Reflection for March 23 Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:1-11

Gospel: John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area,and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle.  

They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  

Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

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Reflection:

How do we respond when we encounter someone we consider a sinner? Do we quickly condemn, or silently pass judgment? Do we distance ourselves, as if their brokenness might somehow stain us? If we are honest, we may recognize in ourselves a tendency toward aversion and judgment.

In the Gospel, the Pharisees and scribes brought before Jesus a woman caught in the act of adultery. They were ready to condemn her, to stone her, to end her life in the name of the law. Yet in their zeal to judge, they seemed to forget something essential—they, too, were sinners in need of mercy. Was it forgetfulness, or was it pride that blinded them?

Then Jesus spoke—calmly, truthfully, and with authority that pierced the heart: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” In that moment, everything changed. One by one, they walked away, confronted not by the woman’s sin, but by their own.

And so it is with us. Whenever we are quick to judge others, we are invited to look within. We may hide our sins from others, even from those closest to us, but nothing is hidden from Jesus. He sees us fully—our thoughts, our struggles, our hidden faults—and yet He does not turn away. Instead, He looks at us with love, offering mercy and the chance to begin again.

What, then, should we do when we encounter those who have fallen? Let us choose not to judge, for we, too, stand in need of grace. Let us become channels of Christ’s love, extending mercy instead of condemnation, compassion instead of rejection. For in Jesus, no sin is greater than His mercy, and no sinner is beyond hope.

Now the question remains for all of us: when we stand before the brokenness of others, will we hold stones in our hands—or will we open our hearts and become instruments of God’s mercy? —Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 23 Lunes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:1-11

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay pumunta sa Bundok ng mga Olibo. Kinaumagaha’y nagbalik siya sa templo. Lumapit sa kanya ang lahat, kaya’t umupo siya at sila’y tinuruan. Noo’y dinala sa kanya ng mga eskriba at ng mga Pariseo ang isang babaing nahuli sa pakikiapid. 

Pinatayo ito sa harapan nila, at sinabi kay Hesus, “Guro, ang babaing ito’y nahuli sa pakikiapid. Ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, dapat batuhin hanggang sa mamatay ang mga gaya niya.

Ano ang masasabi mo?” Itinanong nila ito upang subukin siya, nang may maisumbong sila laban sa kanya. Ngunit yumuko si Hesus at sumulat sa lupa sa pamamagitan ng daliri. Ayaw nilang tigilan nang katatanong si Hesus, kaya’t sila’y tiningnan niya at sinabi ang ganito, “Sinuman sa inyo na walang kasalanan ang siyang maunang bumato sa kanya.” At muli siyang yumuko at sumulat sa lupa.   

Nang marinig nila ito, sila’y isa-isang umalis, simula sa pinakamatanda. Walang naiwan kundi si Hesus at ang babaing naroon pa rin sa harapan niya. Tiningnan siya ni Hesus at tinanong: “Nasaan sila? Wala bang nagparusa sa iyo?” “Wala po, Ginoo,” sagot ng babae. Sinabi ni Hesus: “Hindi rin kita parurusahan. Humayo ka, at huwag nang magkasala.” 

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Repleksyon:

Paano tayo tumutugon kapag nakakatagpo tayo ng isang taong itinuturing nating makasalanan? Agad ba tayong humahatol o tahimik na nagkikimkim ng paghatol sa ating puso? Lumalayo ba tayo, na para bang ang kanilang pagkukulang ay maaaring makahawa sa atin? Kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, makikita nating may tendensiya rin tayong umiwas at humatol.

Sa Ebanghelyo, dinala ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba kay Jesus ang isang babaeng nahuling nakikiapid. Handa na nilang hatulan siya at batuhin hanggang sa mamatay, ayon sa kautusan noong panahong iyon.

Ngunit sa kanilang matinding pagnanais na humatol, tila nakalimutan nila ang isang mahalagang katotohanan—sila man ay mga makasalanan na nangangailangan ng awa. Nakalimot nga ba sila, o pinili nilang ipikit ang kanilang mga mata dahil sa kanilang katayuan at kapangyarihan?

Sa gitna ng kanilang paghatol, nagsalita si Jesus—mahinahon ngunit tumatagos sa puso: “Ang walang kasalanan sa inyo ang maunang bumato sa kanya.” Sa sandaling iyon, nagbago ang lahat. Isa-isa silang umalis, hindi dahil sa kasalanan ng babae, kundi dahil naharap sila sa sarili nilang mga kasalanan.

Ganito rin sa atin. Sa tuwing tayo ay mabilis humatol sa iba, inaanyayahan tayong tumingin sa ating sarili. Maaaring maitago natin ang ating mga kasalanan sa iba, kahit sa mga pinakamalalapit sa atin, ngunit walang nalilihim kay Jesus. Nakikita Niya ang lahat—ang ating mga iniisip, kahinaan, at mga lihim na kasalanan—ngunit hindi Niya tayo tinatalikuran. Sa halip, tinitingnan Niya tayo nang may pag-ibig, handang magpatawad at magbigay ng panibagong simula.

Kaya ano ang dapat nating gawin kapag nakatagpo tayo ng mga taong nagkamali? Piliin nating huwag humatol, sapagkat tayo rin ay nangangailangan ng biyaya. Sa halip, maging daluyan tayo ng pag-ibig, awa, at kapatawaran ni Cristo. Sapagkat kay Jesus, walang kasalanang higit sa Kanyang awa, at walang makasalanang wala nang pag-asa.

Ngayon, ito ang hamon sa ating lahat: sa tuwing haharap tayo sa kahinaan ng iba, hahawak ba tayo ng bato upang humatol—o bubuksan natin ang ating mga puso upang maging kasangkapan ng awa at pag-ibig ng Diyos? —Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for March 22 Fifth Sunday of Lent: John 11:1-45

Gospel: John 11:1-45

Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was ill. So the sisters sent word to him saying, "Master, the one you love is ill."

When Jesus heard this he said, "This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was.

Then after this he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in a day? If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

But if one walks at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." He said this, and then told them, "Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him." So the disciples said to him, "Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved." But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep.

So then Jesus said to them clearly, "Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him." So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go to die with him." When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.

Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise." Martha said to him, "I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world." When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, "The teacher is here and is asking for you." As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.

For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him. So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Sir, come and see." And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him." But some of them said, "Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?"

So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the dead man's sister, said to him, "Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days." Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone.

And Jesus raised his eyes and said, "Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me." And when he had said this, He cried out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, "Untie him and let him go."

Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a middle-aged woman who lived in fear of death; even the mere mention of it would make her tremble. But one day, she encountered a Gospel passage that spoke about the beautiful friendship of Jesus with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. From that moment on, something began to change within her. She slowly opened her heart to know Jesus more—through reading the Bible, especially the Gospels, and through her faithful participation in Holy Mass.

In our present time, we too find ourselves surrounded by uncertainty. The wars happening in Iran and in other parts of the Middle East, as well as the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, remind us how fragile life can be. Naturally, we feel worry and concern, knowing that these events may affect us in ways we cannot fully control. In moments like these, fear can easily find its way into our hearts.

Yet, in this Sunday’s Gospel, we are reminded of something deeper and more powerful than fear—the profound and personal friendship between Jesus and Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. When Lazarus died, the sisters were filled with sorrow and grief. But Jesus came to them—not only to comfort them, but to reveal something greater: that He is present even in our darkest moments, and that His love is stronger than death itself.

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, He revealed to us a powerful truth: that death is not the end. There is life beyond the grave. There is hope. There is resurrection. But this hope is not something distant or abstract—it is found in a living relationship with Him. It is through our friendship with Jesus that we come to share in His promise of eternal life.

So today, we are gently invited to deepen our friendship with the Lord. Let us come closer to Him—through our faithful participation in Holy Mass, through our daily reading of Scripture, and through a sincere and prayerful conversation with Him. These are not mere religious practices; they are pathways that lead us into a real and transforming relationship with Jesus.

Let us pause and imagine: if we truly walk as friends of Jesus, we are never alone. In our most difficult and darkest moments, He is there. When we feel weak, He strengthens us. When we are lost, He guides us. When we are afraid, He holds us close and reminds us that we are His.

In the midst of these troubling times and uncertainties, let us hold firmly to this truth: our Lord Jesus Christ is always with us. No war, no fear, no uncertainty can separate us from His love. If we truly believe in Him and nurture our friendship with Him, then our hearts can find a peace that the world cannot give.

As it is written in Scripture: “Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

In the face of fear and uncertainty, are we choosing to draw closer to Jesus and deepen our friendship with Him—or are we allowing our fears to distance us from the very One who is our hope, our life, and our resurrection? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Marso 22 Ikalimang na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 11:1-45

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:1-45

Noong panahong iyon, may isang tao na ang ngala’y Lazaro. Nakatira ito sa Betania, kasama ng kanyang mga kapatid na sina Maria at Marta. Si Maria ang nagbuhos ng pabango at nagpunas ng kanyang mga buhok sa mga paa ng Panginoon. Nagkasakit si Lazaro, kaya’t nagpasabi kay Hesus ang magkapatid, “Panginoon, ang kaibigan mong minamahal ay may sakit.”

Ngunit nang marinig ito ni Hesus ay sinabi niya, “Hindi magwawakas sa kamatayan ang sakit na ito. Nangyari ito upang maparangalan ang Diyos at sa pamamagitan nito’y maparangalan ang Anak ng Diyos.”

Mahal ni Hesus ang magkakapatid na Marta, Maria at Lazaro. Gayunma’y pinaraan pa niya ang dalawang araw matapos mabalitaang may sakit si Lazaro bago sinabi sa kanyang mga alagad, “Magbalik tayo sa Judea.” “Rabi,” sagot ng mga alagad, “hindi po ba’t kamakailan lamang ay tinangka kayong batuhin ng mga Judio? Bakit kayo pupunta na naman doon?”

Sinabi ni Hesus, “Hindi ba may labindalawang oras sa maghapon? Hindi natitisod ang lumalakad kung araw, sapagkat nakikita niya ang ilaw ng sanlibutang ito; natitisod ang lumalakad kung gabi, sapagkat wala sa kanya ang ilaw.” Idinugtong pa ni Hesus, “Natutulog ang kaibigan nating si Lazaro. Paroroon ako upang gisingin siya.”

“Panginoon, kung gayun po’y gagaling siya,” tugon ng mga alagad. Ang pagkamatay ni Lazaro ang tinutukoy ni Hesus, ngunit ang akala ng mga alagad ay karaniwang pagtulog ang tinutukoy nya. Dahil dito’y maliwanag na sinabi ni Hesus, “Patay na si Lazaro; ngunit dahil sa inyo, ako’y nagagalak na wala ako roon – upang kayo’y manalig sa akin. Tayo na, puntahan natin siya.” Si Tomas na tinatawag na Kambal ay nagyaya sa kanyang mga kasama, “Sumama tayo sa kanya, kahit sa kamatayan.”

Pagdating ni Hesus, nalaman niyang apat na araw nang nakalibing si Lazaro. May tatlong kilometro ang layo ng Jerusalem sa Betania, at marami sa mga Judio ang dumalaw kina Marta at Maria upang sila’y aliwin.

Nang marinig ni Marta na dumarating si Hesus, sinalubong niya ito; ngunit si Maria’y naiwan sa bahay. Sinabi ni Marta, “Panginoon, kung kayo po’y narito, hindi sana namatay ang aking kapatid. Ngunit nalalaman kong kahit ngayo’y ibibigay sa inyo ng Diyos ang anumang hingin ninyo sa kanya.” “Muling mabubuhay ang iyong kapatid,” wika ni Hesus.

Sumagot si Marta, “Nalalaman ko pong siya’y mabubuhay uli sa huling araw, sa muling pagkabuhay.” Sinabi naman ni Hesus, “Ako ang muling pagkabuhay at ang buhay. Ang nananalig sa akin, kahit mamatay ay muling mabubuhay, at sinumang nabubuhay at nananalig sa akin, ay hindi mamamatay kailanman. Pinaniniwalaan mo ba ito?” “Opo, Panginoon!” sagot niya. “Nananalig ako sa inyo. Kayo po ang Anak ng Diyos, ang Mesiyas na inaasahang paparito sa sanlibutan.”

Pagkasabi nito, umuwi si Marta. Tinawag si Maria at pabulong na sinabi, “Naririto na ang Guro, ipinatatawag ka.” Pagkarinig nito, nagmamadaling tumayo si Maria at sinalubong si Hesus. Hindi pa nakararating si Hesus sa nayon; naroon pa siya sa dakong kinasalubungan ng kanya ni Marta. Sinundan si Maria ng mga Judiong umaalis sa kanya nang siya’y nagmamadaling tumindig at lumabas. Akala nila’y pupunta siya sa libingan upang manangis.

Pagdating ni Maria sa kinaroroonan ni Hesus, nagpatirapa siya sa paanan nito. “Panginoon,” wika niya, “kung narito po lamang kayo, hindi na sana namatay ang aking kapatid.” Nahambal si Hesus nang makitang tumatangis si Maria, pati ng mga Judiong kasama niya, at siya’y napahimutok.

“Saan ninyo siya inilibing?” tanong niya. Sumagot sila, “Panginoon, halikayo at tingnan ninyo.” Tumangis si Hesus; kaya’t sinabi ng mga Judio, “Talagang mahal na mahal niya si Lazaro!” Ngunit sinabi ng ilan, “Nakapagpadilat ng bulag ang taong ito. Bakit hindi niya nahadlangan ang pagkamatay ni Lazaro?”

Muling napahimutok si Hesus pagdating sa libingan. Ito’y yungib na natatakpan ng isang bato “Alisin ninyo ang bato,” sabi ni Hesus. Sumagot si Marta, “Panginoon, nangangamoy na po siya ngayon; apat na araw na siyang patay. Sinabi ni Hesus, “Hindi ba sinabi ko sa inyo na kung mananalig ka sa akin ay makikita mo kung gaano kadakila ang Diyos?” At inalis nila ang bato.

Tumingala si Hesus at ang wika, “Ama, nagpapasalamat ako sa iyo, sapagkat dininig mo ako. Alam kong lagi mo akong dinirinig. Ngunit sinabi ko ito dahil sa mga taong nasa paligid ko, upang maniwala silang ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin.” Pagkasabi nito, sumigaw siya, “Lazaro, lumabas ka!” Lumabas nga si Lazaro; napupuluputan ng kayong panlibing ang kanyang mga kamay at paa, at nababalot ng panyo ang kanyang mukha. Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Kalagan ninyo siya, at nang makalaya.”

Marami sa mga Judiong dumalaw kay Maria ang nakakita sa ginawa ni Hesus at nanalig sa kanya.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang babae na labis na natatakot sa kamatayan; kahit banggitin lamang ito ay nanginginig na siya. Ngunit isang araw, nabasa niya ang isang talata sa Ebanghelyo tungkol sa malalim na pagkakaibigan ni Jesus kina Marta, Maria, at Lazaro. Mula noon, unti-unting nagbago ang kanyang puso. Sinimulan niyang kilalanin si Jesus nang mas malalim—sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa ng Banal na Kasulatan, lalo na ng mga Ebanghelyo, at sa kanyang palagiang pagdalo sa Banal na Misa.

Sa ating panahon ngayon, tayo rin ay nababalot ng maraming kawalang-katiyakan. Ang mga digmaan sa Iran at sa iba pang bahagi ng Gitnang Silangan, pati na ang patuloy na labanan sa pagitan ng Ukraine at Russia, ay nagpapaalala sa atin kung gaano kawalan ng katiyakan ang buhay. Natural lamang na tayo ay mangamba, sapagkat maapektuhan din tayo nito sa kalaunan. Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, madaling makapasok ang takot sa ating mga puso.

Ngunit sa Ebanghelyo ngayong Linggo, ipinapaalala sa atin ang tunay at malalim na pagkakaibigan ni Jesus kina Marta, Maria, at Lazaro. Nang mamatay si Lazaro, napuno ng dalamhati ang magkapatid. Subalit dumating si Jesus—hindi lamang upang tulungan sila, kundi upang ipakita na Siya ay palaging handang samahan sila.

Nang buhayin ni Jesus si Lazaro mula sa libingan, ipinahayag Niya sa atin ang isang dakilang katotohanan: ang kamatayan ay hindi ang wakas. May buhay na naghihintay. May pag-asa. May muling pagkabuhay. Ang pag-asang ito ay hindi malayo o mahirap abutin—ito ay matatagpuan sa isang buhay na ugnayan sa Panginoon. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pakikipagkaibigan kay Jesus, tayo ay nagiging kabahagi ng Kanyang pangako ng buhay na walang hanggan.

Kaya, inaanyayahan tayong lahat na palalimin ang ating pakikipagkaibigan sa Panginoon. Lumapit tayo sa Kanya—sa pamamagitan ng ating tapat at palagiang na pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, sa araw-araw na pagbabasa ng Banal na Kasulatan, at sa taimtim at taos-pusong pananalangin. Ang mga ito ay hindi lamang mga gawaing banal, kundi mga daan upang maranasan natin ang tunay at nagbibigay ng buhay na presensya ni Jesus sa ating buhay.

Sandali nating isipin: kung tayo ay tunay na kaibigan ni Jesus, hinding-hindi tayo nag-iisa. Sa ating pinakamahirap at pinakamadilim na sandali, nariyan Siya. Kapag tayo ay nanghihina, Siya ang nagbibigay-lakas. Kapag tayo ay naliligaw, Siya ang gumagabay para makabalik tayo sa Kanya. Kapag tayo ay natatakot, niyayakap Niya tayo at pinapaalalahanan na tayo ay Kanya.

Sa gitna ng mga kaguluhan at kawalang-katiyakan ng ating panahon, panghawakan natin ang katotohanang ito: ang ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo ay laging kasama natin. Walang digmaan, walang takot, at walang pagsubok ang makapaghihiwalay sa atin sa Kanyang pag-ibig. Kung tayo ay tunay na naniniwala sa Kanya at patuloy na pinapalalim ang ating ugnayan sa Kanya, makakatagpo tayo ng kapayapaang hindi kayang ibigay ng mundo.

Ayon sa Banal na Kasulatan: “Ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa Kanya ay hindi mapapahamak kundi magkakaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan” (Juan 3:16).

Sa gitna ng ating mga takot at kawalang-katiyakan, pinipili ba nating lumapit kay Jesus at palalimin ang ating pakikipagkaibigan sa Kanya—o hinahayaan nating ilayo tayo ng ating mga pangamba mula sa Kanya? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 21 Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:40-53

Gospel: John 7:40-53

Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet. Others said, “This is the Christ. But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived? So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.  

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him? The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man. So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?

But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed. Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing? They answered and said to him “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.”  

Then each went to his own house.

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Reflection:

Do we find time to read the words of Jesus in the Bible with reverence?

When we approach the words of Jesus with humble and open hearts, we allow the Lord Himself to speak to us. In that sacred moment, His voice gently reaches the depths of our souls, awakening something within us that the world cannot give. We begin to experience a quiet transformation—a renewal that brings new meaning and purpose to our lives.

Even those who were sent to arrest Jesus were not immune to the power of His words. They came with a mission, yet they left changed—touched, moved, and drawn to Him. Such is the mystery and power of His Word: when we truly listen, something within us begins to shift, soften, and come alive.

Let us, then, take time to read His words with reverence and attentiveness. As we do, His Word slowly takes root in our hearts, shaping our thoughts, guiding our choices, and transforming the way we live. His words are not merely to be read—they are meant to be received, pondered, and lived.

But in the midst of our busy lives, filled with worries and responsibilities, do we still make space for Him? Do we intentionally set aside moments to sit quietly in His presence and listen? No matter how full our days may seem, we are called to create time for this sacred encounter. For it is here that we find peace in the midst of uncertainty, clarity in confusion, and strength in our weakness.

Whether we are opening the Bible for the first time or returning after a long absence, let us not be discouraged. The Holy Spirit is always with us—ready to enlighten our minds, warm our hearts, and lead us gently into the truth. And as we persevere, we will begin to notice a transformation—subtle yet powerful—unfolding within us.

A transformation that not only renews our own lives but also becomes a blessing to those around us.

And so, let us ask ourselves: Will we continue to let the noise of the world fill our days, or will we make time to listen to the life-giving words of Jesus—allowing Him to transform us from within? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 21 Sabado sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 7:40-53

Mabuting Balita: Juan 7:40-53

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga nakarinig kay Jesus ang nagsabi, "Tunay ngang ito ang Propetang hinihintay natin!" "Ito nga ang Mesias! sabi ng iba. Ngunit sumagot ang iba pa, "Maaari bang magmula sa Galilea ang Mesias? Hindi ba sinabi ng Kasulatan na magmumula ang Mesias sa lipi ni David, at sa Betlehem na bayan ni David ipanganganak?" 

Magkakaiba ang palagay ng mga tao tungkol sa kanya. Ibig ng ilan na dakpin siya, ngunit wala namang nangahas humuli sa kanya. 

Ang mga kawal na bantay sa templo ay nagbalik sa punong saserdote at sa mga Pariseo. "Bakit hindi ninyo sila dinala rito?" tanong nila sa mga bantay. Sumagot sila, "Wala pa pong nagsalita nang gaya niya!" "Kayo man ba'y nalinlang din?" tanong ng mga Pariseo. "Mayroon bang pinuno nang Pariseong naniniwala sa kanya? Wala! Mga tao lamang na walang nalalaman sa Kautusan ang naniniwala sa kanya -- mga sinumpa!" 

Isa sa naroon ay si Nicodemo, na nagsadya kay Jesus noong una. Tinanong niya sila, "Labag sa ating Kautusan na hatulan ang isang tao na di muna nililitis at inaalam kung ano ang kanyang ginawa, hindi ba?" Sumagot sila, "Ikaw ba'y taga-Galilea rin? Magsaliksik ka't makikita mo na walang propetang magmumula sa Galilea."

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Repleksyon:

Naglalaan pa ba tayo ng panahon upang basahin ang mga salita ni Jesus sa Biblia nang may paggalang at pagpipitagan?

Sa tuwing tayo ay lumalapit sa Kanyang mga salita nang may mapagkumbaba at bukas na puso, hinahayaan nating mangusap ang Panginoon sa atin. Sa banal na sandaling iyon, ang Kanyang tinig ay marahang umaabot sa kaibuturan ng ating pagkatao—gumigising sa atin sa isang katotohanang hindi kayang ibigay ng mundo. Unti-unti nating nararanasan ang isang tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang pagbabago—isang panibagong sigla na nagbibigay ng bagong kahulugan at layunin sa ating buhay.

Maging ang mga ipinadala upang hulihin si Jesus ay hindi nakaligtas sa kapangyarihan ng Kanyang mga salita. Sila’y dumating na may misyon, ngunit umalis na may nabagong puso—naantig, napukaw, at nahila palapit sa Kanya. Ganito ang hiwaga ng Kanyang Salita: kapag tayo ay tunay na nakikinig, may unti-unting nagbabago sa ating kalooban—lumalambot, nahuhubog, at muling nabubuhay.

Kaya naman, maglaan tayo ng panahon upang basahin ang Kanyang mga salita nang may paggalang at taimtim na pagninilay. Habang ginagawa natin ito, ang Kanyang Salita ay unti-unting nag-uugat sa ating puso—hinuhubog ang ating pag-iisip, ginagabayan ang ating mga pasya at binabago ang paraan ng ating pamumuhay. Ang Kanyang mga salita ay hindi lamang para basahin, kundi para tanggapin, pagnilayan, at isabuhay.

Ngunit sa gitna ng ating abalang buhay—puno ng mga alalahanin at responsibilidad—naglalaan pa ba tayo ng puwang para sa Kanya? Sinasadya ba nating manahimik at makinig sa Kanyang presensya? Anuman ang ating pinagdaraanan, tinatawagan tayong maglaan ng panahon para sa banal na pakikipagtagpo na ito. Sapagkat dito natin matatagpuan ang kapayapaan sa gitna ng kaguluhan, liwanag sa gitna ng kadiliman at lakas sa gitna ng ating kahinaan.

Maging ito man ang ating unang pagbasa o pagbabalik matapos ang mahabang panahon, huwag tayong panghinaan ng loob. Ang Espiritu Santo ay laging nariyan—handa tayong gabayan, buksan ang ating isipan, at akayin tayo sa mas malalim na pag-unawa. At sa ating pagpapatuloy, mapapansin natin ang isang pagbabagong unti-unting umuusbong sa atin—banayad ngunit makapangyarihan.

Isang pagbabagong hindi lamang sa atin nagaganap, kundi umaabot din at nagbibigay-buhay sa mga taong nasa paligid natin.

Hahayaan nalang ba natin na mapuno ang ating oras ng ingay ng mundo, o maglalaan tayo ng sandali upang magbasa sa Kanyang mga salitang nagbibigay-buhay—at pahintulutan Siyang baguhin tayo mula sa kaloob-looban ng ating pagkatao? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 20 Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret.  

Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.”   

So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me. So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.

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Reflection:

Does Jesus fear death?

Yes, He feared death. Yet in the face of that fear, He did not allow Himself to be paralyzed. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father and remained faithful to His salvific mission. With unwavering love and obedience, He continued forward, even becoming more resolute, until He reached His appointed time of arrest, suffering, and death on the Cross. 

We see this in today’s Gospel. Jesus initially avoided going to Judea because there were those who sought to kill Him. And yet, when the time came for the Feast of Tabernacles—a sacred moment of worship and encounter—He chose to go. Quietly at first, but when the moment was right, He stood and spoke with courage, truth, and authority. He did not allow fear to silence His mission. 

In our own lives, we too experience fears—fears of rejection, failure, suffering, or even the unknown. These fears can quietly creep into our hearts and tempt us to withdraw, to delay, or to turn away from what God is calling us to do. But Jesus shows us another way. He teaches us that fear, when surrendered to God, does not have the final word. 

Let us remember: when we face our fears with faith, we open ourselves to God’s grace. When we move forward despite our uncertainties, we allow His power to work within us. Fear may try to hold us back, but God’s love calls us forward—into trust, into courage, into mission. 

Today, let us bring our fears before the Lord. Let us place them at His feet and ask for the strength to move forward, even if our steps are small and trembling. For He walks with us, strengthens us, and leads us toward the fulfillment of His purpose in our lives. 

What fear is quietly holding us back today—and are we willing to trust Jesus enough to take one step forward in faith despite it? —Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 20 Biyernes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Jesus ang Galilea; iniwasan niya ang Judea, sapagkat ibig siyang patayin ng mga Judio roon. Nalalapit na ang Pista ng mga Tolda, isang pista ng mga Judio. Pagkaalis ng kanyang mga kapatid, si Jesus ma'y pumunta rin sa pista, ngunit hindi hayagan. 

Sinabi ng ilang taga-Jerusalem, "Hindi ba ito ang taong gusto nilang patayin? Hayan! Lantaran siyang nagsasalita, ngunit wala silang sinasabi laban sa kanya! Baka naman nakilala ng mga pinuno na siya nga ang Mesias! Walang makaaalam kung saan magmumula ang Mesias pagparito niya, ngunit alam naman natin kung saan nagmula ang taong ito!" 

Kaya't nang nasa templo si Jesus at nagtuturo, malakas niyang sinabi, "Ako ba'y nakikilala ninyo? Alam ba ninyo kung saan ako nagmula? Hindi ako naparito sa ganang akin lamang. Ang Totoo ang siyang nagsugo sa akin, ngunit hindi ninyo sila nakikilala. Nakikilala ko siya, sapagkat ako'y mula sa kanya, at siya ang nagsugo sa akin." Tinangka nilang dakpin siya; ngunit walang nangahas, sapagkat hindi pa niya oras.

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Repleksyon:

Natatakot ba si Hesus sa kamatayan? Oo, nakaramdam din Siya ng takot. Ngunit sa harap ng takot na iyon, hindi Niya hinayaang Siya’y maparalisa. Sa halip, buong pagtitiwala Niyang ipinagkatiwala ang Kanyang sarili sa Ama at nanatiling tapat sa Kanyang misyong pagliligtas. Sa kabila ng pangamba, nagpatuloy Siya nang may matatag na loob at pag-ibig hanggang sa dumating ang takdang oras ng Kanyang pagdakip, pagdurusa, at kamatayan sa Krus.

Makikita natin ito sa Ebanghelyo ngayon. Noong una, iniwasan ni Hesus ang pagpunta sa Judea sapagkat may mga nagbabalak na pumatay sa Kanya. Ngunit nang dumating ang Kapistahan ng mga Tolda—isang banal na pagdiriwang—pinili pa rin Niyang pumunta. Tahimik sa simula, ngunit nang dumating ang tamang panahon, Siya’y tumindig at nangaral nang may tapang, katotohanan, at kapangyarihan. Hindi Niya hinayaang patahimikin ng takot ang Kanyang misyon.

Sa ating buhay, tayo rin ay may mga kinatatakutan—takot sa pagtanggi, kabiguan, paghihirap, o maging sa hindi tiyak na hinaharap. Ang mga takot na ito ay maaaring dahan-dahang pumasok sa ating puso at magtulak sa atin na umatras, mag-atubili, o umiwas sa mga bagay na tinatawag tayo ng Diyos na gawin. Ngunit ipinapakita sa atin ni Hesus ang ibang landas. Itinuturo Niya na kapag ang ating takot ay isinuko natin sa Diyos, hindi ito ang magkakaroon ng huling salita.

Alalahanin natin: kapag hinaharap natin ang ating mga takot nang may pananampalataya, binubuksan natin ang ating sarili sa biyaya ng Diyos. Kapag patuloy tayong sumusulong sa kabila ng ating pangamba, hinahayaan nating kumilos ang Kanyang kapangyarihan sa atin. Maaaring hadlangan tayo ng takot, ngunit ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ang patuloy na tumatawag sa atin upang magtiwala, magpakatatag, at tuparin ang ating misyon.

Ngayon, dalhin natin ang ating mga takot sa Panginoon. Ilapag natin ang mga ito sa Kanyang paanan at hingin ang lakas ng loob na magpatuloy, kahit ang ating mga hakbang ay maliit at may pangamba. Sapagkat Siya ay kasama natin—umaakay, nagpapalakas, at gumagabay tungo sa katuparan ng Kanyang layunin sa ating buhay.

Ano ang takot na tahimik na pumipigil sa atin ngayon—at handa ba tayong magtiwala kay Hesus at gumawa ng kahit isang hakbang pasulong sa kabila nito?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday March 19 Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

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Reflection:

Do we agree that Joseph is a man who truly listens to the voice of God?

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph—the humble, righteous, and godly husband of Mary. In a moment of confusion and quiet pain, when Joseph discovered that Mary was with child before they lived together, he resolved to quietly let her go. His heart was just, yet human—perhaps filled with questions, uncertainty, and sorrow.

But God, in His mercy, did not leave Joseph in the dark. In a dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to him. And in that sacred moment, Joseph listened—not with fear, but with faith; not with pride, but with trust. He opened his heart to God’s voice, and because of his obedience, what could have led to separation became a story of salvation. Mary was spared, and God’s plan unfolded through a willing and listening heart.

In our modern and fast-paced world, we, too, face moments of misunderstanding, hurt, and doubt—especially in our relationships. Oftentimes, we are quick to judge. We allow our pride, anger, and wounded emotions to take control. Because of this, we become less willing to forgive, less patient to understand, and less open to listen—not only to one another, but to God.

Yet, God continues to speak to us—in the silence of our hearts, in moments of prayer, and even in the midst of our struggles. His voice gently invites us to forgive as we have been forgiven, to show compassion instead of judgment, and to trust even when we do not fully understand.

Like Joseph, we are called to quiet our restless hearts, to surrender our fears and pride, and to listen deeply to the voice of God. For it is in listening that we begin to see clearly, love more fully, and act more faithfully.

When God speaks to us—in silence, in struggle, or in unexpected ways—will we, like Joseph, choose to listen, trust, and obey, even when it asks us to let go of our pride and follow a path we did not plan? —Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes Marso 19 Dakilang Kapistahan ni San Jose, Kabiyak ng Puso ng Mahal na Birheng Maria: Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Si Jacob, ang ama ni Jose na asawa ni Maria. Si Maria naman ang ina ni Jesus na tinatawag na Cristo.

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito nang lihim. 

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose, anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. 

Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito’y pangangalanan mong Hesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan.” Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang utos ng anghel ng Panginoon.

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Repleksyon:

Sumasang-ayon ba tayo na si Jose ay isang taong tunay na nakikinig sa tinig ng Diyos?

Ngayon ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang Kapistahan ni San Jose—ang mapagkumbaba, matuwid, at maka-Diyos na asawa ni Maria. Sa sandali ng pagkalito at tahimik na paghihirap, nang matuklasan ni Jose na si Maria ay nagdadalang-tao bago pa sila magsama, nagpasya siyang palihim na hiwalayan siya. Ang kanyang puso ay matuwid, ngunit siya rin ay tao—marahil ay puno ng mga tanong, pangamba, at lungkot.

Ngunit hindi pinabayaan ng Diyos si Jose sa dilim. Sa isang panaginip, nagpakita sa kanya ang anghel ng Panginoon. At sa banal na sandaling iyon, nakinig si Jose—hindi sa takot, kundi sa pananampalataya; hindi sa pagmamataas, kundi sa pagtitiwala.

Binuksan niya ang kanyang puso sa tinig ng Diyos, at dahil sa kanyang pagsunod, ang maaaring humantong sa paghihiwalay ay naging bahagi ng dakilang plano ng kaligtasan. Nailigtas si Maria sa kapahamakan, at naisakatuparan ang plano ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng isang pusong handang makinig.

Sa ating makabago at mabilis na takbo ng mundo, tayo rin ay nakararanas ng mga sandali ng hindi pagkakaunawaan, sugat, at pagdududa—lalo na sa ating mga ugnayan. Madalas, tayo ay madaling humusga. Hinahayaan nating manaig ang ating pagmamataas, galit, at sugatang damdamin. Dahil dito, nagiging kulang tayo sa pagpapatawad, sa pag-unawa, at sa pakikinig—hindi lamang sa isa’t isa, kundi lalo na sa Diyos.

Subalit patuloy pa ring nagsasalita ang Diyos sa atin—sa katahimikan ng ating puso, sa ating panalangin, at maging sa gitna ng ating mga pagsubok. Marahan Niya tayong inaanyayahan na magpatawad tulad ng pagpapatawad Niya sa atin, magmahal sa halip na humusga, at magtiwala kahit hindi natin lubos na nauunawaan ang lahat.

Tulad ni Jose, tinatawag tayong patahimikin ang ating puso, isuko ang ating pagmamataas at mga takot, at makinig nang malalim sa tinig ng Diyos. Sapagkat sa pakikinig, mas natututo tayong umunawa, magmahal, at sumunod nang may katapatan.

Kapag nagsalita ang Diyos sa atin—sa katahimikan, sa gitna ng pagsubok, o sa mga paraang hindi natin inaasahan—handa ba tayong makinig, magtiwala, at sumunod tulad ni San Jose, kahit kailangan nating isantabi ang ating pagmamataas at yakapin ang landas na hindi natin pinili?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 18 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:17-30

Gospel: John 5:17-30

Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God. 

Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed. 

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. 

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 

For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself. And he gave him power to exercise judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.

“I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

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Reflection:

Do we believe in the oneness of God the Father and God the Son?

We can best summarize the first half of Jesus’ pronouncements in the Gospel as, “Like Father, like Son.” We believe this because Jesus is the second Person of the Trinity. He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the visible image of the invisible God, who came to reveal the Father to us in love, mercy, and truth.

Since we look up to Jesus as the founder and leader of our faith, there is no doubt that we are His followers. Yet, as we walk this journey of faith together, we are gently invited to examine our hearts: Are we truly worthy followers of Jesus? We profess our belief in His oneness with the Father—but do we allow this belief to take root in our lives and bear fruit in our actions?

When we encounter those in need, do we become instruments of God’s compassion? When truth calls for courage, do we speak it with love and humility? In our daily lives, do we reflect the meekness and humility of Christ, or do we allow pride and self-interest to take hold of us? Do we truly live out what we hear, read, and receive from the Gospel?

To believe in Jesus is not only to accept His words but to embody His life. It is to let His love transform the way we see others, the way we forgive, and the way we choose what is right.

When someone who has hurt us comes seeking forgiveness and longs for reconciliation, how do we respond? Do we open our hearts as Christ opens His to us again and again? Or do we close the door, holding tightly to pain, resentment, and unforgiveness?

As we continue to reflect on the oneness of the Father and the Son, may we remember that we are also called to be one with them—not only in belief, but in the way we live, love, and forgive.

 Today, let us ask ourselves with sincerity and courage: If we truly believe that Jesus is one with the Father, can others see that same oneness reflected in the way we live our lives? Or is our faith still waiting to be fully lived out in love?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 18 Miyerkules sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 5:17-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:17-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judio: “Ang aking Ama’y patuloy sa paggawa, at gayun din ako.” Lalong pinagsikapan ng mga Judio na patayin siya, sapagkat nilabag na niya ang batas tungkol sa Araw ng Pamamahinga ay sinasabi pa niyang ang Diyos ang kanyang Ama, at sa gayo’y ipinapantay ang sarili sa Diyos. 

Kaya’t sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Dapat ninyong malaman na walang ginagawa ang Anak sa kanyang sarili lamang; ang ginagawa lamang niya’y ang nakikita niyang ginagawa ng Ama. Ang ginagawa ng Ama ay siya ring ginagawa ng Anak. Sapagkat minamahal ng Ama ang Anak, at ipinakikita sa Anak ang lahat ng ginagawa niya. 

At higit pa sa mga ito ang mga gawang ipakikita sa kanya ng Ama at manggigilalas kayo. Kung paanong binubuhay ng Ama ang mga patay, gayun din naman, bubuhayin ng Anak ang sinumang nais niyang buhayin. Hindi humahatol kaninuman ang Ama. Ibinigay niya sa Anak ang buong kapangyarihang humatol upang parangalan ng lahat ang Anak, tulad ng kanilang pagpaparangal sa Ama. Ang hindi nagpaparangal sa Anak ay hindi nagpaparangal sa Amang nagsugo sa Anak.  

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Repleksyon:

Naniniwala ba tayo sa pagiging isa ng Diyos Ama at ng Diyos Anak?

Maaaring ibuod ang unang bahagi ng mga pahayag ni Jesus sa Ebanghelyo sa ganitong diwa: “Kung ano ang Ama, gayon din ang Anak.” Pinaniniwalaan natin ito sapagkat si Jesus ang ikalawang Persona ng Santisima Trinidad. Siya ang Salitang nagkatawang-tao (Juan 1:14), ang nakikitang larawan ng di-nakikitang Diyos, na dumating upang ihayag sa atin ang Ama sa pag-ibig, awa at katotohanan.

Tinitingala natin si Jesus bilang pinagmulan at pinuno ng ating pananampalataya, kaya’t walang duda na tayo ay Kanyang mga tagasunod. Ngunit sa ating paglalakbay bilang isang pamayanan ng pananampalataya, inaanyayahan tayong suriin ang ating mga puso: Tayo ba ay tunay na karapat-dapat na mga tagasunod ni Kristo? Ipinapahayag natin na naniniwala tayo sa Kanyang kaisahan sa Ama—ngunit naipapakita ba natin ang paniniwalang ito sa ating mga gawa?

Kapag may nangangailangan, nagiging daluyan ba tayo ng habag ng Diyos? Kapag hinihingi ng pagkakataon ang katotohanan, nasasabi ba natin ito nang may pag-ibig at kababaang-loob? Sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay, naipapakita ba natin ang kababaang-loob at kaamuan ni Kristo, o hinahayaan nating manaig ang ating pagmamataas at sariling kapakanan? Isinasabuhay ba natin ang ating naririnig at nababasa sa Ebanghelyo?

Ang maniwala kay Jesus ay hindi lamang pagtanggap sa Kanyang mga salita, kundi pagsasabuhay ng Kanyang buhay. Ito ay ang pagpapahintulot na baguhin Niya ang paraan ng ating pagtingin sa iba, ang paraan ng ating pagpapatawad, at ang paraan ng ating pagpili ng tama.

Kapag ang isang taong nakasakit sa atin ay lumapit, humihingi ng tawad at nagnanais makipagkasundo, paano tayo tumutugon? Binubuksan ba natin ang ating puso, tulad ng walang sawang pagbubukas ni Kristo ng Kanyang puso para sa atin? O isinasara natin ang pintuan at pinipiling manatili sa galit, sakit, at hindi pagpapatawad?

Sa ating pagninilay tungkol sa kaisahan ng Ama at ng Anak, nawa’y maalala natin na tinatawag din tayong makiisa sa kanila—hindi lamang sa paniniwala, kundi sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay, pagmamahal, at pagpapatawad.

Kung tunay tayong naniniwala na si Jesus ay kaisa ng Ama, nakikita ba ng iba ang kaisahang ito sa ating pamumuhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 17 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:1-16

Gospel: John 5:1-16

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. 

Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’“ They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” 

The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath.

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Reflection:

Imagine that Jesus is standing right in front of us and gently asking this question: “Do you want to be well?” How would we respond? Surely, from the depths of our hearts we would say, “Yes, Lord, we want to be well!”

But suppose Jesus then tells us, “Go and humble yourselves before me in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” What if we reply, “Some other time, Lord. We are busy right now.” Then the days pass, our schedules fill up, and before we know it, we have forgotten His loving invitation to come to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Many of us truly desire to grow closer to Jesus. We long to be healed by Him and to experience His peace in our hearts. Yet, oftentimes, we hesitate to take the humble step of approaching the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation. In this sacred encounter, Jesus heals us from the spiritual sickness caused by our sins. And sometimes, without us even realizing it, through the Lord’s infinite power we may also receive healing from many of our physical ailments.

When we humble ourselves through this sacrament, we allow Jesus to wash away our sins—no matter how serious they may be. We place our trust in His boundless mercy and love. As Pope Saint John Paul II once said:

 “Confession is an act of honesty and courage—an act of entrusting ourselves, beyond sin, to the mercy of a loving and forgiving God.” 

In today’s Gospel, the man who had been sick for thirty-eight years experienced an instant healing when Jesus commanded him to rise. Despite it being the Sabbath—a day of rest for them—he obeyed the Lord without hesitation. What mattered most to him was responding in faith to the command of Jesus.

In our own lives, Jesus continues to ask us the same question: “Do you want to be well?” His invitation to healing is still open to us, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The question for us now is this: If we truly desire to be healed and restored by Jesus, are we willing to humble ourselves and come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation—or will we continue to postpone His loving call?— Marino J. Dasmarinas