Reflection for March 12 Thursday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 11:14-23

Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons. Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.  

And if Satan is divided against himself how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.  

When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

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Reflection:

Do we truly believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior?

In today’s Gospel, after Jesus cast out a demon from a man, some people accused Him of being one with the demons. Instead of rejoicing that a man had been freed from evil, their hearts were filled with suspicion and disbelief. They could not accept that Jesus performed this miracle out of goodness and compassion. Their hardened hearts led them to accuse the very One who had come to bring freedom and healing.

This invites us to reflect: Who is truly one with the demons? Is it Jesus, or those who refuse to believe in Him?

In our lives, we are always faced with a choice—to believe in Jesus or to reject Him. Yet believing in Him is more than simply saying with our lips that He is our Lord and Savior. True belief calls us to walk in His path and to live according to His teachings. We cannot claim that we believe in Jesus while at the same time refusing to follow the way that He has shown us.

Those who turn away from Jesus make themselves vulnerable to the influence of evil. Without the light of Christ guiding our hearts, we can easily be led astray by the temptations and deceptions of the devil.

Sadly, many people today resemble those who lived during the time of Jesus and refused to believe in Him. Why does this happen? Sometimes we become so focused on ourselves that we begin to think we know better than God. At other times, we say that we believe in Jesus, yet our actions contradict our words because we fail to follow His teachings in our daily lives.

The consequences of rejecting Jesus can be serious. When we close our hearts to Him, we open the door to the influence of evil. Without the guidance of Christ and the voice of a well-formed conscience, people can begin to commit wrong actions without feeling remorse.

Perhaps this is why we see painful realities in our world today—such as the taking of innocent life through abortion or the breaking of the sacred covenant of marriage through adultery. These actions remind us of what can happen when people allow themselves to be led by selfish desires rather than by the truth and love of Christ.

Yet even in the midst of these realities, there is still hope.

Hope remains as long as there are people like us who believe in Jesus—people who are willing to stand firm in His teachings and values.

When we cherish the gift of life and defend its dignity, we become witnesses of God’s love in a world that often forgets its sacredness.

When we honor the sanctity of the marriage covenant and remain faithful despite temptations, we become living testimonies of Christ’s faithfulness.

And when we choose to follow Jesus even when it is difficult, we allow His light to shine through our lives and bring hope to others.

The Lord gently invites us to examine our hearts.

Do we truly believe in Jesus—not only with our words, but with the way we live our lives each day? And are we willing to stand with Him, follow His path, and let our lives reflect His truth and love in a world that so desperately needs Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 12 Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 11:14-23

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 11:14-23

Noong panahong iyon, pinalayas ni Jesus ang isang demonyong sanhi ng pagkapipi ng isang lalaki, at ito'y nakapagsalita na mula noon. Nanggilalas ang mga tao, ngunit may ilan sa kanila ang nagsabi, "Si Beelzebul na prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo." 

May iba namang nais siyang subukin, kaya't nagsabi, "Magpakita ka ng kababalaghang magpapakilala na ang Diyos ang sumasaiyo. Ngunit batid ni Jesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya't sinabi sa kanila, "babagsak ang bawat kahariang nahahati sa magkakalabang pangkat at mawawasak ang mga bahay roon. 

Kung maghimagsik si Satanas laban sa kanyang sarili, paano mananatili ang kanyang kaharian? Sinasabi ninyong nagpapalayas ako ng demonyo sapagkat binigyan ako ni Beelzebul ng kapangyarihang ito. Kung ako'y nagpapalayas ng demonyo sa pamamagitan ni Beelzebul, sino naman ang nagbigay ng kapangyarihan sa inyong mga tagasunod na magbigay na makagawa ng gayon?

Sila na rin ang nagpapatunay na maling-mali kayo. Ngayon, kung ako'y nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Diyos, nangangahulugang dumating na sa inyo ang paghahari ng Diyos.

"Kapag ang isang taong malakas at nasasandatahan ay nagbabantay sa kanyang bahay, malayo sa panganib ang kanyang ari-arian. Ngunit kung salakayin siya at talunin ng isang taong higit na malakas, sasamsamin nito ang mga sandatang kanyang inaasahan at ipamamahagi ang ari-ariang inagaw. "Ang hindi panig sa akin ay laban sa akin, at nagkakalat ang hindi tumutulong sa aking mag-ipon.

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Repleksyon:

Tunay nga ba nating pinaniniwalaan si Jesus bilang ating Panginoon at Tagapagligtas?

Sa Mabuting Balita ngayon, matapos palayasin ni Jesus ang isang demonyo mula sa isang lalaki, may ilang taong nag-akusa sa Kanya na Siya raw ay kakampi ng mga demonyo. Sa halip na magalak dahil napalaya ang isang tao mula sa kapangyarihan ng kasamaan, ang kanilang mga puso ay napuno ng pagdududa at kawalan ng paniniwala. Hindi nila matanggap na ang himalang ginawa ni Jesus ay bunga ng Kanyang kabutihan at habag. Dahil sa katigasan ng kanilang puso, inakusahan nila ang mismong nagdala ng kalayaan at kagalingan.

Dahil dito, inaanyayahan tayong magtanong sa ating sarili: Sino nga ba ang tunay na kakampi ng mga demonyo? Si Jesus ba, o ang mga taong tumatangging maniwala sa Kanya?

Sa ating buhay, palagi tayong nahaharap sa isang mahalagang pagpili—ang maniwala kay Jesus o ang tanggihan Siya. Ngunit ang tunay na paniniwala ay hindi lamang nasasabi sa ating mga labi. Ang paniniwala kay Jesus ay nangangahulugan na tayo ay lumalakad sa Kanyang landas at namumuhay ayon sa Kanyang mga aral. Hindi natin maaaring sabihin na tayo ay naniniwala sa Kanya kung tumatanggi naman tayong sundin ang Kanyang ipinapakita sa atin.

Kapag tayo ay tumatalikod kay Jesus, nagiging bukás ang ating sarili sa impluwensya ng kasamaan. Kung wala ang liwanag ni Kristo na gumagabay sa ating mga puso, madali tayong mailigaw ng mga tukso at panlilinlang ng diyablo.

Nakakalungkot isipin na marami pa ring tao sa ating panahon ang katulad ng mga taong nabuhay noong panahon ni Jesus na tumangging maniwala sa Kanya. Bakit kaya ito nangyayari? Marahil kung minsan ay masyado tayong nakatuon sa ating sarili hanggang sa isipin nating mas alam pa natin ang tama kaysa sa Diyos. May mga pagkakataon ding sinasabi nating tayo ay naniniwala kay Jesus, ngunit ang ating mga gawa ay hindi naman sumasalamin sa Kanyang mga aral.

Kapag isinara natin ang ating puso kay Jesus, nagbubukas tayo ng pintuan para sa impluwensya ng kasamaan. Kapag wala ang gabay ni Kristo at ang tinig ng malinis na konsensya, maaaring dumating ang punto na ang tao ay nakakagawa ng mali nang hindi na nakakaramdam ng pagsisisi.

Marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit nakikita natin ang ilang masakit na katotohanan sa ating mundo ngayon—tulad ng pagkitil sa buhay ng inosenteng sanggol sa sinapupunan, o ang pagsira sa banal na tipan ng kasal sa pamamagitan ng pagtataksil. Ipinapaalala sa atin ng mga pangyayaring ito kung ano ang maaaring mangyari kapag hinayaan ng tao na ang sarili ay gabayan ng makasariling pagnanasa kaysa sa katotohanan at pag-ibig ni Kristo.

Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, may pag-asa pa rin.

May pag-asa hangga’t may mga taong tulad natin na naniniwala kay Jesus—mga taong handang manindigan para sa Kanyang mga aral at mga pagpapahalaga.

Kapag pinahahalagahan natin ang kaloob na buhay at ipinagtatanggol ang dangal nito, nagiging saksi tayo ng pag-ibig ng Diyos sa isang mundong madalas nakakalimot sa kabanalan ng buhay.

Kapag iginagalang natin ang kabanalan ng sakramento ng kasal at pinipiling maging tapat sa kabila ng mga tukso, nagiging buhay tayong patotoo ng katapatan ni Kristo.

At kapag pinipili nating sumunod kay Jesus kahit mahirap, hinahayaan nating magliwanag ang Kanyang ilaw sa pamamagitan ng ating buhay at magdala ng pag-asa sa iba.

Kaya, inaanyayahan tayong lahat ng Panginoon na suriin ang ating mga puso.

Tunay nga ba nating pinaniniwalaan si Jesus bilang ating Panginoon at Tagapagligtas—hindi lamang sa ating mga salita kundi sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay araw-araw? At handa ba tayong tumindig para sa Kanya at sundan ang Kanyang landas kahit ito ay mangahulugan ng pagsasakripisyo at katapatan sa gitna ng isang mundong madalas tumatanggi sa Kanya?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 11 Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent: Matthew 5:17-19

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

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.”

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Reflection:

What is life without Jesus?

It is barren, chaotic, and without peace. And what is life without following the laws of God? It is much the same. Without Him, our lives easily lose their direction, and our hearts wander in search of meaning that the world can never truly give.

Jesus comes into our lives to make them meaningful, peaceful, and fruitful—not necessarily meaningful, peaceful, and productive in the eyes of the world, but meaningful and fruitful in His eyes. When we allow Him to guide us and when we choose to follow the laws of God, our lives begin to reflect the beauty of the purpose for which we were created.

When we break the laws of God, we also distance ourselves from the love of Jesus. Our actions reveal whether we truly follow Him or merely claim to do so. For example, if a politician presents himself publicly as a follower of Jesus, he should not violate the law by stealing money from government coffers or engaging in corruption.

Nor should he support policies that undermine the dignity of human life or disregard the needs of the poor. Otherwise, the name of Jesus may simply be used to advance a hidden agenda rather than to serve the common good.

The same principle applies to those who serve God in religious life. Priests and ministers who profess to follow Jesus are called to live lives that reflect holiness, integrity, and fidelity to the commandments of God. Their lives, like the lives of all of us who claim to follow Christ, should be a witness to the transforming power of His grace.

There is always a reward for those who follow the laws of God and remain faithful to the commandments of Jesus. The reward may not always be the one we expect, nor may it come at the time we desire. Yet we can trust that God sees our faithfulness and will bless it in His perfect way and in His perfect time.

But what about those who deliberately ignore or violate God’s laws? Eventually, they must face the consequences of their choices. In the end, justice—both human and divine—cannot be set aside forever.

As followers of Christ, we are invited each day to examine our hearts and our actions. Are we truly living according to the teachings of Jesus, or are we merely claiming His name while following our own desires?

Let us pause and ask ourselves honestly: Are our lives truly reflecting our love for Jesus through faithful obedience to His commandments or are we allowing the world to shape our choices more than the Lord who gave His life for us? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 11 Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 5:17-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:17-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus 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."

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang buhay kung wala si Jesus?

Ito ay tigang, magulo, at walang tunay na kapayapaan. At ano naman ang buhay kung hindi natin sinusunod ang mga batas ng Diyos? Ganito rin—isang buhay na madaling maligaw at mawalan ng tunay na kahulugan.

Dumating si Jesus sa ating buhay upang gawin itong makabuluhan, mapayapa, at mabunga—hindi lamang sa paningin ng mundo o ng ibang tao, kundi higit sa lahat sa Kanyang paningin. Kapag hinahayaan nating Siya ang gumabay sa atin at pinipili nating sundin ang mga utos ng Diyos, unti-unting nahahayag sa ating buhay ang layunin kung bakit tayo nilikha.

Kapag nilalabag natin ang mga batas ng Diyos, inilalayo rin natin ang ating sarili sa pag-ibig ni Jesus. Ipinapakita ng ating mga ginagawa kung tunay ba nating sinusunod Siya o sinasabi lamang natin na tayo ay Kanyang tagasunod.

Halimbawa, kung ang isang pulitiko ay nagpapakita sa publiko na siya ay tagasunod ni Jesus, hindi niya dapat nilalabag ang batas sa pamamagitan ng pagnanakaw ng pondo ng bayan o paggawa ng katiwalian. Hindi rin siya dapat sumusuporta sa mga patakaran o batas na sumasalungat sa dangal at pagkasagrado ng buhay ng tao o sa mga batas na nagpapahirap lalo sa mga dukha. Kung hindi, maaaring ginagamit lamang ang pangalan ni Jesus upang itaguyod ang pansariling layunin.

Ganoon din ang inaasahan sa mga naglilingkod sa Diyos sa buhay relihiyoso. Ang mga pari at mga lingkod ng Diyos na nagpapahayag na sila ay sumusunod kay Jesus ay tinatawag na mamuhay nang may kabanalan, katapatan, at pagsunod sa mga utos ng Diyos. Ang kanilang buhay—tulad din ng buhay nating lahat na nagsasabing tayo ay kay Cristo—ay dapat maging malinaw na patotoo sa kapangyarihan ng Kanyang biyaya na nagbabago ng puso at buhay.

May nakahandang gantimpala para sa mga sumusunod sa mga batas ng Diyos at nananatiling tapat sa mga utos ni Jesus. Maaaring hindi ito ang gantimpalang inaasahan natin o hindi ito dumarating sa oras na gusto natin. Ngunit makatitiyak tayo na nakikita ng Diyos ang ating katapatan at pagpapalain Niya ito sa Kanyang tamang panahon.

Ngunit paano naman ang mga sadyang lumalabag o nagwawalang-bahala sa mga batas ng Diyos? Sa huli, haharapin din nila ang bunga ng kanilang mga piniling gawin. Sapagkat ang katarungan at paniningil siguradong darating.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Cristo, inaanyayahan tayong lahat na suriin ang ating puso at pamumuhay araw-araw. Tayo ba ay tunay na namumuhay ayon sa Kanyang mga turo, o ginagamit lamang natin ang Kanyang pangalan habang sinusunod ang sarili nating kagustuhan?

Tunay bang nakikita sa ating mga desisyon at pamumuhay ang ating pagmamahal kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa Kanyang mga utos—o hinahayaan ba nating ang dikta ng mundo ang humubog sa ating mga pasya kaysa sa Panginoong nag-alay ng Kanyang buhay para sa atin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 10 Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent: Matthew 18:21-35

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 

Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. 

Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! 

I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who was very unforgiving. He constantly harbored resentment toward those who had hurt him. Being unforgiving had become his usual response toward anyone who did him wrong—until one day he suffered a heart attack.

After recovering from his illness, he made a life-changing decision. He would no longer keep resentment in his heart. From that moment on, he chose to forgive. As he began to let go of the anger and bitterness he had carried for so long, he experienced something beautiful within himself. He felt like a bird that had finally been freed from its cage.

Is it normal for us to harbor resentment or anger? Yes, it is, because we are human beings with emotions. There are moments when we are wounded, misunderstood, or treated unfairly. Hurt can easily enter our hearts. Yet the danger begins when we allow anger or resentment to stay too long within us, when we give it a safe harbor in our hearts.

When resentment begins to take hold of us, that is the moment when we must allow the teaching of Jesus on forgiveness to gently take over our selfish and destructive feelings.

In the Gospel, Peter once asked Jesus, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21–22).

This teaching of Jesus is simple, yet it carries a powerful truth for all of us. The Lord is reminding us that forgiveness should not be limited or counted. Instead, forgiveness must become a way of life for us. Yes, it is natural for us to feel hurt, but we must not allow those painful feelings to control us or leave permanent wounds in our hearts.

We can only be truly free from the destructive power of anger—something that the evil one often uses to divide and destroy—when we choose to forgive those who have hurt us.

What happens when we refuse to forgive? When we hold on to resentment, we end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. We place ourselves inside an invisible prison called unforgiveness. Slowly and quietly, this unforgiveness weighs down our hearts, steals our peace, and drains our joy.

But when we follow Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, something wonderful happens within us. Our hearts begin to feel light. The heavy burden we have been carrying is lifted. Peace slowly returns to our souls. We experience the freedom that comes from letting go.

Do we not all long to feel light, peaceful, and free from the burdens of anger and hurt?

Today the Lord gently places before us two paths. We can follow His teaching of limitless forgiveness, or we can continue to carry the heavy burden of unforgiveness within us. One path leads to freedom and peace; the other leads to captivity of the heart. 

With the grace of God, may we always choose the wiser path—the path of forgiveness. 

And so we ask ourselves today: Is there someone in our lives whom we still need to forgive so that our hearts may finally experience the freedom that Jesus wants to give us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 10 Martes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 18:21-35

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:21-35

Noong panahong iyon, lumapit si Pedro at nagtanong kay Hesus, “Panginoon, makailan kong patatawarin ang aking kapatid na paulit-ulit na nagkakasala sa akin? Makapito po ba?” Sinagot siya ni Hesus, “Hindi ko sinasabing makapito, kundi pitumpung ulit pa nito. 

Sapagkat ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: ipinasiya ng isang hari na pagbayarin ang kanyang mga lingkod na may utang sa kanya. Unang dinala sa kanya ang isang may utang na sampung milyung piso. Dahil sa siya’y walang ibayad, iniutos ng hari na ipagbili siya, ang kanyang asawa, mga anak, at lahat ng ari-arian, upang makabayad. 

Nanikluhod ang taong ito sa harapan ng hari at nagmakaawa: ‘Bigyan pa ninyo ako ng panahon, at babayaran ko sa inyo ang lahat.’ Naawa sa kanya ang hari kaya ipinatawad ang kanyang mga utang at pinayaon siya. “Ngunit pagkaalis niya roon ay nakatagpo niya ang isa sa kanyang kapwa lingkod na may utang na limandaang piso sa kanya. 

Sinunggaban niya ito at sinakal, sabay wika: ‘Magbayad ka ng utang mo!’ Naglumuhod iyon at nagmakaawa sa kanya: ‘Bigyan mo pa ako ng panahon at babayaran kita.’ Ngunit hindi siya pumayag; sa halip ipinabilanggo niya ang kanyang kapwa lingkod hanggang sa ito’y makabayad. Nang makita ng kanyang mga kapwa lingkod ang nangyari, sila’y labis na nagdamdam; pumunta sila sa hari at isinumbong ang nangyari.  

Kaya’t ipinatawag siya ng hari. ‘Ikaw – napakasama mo!’ Sabi niya. ‘Pinatawad kita sa utang mo sapagkat nagmakaawa ka sa akin. Nahabag ako sa iyo; hindi ba dapat ka ring mahabag sa kapwa mo?’ At sa galit ng hari, siya’y ipinabilanggo hanggang sa mabayaran niya ang kanyang utang. Gayun din ang gagawin sa inyo ng aking Amang nasa langit kung hindi ninyo patatawarin ang inyong kapatid.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking napakahirap magpatawad. Madalas siyang magkimkim ng sama ng loob laban sa mga taong nakasakit sa kanya. Ang hindi pagpapatawad ang naging karaniwan niyang tugon sa sinumang nagkakamali laban sa kanya—hanggang sa isang araw ay inatake siya sa puso.

Matapos siyang gumaling mula sa kanyang karamdaman, gumawa siya ng isang mahalagang pasiya sa kanyang buhay. Pinili niyang huwag nang magtanim pa ng sama ng loob sa kanyang puso. Mula noon, sinikap niyang magpatawad. At habang unti-unti niyang pinapalaya ang sarili mula sa galit at kapaitan na matagal niyang kinimkim, may kakaibang kapayapaan siyang nadama. Para siyang isang ibong nakawala mula sa hawla—malaya at magaan ang pakiramdam.

Normal lamang ba sa atin na makaramdam ng galit o magkimkim ng sama ng loob? Oo, sapagkat tayo ay mga taong may damdamin. May mga pagkakataong tayo ay nasasaktan, nasisigawan, o hindi mabuti na tinatrato. Dahil ditto ay madaling nakakapasok ang sakit sa ating mga puso. Ngunit nagsisimula ang panganib kapag hinahayaan nating manatili nang matagal ang galit o sama ng loob sa ating kalooban—kapag binibigyan natin ito ng lugar sa ating puso.

Kapag nararamdaman nating nagsisimulang mangibabaw ang sama ng loob sa atin, iyon ang sandali na kailangan nating hayaang mangibabaw ang turo ni Hesus tungkol sa kapatawaran kaysa sa ating makasarili at mapanirang damdamin.

Sa Ebanghelyo, tinanong ni Pedro si Hesus, “Panginoon, kung ang aking kapatid ay magkasala laban sa akin, ilang ulit ko siyang patatawarin? Hanggang pitong beses ba?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa iyo, hindi lamang pitong beses kundi pitumpu’t pitong ulit” (Mateo 18:21–22).

Simple ang turong ito ni Hesus, ngunit napakalalim ng kahulugan para sa ating lahat. Ipinapaalala ng Panginoon na ang kapatawaran ay hindi dapat sinusukat o binibilang. Sa halip, ito ay dapat kasama na ng ating araw-araw na pamumuhay. Natural lamang na tayo ay masaktan, ngunit huwag nating hayaang kontrolin tayo ng sakit na iyon o mag-iwan ito ng sugat na pangmatagalan sa ating puso.

Mapapalaya lamang tayo mula sa mapanirang kapangyarihan ng galit—kapag pinili nating patawarin ang mga nakasakit sa atin.

Ano ang mangyayari kung hindi tayo magpapatawad? Kapag pinili nating kumapit sa sama ng loob, tayo rin ang nasasaktan. Para nating ikinukulong ang ating sarili sa isang di-nakikitang bilangguan na ang pangalan ay hindi pagpapatawad. Unti-unti, pinabibigat nito ang ating puso, tinatangal ang ating kapayapaan, at inuubos ang ating kagalakan.

Ngunit kapag sinunod natin ang turo ni Hesus tungkol sa kapatawaran, may magandang pagbabago na nagaganap sa ating kalooban. Gumagaan ang ating pakiramdam. Ang mabigat na pasaning matagal nating dala ay unti-unting nawawala. Bumabalik ang kapayapaan sa ating puso. Nararanasan natin ang tunay na kalayaan na nagmumula sa pagpapatawad.

Hindi ba’t lahat tayo ay naghahangad na makaramdam ng gaan, kapayapaan, at kalayaan mula sa bigat ng galit at sama ng loob?

Ngayon ay inilalagay ng Panginoon sa ating harapan ang dalawang landas. Maaari nating piliin ang landas ng walang hanggang kapatawaran na itinuro ni Hesus, o maaari nating ipagpatuloy ang pagdadala ng mabigat na pasanin ng hindi pagpapatawad. Ang isang landas ay patungo sa kapayapaan at kalayaan ng puso; ang isa naman ay patungo sa pagkakakulong ng ating damdamin.

Sa tulong ng biyaya ng Diyos, nawa’y piliin natin ang mas mabuting landas—ang landas ng kapatawaran.

Mayroon pa bang taong hindi natin mapatawad hanggang ngayon? Handa ba nating palayain ang ating puso sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatawad upang maranasan natin ang tunay na kapayapaan na nais ibigay ni Hesus sa atin?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 9 Monday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 4:24-30

Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 

It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. 

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

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Reflection:

Do we expect Jesus to bless us abundantly because we always pray and try to do good? How do we feel when our expectations are not met? Do we become disappointed with Him, or worse, indifferent to Him?

We cannot fully fathom the mind and ways of God. There are moments when His decisions seem difficult for us to understand. Yet even when His will does not align with our own desires, we are called to remain faithful and trusting. God sees what we cannot see, and He knows what is truly best for us. In His perfect time, He may grant what we have been asking for—we simply need to wait with patience and trust.

In the Gospel, the people of Nazareth became angry with Jesus because what He said did not fit their expectations. Their hearts and minds were already conditioned to accept only what they wanted to hear. Instead of listening with humility, they allowed their expectations to close their hearts to the message of the Lord.

Are we sometimes like them? Do we also place limits on Jesus by expecting Him to act only according to our plans and desires?

We cannot read the mind of Jesus, and we cannot place Him inside the small box of our expectations. His ways are often beyond our understanding, and His answers to our prayers may come in ways we never imagined. What we can do is to continue believing, trusting, and holding firmly to our faith in Him no matter what happens.

Even when His decisions do not match our own wishes, and even when our prayers seem unanswered, we are invited to trust that His love for us never fails. Who knows? One day, when we least expect it, the Lord may quietly open the door we have been praying for all along.

So let us continue to place our faith in Jesus, even when He does not seem to meet our expectations, because He always knows what is best for us.

But the question we must ask ourselves today is this: When Jesus does not act according to our expectations, will we still trust Him and follow Him with the same faith and love?— Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 9 Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 4:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:24-30

Nang dumating si Hesus sa Nazaret, sinabi niya sa mga nasa sinagoga: “Tandaan ninyo: walang propetang kinikilala sa kanyang sariling bayan. Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming babaing balo sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Elias nang hindi umulan sa loob ng tatlong tao’t kalahati at magkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa buong lupain. 

Subalit hindi sa kaninuman sa kanila pinapunta si Elias kundi sa isang babaing balo sa Sarepta, sa lupain ng Sidon. Sa dinami-dami ng mga ketongin sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Eliseo, walang pinagaling isa man sa kanila; si Naaman pang taga-Siria ang pinagaling.”  

Galit na galit ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga nang marinig ito. Nagtindigan sila, at ipinagtabuyan siyang palabas, sa taluktok ng burol na kinatatayuan ng bayan, upang ibulid sa bangin. Ngunit dumaan siya sa kalagitnaan nila at umalis.

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Repleksyon:

Inaasahan ba natin na pagpapalain tayo ni Jesus dahil palagi tayong nananalangin at nagsisikap gumawa ng mabuti? Ano ang ating mararamdaman kapag ang ating mga inaasahan ay hindi nangyari ayon sa ating gusto? Mawawalan ba tayo ng gana o magiging malamig ang ating pakikitungo sa Kanya?

Hindi natin ganap na mauunawaan ang isip at mga paraan ng Diyos. May mga pagkakataon na ang Kanyang mga pasya ay hindi agad umaayon sa ating pang-unawa. Ngunit kahit hindi tugma ang Kanyang kalooban sa ating sariling kagustuhan, tinatawagan pa rin tayong manatiling tapat at magtiwala sa Kanya. Nakikita ng Diyos ang hindi natin nakikita, at alam Niya kung ano ang tunay na makabubuti para sa atin. Sa tamang panahon, maaari Niyang ipagkaloob ang ating mga hinihiling—kailangan lamang nating maghintay nang may pagtitiyaga at pagtitiwala.

Sa Mabuting Balita, nagalit ang mga taga-Nazaret kay Jesus dahil ang Kanyang sinabi ay hindi umayon sa kanilang mga inaasahan. Nakasanayan na nilang paniwalaan lamang ang nais nilang marinig. Sa halip na makinig nang may kababaang-loob, hinayaan nilang ang kanilang mga inaasahan ang magsara sa kanilang puso sa mensahe ng Panginoon.

Hindi ba kung minsan ay nagiging katulad din tayo nila? Nililimitahan ba natin si Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pag-asang kikilos Siya ayon lamang sa ating mga plano at kagustuhan?

Hindi natin mababasa ang isip ni Jesus, at hindi natin Siya maaaring ikulong sa maliit na kahon ng ating mga inaasahan. Ang Kanyang mga paraan ay madalas na lampas sa ating pang-unawa, at ang Kanyang mga sagot sa ating mga panalangin ay maaaring dumating sa paraang hindi natin inaasahan. Ang magagawa lamang natin ay magpatuloy sa pananalig, pagtitiwala at kumapit sa ating pananampalataya sa Kanya anuman ang mangyari.

Kahit na ang Kanyang mga pasya ay hindi tumutugma sa ating mga nais, at kahit na tila hindi nasasagot ang ating mga panalangin, inaanyayahan tayong magtiwala na ang Kanyang pag-ibig para sa atin ay hindi kailanman nagkukulang. Sino ang nakaaalam? Maaaring isang araw, sa oras na hindi natin inaasahan, tahimik na bubuksan ng Panginoon ang pintuang matagal na nating ipinapanalangin.

Kaya patuloy tayong magtiwala kay Jesus kahit na tila hindi Niya tinutupad ang ating mga inaasahan, sapagkat alam Niya kung ano ang tunay na makabubuti para sa atin.

Ngunit ito ang tanong na dapat nating pagnilayan: Kapag hindi kumilos si Jesus ayon sa ating inaasahan, mananatili pa rin ba tayong nagtitiwala at patuloy na susunod sa Kanya nang may buong pananampalataya at pag-ibig?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 8 Third Sunday of Lent: John 4:5-42

Gospel: John 4:5-42

Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, "How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" —For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.

Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, 'Give me a drink, ' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep;  where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?"

Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."

Jesus said to her, "Go call your husband and come back." The woman answered and said to him, "I do not have a husband." Jesus answered her, "You are right in saying, 'I do not have a husband.' For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true." 

The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.

God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth." The woman said to him, "I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything." Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one speaking with you."

At that moment his disciples returned, and were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but still no one said, "What are you looking for?" or "Why are you talking with her?" The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, "Come see a man who told me everything I have done.

Could he possibly be the Christ?" They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know." So the disciples said to one another, "Could someone have brought him something to eat?"

Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'In four months the harvest will be here'? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together.

For here the saying is verified that 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work."

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me everything I have done."

When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, "We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world."

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Reflection:

Do we seek out the lost and those who do not believe?

Considering that Jews and Samaritans were not supposed to associate with each other—much less talk with one another—why did Jesus speak with the Samaritan woman and converse with her at Jacob’s Well?

Jesus wanted to introduce Himself as the Living Water. More than that, He desired that the woman from Samaria would come to believe in Him and become His follower.

It was Jesus who patiently initiated the conversation with the woman from Samaria. She did not seek Him first. She had no idea about the true identity of Jesus. Yet she listened and even conversed with Him. Why? Because Jesus did not condemn her, nor did He belittle her. Instead, He welcomed her with patience, kindness, and understanding.

In this long Gospel episode, we receive important lessons from Jesus on how we too can seek out the lost and those who do not believe. First, we must be patient and gentle with those who struggle in their faith. Second, we should never judge them for who they are or where they have been. Third, we must be willing to listen to their life stories, for within those stories are wounds, burdens, and longings that only God can truly heal.

When we are patient and gentle, when we refrain from judging, and when we sincerely listen to those who do not believe or whose faith may be weak, something beautiful begins to happen. Slowly and quietly, hearts begin to open. From the depths of their inner struggles—even from the darkness of their sinful world—we begin to draw them toward hope and new life.

And in God’s time, we can help lead them to their own Jacob’s Well, where they may finally encounter, up close and personally, Jesus—our Living Water, who alone can quench the deepest thirst of the human heart.

But this Gospel also invites us to look within ourselves. Are we willing to step beyond our comfort zones, cross the boundaries that divide people, and patiently walk with those who are searching, doubting, or lost?

Or will we allow fear, pride, or judgment to keep us from leading others to the Living Water?

As followers of Christ, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to seek out the lost with the same patience, compassion, and love that Jesus showed the Samaritan woman—and will we help lead them to an encounter with Him who alone can satisfy the thirst of every human heart?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Marso 8 Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 4:5-52

Mabuting Balita: Juan 4:5-42

Noong panahong iyon: Dumating si Hesus sa isang bayan sa Samaria, na tinatawag na Sicar, malapit sa bukid na ibinigay ni Jacob sa kanyang anak na si Jose. Dito matatagpuan ang balon ni Jacob. Umupo si Hesus sa tabi nito, sapagkat siya’y napagod sa paglalakbay. Halos katanghaliang-tapat na noon.

May isang Samaritanang dumating upang umigib. SInabi ni Hesus sa kanya, “Maari bang makiinom?” Wala noon ang kanyang mga alagad sapagkat bumili ng pagkain sa bayan. Sinabi sa kanya ng Samaritana, “Kayo’y Judio at Samaritana ako! Bakit kayo humihingi sa akin ng inumin?” Sapagkat, ‘hindi nakikitungo ang mga Judio sa mga Samaritano. Sumagot si Hesus, “Kung alam lamang ninyo kung ano ang ipinagkakaloob ng Diyos, at kung sino itong humihingi sa inyo ng inumin, marahil ay kayo ang hihingi sa kanya, at kayo nama’y bibigyan niya ng tubig na nagbibigay-buhay.” 

“Ginoo,” wika ng babae, “malalim ang balong ito at wala man lamang kayong panalok. Saan kayo kukuha ng tubig na nagbibigay-buhay? Higit pa ba kayo kaysa aming ninunong si Jacob, na nagbigay sa amin ng balong ito? Uminom siya rito, pati ang kanyang mga anak, at ang kanyang mga hayop.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ang uminom ng tubig na ito’y muling mauuhaw. Ito’y magiging isang bukal sa loob niya, babalong, at magbibigay sa kanya ng buhay na walang hanggan.” 

Sinabi ng babae, “Ginoo, kung gayun po’y bigyan ninyo ako ng tubig na sinasabi ninyo, Nang hindi na ako mauhaw, ni pumarito pa upang sumalok. Ginoo, sa wari ko’y propeta kayo. Dito sa bundok na ito sumamba sa Diyos ang aming mga magulang, ngunit sinasabi ninyong mga Judio, na sa Jerusalem lamang dapat sambahin ang Diyos.” Tinugon siya ni Hesus, “Maniwala ka sa akin, Ginang, dumarating na ang panahon na sasambahin ninyo ang Ama, hindi lamang sa bundok na ito o sa Jerusalem. 

Hindi ninyo nakikilala ang inyong sinasamba, ngunit nakikilala namin ang aming sinasamba, sapagkat ang kaligtasan ay galing sa mga Judio. Ngunit dumarating na ang panahon – ngayon na nga – na ang mga tunay na sumasamba sa Ama ay sasamba sa kanya sa espiritu at sa katotohanan. Sapagkat ito ang hinahanap ng Ama sa mga sumasamba sa kanya. Ang Diyos ay Espiritu kaya dapat siyang sambahin sa espiritu at sa katotohanan.”

Sinabi ng babae, “Nalalaman ko pong paririto ang Mesiyas, ang tinatawag na Kristo. Pagparito niya, siya ang magpapahayag sa atin ng lahat ng bagay.” “Akong nagsasalita sa iyo ang tinutukoy roon,” sabi ni Hesus. Maraming Samaritano sa bayang yaon ang sumampalataya kay Hesus. Kaya’t paglapit ng mga Samaritano kay Hesus, hiniling nila na tumigil muna siya roon; at nanatili siya roon nang dalawang araw.

At marami pang sumampalataya nang mapakinggan siya. Sinabi nila sa babae, “Nananampalataya kami ngayon, hindi na dahil sa sinabi mo kundi dahil sa narinig namin sa kanya. Nakilala naming siya nga ang Tagapagligtas ng sanlibutan.”

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Repleksyon:

Hinahanap ba natin ang mga nawawala at ang mga hindi naniniwala?

Kung iisipin natin na ang mga Hudyo at mga Samaritano ay hindi dapat nakikisama sa isa’t isa—lalo na ang makipag-usap sa isa’t isa—bakit kinausap ni Jesus ang babaeng Samaritana at nakipag-usap sa kanya sa balon ni Jacob?

Nais ni Jesus na ipakilala ang Kanyang sarili bilang Tubig na Buhay. Higit pa roon, nais Niya na ang babaeng mula sa Samaria ay maniwala sa Kanya at maging tagasunod Niya.

Si Jesus ang mahinahon at matiyagang nagpasimula ng pag-uusap sa babaeng Samaritana. Hindi ang babae ang unang naghanap kay Jesus. Wala siyang kaalam-alam sa tunay na pagkakakilanlan ni Jesus. Ngunit nakinig siya at nakipag-usap pa rin sa Kanya. Bakit? Sapagkat hindi siya hinatulan ni Jesus at hindi rin siya minamaliit. Sa halip, tinanggap siya ni Jesus nang may pag-unawa, kabutihan, at malasakit.

Sa mahabang tagpong ito ng Ebanghelyo, marami tayong mahahalagang aral na matututuhan mula kay Jesus kung paano natin hahanapin ang mga nawawala at ang mga hindi naniniwala. Una, kailangan tayong maging matiyaga at mahinahon sa pakikitungo sa mga nahihirapan sa kanilang pananampalataya.

Ikalawa, hindi natin sila dapat husgahan kung sino man sila o kung ano man ang kanilang pinagdaanan. At ikatlo, dapat tayong maging handang makinig sa kanilang kuwento ng buhay, sapagkat sa likod ng mga kuwentong iyon ay may mga sugat, pasanin, at pananabik na tanging ang Diyos lamang ang tunay na makapagpapagaling.

Kapag tayo ay naging matiyaga at mahinahon, kapag iniwasan nating humusga, at kapag bukas ang ating puso sa pakikinig sa mga hindi naniniwala o mahina ang pananampalataya, may magandang bagay na unti-unting nangyayari.

Dahan-dahang nabubuksan ang kanilang puso. Mula sa kailaliman ng kanilang mga pinagdaraanan—maging mula sa kadiliman ng kanilang makasalanang buhay—unti-unti silang naaakay patungo sa pag-asa at bagong buhay.

At sa panahong itinakda ng Diyos, maaari natin silang akayin patungo sa kanilang sariling balon ni Jacob, kung saan maaari nilang makaharap nang personal si Jesus—ang Tubig ng Buhay na siyang tanging makapapawi sa uhaw ng puso ng bawat tao.

Ngunit inaanyayahan din tayo ng Ebanghelyong ito na tumingin sa ating sarili. Handa ba tayong lumabas sa ating mga nakasanayan lugar kung saan ay komportable at tumawid sa mga hangganang naghihiwalay sa mga tao upang samahan ang mga naghahanap ng liwanag, nagdududa, at naliligaw?

O hahayaan ba nating pigilan tayo ng ating takot, pagmamataas, o paghusga upang hindi natin maakay ang iba patungo kay Jesus na siyang Tubig na Buhay?

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesus, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Handa ba tayong hanapin at akayin ang mga nawawala nang may parehong pagtitiis, habag, at pagmamahal na ipinakita ni Jesus sa babaeng Samaritana—upang sila man ay makatagpo sa Kanya na siyang tanging makapapawi sa uhaw ng ating mga puso?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 7 Saturday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. 

After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. 

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.” 

’So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. 

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends.

 

But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

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Reflection:

Can we ever measure the love of God? The truth is, we cannot, because His love is infinite and beyond all human measure.

This boundless love of God is beautifully revealed in the Gospel today through the story of the loving and forgiving father. The father represents God Himself—ever patient, ever merciful, and always ready to welcome us back. The younger son who squandered his inheritance through sinful and reckless living could easily represent any one of us.

At times, we may feel that because of our many sins we have gone too far and are already beyond the reach of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. But the Gospel reminds us that this is never the case. No matter how far we have strayed, the Lord can still reach us. His love continues to search for us, call us, and wait for our return.

God’s love is boundless and all-pervading. It is like the sun that shines upon everyone. The sun does not choose whom to shine upon—it simply gives its light and warmth to all. In the same way, God’s love is offered to each one of us, regardless of who we are or what we have done.

Yet for us to truly experience this infinite and all-pervading love of God, we must first be willing to return to Him. We must be willing to repent of our sins and humbly acknowledge our need for His mercy. Like the younger son, we must recognize that we are sinners who long for the loving embrace of our Father.

Perhaps it is time for us to come home to our forgiving, merciful, and loving God. Perhaps it is time for us to turn away from our sinful ways and from the influences that draw us away from Him. God has never stopped loving us, and His arms remain open, waiting to receive us.

The question now is not whether God is willing to forgive us—the Gospel assures us that He is.

The question is: Are we ready to humble ourselves, return to our Father, and allow His infinite love to transform our lives? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 7 Sabado sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 15:1-3, 11-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 15: 1-3, 11-32

Noong panahong iyon, ang mga publikano at ang mga makasalanan ay nagsisilapit upang makinig kay Hesus. Nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Pariseo at ang mga eskriba. Ang sabi nila: “Ang taong ito’y nakikisalamuha sa mga makasalanan at nakikisalo sa kanila.”

Kaya’t sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus ang talinghagang ito: “Isang tao ang may dalawang anak na lalaki. Ang wika ng bunso, ‘Ama, ibigay na po ninyo sa akin ang mamanahin ko.’ At binahagi sa kanila ng ama ang kanyang ari-arian. Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, ipinagbili ng bunso ang kanyang ari-arian at nagtungo sa malayong lupain, taglay ang buo niyang kayamanan, at doo’y nilustay na lahat sa di wastong pamumuhay.  

Nang malustay na niya ang kanyang kayamanan, nagkaroon ng matinding taggutom sa lupaing yaon, at nagdalita siya. Kaya’t namasukan siya sa isang mamamayan ng lupain yaon. Siya’y pinapunta nito sa bukid upang mag-alaga ng baboy. Ibig sana niyang punan ang kanyang pagkain kahit ng mga bungang-kahoy na ipinakakain sa mga baboy ngunit walang magbigay sa kanya.  

Nang mapag-isip-isip niya ang kanyang ginawa, nasabi niya sa sarili, ‘Ang mga alila ng aking ama ay may sapat na pagkain – at lumalabis pa – samantalang ako’y namamatay ng gutom dito! Babalik ako sa kanya, at sasabihin ko, “Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak; ibilang na lamang ninyo akong isa sa inyong mga alila.”, At tumindig siya at pumaroon sa kanyang ama. 

“Malayo pa’y natanawan na siya ng ama at ito’y labis na nahabag sa kanya, kaya’t patakbo siyang sinalubong, niyakap, at hinagkan. Sinabi ng anak, ‘Ama, nagkasala po ako sa Diyos at sa inyo. Hindi na po ako karapat-dapat na tawagin ninyong anak.’ Ngunit tinawag ng ama ang kanyang mga alila, ‘Madali! Dalhin ninyo rito ang pinakamahusay na damit at isuot sa kanya.  

Suutan siya ng singsing at panyapak. Kunin ang pinatabang guya at patayain; kumain tayo at magsaya! Sapagkat namatay na ang anak kong ito; ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan.’ At sila’y nagsaya. 

"Nasa bukid noon ang anak na panganay. Umuwi siya, at nang malapit na sa bahay ay narinig niya ang tugtugan at sayawan. Tinawag niya ang isa sa mga alila at tinanong: 'Bakit? May ano sa atin?' Dumating po ang inyong kapatid!' tugon ng alila. 'Ipinapatay ng iyong ama ang pinatabang guya, sapagkat nagbalik siyang buhay at walang sakit.' 

Nagalit ang panganay at ayaw itong pumasok sa bahay. Kaya't lumabas ang kanyang ama at inamu-amo siya. Ngunit sinabi nito, 'Pinaglingkuran ko po kayo sa loob ng maraming taon, at kailanma'y hindi ko kayo sinuway. Ngunit ni minsa'y hindi ninyo ako binigyan ng kahit isang bisirong kambing para magkatuwaan kami ng aking mga kaibigan. 

Subalit nang dumating ang anak ninyong lumustay ng inyong kabuhayan sa masasamang babae, ipinagpatay pa ninyo ng pinatabang guya!' Sumagot ang ama, 'Anak, lagi kitang kapiling. Lahat ng ari-arian ko'y sa iyo. Ngunit dapat tayong magsaya at magalak, sapagkat namatay na ang kapatid mo, ngunit muling nabuhay; nawala, ngunit nasumpungan. 

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Repleksyon:

Masusukat ba natin ang pag-ibig ng Diyos? Ang totoo, hindi natin ito kayang sukatin sapagkat ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay walang hanggan at lampas sa anumang kayang maunawaan ng tao.

Ang walang hanggang pag-ibig na ito ng Diyos ay malinaw na ipinakita sa Ebanghelyo ngayon sa kuwento ng mapagmahal at mapagpatawad na ama. Ang ama ay kumakatawan sa Diyos mismo—isang Amang puno ng awa, habag, at laging handang tumanggap sa atin muli. Ang bunsong anak na nagwaldas ng kanyang mana dahil sa makasalanan at magulong pamumuhay ay maaaring kumatawan sa sinuman sa atin.

May mga pagkakataon na iniisip natin na dahil sa dami ng ating mga kasalanan ay tila napakalayo na natin sa Diyos at hindi na tayo maaabot ng Kanyang pag-ibig, awa, at kapatawaran. Ngunit ipinapaalala sa atin ng Ebanghelyo na hindi ito totoo. Kahit gaano pa tayo kalayo sa Kanya, maaabot at maaabot pa rin tayo ng Panginoon. Ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay patuloy na naghahanap sa atin, tumatawag sa atin, at naghihintay sa ating pagbabalik.

Ang pag-ibig ng Diyos ay walang hanggan at sumasaklaw sa lahat. Ito ay tulad ng araw na patuloy na nagbibigay liwanag at init sa lahat ng tao. Hindi pinipili ng araw kung sino ang bibigyan ng liwanag—ito ay sumisikat para sa lahat. Ganoon din ang pag-ibig ng Diyos: ito ay iniaalok sa ating lahat, anuman ang ating nagawa at kung sino man tayo.

Ngunit upang tunay nating maranasan ang walang hanggang pag-ibig na ito ng Diyos, kailangan nating maging handang manumbalik sa Kanya. Kailangan nating magsisi sa ating mga kasalanan at mapagpakumbabang kilalanin na tayo ay nangangailangan ng Kanyang awa. Tulad ng bunsong anak, kailangan din nating aminin na tayo ay mga makasalanan na nangangailangan ng yakap ng isang mapagmahal na Ama.

Marahil panahon na upang tayo ay muling manumbalik sa ating mapagpatawad, mahabagin, at mapagmahal na Diyos. Marahil panahon na upang iwanan natin ang ating mga makasalanang gawain at ang mga impluwensiyang naglalayo sa atin sa Kanya. Hindi kailanman tumigil ang Diyos sa pagmamahal sa atin, at ang Kanyang mga bisig ay nananatiling bukas upang tayo ay Kanyang tanggapin.

Ang tanong ngayon ay hindi kung handa tayong patawarin ng Diyos—sapagkat malinaw sa Mabuting Balita na lagi Siyang handang magpatawad. Ang tanong ay ito: Handa na ba tayong magpakumbaba, bumalik sa ating Ama, at hayaan ang Kanyang walang hanggang pag-ibig na baguhin ang ating buhay? —Marino J. Dasmarinas