Reflection for October 27 Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:18-21

Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” 

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.

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Reflection:

Can we suppress the growth of the Kingdom of God in our lives?

Yes, we can. When we neglect our faith and fail to nurture our relationship with Jesus, we hinder its growth within us. But Jesus desires that we allow the Kingdom of God to grow and blossom in our hearts so that, through us, others may also experience the goodness, love, and mercy of God.

How wonderful it would be if we took the time to share whatever we know about Jesus! We do not need to be great preachers, Bible scholars, or theologians to bring others closer to Him. Even our simple words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and personal testimonies of faith can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around us. 

When we share Jesus with others, we can bring hope to the hopeless, comfort to the troubled, and new life to those who feel spiritually empty. Through us, others may come to discover that God has never abandoned them and that His love is always within their reach.

Through our Baptism, God plants the seed of faith within us. As we grow, we gradually become more aware of our spiritual identity and our calling to live as children of God. Some of us nurture this precious seed by continually thirsting for Jesus, praying faithfully, listening to His Word, and striving to live according to His teachings. 

As a result, our faith grows stronger, and our relationship with Him deepens. Others, however, may neglect this seed and allow the distractions, worries, and attractions of this world to take precedence over their relationship with God. When we fail to nurture our faith, we risk remaining spiritually stagnant instead of growing closer to Jesus.

Let us remember that a seed cannot grow if we leave it unattended. It needs nourishment, care, and time to develop. In the same way, our faith needs prayer, God's Word, the sacraments, and a sincere desire to follow Jesus. We cannot expect our faith to flourish if we continually neglect our relationship with Him. 

More importantly, if we do not nurture the seed of faith within us, how will others come to know through our words and actions that there is a God who saves, a God who forgives, and a God who loves them so dearly?

Therefore, let us not be afraid to share whatever we know about God. We may feel that our knowledge is limited or that our faith is not yet strong enough, but we must remember that God can accomplish wonderful things through even our smallest efforts. 

We are called to plant and nurture the seed; God, in His wisdom and grace, makes it grow. A simple word about Jesus, a prayer offered for someone in need, a forgiving heart, or an act of genuine compassion may become the beginning of another person's journey toward God.

Let us never underestimate what God can do through us when we make ourselves available to Him. As we nurture our own faith, may we also become instruments of His grace, allowing His love to reach those who are searching for hope, forgiveness, and meaning in their lives.

Are we faithfully nurturing the seed of faith that God has planted within us, and are we sharing its fruits with others? Or have we allowed our faith to remain dormant when God is calling us to help it grow and blossom so that more people may come to know the saving and transforming love of Jesus through us?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Oktubre 27 Martes ng Ika-30 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:18-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:18-21

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus, "Ano ang katulad ng paghahari ng Diyos? Saan ko ihahambing ito? Katulad ito ng isang butil ng mustasa na itinanim ng isang tao sa kanyang halamanan. Ito'y lumaki hanggang sa maging punongkahoy at namugad ang mga ibon sa mga sanga nito." 

Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Saan ko itutulad ang paghahari ng Diyos? Katulad ito ng lebadurang inihalo ng isang babae sa tatlong takal na harina, anupa't umalsa ang buong masa." 

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Repleksyon:

Maaari ba nating hadlangan ang paglago ng Kaharian ng Diyos sa ating buhay?

Oo, maaari. Kapag pinabayaan natin ang ating pananampalataya at hindi natin inaalagaan ang ating ugnayan kay Hesus, nahahadlangan natin ang paglago nito sa ating puso. Ngunit ninanais ni Hesus na hayaan nating lumago at mamunga ang Kaharian ng Diyos sa ating buhay upang sa pamamagitan natin ay maranasan din ng iba ang kabutihan, pag-ibig, at awa ng Diyos.

Napakaganda sana kung maglalaan tayo ng panahon upang ibahagi sa iba ang anumang kaalaman natin tungkol kay Hesus! Hindi natin kailangang maging magaling na mangangaral, dalubhasa sa Bibliya, o teologo upang mailapit natin ang iba sa Kanya. Maging ang mga simpleng salita ng pagpapalakas ng loob, mga gawa ng kabutihan, at mga personal nating karanasan sa pananampalataya ay maaaring magkaroon ng malaking epekto sa buhay ng ating kapwa.

Kapag ibinabahagi natin si Hesus sa iba, maaari tayong maging daluyan ng pag-asa para sa mga nawawalan nito, kaaliwan para sa mga nagdurusa, at panibagong buhay para sa mga taong nanghihina ang espiritu. Sa pamamagitan natin, maaari nilang matuklasan na hindi sila kailanman pinabayaan ng Diyos at na lagi silang nakayakap sa Kanyang wagas na pag-ibig.

Sa pamamagitan ng ating Binyag, itinatanim ng Diyos sa ating puso ang binhi ng pananampalataya. Habang tayo ay lumalaki, unti-unti rin nating nakikilala ang ating pagkatao bilang mga anak ng Diyos at nauunawaan ang ating tungkuling mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang kalooban.

May ilan sa atin na nag-aalaga sa mahalagang binhing ito sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na paghahangad na mapalapit kay Hesus, taimtim na pananalangin, pakikinig sa Kanyang Salita, at pagsisikap na isabuhay ang Kanyang mga aral. Dahil dito, tumitibay ang ating pananampalataya at lalong lumalalim ang ating ugnayan sa Kanya.

Ngunit may ilan din sa atin na napapabayaan ang binhing ito at hinahayaang manaig sa ating buhay ang mga alalahanin, pang-araw-araw na abala, at mga pang-akit ng mundong ating ginagalawan. Kapag pinabayaan natin ang ating pananampalataya, nanganganib tayong manatiling mahina sa espiritu sa halip na patuloy na lumago at mapalapit kay Hesus.

Hindi lalago ang isang binhi kung pababayaan lamang natin ito. Kailangan nito ng sustansiya, pag-aalaga, at panahon upang lumaki at mamunga. Gayundin, kailangan ng ating pananampalataya ang pananalangin, ang Salita ng Diyos, ang mga sakramento, at ang taos-pusong hangaring sumunod kay Hesus. Hindi natin maaasahang lalago ang ating pananampalataya kung palagi nating pinababayaan ang ating ugnayan sa Kanya.

Higit sa lahat, kung hindi natin aalagaan ang binhi ng pananampalatayang itinanim ng Diyos sa ating puso, paano makikilala ng ating kapwa, sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita at gawa, na may Diyos na nagliligtas, may Diyos na nagpapatawad, at may Diyos na nagmamahal sa kanila nang lubos?

Kaya huwag tayong matakot na ibahagi sa iba ang anumang nalalaman natin tungkol sa Diyos. Maaaring iniisip nating kulang ang ating kaalaman o hindi pa sapat ang ating pananampalataya. Ngunit tandaan natin na kayang gumawa ng Diyos ng mga kahanga-hangang bagay sa pamamagitan ng  ating pagsisikap.

Ang isang simpleng pangungusap tungkol kay Hesus, isang panalanging iniaalay para sa nangangailangan, isang pusong marunong magpatawad, o isang taos-pusong gawa ng pagmamahal ay maaaring maging simula ng paglalakbay ng isang tao patungo sa Diyos.

Huwag nating maliitin ang kayang gawin ng Diyos sa pamamagitan natin kapag buong puso tayong sumusunod sa Kanya. Habang inaalagaan natin ang sarili nating pananampalataya, nawa'y maging kasangkapan din tayo ng Kanyang biyaya upang maihatid ang Kanyang pag-ibig sa mga taong naghahanap ng pag-asa, kapatawaran, at kahulugan sa kanilang buhay.

Inaalagaan ba natin nang tapat ang binhi ng pananampalatayang itinanim ng Diyos sa ating puso, at ibinabahagi ba natin sa ating kapwa ang mabubuting bungang dulot nito? 

O hinahayaan na lamang ba nating matulog at manatiling walang bunga ang ating pananampalataya, samantalang tinatawag tayo ng Diyos na palaguin ito upang sa pamamagitan natin ay mas marami pang tao ang makakilala, makaranas, at yumakap sa nagliligtas at nagbabagong-buhay na pag-ibig ni Hesus?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 26 Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:10-17

Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. 

When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done.

Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? 

This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

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Reflection:

Was the woman crippled by a spirit listening to Jesus in the synagogue?

Yes, she was there on a Sabbath day, listening to the Lord. She had been suffering from an infirmity for eighteen years, making her life very difficult. Yet, when Jesus saw her, He called her forward and healed her (Luke 13:10–13).

What can we learn from this woman? Her presence in the synagogue reminds us of the importance of making time for God, even amid our struggles and difficulties. Like her, we must continue to draw near to Jesus and listen to His words, trusting in His love, mercy, and power to transform our lives.

But do we still make time to listen to Jesus? Sadly, many of us become so occupied with our daily responsibilities, worldly ambitions, and desire for material possessions that we gradually neglect our relationship with Him. We become so preoccupied with pursuing the things of this world that we forget to nourish our souls through prayer, the Holy Mass, and reflection on His words.

What, then, do we truly gain by allowing the material and temporary things of this world to consume our lives? Worldly possessions may provide temporary comfort, but they cannot guarantee lasting contentment or give us the deep and abiding peace that comes from God. 

No matter how much wealth we accumulate or how much success we achieve, we can still experience emptiness when we neglect our spiritual lives. Indeed, chasing worldly riches without making room for God can be like chasing the wind—we exhaust ourselves pursuing things that cannot satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

Therefore, let us not allow the attractions and demands of this world to drown out the gentle voice of Jesus. Instead, let us choose to follow Him more faithfully and listen to Him more attentively. Let us make time for prayer, open our hearts to His teachings, and allow His words to guide our decisions and relationships. 

When we welcome Jesus into our lives, we find a faithful companion who strengthens us in our struggles, comforts us in our sorrows, guides us in our confusion, and offers us His healing grace according to His will.

Like the woman in the Gospel, let us continue to draw near to Jesus, even when life becomes difficult. Let us remember that our greatest treasure is not what we possess but the relationship we nurture with Him. The world may promise us happiness through wealth, recognition, and success, but only God can satisfy the deepest longings of our souls.

Let us ask ourselves today: Are we giving Jesus the time and attention He deserves, or have we become so busy chasing the temporary treasures of this world that we no longer hear His voice calling us to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 26 Lunes sa Ika-30 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:10-17

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:10-17

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay nagtuturo sa isang sinagoga sa Araw ng Pamamahinga. May isang babae roon na labingwalong taon nang may karamdaman, gawa ng masamang espiritung nasa kanya. Siya’y hukot na hukot at hindi na makaunat. Nang makita ni Hesus ang babae, tinawag niya ito at sinabi, “Magaling ka na sa iyong karamdaman!”

At ipinatong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga kamay sa babae; noon di’y nakaunat ito at nagpuri sa Diyos. Ngunit nagalit ang tagapamahala ng sinagoga sapagkat nagpagaling si Hesus sa Araw ng Pamamahinga. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa mga tao, “May anim na araw na inilaan upang ipagtrabaho. Pumarito kayo sa mga araw na iyan upang magpagaling, at huwag sa Araw ng Pamamahinga.”

Sinagot siya ng Panginoon, “Mga mapagpaimbabaw! Hindi ba’t kinakalag ninyo sa sabsaban ang inyong baka o asno at dinadala sa painuman kahit Araw ng Pamamahinga? Ang babaing ito na mula sa lipi ni Abraham ay ginapos ni Satanas sa loob ng labingwalong taon. Hindi ba dapat na siya’y kalagan kahit na Araw ng Pamamahinga?” Napahiya ang lahat ng kalaban ni Hesus sa sagot niyang ito; at nagalak naman ang madla sa mga kahanga-hangang bagay na ginawa niya.

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Repleksyon:

Nakikinig ba kay Hesus sa sinagoga ang babaeng may kapansanan?

Oo, naroon siya noong Araw ng Pamamahinga upang makinig sa Panginoon. Labingwalong taon na siyang nagdurusa dahil sa isang karamdaman na lubhang nagpahirap sa kanyang buhay. Ngunit nang makita siya ni Hesus, tinawag Niya ito at pinagaling (Lucas 13:10–13).

Ano ang matututuhan natin sa babaeng ito?

Ang kanyang pagdalo sa sinagoga ay nagpapaalala sa atin ng kahalagahan ng paglalaan ng panahon para sa Diyos, kahit marami tayong pinagdaraanan at suliranin sa buhay. Tulad niya, patuloy tayong lumapit kay Hesus at makinig sa Kanyang mga salita, habang nagtitiwala sa Kanyang pag-ibig, awa, at kapangyarihang baguhin ang ating buhay.

Ngunit naglalaan pa ba tayo ng panahon upang pakinggan si Hesus?

Nakalulungkot isipin na marami sa atin ang labis na abala sa pang-araw-araw na gawain, mga ambisyon, at paghahangad ng mga materyal na bagay. Dahil dito, unti-unti nating napapabayaan ang ating ugnayan sa Panginoon. Masyado tayong abala sa paghahangad ng mga bagay na panandalian lamang kaya nakakalimutan nating alagaan ang ating kaluluwa sa pamamagitan ng pananalangin, pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa, at pagbubulay-bulay sa Kanyang mga salita.

Ano nga ba ang tunay nating napapala kapag hinahayaan nating sakupin ng mga materyal at panandaliang bagay ang ating buhay? Maaaring magbigay sa atin ng pansamantalang ginhawa ang mga ari-arian at kayamanan, ngunit hindi nito matitiyak ang pangmatagalang kasiyahan o ang malalim na kapayapaang nagmumula sa Diyos.

Gaano man karami ang ating kayamanan o kataas ang ating marating sa buhay, maaari pa rin tayong makaranas ng kahungkagan kung napapabayaan naman natin ang ating espirituwal na buhay. Tunay ngang para tayong humahabol sa hangin kapag inuubos natin ang ating lakas sa paghahangad ng kayamanan ngunit hindi natin binibigyang-puwang ang Diyos sa ating puso. Hindi kayang bigyang-kasiyahan ng mga bagay ng mundong ito ang pinakamalalim na pangangailangan ng ating kaluluwa.

Kaya huwag nating hayaang matabunan ng mga pang-akit at hinihingi ng mundong ito ang banayad na tinig ni Hesus. Sa halip, piliin nating sumunod sa Kanya nang buong katapatan at makinig sa Kanyang mga salita nang buong puso. Maglaan tayo ng panahon para sa pananalangin, buksan natin ang ating puso sa Kanyang mga aral, at hayaang gabayan ng mga ito ang ating mga pasiya at pakikitungo sa ating kapwa.

Kapag tinatanggap natin si Hesus sa ating buhay at pinayayabong ang ating ugnayan sa Kanya, natatagpuan natin ang isang tapat na kasama na nagpapalakas sa atin sa gitna ng mga pagsubok, umaaliw sa atin sa panahon ng kalungkutan, gumagabay sa atin sa gitna ng pagkalito, at nagkakaloob ng Kanyang biyaya ng kagalingan ayon sa Kanyang kalooban.

Tulad ng babaeng nasa Ebanghelyo, patuloy tayong lumapit kay Hesus, lalo na kapag nagiging mabigat at mahirap ang ating buhay. Huwag nating kalimutan na ang pinakadakilang kayamanan natin ay hindi ang mga bagay na ating naipundar kundi ang ugnayang pinagyayaman natin sa Kanya.

Maaaring ipangako sa atin ng mundo ang kaligayahan sa pamamagitan ng kayamanan, pagkilala, at tagumpay, ngunit ang Diyos lamang ang tunay na makapupuno sa pinakamalalim na pananabik ng ating kaluluwa.

Kaya tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Naglalaan ba tayo ng sapat na panahon upang pakinggan si Hesus at damhin ang Kanyang presensiya, o masyado na tayong abala sa paghahabol sa mga kayamanang panandalian lamang kaya hindi na natin marinig ang Kanyang tinig na tumatawag sa atin upang magkaroon ng mas malalim at makabuluhang ugnayan sa Kanya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 25 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:34-40

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”  

He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

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Reflection:

A wife discovered that her husband had a second family. Deeply hurt and angry, she left him. However, her husband begged for her forgiveness and pleaded for a second chance. After giving the matter deep thought, she eventually forgave her repentant husband and chose to work toward healing their marriage.

When her mother asked her why she had forgiven her husband and chosen to rebuild their relationship despite what he had done, she replied, “I deeply love God, and I would be betraying my love for Him if I refused to forgive my husband and work toward healing our marriage.”

Conflicts are an inevitable part of married life. They may arise from various causes, including betrayal of trust, behavioral incompatibility, and financial disagreements. Every married couple may experience difficult moments that test their love, patience, and commitment to one another.

But how is it that, despite infidelity and serious conflicts, some couples find the strength to forgive each other and remain together until the end of their lives? One possible answer is that they put their love for God first. Their relationship with the Lord becomes a source of strength that inspires them to forgive, love, and persevere even when their marriage is going through painful trials.

When we put God first, His love becomes the foundation upon which we build our relationships. We begin to understand that loving someone does not mean that we will never be hurt or disappointed. Rather, genuine love calls us to seek God's grace so that we can respond to our hurts with wisdom, patience, and compassion. Through prayer and sincere repentance, we can find the courage to forgive, rebuild trust, and work toward lasting healing.

This does not mean that we must pretend that nothing happened or tolerate repeated wrongdoing. Forgiveness does not remove the need for accountability, and reconciliation requires sincere repentance and changed behavior. In situations involving abuse, seeking safety and appropriate help is essential. Even in our deepest pain, however, we can turn to God and ask Him to help us heal our wounded hearts.

Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39). When we genuinely love God, that love must also find expression in how we treat the people around us. We become more willing to forgive, more patient with others' weaknesses, and more humble in acknowledging our own shortcomings.

After all, how can we claim to love God, whom we cannot see, while deliberately refusing to love or forgive the people whom we encounter in our daily lives? Our faith must be more than words we speak or prayers we offer. It must become a living witness to the transforming love of God within us.

If we continue to harbor resentment against our spouse or anyone who has deeply hurt us, let us take time to examine our hearts. Are we allowing God's grace to work within us? Are we willing to surrender our anger and bitterness to Him? Do we sincerely desire the healing that comes when we choose to walk in the light of His love?

We may not find forgiveness easy, especially when the wounds are deep. But we do not have to face our struggles alone. We can ask Jesus to guide us, strengthen us, and teach us to love as He loves. As we grow closer to Him, we can allow His grace to transform our hearts and help us take the next right step toward forgiveness and healing.

Therefore, let us always remember that loving God first must not remain a beautiful statement of faith; it must become a reality in our daily lives. When God's love truly takes root in our hearts, it changes how we respond to those who hurt us and how we treat those who need our compassion.

And so, let us ask ourselves this heart-searching question: If we truly love God above all else, are we willing to let His love transform our hearts so that we can forgive those who have hurt us, seek healing where it is possible, and become living witnesses of His mercy?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Oktubre 25 Ika-30 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 22:34-40

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22:34-40

Noong panahong iyon, nagtipun-tipon ang mga Pariseo nang mabalitaan nilang napatahimik ni Hesus ang mga Saduseo. At isa sa kanila, isang dalubhasa sa Kautusan, ang nagtanong kay Hesus upang subukin ito: “Guro, alin po ang pinakamahalagang utos sa Kautusan?” 

Sumagot si Hesus, “Ibigin mo ang Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong puso, nang buong kaluluwa, at nang buong pag-iisip. Ito ang pinakamahalagang utos. Ito naman ang pangalawa: “Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng iyong sarili. Sa dalawang utos na ito nakasalalay ang buong Kautusan ni Moises at ang turo ng mga propeta.”

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Repleksyon:

Nadiskubre ng isang babae na may ikalawang pamilya ang kanyang asawa. Kaya, labis siyang nasaktan at nagalit kaya nag desisyon siya na iwanan na ang kanyang asawa. Ngunit nagsumamo ang lalaki, humingi ng tawad, at nakiusap na bigyan siya ng ikalawang pagkakataon. Matapos niyang pag-isipang mabuti ang lahat, kalaunan ay pinatawad niya ang kanyang asawang tunay na nagsisisi at pinili niyang sikaping paghilumin ang kanilang nasirang pagsasama.

Nang tanungin siya ng kanyang ina kung bakit niya pinatawad ang kanyang asawa at piniling buuing muli ang kanilang relasyon sa kabila ng ginawa nito, sumagot siya, “Mahal na mahal ko ang Diyos, at para ko nang ipinagkanulo ang pagmamahal ko sa Kanya kung tatanggihan kong patawarin ang aking asawa at sikaping paghilumin ang aming pagsasama.”

Hindi maiiwasan ang mga alitan sa buhay mag-asawa. Maaaring magmula ang mga ito sa pagtataksil sa tiwala, hindi pagkakatugma ng mga pag-uugali, hindi pagkakaunawaan tungkol sa pananalapi, at marami pang ibang dahilan. Bawat mag-asawa ay maaaring dumaan sa mga pagsubok na sumusukat sa kanilang pagmamahalan, pagtitiis, at paninindigang manatiling tapat sa isa't isa.

Ngunit paano nagagawa ng ilang mag-asawa na magpatawaran at manatiling magkasama hanggang sa katapusan ng kanilang buhay sa kabila ng pagtataksil at mabibigat na suliranin? Isa sa mga posibleng dahilan ay ang paglalagay nila sa Diyos bilang una sa kanilang buhay. Ang kanilang ugnayan sa Panginoon ang nagiging bukal ng lakas na tumutulong sa kanila na magpatawad, magmahal, at magpatuloy kahit dumaranas sila ng matitinding pagsubok sa kanilang pagsasama.

Kapag inuuna natin ang Diyos, nagiging matibay na saligan ng ating mga ugnayan ang Kanyang pagmamahal. Unti-unti nating nauunawaan na ang tunay na pagmamahal ay hindi nangangahulugang hindi tayo masasaktan o mabibigo.

Sa halip, tinatawag tayo ng tunay na pagmamahal na humingi ng biyaya sa Diyos upang matugunan natin ang ating mga sugat nang may karunungan, pagtitiis, at habag. Sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at taos-pusong pagsisisi, makasusumpong tayo ng lakas upang magpatawad, muling buuin ang nasirang tiwala, at sikaping makamit ang pangmatagalang paghilom.

Hindi ito nangangahulugang kailangan nating magkunwaring walang nangyari o palampasin na lamang ang paulit-ulit na paggawa ng mali. Hindi inaalis ng pagpapatawad ang pangangailangang managot ang nagkasala sa kanyang mga ginawa. Kailangan din ang tunay na pagsisisi at pagbabago upang maibalik ang nasirang relasyon.

Itinuturo sa atin ni Hesus na ang pinakadakilang utos ay ibigin ang Diyos nang buong puso, buong kaluluwa, at buong pag-iisip, at ibigin ang ating kapwa gaya ng ating sarili (Mateo 22:37–39). Kapag tunay nating minamahal ang Diyos, dapat makita ang pagmamahal na ito sa paraan ng pakikitungo natin sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin. Natututo tayong maging mapagpatawad, mapagpasensya sa mga kahinaan ng iba, at mapagpakumbabang kumilala sa sarili nating mga pagkukulang.

Kung tutuusin, paano natin masasabi na mahal natin ang Diyos na hindi natin nakikita kung sinasadya naman nating ipagkait ang pagmamahal at pagpapatawad sa mga taong nakakasalamuha natin araw-araw? Hindi dapat manatili sa mga salitang ating sinasambit o sa mga panalanging ating iniaalay ang ating pananampalataya. Dapat itong maging buhay na patotoo ng pag-ibig ng Diyos na kumikilos at nagbabago sa ating mga puso.

Kung patuloy tayong nagkikimkim ng sama ng loob laban sa ating asawa o sa sinumang labis na nakasakit sa atin, maglaan tayo ng panahon upang suriin ang ating mga puso. Hinahayaan ba nating kumilos ang biyaya ng Diyos sa ating buhay? Handa ba nating isuko sa Kanya ang ating galit at hinanakit? Nais ba talaga nating maranasan ang paghilom na maaaring magsimula kapag pinili nating lumakad sa liwanag ng Kanyang pagmamahal?

Maaaring hindi madali ang magpatawad, lalo na kung napakalalim ng ating mga sugat. Ngunit hindi natin kailangang harapin nang mag-isa ang ating mga pinagdaraanan. Maaari nating hilingin kay Hesus na gabayan tayo, palakasin ang ating kalooban, at turuan tayong magmahal gaya ng pagmamahal Niya. Habang lalo tayong napapalapit sa Kanya, maaari nating hayaan ang Kanyang biyaya na baguhin ang ating mga puso at tulungan tayong gawin ang susunod na wastong hakbang tungo sa pagpapatawad at paghilom.

Kaya lagi nating tandaan na ang pag-ibig sa Diyos nang higit sa lahat ay hindi dapat manatiling magandang pahayag lamang ng ating pananampalataya. Dapat itong maging tunay na bahagi ng ating pang-araw-araw na buhay. Kapag tunay nang nag-ugat sa ating puso ang pagmamahal ng Diyos, mababago nito ang paraan ng pagtugon natin sa mga taong nakasakit sa atin at ang pakikitungo natin sa mga taong nangangailangan ng ating pang-unawa at habag.

Kaya hamunin natin ang ating mga sarili at buong katapatan nating itanong sa ating mga puso: Kung tunay nating minamahal ang Diyos nang higit sa lahat, handa ba nating hayaan ang Kanyang pag-ibig na baguhin ang ating mga puso upang mapatawad natin ang mga nakasakit sa atin, sikapin ang paghilom ng mga sugat, at maging buhay na saksi ng Kanyang awa at habag?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 24 Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:1-9

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!

Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’

He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

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Reflection:

Would we obey Jesus’ call to repentance?

Repentance is something we all need because we are all sinners. But why are many of us unwilling to heed Jesus’ call to repentance? One reason is that we lack the virtue of humility. Many of us have also mortgaged our lives to the devil in exchange for the temporary pleasures of sin. Because of our pride and attachment to worldly pleasures, we sometimes turn away from God instead of humbly responding to His loving call to repent.

But what price are we willing to pay for ignoring Jesus’ call to repentance? Are we willing to risk losing our peace, damaging our relationship with God, and jeopardizing our eternal salvation simply because we refuse to turn away from sin? No earthly pleasure is worth the loss of our relationship with Jesus, for the pleasures of this world are temporary, but the joy of being with God is everlasting.

When we sincerely repent, we begin to experience the freedom and peace that come from turning back to God. The heavy burden of sin can be lifted from our hearts, our consciences can find peace, and our relationship with Jesus can be restored through His mercy and forgiveness. Yet many of us continue to resist His loving invitation. Instead of breaking free from sin, we allow ourselves to remain its slaves. Instead of embracing God, who desires our salvation, we sometimes choose the temptations of the devil, which lead us away from Him.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to repent of all our sins. This means that we must be willing to turn away from our sinful thoughts, words, and actions. We must also have the courage to distance ourselves from people, situations, and influences that lead us into sin, while continuing to treat everyone with love and compassion. Above all, we must humble ourselves and seek the healing grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where we can confess our sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and begin anew with hearts renewed by His mercy.

Let us remember that Jesus does not call us to repentance because He wants to condemn us. He calls us because He loves us and desires to free us from the chains of sin. No matter how far we have wandered, His mercy remains an invitation to return to Him. Let us not allow pride, worldly pleasures, or our attachment to sin to keep us away from His loving embrace. Instead, let us open our hearts to His grace and take the necessary steps toward a life of holiness and faithfulness.

Today, Jesus is calling each of us to repent and return to Him. Will we humble ourselves, let go of the sins that enslave us, and accept His healing mercy, or will we continue to cling to temporary worldly pleasures at the expense of our relationship with the Lord who loves us and desires to lead us to eternal life?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para Oktubre 24 Sabado sa Ika-29 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:1-9

Dumating noon ang ilang mga tao at ibinalita kay Hesus na ipinapatay ni Pilato ang ilang Galileo samantalang ang mga ito’y naghahandog sa Diyos. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Akala ba ninyo, higit na makasalanan ang mga Galileong ito kaysa ibang mga taga-Galilea dahil sa gayun ang sinapit nila? Hindi! Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag hindi ninyo pinagsisihan at tinalikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, mapapahamak din kayong lahat. 

At ang labingwalong namatay nang mabagsakan ng tore sa Siloe – sa akala ba ninyo’y higit silang makasalanan kaysa ibang naninirahan sa Jerusalem? Hindi! Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: kapag hindi ninyo pinagsisihan at tinalikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, mapapahamak din kayong lahat.” 

Sinasabi sa kanila ni Hesus ang talinghagang ito: “May isang tao na may puno ng igos sa kanyang ubasan. Minsan, tiningnan niya kung may bunga ito, ngunit wala siyang nakita. Kaya’t sinabi niya sa tagapag-alaga ng ubasan, ‘Tatlong taon na akong pumaparito at naghahanap ng bunga sa punong ito, ngunit wala akong makita. 

Putulin mo na! Nakasisikip lang iyan!’ Ngunit sumagot ang tagapag-alaga, ‘Huwag po muna nating putulin sa taong ito. Huhukayan ko ang palibot at lalagyan ng pataba. Kung mamunga po ito sa darating na taon, mabuti; ngunit kung hindi, putulin na natin!’” 

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Repleksyon:

Susundin ba natin ang panawagan ni Hesus na magsisi?

Ang pagsisisi sa ating mga kasalanan ay isang bagay na kailangan nating lahat sapagkat lahat tayo ay nagkakasala. Ngunit bakit marami sa atin ang ayaw tumugon sa panawagan ni Hesus na magsisi at magbalik-loob sa Diyos? Isa sa mga dahilan ay ang kawalan natin ng kababaang-loob.

Marami rin sa atin ang tila isinangla na ang ating buhay sa dimonyo kapalit ng panandaliang kaligayahang dulot ng kasalanan. Dahil sa ating kapalaluan at labis na pagkahumaling sa mga makamundong kasiyahan, kung minsan ay tumatalikod tayo sa Diyos sa halip na buong kababaang-loob na tumugon sa Kanyang mapagmahal na panawagan na magsisi.

Ngunit ano ang handa nating isakripisyo dahil sa hindi pagpansin sa panawagan ni Hesus na magsisi? Handa ba nating ipagsapalaran ang pagkawala ng ating kapayapaan, ang pagkasira ng ating ugnayan sa Diyos, at maging ang ating kaligtasan sa kabilang buhay dahil lamang ayaw nating talikuran ang kasalanan?

Walang anumang makamundong kasiyahan ang maihahambing sa halaga ng ating ugnayan kay Hesus. Ang mga kasiyahan sa mundong ito ay panandalian lamang, ngunit ang kagalakang makapiling ang Diyos ay walang hanggan.

Kapag taos-puso tayong nagsisisi, unti-unti nating nararanasan ang kalayaan at kapayapaang dulot ng pagbabalik-loob sa Diyos. Ang mabigat na pasanin ng kasalanan ay maaari nang maibsan, ang ating budhi ay muling makadarama ng kapayapaan, at ang ating nasirang ugnayan kay Hesus ay maaari nating maibalik sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang awa at pagpapatawad.

Gayunman, marami pa rin sa atin ang tumatanggi sa Kanyang mapagmahal na paanyaya. Sa halip na kumawala sa kasalanan, hinahayaan nating manatili tayong alipin nito. Sa halip na yakapin ang Diyos na nagnanais ng ating kaligtasan, kung minsan ay pinipili natin ang mga tukso ng diyablo na lalo lamang naglalayo sa atin sa Panginoon.

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, tinatawag tayo ni Hesus na magsisi sa lahat ng ating mga kasalanan. Nangangahulugan ito na kailangan nating talikuran ang ating masasamang kaisipan, salita, at gawa. Kailangan din nating magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na lumayo sa mga tao, sitwasyon, at impluwensiyang nagtutulak sa atin na magkasala, habang patuloy pa rin nating minamahal at pinakikitunguhan nang may malasakit ang ating kapwa.

Higit sa lahat, kailangan nating magpakumbaba at lumapit sa nagpapagaling na biyaya ng Sakramento ng Kumpisal o Pakikipagkasundo. Dito, maaari nating ipahayag ang ating mga kasalanan, tanggapin ang kapatawaran ng Diyos, at magsimulang muli taglay ang pusong binago at binuhay ng Kanyang awa.

Hindi tayo tinatawag ni Hesus na magsisi dahil nais Niya tayong hatulan. Tinatawag Niya tayo sapagkat mahal Niya tayo at nais Niya tayong palayain mula sa mga gapos ng kasalanan. Gaano man tayo lumayo sa Kanya, patuloy tayong inaanyayahan ng Kanyang awa na magbalik-loob.

Huwag nating hayaang ang kapalaluan, makamundong kasiyahan, at labis na pagkakapit sa kasalanan ang humadlang sa atin upang muling maranasan ang Kanyang mapagmahal na yakap. Sa halip, buksan natin ang ating mga puso sa Kanyang biyaya at buong katapatang tahakin ang landas tungo sa kabanalan.

Sa araw na ito, tinatawag tayo ni Hesus na magsisi at magbalik-loob sa Kanya. Handa ba tayong magpakumbaba, talikuran ang mga kasalanang umaalipin sa atin, at tanggapin ang Kanyang nagpapagaling na awa, o patuloy ba nating pipiliin ang panandaliang kasiyahan ng mundong ito kapalit ng ating ugnayan sa Panginoong nagmamahal sa atin at nagnanais na akayin tayo sa buhay na walang hanggan?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 23 Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:54-59

Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

Jesus said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot and so it is.

You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you; you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who had a verbal tussle with his neighbor that eventually escalated into a physical fight. After both men had been bloodied, they threatened to sue each other.

However, the neighbor who started the conflict suddenly realized that he needed to apologize. So, he went to his neighbor’s house and knocked on the gate. When the gate was opened, he humbly apologized, and his apology was immediately accepted.

In our Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the importance of making every effort to settle our conflicts with others, whether they are our neighbors, spouses, siblings, friends, or anyone else. Why? Because unresolved conflicts can grow into much bigger problems when we allow our pride, anger, and stubbornness to take control of our hearts.

Consider, for example, a conflict between spouses that is left unresolved. What begins as a simple disagreement can gradually develop into resentment, emotional distance, and eventually estrangement. The same can happen in our families, friendships, and other relationships. When we refuse to listen, forgive, or apologize, we risk allowing a small wound to become a deep and lasting one.

This is why we must learn to humble ourselves and take the first step toward reconciliation. Let us not allow our pride to become a wall that separates us from the people we love. If we have hurt someone, let us have the courage to apologize sincerely. If someone has hurt us, let us pray for the grace to forgive. And if a relationship has been wounded, let us do our part to bring healing, trusting that God can work in our hearts even when reconciliation takes time.

Apologizing is not a sign of weakness; it is an expression of humility, love, and courage. We may not always be able to control how others respond to us, but we can choose to do what is right before God. When we sincerely seek forgiveness and make an honest effort to restore peace, we allow the Lord to work within us and lead us toward the peace our hearts long for.

So, let us ask ourselves: Is there someone we need to approach, someone we need to forgive, or someone to whom we need to say, “I am sorry”? Are we willing to set aside our pride today and take the first step toward reconciliation before a small conflict becomes a wound that may be much harder to heal?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 23 Biyernes sa Ika-29 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:54-59

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:54-59

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao, "Kapag nakita ninyong Makapal ang ulap sa kanluran, sinasabi ninyong uulan, at gayon nga ang nangyayari. At kung umiihip ang hanging timog ay sinasabi ninyong iinit, at nagkakagayon nga. Mga mapagpaimbabaw!

Marunong kayong bumasa ng palatandaan sa lupa't sa langit, bakit hindi ninyo mabasa ang mga tanda ng kasalukuyang panahon? 

"Bakit hindi ninyo mapagpasiyahan kung alin ang matuwid? Kapag isinakdal ka sa hukuman, makipag-ayos ka sa nagsakdal habang may panahon; baka kaladkarin ka niya sa hukuman, at ibigay ka ng hukom sa tanod, at ibilanggo ka naman nito. Sinasabi ko sa iyo: hindi ka makalalabas doon hangga't hindi mo nababayaran ang kahuli-hulihang sentimo."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaki na nakipagtalo sa kanyang kapitbahay. Ang kanilang pagtatalo ay nauwi sa pisikal na pag-aaway. Pareho silang nasugatan, at kapwa nagbanta na magsasampa ng kaso laban sa isa’t isa.

Ngunit biglang napagtanto ng kapitbahay na siyang nagsimula ng alitan na kailangan niyang humingi ng tawad. Kaya nagtungo siya sa bahay ng kanyang kapitbahay at kumatok sa tarangkahan. Nang buksan ito, buong kababaang-loob siyang humingi ng tawad, at agad naman siyang pinatawad ng kanyang kapitbahay.

Sa ating Ebanghelyo, pinaaalalahanan tayo ni Hesus na gawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya upang maayos ang anumang alitan natin sa ating kapwa, maging ito man ay sa ating mga kapitbahay, asawa, kapatid, kaibigan, o sinumang nakasasalamuha natin. Bakit? Sapagkat ang alitang hindi agad naaayos ay maaaring lumala at humantong sa mas mabigat na problema kapag hinayaan nating manaig ang ating pride, galit, at katigasan ng puso.

Isipin natin, halimbawa, ang isang alitan sa pagitan ng mag-asawa na hindi naaayos. Ang nagsimula sa isang simpleng hindi pagkakaunawaan ay maaaring humantong sa sama ng loob, paglayo ng damdamin, at kalaunan ay pagkakahiwalay. Maaari rin itong mangyari sa ating pamilya, pagkakaibigan, at iba pang mahahalagang ugnayan sa ating buhay. Kapag tumanggi tayong makinig, magpatawad, o humingi ng tawad, nanganganib na ang isang maliit na sugat sa ating relasyon ay maging malalim at mahirap nang pagalingin.

Kaya naman, kailangan nating matutong magpakumbaba at gumawa ng unang hakbang tungo sa pagkakasundo. Huwag nating hayaang maging pader ang ating pride na maglalayo sa atin sa mga taong mahal natin. Kung may nasaktan tayo, magkaroon sana tayo ng lakas ng loob na taos-pusong humingi ng tawad.

Kung may nakasakit naman sa atin, ipanalangin natin na pagkalooban tayo ng Diyos ng pusong marunong magpatawad. At kung may nasirang relasyon, gawin natin ang ating bahagi upang maibalik ang kapayapaan at pagmamahalan, habang nagtitiwala na kumikilos ang Diyos sa ating mga puso, kahit nangangailangan ng panahon ang pagkakasundo.

Ang paghingi ng tawad ay hindi tanda ng kahinaan. Ito ay pagpapakita ng kababaang-loob, pag-ibig, at katapangan. Maaaring hindi natin makontrol kung paano tutugon sa atin ang ibang tao, ngunit maaari nating piliing gawin ang tama sa harap ng Diyos. Kapag taos-puso tayong humihingi ng tawad at nagsisikap na maibalik ang kapayapaan, binubuksan natin ang ating mga puso upang kumilos ang Panginoon sa ating buhay at akayin tayo sa kapayapaang matagal nang hinahanap ng ating mga puso.

Kaya tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Mayroon ba tayong kailangang puntahan upang humingi ng tawad? Mayroon ba tayong kailangang patawarin? Mayroon ba tayong kailangang sabihan ng mga salitang, “Patawarin mo ako”? Handa ba tayong isantabi ang ating pride at gumawa ng unang hakbang tungo sa pagkakasundo ngayon, bago pa maging isang malalim at mahirap nang pagalingin na sugat ang isang alitang maaari pa naman nating ayusin?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 22 Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:49-53

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? 

No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of two childhood best friends who grew up together and eventually attended the same university. One day, the first friend noticed that something was not right with his best friend’s behavior. He asked him if something was wrong, but the second friend replied that there was nothing to worry about because everything was fine.

A few days later, the second friend was caught by the school authorities using illegal drugs. The first friend, who was a devout follower of Jesus, urged his best friend to straighten out his life. He even told him that if he continued down that path, he would have to distance himself from him.

All along, we may have viewed Jesus as a unifying force and a man of peace. And indeed, He is our Lord of peace and the source of our unity. Yet, in the Gospel, we also encounter another aspect of His mission: His teachings can become a source of division and conflict, even among family members and friends.

Why? Because following Jesus does not always make everyone happy with us. Sometimes, choosing what is right means standing against what is wrong, even when doing so displeases the people we love. Jesus challenges us to examine our lives, abandon our sinful ways, and remain faithful to God, even when the cost of doing so is painful.

For example, if some members of our family refuse to attend Sunday Mass, should we simply keep quiet and let things be? Of course not! We can gently remind them of the importance of worshipping God and celebrating the Holy Eucharist. We must do so with patience, understanding, and love, remembering that our purpose is not to condemn them but to help them grow closer to Jesus.

Here is another example: Suppose a member of our family becomes pregnant outside marriage, and someone suggests abortion as a solution. Should we remain silent and simply agree with that suggestion? No. As followers of Jesus, we are called to uphold the dignity and sacredness of human life while offering compassionate support to the mother.

We must accompany her with love, help her explore life-affirming options, and assure her that she does not have to face her difficult situation alone. Our Christian convictions must be expressed not only through the words we speak but also through the compassion and support we offer.

Indeed, being a true follower of Jesus requires courage. We cannot always remain silent just to avoid disagreements or preserve our relationships at the expense of our Christian convictions. There are times when we must speak up for what is right, even when our words are unpopular and our decisions are misunderstood.

However, we must also remember that correcting others does not mean forcing our beliefs on them or treating them as though we are better than they are. We, too, are sinners who need God's mercy, forgiveness, and guidance. Therefore, whenever we correct someone who is going astray, let us do so with humility, gentleness, and genuine concern for that person's spiritual well-being. Let our words be firm enough to uphold the truth but gentle enough to show the love of Jesus.

Sometimes, our efforts to guide others back to the right path may lead to disagreements, hurt feelings, or even temporary separation. When this happens, let us not immediately give up on them. We cannot force anyone to change, nor can we control the decisions of those we love. What we can do is continue to pray for them, set a good example, and patiently entrust them to God's loving care.

After all, our responsibility is not to win every argument but to remain faithful to Jesus. If others listen to our words, let us rejoice and continue encouraging them. If they refuse to listen, let us remain patient and continue loving them without compromising the truth. Sometimes, the seed of faith we plant today may take a long time to grow, but we must never underestimate what God's grace can accomplish in a person's heart.

Let us remember that following Jesus is not always the easiest path, but it is always a call to love, truth, and faithfulness. He does not call us to create unnecessary divisions; He calls us to remain faithful to the truth even when that faithfulness exposes differences between us and the people we love.

And so, when we are faced with a choice between pleasing others and standing for what is right, will we have the courage to remain faithful to Jesus, speaking the truth with love, showing compassion to those who disagree with us, and trusting God to touch the hearts of those we cannot change?— Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Oktubre 22 Huwebes sa Ika-29 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:49-53

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:49-53

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Naparito ako upang magdala ng apoy sa lupa -- at sana'y napagningas na ito! May isang binyag pa na dapat kong tanggapin, at nababagabag ako hangga't hindi natutupad ito! Akala ba ninyo'y pumarito ako upang magdala ng kapayapaan sa lupa?

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi kapayapaan kundi pagkabaha-bahagi. Mula ngayon, ang lima katao sa isang sambahayan ay mababahagi: tatlo laban sa dalawa at dalawa laban sa tatlo. Maglalaban-laban ang ama at ang anak na lalaki, ang ina at ang anak na babae, at gayon din ang biyenang babae, at manugang na babae."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa dalawang matalik na magkaibigan mula pa noong kanilang kabataan. Magkasama silang lumaki at kalaunan ay nag-aral sa iisang unibersidad. Isang araw, napansin ng unang kaibigan na tila may kakaiba sa ikinikilos ng kanyang matalik na kaibigan. Tinanong niya ito kung may problema ba, ngunit sumagot ang pangalawang kaibigan na wala siyang dapat ipag-alala dahil maayos naman ang lahat.

Pagkalipas ng ilang araw, nahuli ng mga awtoridad ng kanilang paaralan ang pangalawang kaibigan na gumagamit ng ilegal na droga. Ang unang kaibigan, na isang debotong tagasunod ni Hesus, ay pinayuhan ang kanyang matalik na kaibigan na ituwid ang kanyang buhay. Sinabi pa niya na kung magpapatuloy ito sa maling landas, mapipilitan siyang dumistansya sa kanya.

Marahil, nakasanayan nating tingnan si Hesus bilang bukal ng pagkakaisa at Panginoon ng kapayapaan. At tunay ngang Siya ang ating Panginoon ng kapayapaan at bukal ng ating pagkakaisa. Gayunman, ipinakikita rin sa atin ng Ebanghelyo ang isa pang bahagi ng Kanyang misyon: ang Kanyang mga aral ay maaaring magdulot ng pagkakahati-hati at hindi pagkakaunawaan, maging sa loob ng pamilya at sa pagitan ng magkakaibigan.

Bakit? Sapagkat hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay matutuwa ang mga tao sa atin kapag sinusunod natin si Hesus. May mga pagkakataong ang pagpili sa tama ay nangangahulugang pagtindig laban sa mali, kahit hindi ito ikasiya ng mga taong mahal natin. Hinahamon tayo ni Hesus na suriin ang ating buhay, talikuran ang ating mga kasalanan, at manatiling tapat sa Diyos, kahit mahirap at masakit ang kapalit nito.

Halimbawa, kung may mga miyembro ng ating pamilya na ayaw nang magsimba tuwing Linggo, dapat ba tayong manahimik na lamang at hayaan silang gawin ang kanilang nais? Siyempre, hindi! Maaari natin silang mahinahong paalalahanan tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagsamba sa Diyos at pakikibahagi sa Banal na Eukaristiya. Gawin natin ito nang may pagtitiyaga, pang-unawa, at pagmamahal. Tandaan natin na hindi natin layuning kondenahin sila, kundi tulungan silang higit na mapalapit kay Hesus.

Narito ang isa pang halimbawa. Ipagpalagay nating may isang miyembro ng ating pamilya na nabuntis nang hindi kasal, at may nagmumungkahi na magpalaglag bilang solusyon. Dapat ba tayong manahimik na lamang at sumang-ayon sa mungkahing ito? Hindi. Bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesus, tinatawag tayong ipagtanggol ang dignidad at kabanalan ng buhay ng tao habang nagbibigay ng mahabagin at mapagmahal na suporta sa ina.

Samahan natin siya sa kanyang pinagdaraanan, tulungan siyang humanap ng mga paraang nagpapahalaga sa buhay, at iparamdam sa kanya na hindi niya kailangang harapin nang nag-iisa ang mabigat na sitwasyong ito. Ang ating pananampalatayang Kristiyano ay hindi lamang dapat makita sa ating mga sinasabi, kundi higit sa lahat, sa habag, malasakit, at tulong na ating ibinibigay.

Tunay ngang nangangailangan ng tapang ang pagiging tunay na tagasunod ni Hesus. Hindi tayo maaaring palaging manahimik dahil lamang nais nating maiwasan ang hindi pagkakaunawaan o mapanatili ang ating mga relasyon, kapalit naman ng pagtalikod sa ating mga paninindigang Kristiyano. May mga pagkakataong kailangan nating magsalita at manindigan para sa tama, kahit hindi ito popular at kahit hindi tayo maunawaan ng iba.

Gayunman, tandaan din natin na ang pagtutuwid sa iba ay hindi nangangahulugang dapat nating ipilit ang ating paniniwala o ituring ang ating sarili na mas mabuti kaysa kanila. Tayo man ay mga makasalanang nangangailangan ng awa, kapatawaran, at patnubay ng Diyos.

Kaya kapag itinutuwid natin ang isang taong naliligaw ng landas, gawin natin ito nang may kababaang-loob, kahinahunan, at tunay na malasakit sa kanyang espirituwal na kapakanan. Maging matatag nawa ang ating mga salita sa pagtatanggol sa katotohanan, ngunit manatiling mahinahon at mapagmahal ang ating paraan ng pagsasalita, tulad ng ipinakikita sa atin ni Hesus.

May mga pagkakataong ang ating pagsisikap na akayin ang iba pabalik sa tamang landas ay magdudulot ng hindi pagkakaunawaan, sama ng loob, o pansamantalang paglayo ng loob. Kapag nangyari ito, huwag tayong agad sumuko sa kanila. Hindi natin mapipilit ang sinuman na magbago, at hindi rin natin kayang kontrolin ang mga pasiya ng mga taong mahal natin. Ang magagawa natin ay patuloy silang ipanalangin, maging mabuting halimbawa sa kanila, at buong pagtitiwalang ipaubaya sila sa mapagmahal na pangangalaga ng Diyos.

Tandaan natin na hindi natin kailangang manalo sa bawat pagtatalo upang maging tapat kay Hesus. Kung pakikinggan ng iba ang ating mga paalala, magalak tayo at patuloy silang palakasin sa kanilang pananampalataya. Kung hindi naman sila makikinig, manatili tayong matiyaga at patuloy silang mahalin nang hindi isinasakripisyo ang katotohanan. Maaaring matagal bago tumubo ang binhi ng pananampalatayang itinanim natin ngayon, ngunit huwag nating maliitin ang magagawa ng biyaya ng Diyos sa puso ng isang tao.

Ang pagsunod kay Hesus ay hindi nangangahulugang palaging magiging madali ang ating buhay. Sa halip, ito ay isang panawagan na mamuhay nang may pagmamahal, katotohanan, at katapatan sa Diyos. Hindi Niya tayo tinatawag upang sadyang lumikha ng pagkakawatak-watak. Tinatawag Niya tayong manatiling tapat sa katotohanan, kahit may mga pagkakataong ang ating paninindigan ay maglalantad ng pagkakaiba natin sa mga taong mahal natin.

Kaya kapag dumating ang pagkakataong kailangan nating mamili sa pagitan ng pagpapalugod sa mga tao at paninindigan sa tama, magkakaroon ba tayo ng lakas ng loob na manatiling tapat kay Hesus, magsalita nang may pagmamahal, magpakita ng habag sa mga hindi sumasang-ayon sa atin, at magtiwalang kayang hipuin ng Diyos ang puso ng mga taong hindi natin kayang baguhin?—Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for October 19 Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:13-21

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. 

He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’  

But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

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Reflection:

Which would we prefer: to possess the treasures of this world or to discover the treasures that come from knowing God? Many of us would probably choose worldly treasures over the spiritual riches that come from knowing Him. Why? Because this is what the world constantly teaches us: to acquire, accumulate, and enjoy material possessions as signs of success and happiness.

But what about choosing God above all else? Perhaps only a few of us would make this choice. We live in a materially centered world that constantly urges us to acquire more possessions, achieve greater success, and do whatever it takes to get ahead. Sadly, in our pursuit of earthly treasures, we can become so preoccupied with what we want to possess that we forget the God who gives meaning to our lives.

But worldly success is not what God ultimately desires for us. He wants us to become His faithful followers, to know Him more deeply, to love Him wholeheartedly, and to serve Him through our love for others. God did not create us merely to live for this world and its temporary pleasures. He created us to know, love, and serve Him so that we may one day be with Him in heaven.

We were created to bear spiritual fruit so that others may come to know God through our words, actions, kindness, and example. Our lives become truly fruitful when we allow God to work through us, especially when we show compassion to those who are suffering, extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us, and share our blessings with those in need.

When our time in this world comes to an end, our earthly possessions, achievements, and positions will no longer matter in the way they once did. What will truly matter is our relationship with God and the love we have shared with His people. No amount of wealth can replace a heart that is at peace with God, and no worldly achievement can compare with the joy of knowing that we have lived our lives according to His will.

A life spent chasing earthly wealth and power while leaving God out of the picture will ultimately leave us spiritually empty. On the other hand, a life centered on God is filled with purpose, peace, and meaning. When we put God first, we begin to understand that our greatest treasure is not what we own but the One who loves us unconditionally and calls us to eternal life with Him.

Therefore, let us examine our hearts and our priorities. There is nothing wrong with working hard, providing for our families, or striving to improve our lives. But we must never allow these pursuits to take God's place in our hearts. Let us use whatever blessings we receive to glorify Him, serve others, and become instruments of His love. After all, the true measure of our lives is not how much we have accumulated but how faithfully we have loved God and our neighbors.

If we were to stand before God today, would our greatest treasure be the wealth and achievements we have accumulated, or the love we have given, the faith we have lived, and the relationship we have nurtured with Him? What must we change in our lives today so that God, and not the treasures of this world, will always be our greatest treasure?— Marino J. Dasmarinas