Reflection for Friday February 6 Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs: Mark 6:14-29

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod heard about Jesus, for his fame had become widespread, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead; That is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah” still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets. But when Herod learned of it, he said “It is John whom I beheaded. He has been raised up.  

Herod was the one who had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife. Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. 

When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. Herodias had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. His own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.  

He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom. She went out and said to her mother “What shall I ask for? Her mother replied, “The head of John the Baptist. The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.  

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

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Reflection:

What does it mean when we are constantly bothered by our conscience? It often means that deep within us, we know that we have done something wrong. Our conscience is God’s gentle voice reminding us that we are called to live in truth and righteousness. And oftentimes, the only cure for wrongdoing is not to hide it, but to humbly correct it before God.

For example, when a believer becomes unfaithful to a spouse, the conscience naturally becomes troubled. There is an inner unrest that will not easily disappear. This inner torment usually remains until there is honest admission, sincere repentance, and true surrender to God’s mercy. Our conscience is not meant to destroy us, but to lead us back to the loving arms of the Lord.

When King Herod heard about the miraculous works of Jesus and the growing popularity He was gaining among the people, Herod remembered John, whom he had ordered to be beheaded. Even though Herod knew that he himself had ordered John’s death, fear and guilt began to trouble his heart. It was as if his conscience was speaking loudly to him, reminding him of the grave wrong that he had done.

Why did King Herod think of John when he heard about Jesus? It was because his conscience was already burdened. He had done something terribly wrong, and the price he paid was a troubled and restless heart. Guilt became his constant companion.

Aren’t we like that too when we do wrong? When we hurt others, when we choose selfishness over love, or when we ignore God’s voice in our hearts, we also experience that inner unrest. But unlike Herod, we are blessed because we are given the chance to repent, to confess, and to begin again. When we sincerely turn back to God, He does not condemn us. Instead, He forgives us, heals us, and restores our peace.

So why should we allow ourselves to be trapped in guilt when God is always ready to forgive? Why not strive, with God’s grace, to avoid sin and to live lives that are pleasing to Him? Yes, we may fall. Yes, we are weak. But we are never alone, because Jesus is always ready to help us become clean and faithful each day.

Today, let us ask Jesus to purify our hearts, to strengthen our conscience, and to help us choose what is right even when it is difficult. Let us not be afraid to admit our sins, because God’s mercy is always greater than our failures.

If today our conscience is speaking to us, will we listen and return to the Lord… or will we silence His voice and carry the burden of guilt in our hearts?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Pebrero 6 Paggunita kina San Pedro Bautista, San Pablo Miki at mga Kasama, mga martir: Marcos 6:14-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:14-29

Noong panahong iyon, nakarating kay Haring Herodes ang balita tungkol kay Jesus, sapagkat bantog na ang pangalan nito. May nagsasabi, "Siya'y si Juan Bautista na muling binuhay, kaya nakagagawa siya ng himala." May nagsasabi naman, "Siya'y si Elias." "Siya'y propeta, katulad ng mga propeta noong una," anang iba pa. 

Sinabi naman ni Herodes nang mabalitaan niya ito, "Muling nabuhay si Juan na pinapugutan ko." Si Herodes ang nagpahuli, nagpagapos at nagpabilanggo kay Juan dahil kay Herodias. Ang babaing ito'y asawa ni Felipe na kapatid ni Herodes ngunit kinakasama niya. Laging sinasabi sa kanya ni Juan, "Hindi matuwid na kunin ninyo ang asawa ng inyong kapatid." Kaya't si Herodias ay nagkimkim ng galit kay Juan. 

Hinangad niyang ipapatay ito, ngunit hindi niya magawa, sapagkat natatakot si Herodes kay Juan. Alam niyang ito'y taong matuwid at banal, kaya't ipinagsasanggalang niya, Gustong-gusto niyang makinig kay Juan, bagamat labis siyang nababagabag sa mga sinasabi nito. Sa wakas ay nagkaroon ng pagkakataon si Herodias nang anyayahan ni Herodes sa kanyang kaarawan ang kanyang mga kagawad, mga pinuno ng hukbo, at mga pangunahing mamamayan ng Galilea. 

Pumasok ang anak na babae ni Herodias at nagsayaw. Labis na nasiyahan si Herodes at ang mga panauhin, kaya't sinabi ng hari sa dalaga, "Hingin mo sa akin ang anumang ibig mo at ibibigay ko sa iyo." At naisumpa pa niyang ibibigay kahit ang kalahati ng kanyang kaharian kung ito ang hihilingin. Lumabas ang dalaga at tinanong ang kanyang ina, "Ano ang hihingin ko?" "Ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sagot ng ina. Dali-daling nagbalik ang dalaga sa kinaroroonan ng hari. "Ang ibig ko po'y ibigay ninyo sa akin ngayon din, sa isang pinggan, ang ulo ni Juan Bautista," sabi niya. 

Labis na nalungkot ang hari, ngunit dahil sa kanyang sumpa na narinig ng kanyang mga panauhin, hindi niya matanggihan ang dalaga. Kaagad niyang iniutos sa isang bantay na dalhin sa kanya ang ulo ni Juan. Sumunod ang bantay at pinugutan si Juan sa bilangguan, at inilagay ang ulo sa isang pinggan, at ibinigay sa dalaga. Ibinigay naman iyon ng dalaga sa kanyang ina. Nang mabalitaan ito ng mga alagad ni Juan, kinuha nila ang kanyang bangkay at inilibing.

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang ibig sabihin kapag patuloy tayong binabagabag ng ating konsensya? Madalas, nangangahulugan ito na sa kaibuturan ng ating puso, alam nating may nagawa tayong mali. Ang ating konsensya ay parang banayad na tinig ng Diyos na nagpapaalala sa atin na tayo ay tinatawag upang mamuhay sa katotohanan at katuwiran. At kadalasan, ang tanging lunas sa ating pagkakamali ay hindi ang pagtatago nito, kundi ang mapagkumbabang pagwawasto nito sa harap ng Diyos.

Halimbawa, kapag ang isang mananampalataya ay nagiging hindi tapat sa kanyang asawa, natural lamang na mabagabag ang kanyang konsensya. Mayroong panloob na pagkabalisa na hindi basta nawawala. Ang ganitong paghihirap sa kalooban ay kadalasang nananatili hangga’t walang tapat na pag-amin, taos-pusong pagsisisi, at tunay na pagsuko sa awa ng Diyos. Ang ating konsensya ay hindi ibinigay upang tayo’y sirain, kundi upang tayo’y ibalik sa mapagmahal na yakap ng Panginoon.

Nang marinig ni Haring Herodes ang tungkol sa mga himala ni Jesus at sa lumalaking katanyagan Niya sa mga tao, naalala niya si Juan na kanyang ipinag-utos na pugutan ng ulo. Kahit alam ni Herodes na siya mismo ang nag-utos ng kamatayan ni Juan, nagsimulang guluhin ng takot at pagkakasala ang kanyang puso. Para bang malakas na nagsasalita ang kanyang konsensya, na nagpapaalala sa kanya ng mabigat na kasalanang kanyang nagawa.

Bakit naisip ni Haring Herodes si Juan nang marinig niya ang tungkol kay Jesus? Ito ay dahil noon pa man ay binabagabag na siya ng kanyang konsensya. May nagawa siyang napakalaking kasalanan, at ang kapalit nito ay isang pusong hindi mapakali. Ang guilt o bigat ng pagkakasala ang naging palaging kasama niya.

Hindi ba’t ganito rin tayo kapag tayo ay nagkakasala? Kapag nakakasakit tayo ng kapwa, kapag pinipili natin ang sarili kaysa sa pag-ibig, o kapag binabalewala natin ang tinig ng Diyos sa ating puso, nakararanas din tayo ng panloob na pagkabalisa. Ngunit hindi tulad ni Herodes, pinagpala tayo dahil binibigyan tayo ng pagkakataong magsisi, umamin, at magsimulang muli. Kapag tayo ay taos-pusong bumabalik sa Diyos, hindi Niya tayo hinahatulan. Sa halip, pinatatawad Niya tayo, pinagagaling ang ating puso, at ibinabalik ang ating kapayapaan.

Kaya bakit natin hahayaang manatili tayo sa pagkakulong ng pagkabagabag at pagkabalisa kung ang Diyos ay laging handang magpatawad? Bakit hindi tayo magsikap, sa tulong ng biyaya ng Diyos, na iwasan ang kasalanan at mamuhay nang kalugud-lugod sa Kanya? Oo, maaari tayong magkamali. Oo, tayo ay mahina. Ngunit hindi tayo nag-iisa, dahil si Jesus ay laging handang tulungan tayong maging malinis at tapat araw-araw.

Sa araw na ito, hingin natin kay Jesus na linisin ang ating puso, patatagin ang ating konsensya, at tulungan tayong piliin ang tama kahit mahirap. Huwag tayong matakot na aminin ang ating kasalanan, sapagkat ang awa ng Diyos ay laging mas dakila kaysa sa ating mga pagkukulang.

Kung ngayon ay kinakausap tayo ng ating konsensya, makikinig ba tayo at babalik sa Panginoon… o pipiliin ba nating patahimikin ang Kanyang tinig at dalhin ang bigat ng pagkabagabag at pagkabalisa sa ating puso?— Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Thursday February 5 Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr: Mark 6:7-13

Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts. They were, however, to wear sandals but not a second tunic.  

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave. Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them.” So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

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Reflection:   

A young man was considering a career in writing for God. However, he was hesitant because he knew deep in his heart that he might not intellectually measure up to such a huge responsibility. This was because he did not have any background in writing.

He shared his desire and his perceived intellectual shortcomings with a friend. His friend advised him to move forward and follow his desire. He was also told not to be disturbed by his intellectual shortcomings, for God would fill whatever was lacking in him.

The twelve apostles whom Jesus sent on mission are like many of us. Many of them were ordinary fishermen—simple men who were transformed into fishers of men through Jesus. Perhaps when they were about to be sent to their mission areas, they quietly asked themselves, “Will I measure up to this huge responsibility?” Perhaps some even thought of going back to their old lives, where everything felt safe and familiar.

But Jesus did not choose them because they were already perfect or fully prepared. He chose them because they were willing. He assured them of His presence and support, and that was enough for them to move forward.

Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits (Mark 6:7). He instructed them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick (Mark 6:8). It was as if Jesus was telling them—and now telling us—to follow Him without being burdened by our weaknesses and shortcomings. He wants us to trust that He will supply what we lack, strengthen what is weak in us, and complete what is incomplete within us.

The apostles obeyed Jesus and entrusted their mission to His guidance. Because of this, they became fruitful in their mission. They drove out many demons, and they healed the sick by anointing them with holy oil (Mark 6:13). Their success did not come from their own strength or ability. It came from their faith and trust in the One who sent them.

Oftentimes, we fail to do what Jesus is calling us to do, not because we are incapable, but because we are afraid. Sometimes we hesitate because we doubt, and sometimes we remain stuck because we rely too much on our own strength instead of trusting God.

Because of this, we delay taking the first step toward the mission God has prepared for us. And when we refuse to move, we not only fail to grow—we may also miss the blessings God wants to pour into our lives and into the lives of others through us.

If we truly desire to follow Jesus, we must follow Him with faith. We must learn to trust Him completely—even when we feel unready, unqualified, or unsure. For God does not call the qualified; He qualifies those He calls.

Let us pause and listen to the quiet voice of God within our hearts. Where is He calling us to serve? What mission has He placed before us that we are afraid to begin? What step of faith is He asking us to take today?

If Jesus is calling us now, will we continue to focus on our weaknesses… or will we trust Him enough to step forward and allow Him to work powerfully through us? —Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes Pebrero 5 Paggunita kay Santa Agata (Agueda), dalaga at martir: Marcos 6:7-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:7-13

Noong panahong iyon Tinawag ni Jesus ang Labindalawa, at sinugong daladalawa. Binigyan niya sila ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng masasamang espiritu, at pinagbilinan: "Sa inyong paglalakbay, huwag kayong magdala ng anuman, maliban sa tungkod. 

Ni pagkain, balutan, salapi sa inyong lukbutan o bihisan, ay huwag kayong magdala. Ngunit magsuot kayo ng panyapak." Sinabi rin niya sa kanila, "At sa alinmang tahanan na inyong tuluyan-- manatili kayo roon hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo sa bayang iyon. Kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang dako, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ninyo ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa bilang babala sa mga tagaroon." 

Kaya't humayo ang Labindalawa at nangaral sa mga tao na pagsisihan nila at talikdan ang kanilang mga kasalanan. Pinalayas nila ang maraming demonyo sa mga inaalihan nito; pinahiran nila ng langis at pinagaling ang maraming maysakit.

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Repleksyon:

May isang binatang nag-iisip na tahakin ang landas ng pagsusulat para sa Diyos. Ngunit siya ay nag-aatubili dahil batid niya sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso na maaaring hindi siya sapat sa kakayahang intelektuwal para sa ganoong kalaking pananagutan. Ito ay dahil wala siyang anumang karanasan o pundasyon sa pagsusulat.

Ibinahagi niya sa isang kaibigan ang kanyang hangarin at ang tingin niyang kakulangan sa kanyang kakayahan. Pinayuhan siya ng kanyang kaibigan na magpatuloy at sundin ang kanyang hangarin. Sinabihan din siya na huwag mabahala sa kanyang mga kakulangan, sapagkat pupunuin ng Diyos ang anumang kulang sa kanya.

Ang labindalawang apostol na isinugo ni Jesus sa kanilang misyon ay katulad ng marami sa atin. Marami sa kanila ay karaniwang mangingisda—mga simpleng tao na ginawang mga mamamalakaya ng tao sa pamamagitan ni Jesus. Marahil, nang sila ay ipadadala na sa kanilang mga lugar ng misyon, tahimik nilang tinatanong ang kanilang sarili, “Makakaya ko kaya ang napakalaking pananagutang ito?” Marahil ang ilan sa kanila ay naisip pang bumalik sa dati nilang pamumuhay kung saan ang lahat ay ligtas at pamilyar.

Ngunit hindi sila pinili ni Jesus dahil sila ay perpekto o ganap nang handa. Pinili Niya sila dahil sila ay handang tumugon. Tiniyak Niya sa kanila ang Kanyang presensya at suporta, at iyon ay sapat upang sila ay magpatuloy.

Binigyan sila ni Jesus ng kapangyarihan laban sa masasamang espiritu (Marcos 6:7). Inutusan Niya silang huwag magdala ng anuman sa kanilang paglalakbay maliban sa isang tungkod (Marcos 6:8). Para bang sinasabi ni Jesus sa kanila—at ngayon ay sinasabi rin sa atin—na sumunod lamang sa Kanya nang hindi pinapasan ang bigat ng ating mga kahinaan at kakulangan. Nais Niyang magtiwala tayo na ibibigay Niya ang ating kakulangan, palalakasin ang ating kahinaan, at bubuuin ang anumang hindi pa ganap sa atin.

Sumunod ang mga apostol kay Jesus at ipinagkatiwala nila ang kanilang misyon sa Kanyang paggabay. Dahil dito, naging mabunga ang kanilang misyon. Marami silang napalayas na demonyo at napagaling ang mga may sakit sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahid ng banal na langis (Marcos 6:13). Ang kanilang tagumpay ay hindi nagmula sa sarili nilang lakas o kakayahan. Ito ay nagmula sa kanilang pananampalataya at pagtitiwala sa Diyos na nagsugo sa kanila.

Madalas, hindi natin nagagawa ang nais ipagawa ni Jesus sa atin, hindi dahil hindi natin kaya, kundi dahil tayo ay natatakot. Minsan nag-aalinlangan tayo dahil nagdududa tayo. Minsan nananatili tayong nakatigil dahil masyado tayong umaasa sa sarili nating lakas sa halip na magtiwala sa Diyos.

Dahil dito, ipinagpapaliban natin ang unang hakbang patungo sa misyong inihanda ng Diyos para sa atin. At kapag tumatanggi tayong kumilos, hindi lamang tayo nabibigong umunlad—maaari din nating makaligtaan ang mga pagpapalang nais ibuhos ng Diyos sa ating buhay at sa buhay ng iba sa pamamagitan natin.

Kung tunay nating ninanais na sumunod kay Jesus, kailangan natin Siyang sundin nang may pananampalataya. Kailangan nating matutong lubos na magtiwala sa Kanya—kahit pakiramdam natin ay hindi tayo handa, hindi sapat, o hindi sigurado. Sapagkat ang Diyos ay hindi lamang tumatawag sa mga handa; ginagawa Niyang handa ang Kanyang mga tinatawag.

Sandali tayong tumigil at pakinggan ang banayad na tinig ng Diyos sa ating puso. Saan Niya tayo tinatawag na maglingkod? Anong misyon ang inilalagay Niya sa ating harapan na kinatatakutan nating simulan? Anong hakbang ng pananampalataya ang hinihingi Niya sa atin ngayon?

Kung tinatawag tayo ni Jesus sa sandaling ito, magpapatuloy ba tayong tumingin sa ating mga kahinaan… o magtitiwala tayo sa Kanya nang sapat upang humakbang pasulong at hayaan Siyang kumilos nang makapangyarihan sa pamamagitan natin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 4 Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him?  

What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”

So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

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Reflection:   

There was a successful man who, after his death, was given lavish praise by his relatives and friends during his wake—praise he truly deserved because he was a good and humble man. Yet these were praises they had purposely not told him while he was still alive because they envied him.

Oftentimes, we wait until it is too late before we express our appreciation for the goodness that we see in others. Oftentimes, our pride, our jealousy, or our silence prevents us from giving encouragement to those who deserve it while they are still with us.

When Jesus went back to the place where He grew up, Nazareth, He went to their synagogue to teach. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence. Yet Jesus did not receive any congratulatory acknowledgment—not even a simple handshake or a gesture of recognition from His former townmates.

Instead, Jesus received derision and scorn because they could not accept that a former carpenter could speak to them with such wisdom and authority. This was someone they knew very well, yet they could not accept that He would one day speak in their house of worship. So, they belittled Jesus instead of giving Him the well-deserved recognition.

If we reflect deeply, do we not sometimes act like the townmates of Jesus? Many of us can be quick to judge and belittle our fellowmen and even our relatives who have achieved a certain degree of success in their lives. Instead of rejoicing with them, we sometimes allow envy and pride to take root in our hearts.

Why are we quick to belittle? Why are we quick to give unjust judgment? This can come from envy, from our very high regard for ourselves, and perhaps from our status in life. 

At times, we place ourselves on a pedestal so high that we can no longer bend our knees in humility before God and before others. We can no longer recognize worthy achievements because our eyes are clouded by the cataract of our egos and self-image. And when we are quick to judge and scorn others, we also open ourselves to the same judgment and scorn. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, to encourage rather than to discourage, and to lift others up rather than pull them down. When we celebrate the blessings and successes of others, we reflect the love, humility, and generosity of the Lord. 

Let us not judge. Let us not envy. Instead, let us choose to be happy for those who achieve success. Let us learn to affirm, appreciate, and encourage one another while we still have the chance. 

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we building others up, or are we silently tearing them down through envy, pride, or indifference? 

If Jesus were to stand before us today—not as someone distant, but as someone we already know—would we recognize Him with humility and love, or would we allow pride and envy to blind our hearts? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 4 Miyerkules ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, si Jesus ay nagtungo sa sariling bayan, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pagdating ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, nagturo siya sa sinagoga, nagtaka ang maraming nakarinig sa kanya at nagtanong, "Saan niya nakuha ang lahat ng iyan? Anong karunungan itong ipinagkaloob sa kanya? Paano siya nakagagawa ng mga kababalaghan? 

Hindi ba ito ang karpinterong anak ni Maria, at kapatid nina Santiago,Jose, Judas, at Simon? Dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba?" At siya'y ayaw nilang kilanlin. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, "Ang propeta'y iginagalang ng lahat, liban lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan, mga kamag-anak, at mga kasambahay." 

Hindi siya nakagawa ng anumang kababalaghan doon, maliban sa pagpapatong ng kanyang kamay sa ilang maysakit upang pagalingin ang mga ito. Nagtaka siya sapagkat hindi sila sumampalataya. At nilibot ni Jesus ang mga nayon sa paligid upang magturo.

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Repleksyon:

May isang matagumpay na negosyante na matapos siyang pumanaw, ay binigyan ng mararangyang papuri ng kanyang mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan sa kanyang burol—mga papuring karapat-dapat sapagkat siya ay mabuti at mapagkumbabang tao. Ngunit ang mga papuring ito ay hindi nila sinabi sa kanya noong siya ay nabubuhay pa dahil naiinggit sila sa kanya.

Madalas, hinihintay pa natin na maging huli ang lahat bago natin ipahayag ang ating pagpapahalaga sa kabutihang nakikita natin sa iba. Madalas, hinahayaan natin na ang ating pagmamataas, inggit, o pananahimik ang pumigil sa atin na magbigay ng pagpapalakas ng loob sa mga taong karapat-dapat naman nito habang kasama pa natin sila.

Nang bumalik si Jesus sa lugar kung saan Siya lumaki—sa Nazaret—pumunta Siya sa kanilang sinagoga upang magturo. Nagsalita Siya na puno ng karunungan. Ngunit si Jesus ay hindi nakatanggap ng anumang pagbati—kahit simpleng pakikipagkamay o pagkilala man lamang mula sa Kanyang mga kababayan.

Sa halip, tinanggap Niya ang panlilibak at paghamak sapagkat hindi nila matanggap na ang isang dating karpintero ay makapagsasalita sa kanila nang may ganitong karunungan at kapangyarihan. Kilala nila Siya, ngunit hindi nila matanggap na darating ang araw na Siya ay magsasalita sa kanilang sinagoga. Kaya minamaliit nila si Jesus sa halip na ibigay ang pagkilalang nararapat sa Kanya.

Kung susuriin natin ang ating mga sarili, hindi ba minsan ay nagiging katulad din tayo ng mga kababayan ni Jesus? Marami sa atin ang madaling humusga at maliitin ang ating kapwa, maging ang ating mga kamag-anak na nagtatagumpay sa kanilang buhay. Sa halip na makigalak sa kanila, minsan ay hinahayaan natin na ang inggit at pagmamataas ang mamayani sa ating puso.

Bakit tayo madaling mangmaliit? Bakit tayo madaling humusga? Maaaring nagmumula ito sa inggit, sa mataas na pagtingin natin sa ating sarili.

May mga pagkakataon na inilalagay natin ang ating sarili sa napakataas na pedestal kaya hindi na tayo marunong magpapakumbaba sa harap ng Diyos at ng ating kapwa. Hindi na natin nakikita ang mga karapat-dapat purihin dahil ang ating paningin ay nababalot na ng “katarata” dahil sa mataas na pagtingin natin sa ating sarili. At kung mabilis tayong humusga at manghamak ng iba, binubuksan din natin ang ating sarili sa ganoon ding paghusga at paghamak.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, tinatawag tayo na mamuhay nang iba. Tinatawag tayo na makigalak sa mga nagagalak, magpalakas ng loob sa halip na magpahina, at mag-angat ng kapwa sa halip na magpabagsak. Kapag ipinagdiriwang natin ang tagumpay at biyaya ng iba, naipapakita natin ang pag-ibig, kababaang-loob, at kabutihang-loob ng Panginoon.

Huwag tayong humusga. Huwag tayong mainggit. Sa halip, piliin nating matuwa sa tagumpay ng iba. Matuto tayong kumilala, magpasalamat, at magpalakas ng loob sa isa’t isa habang may pagkakataon pa tayo.

Tayo ba ay nagtatayo ng kapwa, o tahimik natin silang winawasak sa pamamagitan ng inggit, pagmamataas, o kawalang-pakialam?

Kung si Jesus ay tumayo sa ating harapan ngayon—hindi bilang isang estranghero, kundi bilang isang taong kilala na natin—makikilala ba natin Siya nang may pagpapakumbaba at pag-ibig, o hahayaan ba natin na ang ating pagmamataas at inggit ang bumulag sa ating puso? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 3 Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.  

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.  

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”  

 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer? Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

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Reflection:

Sickness and death are words that we are afraid to hear, much less experience. Who among us wants to get sick, and who among us wants to die? No one, because we all desire to enjoy the life that God has given us. Yet physical death, brought about by our human nature, is a certainty of life that none of us can escape. It will visit each one of us one day, because physical death is part of the natural process of life here on earth.

But there is another form of death that is far more dangerous. This is called spiritual death. It is something the devil continually tries to lure us into. The evil one tempts us to commit sin, and if we are not watchful and prayerful, we may fall into this trap. This can result in our separation from the love of God unless we humbly return to Him and submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), where His mercy and forgiveness are always waiting for us.

In the Gospel, we encounter a sick woman with great faith. She longed to touch even just the tassel of Jesus’ clothes because she believed that the moment she did, she would be healed of her sickness. So, while Jesus was passing by, she reached out in faith, touched His clothes, and immediately she was healed.

Jesus felt that power had gone out of Him, so He asked the crowd, “Who touched my clothes?” Upon hearing this, the woman fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And Jesus, full of compassion and love, said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

Many people were touching Jesus at that time, yet He did not feel power leave Him. Why was it different when this woman touched Him? It was because she reached out not just with her hands, but with her heart. She was in deep need of healing. She had living faith. She believed with all her heart that Jesus would heal her the moment she touched Him.

There will come moments in our lives when we, too, will be in need of Jesus’ healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. When those moments come, may we never doubt the power of our Lord to heal, restore, and make us whole again. May we learn to reach out to Him not only in words, but in deep faith, trust, and surrender.

Are we merely close to Jesus in presence, or are we truly reaching out to Him in faith, trusting that He alone can heal and restore our lives? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 3 Martes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:21-43

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:21-43

Noong panahong iyon, muling tumawid si Hesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakasakay sa bangka. Nasa baybay pa siya ng lawa ay pinagkalipumpunan na siya ng maraming tao. Dumating ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Jairo, isang tagapamahala ng sinagoga. Pagkakita kay Hesus, siya’y nagpatirapa sa kanyang paanan, at ang samo: “Agaw-buhay po ang anak kong dalagita. 

Kung maaari, sumama kayo sa akin at ipatong ninyo sa kanya ang inyong kamay upang siya’y gumaling at mabuhay!” Sumama naman si Hesus. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming taong nagsisiksikan, anupa’t halos maipit na siya. 

May isang babae roon na labindalawang taon nang dinudugo, at lubhang nahihirapan. Marami nang manggagamot ang tumingin sa kanya, at naubos na sa kapapagamot ang kanyang ari-arian, ngunit hindi siya napabuti kahit kaunti bagkus ay lalong lumubha. Narinig niya ang sinasabi ng mga tao tungkol kay Hesus, kaya’t nakipagsiksikan siya hanggang sa makalapit sa likuran ni Hesus. At hinipo niya ang damit nito. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, “Mahipo ko lang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako.” 

Biglang tumigil ang kanyang pagdudugo at naramdaman niyang magaling na siya. Naramdaman naman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa kanya, kaya’t bumaling siya sa mga tao at nagtanong, “Sino ang humipo sa akin?” Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad, “Nakikita po ninyong nagsisiksikan ang napakaraming tao, bakit itinatanong ninyo kung sino ang humipo sa inyo?” Subalit patuloy na luminga-linga si Hesus, hinahanap ang humipo sa kanya. Palibhasa’y alam ng babae ang nangyari, siya’y nanginginig sa takot na lumapit kay Hesus, nagpatirapa, at ipinagtapat ang buong katotohanan.  

Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Anak pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig sa akin. Umuwi ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban. Lubusan ka nang magaling sa iyong karamdaman.” Samantalang nagsasalita pa si Hesus, may ilang dumating mula sa bahay ni Jairo. “Patay na po ang anak ninyo,” sabi nila. “Bakit pa ninyo aabalahin ang Guro?” Hindi pinansin ni Hesus ang kanilang sinabi, sa halip ay sinabi sa tagapamahala, “Huwag kang mabagabag, manalig ka.”  

At wala siyang isinama kundi si Pedro at ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan. Nang dumating sila sa bahay ng tagapamahala, nakita ni Hesus na gulung-gulo ang mga tao; may mga nananangis pa at nananaghoy. Pagpasok niya ay kanyang sinabi, “Bakit kayo nagkakagulo at nananangis? Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lamang!” 

Ngunit pinagtawanan siya ng mga tao. Pinalabas niya ang lahat, maliban sa ama’t ina ng bata at sa tatlong alagad, at sila’y pumasok sa kinaroroonan ng bata. Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at sinabi, “Talita kumi,” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Ineng, sinasabi ko sa iyo, magbangon ka!” Pagdaka’y bumangon ang bata at lumakad. Siya’y labindalawang taon na. At namangha ang lahat. Mahigpit na ipinagbilin ni Hesus na huwag ipaalam ito kaninuman; at iniutos niyang bigyan ng pagkain ang bata.

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Repleksyon:

Ang karamdaman at kamatayan ay mga salitang kinatatakutan nating marinig, lalo na kung tayo mismo ang makararanas nito. Sino ba sa atin ang gustong magkasakit? Sino ba sa atin ang gustong mamatay? Wala, sapagkat lahat tayo ay nagnanais na maranasan at matamasa ang buhay na kaloob sa atin ng Diyos.

Ngunit ang pisikal na kamatayan, bunga ng ating pagiging tao, ay isang katiyakan sa buhay na walang sinuman sa atin ang makatatakas. Darating ito sa bawat isa sa atin balang araw, sapagkat bahagi ito ng likas na takbo ng buhay dito sa mundo.

Ngunit may isa pang uri ng kamatayan na higit na mapanganib—ang espirituwal na kamatayan. Ito ang patuloy na sinusubukang iparanas sa atin ng demonyo. Inaanyayahan niya tayo na magkasala, at kung hindi tayo magiging mapagbantay at mapanalanginin, maaari tayong mahulog sa kanyang bitag.

Maaari itong magbunga ng pagkakahiwalay natin sa pag-ibig ng Diyos, maliban na lamang kung tayo ay buong pagpapakumbabang lalapit sa Kanya at tatanggap sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo o Kumpisal, kung saan laging naghihintay ang Kanyang awa at kapatawaran para sa atin.

Sa Mabuting Balita, makikita natin ang isang babaeng may sakit ngunit may matibay na pananampalataya. Ninais niyang mahawakan kahit ang laylayan lamang ng kasuotan ni Hesus, sapagkat naniniwala siya na sa sandaling magawa niya iyon, siya ay gagaling. Kaya habang dumaraan si Hesus, puno ng pananampalataya siyang lumapit, hinawakan ang Kanyang kasuotan, at agad siyang gumaling.

Naramdaman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas mula sa Kanya kaya tinanong Niya ang mga tao, “Sino ang humawak sa aking kasuotan?” Nang marinig ito, lumuhod ang babae sa harap Niya at sinabi ang buong katotohanan. At sinabi ni Hesus sa kanya, “Anak, pinagaling ka ng iyong pananampalataya. Humayo ka nang payapa at gumaling ka sa iyong karamdaman.”

Marami ang sumasagi at humahawak kay Hesus noon, ngunit hindi Niya naramdaman na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa Kanya. Bakit nang hawakan Siya ng babaeng iyon ay naramdaman Niya ito? Sapagkat ang babae ay lumapit hindi lamang gamit ang kanyang kamay kundi gamit ang kanyang puso. Malaki ang kanyang pangangailangan. Buhay ang kanyang pananampalataya. Buong puso siyang naniwala na pagagalingin siya ni Hesus sa sandaling mahawakan niya Siya.

Darating din ang mga pagkakataon sa ating buhay na tayo ay mangangailangan ng kagalingan mula kay Hesus—maaaring pisikal, emosyonal, o espirituwal. Kapag dumating ang panahong iyon, nawa’y huwag tayong mag-alinlangan sa kapangyarihan ng Panginoon na magpagaling, magpanumbalik, at magbigay ng bagong buhay sa atin. Matuto sana tayong lumapit sa Kanya hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa malalim na pananampalataya, pagtitiwala, at buong pagsuko ng ating sarili.

Lumalapit ba tayo kay Hesus nang may buong pananampalataya, nagtitiwala na Siya lamang ang makapagpapagaling at makapagpapanumbalik ng ating buhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Monday February 2 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses. Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Just as it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord. And to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.   

He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go  in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a dying man who had one fervent wish before he died. His deepest longing was to see Jesus in the flesh and to speak with Him, even if only for a brief moment. Sadly, his wish was never fulfilled, for he died without seeing Jesus. This story invites us to reflect and ask ourselves: Is there a “magic word” that allows us to see Jesus? Is there a secret that enables us to encounter Him in our lives?

When the Child Jesus was brought into the temple to be presented to the Lord, it was in fulfillment of Jewish law, which required that a child be brought to the temple forty days after birth to be offered to God. This ordinary act of obedience became a sacred moment where heaven gently touched earth.

In our Gospel, we meet a holy man named Simeon, who also had one fervent wish before he died—to see the Messiah. Simeon was greatly blessed, for he not only saw the Child Jesus but also held Him tenderly in his arms. Was this encounter a matter of chance? Was Simeon simply fortunate to be in the right place at the right time? No. Luck had nothing to do with it. As the Gospel tells us, Simeon was a righteous and devout man, one who lived in faithful obedience and constant hope.

Simeon wholeheartedly strove to follow the teachings of his faith. Because of this, God—through the Holy Spirit—granted him the rare and precious grace of seeing and embracing the Child Jesus before his death. What a beautiful way to leave this world! Is this not also our deepest desire—that before our final breath, we may see Jesus and feel His loving presence as He gently leads us home?

When people approach the end of their lives, we often hear them say that they see their departed loved ones waiting for them. Rarely do we hear someone say that they see Jesus standing beside them. And yet, through the life of Simeon, we are shown that seeing Jesus is not reserved for the fortunate few—it is a grace prepared for hearts that are ready.

Through Simeon, we discover the path, the “secret” if we may call it, to encountering Jesus—not only at the hour of our death, but even now in our daily lives. We are called to live righteously. We are invited to become devout and faithful followers of Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts, our choices, and our way of living.

If our life were to end now, would our hearts be ready to recognize Jesus when He comes to meet us? Are we living in such a way that, like Simeon, we may joyfully behold the Lord—not only at the end of our journey, but in every moment of our lives? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Lunes Pebrero 2 Kapistahan ng Pagdadala kay Hesus na Panginoon sa Templo: Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

Nang dumating ang araw ng paglilinis sa kanila, ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, si Jesus ay dinala ng kanyang mga magulang sa Jerusalem upang iharap sa Panginoon, sapagkat ayon sa Kautusan, "Ang bawat panganay na lalaki ay nakatalaga sa Panginoon." At naghandog sila, ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon: "Mag-asawang batu-bato, o dalawang inakay na kalapati."

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem, ang pangala'y Simeon. Matapat at malapit sa Diyos ang lalaking ito at naghihintay sa katubusan ng Israel. Sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo na nagpahayag sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Mesias na ipinangako ng Panginoon.

Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, pumasok siya sa templo. At nang dalhin doon ng kanyang mga magulang ang sanggol na si Jesus upang gawin ang hinihingi ng Kautusan, siya'y kinalong ni Simeon.

Ito'y nagpuri sa Diyos, na ang wika, "Kunin mo na Panginoon ang iyong abang alipin, Ayon sa iyong pangako, Yamang nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong tagapagligtas, Na inihanda mo para sa lahat ng bansa: Liwanag itong tatanglaw sa mga Hentil, At magbibigay-karangalan sa iyong bayang Israel."

Namangha ang ama't ina ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon tungkol sa kanya. Binasbasan sila ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito'y nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel, isang tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit hahamakin ng marami kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil diyan, ang puso mo'y para na ring tinarakan ng isang balaraw."

Naroon din sa templo ang isang propetang babae na ang ngala'y Ana, anak ni Fanuel na mula sa lipi ni Aser. Siya'y napakatanda na. Pitong taon lamang silang nagsama ng kanyang asawa, nang siya'y mabalo, at ngayon, walumpu't apat na taon na siya. Lagi siya sa templo at araw gabi'y sumasamba sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pag-aayuno at pananalangin.

Lumapit siya nang oras ding iyon at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Nagsalita rin siya tungkol kay Jesus sa lahat ng naghihintay sa pagpapalaya ng Diyos sa Jerusalem. Nang maisagawa nila ang lahat ng bagay ayon sa Kautusan, bumalik na sila sa kanilang bayan, sa Nazaret, Galilea. Ang bata'y lumaking malakas, marunong at kalugud-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking nasa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay. Mayroon siyang isang taimtim na kahilingan bago siya pumanaw—ang makita si Hesus nang personal at makausap Siya, kahit sa sandaling panahon lamang. Sa kasamaang-palad, hindi natupad ang kanyang kahilingan sapagkat siya’y namatay nang hindi Siya nakita. Dahil dito, tayo’y inaanyayahang magnilay: Mayroon bang mahiwagang salita upang makita natin si Hesus? Mayroon bang lihim upang tunay nating makatagpo ang Panginoon?

Nang dalhin ang Sanggol na si Hesus sa templo upang iharap sa Panginoon, ito’y alinsunod sa Kautusang Hudyo na nag-uutos na ang isang sanggol ay iharap sa Diyos apatnapung araw matapos ipanganak. Ang karaniwang gawaing ito ng pagsunod ay naging isang banal na sandali kung saan ang langit at lupa ay nagtagpo.

Sa ating Mabuting Balita, ay may isang banal na tao na nagngangalang Simeon. Tulad ng lalaking nasa kuwento, mayroon din siyang isang taimtim na hangarin bago siya mamatay—ang makita ang Mesiyas. Pinagpala si Simeon sapagkat hindi lamang niya nakita ang Sanggol na si Hesus, kundi kanyang niyakap at hinawakan Siya sa kanyang mga bisig.

Ito ba’y dahil lamang sa swerte? Nagkataon lamang ba na siya’y nasa tamang lugar at tamang oras? Hindi. Walang kinalaman ang swerte sa kanyang pagtatagpo sa Banal na Mag-anak. Ayon sa Mabuting Balita, si Simeon ay isang taong matuwid at maka-Diyos.

Buong puso niyang sinikap na isabuhay ang kanyang pananampalataya. Dahil dito, ipinagkaloob ng Diyos, sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo, ang isang bihira at napakagandang biyaya—ang makita at makarga ang Sanggol na si Hesus bago siya pumanaw.

Napakagandang paraan ng pagpanaw! Hindi ba’t ito rin ang minimithi ng ating mga puso—na bago ang ating huling hininga, ay makita natin si Hesus at maramdaman ang Kanyang mapagmahal na presensya habang tayo’y pauwi na sa kaharian ng Ama?

Kapag ang isang tao ay nalalapit na sa kamatayan, madalas nating marinig na sinasabi niyang nakikita na niya ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay na nauna nang pumanaw. Bihira nating marinig na sinasabi niyang si Hesus ang kanyang nakikita.

Gayunman, sa buhay ni Simeon, ipinapakita sa atin na ang pagkakita kay Hesus ay hindi lamang para sa iilan, kundi isang biyayang inihahanda ng Diyos para sa mga pusong handang tumanggap sa Kanya.

Sa buhay ni Simeon, natutuklasan natin ang landas—ang “lihim,” kung maaari nating tawagin—upang makatagpo si Hesus, hindi lamang sa oras ng ating kamatayan kundi maging sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Tayo ay tinatawagan na mamuhay nang may katuwiran. Inaanyayahan tayong maging tapat at debotong mga tagasunod ni Kristo, hinahayaan ang Espiritu Santo na hubugin ang ating mga puso, mga pasya, at buong buhay.

Kung tayo’y haharap sa kamatayan ngayon, handa ba ang ating mga puso na makilala at salubungin si Hesus? Nabubuhay ba tayo sa paraang tulad ni Simeon—na sa bawat araw ng ating buhay, ay namumuhay tayong handang masilayan ang Panginoon kapag Siya’y dumating? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 1 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:1-12a

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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Reflection:

What are the Beatitudes all about?

The Beatitudes are not merely words to be admired; they are a way of life that Jesus lovingly offered to His disciples—and to all of us. They gently lead us toward humility and invite us into a life of total dependence on God.

As we pause and look honestly at our own lives, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do we truly live with humility and trust in the Lord?

When we choose humility, we draw closer to God, surrendering our plans, struggles, and desires to His loving will. When we place our full dependence on Him, we learn to put God above all else, trusting not in our own strength but in His faithfulness to bring our hopes and endeavors to fulfillment.

We are called to let go of our selfish and self-centered ways, for these paths lead only to emptiness, misery, and spiritual desolation. Instead, we are invited to humbly embrace the Beatitudes of Jesus, knowing that they point us toward true freedom, lasting joy, and the promise of salvation.

As we journey through our daily lives, the Beatitudes challenge us to choose humility over pride, trust over self-reliance, and surrender over control.

Are we ready to allow these teachings of Jesus to shape our hearts, transform our choices, and lead us more fully into the life God desires for us? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Pebrero 1 Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:1-12a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12a

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Hesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya’y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila’y tinuruan niya ng ganito: 

“Mapalad ang mga aba na wala nang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.” “Mapalad ang mga nahahapis sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga mapagkumbaba, sapagkat tatamuhin nila ang ipinangako ng Diyos.” 

“Mapalad ang mga nagmimithing makatupad sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat ipagkakaloob sa kanila ang kanilang minimithi.” “Mapalad ang mga mahabagin, sapagkat kahahabagan sila ng Diyos.” 

“Mapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, sapagkat makikita nila ang Diyos.” “Mapalad ang mga gumagawa ng daan sa ikapagkakasundo, sapagkat sila’y ituturing ng Diyos na mga anak niya.” 

“Mapalad ang mga pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.” 

“Mapalad kayo kapag dahil sa aki’y inaalimura kayo ng mga tao, pinag-uusig at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na pawang kasinungalingan. Magdiwang kayo at magalak, sapagkat malaki ang inyong gantimpala sa Langit.”

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Repleksyon:

Ano nga ba ang kahulugan ng mga Mapapalad?

Ang mga Mapapalad ay hindi lamang mga salita; ito ay isang paraan ng pamumuhay na buong pagmamahal na ibinigay ni Hesus sa Kanyang mga alagad—at sa ating lahat. Inaanyayahan tayo nito sa landas ng kababaang-loob at ganap na pagtitiwala sa Diyos.

Sa ating paghinto at tapat na pagtingin sa ating sariling buhay, tayo ay inaanyayahang magtanong: Namumuhay ba tayo nang may kababaang-loob at tunay na pagtitiwala sa Panginoon?

Kapag pinili natin ang pagpapakumbaba, mas napapalapit tayo sa Diyos at buong pagpapasakop na iniaalay sa Kanya ang ating mga plano, paghihirap, at mga hangarin. Kapag lubos tayong umaasa sa Kanya, natututo tayong unahin ang Diyos higit sa lahat, hindi ang ating sariling lakas kundi ang Kanyang katapatan ang ating pinagtitiwalaan sa katuparan ng ating mga pag-asa at pagsusumikap.

Tayo ay tinatawag na talikuran ang ating makasarili at makasentro-sa-sariling mga gawi, sapagkat ang mga ito’y nagdadala lamang ng kawalan ng saysay, pagdurusa, at espirituwal na kawalan. Sa halip, inaanyayahan tayong buong kababaang-loob na yakapin ang mga sinasabi ni Hesus patungkol sa mga Mapapalad. Sapagkat dito natin matatagpuan ang tunay na kalayaan, pangmatagalang kagalakan, at ang landas tungo sa kaligtasan.

Sa ating araw-araw na paglalakbay, hinahamon tayo ng mga Mapapalad na piliin ang pagpapakumbaba kaysa kayabangan, pagtitiwala kaysa pag-asa sa sarili, at ganap na pagpapasakop kaysa pagnanais na gawin ang gusto natin.

Handa ba tayong pahintulutan ang mga turo ni Hesus na hubugin ang ating puso, baguhin ang ating mga pasiya, at akayin tayo sa buhay na ninanais ng Diyos para sa ating lahat? — Marino J. Dasmarinas