Reflection for February 17 Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:14-21

Gospel: Mark 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”

They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread. When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend?  

Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.”

“When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

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Reflection:

Why do we oftentimes fail to grasp the message that Jesus wants us to understand?

Perhaps it is because we allow ourselves to be distracted by the many things happening around us. We become so occupied with our worries, desires, and daily concerns that we slowly lose focus on the message that Jesus wants us to deeply receive and live out in our lives.

This is the situation we see in the Gospel. Jesus wanted the disciples to be wary of the teachings and overzealousness of the Pharisees and Herod, who focused mainly on externally fulfilling their laws. However, when Jesus used the word leaven, the disciples misunderstood Him. Because they had no bread, they thought He was referring to their lack of bread. Instead of listening with faith and spiritual understanding, they listened with fear and worldly concern.

Is this not also what happens to us? When our faith becomes shallow and we allow ourselves to be distracted by worldly preoccupations, we become unable to grasp what Jesus truly wants us to understand. We risk getting lost in this worldly jungle dominated by materialism, deception, arrogance, greed, lust, and many other temptations that slowly draw our hearts away from God.

But Jesus continues to call us back to Him. He invites us to focus our attention on Him alone. He calls us to remain faithful, to trust Him more than our fears, and to resist the temptations that pull us away from His truth and love. When we choose to center our lives on Him, we deepen our friendship with Him, and little by little, we begin to understand more clearly the message He wants to reveal to our hearts.

Today, let us pause and examine ourselves. In the noise and busyness of our lives, are we truly listening to Jesus? Are we allowing His words to transform our hearts, or are we still distracted by the things of this world?

If Jesus is speaking to our hearts right now, are we willing to silence the noise around us, focus on Him alone, and truly live the message He is entrusting to us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 17 Martes ng Ikaanim na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:14-21

Noong panahong iyon, nalimutan ng mga alagad na magdala ng tinapay, at iisa lang ang kanilang tinapay sa bangka. "Kaiingat kayo! Ilagan ninyo ang lebadura ng mga Pariseo at ang lebadura ni Herodes," babala ni Jesus sa kanila. Nag-usap-usap ang mga alagad, "Wala kasi tayong dalang tinapay kaya niya sinabi iyon." 

Alam ito ni Jesus, kaya't sila'y tinanong niya, "Bakit ninyo pinag-uusapan na kayo'y walang dalang tinapay? Hindi pa ba kayo nakababatid o nakauunawa? Hindi pa ba abot ng inyong isip? Wala ba kayong mata? Wala ba kayong tainga? Nakalimutan na ba ninyo nang pagpira-pirasuhin ko ang limang tinapay para sa limanlibo? 

Ilang bakol ang napuno ninyo sa mga lumabis na tinapay?" "Labindalawa po," tugon nila. "At nang pagpira-pirasuhin ko ang pitong tinapay para sa apatnalibo, ilang bakol na malalaki ang napuno ninyo?" tanong niya. "Pitong bakol po," tugon nila. "At hindi pa rin ninyo nauunawaan?" wika niya.

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Repleksyon:

Bakit nga ba madalas ay hindi natin lubos na nauunawaan ang mensaheng nais iparating sa atin ni Jesus? Marahil ito ay dahil hinahayaan nating maabala ang ating sarili sa maraming bagay na nangyayari sa ating paligid. Nagiging abala tayo sa ating mga alalahanin, kagustuhan, at pang-araw-araw na gawain kaya hindi natin maintindihan mensaheng nais ni Jesus na tanggapin at isabuhay natin.

Ito ang sitwasyong makikita natin sa Mabuting Balita. Ninais ni Jesus na maging maingat ang mga alagad sa mga turo at labis na kasigasigan ng mga Pariseo at ni Herodes na nakatuon lamang sa panlabas na pagsunod sa kanilang mga batas.

Kaya nang gamitin ni Jesus ang salitang lebadura, hindi Siya naunawaan ng mga alagad. Dahil wala silang tinapay, inakala nilang ang tinutukoy Niya ay ang kakulangan nila ng tinapay. Sa halip na makinig nang may pananampalataya at espiritwal na pag-unawa, nakinig sila nang may takot at makalupang pag-aalala.

Hindi ba ganito rin ang nangyayari sa atin? Kapag nagiging mababaw ang ating pananampalataya at hinahayaan nating malunod tayo sa mga makamundong pinagkakaabalahan, hindi natin nauunawaan ang nais ipaintindi sa atin ni Jesus.

Kaya may panganib na maligaw tayo sa mundong ito na puno ng materyalismo, panlilinlang, kayabangan, kasakiman, pagnanasa, at marami pang tukso na unti-unting inilalayo ang ating puso sa Diyos.

Ngunit patuloy tayong tinatawag ni Jesus na bumalik sa Kanya. Inaanyayahan Niya tayong ituon ang ating pansin sa Kanya lamang. Tinatawag Niya tayong manatiling tapat, magtiwala sa Kanya nang higit kaysa sa ating mga takot, at labanan ang mga tukso na naglalayo sa atin sa Kanyang katotohanan at pag-ibig.

Kapag pinipili nating isentro ang ating buhay sa Kanya, mas lalalim ang ating pakikipagkaibigan sa Kanya, at unti-unti nating mas mauunawaan ang mensaheng nais Niyang ipahayag sa ating mga puso.

Kaya, sandali tayong tumigil at suriin ang ating sarili. Sa ingay at abala ng ating buhay, tunay ba nating pinakikinggan si Jesus? Hinahayaan ba nating baguhin ng Kanyang mga salita ang ating puso, o patuloy pa rin tayong naaabala ng mga bagay ng mundong ito?

Kung si Jesus ay nangungusap sa ating mga puso ngayon, handa ba tayong patahimikin ang ingay sa ating paligid, ituon ang ating sarili sa Kanya lamang, at tunay na isabuhay ang mensaheng ipinagkakatiwala Niya sa atin?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 16 Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:11-13

Gospel: Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a woman who wanted to see a sign from her beloved so that she could finally say yes to him. So she said, “If this man brings me flowers and chocolates, that will be the sign that he loves me.” And lo and behold, the man came knocking at their gate with flowers and chocolates. To make a long story short, she finally said yes to him—but after a few months, they broke up.

As we reflect on this story, we are reminded that human love, beautiful as it can be, is sometimes fragile. It can change, fade, or be limited by time and circumstances. Unlike the love of a suitor, which is oftentimes fickle and bound by time, Jesus’ love for us is constant and unchanging. His love is always present—faithful yesterday, today, and forever.

What are the signs of God’s love for us? We see them in the food on our table, in the gift of new life each morning, in the air that we breathe, in the people who care for us, and in the countless blessings—big and small—that fill our days. Each of these is a gentle whisper from God telling us, “I love you. I am with you.”

And yet, if we are honest with ourselves, oftentimes these are still not enough for us. We still look for more signs to strengthen our faith. Sometimes, our desire for more signs reveals how weak or uncertain our faith can be. For if we truly trust in the Lord with all our heart, we would rest in the assurance of His love even without asking for more proof.

Instead of continually asking for signs from the Lord, perhaps we can humbly ask Him to deepen our faith, to open our eyes to the many signs already surrounding us, and to help us trust in His love even in moments when we do not feel or see it clearly.

As we journey together in faith, may we learn to recognize that God has already given us the greatest sign of His love—His constant presence in our lives.

Do we still ask God for more signs, or are we ready to trust that His love has always been enough for us?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 16 Lunes ng Ikaanim Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:11-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:11-13

Noong panahong iyon, may dumating na mga Pariseo at nakipagtalo kay Hesus. Ibig nilang masilo siya kaya hiningi nila na magpakita si hesus ng isang tanda mula sa langit. 

Napabuntong-hininga nang malalim si Hesus at ang wika, “Bakit naghahanap ng tanda ang lahing ito? Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi sila pagpapakitaan ng anumang tanda.” Iniwan niya sila, at pagkasakay sa bangka ay tumawid sa ibayo.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang babae na naghihintay ng tanda mula sa lalaking nagmamahal sa kanya bago siya tuluyang pumayag na sagutin ito. Sinabi niya, “Kung dadalhan ako ng lalaking ito ng bulaklak at tsokolate, iyon ang magiging tanda na mahal niya ako.”

At tunay nga, dumating ang lalaki sa kanilang tarangkahan na may dalang bulaklak at tsokolate. Sa madaling sabi, sinagot niya ang lalaki—ngunit makalipas lamang ang ilang buwan, sila ay naghiwalay.

Sa pagninilay natin sa kuwentong ito, napapaalala tayo na ang pag-ibig ng tao, gaano man kaganda, ay minsan marupok. Maaari itong magbago, kumupas, o matali sa takbo ng panahon at mga pangyayari.

Hindi tulad ng pag-ibig ng isang manliligaw na kadalasan ay pabagu-bago at may hangganan sa panahon, ang pag-ibig ni Hesus para sa atin ay nananatili at hindi nagbabago. Ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay laging nariyan—tapat noon, ngayon, at magpakailanman.

Ano ang mga palatandaan ng pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin? Nakikita natin ito sa pagkain sa ating hapag, sa bagong buhay na ipinagkakaloob sa atin tuwing umaga, sa hanging ating nalalanghap, sa mga taong nagmamalasakit at nagmamahal sa atin, at sa napakaraming biyayang natatanggap natin araw-araw. Ang bawat isa sa mga ito ay tila bulong ng Diyos sa atin: “Mahal kita. Nandito Ako para sa iyo.”

Ngunit kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, madalas ay hindi pa rin ito sapat para sa atin. Naghahanap pa rin tayo ng mas maraming tanda upang mapalakas ang ating pananampalataya. Minsan, ang paghahanap natin ng dagdag na tanda ay nagpapakita kung gaano pa kahina o kaduda-duda ang ating pananampalataya. Sapagkat kung lubos ang ating tiwala sa Panginoon, matatahimik ang ating puso sa katiyakan ng Kanyang pag-ibig kahit hindi na tayo humingi ng dagdag na patunay.

Sa halip na patuloy tayong humingi ng mga tanda mula sa Panginoon, marahil mas makabubuti na hilingin natin sa Kanya na palalimin ang ating pananampalataya, buksan ang ating mga mata sa mga tandang nasa paligid na natin, at turuan tayong magtiwala sa Kanyang pag-ibig kahit sa mga sandaling hindi natin ito lubos na nararamdaman o nakikita.

Sa ating paglalakbay bilang isang pamayanan ng pananampalataya, nawa’y matutuhan nating kilalanin na ibinigay na ng Diyos ang pinakadakilang tanda ng Kanyang pag-ibig—ang Kanyang patuloy na presensya sa ating buhay.

Tayo ba ay patuloy pang humihingi ng dagdag na tanda mula sa Diyos, o handa na ba tayong magtiwala na ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay noon pa man ay sapat na para sa atin?– Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for February 15 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:17-37

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. 

Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right  eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.

“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife -  unless the marriage is unlawful - causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,' and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”

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Reflection:

Everything begins in our hearts and minds. Whether good intentions or bad intentions, they all take root there first. Before anything is seen in our actions, it is first formed within us. Our thoughts slowly shape our desires, and our desires eventually shape the direction of our lives.

When we look at people who succeed in life, we often see the visible results. But long before success becomes visible, the seeds of perseverance, discipline, hope, and purpose were already planted in their hearts and minds. In the same way, when we drift toward sin, it rarely happens suddenly.

It often begins when we allow wrong thoughts to linger within us. When we keep entertaining these thoughts, they slowly take root in our hearts. If left unchecked, they can eventually lead us to actions that are immoral, harmful, or even destructive.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus warns us not only about the act of killing but also about the anger that grows within us. He reminds us that whoever is angry with a brother or sister will be liable to judgment. This shows us that sin often begins long before the outward action. It begins quietly, in the hidden places of our hearts and minds.

Anger itself is not always sinful. There are moments when righteous anger is justified, especially when it is directed toward injustice or wrongdoing. But when our anger is rooted in pride, wounded ego, or selfishness, it can easily lead us toward actions and words that hurt others and damage relationships. When we begin to think too highly of ourselves, we may become easily offended, resistant to correction, and quick to judge others. Instead of building unity, we create division.

Jesus also warns us about adultery, reminding us that unfaithfulness often begins with what we allow our eyes to see and our minds to dwell on. In our world today, temptations are everywhere. It can be easy for anyone to be drawn into emotional or physical unfaithfulness.

But Jesus teaches us that sin often begins with a single thought, a single glance, or a single moment of entertaining what we know is not right. If we are not careful, these small beginnings can grow into choices that hurt not only ourselves but also the people we love.

There may be moments when temptation seems strong or appealing. But we must remember that every temptation carries consequences. When we face temptation, we are called to confront it with courage and then choose to turn away from it. When we stand firm, temptation begins to lose its power over us, because it recognizes that our hearts are anchored in what is good, true, and holy.

There is always a price to pay when we give in to sin. Sometimes we experience the consequences here in our earthly life. Other times, we may not fully realize them until we stand before God. Our earthly journey is temporary, but the choices we make carry eternal weight.

That is why we are called to listen deeply to the voice of Jesus in the Gospel. His words are not meant to burden us, but to guide us, protect us, and lead us toward true life, true freedom, and true peace.

Let us examine what we are allowing to grow in our hearts and minds. Are we planting seeds of love, humility, faithfulness, and mercy? Or are we allowing seeds of anger, pride, lust, and selfishness to take root within us? 

What are we nurturing in the deepest places of our hearts today—and is it leading us closer to God, or slowly drawing us away from Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Pebrero 15 Ikaanim na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:17-37

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:17-37

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Huwag ninyong akalaing naparito ako upang pawalang-bisa ang Kautusan at ang aral ng mga propeta. Naparito ako, hindi upang pawalang-bisa kundi para ipaliwanag at ganapin ang mga iyon. Tandaan ninyo ito: magwawakas ang langit at ang lupa, ngunit ang kaliit-liitang bahagi ng Kautusan ay di mawawalan ng bisa hangga’t hindi nagaganap ang lahat. 

Kaya’t sinumang magpawalang-halaga kahit sa kaliit-liitang bahagi nito, at magturo nang gayon sa mga tao, ay ibibilang na pinakamababa sa kaharian ng Diyos. Ngunit ang gumaganap ng Kautusan at nagtuturo na tuparin iyon ay ibibilang na dakila sa kaharian ng Diyos. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung ang pagsunod ninyo sa kalooban ng Diyos ay tulad lamang ng pagsunod ng mga eskriba at mga Pariseo, hindi kayo makapapasok sa kaharian ng Diyos.

“Narinig ninyo na noong una’y iniutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang papatay; ang sinumang makamatay ay mananagot sa hukuman.’ 

Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mapoot sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa hukuman; ang humamak sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa Sanedrin, at sinumang magsabi sa kanyang kapatid ‘ulol ka!’ ay mapapasaapoy ng impiyerno. 

Kaya’t kung naghahandog ka sa Diyos, at maalaala mo na may sama ng loob sa iyo ang kapatid mo, iwan mo muna ang iyong handog sa harap ng dambana at makipagkasundo ka sa kanya. Saka ka magbalik at maghandog sa Diyos. 

“Kung may magsakdal laban sa iyo sa hukuman, makipag-ayos ka sa kanya habang may panahon, bago ka niya iharap sa hukom. At kung hindi’y ibibigay ka niya sa hukom, na magbibigay naman sa iyo sa tanod, at ikaw ay mabibilanggo. Sinasabi ko sa iyo: hindi ka makalalabas doon hangga’t hindi mo nababayaran ang kahuli-hulihang kusing.” 

“Narinig ninyo na noong una’y iniutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang makikiapid.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang sinumang tumingin nang may mahalay na pagnanasa sa isang babae, sa isip niya’y nakiapid na siya sa babaing iyon. Kung ang mata mo ang siyang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, dukutin mo at itapon! 

Sapagkat mabuti pang mawalan ka ng isang bahagi ng katawan kaysa buo ang iyong katawang itapon sa impiyerno. Kung ang iyong kamay ang siyang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, putulin mo at itapon! Mabuti pang mawalan ka ng isang bahagi ng katawan kaysa buo ang iyong katawang itapon sa impiyerno. 

“Sinabi rin naman, ‘Kapag pinahiwalay ng lalaki ang kanyang asawa, ito’y dapat niyang bigyan ng kasulatan ng paghihiwalay.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag pinahiwalay ng isang lalaki ang kanyang asawa nang hindi naman ito nangangalunya, at ito’y nag-asawang muli, ang lalaking iyo’y nagkasala – itinulak niya ang kanyang asawa sa pangangalunya. At sinumang mag-asawa sa babaing hiniwalayan ay nangangalunya.” 

“Narinig pa ninyo na noong una’y iniutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang sisira sa iyong pinanumpaang pangako bagkus ay tupdin mo ang iyong sinumpaan sa Panginoon.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag na kayong sumumpa kung nangangako kayo. Huwag ninyong sabihing, ‘Saksi ko ang langit,’ sapagkat ito’y trono ng Diyos; o kaya’y ‘Saksi ko ang lupa,’ sapagkat ito’y tuntungan ng kanyang mga paa. 

Huwag din ninyong sabihing, ‘Saksi ko ang Jerusalem,’ sapagkat ito’y lungsod ng dakilang Hari. Ni huwag mong sabihing, ‘Mamatay man ako,’ sapagkat ni isang buhok sa iyong ulo’y hindi mo mapapuputi o mapaiitim. Sabihin mo na lang na ‘Oo’ kung oo at ‘Hindi’ kung hindi; sapagkat buhat na sa masama ang anumang sumpang idaragdag dito.”

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Repleksyon:

Lahat ay nagsisimula sa ating puso at isipan. Mabuti man o masamang hangarin, doon muna ito nag-uugat. Bago pa ito makita sa ating mga kilos, nahuhubog muna ito sa ating kalooban. Ang ating mga iniisip ang unti-unting humuhubog sa ating mga hangarin, at ang ating mga hangarin ang siyang nagdidikta ng direksiyon ng ating buhay.

Kapag tinitingnan natin ang mga taong nagtatagumpay, madalas ang nakikita natin ay ang bunga ng kanilang pagsisikap. Ngunit bago pa man makita ang tagumpay, ang mga binhi ng tiyaga, disiplina, pag-asa, at layunin ay naitanim na muna sa kanilang puso at isipan.

Sa parehong paraan, ang paglapit natin sa kasalanan ay kadalasang hindi biglaan. Nagsisimula ito kapag hinahayaan nating manatili sa ating isipan ang makasalanang pag-iisip. Kapag patuloy natin itong iniisip, unti-unti itong nag-uugat sa ating puso. Kapag hindi natin ito pinigilan, maaari itong humantong sa mga gawaing imoral, nakasasakit, o nakasisira ng buhay.

Sa Mabuting Balita ngayong Linggo, binabalaan tayo ni Jesus hindi lamang tungkol sa pagpatay kundi pati sa galit na namumuo sa ating puso. Ipinapaalala Niya sa atin na ang sinumang napopoot sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa paghuhukom. Ipinapakita nito sa atin na ang kasalanan ay kadalasang nagsisimula sa loob—sa mga tagong bahagi ng ating puso at isipan.

Ang galit ay hindi laging masama. May mga pagkakataong ang galit ay makatarungan, lalo na kung ito ay laban sa kasamaan o kawalang-katarungan. Ngunit kapag ang galit natin ay nagmumula sa kayabangan, nasaktang ego, o pagkamakasarili, madali itong mauwi sa mga salita at gawa na nakasasakit sa kapwa at nakasisira ng relasyon.

Kapag masyado nating itinataas ang ating sarili, nagiging madali tayong magtampo, mahirap tumanggap ng pagkakamali, at mabilis humusga sa iba. Sa halip na magbuklod, ito ay nag bubunga ng hidwaan.

Binabalaan din tayo ni Hesus tungkol sa pangangalunya. Ipinapaalala Niya na ang pagtataksil ay kadalasang nagsisimula sa kung ano ang hinahayaan nating makita ng ating mga mata at madalas iniisip ng ating isipan. Sa mundong ginagalawan natin ngayon, napakaraming tukso sa paligid.

Madali para sa sinuman na mahulog sa emosyonal o pisikal na pagtataksil. Ngunit itinuturo sa atin ni Hesus na ang kasalanan ay kadalasang nagsisimula sa isang pag-iisip, isang sulyap, o isang sandaling hinayaan nating pumasok ang alam nating mali. Kapag hindi tayo nag-ingat, ang maliliit na simula na ito ay maaaring humantong sa mga desisyong makasasakit hindi lamang sa atin kundi pati sa mga taong malapit sa atin.

May mga pagkakataon na tila napakalakas ng tukso. Ngunit dapat nating tandaan na ang bawat tukso ay may kaakibat na kapalit. Kapag tayo ay tinutukso, tinatawag tayong harapin ito nang may tapang at piliing talikuran ito. Kapag nanindigan tayo, unti-unting nawawala ang kapangyarihan ng tukso sa atin, sapagkat nakikita nito na ang ating puso ay nakasandig sa mabuti, totoo, at banal.

Palaging may mabigat na kapalit kapag tayo ay nagpapadala sa kasalanan. Minsan, nararanasan natin ang bunga nito dito pa lamang sa ating buhay sa mundo. Ngunit kung minsan, lubos lamang natin itong mauunawaan kapag tayo ay humarap na sa Diyos. Ang ating buhay sa mundo ay pansamantala lamang, ngunit ang mga pagpili natin ay may epekto sa walang hanggan.

Kaya naman tinatawag tayong makinig sa tinig ni Jesus sa Mabuting Balita. Ang Kanyang mga salita ay hindi upang husgahan tayo, kundi upang gabayan tayo, ingatan tayo, at akayin tayo patungo sa tunay na buhay, tunay na kalayaan, at tunay na kapayapaan.

Ngayon, suriin natin ang ating sarili. Ano ba ang hinahayaan nating umusbong sa ating puso at isipan? Mga binhi ba ng pagmamahal, kababaang-loob, katapatan, at awa? O mga binhi ng galit, kayabangan, pagnanasa, at pagkamakasarili?

Kaya itanong natin sa ating sarili: Ano ang pinapalago natin sa pinakamalalim na bahagi ng ating puso ngayon — at inilalapit ba tayo nito sa Diyos, o unti-unti ba tayong inilalayo sa Kanya? —Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Saturday February 14 Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop: Mark 8:1-10

Gospel: Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.  

His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have? They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd.  

They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people.  

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

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Reflection:

Do we know how it truly feels to be hungry?

Having nothing to eat is an indescribable experience that leaves us weak and helpless. When we are hungry, we may find ourselves unable to do the things we normally want or need to do. At times, we even limit our movements because the more we move, the more we feel the pain of hunger. Hunger humbles us. It reminds us of how fragile we can be and how much we need help from others—and from God.

In the Gospel, we see how deeply Jesus understands our human needs. His heart was moved with compassion for the crowd who had stayed with Him for three days and had nothing to eat. He did not ignore their suffering. Instead, He acted with love and mercy, making sure that no one would go home hungry or collapse along the way.

When Jesus asked His disciples, “How many loaves do you have?” He was not only asking about food. He was also inviting them—and now us—to trust that even what seems small in our hands can become more than enough when offered to God. The seven loaves and the few fish were simple offerings, yet through thanksgiving, trust, and sharing, they became a blessing for thousands. Not only were the people fed, but there were also baskets of leftovers, reminding us that God’s generosity is never lacking.

Perhaps Jesus is teaching us how to give—not only from our abundance, but even from what we think is little. Many among us are still going hungry, not only for food, but also for love, understanding, hope, and kindness. When we allow God to use what we have, no matter how small it may seem, He can transform it into something life-giving for others.

Let us not be afraid of the cost of giving. In God’s kingdom, generosity is never wasted. The more we give with love, the more our hearts are filled with grace, peace, and deeper trust in God’s providence.

As we reflect on God’s goodness, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to offer what we have—our time, our resources, our compassion, and our love—so that through us, God can feed the hunger of our brothers and sisters?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Pebrero 14 Paggunita kina San Cirilo, monghe, at San Metodio, obispo: Marcos 8:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:1-10

Noong mga araw na iyon, muling nagkatipon ang mga tao. Naubos nila ang kanilang pagkain, kaya’t tinawag ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, at sinabi sa kanila, “Nahahabag ako sa mga taong ito, sapagkat tatlong araw na ngayong kasama ko sila at wala na silang makain. Kung pauuwiin ko nang gutom, mahihilo sila sa daan – galing pa naman sa malayo ang ilan sa kanila.” 

“Saan po tayo kukuha ng tinapay dito sa ilang para magkasya sa ganito karaming tao?” tugon ng mga alagad. “Ilan ang tinapay ninyo riyan?” tanong ni Hesus. “Pito po,” sagot nila. Ang mga tao’y pinaupo ni Hesus sa lupa. Kinuha niya ang pitong tinapay, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinagpira-piraso niya ang mga iyon at ibinigay sa mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao. 

Gayun nga ang ginawa ng mga alagad. Mayroon din silang ilang maliliit na isda. Muli siyang nagpasalamat sa Diyos, at iniutos niyang ibigay din iyon sa mga tao. Kumain ang lahat at nabusog; at nang tipunin nila ang mga pira-pirasong tinapay na lumabis, nakapuno sila ng pitong bakol na malalaki. At may apat na libo ang kumain. Pinayaon ni Hesus ang mga tao, saka siya sumakay sa bangka, at nagtungo sa lupain ng Dalmanuta.

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Repleksyon:

Alam ba natin kung ano ang tunay na pakiramdam ng magutom?

Ang walang makain ay isang karanasang mahirap ilarawan—ginagawa tayo nitong mahina at tila walang magawa. Kapag tayo ay nagugutom, maaaring hindi natin magawa ang mga bagay na karaniwan nating nais o kailangang gawin.

May mga pagkakataon pa nga na nililimitahan natin ang ating pagkilos dahil habang tayo ay kumikilos, lalo nating nararamdaman ang sakit ng gutom. Ang gutom ay nagpapakumbaba sa atin. Ipinapaalala nito kung gaano tayo kahina at kung gaano natin kailangan ang tulong ng iba—at higit sa lahat, ang tulong ng Diyos.

Sa Mabuting Balita, nakikita natin kung gaano nauunawaan ni Hesus ang ating pangangailangan bilang tao. Ang Kanyang puso ay napuno ng awa para sa maraming taong sumunod sa Kanya sa loob ng tatlong araw at wala nang makain. Hindi Niya binalewala ang kanilang paghihirap. Sa halip, kumilos Siya nang may pagmamahal at awa upang matiyak na walang uuwi na gutom o manghihina sa daan.

Nang tanungin ni Hesus ang Kanyang mga alagad, “Ilan ang tinapay na mayroon kayo?” hindi lamang Siya nagtatanong tungkol sa pagkain. Inaanyayahan din Niya sila—at tayong lahat—na magtiwala na kahit ang maliit na nasa ating mga kamay ay maaaring maging sapat at higit pa kapag inialay natin ito sa Diyos. 

Ang pitong tinapay at ilang isda ay simpleng handog lamang, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng pasasalamat, pagtitiwala, at pagbabahagi, ito ay naging biyaya para sa libo-libong tao. Hindi lamang sila nabusog, nagkaroon pa ng mga sobrang pagkain—isang paalala na ang kabutihang-loob ng Diyos ay hindi kailanman nauubos. 

Marahil tinuturuan tayo ni Hesus kung paano magbigay—hindi lamang mula sa ating kasaganaan, kundi kahit mula sa inaakala nating kakaunti lamang. Marami pa rin sa ating paligid ang nagugutom—hindi lamang sa pagkain, kundi pati sa pagmamahal, pag-unawa, pag-asa, at kabutihan. Kapag hinayaan nating gamitin ng Diyos ang anumang mayroon tayo, gaano man ito kaliit sa ating paningin, kaya Niya itong gawing biyaya na magbibigay-buhay sa iba.

Huwag tayong matakot sa halaga ng pagbibigay. Sa kaharian ng Diyos, ang pagiging mapagbigay ay hindi kailanman nasasayang. Habang tayo ay nagbibigay nang may pagmamahal, lalo namang pinupuno ng Diyos ang ating puso ng biyaya, kapayapaan, at mas malalim na pagtitiwala sa Kanyang pag-aaruga.

Habang pinagninilayan natin ang kabutihan ng Diyos, handa ba tayong ialay ang kung anong mayroon tayo—ang ating oras, kayamanan, kakayahan, malasakit, at pagmamahal—upang sa pamamagitan natin, mapawi ng Diyos ang gutom ng ating mga kapatid?— Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for February 13 Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:31-37

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd.  

He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.  

He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

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Reflection:

Have we ever witnessed a healing session?

Some of us may have already seen healing sessions on television where an individual in a wheelchair is suddenly able to walk, the blind are able to see, and those who cannot speak are able to speak again. At times, we may wonder if these healings are real because, according to some exposés, a number of these healings were staged. In some cases, the individuals who appeared sick were not actually sick; they only pretended to be and were reportedly members of the group conducting the healing sessions.

In the Gospel, however, we are presented with an authentic and deeply personal healing performed by Jesus. A deaf man who had a speech impediment was brought to Him for healing. To make a long story short, Jesus healed the deaf man—he was able to hear and speak again.

Jesus and the man moved away from the noisy crowd, and when they were alone, Jesus performed the personal healing. He put His fingers into the man’s ears and, after spitting, touched the man’s tongue. Then He looked up to heaven, groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”—that is, “Be opened!” Immediately, the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke clearly.

In this moment, we see not only the power of Jesus to heal but also His deep desire for a personal encounter with each one of us. Jesus did not seek attention. He did not perform the healing to impress the crowd. Instead, He chose intimacy. He chose closeness. He chose a one-on-one encounter that restored not only the man’s body but also his dignity and wholeness.

Today, we may still ask: Is it possible for us to experience this personal, one-on-one healing encounter with Jesus? Yes, it is. When we come prayerfully to Holy Mass, or when we make a quiet and sincere visit to our church’s Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, we place ourselves in His loving and healing presence. Jesus is there, personally waiting for us—to heal us of our sicknesses, our hidden wounds, our fears, and our pains.

If only we would open our hearts to the healing and calming presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament… If only we would set aside even a small portion of our time to be with Him… We, too, can experience our own Ephphatha moment.

Then our hearts and minds can be opened to a deeper faith, a renewed hope, and a stronger love through our personal and wondrous encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and with Jesus at Holy Mass.

Today, Jesus is still saying to us, “Ephphatha—Be opened.” Will we allow Him to open our hearts, heal our hidden wounds, and transform our lives if we truly come to Him and stay with Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 13 Biyernes ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:31-37

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:31-37

Noong panahong iyon, pagbabalik ni Hesus mula sa lupain ng Tiro, dumaan siya sa Sidon, at nagtuloy sa Lawa ng Galilea, matapos tahakin ang lupain ng Decapolis. Dinala sa kanya ang isang lalaking bingi at utal at ipinamanhik nila na ipatong sa taong ito ang kanyang kamay. 

Inilayo muna siya ni Hesus sa karamihan, at isinuot ang kanyang mga daliri sa mga tainga nito. Tumingala si Hesus sa langit at nagbuntong-hininga, at sinabi sa tao, “Effata,” ibig sabihi’y “Mabuksan!” At nakarinig na ito, nawala ang pagkautal at nakapagsalita na nang malinaw. 

Sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao na huwag ibalita ito kaninuman; ngunit kung kailan sila pinagbabawalan ay lalo naman nilang ipinamamalita ito. sila’y lubhang nanggilalas, at ang wika, “Anong buti ng lahat ng kanyang ginawa! Nakaririnig na ang bingi, at nakapagsasalita ang pipi!”

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Repleksyon:

Nakasaksi na ba tayo ng isang healing session?

Maaaring ang ilan sa atin ay nakapanood na sa telebisyon ng mga healing session kung saan ang isang taong naka-wheelchair ay biglang nakakalakad, ang bulag ay nakakakita, at ang mga hindi makapagsalita ay nakapagsasalita muli.

Minsan, maaaring nagtataka tayo kung totoo ba ang mga pagpapagaling na ito sapagkat ayon sa ilang pagbubunyag, may mga healing na isinagawa lamang bilang palabas. Sa ilang pagkakataon, ang mga taong ipinakitang may sakit ay hindi naman talaga may sakit; sila ay nagkunwari lamang at sinasabing kabilang sa grupong nagsasagawa ng healing session.

Ngunit sa Mabuting Balita, ipinapakita sa atin ang isang tunay at personal na pagpapagaling na ginawa ni Hesus. Isang lalaking bingi at may kapansanan sa pagsasalita ang dinala sa Kanya upang pagalingin. Sa madaling salita, pinagaling ni Hesus ang lalaking bingi—nakarinig siya at nakapagsalita muli.

Lumayo si Hesus at ang lalaki mula sa maingay na karamihan, at nang sila na lamang ang magkasama, isinagawa ni Hesus ang personal na pagpapagaling. Ipinasok Niya ang Kanyang mga daliri sa tainga ng lalaki at, matapos dumura, hinawakan ang dila nito. Pagkatapos, tumingala Siya sa langit, nagbuntong-hininga, at sinabi sa kanya, “Ephphatha!” — ibig sabihin, “Mabuksan ka!” Agad nabuksan ang mga tainga ng lalaki, nawala ang kanyang kapansanan sa pagsasalita, at nakapagsalita siya nang malinaw.

Sa tagpong ito, nakikita natin hindi lamang ang kapangyarihan ni Hesus na magpagaling kundi ang Kanyang malalim na hangarin na magkaroon ng personal na pakikipagtagpo sa bawat isa sa atin. Hindi Niya hinangad ang pansin ng marami. Hindi Niya ginawa ang pagpapagaling upang humanga ang tao. Sa halip, pinili Niya ang pagiging malapit. Pinili Niya ang personal na ugnayan. Pinili Niya ang isang pakikipagtagpong nagpanumbalik hindi lamang sa katawan kundi pati sa dangal at kabuuan ng pagkatao ng lalaki.

Ngayon, maaari pa rin nating itanong: Posible pa rin ba para sa atin ang magkaroon ng ganitong personal at harapang pagpapagaling mula kay Hesus? Oo, posible pa rin. Kapag tayo ay taimtim na dumadalo sa Banal na Misa o tahimik na bumibisita sa Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel ng ating simbahan, inilalapit natin ang ating sarili sa Kanyang mapagmahal at mapagpagaling na presensya. Nandoon si Hesus, personal na naghihintay sa atin—upang pagalingin tayo sa ating mga karamdaman, sa ating mga nakatagong sugat, sa ating mga takot, at sa ating mga pasanin.

Kung bubuksan lamang natin ang ating puso sa mapagpagaling at mapayapang presensya ni Hesus sa Kabanal-banalang Sakramento… Kung maglalaan lamang tayo kahit kaunting oras upang makasama Siya… Maaari rin nating maranasan ang ating sariling Ephphatha na karanasan.

At sa gayon, mabubuksan din ang ating puso at isipan sa mas malalim na pananampalataya, mas matibay na pag-asa, at mas nag-aapoy na pag-ibig sa pamamagitan ng ating personal at kahanga-hangang pakikipagtagpo kay Hesus sa Kabanal-banalang Sakramento at sa Banal na Misa.

Sa araw na ito, patuloy na sinasabi ni Hesus sa atin, “Ephphatha — Mabuksan ka.” Hahayaan ba natin Siyang buksan ang ating puso, pagalingin ang ating mga nakatagong sugat, at baguhin ang ating buhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 12 Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:24-30

Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 

 

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

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Reflection:

Are we persistent when we pray before the Lord?

There was a Greek woman who came to Jesus, pleading with Him to drive out a demon from her daughter. What makes her story so powerful is that she was an outsider — not one of Jesus’ followers and not even a Jew. Yet, with courage and deep faith, she approached Jesus and asked for His help. Her heart and mind were fixed on reaching Him, believing that only He could heal her daughter.

When she finally stood before Jesus, she poured out her heart to Him about her daughter’s suffering. At first, Jesus seemed reluctant to help. But she did not turn away. Instead, she persisted. She humbled herself before Him, trusting in His mercy and love. Because of her faith and persistence, her daughter was healed.

In the same way, we all carry burdens deep in our hearts. We all have struggles, worries, fears, and silent prayers that we bring before Jesus. At times, when answers do not come right away, we may feel discouraged. We may feel unheard. But the Lord invites us to remain faithful and steadfast.

Let us not lose heart if we have not yet received the answer we are praying for. Instead, let us continue to persevere. Let us continue to humble ourselves before Him. Let us continue to seek His guidance and help with patient, trusting, and tireless hearts.

The woman never gave up until she received what she was asking from Jesus. In the same way, we, too, are called to remain steadfast in prayer. Oftentimes, we do not receive what we ask for because we grow tired, discouraged, or impatient. The same can happen in our dreams, our mission, and our calling — we sometimes fall short not because we are incapable, but because we stop trying.

But imagine if we do not give up. Imagine if we continue to persevere in faith. Imagine if we continue to humbly and faithfully entrust our prayers to the Good Lord, trusting that His timing and His will are always for our good.

Are we willing to keep trusting, keep praying, and keep surrendering our hearts to the Lord — even when the answer does not come right away? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes ng Ikalimang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:24-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagtungo si Hesus sa lupain ng Tiro at tumuloy sa isang bahay doon. Ayaw sana niyang malaman ninuman na naroon siya, subalit hindi gayon ang nangyari. Ang pagdating niya'y nabalitaan ng isang inang may maliit na anak na babaing inaalihan ng masamang espiritu. Pumunta siya kay Jesus at nagpatirapa sa kanyang harapan.                     

Ang babaing ito'y Hentil -- tubo sa Sirofenicia. Ipinamanhik niya kay Hesus na palayasin ang demonyo na nasa kanyang anak; ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, "Kailangang busugin muna ang mga anak. Hindi dapat kunin ang pagkain ng mga anak upang ihagis sa mga tuta."

"Tunay nga po, Panginoon," tugon ng babae, "ngunit ang mga tuta mang nasa ilalim ng hapag ay naninimot ng mga mumong nalalaglag ng mga anak." Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Dahil sa sinabi mo, maaari ka nang umuwi. Iniwan na ng demonyo ang iyong anak." Umuwi ang babae, at naratnan niya sa higaan ang bata. Iniwan na nga ng demonyo.

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay matiyaga kapag tayo ay nananalangin sa Panginoon?

May isang babaeng Griyego na lumapit kay Jesus upang magmakaawa na palayasin Niya ang demonyo mula sa kanyang anak na babae. Ang napakahalaga sa kuwentong ito ay siya ay hindi tagasunod ni Jesus at hindi rin Hudyo. Ngunit dahil sa kanyang matibay na pananampalataya, lumapit siya kay Hesus upang humingi ng tulong. Ang kanyang puso at isipan ay nakatuon lamang sa paglapit kay Hesus, naniniwalang Siya lamang ang makapagpapagaling sa kanyang anak.

Nang sa wakas ay nakalapit siya kay Jesus, boung puso niyang ikinuwento ang paghihirap ng kanyang anak. Noong una ay tila nag-atubili si Jesus na tulungan siya. Ngunit hindi siya umatras. Sa halip, nagpatuloy siya. Nagpakumbaba siya sa harapan Niya at lubos na nagtiwala sa Kanyang awa at pag-ibig. Dahil sa kanyang pananampalataya at pagtitiyaga, gumaling ang kanyang anak.

Ganoon din sa atin, tayong lahat ay may mga pasaning dinadala sa ating mga puso. Mayroon tayong mga suliranin, pangamba, takot, at mga tahimik na panalangin na inihaharap natin kay Jesus. May mga pagkakataon na kapag hindi agad dumarating ang sagot, tayo ay pinanghihinaan ng loob. Minsan ay pakiramdam natin ay hindi tayo naririnig. Ngunit inaanyayahan tayo ng Panginoon na manatiling matatag at tapat.

Huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa kung hindi pa natin natatanggap ang sagot sa ating mga panalangin. Sa halip, magpatuloy tayo sa pagtitiyaga. Magpakumbaba tayo sa harapan Niya. Patuloy nating hanapin ang Kanyang patnubay at tulong nang may pagtitiwala, pagtitiis, at katapatan ng puso.

Hindi sumuko ang babae hanggang sa matanggap niya ang kanyang hinihiling kay Jesus. Ganoon din, tayo rin ay tinatawag na manatiling matatag sa panalangin. Kadalasan, hindi natin natatanggap ang ating hinihiling dahil tayo ay napapagod, pinanghihinaan ng loob, o nawawalan ng pasensya. Ganito rin minsan sa ating mga pangarap, misyon, at bokasyon — may mga pagkakataon na hindi tayo nagtatagumpay hindi dahil hindi natin kaya, kundi dahil tayo ay sumusuko.

Ngunit paano kung hindi tayo susuko? Paano kung patuloy tayong magtitiwala? Paano kung patuloy nating ipagkakatiwala nang may kababaang-loob ang ating mga panalangin sa Mabuting Panginoon, naniniwalang ang Kanyang oras at kalooban ay laging para sa ating ikabubuti?

Handa ba tayong magpatuloy sa pagtitiwala, sa pananalangin, at sa pagsuko ng ating puso sa Panginoon — kahit hindi pa dumarating ang sagot sa ating hinihiling?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 11 Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:14-23

Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”  

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)  

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

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Reflection:

Where does our desire to commit sin come from?

If we honestly examine our hearts, we will realize that it begins from within us. It starts as a simple thought. When we allow ourselves to dwell on that thought and entertain it, it slowly grows stronger. If we do not stop it early, it can eventually lead us to act on that sinful desire.

We can see this, for example, in the temptation to betray sacred commitments such as marriage vows. It may begin with a passing thought, a feeling, or a moment of weakness. When we place ourselves in situations that make sin easier to commit, we become more vulnerable to giving in. This reminds us that the battle against sin often begins not outside us, but within our own hearts and minds.

How, then, can we avoid sin? We turn to Jesus in prayer and humbly ask for His help to cleanse our minds and hearts from sinful desires. But prayer must go hand in hand with action. We must also do our part by consciously turning away from temptation, confronting our weaknesses, and choosing what is right. If we pray but do not live according to what we pray for, we risk falling into sin again and again. Truly, God strengthens those who sincerely cooperate with His grace.

When we reflect more deeply, why do we still commit sin? Perhaps it is because, at times, we do not take our faith in Jesus as seriously as we should. Sometimes we allow our desires, emotions, or circumstances to be stronger than our commitment to Him. Yet sin never truly satisfies us. Instead, it slowly traps us and can lead us farther away from the freedom and peace that God desires for us.

Are we not tired of falling into the same sins? Are we not tired of allowing sin to control parts of our lives? Each time we give ourselves to sin, we risk becoming more attached to it, and there is always the danger that it may become harder for us to break free.

Now is the time for us to break this cycle of sin. Now is the time for us to ask Jesus to purify our thoughts, our desires, and our intentions. Now is the time for us to choose the path that leads to true freedom, healing, and peace in Him.

 Are we ready to surrender not just our prayers, but our thoughts, desires, and actions to Jesus—so that we may finally live the holy and free life that He lovingly calls us to? – Marino J. Dasmarinas