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

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 17 Martes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 5:1-16

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:1-16

Nang dumating ang pagdiriwang ng pista ng mga Judio, pumunta si Hesus sa Jerusalem. Sa lungsod na ito, malapit sa Pintuan ng mga Tupa, ay may malaking deposito ng tubig na may limang portiko. Kung tawagin ito sa wikang Hebreo ay Betesda. Natitipon dito ang maraming maysakit -- mga bulag, mga pilay, at mga paralitiko. Hinihintay nilang gumalaw ang tubig, sapagkat may panahong bumababa ang isang anghel ng Panginoon at kinakalawkaw ang tubig. 

Ang maunang lumusong pagkatapos makalawkaw ang tubig ay gumagaling, anuman ang kanyang karamdaman. Doon ay may isang lalaking tatlumpu't walong taon nang may sakit, at siya'y nakita ni Hesus. Alam nitong matagal nang may sakit ang lalaki. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, "Ibig mo bang gumaling?" Sumagot ang maysakit, "Ginoo, wala pong maglusong sa akin kapag nakalawkaw na ang tubig; patungo pa lamang ako roon ay may nauuna na sa akin." 

Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at lumakad ka." At pagdaka'y gumaling ang lalaki, dinala ang kanyang higaan, at lumakad. Noo'y Araw ng Pamamahinga. Kaya't sinabi ng mga Judio sa lalaking pinagaling, "Araw ng Pamamahinga ngayon! Labag sa Kautusan na dalhin mo ang iyong higaan." Ngunit sumagot siya, "Ang nagpagaling sa akin ang nagsabing dalhin ko ang aking higaan at lumakad ako." 

At siya'y tinanong nila, "Sino ang nagsabi sa iyong dalhin mo ang iyong higaan at lumakad ka?" Ngunit hindi nakilala ng lalaki kung sino ang nagpagaling sa kanya, sapagkat nawala na si Hesus sa karamihan ng tao.

Pagkatapos, nakita ni Hesus sa loob ng templo ang lalaki at sinabihan, "Magaling ka na ngayon! Huwag ka nang magkakasala at baka may mangyari sa iyo na lalo pang masama." Umalis ang lalaki at sinabi sa mga Judio na si Hesus ang nagpagaling sa kanya. Dahil dito, si Jesus ay sinimulang usigin ng mga Judio, sapagkat nagpagaling siya sa Araw ng Pamamahinga.

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Repleksyon:

Isipin natin na si Jesus ay nakatayo sa ating harapan at mahinahong nagtatanong sa atin: “Gusto mo bang gumaling?” Paano tayo sasagot? Marahil mula sa kaibuturan ng ating puso ay sasabihin natin, “Oo, Panginoon, nais naming gumaling!” 

Ngunit paano kung sabihin ni Jesus sa atin: “Lumapit kayo sa akin at magpakumbaba sa Sakramento ng Kumpisal.” At tayo naman ay sasagot, “Sa ibang pagkakataon na lamang, Panginoon. Abala pa kami ngayon.” Pagkatapos ay lilipas ang mga araw, magiging abala tayo sa maraming gawain, at hindi natin namamalayan na nakalimutan na pala natin ang Kanyang paanyaya na lumapit sa Sakramento ng Kumpisal.

Marami sa atin ang nagnanais na mapalapit kay Jesus. Hangad nating maranasan ang Kanyang pagpapagaling at kapayapaan sa ating mga puso. Subalit kadalasan, nag-aatubili tayong gawin ang mapagpakumbabang hakbang na lumapit sa mapagpagaling na Sakramento ng Kumpisal.

Sa banal na sakramentong ito, tayo ay pinagagaling ni Jesus mula sa karamdaman ng ating kaluluwa na dulot ng ating mga kasalanan. At kung minsan, hindi man natin ito napapansin, sa pamamagitan ng walang hanggang kapangyarihan ng Panginoon ay maaari rin tayong tumanggap ng kagalingan mula sa ilan sa ating mga karamdaman sa katawan.

Kapag tayo ay nagpapakumbaba at lumalapit sa sakramentong ito, hinahayaan nating hugasan ni Jesus ang lahat ng ating mga kasalanan—gaano man ito kabigat. Ipinagkakatiwala natin ang ating sarili sa Kanyang walang hanggang awa at pag-ibig. Tulad ng sinabi ni Pope Saint John Paul II:

"Ang pagkukumpisal ay isang gawa ng katapatan at katapangan—isang paglalagak ng ating sarili, higit pa sa ating kasalanan, sa awa ng isang Diyos na mapagmahal at mapagpatawad.”

Sa ating Ebanghelyo ngayon, ang lalaking may sakit sa loob ng tatlumpu’t walong taon ay agad na gumaling nang sundin niya ang utos ni Jesus. Kahit araw iyon ng Sabbath—ang araw ng kanilang pahinga—hindi siya nag-atubiling sumunod. Ang pinakamahalaga para sa kanya ay ang sundin ang utos ng Panginoon.

Hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa ring tinatanong ni Jesus ang bawat isa sa atin: “Gusto mo bang gumaling?” Ang Kanyang paanyaya ng pagpapagaling ay bukas pa rin para sa atin, lalo na sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Kumpisal.

Ngayon, ang tanong para sa ating lahat ay ito: Kung tunay nating nais na gumaling at mapanumbalik ng Panginoon ang ating buhay, handa ba tayong magpakumbaba at lumapit sa Kanya sa Sakramento ng Kumpisal—o patuloy ba nating ipagpapaliban ang Kanyang mapagmahal na paanyaya?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 16 Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 4:43-54

Gospel: John 4:43-54

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast.  

Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death.

Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.”  

The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea. 

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Reflection:

How deep is our faith in Jesus?

Is our faith limited to what we can perceive and see? Or is our faith not bounded by what we can perceive and see?

Sometimes it is hard for us to have faith when we do not see something concrete that could strengthen or reinforce it. We often look for visible signs before we fully trust. Yet faith that depends only on what we can see can easily become shallow. True and deep faith is something we quietly carry in our hearts—even when there is no visible proof, no immediate answer, and no clear sign before our eyes.

The royal official in our Gospel shows us this kind of deep faith. He believed what Jesus told him even without any visible sign. He simply trusted in the words of Jesus. When Jesus told him to go back home because his sick son would live, he left without hesitation and without asking for proof.

He held closely in his heart the very words that Jesus had spoken to him. And when he arrived home, he discovered that his son had indeed been healed at the very moment Jesus spoke those life-giving words.

This Gospel invites us to look deeply into our own hearts. There may come a time when our faith in Jesus will be tested—perhaps through suffering, uncertainty, or a serious illness. There may come moments when everything around us seems to fall apart, when answers do not come quickly, and when hope appears faint.

What will we do when we reach what seems to be a point of no return? What will we do if, for instance, a doctor tells us that we have only a few months to live? Will our faith weaken because we cannot see a miracle right away? Or will we continue to trust in the loving and powerful words of Jesus?

In moments like these, we are invited to hold tightly to our faith in the Lord and never give up, no matter what our present circumstances may be. Our faith in Jesus is far greater than any trial or problem that we may face. Our faith in Him is stronger than any sickness that could destroy our bodies but can never diminish the hope, strength, and life that He plants within our hearts.

The Lord continues to speak words of life to us today, just as He did to the royal official. Even when we cannot yet see the outcome, His words remain true, faithful, and powerful.

So today, let us pause and reflect in the quiet of our hearts.

Do we truly trust the words of Jesus even when we cannot see the results yet? And when our faith is tested, will we still choose to walk forward, holding firmly to His promises and believing that He is already at work in our lives?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 16 Lunes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 4:43-54

Mabuting Balita: Juan 4:43-54

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Hesus sa Samaria at nagtungo sa Galilea. Sapagkat si Hesus na rin ang nagsabing ang isang propeta'y hindi iginagalang sa kanyang bayan. Pagdating niya sa Galilea ay mabuti ang pagtanggap sa kanya ng mga tagaroon, sapagkat nasa Jerusalem din sila noong Pista ng Paskua at nakita niya ang lahat ng kanyang ginawa roon.

Nagpunta uli si Hesus sa Cana, Galilea. Doon niya ginawang alak ang tubig. Doon naman sa Capernaum ay may isang mataas na pinuno ng Pamahalaan; at may sakit ang kanyang anak na lalaki. Nang mabalitaan niyang bumalik si Jesus sa Galilea mula sa Judea, pinuntahan niya ito.

Pinakiusapan niya itong pumunta sa Capernaum at pagalingin ang kanyang anak na naghihingalo. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Hangga't hindi kayo nakakikita ng mga palatandaan at mga kababalaghan, hindi kayo mananampalataya." Ngunit sinabi ng pinuno, "Tayo na po, Ginoo, bago mamatay ang aking anak." Sumagot si Jesus, "Umuwi na kayo; magaling na ang inyong anak."

Naniwala ang lalaki sa salita ni Hesus, at umuwi nga siya. Sa daan pa'y sinalubong na siya ng kanyang mga alipin at sinabing magaling na ang kanyang anak. Tinanong niya sila, "Anong oras siya gumaling?" Siya po'y inibsan ng lagnat kahapong mag-aala-una ng hapon," tugon nila. Naalaala ng ama na noong oras na iyon sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Magaling na ang iyong anak." Kaya't siya at ang kanyang buong sambahayan ay sumampalataya kay Hesus.

Ito ang pangalawang kababalaghang ginawa ni Hesus sa Galilea pagpunta niya roon buhat sa Judea.   

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Repleksyon:

Gaano kalalim ang ating pananampalataya kay Jesus?

Ang ating pananampalataya ba ay nakabatay lamang sa kung ano ang ating nakikita at nararanasan? O ang ating pananampalataya ba ay hindi nalilimitahan ng kung ano lamang ang ating nakikita?

Minsan ay mahirap para sa atin ang manampalataya kapag wala tayong nakikitang konkretong bagay na magpapatibay nito. Madalas ay naghahanap tayo ng malinaw na palatandaan bago tayo lubos na magtiwala.

Ngunit ang pananampalatayang nakasalalay lamang sa nakikita ay maaaring maging mababaw. Ang tunay at malalim na pananampalataya ay yaong pinanghahawakan natin sa ating puso kahit wala pa tayong nakikitang malinaw na tanda o katuparan.

Ipinakita sa atin ng opisyal ng hari sa ating Ebanghelyo ang ganitong uri ng malalim na pananampalataya. Pinaniwalaan niya ang sinabi ni Jesus kahit wala pa siyang nakikitang anumang palatandaan. Nagtiwala lamang siya sa mga salita ni Jesus.

Nang sabihin ni Jesus sa kanya na umuwi na siya sapagkat mabubuhay ang kanyang anak na may sakit, siya ay umalis agad nang walang pag-aalinlangan at walang hinihinging patunay. Mahigpit niyang pinanghawakan sa kanyang puso ang mga salitang binitiwan ni Jesus. At nang siya’y makarating sa kanilang bahay, nalaman niyang gumaling nga ang kanyang anak sa mismong oras na sinabi ni Jesus ang mga salitang iyon na nagbigay-buhay.

Inaanyayahan tayo ng Ebanghelyong ito na silipin ang lalim ng ating sariling pananampalataya. Darating at darating ang mga sandali na masusubok ang ating pananampalataya kay Jesus—marahil sa pamamagitan ng paghihirap, matinding suliranin, o malubhang karamdaman. May mga pagkakataon na tila guguho ang ating pag-asa at parang walang malinaw na sagot sa ating mga panalangin.

Ano ang gagawin natin kapag dumating tayo sa puntong tila wala nang pag-asa? Ano ang gagawin natin kung, halimbawa, sabihin ng doktor na ilang buwan na lamang ang ating itatagal sa mundong ito? Hihina ba ang ating pananampalataya dahil wala tayong nakikitang agarang himala? O patuloy ba tayong magtitiwala sa mga salita ng Panginoon kahit hindi pa natin nakikita ang katuparan nito?

Sa mga sandaling tulad nito, inaanyayahan tayong kumapit nang mahigpit sa ating pananampalataya sa Panginoon at huwag kailanman sumuko, anuman ang ating pinagdaraanan ngayon. Ang ating pananampalataya kay Jesus ay higit na dakila kaysa sa anumang pagsubok o suliranin na ating haharapin. Ang ating pananampalataya sa Kanya ay mas malakas kaysa sa anumang karamdaman na maaaring sumira sa ating katawan ngunit hindi kailanman makapagpapahina sa matibay nating pagtitiwala sa Kanya.

Patuloy na nagsasalita ang Panginoon ng mga salita ng buhay sa atin hanggang ngayon, tulad ng ginawa Niya sa opisyal ng hari. Kahit hindi pa natin nakikita ang bunga, ang Kanyang mga salita ay nananatiling totoo, tapat, at makapangyarihan.

Ngayon ay sandali tayong tumigil at pagnilayan ito sa katahimikan ng ating puso.

Kapag dumating ang sandaling masubok ang ating pananampalataya, mananatili ba tayong nagtitiwala sa mga salita ni Jesus kahit hindi pa natin nakikita ang katuparan? At handa ba tayong patuloy na kumapit sa Kanya, naniniwalang Siya ay kumikilos na sa ating buhay kahit hindi pa natin ito lubos na nauunawaan?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 15 Fourth Sunday of Lent: John 9:1-41

Gospel: John 9:1-41

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, "Go wash in the Pool of Siloam" —which means Sent—.So he went and washed, and came back able to see. 

His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, "Isn't this the one who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is, " but others said, "No, he just looks like him." He said, "I am." So they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?" He replied, "The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went there and washed and was able to see." And they said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I don't know." 

They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see." So some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a sinful man do such signs?" And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, "What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet." 

Now the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and gained his sight until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight. They asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How does he now see?" His parents answered and said, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself." His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ, he would be expelled from the synagogue. For this reason his parents said,"He is of age; question him." 

So a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner." He replied, "If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see." So they said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?" He answered them, "I told you already and you did not listen.  

Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?" They ridiculed him and said, "You are that man's disciple; we are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from." The man answered and said to them, "This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.  

We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything." They answered and said to him, "You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?" Then they threw him out. 

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered and said, "Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, the one speaking with you is he." He said, "I do believe, Lord," and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind." 

Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not also blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains.

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Reflection:

In a faraway place lived an arrogant king. His people warned him to prepare for a dreaded disease that was about to arrive. But the king arrogantly told them not to worry, saying that the moment the disease entered his kingdom he would immediately destroy it.

Soon after, the dreaded disease came. Because of the king’s arrogance and lack of preparation, the disease spread throughout the kingdom and ravaged it.

Arrogance is a spiritual sickness that can also affect us. It slowly blinds us to the power of God. When arrogance takes root in our hearts, we begin to think that we are greater than we really are, and we begin to belittle the power of God. Yet we know that when we ignore or belittle God’s power, sooner or later life will humble us and bring us to our knees before Him.

In the Gospel, we read about a man who had been blind but was healed by Jesus. The miracle was undeniable because the man himself testified to what Jesus had done for him. Yet some of the Pharisees refused to believe.

Why did some of them refuse to believe the personal witness of the man who had been healed? It was because of arrogance. The Pharisees were influential religious leaders among the Jews and were known as strict observers of their laws and traditions. Since the man had been healed on the Sabbath—a day of rest for the Jews—they insisted that such a healing should not have taken place on that day.

Because of this, they closed their hearts to Jesus. Instead of rejoicing over the miracle, they doubted it. Instead of recognizing God’s power at work, they questioned it. And instead of listening to the testimony of the man who had been healed, they belittled him.

But what if they had humbled themselves and believed? They, too, could have experienced the power of Jesus. They could have learned precious lessons from the man who once lived in darkness but now lived in the light—lessons about humility, obedience to the Lord, and unwavering faith.

The Gospel quietly invites us to reflect on our own hearts. Sometimes, like the Pharisees, we can become so confident in our own understanding, traditions, or opinions that we fail to recognize the work of God right before our eyes. Arrogance can prevent us from seeing God’s grace moving in our lives and in the lives of others.

Today, the Lord gently reminds us that a humble heart sees what pride cannot see. A humble heart recognizes God’s power, listens to the testimonies of others, and remains open to the surprising ways God works among us.

As we reflect on this Gospel, let us ask ourselves: Are we humble enough to recognize the work of God in our lives, or does pride sometimes prevent us from seeing the miracles that God is already doing among us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Marso 15 Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 9:1-41

Mabuting Balita: Juan 9:1-41

Noong panahong iyon: Sa paglalakad ni Hesus ay may nakita siyang isang lalaking ipinanganak na bulag. Tinanong siya ng kanyang mga alagad, “Rabi, sino po ang nagkasala at ipinanganak na bulag ang lalaking ito, siya o ang kanyang mga magulang?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ipinanganak na bulag ang lalaking ito, hindi dahil sa nagkasala siya o ang kanyang mga magulang, kundi upang mahayag ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos. 

Dapat nating gawin ang mga ipinagagawa ng nagsugo sa akin samantalang araw pa; dumarating ang gabi at wala nang makagagawa. Habang ako’y nasa sanlibutan, ako ang ilaw ng sanlibutan.” Pagkasabi nito, si Hesus ay lumura sa lupa at gumawa ng putik. Ipinahid niya ito sa mata ng bulag. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Pumunta ka sa deposito ng tubig sa Siloe.” (Ang kahulugan nito’y Sinugo.) “Maghilamos ka roon.” Gayon nga ang ginawa ng bulag at nang magbalik ay nakakita na. 

Sinabi ng mga kapitbahay niya at ng mga nakakita sa kanya noong siya’y namamalimos pa, “Hindi ba iyan ang lalaking dating nagpapalimos?” Sumagot ang ilan, “Iyan nga!” “Hindi! Kamukha lang,” wika naman ng iba. At sumagot ang lalaki, “Ako nga po iyon.” 

“Paano kang nakakita?” tanong nila. Sumagot siya, “Ang lalaking tinatawag na Hesus ay gumawa ng putik at ipinahid sa aking mga mata. Pagkatapos, sinabi sa akin, ‘Pumunta ka sa Siloe at maghilamos.’ Kaya’t pumaroon ako at naghilamos, at nakakita na ako.” “Nasaan siya?” tanong nila sa kanya. “Ewan ko po,” sagot niya. 

Dinala nila sa mga Pariseo ang dating bulag. Araw ng Pamamahinga nang gumawa si Hesus ng putik at padilatin ang bulag. Tinanong din siya ng mga Pariseo kung paano siya nakakita. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Pinahiran niya ng putik ang aking mga mata, naghilamos ako pagkatapos, at ngayo’y nakakikita na ako.” 

Ang sabi ng ilan sa mga Pariseo, “Hindi mula sa Diyos ang taong iyan, sapagkat hindi niya ipinangingilin ang Araw ng Pamamahinga.” Ngunit sinabi naman ng iba, “Paanong makagagawa ng ganitong kababalaghan ang isang makasalanan?” At hindi sila magkaisa ng palagay. 

Kaya’t tinanong nila uli ang dating bulag, “Ikaw naman, yamang pinadilat ni Hesus ang iyong mga mata, ano naman ang masasabi mo tungkol sa kanya?” “Siya’y isang propeta!” sagot niya. Ayaw maniwala ang mga Judio na siya’y dating bulag, kaya’t ipinatawag nila ang mga magulang ng taong iyon. 

At tinanong sila, “Anak ba ninyo ito? Talaga bang siya’y ipinanganak na bulag? Bakit nakakikita na siya ngayon?” Sumagot ang kanyang mga magulang, “Alam po naming siya ang aming anak, at siya’y ipinanganak na bulag. Ngunit hindi namin alam kung bakit nakakikita na siya ngayon, o kung sino ang nagpadilat sa kanya. 

Siya na po ang tanungin ninyo. Siya’y may sapat na gulang na at makapagsasabi ng tungkol sa kanyang sarili!” Ganito ang sabi ng kanyang mga magulang dahil sa takot sa mga Judio, sapagkat pinagkaisahan ng mga Judio na itiwalag sa sinagoga ang sinumang magpahayag na si Hesus ang Mesiyas. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit sinabi ng kanyang mga magulang, “Siya’y may sapat na gulang na; siya po ang tanungin ninyo.” 

Kaya’t muli nilang ipinatawag ang dating bulag at sinabi sa kanya, “Sabihin mo ang totoo! Alam naming makasalanan ang taong iyon.” Hindi ko po alam kung siya’y makasalanan o hindi,” tugon niya. “Isang bagay ang alam ko: dati akong bulag ngunit ngayo’y nakakikita na.” “Ano ang ginawa niya sa iyo?” tanong nila. “Paano niya pinadilat ang iyong mga mata?” 

Sumagot siya, “Sinabi ko na po sa inyo, at ayaw ninyong pakinggan. Ano’t ibig ninyong marinig uli? Ibig din ba ninyong maging alagad niya?” At siya’y inalipusta nila. “Ikaw ang alagad niya,” sabi nila. “Ngunit kami’y mga alagad ni Moises. Nalalaman naming nagpakita ang Diyos kay Moises; ngunit ang taong iyon – ni hindi namin alam kung saan nanggaling!” Sumagot ang lalaki, “Iyan nga po ang kataka-taka! 

Hindi ninyo alam kung saan siya nanggaling, gayung pinadilat niya ang mga mata ko. Alam nating hindi pinakikinggan ng Diyos ang mga makasalanan, ngunit pinakikinggan niya ang mga tunay na sumasamba sa kanya at sumusunod sa kanyang kalooban. Buhat sa pasimula ng sanlibutan ay wala pang nakapagpapadilat ng mata ng taong ipinanganak na bulag. Wala pong magagawa ang taong iyon kung siya’y hindi mula sa Diyos!” Sumagot sila, “Ipinanganak kang makasalanan at ikaw pa ang magtuturo sa amin?” At siya’y itiniwalag nila. 

Nabalitaan ni Hesus na ang lalaking pinagaling niya ay itiniwalag ng mga Pariseo. Kaya’t tinanong niya ang lalaki nang matagpuan niya ito, “Sumasampalataya ka ba sa Anak ng Tao?” Sumagot ang lalaki, “Sino po ba siya, Ginoo? Sabihin ninyo sa akin, upang ako’y manampalataya sa kanya.” “Siya’y nakita mo na. Siya ang nakikipag-usap sa iyo,” ani Hesus. “Sumasampalataya po ako, Panginoon!” sabi ng lalaki. At sinamba niya si Hesus. 

Sinabi pa ni Hesus, “Isang kahatulan sa sanlibutan ang pagparito ko, upang makakita ang mga bulag at mabulag ang mga nakakikita.” Narinig ito ng ilang Pariseong malapit sa kanya at siya’y tinanong, “Ibig mo bang sabihi’y bulag din kami?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Kung kayo’y bulag, wala sana kayong kasalanan. Ngunit sinasabi ninyong nakakikita kayo, kaya’t nananatili ang inyong mga kasalanan.

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Repleksyon:

Sa isang malayong lugar ay may isang hari na kilala sa kanyang kayabangan. Binalaan siya ng kanyang mga nasasakupan na maghanda dahil may isang nakakatakot na sakit na paparating sa kanilang kaharian. Ngunit buong pagmamalaki na sinabi ng hari sa kanila na huwag mag-alala, sapagkat sa sandaling dumating ang sakit sa kanyang kaharian ay agad niya itong papatayin.

Hindi nagtagal ay dumating nga ang kinatatakutang sakit. Dahil sa kayabangan ng hari at sa kanyang kakulangan sa paghahanda, mabilis na kumalat ang sakit at nilugmok ang buong kaharian.

Ang kayabangan ay isang espirituwal na karamdaman na maaari ring pumasok sa ating mga puso. Unti-unti nitong binubulag ang ating mga mata sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos. Kapag tayo ay nagiging mapagmataas, nagsisimula tayong mag-isip na tila ba mas dakila tayo kaysa sa Diyos.

Dahil dito, minamaliit natin ang Kanyang kapangyarihan. Ngunit alam nating lahat na kapag minamaliit natin ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos, darating ang panahon na tayo ay mapapababa at mapapaluhod sa Kanyang harapan.

Sa Ebanghelyo, mababasa natin ang tungkol sa isang lalaking dating bulag na pinagaling ni Jesus. Hindi maikakaila ang himala sapagkat ang mismong taong gumaling ang nagpapatotoo sa kapangyarihan ni Jesus. Subalit may ilang Pariseo na tumangging maniwala sa kanyang patotoo.

Bakit nga ba tumanggi ang ilan sa kanila na maniwala sa personal na patotoo ng lalaking pinagaling ni Jesus? Ito ay dahil sa kanilang kayabangan. Ang mga Pariseo ay mga makapangyarihang pinuno ng relihiyon sa mga Hudyo at kilala sila bilang mahigpit na tagasunod ng kanilang mga batas at tradisyon. Dahil naganap ang pagpapagaling sa araw ng Sabbath—ang araw ng pahinga para sa mga Hudyo—ipinilit nilang hindi dapat mangyari ang ganitong gawain sa araw na iyon.

Dahil dito, isinara nila ang kanilang mga puso kay Jesus. Sa halip na magalak sa himala, nagduda sila. Sa halip na kilalanin ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos na kumikilos, kanilang kinuwestiyon ito. At sa halip na pakinggan ang patotoo ng lalaking pinagaling, kanilang minamaliit ang kanyang karanasan.

Ngunit paano kaya kung nagpakumbaba sila at naniwala? Maaaring naranasan din nila ang kapangyarihan ni Jesus. Maaaring natuto rin sila ng mahahalagang aral mula sa lalaking minsang namuhay sa dilim ngunit ngayon ay namumuhay na sa liwanag—mga aral tungkol sa pagpapakumbaba, pagsunod sa Panginoon, at matibay na pananampalataya.

Sa pagninilay na ito, inaanyayahan tayong lahat ng Ebanghelyo na suriin ang ating mga puso. Minsan, tulad ng mga Pariseo, maaari tayong maging labis na kumpiyansa sa ating sariling kaalaman, paniniwala, o tradisyon kaya hindi na natin nakikita ang pagkilos ng Diyos sa ating harapan. Ang kayabangan ay maaaring maging hadlang upang makita natin ang biyaya ng Diyos na kumikilos sa ating buhay at sa buhay ng ating kapwa.

Ipinapaalala sa atin ng Panginoon na ang pusong mapagpakumbaba ang siyang nakakakita sa hindi nakikita ng kayabangan. Ang pusong mapagpakumbaba ay marunong kumilala sa kapangyarihan ng Diyos, marunong makinig sa patotoo ng iba, at bukas sa mga kahanga-hangang paraan ng pagkilos ng Diyos sa ating buhay.

Ngayon, habang tayo ay nagmumuni-muni sa mensaheng ito, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: May sapat ba tayong pagpapakumbaba upang makita at tanggapin ang pagkilos ng Diyos sa ating buhay, o baka naman ang ating kayabangan ang siyang nagbubulag sa atin sa mga himalang ginagawa na ng Diyos sa ating buhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 14 Saturday of the Third Week of Lent: Luke 18:9-14

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. 

I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

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Reflection:

Is Humility the Weakness of God?

In the Gospel, we see the humility of the tax collector. Standing before God, he did not pretend to be righteous. Instead, he humbly admitted his sinfulness and acknowledged his unworthiness. He knew that before God he was nothing and deserved nothing. Yet it was precisely because of this humble attitude that he went home justified and blessed by God.

The secret to gaining the favor of God, therefore, is humility and an honest awareness of our own shortcomings and limitations. The tax collector who received God’s favor was deeply aware of his sinfulness. He did not try to hide it from God. Perhaps he did not fully realize that God already knew everything about him. What mattered was that he recognized his own brokenness and sincerely cried out to God for mercy.

It is a beautiful truth that the humble have the attentive ears and loving gaze of God. When we humble ourselves before Him, we open our hearts to His grace. Humility not only draws us closer to God; it also earns the respect and trust of others. Many of us hesitate to be humble because we mistakenly see humility as a sign of weakness. But humility is not weakness—it is strength. In fact, those who are truly humble often inspire deeper respect than those who constantly seek to elevate themselves.

Yet becoming humble before Jesus and before one another is not easy. It requires sacrifice and the willingness to surrender our pride. It calls us to recognize that everything we have—our talents, achievements, and blessings—ultimately comes from God. When we stand before Him, we realize that we have nothing to boast about except His mercy and love.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton once said, “The gate of Heaven is very low; only the humble can enter it.” These words remind us that humility is not merely a virtue—it is a path that leads us closer to God. If we truly desire to experience His favor, guidance, and peace, we must learn to walk the quiet but powerful path of humility.

As we reflect on this message today, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to set aside our pride, humble our hearts before God, and trust that true greatness is found not in exalting ourselves, but in surrendering ourselves to Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 14 Sabado sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 18:9-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 18:9-14

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus ang talinghagang ito sa mga taong ang tingin sa sarili'y matuwid at humahamak naman sa iba. "May dalawang lalaking pumanhik sa templo upang manalangin: ang isa'y Pariseo at ang isa nama'y publikano.

Tumindig ang Pariseo at pabulong na nanalangin ng ganito: 'O Diyos, nagpapasalamat ako sa iyo pagkat hindi ako katulad ng iba -- mga magnanakaw, mga mandaraya, mga mangangalunya -- o kaya'y katulad ng publikanong ito.

Makalawa akong nag-aayuno sa loob ng sanlinggo; nagbibigay ako ng ikapu ng lahat kong kinikita. Samantala, ang publikano'y nakatayo sa malayo; hindi man lamang makatingin sa langit, kundi dinadagukan ang kanyang dibdib, at sinasabi: 'O Diyos, mahabag po kayo sa akin na isang makasalanan!'

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang lalaking ito'y umuwing kinalulugdan ng Diyos, ngunit hindi ang isa. Sapagkat ang sinumang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas."

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Repleksyon:

Ang Pagpapakumbaba ba ay Kahinaan ng Diyos?

Sa Ebanghelyo, nakita natin ang pagpapakumbaba ng maniningil ng buwis. Nang siya’y tumayo sa harap ng Diyos, hindi siya nagkunwaring matuwid. Sa halip, mapagpakumbaba niyang inamin ang kanyang pagiging makasalanan at ang kanyang pagiging hindi karapat-dapat.

Alam niya na sa harap ng Diyos ay wala siyang maipagmamalaki at wala siyang karapat-dapat hingin. Ngunit dahil sa kanyang pagpapakumbaba, siya ay umuwi na may dalang biyaya at pagpapala mula sa Diyos.

Dito natin makikita ang isang mahalagang katotohanan: ang lihim upang makamtan ang pabor ng Diyos ay ang pagpapakumbaba at ang tapat na pagkilala sa ating sariling kahinaan at pagkukulang. Ang maniningil ng buwis na tumanggap ng biyaya ng Diyos ay tunay na may kamalayan sa kanyang kasalanan.

Hindi niya ito sinubukang itago sa Diyos. Maaaring hindi niya lubos na naunawaan na alam na ng Diyos ang lahat tungkol sa kanya. Ngunit ang mahalaga ay kinilala niya ang kanyang kasalanan at buong pagpapakumbaba siyang humingi ng awa sa Diyos.

Isang napakagandang katotohanan na ang mga mapagpakumbaba ay may natatanging lugar sa puso ng Diyos. Kapag tayo ay nagpapakumbaba sa Kanya, binubuksan natin ang ating sarili sa Kanyang biyaya. Ang pagpapakumbaba ay hindi lamang naglalapit sa atin sa Diyos; nagdudulot din ito ng paggalang at pag-unawa mula sa ating kapwa.

Marami sa atin ang nag-aatubiling magpakumbaba sapagkat iniisip nating ito ay tanda ng kahinaan. Ngunit ang totoo, ang pagpapakumbaba ay hindi kahinaan—ito ay isang lakas. Sapagkat ang taong marunong magpakumbaba ay higit na iginagalang kaysa sa taong patuloy na itinataas ang kanyang sarili.

Gayunpaman, hindi madaling magpakumbaba sa harap ni Jesus at sa harap ng ating kapwa. Nangangailangan ito ng sakripisyo at ng kahandaang isantabi ang ating pagmamataas. Inaanyayahan tayong kilalanin na ang lahat ng mayroon tayo—ang ating kakayahan, tagumpay, at mga biyaya—ay nagmumula sa Diyos. Sa harap Niya, wala tayong maipagmamalaki kundi ang Kanyang awa at pagmamahal.

Tunay ngang makahulugan ang sinabi ni Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: “Napakababa ng pintuan ng Langit; tanging ang mga mapagpakumbaba lamang ang makapapasok dito.” Ipinapaalala sa atin ng mga salitang ito na ang pagpapakumbaba ay hindi lamang isang kapangyarihan—ito ay isang landas na naglalapit sa atin sa Diyos. Kung nais nating maranasan ang Kanyang biyaya, patnubay, at kapayapaan, kailangan nating matutong tahakin ang tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang landas ng pagpapakumbaba.

Sa ating pagninilay ngayon, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Handa ba tayong isantabi ang ating pagmamataas, magpakumbaba sa harap ng Diyos, at tanggapin na ang tunay na kadakilaan ay hindi matatagpuan sa pagtataas ng ating sarili, kundi sa buong pusong pagsuko ng ating buhay sa Kanya? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 13 Friday of the Third Week of Lent: Mark 12:28-34

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. 

The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 

And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

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Reflection:

How do we truly manifest our love for God?

Loving God means desiring to know Him more deeply each day. Because of this, we must continually thirst and hunger for Him. Our hearts should long for His presence, and one of the most meaningful ways we encounter Him is through the Holy Mass. When we gather in worship, we do not merely fulfill an obligation; we open our hearts to experience His living presence among us.

We also grow in our love for God when we read and reflect on the Bible and remain faithful to its teachings. When we meditate on the first four Gospels of the New Testament—Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke and Gospel of John—we begin to see more clearly the life, mission, and love of Jesus Christ.

Through these sacred stories, we come to appreciate more deeply who He is and what He has done for us. Yet loving God does not end with learning His teachings; it must also be seen in the way we live them each day.

When we sincerely express our love for God, another commandment naturally follows: we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. But what does this love truly mean for us? Is our love for our neighbor selective, or is it truly inclusive and all-embracing?

True love for our neighbor cannot be selective. It must be an encompassing love that reaches out to everyone, regardless of who they are or what they may have done to us. We are called to love our neighbor whoever that neighbor may be and whatever offense our neighbor may have committed against us.

Yet if we are honest with ourselves, we sometimes fall short in this area. We tend to choose only the neighbors we want to love. We easily love those who show kindness and affection to us, but those who hurt us or fail to love us are often the very people we struggle to accept.

But the love that God teaches us invites us to go beyond our comfort. It calls us to transform our hearts so that we may learn to love even those who do not love us. This kind of love reflects the very heart of God—a love that is patient, forgiving, and unconditional.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we ask the Lord to deepen our love for Him so that His love may overflow into the way we treat others.

And so we ask ourselves today: If we truly claim to love God, are we also willing to love every neighbor He places in our path—even those who find it difficult to love us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas