Reflection for July 12 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

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Reflection:

Do we give time to listen to Jesus?

Whenever Jesus speaks, everyone listens because everything He says is filled with wisdom. Who would not want to listen to someone who imparts true wisdom? We all long to hear words that bring hope, truth, peace, and life. No one can speak to our hearts as Jesus does, for His words are not only wise—they have the power to transform our lives.

But how can we listen to Jesus in these smartphone- and social media-dominated times, when countless voices compete for our attention every day? First, we listen to Him by reading and reflecting on His life and teachings in the Bible. Many of us no longer make time to open God's Word, even for a few quiet moments.

Yet we often find time for many worldly pursuits that may entertain us for a while but rarely bring lasting peace. When we allow God's Word to dwell in our hearts, we discover that His voice gently guides us, strengthens us, and reminds us that we are never alone.

Second, we listen to Jesus through our prayerful and attentive participation at Holy Mass. Because of the many distractions we create for ourselves, it can be difficult to set aside time for this holy and sacred celebration.

Yet whenever we choose to place the Lord first, He never allows our sacrifices to go unnoticed. At every Mass, Jesus nourishes us with His Word and gives Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist, filling us with the grace, strength, and peace that only He can give.

Third, we listen to Jesus by spending time with Him in the Adoration Chapel. There, in the quietness of His presence, we do not need many words. We simply remain with Him, allowing Him to speak to the depths of our hearts.

If we can spend hours each day using our smartphones or scrolling through social media, can we not also set aside even a few moments to be with the Lord? The time we give to Jesus is never wasted. Every moment spent in His presence draws us closer to Him and transforms us little by little into the people He calls us to be.

If only we would make the Lord our highest priority, we would become like the seed that fell on rich soil and produced a harvest—some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. The more we listen to Jesus, the more our hearts are changed.

The more we remain with Him, the more we learn to love as He loves, forgive as He forgives, and serve as He serves. His voice quiets our fears, renews our hope, and leads us along the path that brings true joy and everlasting life.

Today, Jesus continues to speak. The question is not whether He is calling us, but whether we are willing to pause, listen, and respond. Amid the busyness and noise of our daily lives, will we choose His voice over the countless distractions that surround us? Will we make time for the One who gave everything for us, so that our hearts may be transformed and our lives may bear abundant fruit for His glory?

Do we truly give time to listen to the Lord?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 12 Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:1-9

Noon ding araw na iyon, si Hesus ay lumabas ng bahay at naupo sa tabi ng lawa. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng makapal na tao, kaya sumakay siya sa isang bangka at doon naupo. Nasa dalampasigan naman ang mga tao. At nagturo siya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga.  

“May isang magsasakang lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Sapagkat manipis lang ang lupa roon, sumibol agad ang binhing iyon, ngunit nang mapabilad sa matinding sikat ng araw ay natuyo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat.  

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga iyon. Ngunit ang binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa ay nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. Ang may pandinig ay makinig!”
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Repleksyon:

Naglalaan ba tayo ng panahon upang makinig kay Jesus?

Kapag nagsasalita si Jesus, ang lahat ay nakikinig sapagkat ang bawat salitang namumutawi sa Kanyang bibig ay puno ng karunungan. Sino ba naman ang hindi magnanais makinig sa isang nagbibigay ng tunay na karunungan? Lahat tayo ay naghahangad makarinig ng mga salitang nagbibigay ng pag-asa, katotohanan, kapayapaan, at buhay. 

Walang sinuman ang makapagsasalita sa ating puso tulad ni Jesus, sapagkat ang Kanyang mga salita ay hindi lamang puno ng karunungan—may kapangyarihan din itong baguhin ang ating buhay.

Ngunit paano nga ba tayo makikinig kay Jesus sa panahong ang ating pansin ay madaling maagaw ng mga smartphone at social media, kung saan napakaraming tinig ang araw-araw na nakikipag-agawan sa ating atensyon?

Una, nakikinig tayo sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa at pagninilay sa Kanyang buhay at mga turo na matatagpuan sa Banal na Kasulatan o Biblia. Marami sa atin ang hindi na naglalaan ng kahit ilang sandali upang buksan at pagnilayan ang Salita ng Diyos. Pero, nagkakaroon tayo ng panahon para sa maraming makamundong gawain na maaaring magbigay ng panandaliang aliw, ngunit bihirang makapaghatid ng tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. 

Kapag hinahayaan nating manahan ang Salita ng Diyos sa ating puso, mararanasan nating banayad Niya tayong ginagabayan, pinalalakas, at pinapaalalahanang hindi tayo kailanman nag-iisa.

Ikalawa, nakikinig tayo kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng ating taimtim at buong pusong pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa. Dahil sa maraming distraksiyong tayo rin ang lumilikha, kung minsan ay nahihirapan tayong maglaan ng oras para sa banal at sagradong pagdiriwang na ito. Ngunit kapag pinili nating unahin ang Panginoon, hindi Niya kailanman hinahayaang mawalan ng kabuluhan ang ating munting sakripisyo. 

Sa bawat Banal na Misa, pinapakain tayo ni Jesus sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang Salita at ibinibigay Niya ang Kanyang sarili sa Banal na Eukaristiya, upang punuin tayo ng biyaya, lakas, at kapayapaang Siya lamang ang makapagkakaloob.

Ikatlo, nakikinig tayo kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pananatili sa Kanyang presensya sa Adoration Chapel. Doon, sa katahimikan ng Kanyang piling, hindi natin kailangang magsalita nang marami. Sapat nang manatili tayo sa Kanyang harapan at hayaang Siya ang mangusap sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. 

Kung nakagugugol tayo ng maraming oras sa paggamit ng ating mga smartphone o sa walang tigil na pag-scroll sa social media, hindi ba tayo makapaglalaan kahit ilang sandali upang makasama ang Panginoon? Ang bawat sandaling inilalaan natin kay Jesus ay hindi kailanman nasasayang. Sa halip, ang bawat sandaling kasama natin Siya ay lalo tayong inilalapit sa Kanya at unti-unti tayong binabago upang maging mga taong ayon sa Kanyang kalooban.

Kung gagawin lamang nating pinakamahalagang prayoridad ang Panginoon, matutulad tayo sa binhing nahulog sa matabang lupa na namunga nang sagana—ang iba'y sandaan, ang iba'y animnapu, at ang iba'y tatlumpung ulit. Habang lalo tayong nakikinig kay Jesus, lalo ring nababago ang ating puso. 

Habang lalo tayong nananatili sa Kanyang piling, lalo nating natututuhan ang magmahal tulad Niya, magpatawad tulad Niya, at maglingkod tulad Niya. Ang Kanyang tinig ang nagpapatahimik sa ating mga pangamba, nagbibigay ng panibagong pag-asa, at umaakay sa atin sa landas ng tunay na kagalakan at buhay na walang hanggan.

Hanggang sa ngayon ay patuloy pa ring nagsasalita si Jesus. Ang tanong ay hindi kung tinatawag ba Niya tayo, kundi kung handa ba tayong huminto, makinig, at tumugon sa Kanyang paanyaya. Sa gitna ng ingay, abala, at napakaraming bagay na umaagaw sa ating pansin, pipiliin ba nating pakinggan ang Kanyang tinig kaysa sa mga tinig ng sanlibutan? 

Maglalaan ba tayo ng panahon para sa Kanya na nagbigay ng Kanyang buong sarili alang-alang sa atin, upang mabago ang ating puso at mamunga ang ating buhay para sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian?

Tunay nga bang naglalaan tayo ng panahon upang makinig sa Panginoon? O baka naman mas marami tayong oras para sa mga bagay na panandalian lamang kaysa sa Kanya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Saturday July 11 Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot: Matthew 10:24-33

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33

(Jesus said to the twelve Apostles) “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!  “Therefore do not be afraid of them.

Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a dying man who rarely attended Holy Mass and was very much afraid to die. When his relatives told him that they would call a priest to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, he asked them, “Am I going to die already?”

To make a long story short, the priest arrived and administered the sacrament. After the priest left, the dying man told his relatives, “Now I am prepared to die.” He went from being afraid of death to facing it with peace and courage because Jesus had strengthened him through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. In that sacred encounter, he discovered that the Lord does not merely prepare us for death—He prepares us for eternal life.

Are we not afraid to die? Many of us are. But why do we fear death? Perhaps it is because we have not yet fully encountered Jesus or allowed Him to become the center of our lives. When our hearts remain attached only to the things of this world, death can seem frightening because it appears to take everything away. But when we truly know and follow Jesus, we begin to see death not as the end, but as the doorway to everlasting life with Him.

When Jesus becomes the foundation of our lives, He fills us with the courage to face whatever trials may come. We are no longer afraid to look earthly death in the face because we know that our hope rests not in this passing world but in God's promise of eternal life. Christ has conquered sin and death, and those who belong to Him can face the future with confidence, trusting that He will never abandon us.

Each day is an invitation for us to draw closer to Jesus, to receive His grace through the sacraments, and to live in faithful obedience to His will. As we walk with Him day by day, He gradually replaces our fear with His peace, our uncertainty with hope, and our weakness with His strength.

If the Lord were to call us today, could we honestly say, “Now we are prepared”? Are we living each day in such a way that we are ready to meet Jesus with joyful hearts, confident that our lives have been rooted in His love and faithfully lived for His glory?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Hulyo 11 Paggunita kay San Benito, abad: Mateo 10:24-33

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:24-33

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Walang alagad na higit kaysa kanyang guro, at walang aliping higit sa kanyang panginoon. Masiyahan ang alagad na matulad sa kanyang guro, at ang alipin na matulad sa kanyang panginoon. Kung ang puno ng sambahayan ay tinawag nilang Beelzebul, lalo na nilang aalimurahin ang kanyang mga kasambahay!" 

"Kaya huwag kayong matakot sa kanila. Walang natatago na di malalantad, o nalilihim na di mabubunyag. Ang sinasabi ko sa inyo sa dilim, ulitin ninyo sa liwanag; at ang ibinulong sa inyo ay inyong ipagsigawan. Huwag ninyong katakutan ang pumapatay ng katawan ngunit hindi nakapapatay ng kaluluwa. 

Sa halip, ang katakutan ninyo'y ang nakapapatay ng kaluluwa at katawan sa impyerno. Hindi ba ipinagbibili ang maya nang dalawa isang pera? Gayunman, Kahit isa sa kanila'y hindi nahuhulog sa lupa kung hindi kalooban ng inyong Ama. Maging ang buhok ninyo'y bilang na lahat. Kaya, huwag kayong matakot; higit kayong mahalaga kaysa libu-libong maya." 

"Ang sinumang kumilala sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay kikilalanin ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit. Ngunit ang magtatwa sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay itatatwa ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking naghihingalo na bihirang dumalo sa Banal na Misa at labis na natatakot sa kamatayan. Nang sabihin sa kanya ng kanyang mga kamag-anak na tatawag sila ng pari upang tanggapin niya ang Sakramento ng Pagpapahid ng Langis sa mga Maysakit, agad siyang nagtanong, “Mamamatay na ba ako?”

Sa madaling sabi, dumating ang pari at ipinagkaloob sa kanya ang sakramento. Pagkaalis ng pari, sinabi niya sa kanyang mga kamag-anak, “Handa na akong mamatay.” Ang dating takot sa kamatayan ay napalitan ng kapayapaan at katatagan, sapagkat pinalakas siya ni Hesus sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Pagpapahid ng Langis sa mga Maysakit.

Sa banal na sandaling iyon, natuklasan niya na ang Panginoon ay hindi lamang naghahanda sa atin para sa kamatayan, kundi lalo't higit ay inihahanda Niya tayo para sa buhay na walang hanggan.

Hindi ba't tayong lahat ay natatakot ding mamatay? Marami sa atin ang umamin na mayroon tayong ganitong takot. Ngunit bakit nga ba tayo natatakot? Marahil ay dahil hindi pa natin lubos na nakikilala si Hesus o hindi pa natin Siya tunay na hinahayaang maging sentro ng ating buhay.

Kapag ang ating puso ay labis na nakakapit sa mga bagay ng mundong ito, ang kamatayan ay tila isang nakakatakot na wakas. Ngunit kapag tunay nating nakilala, minahal, at sinunod si Hesus, unti-unti nating mauunawaan na ang kamatayan ay hindi katapusan, kundi daan patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan kasama Niya.

Kapag si Hesus ang naging matibay na pundasyon ng ating buhay, binibigyan Niya tayo ng lakas ng loob upang harapin ang anumang pagsubok na dumating. Hindi na tayo natatakot na harapin ang kamatayan, sapagkat alam nating ang ating pag-asa ay hindi nakasalalay sa mundong lumilipas, kundi sa pangako ng Diyos na buhay na walang hanggan.

Dinaig na ni Kristo ang kasalanan at kamatayan, kaya't ang mga nananatili sa Kanya ay maaaring mamuhay nang may kapayapaan, pag-asa, at matatag na pananampalataya.

Bawat araw ay paanyaya ng Panginoon para lalo tayong lumapit sa Kanya, tumanggap ng Kanyang biyaya sa pamamagitan ng mga sakramento, at mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang banal na kalooban. Habang araw-araw tayong lumalakad kasama Niya, unti-unti Niyang pinapalitan ang ating takot ng Kanyang kapayapaan, ang ating pangamba ng Kanyang pag-asa, at ang ating kahinaan ng Kanyang lakas.

Kung tatawagin tayo ng Panginoon sa araw na ito, masasabi rin kaya natin nang buong puso, “Handa na po ako”? Nabubuhay ba tayo sa paraang handa tayong humarap kay Hesus anumang oras, na may pusong puspos ng pananampalataya, pag-asa, at pag-ibig? O may mga bagay pa bang kailangan nating isuko at ipagkatiwala sa Kanya upang matagpuan natin ang tunay na kapayapaan at maging handa sa buhay na walang hanggan?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 10 Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:16-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

(Jesus said to the twelve Apostles) “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

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Reflection:

How far are we willing to go because of our love for Jesus?

Would we be willing to lay down our lives so that His teachings may continue to live on and take root in the hearts of others?

Today, perhaps more than ever, Jesus calls us to be His faithful disciples because we see our world gradually being enveloped by the culture of secularization. Little by little, many people are drifting away from God, and His truth is often set aside in favor of worldly values. In the face of this growing reality, how will we respond? Will we simply stand by, remain indifferent, and allow the mission of Jesus to fade from our homes, our communities, and our hearts?

If we refuse to act because we fear sacrifice, rejection, or persecution, what will become of our world? It will slowly be shaped by people who no longer know, love, or worship God. As disciples of Christ, we cannot remain silent when so many are longing—perhaps unknowingly—for the hope, truth, and salvation that only Jesus can give.

We only need to look around us. Practices such as abortion have become widespread and legal in many countries, and divorce has likewise become increasingly accepted. These realities remind us that many hearts are drifting farther from God's plan. One reason is that many have become reluctant to offer themselves wholeheartedly in the service of Jesus. We can easily fall into the trap of thinking, "As long as my family and I are doing well, that is enough." Yet the Gospel calls us to look beyond ourselves and to become instruments of God's love for others.

Our indifference to the mission of Jesus contributes, little by little, to the erosion of the moral and spiritual values of society. Therefore, we must awaken from our complacency and faithfully do our part—no matter how small—to proclaim the Gospel through our words, our actions, and the witness of our lives. We no longer do this only for ourselves but also for future generations, especially for our children and those who will come after us.

Just imagine a generation growing up with only a faint understanding of who Jesus is. What kind of world will they inherit if they are never guided to know His love, trust His mercy, and follow His teachings? Our witness today may become the faith that inspires tomorrow's generation to walk with Christ.

May we never allow fear, comfort, or indifference to keep us from answering the Lord's call. Instead, may we courageously embrace whatever sacrifices are necessary so that others may encounter Jesus through us. Every prayer we offer, every act of love we perform, every truth we courageously proclaim, and every sacrifice we willingly embrace can become a seed that God uses to transform a heart and renew the world.

Today, Jesus is asking each of us: Will we choose the comfort of silence, or will we courageously become His witnesses so that future generations may come to know, love, and follow Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 10 Biyernes ng Ika-14 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:16-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:16-23

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Ngayon, sinusugo ko kayo na parang mga tupa sa gitna ng mga asong gubat. Maging matalino kayo, gaya ng mga ahas, at matapat, gaya ng mga kalapati. Mag-ingat kayo, sapagkat may mga taong magkakanulo sa inyo sa mga hukuman; at hahagupitin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga.  

Dahil sa akin, ihaharap kayo sa mga gobernador at mga hari, at magpapatotoo kayo sa harapan nila at ng mga Hentil. Kapag nililitis na kayo, huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa sasabihin ninyo o kung paano ninyo sasabihin. Pagdating ng oras, ito'y ipagkakaloob sa inyo. Sapagkat hindi kayo ang magsasalita kundi ang Espiritu ng inyong Ama ang magsasalita sa pamamagitan ninyo.  

"Ipagkakanulo ng kanyang kapatid ang kanyang kapatid upang ipapatay; gayon din ang gagawin ng ama sa kanyang anak. Lalabanan ng mga anak ang kanilang mga magulang, at ipapapatay. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin; ngunit ang manatiling tapat hanggang wakas ang siyang maliligtas. Kapag inuusig nila kayo sa isang bayan, tumakas kayo sa kasunod. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi pa ninyo napupuntahan ang lahat ng bayan ng Israel ay darating na ang Anak ng Tao."

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Repleksyon:

Hanggang saan ba tayo dadalhin ng ating pagmamahal kay Jesus?

Handa ba tayong ialay maging ang ating buhay upang ang Kanyang mga aral ay patuloy na mabuhay at mamunga sa puso ng marami?

Sa panahong ito, marahil higit kailanman, higit tayong tinatawagan ni Jesus na maging tapat Niyang mga alagad sapagkat nakikita nating unti-unting kinakain ang ating mundo ng kultura ng sekularismo at materyalismo. Marami ang unti-unting lumalayo sa Diyos, at ang Kanyang katotohanan ay napapalitan ng mga pagpapahalaga ng sanlibutan.

Sa harap ng ganitong katotohanan, paano tayo tutugon? Mananatili na lamang ba tayong tahimik, walang pakialam, at hahayaan na lamang nating unti-unting maglaho ang misyon ni Jesus sa ating mga tahanan, pamayanan, at maging sa ating mga puso?

Kung pipiliin nating walang gawin dahil natatakot tayong magsakripisyo, makaranas ng pagtanggi, o dumanas ng pag-uusig, ano ang magiging kinabukasan ng ating mundo? Unti-unti itong mahuhubog ng mga taong hindi na nakakikilala, nagmamahal, at sumasamba sa Diyos.

Bilang mga alagad ni Hesus, hindi tayo maaaring manatiling tahimik habang napakarami ang naghahanap—marahil hindi man nila namamalayan—ng pag-asa, katotohanan, at kaligtasang tanging si Jesus lamang ang makapagbibigay.

Tingnan lamang natin ang ating paligid. Ang aborsyon ay laganap na at legal na sa maraming bansa, at gayundin ang diborsyo na lalo pang tinatanggap ng lipunan. Ang mga pangyayaring ito ay paalala na unti-unting lumalayo ang maraming puso sa plano ng Diyos. Isa sa mga dahilan nito ay ang pag-aatubili ng marami na ialay ang kanilang sarili sa paglilingkod kay Hesus.

Madali tayong mahulog sa pag-iisip na, "Basta't maayos ang buhay ko at ng aking pamilya ay sapat na iyon." Ngunit tinatawagan tayo ng Ebanghelyo na lumampas sa ating sariling kapakanan at maging kasangkapan ng pag-ibig ng Diyos para sa iba.

Ang ating pagwawalang-bahala sa misyon ni Jesus ay unti-unting nag-aambag sa paghina ng moral at espirituwal na pagpapahalaga ng lipunan. Kaya't panahon na upang tayo'y magising sa ating pagiging kampante at gawin ang ating bahagi—gaano man ito kaliit—upang ipalaganap ang Ebanghelyo sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita, gawa, at mabuting halimbawa. Hindi na lamang natin ito ginagawa para sa ating sarili, kundi para rin sa mga susunod na henerasyon, lalo na sa ating mga anak at sa mga darating pa. 

Isipin natin ang isang henerasyong lumalaki na halos walang pagkakilala kay Jesus. Ano kaya ang magiging kinabukasan ng kanilang mga pamilya at ng ating lipunan kung hindi nila mararanasan ang Kanyang pag-ibig, awa, at katotohanan? Ang ating katapatan ngayon ay maaaring maging binhing magbubunga ng pananampalataya sa buhay ng marami bukas. 

Nawa'y hindi natin hayaang manaig ang takot, kaginhawaan, o pagwawalang-bahala sa ating puso. Sa halip, nawa'y buong tapang nating yakapin ang anumang sakripisyong kailangan upang mas marami pa ang makatagpo kay Jesus sa pamamagitan natin.

Ang bawat panalangin, bawat kabutihang ating ginagawa, bawat katotohanang ating ipinahahayag, at bawat sakripisyong ating iniaalay ay maaaring gamitin ng Diyos upang baguhin ang isang puso at magpanibago ng ating mundo.

Ngayon, personal tayong tinatanong ni Hesus:Pipiliin ba nating manahimik at manatili sa ating kaginhawaan, o buong tapang ba nating isasabuhay at ipahahayag ang ating pananampalataya upang makilala, mahalin, at sundan Siya ng mga susunod na henerasyon?

Kapag dumating ang araw na tayo'y humarap sa Panginoon, masasabi ba nating naging tapat tayong saksi ng Kanyang pag-ibig at ginawa natin ang ating bahagi upang maipasa ang pananampalataya sa mga darating pang henerasyon?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 9 Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.   

Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace.    

If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” 

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Reflection:

The story is told of a righteous man who often reflected on the Kingdom of God. He would ask himself, "When will I experience the Kingdom of God?" Then, without warning, he suffered a heart attack and died. His soul was ushered by an angel into heaven to be with Jesus.

The Kingdom of God comes to us through the many avenues of life, and one of these avenues is our death. Whether we are ready or not, that moment will come for each one of us. If we were asked today, "Are we prepared to meet the Lord?" many, if not all, of us would probably answer, "Not yet," because we are still occupied with the many concerns, responsibilities, and pursuits of this earthly life.

We spend so much of our time working for things that will eventually pass away. But have we also been investing our time and energy in the things of God? Are we allowing our hearts to grow each day in faith, love, mercy, and obedience? Are we striving to deepen our friendship with Jesus by serving others, forgiving those who have hurt us, and living according to His will?

Jesus' instructions to His apostles are also His marching orders for us today: "Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons." In other words, Jesus calls us to become instruments of His healing, compassion, hope, and love.

While we may not literally perform miracles as the apostles did, we are all called to bring His life-giving presence into the lives of others, especially the poor, the forgotten, the lonely, and those who are burdened by suffering. Whenever we freely give of ourselves, offer encouragement, extend forgiveness, or share what God has entrusted to us, we become living witnesses of His Kingdom.

Will we receive material or financial rewards for faithfully carrying out Jesus' mission? Perhaps not. Yet our greatest reward has never been earthly wealth, recognition, or success. Our greatest reward is the joy of walking with Christ now and the hope of dwelling with Him forever. Every act of love, every sacrifice made for His sake, and every faithful step of obedience prepares our hearts for our eternal home with Him.

Life is fleeting, and everything we possess in this world will one day be left behind. Wealth, achievements, and worldly success cannot accompany us into eternity. Only our relationship with God and the love we have shown to others will endure. As we journey through this life, may we continually choose what has eternal value, trusting that every act of faithfulness draws us closer to the Kingdom that Jesus has prepared for those who love Him.

When our earthly journey comes to an end and we finally stand before the Lord, will He find hearts that have been consumed by the pursuit of worldly treasures, or hearts that have faithfully loved, served, and followed Him?

Today, while we still have the gift of time, will we choose to prepare not merely for tomorrow, but for eternity? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 9 Huwebes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:7-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga may sakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo. Yamang tumanggap kayo nang walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo nang walang bayad.  

Huwag kayong magdala ng salapi -- maging ginto, pilak, o tanso -- sa inyong mga lukbutan. Huwag din kayong magdala ng supot sa inyong paglalakbay, ni bihisan, pampalit na panyapak, o tungkod; sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatan sa kanyang ikabubuhay. 

"At saanmang bayan o nayon kayo dumating, humanap kayo ng taong karapat-dapat pakituluyan, at manatili kayo roon habang kayo'y nasa lugar na iyon. Pagpasok ninyo sa bahay, sabihin ninyo, 'Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!' Kung karapat-dapat ang mga tao sa bahay na iyon, panatilihin ninyo sa kanila ang inyong bati.  

Ngunit kung hindi, bawiin ninyo ito. At kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang tahanan o bayan, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang ipaparusa sa mga tao sa bayang yaon kaysa dinanas ng mga taga-Sodoma at taga-Gomorra."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang matuwid na tao na madalas magnilay tungkol sa Kaharian ng Diyos. Madalas niyang itanong sa kanyang sarili, "Kailan ko mararanasan ang Kaharian ng Diyos?" Ngunit isang araw, bigla siyang inatake sa puso at namatay. Pagkatapos nito, ang kanyang kaluluwa ay inalalayan ng isang anghel patungo sa langit upang makapiling si Jesus.

Ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay dumarating sa atin sa iba't ibang yugto at paraan ng ating buhay, at isa sa mga ito ay ang ating kamatayan. Dumating man ito nang inaasahan o hindi, tiyak na darating ang sandaling haharap tayong lahat sa Panginoon.

Kung tatanungin tayo ngayon, "Handa na ba tayong makatagpo ang Panginoon?" marahil marami, kung hindi man tayong lahat, ang sasagot ng, "Hindi pa," sapagkat abalang-abala pa tayo sa ating mga gawain, responsibilidad, at mga hangarin sa mundong ito.

Marami tayong oras na ginugugol sa paghahanap ng mga bagay na panandalian lamang. Ngunit gaano naman karami ang ating oras na inilalaan para sa Diyos at sa mga bagay na may walang hanggang halaga? Pinagsisikapan ba nating mapalalim ang ating pakikipagkaibigan kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya, pagmamahal, awa, pagpapatawad, at paglilingkod sa ating kapwa?

Ang ipinag-utos ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga apostol ay Siya ring ipinag-uutos Niya sa atin ngayon: "Pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit, buhayin ang mga patay, linisin ang mga ketongin, at palayasin ang mga demonyo." Sa madaling salita, tinatawag Niya tayong maging mga daluyan ng Kanyang pag-ibig, habag, pag-asa, at kagalingan sa buhay ng iba.

Maaaring hindi tayo gumawa ng mga himalang tulad ng ginawa ng mga apostol, ngunit kaya nating maghatid ng himala ng kabutihan sa pamamagitan ng ating malasakit, pagpapatawad, pagtulong, at bukas-palad na pagbabahagi ng mga pagpapalang ipinagkatiwala sa atin ng Diyos. Sa tuwing ginagawa natin ito, lalo tayong lumalapit kay Jesus at nagiging buhay na saksi ng Kanyang Kaharian.

Makatatanggap ba tayo ng gantimpalang materyal o salapi sa pagtupad sa misyon ni Jesus? Maaaring hindi. Ngunit ang pinakamahalagang gantimpala ay hindi kailanman nasusukat sa kayamanan, karangalan, o tagumpay sa mundong ito.

Ang ating pinakadakilang gantimpala ay ang mamuhay kasama ni Hesus ngayon at ang makapiling Siya magpakailanman sa Kanyang Kaharian. Ang bawat kabutihang ginagawa natin, bawat sakripisyong iniaalay natin alang-alang sa Kanya, at bawat hakbang ng katapatan sa Kanyang kalooban ay unti-unting naghahanda sa atin para sa ating walang hanggang tahanan.

Maikli lamang ang ating buhay sa mundo. Darating ang araw na iiwan natin ang lahat ng ating ari-arian, tagumpay, at mga pinaghirapan. Ang tanging madadala natin sa harapan ng Diyos ay ang ating pananampalataya, ang ating pagmamahal sa Kanya, at ang pag-ibig na ating ipinamalas sa ating kapwa.

Kaya't habang ipinagkakaloob pa sa atin ng Panginoon ang bawat bagong araw, piliin nating mamuhay para sa mga bagay na may walang hanggang halaga at patuloy tayong lumakad kasama Niya.

Kapag dumating ang araw na tayo'y tatawagin na ng Panginoon, ano kaya ang matatagpuan Niya sa ating mga puso—mga pusong labis na nahumaling sa mga kayamanan ng mundong ito, o mga pusong tapat na nagmahal, naglingkod, at sumunod sa Kanya?

Habang may pagkakataon pa tayo ngayon, pipiliin ba nating ihanda ang ating sarili hindi lamang para sa kinabukasan sa mundong ito, kundi higit sa lahat para sa walang hanggang buhay na inihanda ng Diyos para sa mga umiibig sa Kanya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 8 Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. 

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

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Reflection:

The story is told of an old man who died. As he was about to enter the pearly gates, he found Jesus there instead of St. Peter. Jesus asked him, “Have you done anything to propagate the faith?” The old man was unable to answer because he had not done anything to evangelize anyone.

Perhaps when our own time comes to pass through those same pearly gates, we too may hear our Lord ask us, “Have you done anything to spread the faith?” How will we answer Him? Will we be able to tell Him that we faithfully shared the Good News with others, or will we stand before Him with hearts filled with regret over opportunities we let pass by?

When Jesus called the Twelve Apostles, He did not immediately send them to distant places. Instead, He instructed them to begin by evangelizing those within their own sphere of influence. It is as if the Lord was reminding them, “Before you go far away, make sure that those nearest to you have first heard the Good News.”

That same call echoes in our hearts today. Before we seek to evangelize people far from us, we are first invited to share Christ with those closest to us—our family, our relatives, and those with whom we live each day. Parents, in a special way, have the beautiful mission of leading everyone in their household to know, love, and follow Jesus. What a blessing it is when our homes become places where faith is lived, nurtured, and joyfully passed on from one generation to the next.

One powerful witness is a family that faithfully attends Holy Mass together every Sunday. Such a simple yet profound act proclaims to others that God truly comes first in our lives. Without saying a word, our example can inspire other families to draw closer to the Lord and worship Him together.

Yet many of us are influenced by today's "selfie mindset," shaped by social media and the culture of modern life. We can easily slip into thinking, "My life, my worship, my faith." When our faith becomes centered only on ourselves, it gradually weakens our concern for others and closes our hearts to the mission Christ has entrusted to us.

As disciples of Jesus, however, we are called to replace a selfie mindset with a Gospel mindset—one that lovingly reaches out, encourages, and leads others to Christ. Let us begin where God has placed us: within our own homes. Through our prayers, our loving example, our kind words, and our daily acts of charity, we can become instruments through whom our families encounter the living Lord. When Christ reigns in our homes, His light naturally shines beyond them.

Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with renewed love for Christ and with the courage to share that love with others. May we never take for granted the people God has entrusted to us, for they are the first mission field He has given us.

When we one day stand before Jesus, will we be able to joyfully say that we began sharing our faith with those closest to us, or will someone in our own family still be waiting to hear the Good News through our words, our example, and our love? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 8 Miyerkules ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:1-7

Noong panahong iyon, tinipon ni Jesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpapalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman. 

Ito ang pangalan ng labindalawang apostol: si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; sina Felipe at Bartolome; si Tomas, at si Mateo na publikano; si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo; si Simong Makabayan at si Judas Iscariote, ang nagkanulo kay Jesus.  

Ang labindalawang ito'y sinugo ni Jesus at kanyang pinagbilinan: "Huwag kayong pupunta sa lugar ng mga Hentil, o alinmang bayan ng mga Samaritano. Sa halip ay hanapin ninyo ang mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel. Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang matandang lalaki na namatay. Nang siya ay papasok na sa pintuan ng langit, si Jesus mismo ang sumalubong sa kanya, at hindi si San Pedro. Tinanong siya ni Jesus, “May ginawa ka ba upang maipalaganap ang pananampalataya?” Hindi siya nakasagot sapagkat wala siyang naakay o naibahagi sa iba ang Mabuting Balita.

Marahil, darating din ang araw na tatawid tayo sa pintuan ng langit. At sino ang makapagsasabi? Baka tayo rin ay tanungin ng Panginoon, “May ginawa ka ba upang maibahagi ang pananampalataya?” 

Ano kaya ang magiging sagot natin? Masasabi kaya nating naging tapat tayong saksi ni Hesus, o mapupuno ba ng panghihinayang ang ating puso dahil pinalampas natin ang maraming pagkakataong magbahagi ng Kanyang pag-ibig?

Nang tawagin ni Jesus ang Labindalawang Apostol, hindi Niya sila agad isinugo sa malalayong lugar. Sa halip, inutusan Niya silang magsimula sa mga taong nasa kanilang sariling paligid. Para bang sinasabi Niya, “Bago kayo lumayo, tiyakin muna ninyong naipahayag ang Mabuting Balita sa mga pinakamalapit sa inyo.”

Ganyan din ang paanyaya ng Panginoon sa ating lahat ngayon. Bago natin hangaring akayin ang iba, magsimula muna tayo sa loob ng ating sariling tahanan. 

Ang una nating misyon ay ang ating pamilya—ang ating asawa, mga anak, mga magulang, mga kapatid, at lahat ng mga taong ipinagkatiwala ng Diyos sa atin.

Isang natatanging tungkulin ng mga magulang ang akayin ang buong sambahayan upang makilala, mahalin, at sundan si Jesus. Napakagandang pagmasdan ang isang tahanang ang sentro ng buhay ay ang Panginoon.

Napakalakas ng patotoong ibinibigay ng isang pamilyang sama-samang dumadalo sa Banal na Misa tuwing Linggo. Hindi man sila magsalita, ang kanilang halimbawa ay tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang paanyaya sa iba na unahin din ang Diyos at sambahin Siya bilang isang pamilya.

Subalit sa panahon natin ngayon, madali tayong mahulog sa tinatawag na “selfie mindset,” na pinalalakas ng impluwensiya ng social media at ng makabagong pamumuhay. Unti-unti nating naiisip, “Buhay ko ito, pananampalataya ko ito, at ako lamang ang dapat kong isipin.”

Kapag ang ating pananampalataya ay naging nakatuon lamang sa ating sarili, unti-unti ring lumalamig ang ating malasakit sa kaligtasan ng iba at nawawala ang ating sigasig na maging mga saksi ni Hesus.

Ngunit hindi tayo tinawag ni Jesus upang mamuhay para lamang sa ating sarili. Tinawag Niya tayong maging liwanag ng mundo at asin ng lupa. Kaya't talikuran natin ang “selfie mindset” at yakapin natin ang “Gospel mindset”—isang pusong handang magmahal, maglingkod, at magbahagi ng Mabuting Balita.

Simulan natin ito sa ating sariling tahanan. Sa pamamagitan ng ating panalangin, mabuting halimbawa, mapagmahal na pananalita, at mga gawa ng kabutihan, maaari tayong maging daan upang makatagpo ng buhay na Hesus ang ating pamilya. Kapag si Hesus ang naghahari sa ating tahanan, ang Kanyang liwanag ay kusang magniningning hanggang sa maabot ang iba.

Manalangin tayo na puspusin tayo ng Espiritu Santo ng pag-ibig, karunungan, at lakas ng loob upang maging tapat na mga saksi ni Cristo saan man tayo naroroon. Nawa'y huwag nating sayangin ang mga taong ipinagkatiwala ng Diyos sa atin, sapagkat sila ang unang nais Niyang ating paglingkuran.

Kapag dumating ang araw na tayo'y humarap kay Jesus, maipagmamalaki ba nating naibahagi natin ang ating pananampalataya sa mga pinakamalapit sa ating puso, o mayroon pa bang miyembro ng ating sariling pamilya na naghihintay pa ring marinig ang Mabuting Balita sa pamamagitan ng ating buhay, ating mga salita, at ating pagmamahal?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 7 Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:32-38

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”  

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.  

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

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Reflection:

What are we going to do if the good we do is neither appreciated nor acknowledged?

Suppose we do something kind for a neighbor, but instead of hearing, “Thank you,” we are accused of having a hidden agenda. Such experiences can deeply hurt us and tempt us to stop doing good.

The same thing happened to Jesus. After He drove the demon out of the mute man, some people accused Him of being in league with demons. What an irony! The One who came to bring healing, freedom, and life was misunderstood and falsely judged. Yet Jesus did not allow rejection or false accusations to stop Him from fulfilling His mission. He remained faithful to His Father's will and continued doing good with love and humility.

 The Gospel gently reminds us that this may also happen to us. There will be times when our kindness is misunderstood, our sincere intentions are questioned, and our sacrifices go unnoticed. But if this happened to our Lord, we should not be surprised when it happens to us as well.

Jesus teaches us what to do when our goodness is not appreciated. We simply continue doing good because we do not serve to gain recognition, praise, or personal honor. Instead, we humbly offer our good works for the greater glory of God, trusting that He sees every act of love, no matter how hidden it may be.

Even when no one notices or appreciates our efforts, we need not lose heart. Our loving Father sees everything we do. He knows the true intentions of our hearts and understands every sacrifice we make for His sake. While people may judge only what is visible, God sees what is hidden within us. Our reward, therefore, comes from Him—not from human applause or approval.

Let us, then, never grow weary of doing good. Every act of kindness offered with love becomes a pleasing offering before God. Even if we do not receive our reward in this life, we can trust that the Lord, in His perfect time, will reward our faithfulness. He has prepared for us the gift of eternal life—a life filled with His presence, where there will be no more sorrow, worry, pain, or tears.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Will we continue doing good even when no one thanks us, misunderstands us, or recognizes our efforts, trusting that God's approval is far greater than the praise of the world?– Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 7 Martes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:32-38

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:32-38

Noong panahong iyon, dinala kay Jesus ang isang piping inaalihan ng demonyo. Pinalayas ni Jesus ang demonyo at nakapagsalita ang pipi. Namangha ang mga tao, at sinabi nila, "Kailanma'y walang nakitang katulad nito sa Israel!" Datapwat sinabi ng mga Pariseo, "Ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo." 

Nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila'y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol. 

Kaya't sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang aanihin."

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang gagawin natin kung ang kabutihang ginagawa natin ay hindi man lamang napahahalagahan o kinikilala? 

Halimbawa, gumawa tayo ng kabutihan para sa ating kapwa, ngunit sa halip na makarinig ng, “Salamat,” tayo pa ang mapagbintangang may lihim na motibo sa ating pagtulong. Masakit itong maranasan at maaaring matukso tayong tumigil na lamang sa paggawa ng mabuti. 

Ganito rin ang naranasan ni Jesus. Matapos Niyang palayasin ang demonyo sa piping lalaki, inakusahan pa Siya ng ilan na nakikipagsabwatan sa demonyo. Kay laking kabalintunaan! Ang Siyang dumating upang magdala ng kagalingan, kalayaan, at buhay ay Siya pang hinusgahan at pinaratangan ng kasamaan. 

Ngunit hindi hinayaan ni Jesus na pigilan Siya ng pagtanggi, maling paratang, o kawalan ng pagpapahalaga. Nanatili Siyang tapat sa kalooban ng Ama at nagpatuloy sa paggawa ng mabuti nang may kababaang-loob at pag-ibig. 

Ito rin ang paalala sa atin ng Ebanghelyo. Darating ang mga pagkakataong ang ating kabutihan ay hindi mauunawaan, ang ating mabuting hangarin ay pagdududahan, at ang ating mga sakripisyo ay hindi mapapansin. Ngunit kung ito ay naranasan ng ating Panginoon, hindi tayo dapat magtaka kung maranasan din natin ito. 

Itinuturo sa atin ni Jesus kung ano ang dapat nating gawin kapag hindi pinahahalagahan ang ating kabutihan. Magpatuloy lamang tayo sa paggawa ng mabuti, sapagkat hindi natin ito ginagawa upang tumanggap ng papuri, pagkilala, o karangalan. Ginagawa natin ito para sa higit na ikaluluwalhati ng Diyos. Ang ating mabubuting gawa ay maging tahimik na handog ng pag-ibig para sa Kanya. 

Kapag walang nakakakita o kumikilala sa ating kabutihan, huwag tayong panghinaan ng loob. Nakikita ng Panginoon ang bawat kabutihang ginagawa natin. Kilala Niya ang tunay na hangarin ng ating puso at nauunawaan Niya ang bawat sakripisyong iniaalay natin alang-alang sa Kanya. Maaaring tao ang tumingin lamang sa panlabas, ngunit ang Diyos ay tumitingin sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. Siya ang magbibigay ng gantimpala sa atin, hindi ang papuri o pagkilala ng mundo. 

Kaya't huwag tayong mapagod sa paggawa ng mabuti. Ang bawat kabutihang ginagawa natin nang may pag-ibig at katapatan ay hindi nasasayang sa paningin ng Diyos. At kung hindi man natin matanggap ang gantimpala sa buhay na ito, makapagtitiwala tayong gagantimpalaan tayo ng Panginoon sa Kanyang takdang panahon. Inihahanda Niya para sa atin ang buhay na walang hanggan—isang buhay na wala nang luha, dalamhati, pag-aalala, o sakit, kundi walang hanggang kagalakan sa Kanyang piling. 

Ngayon, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Magpapatuloy pa rin ba tayong gumawa ng mabuti kahit hindi tayo pasalamatan, kilalanin, o maunawaan ng iba, dahil sapat na ba sa atin ang malaman na ang Diyos ang nakakakita, nakaaalam, at nalulugod sa bawat kabutihang iniaalay natin para sa Kanya?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 6 Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:18-26

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. 

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.  

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

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Reflection:

Do we worry that our prayers to the Lord will not be heard?

Let us not allow fear or anxiety to take hold of our hearts. As long as we come to the Lord with genuine faith, we can be confident that He hears every prayer we offer. He may not always answer according to our own plans or timetable, but He always responds according to His perfect wisdom, love, and will. Our prayers are never ignored, for our loving and faithful God knows what is truly best for us.

Why is it that we do not always receive what we ask from Jesus? At times, it is because doubt weakens our faith, or because we fail to cooperate with Him through faithful action. True faith is not only expressed through our words but is also revealed by the way we live and respond to God's call.

Sometimes we pray without deep conviction. We utter words, yet our hearts are hesitant, uncertain, or divided. But powerful prayer flows from a heart that completely trusts in the Lord. When we surrender our fears, cast aside our doubts, and confidently entrust everything to Jesus, we open ourselves to receive His grace. We can rest in the assurance that He is gracious, merciful, and always faithful to those who seek Him with sincere hearts.

In today's Gospel, we encounter two people whose prayers were strengthened by both faith and action. They did not simply ask Jesus for help—they approached Him with unwavering trust and acted upon that faith. Because they believed in His power and compassion, they experienced His loving response.

May their example inspire us to bring every joy, every burden, every fear, and every hope before the Lord. Let us continue to go to Jesus not only when we are in need, but also in moments of peace, gratitude, and blessing. The more we seek Him, the more our friendship with Him deepens, and the stronger our faith becomes. As we remain close to Him, we learn to trust Him more completely and discover the peace that only He can give.

How do we deepen our friendship with Jesus? We spend time with Him each day in prayer, meditate on His Word in the Bible, faithfully participate in the Holy Mass, and visit Him in the Adoration Chapel. Every moment we spend with the Lord draws us closer to His Sacred Heart and transforms us little by little into the people He calls us to be.

Today, Jesus lovingly invites us to trust Him more deeply than ever before. Will we bring our prayers to Him with unwavering faith, support them with faithful action, and choose each day to grow in a deeper friendship with the One who never fails us?– Marino J. Dasmarinas