katawan upang manatiling malakas at malusog.

Ngunit naaalagaan din ba natin ang ating kaluluwa? Pinapakain din ba natin ang ating espiritu sa pamamagitan ng panalangin, pagninilay, at isang malalim na pakikipagtagpo kay Hesus? Ang ating kaluluwa ay nagugutom at nauuhaw—hindi sa mga bagay ng mundong ito, kundi sa presensya ng Diyos.

Bakit nga ba natin sinusundan si Hesus? Dahil ba nais nating tumanggap ng mga pagpapalang materyal, upang maranasan ang kaginhawahan at makamtan ang mga bagay na iniaalok ng mundong ito? O sinusundan natin Siya dahil naghahangad tayo ng mas malalim pa na ugnayan sa kanya—dahil nais nating mapuspos ng Kanyang pag-ibig, katotohanan, at buhay?

Sa Ebanghelyo, makikita natin na ang karamihan ay sumunod kay Hesus hindi dahil hinahanap nila ang pagkaing espiritwal, kundi dahil nais nilang mabusog ang kanilang pisikal na gutom. At marahil, kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, makikita rin natin ang ating sarili sa kanila.

Tayo ba ay tunay na sumusunod kay Hesus dahil sa kung sino Siya, o dahil lamang sa kung ano ang maaari nating matanggap mula sa Kanya—at kung halimbawang wala tayong matangap , pipiliin pa rin ba nating sumunod sa Kanya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 19 Third Sunday of Easter: Luke 24:13-35

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  

He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days? And he replied to them, “What sort of things? They said to him, The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.  

But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.  

And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.  

As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over. So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.  

Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us? So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon! Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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Reflection:

Do we truly realize that the Lord Jesus is always walking with us—both in the highest moments and, even more so, in the lowest episodes of our lives?

In the Gospel, as Cleopas and the other disciple journeyed to Emmaus, the Risen Christ drew near and walked with them. He spoke with them, listened to them, and shared in their sorrow. Yet, they did not recognize Him. Their eyes were closed to His presence. Why? Because their hearts were fixed not on the Risen Christ before them, but on the memory of the Christ who had suffered and died on the cross.

How often are we like them?

When they reached Emmaus, night had already fallen, and they urged Him to stay with them. At the table, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. In that sacred moment, their eyes were opened—they recognized Him. It was in the breaking of the bread that they encountered the Risen Lord, just as He had revealed Himself during the Last Supper.

In the same way, we too can fail to recognize Jesus walking beside us. We become preoccupied with our worries, our struggles, and the demands of daily life. We focus so much on surviving that we forget to see, to listen, and to feel His presence within and around us.

Yet the truth remains: Jesus never leaves us. He walks with us in our confusion, in our disappointments, in our silent tears, and even in our moments of doubt. He is there—patiently waiting for us to recognize Him, to invite Him in, and to enter into a deeper relationship with Him.

All that we strive for in this world will ultimately fade if it is not rooted in a living, personal relationship with Jesus. Without that awareness of His abiding presence, we risk missing the very One who gives meaning to our journey.

God desires that we walk closely with Him—that we grow in awareness that He is always with us, guiding us, loving us, and sustaining us, even in our lowest moments.

So today, let us pause and reflect:

As we go through the ordinary and the difficult moments of our lives, are we truly aware that Jesus is walking with us—or are we too distracted to recognize Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 19 Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:13-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:13-35

Nang araw ding iyon, ang dalawa sa mga alagad ay patungo sa isang nayong tinatawag na Emaus, may labing-isang kilometro ang layo sa Jerusalem. Pinag-uusapan nila ang mga pangyayari. Samantalang nag-uusap sila at nagtatanungan, lumapit si Hesus at nakisabay sa kanila.  

Siya'y nakita nila, ngunit hindi nakilala agad. Tinanong sila ni Hesus, "Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo?" At tumigil silang nalulumbay. Sinabi ng isa na ang ngala'y Cleopas, "Kayo po lamang yata ang dayuhan sa Jerusalem na hindi nakaaalam sa mga bagay na katatapos pa lamang nangyari roon." "Anong mga bagay?" tanong niya. At sumagot sila, "Tungkol kay Hesus na taga-Nazaret, isang propetang makapangyarihan sa gawa at sa salita, maging sa harapan ng Diyos at ng mga tao.  

Isinakdal siya ng aming mga punong saserdote at mga pinuno upang mahatulang mamatay, at siya'y ipinako sa krus. Siya pa naman ang inaasahan naming magpapalaya sa Israel. Hindi lamang iyan. Ikatlong araw na ngayon mula nang mangyari ito, nabigla kami sa ibinalita ng ilan sa mga babaing kasamahan namin. 

Maagang-maaga raw silang nagpunta sa libingan, at di nila natagpuan ang kanyang bangkay. Nagbalik sila at ang sabi'y nakakita raw sila ng isang pangitain -- mga anghel na nagsabing buhay si Hesus. Pumunta rin sa libingan ang ilan sa mga kasama namin at gayon nga ang natagpuan nila, ngunit hindi nila nakita si Hesus."  

Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, "Kay hahangal ninyo! Ano't hindi ninyo mapaniwalaan ang lahat ng sinabi ng mga propeta? Hindi ba't ang Mesias ay kailangang magbata ng lahat ng ito bago niya kamtan ang kanyang marangal na katayuan?" At ipinaliwanag sa kanila ni Hesus ang lahat ng nasasaad sa Kasulatan tungkol sa kanyang sarili, simula sa mga aklat ni Moises hanggang sa sinulat ng mga propeta. 

Malapit na sila sa nayong kanilang patutunguhan, at si Hesus ay waring magpapatuloy pa ng lakad. Ngunit siya'y pinakapigil-pigil nila. "Tumuloy na po kayo rito sa amin," anila, "sapagkat palubog na ang araw at dumidilim na." Kaya't sumama nga siya sa kanila. Nang siya'y kasalo na nila sa hapag, dumampot siya ng tinapay at nagpasalamat sa Diyos, saka pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa kanila.  

Nabuksan ang kanilang paningin at nakita nila si Hesus, subalit ito'y biglang nawala. At nawika nila, "Kaya pala gayon ang pakiramdam natin habang tayo'y kinakausap sa daan at ipinapaliwanag sa atin ang mga Kasulatan!" 

Noon di'y tumindig sila at nagbalik sa Jerusalem. Naratnan nilang nagkakatipon ang Labing-isa at ang ibang mga kasama nila na nag-uusap-usap, "Muli ngang nabuhay ang Panginoon! Napakita kay Simon!" At isinalaysay naman ng dalawa ang nangyari sa daan, at kung paano siyang nakilala nang paghati-hatiin niya ang tinapay.

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Repleksyon:

Alam ba natin na ang Panginoong Jesus ay patuloy na lumalakad kasama natin—sa ating mga sandali ng tagumpay at, lalo na, sa mga pinakamabibigat na yugto ng ating buhay?

Sa Ebanghelyo, habang naglalakbay sina Cleopas at ang isa pang alagad patungong Emmaus, ang Muling Nabuhay na Kristo ay lumapit at nakisabay sa kanila. Nakipag-usap Siya, nakinig sa kanilang mga saloobin, at nakibahagi sa kanilang kalungkutan. Ngunit hindi nila Siya nakilala. Para bang sarado ang kanilang mga mata sa Kanyang presensya. Bakit? Sapagkat ang kanilang pansin ay nakatuon hindi sa Muling Nabuhay na Kristo na nasa kanilang harapan, kundi sa alaala ng Kristong nagdusa at namatay sa krus.

Gaano kadalas na tayo rin ay katulad nila?

Pagdating nila sa Emmaus, gabi na, kaya pinilit nilang manatili si Jesus sa kanila. Habang sila’y nasa hapag, kinuha ni Jesus ang tinapay, binasbasan ito, pinagputol-putol, at ibinahagi sa kanila. Sa banal na sandaling iyon, nabuksan ang kanilang mga mata—at nakilala nila Siya. Sa paghahati ng tinapay, naranasan nila ang presensya ng Muling Nabuhay na Panginoon, tulad ng Kanyang ginawa sa Huling Hapunan.

Sa ating buhay, maaari rin nating hindi agad makilala si Jesus na kasama natin. Nalulunod tayo sa ating mga alalahanin, mga pagsubok, at sa mga pang-araw-araw na gawain. Abala tayo sa pakikipagsapalaran upang mabuhay, kaya nakakalimutan nating tumingin, makinig, at damhin ang Kanyang presensya sa ating paligid at sa ating kalooban.

Ngunit nananatiling totoo ito: hindi tayo iniiwan ni Jesus. Siya ay kasama natin sa ating kalituhan, sa ating mga kabiguan, sa ating tahimik na pagluha, at maging sa ating mga sandali ng pagdududa. Naroon Siya—matiyagang naghihintay na Siya’y ating makilala, na Siya’y ating anyayahan, at na tayo’y pumasok sa mas malalim na ugnayan sa Kanya.

Lahat ng ating pinagsisikapan sa mundong ito ay mawawalan ng saysay kung hindi ito nakaugat sa isang buhay at personal na ugnayan kay Jesus. Kung wala tayong kamalayan sa Kanyang nananatiling presensya, maaari nating makaligtaan ang mismong nagbibigay-kahulugan sa ating paglalakbay.

Nais ng Diyos na lumakad tayo nang malapit sa Kanya—na magkaroon tayo ng patuloy na kamalayan na Siya ay laging kasama natin, gumagabay, nagmamahal, at nagpapalakas sa atin, lalo na sa pinakamabibigat na bahagi ng ating buhay.

Kaya sa araw na ito, sandali tayong huminto at magnilay:

Sa ating pagdaan sa mga pangkaraniwan at mahihirap na sandali ng ating buhay, tunay ba nating kinikilala na si Jesus ay kasama natin—o masyado tayong abala kaya hindi natin Siya napapansin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 18 Saturday of the Second Week of Easter: John 6:16-21

Gospel: John 6:16-21

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.   

The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

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Reflection:

Do we fear the unknown? Do we tremble in the face of darkness?

In the Gospel, we see the disciples caught in both. They were at sea in the middle of the night, surrounded by deep darkness, and battered by strong winds and waves. In such a moment, fear easily takes hold of the human heart. And perhaps, if we are honest, we would have felt the same.

Yet something even more striking happens. As Jesus comes toward them, walking on the water, they do not feel comfort—they feel even greater fear. Why? Because they did not recognize Him. In the darkness and confusion, they mistook His presence for something frightening, something unreal.

Is this not also true in our own lives?

There are moments when we are overwhelmed by trials, uncertainties, and fears. We find ourselves in situations we do not understand, surrounded by darkness of our own—problems that weigh us down, anxieties that disturb our peace, and questions that seem to have no answers. And sometimes, even when Jesus is already near, we fail to recognize Him at work in our lives.

But the good news remains: Jesus never abandons us. In every storm, in every wave that threatens to shake us, in every dark and uncertain path we walk, He comes to us. His presence is constant, steady, and faithful—even when our eyes fail to see Him.

What then are we called to do?

We are invited to call upon Him with trust. To open our hearts. To seek not just His help, but a deeper relationship with Him. For when we grow in friendship with Jesus, our fears begin to lose their power. The unknown no longer overwhelms us, and the darkness no longer controls us—because we know that we are not alone.

 He is with us. He walks toward us. He reaches out to save us.

When we find ourselves in the darkness and storms of life, will we recognize His presence—or will we allow fear to blind us from the One who is already coming to save us?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 18 Sabado sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:16-21

Nang nagtatakipsilim na, ang mga alagad ay pumunta sa tabi ng lawa, sumakay sa bangka, patawid sa Capernaum. Madilim na'y wala pa si Jesus. Lumakas ang hangin at lumaki ang alon. Nang makagaod sila nang lima o anim na kilometro, nakita nila si Jesus na lumalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, palapit sa bangka. 

At sila'y natakot. Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila, "Huwag kayong matakot, ako ito!" Tuwang tuwa nilang pinasakay si Jesus sa bangka; at pagdaka'y sumadsad ang kanilang bangka sa kanilang patutunguhan.+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

Nangangamba ba tayo sa gitna ng kadiliman at kawalan?

Sa Ebanghelyo, nakita natin na naranasan ito ng mga alagad. Sila ay nasa gitna ng dagat, napapalibutan ng matinding dilim, at hinahampas ng malalakas na alon at hangin. Sa ganitong kalagayan, likas lamang na makaramdam ng takot. At kung tayo ang naroon, marahil ganoon din ang ating mararamdaman.

Ngunit may isang pangyayaring higit pang kapansin-pansin. Nang papalapit na si Jesus sa kanila, naglalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, sa halip na mapanatag, lalo pa silang natakot. Bakit? Sapagkat hindi nila Siya nakilala. Sa gitna ng dilim at kaguluhan, napagkamalan nila Siyang multo.

Hindi ba’t ganito rin ang nangyayari sa ating buhay?

May mga pagkakataon na tayo ay nababalot ng mga pagsubok, alinlangan, at takot. Napupunta tayo sa mga sitwasyong hindi natin maunawaan—mga problemang nagpapabigat sa atin, mga alalahaning gumugulo sa ating isipan, at mga tanong na tila walang kasagutan. At kung minsan, kahit naroon na si Jesus sa ating tabi, hindi pa rin natin Siya nakikilala.

Ngunit hinding-hindi tayo iniiwan ni Jesus. Sa bawat unos ng ating buhay, sa bawat alon na nagbabanta na tayo’y malunod, sa bawat madilim at hindi tiyak na landas na ating tinatahak—lumalapit Siya sa atin. Ang Kanyang presensya ay tapat, matatag, at hindi nagmamaliw, kahit pa hindi natin Siya agad makita at maramdaman.

Ano ngayon ang ating gagawin?

Tayo ay inaanyayahang tumawag sa Kanya nang may pagtitiwala at pananampalataya. Buksan natin ang ating mga puso. Hangarin natin hindi lamang ang Kanyang tulong, kundi ang mas malalim na ugnayan sa Kanya.

Sapagkat kapag pinili nating maging malapit kay Jesus, unti-unting nawawala ang kapangyarihan ng ating mga takot. Ang hindi natin alam ay hindi na nakakatakot, at ang kadiliman ay hindi na nangingibabaw—sapagkat alam nating hindi tayo nag-iisa.

Kasama natin Siya. Lumalapit Siya sa atin. Inaabot Niya tayo upang iligtas.

Sa gitna ng dilim at unos ng ating buhay, makikilala at mararamdaman ba natin ang presensya ni Jesus—o hahayaan nating manaig ang takot at hadlangan tayo nito na makita ang Tagapagligtas na patuloy nang lumalapit sa atin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 17 Friday of the Second Week of Easter: John 6:1-15

Gospel: John 6:1-15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do.  

Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place.  

So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.  

When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

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Reflection:

Do we truly believe that Jesus can perform miracles in our lives?

The miracle of the loaves and fish began with something small, almost unnoticed—a boy who offered five barley loaves and two fish. We cannot speak of this miracle without recognizing his simple yet profound act of generosity. He gave what little he had, not counting the cost, not worrying about his own hunger. He simply chose to share so that others might be fed.

From that selfless offering, Jesus performed a miracle. He took the five loaves and two fish, blessed them, and multiplied them—feeding more than five thousand people. And even after everyone had eaten their fill, there were still leftovers—enough to fill twelve baskets. What began as “not enough” became more than abundant in the hands of Jesus.

In this, we see a powerful truth for our own lives. How often do we hesitate to give because we feel what we have is too little? How often do we hold back, thinking it will not make a difference? Yet Jesus invites us to trust Him with whatever we have—no matter how small. When we offer our time, our talents, our resources, even our brokenness, He is able to multiply them beyond what we can imagine.

There is also a deep connection between this miracle and the Eucharist. Just as Jesus took the bread, gave thanks, and distributed it to the people, He continues to nourish us today with His very self. In every Eucharist, we are reminded that He is our true sustenance—the One who satisfies the deepest hunger of our hearts.

When Jesus tested Philip, it revealed something familiar within us. Philip had seen the miracles, had walked with Jesus, and yet he still doubted. Are we not like him at times? We pray, but we also worry. We believe, yet we struggle with doubt. We want immediate answers, forgetting that God works in His own perfect time.

But even in our weakness, Jesus remains faithful. He does not abandon us. He patiently strengthens our faith, teaching us to trust, to wait, and to persevere. As long as we hold on to Him, He continues to work quietly and powerfully in our lives—often in ways we do not immediately see.

After the miracle, the crowd was amazed and ready to exalt Jesus. Yet instead of seeking recognition, He withdrew to the mountain to be alone with the Father. In His humility, He reminds us that true greatness is not found in being praised, but in loving and serving without seeking attention.

How different this is from our own tendencies. We often desire to be noticed, appreciated, and applauded. Sometimes, we do good with the hope of being seen. But Jesus calls us to something deeper—a quiet, sincere, and selfless love that seeks only to glorify God.

Are we willing to offer what little we have, trust in Jesus’ power to multiply it, and allow Him to work miracles in and through us—even when no one is watching?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 17 Biyernes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 6:1-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:1-15

Noong panahong iyon, tumawid si Jesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, na tinatawag ding Lawa ng Tiberias. Sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao sapagkat nakita nila ang mga kababalaghang ginawa niya sa pagpapagaling sa mga maysakit. Umahon si Jesus sa burol kasama ang kanyang mga alagad at naupo roon. Malapit na noon ang Pista ng Paskua ng mga Judio. 

Tumanaw si Jesus, at nakita niyang dumarating ang napakaraming tao. Tinanong niya si Felipe, "Saan tayo bibili ng tinapay upang makakain ang mga taong ito?" Sinabi niya ito upang subukin si Felipe, sapagkat alam ni Jesus ang kanyang gagawin. Sumagot si Felipe, "Kahit na po halagang dalawandaang denaryong tinapay ang bilhin ay di sasapat para makakain ng tigkakaunti ang mga tao." 

Sinabi ng isa sa kanyang mga alagad, si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro, "Mayroon po ditong isang batang lalaki na may dalang limang tinapay na sebada at dalawang isda. Ngunit gaano na ito sa ganyang karaming tao?" "Paupuin ninyo sila," wika ni Jesus. Madamo sa lugar na yaon. Umupo ang lahat -- humigit-kumulang sa limang libo ang mga lalaki.  

Kinuha ni Jesus ang tinapay at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay ipinamahagi sa mga tao; gayon din ang ginawa niya sa isda. Binigyan ang lahat hangga't gusto nila. at nang makakain na sila, sinabi niya sa mga alagad, "Tipunin ninyo ang mga lumabis para hindi masayang." Gayon nga ang ginawa nila, at nakapuno sila ng labindalawang bakol.  

Nang makita ng mga tao ang kababalaghang ginawa ni Jesus, sinabi nila, "Tunay na ito ang propetang paririto sa sanlibutan!" Nahalata ni Jesus na lalapit ang mga tao at pilit siyang kukunin upang gawing hari, kaya muli siyang umalis na mag-isa patungo sa kaburulan.

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Repleksyon:

Tunay nga ba tayong naniniwala na kayang gumawa ni Jesus ng himala sa ating buhay?

Ang himala ng tinapay at isda ay nagsimula sa isang tila maliit at halos hindi mapansing pangyayari—isang batang nag-alay ng limang tinapay na sebada at dalawang isda. Hindi natin maaaring pag-usapan ang himalang ito nang hindi kinikilala ang kanyang simpleng ngunit makabuluhang kabutihang-loob. Ibinigay niya ang kakaunti niyang baon, hindi iniisip kung siya’y magugutom; pinili lamang niyang magbahagi upang ang iba ay makakain.

Mula sa pusong mapagkaloob ng batang iyon, kumilos si Jesus. Kanyang pinagpala at pinarami ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda hanggang sa makakain ang mahigit limang libong katao. At higit pa roon, may natira pang sapat upang mapuno ang labindalawang basket. Ang tila kulang ay naging higit pa sa sapat sa mga kamay ni Jesus.

Dito natin nakikita ang isang mahalagang katotohanan sa ating buhay. Ilang beses na ba tayong nag-atubiling magbahagi dahil iniisip nating kulang lamang ang sa atin? Ilang pagkakataon na ba na pinili nating mag-ipon kaysa magbigay? Inaanyayahan tayo ni Jesus na ialay sa Kanya ang anumang mayroon tayo—maliit man o malaki. Kapag inialay natin ang ating oras, talento, yaman, at kahit ang ating mga kahinaan, kaya Niya itong pagpalain at paramihin nang lampas sa ating inaasahan.

May malalim ding ugnayan ang himalang ito sa Banal na Eukaristiya o Misa. Tulad ng ginawa ni Jesus—ang pagkuha ng tinapay, pagpapasalamat, at pamamahagi nito—patuloy Niya tayong pinakakain at binubusog sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang sarili. Sa bawat Eukaristiya, pinapaalalahanan tayong Siya ang tunay na pagkain na nagbibigay-buhay at pumupuno sa ating mga puso.

Nang subukin ni Jesus si Felipe, ipinakita nito ang isang katotohanang minsan ay makikita rin sa atin. Kasama na niya si Jesus at nasaksihan ang Kanyang mga himala, ngunit siya’y nag-alinlangan pa rin. Hindi ba’t minsan tayo rin ay ganito? Nananalangin tayo, ngunit nag-aalala rin. Naniniwala tayo, ngunit may pagdududa pa rin. Nais natin ng agarang sagot, ngunit nakakalimutan nating ang Diyos ay kumikilos sa tamang panahon.

Ngunit sa kabila ng ating kahinaan, hindi tayo iniiwan ni Jesus. Tapat Siyang nananatili sa atin. Unti-unti Niya tayong hinuhubog upang magtiwala, maghintay, at magpatuloy. Habang tayo’y kumakapit sa Kanya, patuloy Siyang kumikilos sa ating buhay—maaaring tahimik, ngunit makapangyarihan.

Matapos ang himala, namangha ang mga tao at nais Siyang parangalan. Ngunit sa halip na tanggapin ang papuri, Siya’y lumayo at umakyat sa bundok upang mapag-isa—marahil upang manalangin at magpasalamat sa Ama. Sa Kanyang kababaang-loob, ipinakita Niya na ang tunay na kadakilaan ay hindi nasusukat sa papuri ng tao, kundi sa tahimik at tapat na paglilingkod.

Hindi ba’t kabaligtaran ito ng ating madalas na ugali? Nais din nating mapansin, mapuri, at mapahalagahan. Minsan, gumagawa tayo ng mabuti upang makita ng iba. Ngunit tinatawag tayo ni Jesus sa mas malalim na pagmamahal—isang pagmamahal na tapat, mapagkumbaba, at walang hinihintay na kapalit.

Handa ba tayong ialay kahit ang kakaunti nating taglay, magtiwala sa kapangyarihan ni Jesus na ito’y paramihin, at hayaan Siyang gumawa ng himala sa ating buhay—at sa pamamagitan natin para sa iba, kahit walang nakakakita?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 16 Thursday of the Second Week of Easter: John 3:31-36

Gospel: John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.  

For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

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Reflection:

What would happen to us if we detach ourselves from Jesus? We would slowly become citizens of this world, anchoring our lives only on what is temporary and passing. When we live only for what we can see, touch, and control, we begin to forget that there is more beyond this life—that there is God, and that eternity awaits us.

Many of us can fall into this way of thinking. And when trials or problems come our way, we rely only on what this world has taught us. We try to carry our burdens on our own strength. But when we find ourselves unable to overcome these trials, we begin to lose hope—not only in the world, but even in ourselves. At times, everything can feel so heavy, so overwhelming, that it seems like the end for us. Sadly, some are even led to despair.

But what would happen to us if we have Jesus in our lives? Even in the midst of darkness, we would be filled with hope. Even when situations around us seem hopeless, we would not be crushed, because we know that we are not alone. This is the great difference when we allow Jesus to dwell in our hearts—He changes the way we see, the way we think, and the way we endure.

In our Gospel this Thursday, we are reminded: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains upon them.” These words invite us to reflect deeply on where we stand and whom we choose to follow.

The choice is always before us. Will we open our hearts and allow Jesus to enter and reign in our lives? Or will we keep Him outside, holding on to a life that cannot truly satisfy?

If we choose to welcome Jesus, we will always have hope—even when everything around us seems to fall apart. His presence becomes our strength, His promises become our anchor, and His love becomes our light in the darkest moments.

Are we truly allowing Jesus to live in our hearts, or are we still holding back and trying to face life on our own? What must we surrender today so that we may fully experience the hope and life that only He can give?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 16 Huwebes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:31-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:31-36

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus  kay Nicodemo: Ang mula sa itaas ay dakila sa lahat; ang mula sa lupa ay taga lupa at nagsasalita tungkol sa mga bagay sa lupa. Ang mula sa langit ay dakila sa lahat. 

Pinatototohanan niya ang kanyang nakita at narinig, ngunit walang maniwala sa kanyang patotoo. Ang naniniwala sa kanyang patotoo ay nagpapatunay na tapat ang Diyos.  Sapagkat ang sinugo ng Diyos ay nagpapahayag ng salita ng Diyos; at walang sukat ang kanyang pagkakaloob ng Espiritu Santo. 

Minamahal ng Ama ang Anak, at ibinigay sa kanya ang kapamahalaan ng lahat ng bagay. Ang nananalig sa Anak ay may buhay na walang hanggan; ngunit ang hindi tumatalima sa Anak, hindi magkakaroon ng buhay -- mananatili sa kanya ang poot ng Diyos.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang mangyayari sa atin kung ihihiwalay natin ang ating mga sarili kay Hesus? Unti-unti tayong magiging mamamayan lamang ng mundong ito, at ang ating buhay ay maiuugnay lamang sa mga bagay na pansamantala at lumilipas. Kapag namuhay tayo batay lamang sa ating nakikita at nahahawakan, nakakalimutan natin na may higit pa sa mundong ito—na may Diyos, at may buhay na walang hanggan na naghihintay sa atin.

Marami sa atin ang maaaring mahulog sa ganitong pag-iisip. At kapag dumating ang mga pagsubok at problema, umaasa lamang tayo sa kung ano ang itinuro ng mundong ito. Sinisikap nating pasanin ang lahat sa sarili nating lakas.

Ngunit kapag hindi natin ito nalalampasan, unti-unti tayong nawawalan ng pag-asa—hindi lamang sa mundo, kundi pati sa ating mga sarili. May mga sandali na tila napakabigat ng lahat, na para bang katapusan na ng lahat para sa atin. At nakalulungkot isipin, may ilan na humahantong sa matinding kawalan ng pag-asa.

Ngunit ano naman ang mangyayari sa atin kung si Jesus ay nasa ating buhay? Kahit sa gitna ng dilim, mapupuno tayo ng pag-asa. Kahit tila walang pag-asa ang ating sitwasyon, hindi tayo madudurog, sapagkat alam nating hindi tayo nag-iisa. Ito ang malaking kaibahan kapag hinayaan nating manahan si Jesus sa ating puso—binabago Niya ang ating pananaw, ang ating pag-iisip, at ang ating kakayahang magtiis sa gitna ng pagsubok.

Sa ating Ebanghelyo ngayong Huwebes, pinaaalalahanan tayo: “Ang sumasampalataya sa Anak ay may buhay na walang hanggan; ngunit ang hindi sumusunod sa Anak ay hindi makakakita ng buhay, kundi nananatili sa kanya ang poot ng Diyos.” Inaanyayahan tayo ng mga salitang ito na magnilay kung nasaan tayo at sino ang ating pinipiling sundin.

Ang pagpapasya ay nasa ating mga kamay. Bubuksan ba natin ang ating mga puso at pahihintulutan si Jesus na pumasok at maghari sa ating buhay? O patuloy ba nating isasara ang ating mga puso at hahawak sa isang buhay na hindi kailanman makapagbibigay ng tunay na kasiyahan?

Kung pipiliin nating tanggapin si Jesus, lagi tayong magkakaroon ng pag-asa—kahit tila gumuho ang lahat sa ating paligid. Ang Kanyang presensya ang magiging lakas natin, ang Kanyang mga pangako ang magiging sandigan natin, at ang Kanyang pag-ibig ang magiging liwanag natin sa pinakamadilim na sandali.

Talaga bang hinahayaan nating manahan si Jesus sa ating puso, o may mga bahagi pa rin ng ating buhay na ayaw nating isuko sa Kanya? Ano ang kailangan nating bitawan ngayon upang lubos nating maranasan ang pag-asa at buhay na Siya lamang ang makapagbibigay?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 15 Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter: John 3:16-21

Gospel: John 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.  

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil.

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

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Reflection:

Can we measure God’s love for us?

No, we cannot. God loves us infinitely—so deeply and so completely that He gave His only begotten Son for us. His love has no limits, no conditions, no end. It is constant, faithful, and beyond what we can fully comprehend.

But what about our love for God? Can it be measured? If we are honest with ourselves, we may admit that while God’s love for us is infinite, our love for Him is often finite. It has limits. It stretches only up to a certain point, and when that point is reached, we sometimes begin to hold back.

Why do we limit our love for God? Why do we hesitate to love Him as He loves us? Perhaps it is because we are afraid—afraid of surrendering our own desires, afraid of letting go of our attachments, afraid of losing what we think gives us freedom. Yet true freedom is not found in holding on, but in surrendering ourselves completely to God.

To love God infinitely is to follow Him without conditions—to trust Him without hesitation and to obey Him without reservation. And yet, there is a challenge in this kind of love. As we draw closer to God, we are also called to turn away from the things that lead us away from Him.

We are called to reject sin, no matter how appealing it may seem. We are invited to let go of our pride—the desire to elevate ourselves above others. How often do we find ourselves looking down on others, judging them, or comparing ourselves with them? These attitudes quietly distance our hearts from God and limit our capacity to love Him fully.

And still, God continues to love us without measure.

If God loves us this way, then we, too, are called to love in the same spirit. We are invited to reflect His love not only in easy moments but especially in difficult ones—by loving those who are hard to love, by forgiving those who have wounded us deeply, and by choosing compassion over resentment.

This is not easy. It requires grace. It requires humility. It requires a heart that is willing to be transformed.

If God loves us without limits, are we willing to love Him without holding anything back? Are we ready to surrender our pride, release our fears, and love even those who have hurt us—so that our love may begin to reflect His infinite love for us?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 15 Miyerkules sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:16-21

Gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Sapagkat sinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, hindi upang hatulang maparusahan ang sanlibutan, kundi upang iligtas ito sa pamamagitan niya. 

"Hindi hinahatulang maparusahan ang nananampalataya sa Anak ng Diyos; ngunit hinatulan nang parusahan ang hindi nananampalataya sa kanya. Hinatulan sila sapagkat naparito sa sanlibutan ang ilaw, ngunit inibig pa ng tao ang dilim kaysa liwanag, sapagkat masama ang kanilang mga gawa. 

Ang gumagawa ng masama ay ayaw sa ilaw, at hindi lumalapit dito upang hindi mahayag ang kanyang mga gawa. Ngunit ang namumuhay sa katotohanan ay lumalapit sa ilaw; sa gayon, nahahayag na ang kanyang mga ginagawa'y pagsunod sa Diyos.

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Repleksyon:

Masusukat ba natin ang pag-ibig ng Diyos para sa atin? Hindi. Hindi natin ito kayang sukatin. Iniibig tayo ng Diyos nang walang hanggan—napakalalim at ganap na ibinigay pa Niya ang Kanyang bugtong na Anak para sa atin. Ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay walang hangganan, walang kondisyon, at hindi nagwawakas. Ito ay tapat, matatag, at higit pa sa ating kayang unawain.

Ngunit paano naman ang ating pag-ibig para sa Diyos? Masusukat ba ito? Kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, marahil aaminin natin na habang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos para sa atin ay walang hanggan, ang ating pag-ibig para sa Kanya ay kadalasang may hangganan. May mga limitasyon ito. Umaabot lamang ito sa isang punto, at kapag narating na natin iyon, tayo ay minsang nag-aatubili o umurong.

Bakit natin nililimitahan ang ating pag-ibig sa Diyos? Bakit hindi natin Siya kayang mahalin tulad ng pagmamahal Niya sa atin? Marahil ay natatakot tayo—natatakot na isuko ang ating sariling kagustuhan, natatakot na bitawan ang ating mga kinakapitan, natatakot na mawala ang inaakala nating kalayaan. Ngunit ang tunay na kalayaan ay hindi matatagpuan sa pagkapit, kundi sa ganap na pagsuko ng ating sarili sa Diyos.

Ang magmahal sa Diyos nang walang hanggan ay ang pagsunod sa Kanya nang walang kondisyon—ang magtiwala nang walang pag-aalinlangan at sumunod nang buong puso. Subalit may hamon sa ganitong uri ng pag-ibig. Habang tayo ay lumalapit sa Diyos, tinatawag din tayong talikuran ang mga bagay na naglalayo sa atin sa Kanya.

Tinatawagan tayong talikuran ang kasalanan, gaano man ito kaakit-akit. Inaanyayahan tayong bitawan ang ating pagmamataas—ang pagnanais na ilagay ang ating sarili sa itaas ng iba. Gaano kadalas tayong humuhusga, tumitingin nang mababa sa kapwa, o ikinukumpara ang ating sarili sa iba? Ang mga ganitong asal ay tahimik na naglalayo sa ating puso sa Diyos at naglilimita sa ating kakayahang magmahal nang lubos.

At sa kabila ng lahat, patuloy pa rin tayong iniibig ng Diyos nang walang panukat.

Kung ganito tayo iniibig ng Diyos, tinatawag din tayong magmahal sa parehong paraan. Inaanyayahan tayong ipakita ang Kanyang pag-ibig hindi lamang sa madaling unawain at mahalin, kundi sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal sa mga mahirap mahalin, pagpapatawad sa mga taong lubos na nakasakit sa atin, at pagpili ng awa kaysa galit.

Hindi ito madali. Nangangailangan ito ng biyaya. Nangangailangan ito ng kababaang-loob. Nangangailangan ito ng pusong handang baguhin ng Diyos.

Kung iniibig tayo ng Diyos nang walang hanggan, handa ba tayong magmahal nang walang hanggan din? Upang ang ating pag-ibig ay unti-unting maging salamin ng Kanyang walang hanggang pag-ibig para sa atin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 14 Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter: John 3:7b-15

Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 

Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?  

Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 

No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

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Reflection:

Do we truly seek Jesus?

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, a respected Jewish judicial body. Yet despite his position, something stirred within him—a quiet longing, a deep curiosity—that drew him to Jesus. What did he see? What did he hear? Perhaps it was not only the signs, but the truth, the authority, and the love that radiated from the Lord.

Nicodemus’ journey did not end in curiosity. It slowly blossomed into courage and devotion. Even at the darkest moment—when Jesus hung on the cross—Nicodemus did not turn away. Instead, he stepped forward in love, helping care for the body of Jesus after His death (John 19:39). What began as a hidden search became a faithful surrender.

And so we ask ourselves: what will it take for us to truly follow Jesus? Do we wait for extraordinary signs before we give our hearts? Do we delay our response, hoping for a more convenient time?

Let us lift our eyes to the cross. There, we see not just a man, but our Savior—One who gave everything for us. He bore our sins, our burdens, our brokenness. His sacrifice speaks not only of suffering, but of a love so deep that it calls each one of us by name. Will we pause and truly see Him? Will we open our hearts in gratitude for the life He freely gave?

Like Nicodemus, we may begin our journey in uncertainty, even in silence. We may come to Jesus with questions, doubts, or hidden struggles. No one fully knows the depths of our hearts except us—and yet, Jesus knows and still calls us. He does not wait for us to be perfect. He simply invites us to come. Even a quiet step toward Him can begin a transformation within us—a transformation that leads to peace, to healing, and to new life that the world cannot give.

It does not matter how we begin—whether boldly or quietly, publicly or in secret. What matters is that we choose to follow. What matters is that we respond to His love today.

So now, in the silence of our hearts, let us ask ourselves:

Will we continue to wait, or will we finally open our hearts and follow Jesus—here and now, with all that we are?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 14 Martes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:7b-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:7b-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus kay Nicodemo: Huwag kayong magtaka sa sinabi ko sa inyo, 'Lahat ay kailangang ipanganak na muli.' Umiihip ang hangin kung saan ibig at naririnig ninyo ang ugong nito, ngunit hindi ninyo alam kung saan nanggagaling at kung saan naparoroon.

Gayon din ang bawat ipinanganak sa Espiritu." "Paano pong mangyayari ito?" tanong ni Nicodemo. Sumagot si Jesus, "Guro pa naman kayo sa Israel ay hindi ninyo nauunawaan ang bagay na ito? Tandaan ninyo: ang aming nalalaman ang sinasabi namin, at ang aming nasaksihan ang pinatototohanan namin, ngunit hindi ninyo tinatanggap ang aming patotoo.

Kung hindi ninyo paniniwalaan ang sinasabi ko tungkol sa mga bagay sa sanlibutang ito, paano ninyo paniniwalaan kung ang sabihin ko'y tungkol sa mga bagay sa langit? Walang umakyat sa langit kundi ang bumaba mula sa langit -- ang Anak ng Tao."

"At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas doon sa ilang, gayon din naman, kailangang itaas ang Anak ng Tao, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa kanya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.

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Repleksyon:

Hinahanap ba natin si Hesus?

Si Nicodemus ay isang Pariseo at kasapi ng Sanedrin, isang iginagalang na lupon ng mga pinunong Hudyo. Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang katayuan, may kumilos sa kanyang puso—isang tahimik na paghahanap, isang malalim na pananabik—na umakay sa kanya kay Hesus. Ano kaya ang kanyang nakita? Ano ang kanyang narinig? Marahil hindi lamang mga himala, kundi ang katotohanan, kapangyarihan, at pag-ibig na nagmumula sa Panginoon.

Ang paglalakbay ni Nicodemus ay hindi nagtapos sa simpleng pag-uusisa. Unti-unti itong naging tapat at tunay na debosyon. Kahit sa pinakamadilim na sandali—nang si Hesus ay nakapako sa krus—hindi siya tumalikod. Sa halip, buong tapang siyang lumapit at tumulong sa pag-aalaga sa katawan ni Hesus matapos ang Kanyang kamatayan (Juan 19:39). Ang isang lihim na paghahanap ay naging isang tapat na pagsunod.

Kaya’t tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: ano ang kinakailangan upang tunay tayong sumunod kay Hesus? Naghihintay pa ba tayo ng himala bago natin ibigay ang ating mga puso sa Kanya? Ipinagpapaliban pa ba natin ang ating pagtugon, umaasang darating ang mas tamang panahon?

Itaas natin ang ating mga mata sa krus. Doon, hindi lamang isang tao ang ating nakikita, kundi ang ating Tagapagligtas—ang Siyang nagbigay ng lahat para sa atin. Pinasan Niya ang ating mga kasalanan, mga pasanin, at mga kahinaan.

Ang Kanyang sakripisyo ay sumisigaw ng isang pag-ibig na napakalalim—isang pag-ibig na tumatawag sa bawat isa sa atin. Titigil ba tayo sandali upang tunay Siyang pagmasdan? Bubuksan ba natin ang ating mga puso upang magpasalamat sa buhay na Kanyang inialay para sa atin?

Tulad ni Nicodemus, maaari ring magsimula ang ating paglalakbay sa pag-aalinlangan, sa katahimikan, o sa mga lihim na tanong ng ating puso. Walang sinuman ang lubos na nakakaalam ng ating kalooban—ngunit kilala tayo ni Hesus at patuloy Niya tayong tinatawag.

Hindi Niya hinihintay na tayo ay maging perpekto. Inaanyayahan Niya tayong lumapit. Kahit isang tahimik na hakbang patungo sa Kanya ay maaaring magsimula ng pagbabago sa ating buhay—isang pagbabagong magdadala ng kapayapaan, kagalingan, at bagong buhay na hindi kayang ibigay ng mundo.

Hindi mahalaga kung paano tayo magsisimula—kung lantad man o tahimik, kung may lakas o may pag-aalinlangan. Ang mahalaga ay ang ating pagpapasya na sumunod. Ang mahalaga ay ang ating pagtugon sa Kanyang pag-ibig ngayon.

Kaya ngayon, sa katahimikan ng ating puso, tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili:

Maghihintay pa ba tayo, o bubuksan na natin ang ating mga puso upang sumunod kay Hesus—ngayon na, nang buong-buo, at walang pag-aatubili?—Marino J. Dasmarinas