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:

A 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

Reflection for March 6 Friday of the Second Week of Lent: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. 

Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. 

What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? 

Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet.

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Reflection:

One of the most precious gifts that God has given us is our Catholic faith. Jesus entrusted this beautiful gift to us through our baptism. But does this gift of faith end on the day we were baptized? Certainly not. Our baptism is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. Jesus calls us not only to receive this gift but also to live it and share it with others.

In our Gospel this Friday, we read about a landowner who leased his vineyard to some tenants. When the time came for the harvest, the landowner asked for his share of the produce. However, the tenants refused to give him what was due. They were ruled by greed and chose to keep the fruits of the vineyard for themselves.

In many ways, this Gospel invites us to reflect on our own lives. The gift of faith that Jesus has given us is like that vineyard entrusted to the tenants. It is a precious gift placed in our care, not to be kept only for ourselves but to bear fruit and to be shared with others. Jesus lovingly expects that the faith we have received will grow in our hearts and overflow into the lives of the people around us.

Let us therefore not be content with the status quo or remain passive in our faith. Faith is alive when it is lived and shared. When we move beyond comfort and begin to witness to our faith, even in simple ways, we allow the fruits of the vineyard to be seen.

Perhaps we can begin within our own families. Why don’t we invite our loved ones to attend Holy Mass with us? Why don’t we set aside a regular moment for family reflection on the words of Jesus in the Bible? Or maybe we can gather together to pray the Holy Rosary, allowing the Blessed Mother to guide our families closer to her Son and strengthen the unity of our home.

The gift of faith that we received through the Sacrament of Baptism is a treasure placed in our hands. It is a light meant to shine and a blessing meant to be shared.

Let us ask ourselves honestly before the Lord: What have we done so far with this gift of faith that Jesus entrusted to us? Have we allowed it to bear fruit in the lives of others, or have we quietly kept it only for ourselves?-Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 6 Biyernes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 21:33-43, 45-46

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga punong saserdote at matatanda ng bayan: "Pakinggan ninyo ang isa pang talinghaga. May isang taong nagtanim ng ubas sa kanyang bukid, at ito'y binakuran niya. Gumawa siya roon ng pisaan ng ubas, at nagtayo ng isang mataas na bantayan. 

Pagkatapos, kanyang iniwan sa mga kasama ang ubasan, at siya'y nagtungo sa ibang lupain. Nang dumating ang panahon ng pitasan, pinapunta ng may-ari ng ubasan ang kanyang mga alipin upang kunin sa mga kasama ang kanyang kaparte. Ngunit sinunggaban ng mga kasama ang mga alipin; binugbog nila ang isa, pinatay ang ikalawa, at binato naman ang ikatlo. 

Pinapunta ng may-ari ang mas maraming alipin, ngunit gayon din ang ginawa ng mga kasama sa mga ito. Sa kahuli-huliha'y pinapunta niya ang kanyang anak na lalaki. 'Igagalang nila ang aking anak,' wika niya sa sarili. Ngunit ng makita ng mga kasama ang anak, sila'y nag-usap-usap: 'Ito ang tagapagmana. Halikayo! Patayin natin ng mapasaatin ang kanyang mamanahin.' Kaya't siya'y sinunggaban nila, inilabas sa ubasan at pinatay. 

"Pagbalik ng may-ari ng ubasan, ano kaya ang gagawin niya sa mga kasamang iyon?" sumagot sila, "Lilipulin niya ang mga buhong na iyon, at paaalagaan ang ubasan sa ibang kasama na magbibigay sa kanya ng kaparte sa panahon ng pamimitas." Tinanong sila ni Jesus, "Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa ang talatang ito sa Kasulatan? 

'Ang batong itinakwil ng mga tagapagtayo ng bahay ang siyang naging batong panulukan. Ginawa ito ng Panginoon, at ito'y kahanga-hanga!' Kaya nga sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi na kayo ang paghaharian ng Diyos kundi ang bansang maglilingkod sa kanya ng tapat.

Narinig ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga Pariseo ang mga talinghaga ni Jesus, at naunawaan nilang sila ang pinatatamaan niya. Darakpin sana nila siya, ngunit natakot sila sa mga tao, sapagkat kinikilala ng mga ito na propeta si Jesus.

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Repleksyon:

Isa sa mga pinakamahalagang kaloob ng Diyos sa atin ay ang ating pananampalatayang Katoliko. Ipinagkaloob ito sa atin ni Hesus sa pamamagitan ng ating binyag. Ngunit nagtatapos ba ang kaloob na ito sa araw ng ating pagbibinyag?

Hindi. Sa katunayan, ang binyag ang simula ng ating paglalakbay sa pananampalataya. Tayo ay tinatawag ni Hesus hindi lamang upang tanggapin ang kaloob na ito kundi upang isabuhay at ibahagi rin ito sa iba.

Sa ating Mabuting Balita ngayong Biyernes, mababasa natin ang tungkol sa isang may-ari ng ubasan na ipinaupahan ang kanyang ubasan sa ilang magsasaka. Nang dumating ang panahon ng anihan, hiningi ng may-ari ang kanyang bahagi sa bunga ng ubasan. Ngunit tumanggi ang mga magsasaka na ibigay ang nararapat sa kanya. Dahil sa kasakiman, pinili nilang angkinin para sa kanilang sarili ang mga bunga ng ubasan.

Sa maraming paraan, inaanyayahan tayo ng Mabuting Balita ito na pagnilayan ang ating sariling buhay. Ang pananampalatayang ipinagkaloob sa atin ni Hesus ay tulad ng ubasan na ipinagkatiwala sa mga magsasaka. Ito ay isang mahalagang kaloob na inilagay sa ating pangangalaga—hindi upang sarilinin lamang kundi upang magbunga at maibahagi sa iba.

Gusto ni Hesus na ang pananampalatayang ating tinanggap ay mamunga sa ating buhay at makita rin sa ating mga gawa. Kaya’t huwag sana tayong makontento sa pananatili lamang sa nakasanayan o sa kawalan ng pagkilos. Ang pananampalataya ay tunay na nabubuhay kapag ito ay ating isinasabuhay at ibinabahagi.

Maari nating simulan ito sa loob ng ating sariling pamilya. Bakit hindi natin anyayahan ang ating mga mahal sa buhay na magsimba kasama natin sa Banal na Misa? Bakit hindi tayo maglaan ng panahon upang sama-samang magnilay sa mga salita ni Hesus sa Bibliya? O kaya naman ay magtipon tayo bilang pamilya upang manalangin ng Santo Rosaryo, upang lalo pang tumibay ang ating pagkakaisa at mailapit tayo sa Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng ating Mahal na Ina.

Ang pananampalatayang ating tinanggap sa Sakramento ng Binyag ay isang napakahalagang kayamanan na ipinagkatiwala sa atin. Ito ay liwanag na dapat magningning at biyayang dapat ibahagi.

Sa ating pagninilay, tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili sa harap ng Panginoon: Ano na ba ang nagawa natin sa kaloob na pananampalatayang ipinagkatiwala sa atin ni Hesus? Naibahagi na ba natin ito sa iba upang mamunga sa kanilang buhay, o nanatili lamang ba itong nakatago sa ating mga puso?-Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 5 Thursday of the Second in Week in Lent: Luke 16:19-31

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. 

When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’  

Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours. He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them lest they too come to this place of torment.  

But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them. He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. Then Abraham said ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.

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Reflection:

A dying rich woman once had a dream. In her dream, Jesus gently asked her, “Do you want to be in heaven with Me when your earthly life ends?”

With longing in her heart, she answered, “Yes, my Lord, I desire to be with You.”

Then Jesus asked her again, “Are you willing to give your treasures to the poor?”

Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes, my Lord, I will give all that I have to the poor.”

When she awoke, she did not ignore what she had heard. She allowed the dream to move her heart. She gave away her treasures and shared her blessings with those in need. A few days later, she passed from this life—and indeed, her soul was welcomed by the Lord into eternal joy.

Do the poor have a purpose in our lives? Yes, they do. They are not accidents in our path. They are not interruptions to our comfort. They are sacred encounters placed before us. The poor close the gap between us and God. They draw us nearer to His compassionate heart, for they are deeply loved by Him.

In the Gospel, we meet the nameless rich man and the poor man Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). The rich man saw Lazarus every day, yet he failed to truly see him. His eyes were open, but his heart was closed. He viewed Lazarus as a nuisance rather than a blessing, as a burden rather than an opportunity for grace.

What if he had recognized that behind his gate stood God in disguise? What if he had understood that each knock was not meant to disturb him, but to save him? Perhaps he would have opened not only his door but also his heart.

Every day, we encounter those who are materially and spiritually poor. They may be hungry for food, hungry for love, hungry for attention, hungry for hope. Sometimes they are strangers on the street. Sometimes they are people within our own homes.

The question is not whether God speaks to us. The question is whether we are listening. The question is not whether God stands at our door. The question is whether we are willing to open it.

When we face the poor, we face Christ Himself. When we ignore them, we risk turning away from Him.

As we reflect on this truth, let us examine our hearts. Are we seeing the poor as burdens—or as bridges that lead us closer to God?

If Christ were standing at our gate today in the disguise of someone in need, would we recognize Him… and would we open our door?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 5 Huwebes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 16:19-31

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 16:19-31

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Pariseo: "May isang mayamang nagdaramit ng mamahalin at saganang-sagana sa pagkain araw-araw. At may isa namang pulubing nagngangalang Lazaro, tadtad ng sugat, na nakalupasay sa may pintuan ng mayaman upang mamulot kahit mumong nahuhulog mula sa hapag ng mayaman. At doo'y nilalapitan siya ng aso at dinidilaan ang kanyang mga sugat. 

Namatay ang pulubi, at dinala ng mga anghel sa piling ni Abraham. Namatay rin ang mayaman, at inilibing. Sa gitna ng kanyang pagdurusa sa Hades, tumingala ang mayaman at kanyang natanaw sa malayo si Abraham, kapiling si Lazaro. At sumigaw siya: 'Amang Abraham, mahabag po kayo sa akin. Utusan ninyo si Lazaro na isawsaw sa tubig ang dulo ng kanyang daliri at palamigin ang aking dila, sapagkat naghihirap ako sa apoy na ito.' 

Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Abraham, 'Anak, alalahanin mong nagpasasa ka sa buhay sa ibabaw ng lupa, at si Lazaro'y nagtiis ng kahirapan. Ngunit ngayo'y inaaliw siya rito, samantalang ikaw'y nama'y nagdurusa. Higit sa lahat, inilagay sa pagitan natin ang isang malaking bangin upang ang mga narini ay hindi makapariyan at ang mga nariyan ay hindi makaparini.' 

At sinabi ng mayaman, 'Kung gayon po, Amang Abraham, ipinamamanhik ko sa inyong papuntahin si Lazaro sa bahay ng aking ama, sapagkat ako'y may limang kapatid na lalaki. Paparoonin nga ninyo siya upang balaan sila at nang hindi sila humantong sa dakong ito ng pagdurusa.' 

Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ni Abraham, 'Nasa kanila ang mga sinulat ni Moises at ng mga propeta; pakinggan nila ang mga iyon.' 'Hindi po sapat ang mga iyon,' tugon niya, 'Ngunit kung pumunta sa kanila ang isang patay na muling nabuhay, tatalikdan nila ang kanilang mga kasalanan.' Sinabi sa kanya ni Abraham, 'Kung ayaw nilang pakinggan ang mga sinulat ni Moises at ng mga propeta, hindi rin nila paniniwalaan ang isang patay na muling nabuhay.'"

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Repleksyon:

May isang mayamang babae na malapit nang bawian ng buhay na nanaginip. Sa kanyang panaginip, marahang tinanong siya ni Jesus, “Nais mo bang makapiling Ako sa langit kapag natapos ang iyong buhay sa lupa?”

Buong pananabik siyang sumagot, “Opo, Panginoon, nais kong makapiling Ka.”

Muling nagtanong si Jesus, “Handa ka bang ibigay ang iyong mga kayamanan sa mga dukha?”

Agad siyang tumugon, “Opo, Panginoon, ibibigay ko ang lahat ng mayroon ako sa mga dukha.”

Pagkagising niya, hindi niya binalewala ang panaginip. Hinayaan niyang kumilos ang kanyang puso. Ibinahagi niya ang kanyang mga kayamanan sa mga nangangailangan. Makalipas ang ilang araw, siya ay pumanaw—at tunay nga, ang kanyang kaluluwa ay sinalubong ng Panginoon sa walang hanggang kagalakan.

May layunin ba ang mga dukha sa ating buhay? Oo, mayroon. Hindi sila aksidente sa ating landas. Hindi sila sagabal sa ating kaginhawahan. Sila ay inilalagay ng Diyos sa ating harapan. Ang mga dukha ang naglalapit sa atin sa puso ng Diyos, sapagkat sila ay Kanyang minamahal nang lubos.

Sa Mabuting Balita, makikita natin ang kuwento ng mayamang lalaki at ng pulubing si Lazaro (Lucas 16:19–31). Araw-araw nakikita ng mayaman si Lazaro, ngunit hindi niya ito tunay na nakita. Bukas ang kanyang mga mata, ngunit sarado ang kanyang puso. Itinuring niya si Lazaro na pabigat at istorbo, sa halip na isang biyaya at pagkakataon upang mahalin ang Diyos.

Paano kaya kung napagtanto ng mayaman na sa likod ng kanyang tarangkahan ay naroon ang Diyos na nagkukubli sa katauhan ni Lazaro? Paano kung naunawaan niya na ang bawat katok ay hindi upang siya’y gambalain, kundi upang siya’y pagpalain at iligtas? Marahil binuksan niya hindi lamang ang kanyang pintuan kundi pati ang kanyang puso.

Araw-araw, nakakatagpo tayo ng mga kapatid nating dukha—sa materyal man o sa espiritu. May mga gutom sa pagkain, gutom sa pag-aaruga, gutom sa pag-asa, at gutom sa pag-ibig. Minsan sila ay mga taong nasa lansangan. Minsan sila ay nasa loob mismo ng ating tahanan.

Sa tuwing hinaharap natin ang dukha, si Kristo ang ating hinaharap. Sa tuwing binabalewala natin sila, si Kristo rin ang ating tinatalikuran.

Ngayon, bilang isang pamayanan ng pananampalataya, suriin natin ang ating mga puso. Nakikita ba natin ang mga dukha bilang pasanin—o bilang tulay na maglalapit sa atin sa Diyos?

Kung si Kristo ay kumakatok ngayon sa ating pintuan sa anyo ng isang nangangailangan, makikilala ba natin Siya… at bubuksan ba natin ang ating puso para sa Kanya? —Marino J. Dasmarinas