Reflection for Tuesday February 10 Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin: Mark 7:1-13

Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. (For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders.  

And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.) So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: 

This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; In vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! 

For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die. Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

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Reflection:

Are we fond of insisting on rules that we ourselves do not actually follow?

Oftentimes, we may find ourselves insisting that others follow certain rules, standards, or traditions. In the Gospel, Jesus criticized the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes because they insisted on following the tradition of washing their hands before eating. Yet Jesus knew them very well. He knew that while they were good at pushing people to follow their traditions and man-made laws, they themselves were not faithfully following the very laws they had created.

What made Jesus an extraordinary leader was not only His wisdom but His example. He led by the way He lived. There was no hypocrisy in Him. He practiced what He preached. His words and His actions were one. As His followers, are we not sometimes—or even oftentimes—like the Pharisees and scribes?

We can be good at telling others what to do, yet we ourselves may struggle to do what we expect from others. In our families, for example, we may set rules and boundaries for our children, yet we ourselves may fail to live by the same standards we set. In our workplaces, communities, and even in our faith life, we may speak what is right, yet find it difficult to live it out consistently.

Oftentimes, we lose the respect of others not because of what we say, but because of how we live. When our words and actions do not match, trust is weakened. But when we strive to live what we believe, when we humbly try to align our actions with our words, we become living witnesses of truth, integrity, and faith.

Jesus shows us that true leadership and true discipleship begin in the heart and are proven through our daily actions. He calls all of us not to perfection, but to sincerity—to a life where we continually try to put His teachings into action through how we think, speak, and live.

When we strive to live this way, we do not only earn respect—we also give glory to God through our lives. 

Are we willing to allow Jesus to transform us from people who only speak what is right into people who truly live what is right, even when it is difficult and unseen? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 10 Martes Paggunita kay Santa Escolastica, dalaga: Marcos 7:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-13

Noong panahong iyon may mga Pariseo at ilang eskribang galing sa Jerusalem, na lumapit kay Jesus. Nakita nila na ang ilan sa mga alagad ni Jesus ay kumain ng hindi muna naghugas ng kamay sa paraang naaayon sa turong minana nila.  

Ang mga Judio, lalo na ang mga Pariseo, ay hindi kumakain hangga't hindi nakapaghuhugas ng kamay ayon sa mga turong minana nila sa kanilang mga ninuno. Hindi rin sila kumakain ng anumang galing sa palengke nang hindi muna ito hinuhugasan. At marami pang ibang minanang turo ang kanilang sinusunod, tulad ng tanging paraan ng paghuhugas ng mga inuman, ng mga saro, ng mga sisidlang tanso [at mga higaan]. 

Kaya't tinanong si Jesus ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba, "Bakit hindi sumusunod ang mga alagad mo sa mga turo ng ating mga ninuno? Kumain sila nang hindi man lamang naghugas ng kamay ayon sa paraang iniutos!" Sinagot sila ni Jesus, "Tama ang hula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyo, gaya ng kanyang isinulat: 'Paggalang na handog sa 'kin ng bayan ko'y paimbabaw lamang, Sapagkat sa bibig at hindi sa puso ito bumubukal. Pagpupuri't pagsambang ginagawa nila'y walang kabuluhan, Ang utos ng tao ay itinuturong utos ng Maykapal.'  

Niwawalang-kabuluhan nga ninyo ang utos ng Diyos, at ang sinusunod ninyo'y ang turo ng tao."Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Kay husay ng paraan ninyo sa pagpapawalang-bisa sa utos ng Diyos masunod lamng ninyo ang mga turong minana ninyo! Tulad nito: iniutos ni Moises, 'Igalang mo ang iyong ama't ina'; at, 'Ang magsalita ng masama sa kanyang ama o ina ay dapat mamatay.'  

Ngunit itinuturo ninyo, 'Kapag sinabi ng isang tao sa kanyang ama o ina; Ang anumang maitutulong ko sa inyo ay Corban' (alalaong baga'y inihahain ko ito sa Diyos)-- hindi na ninyo siya pinahihintulutang tumulong sa kanyang ama o ina. Sa ganitong paraa'y niwawalang-kabuluhan ninyo ang salita ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga turong minana ninyo. at marami pang bagay na tulad nito ang ginagawa Ninyo.

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Repleksyon:

Madalas ba tayong mag utos ng mga tuntunin na tayo mismo ay hindi naman sumusunod?

Kadalasan, maaari nating makita ang ating mga sarili na ipinipilit sa iba ang mga patakaran, pamantayan, o tradisyon. Sa Mabuting Balita, kinondena ni Jesus ang pagkukunwari ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba dahil ipinipilit nila ang tradisyon ng paghuhugas ng kamay bago kumain.

Ngunit kilalang-kilala sila ni Jesus. Alam Niya na bagama’t magaling silang mag-utos sa iba na sundin ang kanilang mga tradisyon at mga batas na gawa ng tao, sila mismo ay hindi tapat na sumusunod sa mismong mga batas na kanilang ginawa.

Ano ang nagpa-iba kay Jesus bilang isang pambihirang guro at pinuno? Hindi lamang ang Kanyang karunungan kundi ang Kanyang halimbawa. Pinangunahan Niya tayo sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang pamumuhay. Walang pagkukunwari sa Kanya. Isinabuhay Niya ang Kanyang ipinangaral. Iisa ang Kanyang salita at gawa. Bilang Kanyang mga tagasunod, hindi ba tayo minsan katulad ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba?

Maaaring magaling tayong magsabi sa iba kung ano ang dapat nilang gawin, ngunit tayo mismo ay nahihirapang gawin ang inaasahan natin sa iba. Sa ating mga pamilya, halimbawa, maaari tayong magtakda ng mga alituntunin para sa ating mga anak, ngunit tayo mismo ay hindi laging namumuhay ayon sa mga pamantayang iyon. Sa ating trabaho, komunidad, at maging sa ating buhay-pananampalataya, maaari nating sabihin kung ano ang tama, ngunit nahihirapan tayong isabuhay ito araw-araw.

Nawawala ang paggalang sa atin ng iba hindi dahil sa ating mga sinasabi, kundi dahil sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay. Kapag hindi nagtutugma ang ating salita at gawa, humihina ang tiwala ng iba sa atin. Ngunit kapag sinisikap nating isabuhay ang ating pinaniniwalaan, kapag mapagkumbaba nating inaayon ang ating kilos sa ating mga salita, nagiging buhay tayong saksi ng katotohanan, integridad, at pananampalataya.

Ipinapakita sa atin ni Jesus na ang tunay na pamumuno at tunay na pagiging alagad ay nagsisimula sa puso at napapatunayan sa ating araw-araw na pamumuhay. Tinatawag Niya tayong lahat hindi sa pagiging perpekto, kundi sa pagiging tapat—sa buhay na patuloy na nagsisikap isabuhay ang Kanyang mga turo sa ating pag-iisip, pananalita, at pagkilos.

Kapag sinisikap nating mamuhay nang ganito, hindi lamang tayo nagkakamit ng paggalang—nagbibigay din tayo ng kaluwalhatian sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng ating buhay.

Handa ba tayong hayaang baguhin tayo ni Jesus—mula sa mga taong nagsasabi lamang ng tama tungo sa mga taong tunay na namumuhay sa tama, kahit mahirap at walang nakakakita? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 9 Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:53-56

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him.                 

They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

Why do we pray to Jesus?

Perhaps we pray because we long for something from the Lord, and because we desire to place all our cares, fears, and worries into His loving hands. Prayer is not only about asking; it is about drawing close to the One who truly understands the deepest longings of our hearts.

In the Gospel, people went to Jesus when they learned that He was in their area. They brought their sick and carried with them the hidden burdens they had been keeping in their hearts. They longed for healing for their bodies and their souls, and Jesus never turned them away.

In the same way, we too come to Him, bringing not only our physical needs but also our emotional pain, our fears about the future, and the silent struggles that only we and God know.

Whenever we go to Jesus and ask Him for something, let us trust that He will give us what is truly best for us. Sometimes this may be physical healing. Other times, it may be emotional or spiritual healing—healing that strengthens our hearts, renews our hope, and restores our peace. When we believe that Jesus is already at work within us, we begin to live with calm confidence, knowing that we are never alone in our struggles.

But what about those of us who pray for physical healing yet do not receive it? There are many times when we pray with deep faith and still do not experience the physical healing we hope for. Yet physical healing is only a small part of the greater healing that Jesus desires to give us. What we must always recognize and be grateful for is the emotional and spiritual healing that He generously pours into our lives whenever we turn to Him with sincere hearts.

If we are not healed physically, we need not lose hope. The faith that lives in our hearts is more than enough to help us face whatever sickness, fear, or uncertainty may come our way. Our faith anchors us in God’s love. Our faith reminds us that Jesus walks with us, carries us, and strengthens us even in our weakest moments.

So let us continue to believe. Let us continue to trust. Let us continue to pray—not only when we need something, but because we love the One who first loved us.

As we come before Jesus in prayer, do we truly trust that He is already working in our lives, even in ways we cannot yet see—and are we willing to surrender everything to Him, no matter the outcome?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 9 Lunes ng Ika-5 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:53-56

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:53-56

Noong panahong iyon, sina Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay tumawid ng lawa, at pagdating sa Genesaret ay isinadsad nila ang bangka. Paglunsad nila, nakilala agad sila ng mga tao. Kaya't nagmamadaling nilibot ng mga ito ang mga pook sa paligid; at ang mga may sakit, na nakaratay na sa higaan ay dinala nila kay Jesus, saanman nila mabalitaang naroon siya. 

At saanman siya dumating maging sa nayon, lunsod, o kabukiran ay dinadala sa liwasan ang mga may sakit at isinasamo sa kanya na pahipuin sila kahit man lang sa palawit ng kanyang kasuotan. At lahat ng makahipo nito ay gumagaling.  

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Repleksyon:

Bakit tayo nananalangin kay Hesus?

Marahil tayo ay nananalangin dahil may hinihiling tayo sa Panginoon, at dahil nais nating ilagak sa Kanyang mapagmahal na mga kamay ang lahat ng ating alalahanin, takot, at mga pasanin. Ang panalangin ay hindi lamang paghingi; ito ay paglapit sa Kanya na lubos na nakauunawa sa pinakamalalim na hinahangad ng ating mga puso.

Sa Mabuting Balita, lumapit ang mga tao kay Hesus nang malaman nilang Siya ay nasa kanilang lugar. Dinala nila ang kanilang mga maysakit at pati ang mga problemang matagal na nilang kinikimkim sa kanilang mga puso. Ninais nila ang kagalingan para sa kanilang katawan at kaluluwa, at hindi sila binigo ni Hesus.

Gayundin, tayo rin ay lumalapit sa Kanya dala hindi lamang ang ating pisikal na pangangailangan kundi pati ang ating sakit sa damdamin, mga pangamba sa hinaharap, at mga tahimik na laban na tanging tayo at ang Diyos ang nakaaalam.

Sa tuwing tayo ay lumalapit kay Hesus at may hinihiling sa Kanya, magtiwala tayo na ibibigay Niya ang tunay na makabubuti sa atin. Minsan, ito ay pisikal na kagalingan. Sa ibang pagkakataon, ito ay emosyonal o espirituwal na kagalingan—kagalingang nagpapalakas ng ating puso, nagbabalik ng ating pag-asa, at nagbibigay ng kapayapaan sa ating kalooban.

Kapag naniniwala tayo na si Hesus ay kumikilos na sa ating buhay, natututo tayong mamuhay nang may kapayapaan at pagtitiwala, sapagkat alam nating hindi tayo nag-iisa sa ating mga pinagdaraanan.

Ngunit paano naman tayong mga nananalangin para sa pisikal na kagalingan ngunit hindi ito natatanggap? Maraming pagkakataon na tayo ay nananalangin nang may malalim na pananampalataya ngunit hindi natin nararanasan ang pisikal na paggaling na ating inaasam.

Gayunman, ang pisikal na kagalingan ay maliit na bahagi lamang ng mas dakilang kagalingang nais ibigay sa atin ni Hesus. Ang dapat nating kilalanin at ipagpasalamat ay ang emosyonal at espirituwal na kagalingang patuloy Niyang ibinubuhos sa ating buhay tuwing tayo ay lumalapit sa Kanya nang may tapat na puso.

Kung hindi man tayo gumaling sa pisikal, huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang pananampalatayang nananahan sa ating mga puso ay higit pa sa sapat upang tulungan tayong harapin ang anumang karamdaman, takot, o pagsubok na maaaring dumating sa ating buhay. Ang ating pananampalataya ang nagpapaalala sa atin na kasama natin si Hesus—ginagabayan tayo, pinapalakas tayo, at binubuhat tayo lalo na sa mga sandaling tayo ay nanghihina.

Kaya patuloy tayong maniwala. Patuloy tayong magtiwala. Patuloy tayong manalangin—hindi lamang kapag may kailangan tayo, kundi dahil mahal natin ang Diyos na unang nagmahal sa atin.

Habang tayo ay lumalapit kay Hesus sa panalangin, tunay ba nating pinagtitiwala sa Kanya ang ating buong buhay, kahit hindi natin nakikita at nararamdaman agad ang Kanyang sagot?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 8 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:13-16

Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a hardworking single mother who was able to bring up her children and send them to college by herself. She stood strong through life’s struggles, trusting that God would provide for their needs. This same single mother also became the bond that kept her siblings closely knit, reminding us that love, when rooted in sacrifice, has the power to hold families together.

Every now and then, she would reach out to help her poor siblings. Being the eldest, she patiently counseled them. Whenever they needed help, she was always there to give it—without any strings attached. In many ways, this extraordinary woman reflects what Jesus said to His disciples: “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

What does salt give? Salt gives flavor to food. It defines taste. It also acts as a preservative that prevents meat from decaying. In the same way, when we allow God to work in us, we bring flavor, meaning, and direction to the lives of the people around us. Through love, sacrifice, and perseverance, we help preserve one another from losing hope and from going astray.

And what did Jesus mean when He said that we are the light of the world? Jesus calls us to illuminate the lives of others through our actions, our kindness, and our compassion. When we serve with humility and love, expecting nothing in return, we reflect His light to a world that often walks in darkness.

Therefore, the challenge for all of us is to become salt and light in the lives of the people around us—within our families, among our friends, in our workplaces, and even to those who know us although we may not personally know them. Every small act of love, every quiet sacrifice, and every moment of patience can become a light that leads others closer to God.

 When the love and humility of Jesus are deeply rooted in our lives, we naturally become salt that gives life and light that gives hope to others. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Pebrero 8 Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:13-16

                                                               Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:13-16

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Kayo’y asin sa sanlibutan. Kung mawalan ng alat ang asin, paano pang mapananauli ang alat nito? Wala na itong kabuluhan kaya’t itinatapon na lamang at niyayapakan ng mga tao. 

“Kayo’y ilaw sa sanlibutan. Hindi maitatago ang isang lungsod na nakatayo sa ibabaw ng burol. Walang nagsisindi ng ilaw at naglalagay nito sa ilalim ng takalan. Sa halip ay inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang matanglawan ang lahat ng nasa bahay. 

Gayun din naman, dapat ninyong paliwanagin ang inyong ilaw sa harapan ng mga tao, upang makita nila ang inyong mabubuting gawa, at luwalhatiin ang inyong Amang nasa Langit.”

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang masipag na ina na nagawang palakihin ang kanyang mga anak at mapagtapos sila ng kolehiyo sa sarili niyang pagsisikap. Matatag siyang humarap sa mga pagsubok ng buhay, nagtitiwala na ang Diyos ang magbibigay ng lahat ng kanilang pangangailangan.

Ang inang ito rin ang naging bigkis na nagpanatiling nagkakaisa ang kanyang mga kapatid. Ipinapaalala nito sa atin na ang pagmamahal na nakaugat sa sakripisyo ay may kapangyarihang pag-isahin at mag bigay ng inspirasyon sa pamilya.

Paminsan-minsan, tinutulungan din niya ang kanyang mga kapatid na nangangailangan. Bilang panganay, matiyaga niya silang pinapayuhan. Kapag kailangan nila ng tulong, lagi siyang nariyan upang magbigay—walang hinihintay na kapalit. Sa maraming paraan, ang kahanga-hangang babaeng ito ay sumasalamin sa sinabi ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga alagad: “Kayo ang asin ng lupa at ilaw ng sanlibutan.”

Ano ang naibibigay ng asin? Nagbibigay ito ng lasa sa pagkain. Mas pinatitingkad nito ang tunay na lasa. Nagsisilbi rin itong pan-preserba upang hindi agad masira ang karne. Ganoon din kapag hinahayaan nating kumilos ang Diyos sa ating buhay—nagiging daan tayo upang magkaroon ng saysay, direksyon, at pag-asa ang buhay ng mga tao sa ating paligid. Sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal, sakripisyo, at pagbibigay ng inspirasyon, natutulungan natin ang isa’t isa upang hindi mawalan ng pag-asa at hindi maligaw ng landas.

Ano naman ang ibig sabihin ni Jesus nang sabihin Niyang tayo ang ilaw ng sanlibutan? Tinatawag Niya tayong magbigay-liwanag sa buhay ng iba sa pamamagitan ng ating mga gawa, kabutihan, at malasakit. Kapag tayo ay naglilingkod at tumutulong nang may kababaang-loob at pagmamahal, nang walang inaasahang kapalit, naipapakita natin ang Kanyang liwanag sa mundong madalas ay nababalot ng dilim.

Kaya ang hamon para sa ating lahat ay maging asin at ilaw sa buhay ng mga taong nasa paligid natin—sa ating pamilya, sa ating mga kaibigan, sa ating trabaho, at maging sa mga taong nakakakilala sa atin kahit hindi natin sila lubos na kilala. Ang bawat munting gawa ng pagmamahal, bawat tahimik na sakripisyo, at bawat sandali ng pagbibigay ng inspirasyon ay nagiging  ilaw na maglalapit sa ating kapwa sa Diyos.

 Kapag ang pag-ibig at kababaang-loob ni Jesus ay malalim na nakatanim sa ating buhay, kusang lumalabas sa atin ang pagiging asin na nagbibigay-buhay at ilaw na nagbibigay-pag-asa at liwanag sa iba. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 7 Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:30-34

Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

The Apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat.  

So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.  

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was very busy with his many businesses that he no longer had time for God. Day after day, he poured his energy into his work, his plans, and his worldly pursuits, until God slowly faded into the background of his life. One day, he felt an unusual pain in his body, so he went to a doctor for a medical checkup. After going through a battery of tests, he discovered that he had a severe illness.

In his fear and helplessness, he turned to the Lord and prayed sincerely for healing. In the depths of his prayer, he promised the Lord that if He would heal him, he would devote more time to Him than to his many worldly concerns. By God’s grace, the man was healed, and true to his word, he fulfilled his promise and began to give God the place He deserved in his life.

As we reflect on this story, we are invited to look into our own lives. Are we always busy with our many worldly concerns—business, politics, ambitions, or anything that keeps our focus fixed only on this world?

Oftentimes, many of us become so busy with worldly concerns that we slowly lose time for God. We hardly find time to pray, to read the Bible, or to be with Jesus at Holy Mass. This is not a good sign for our spiritual well-being. What will happen to us if we are always busy with worldly concerns and no longer have time for God? What will happen to our souls if we gain success in the world but slowly lose our closeness to Him?

In the Gospel, after working hard in carrying out their mission, the apostles returned and told Jesus about their accomplishments. Jesus recognized their efforts and lovingly said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while.” Then they went away in a boat to a secluded place by themselves (Mark 6:30–32).

What did they do in that quiet and secluded place? Perhaps they reflected on their mission. Perhaps they reflected on their relationship with their Master and Teacher, Jesus. Perhaps, as close followers of Christ, they had a moment of spiritual recollection—a sacred pause to rest in the presence of God.

Despite the frenetic pace of our smartphone-driven lives, wherein many of us spend more time exploring social media using our smartphones than communicating with God, our need to meditate and reflect on God’s role in our lives has never diminished. In fact, amid the noise, pressure, and busyness of our daily lives, we need even more to be reminded that there is a God who is lovingly waiting to reveal Himself to us, to listen to us, and to embrace us with His mercy and love.

One of the most effective ways of connecting with God is to find our own quiet place where we can speak to Him heart-to-heart in prayer. Even Jesus, in His humanity, always found time to withdraw to a quiet place to rest and to commune with the Father. If the Son of God made time for prayer, how much more do we need it in our lives?

Therefore, we must intentionally find time for God no matter how busy we are. For what good will it do us if we gain all the riches, power, and recognition in this world but have no relationship with God? All things in this world will pass away, but our relationship with God is eternal.

God is longing for us. He is patiently waiting for us to return to Him, to speak with Him, and to walk with Him every day of our lives.

Let us pause and ask ourselves: In the busyness of our lives, are we still making space for God… or are we slowly replacing Him with the things of this world? And if God is lovingly calling us back to Him right now, will we answer His call?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 7 Sabado ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:30-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:30-34

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik kay Hesus ang mga apostol at iniulat ang lahat ng kanilang naisagawa at naituro. Napakaraming taong dumarating at umaalis, anupat hindi na makuhang kumain ni Hesus at ng kanyang mga alagad. 

Kaya’t sinabi niya sa mga ito, “Magtungo tayo sa isang ilang na pook upang malayo sa karamihan at makapagpahinga kayo nang kaunti.” Umalis silang lulan ng bangka, at nagpunta nga sa isang ilang na dako.  

Ngunit maraming nakakita sa kanilang pag-alis at nakilala sila. Kaya’t mula sa lahat ng bayan, ang mga tao’y patakbong tumungo sa dakong pupuntahan nina Hesus at nauna pang dumating doon kaysa kanila. Paglunsad ni Hesus, nakita niya ang napakaraming tao; nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang walang pastol. At sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaki na labis na naging abala sa kanyang maraming negosyo kaya unti-unti na siyang nawalan ng panahon para sa Diyos. Araw-araw, ibinuhos niya ang kanyang lakas sa trabaho, sa mga plano, at sa mga bagay ng mundo, hanggang sa ang Diyos ay unti-unting naisantabi sa kanyang buhay.

Isang araw, nakaramdam siya ng kakaibang pananakit sa kanyang katawan kaya nagpunta siya sa doktor para magpatingin. Matapos sumailalim sa iba’t ibang pagsusuri, nalaman niyang mayroon siyang malubhang karamdaman.

Sa gitna ng kanyang takot at panghihina, lumapit siya sa Panginoon at taimtim na nanalangin para sa kagalingan. Nangako siya sa Panginoon na kung siya ay pagagalingin, ilalaan niya ang mas maraming panahon sa Kanya kaysa sa kanyang mga alalahanin sa mundo. Sa biyaya ng Diyos, siya ay gumaling, at tinupad niya ang kanyang pangako at nagsimulang bigyan ang Diyos ng tamang lugar sa kanyang buhay.

Habang pinagninilayan natin ang kuwentong ito, inaanyayahan tayong tingnan ang ating sariling buhay. Tayo ba ay labis ding abala sa ating mga alalahanin sa mundo—sa negosyo, pulitika, ambisyon, o anumang bagay na nakatuon lamang sa mundong ito?

Kadalasan, marami sa atin ang nagiging sobrang abala sa mga bagay ng mundo kaya unti-unti tayong nawawalan ng oras para sa Diyos. Halos wala na tayong panahon upang manalangin, magbasa ng Bibliya, o makasama si Jesus sa Banal na Misa. Hindi ito mabuting senyales para sa ating espiritwal na kapakanan.

Ano ang mangyayari sa atin kung palagi tayong abala sa mga bagay ng mundo at wala na tayong panahon para sa Diyos? Ano ang mangyayari sa ating kaluluwa kung makamtan man natin ang tagumpay sa mundo ngunit unti-unti naman tayong napapalayo sa Kanya?

Sa Mabuting Balita, matapos magsumikap sa kanilang misyon, bumalik ang mga apostol at ikinuwento kay Jesus ang kanilang mga nagawa. Kinilala ni Jesus ang kanilang pagsisikap at sinabi sa kanila, “Sumama kayo sa isang tahimik na lugar at magpahinga sandali.” Kaya sila ay sumakay sa bangka at pumunta sa isang liblib na lugar na sila lamang ang naroon (Marcos 6:30–32).

Ano kaya ang ginawa nila sa tahimik at liblib na lugar na iyon? Marahil ay pinagnilayan nila ang kanilang misyon. Marahil ay pinagnilayan nila ang kanilang relasyon sa kanilang Guro at Panginoon na si hesus. Marahil, bilang malalapit na tagasunod ni Hesus, nagkaroon sila ng maikling sandali ng espiritwal na pagninilay—isang banal na paghinto upang magpahinga sa presensya ng Diyos.

Sa kabila ng mabilis at magulong takbo ng ating buhay na pinamumunuan ng teknolohiya, kung saan marami sa atin ang mas maraming oras na nakikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga smartphone kaysa sa Diyos, hindi nababawasan ang ating pangangailangang magnilay at pag-isipan ang papel ng Diyos sa ating buhay.

Sa katunayan, sa gitna ng ingay, pressure, at pagiging abala ng ating araw-araw na pamumuhay, mas kailangan nating alalahanin na may Diyos na naghihintay sa atin—handa Siyang makinig sa atin, kausapin tayo, at yakapin tayo ng Kanyang awa at pagmamahal.

Isa sa pinakamabisang paraan upang makipag-ugnayan sa Diyos ay ang paghahanap ng sarili nating tahimik na lugar kung saan maaari tayong makipag-usap sa Kanya nang puso sa puso sa panalangin.

Maging si Hesus, sa Kanyang pagiging tao, ay laging naghahanap ng panahon upang pumunta sa isang tahimik na lugar upang magpahinga at manalangin sa Ama. Kung ang Anak ng Diyos ay naglaan ng panahon para sa panalangin, gaano pa kaya tayo na higit na nangangailangan nito sa ating buhay?

Kaya naman, dapat tayong sadyang maglaan ng panahon para sa Diyos gaano man tayo kaabala. Sapagkat ano ang mapapala natin kung makamtan natin ang lahat ng kayamanan, kapangyarihan, at pagkilala sa mundong ito ngunit wala naman tayong relasyon sa Diyos? Ang lahat ng bagay sa mundong ito ay lilipas, ngunit ang ating ugnayan sa Diyos ay walang hanggan.

Ang Diyos ay naghihintay sa atin. Siya ay matiyagang naghihintay na tayo ay lumapit sa Kanya, makipag-usap sa Kanya, at makasama Siya sa araw-araw ng ating buhay.

Sandali tayong tumigil at tanungin ang ating sarili: Sa sobrang pagiging abala natin sa buhay, may puwang pa ba ang Diyos sa ating puso… o unti-unti na ba natin Siyang napapalitan ng mga bagay ng mundong ito? Kung ngayon ay tinatawag tayo ng Diyos para isama sa isang tahimik na lugar, handa ba tayong tumugon sa Kanyang tawag?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday February 6 Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs: Mark 6:14-29

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets. But when Herod learned of it, he said “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.  

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

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.  

He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist. The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.  

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

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Reflection:

What does it mean when we are constantly bothered by our conscience? It often means that deep within us, we know that we have done something wrong. Our conscience is God’s gentle voice reminding us that we are called to live in truth and righteousness. And oftentimes, the only cure for wrongdoing is not to hide it, but to humbly correct it before God.

For example, when a believer becomes unfaithful to a spouse, the conscience naturally becomes troubled. There is an inner unrest that will not easily disappear. This inner torment usually remains until there is honest admission, sincere repentance, and true surrender to God’s mercy. Our conscience is not meant to destroy us, but to lead us back to the loving arms of the Lord.

When King Herod heard about the miraculous works of Jesus and the growing popularity He was gaining among the people, Herod remembered John, whom he had ordered to be beheaded. Even though Herod knew that he himself had ordered John’s death, fear and guilt began to trouble his heart. It was as if his conscience was speaking loudly to him, reminding him of the grave wrong that he had done.

Why did King Herod think of John when he heard about Jesus? It was because his conscience was already burdened. He had done something terribly wrong, and the price he paid was a troubled and restless heart. Guilt became his constant companion.

Aren’t we like that too when we do wrong? When we hurt others, when we choose selfishness over love, or when we ignore God’s voice in our hearts, we also experience that inner unrest. But unlike Herod, we are blessed because we are given the chance to repent, to confess, and to begin again. When we sincerely turn back to God, He does not condemn us. Instead, He forgives us, heals us, and restores our peace.

So why should we allow ourselves to be trapped in guilt when God is always ready to forgive? Why not strive, with God’s grace, to avoid sin and to live lives that are pleasing to Him? Yes, we may fall. Yes, we are weak. But we are never alone, because Jesus is always ready to help us become clean and faithful each day.

Today, let us ask Jesus to purify our hearts, to strengthen our conscience, and to help us choose what is right even when it is difficult. Let us not be afraid to admit our sins, because God’s mercy is always greater than our failures.

If today our conscience is speaking to us, will we listen and return to the Lord… or will we silence His voice and carry the burden of guilt in our hearts?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Pebrero 6 Paggunita kina San Pedro Bautista, San Pablo Miki at mga Kasama, mga martir: Marcos 6:14-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:14-29

Noong panahong iyon, nakarating kay Haring Herodes ang balita tungkol kay Jesus, sapagkat bantog na ang pangalan nito. May nagsasabi, "Siya'y si Juan Bautista na muling binuhay, kaya nakagagawa siya ng himala." May nagsasabi naman, "Siya'y si Elias." "Siya'y propeta, katulad ng mga propeta noong una," anang iba pa. 

Sinabi naman ni Herodes nang mabalitaan niya ito, "Muling nabuhay si Juan na pinapugutan ko." Si Herodes ang nagpahuli, nagpagapos at nagpabilanggo kay Juan dahil kay Herodias. Ang babaing ito'y asawa ni Felipe na kapatid ni Herodes ngunit kinakasama niya. Laging sinasabi sa kanya ni Juan, "Hindi matuwid na kunin ninyo ang asawa ng inyong kapatid." Kaya't si Herodias ay nagkimkim ng galit kay Juan. 

Hinangad niyang ipapatay ito, ngunit hindi niya magawa, sapagkat natatakot si Herodes kay Juan. Alam niyang ito'y taong matuwid at banal, kaya't ipinagsasanggalang niya, Gustong-gusto niyang makinig kay Juan, bagamat labis siyang nababagabag sa mga sinasabi nito. Sa wakas ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Herodias nang anyayahan ni Herodes sa kanyang kaarawan ang kanyang mga kagawad, mga pinuno ng hukbo, at mga pangunahing mamamayan ng Galilea. 

Pumasok ang anak na babae ni Herodias at nagsayaw. Labis na nasiyahan si Herodes at ang mga panauhin, kaya't sinabi ng hari sa dalaga, "Hingin mo sa akin ang anumang ibig mo at ibibigay ko sa iyo." At naisumpa pa niyang ibibigay kahit ang kalahati ng kanyang kaharian kung ito ang hihilingin. Lumabas ang dalaga at tinanong ang kanyang ina, "Ano ang hihingin ko?" "Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sagot ng ina. Dali-daling nagbalik ang dalaga sa kinaroroonan ng hari. "Ang ibig ko po'y ibigay ninyo sa akin ngayon din, sa isang pinggan, ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sabi niya. 

Labis na nalungkot ang hari, ngunit dahil sa kanyang sumpa na narinig ng kanyang mga panauhin, hindi niya matanggihan ang dalaga. Kaagad niyang iniutos sa isang bantay na dalhin sa kanya ang ulo ni Juan. Sumunod ang bantay at pinugutan si Juan sa bilangguan, at inilagay ang ulo sa isang pinggan, at ibinigay sa dalaga. Ibinigay naman iyon ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, kinuha nila ang kanyang bangkay at inilibing.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang ibig sabihin kapag patuloy tayong binabagabag ng ating konsensya? Madalas, nangangahulugan ito na sa kaibuturan ng ating puso, alam nating may nagawa tayong mali. Ang ating konsensya ay parang banayad na tinig ng Diyos na nagpapaalala sa atin na tayo ay tinatawag upang mamuhay sa katotohanan at katuwiran. At kadalasan, ang tanging lunas sa ating pagkakamali ay hindi ang pagtatago nito, kundi ang mapagkumbabang pagwawasto nito sa harap ng Diyos.

Halimbawa, kapag ang isang mananampalataya ay nagiging hindi tapat sa kanyang asawa, natural lamang na mabagabag ang kanyang konsensya. Mayroong panloob na pagkabalisa na hindi basta nawawala. Ang ganitong paghihirap sa kalooban ay kadalasang nananatili hangga’t walang tapat na pag-amin, taos-pusong pagsisisi, at tunay na pagsuko sa awa ng Diyos. Ang ating konsensya ay hindi ibinigay upang tayo’y sirain, kundi upang tayo’y ibalik sa mapagmahal na yakap ng Panginoon.

Nang marinig ni Haring Herodes ang tungkol sa mga himala ni Jesus at sa lumalaking katanyagan Niya sa mga tao, naalala niya si Juan na kanyang ipinag-utos na pugutan ng ulo. Kahit alam ni Herodes na siya mismo ang nag-utos ng kamatayan ni Juan, nagsimulang guluhin ng takot at pagkakasala ang kanyang puso. Para bang malakas na nagsasalita ang kanyang konsensya, na nagpapaalala sa kanya ng mabigat na kasalanang kanyang nagawa.

Bakit naisip ni Haring Herodes si Juan nang marinig niya ang tungkol kay Jesus? Ito ay dahil noon pa man ay binabagabag na siya ng kanyang konsensya. May nagawa siyang napakalaking kasalanan, at ang kapalit nito ay isang pusong hindi mapakali. Ang guilt o bigat ng pagkakasala ang naging palaging kasama niya.

Hindi ba’t ganito rin tayo kapag tayo ay nagkakasala? Kapag nakakasakit tayo ng kapwa, kapag pinipili natin ang sarili kaysa sa pag-ibig, o kapag binabalewala natin ang tinig ng Diyos sa ating puso, nakararanas din tayo ng panloob na pagkabalisa. Ngunit hindi tulad ni Herodes, pinagpala tayo dahil binibigyan tayo ng pagkakataong magsisi, umamin, at magsimulang muli. Kapag tayo ay taos-pusong bumabalik sa Diyos, hindi Niya tayo hinahatulan. Sa halip, pinatatawad Niya tayo, pinagagaling ang ating puso, at ibinabalik ang ating kapayapaan.

Kaya bakit natin hahayaang manatili tayo sa pagkakulong ng pagkabagabag at pagkabalisa kung ang Diyos ay laging handang magpatawad? Bakit hindi tayo magsikap, sa tulong ng biyaya ng Diyos, na iwasan ang kasalanan at mamuhay nang kalugud-lugod sa Kanya? Oo, maaari tayong magkamali. Oo, tayo ay mahina. Ngunit hindi tayo nag-iisa, dahil si Jesus ay laging handang tulungan tayong maging malinis at tapat araw-araw.

Sa araw na ito, hingin natin kay Jesus na linisin ang ating puso, patatagin ang ating konsensya, at tulungan tayong piliin ang tama kahit mahirap. Huwag tayong matakot na aminin ang ating kasalanan, sapagkat ang awa ng Diyos ay laging mas dakila kaysa sa ating mga pagkukulang.

Kung ngayon ay kinakausap tayo ng ating konsensya, makikinig ba tayo at babalik sa Panginoon… o pipiliin ba nating patahimikin ang Kanyang tinig at dalhin ang bigat ng pagkabagabag at pagkabalisa sa ating puso?— Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Thursday February 5 Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr: Mark 6:7-13

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.  

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

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Reflection:   

A young man was considering a career in writing for God. However, he was hesitant because he knew deep in his heart that he might not intellectually measure up to such a huge responsibility. This was because he did not have any background in writing.

He shared his desire and his perceived intellectual shortcomings with a friend. His friend advised him to move forward and follow his desire. He was also told not to be disturbed by his intellectual shortcomings, for God would fill whatever was lacking in him.

The twelve apostles whom Jesus sent on mission are like many of us. Many of them were ordinary fishermen—simple men who were transformed into fishers of men through Jesus. Perhaps when they were about to be sent to their mission areas, they quietly asked themselves, “Will I measure up to this huge responsibility?” Perhaps some even thought of going back to their old lives, where everything felt safe and familiar.

But Jesus did not choose them because they were already perfect or fully prepared. He chose them because they were willing. He assured them of His presence and support, and that was enough for them to move forward.

Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). He instructed them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick (Mark 6:8). It was as if Jesus was telling them—and now telling us—to follow Him without being burdened by our weaknesses and shortcomings. He wants us to trust that He will supply what we lack, strengthen what is weak in us, and complete what is incomplete within us.

The apostles obeyed Jesus and entrusted their mission to His guidance. Because of this, they became fruitful in their mission. They drove out many demons, and they healed the sick by anointing them with holy oil (Mark 6:13). Their success did not come from their own strength or ability. It came from their faith and trust in the One who sent them.

Oftentimes, we fail to do what Jesus is calling us to do, not because we are incapable, but because we are afraid. Sometimes we hesitate because we doubt, and sometimes we remain stuck because we rely too much on our own strength instead of trusting God.

Because of this, we delay taking the first step toward the mission God has prepared for us. And when we refuse to move, we not only fail to grow—we may also miss the blessings God wants to pour into our lives and into the lives of others through us.

If we truly desire to follow Jesus, we must follow Him with faith. We must learn to trust Him completely—even when we feel unready, unqualified, or unsure. For God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls.

Let us pause and listen to the quiet voice of God within our hearts. Where is He calling us to serve? What mission has He placed before us that we are afraid to begin? What step of faith is He asking us to take today?

If Jesus is calling us now, will we continue to focus on our weaknesses… or will we trust Him enough to step forward and allow Him to work powerfully through us? —Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes Pebrero 5 Paggunita kay Santa Agata (Agueda), dalaga at martir: Marcos 6:7-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:7-13

Noong panahong iyon Tinawag ni Jesus ang Labindalawa, at sinugong daladalawa. Binigyan niya sila ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng masasamang espiritu, at pinagbilinan: "Sa inyong paglalakbay, huwag kayong magdala ng anuman, maliban sa tungkod. 

Ni pagkain, balutan, salapi sa inyong lukbutan o bihisan, ay huwag kayong magdala. Ngunit magsuot kayo ng panyapak." Sinabi rin niya sa kanila, "At sa alinmang tahanan na inyong tuluyan-- manatili kayo roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo sa bayang iyon. Kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang dako, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ninyo ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa bilang babala sa mga tagaroon." 

Kaya't humayo ang Labindalawa at nangaral sa mga tao na pagsisihan nila at talikdan ang kanilang mga kasalanan. Pinalayas nila ang maraming demonyo sa mga inaalihan nito; pinahiran nila ng langis at pinagaling ang maraming maysakit.

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Repleksyon:

May isang binatang nag-iisip na tahakin ang landas ng pagsusulat para sa Diyos. Ngunit siya ay nag-aatubili dahil batid niya sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso na maaaring hindi siya sapat sa kakayahang intelektuwal para sa ganoong kalaking pananagutan. Ito ay dahil wala siyang anumang karanasan o pundasyon sa pagsusulat.

Ibinahagi niya sa isang kaibigan ang kanyang hangarin at ang tingin niyang kakulangan sa kanyang kakayahan. Pinayuhan siya ng kanyang kaibigan na magpatuloy at sundin ang kanyang hangarin. Sinabihan din siya na huwag mabahala sa kanyang mga kakulangan, sapagkat pupunuin ng Diyos ang anumang kulang sa kanya.

Ang labindalawang apostol na isinugo ni Jesus sa kanilang misyon ay katulad ng marami sa atin. Marami sa kanila ay karaniwang mangingisda—mga simpleng tao na ginawang mga mamamalakaya ng tao sa pamamagitan ni Jesus. Marahil, nang sila ay ipadadala na sa kanilang mga lugar ng misyon, tahimik nilang tinatanong ang kanilang sarili, “Makakaya ko kaya ang napakalaking pananagutang ito?” Marahil ang ilan sa kanila ay naisip pang bumalik sa dati nilang pamumuhay kung saan ang lahat ay ligtas at pamilyar.

Ngunit hindi sila pinili ni Jesus dahil sila ay perpekto o ganap nang handa. Pinili Niya sila dahil sila ay handang tumugon. Tiniyak Niya sa kanila ang Kanyang presensya at suporta, at iyon ay sapat upang sila ay magpatuloy.

Binigyan sila ni Jesus ng kapangyarihan laban sa masasamang espiritu (Marcos 6:7). Inutusan Niya silang huwag magdala ng anuman sa kanilang paglalakbay maliban sa isang tungkod (Marcos 6:8). Para bang sinasabi ni Jesus sa kanila—at ngayon ay sinasabi rin sa atin—na sumunod lamang sa Kanya nang hindi pinapasan ang bigat ng ating mga kahinaan at kakulangan. Nais Niyang magtiwala tayo na ibibigay Niya ang ating kakulangan, palalakasin ang ating kahinaan, at bubuuin ang anumang hindi pa ganap sa atin.

Sumunod ang mga apostol kay Jesus at ipinagkatiwala nila ang kanilang misyon sa Kanyang paggabay. Dahil dito, naging mabunga ang kanilang misyon. Marami silang napalayas na demonyo at napagaling ang mga may sakit sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahid ng banal na langis (Marcos 6:13). Ang kanilang tagumpay ay hindi nagmula sa sarili nilang lakas o kakayahan. Ito ay nagmula sa kanilang pananampalataya at pagtitiwala sa Diyos na nagsugo sa kanila.

Madalas, hindi natin nagagawa ang nais ipagawa ni Jesus sa atin, hindi dahil hindi natin kaya, kundi dahil tayo ay natatakot. Minsan nag-aalinlangan tayo dahil nagdududa tayo. Minsan nananatili tayong nakatigil dahil masyado tayong umaasa sa sarili nating lakas sa halip na magtiwala sa Diyos.

Dahil dito, ipinagpapaliban natin ang unang hakbang patungo sa misyong inihanda ng Diyos para sa atin. At kapag tumatanggi tayong kumilos, hindi lamang tayo nabibigong umunlad—maaari din nating makaligtaan ang mga pagpapalang nais ibuhos ng Diyos sa ating buhay at sa buhay ng iba sa pamamagitan natin.

Kung tunay nating ninanais na sumunod kay Jesus, kailangan natin Siyang sundin nang may pananampalataya. Kailangan nating matutong lubos na magtiwala sa Kanya—kahit pakiramdam natin ay hindi tayo handa, hindi sapat, o hindi sigurado. Sapagkat ang Diyos ay hindi lamang tumatawag sa mga handa; ginagawa Niyang handa ang Kanyang mga tinatawag.

Sandali tayong tumigil at pakinggan ang banayad na tinig ng Diyos sa ating puso. Saan Niya tayo tinatawag na maglingkod? Anong misyon ang inilalagay Niya sa ating harapan na kinatatakutan nating simulan? Anong hakbang ng pananampalataya ang hinihingi Niya sa atin ngayon?

Kung tinatawag tayo ni Jesus sa sandaling ito, magpapatuloy ba tayong tumingin sa ating mga kahinaan… o magtitiwala tayo sa Kanya nang sapat upang humakbang pasulong at hayaan Siyang kumilos nang makapangyarihan sa pamamagitan natin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 4 Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him?  

What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”

So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

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Reflection:   

There was a successful man who, after his death, was given lavish praise by his relatives and friends during his wake—praise he truly deserved because he was a good and humble man. Yet these were praises they had purposely not told him while he was still alive because they envied him.

Oftentimes, we wait until it is too late before we express our appreciation for the goodness that we see in others. Oftentimes, our pride, our jealousy, or our silence prevents us from giving encouragement to those who deserve it while they are still with us.

When Jesus went back to the place where He grew up, Nazareth, He went to their synagogue to teach. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence. Yet Jesus did not receive any congratulatory acknowledgment—not even a simple handshake or a gesture of recognition from His former townmates.

Instead, Jesus received derision and scorn because they could not accept that a former carpenter could speak to them with such wisdom and authority. This was someone they knew very well, yet they could not accept that He would one day speak in their house of worship. So, they belittled Jesus instead of giving Him the well-deserved recognition.

If we reflect deeply, do we not sometimes act like the townmates of Jesus? Many of us can be quick to judge and belittle our fellowmen and even our relatives who have achieved a certain degree of success in their lives. Instead of rejoicing with them, we sometimes allow envy and pride to take root in our hearts.

Why are we quick to belittle? Why are we quick to give unjust judgment? This can come from envy, from our very high regard for ourselves, and perhaps from our status in life. 

At times, we place ourselves on a pedestal so high that we can no longer bend our knees in humility before God and before others. We can no longer recognize worthy achievements because our eyes are clouded by the cataract of our egos and self-image. And when we are quick to judge and scorn others, we also open ourselves to the same judgment and scorn. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, to encourage rather than to discourage, and to lift others up rather than pull them down. When we celebrate the blessings and successes of others, we reflect the love, humility, and generosity of the Lord. 

Let us not judge. Let us not envy. Instead, let us choose to be happy for those who achieve success. Let us learn to affirm, appreciate, and encourage one another while we still have the chance. 

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we building others up, or are we silently tearing them down through envy, pride, or indifference? 

If Jesus were to stand before us today—not as someone distant, but as someone we already know—would we recognize Him with humility and love, or would we allow pride and envy to blind our hearts? —Marino J. Dasmarinas