Reflection for July 16 Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a very wealthy man who was overwhelmed by his many problems. He tried every possible way to solve them. He thought his money could help him, but to no avail. He turned to his friends, indulged in drinking sessions and other vices, yet none of these brought him peace or solved his problems.

He was living like a ship without a rudder, aimlessly drifting with no clear direction. Without realizing it, he was slowly wasting his life until he met a relative who was an active member of their church. He opened his heart, and his relative listened with compassion.

In the end, his relative gave him only one piece of advice: "Go and spend time with Jesus in the Adoration Chapel. Don't miss Sunday Mass, and when you are at Mass, be attentive and listen to every word being spoken, for many of those words will speak directly to your heart. Read your Bible as well, for Jesus will also speak to you through His Word."

To make a long story short, he began spending time regularly in the Adoration Chapel, attended Holy Mass as often as he could, and faithfully read the Holy Bible.

After a few weeks, his life began to change. His problems did not disappear overnight, and there were still challenges that needed to be faced. But something within him had changed. He had discovered where true peace could be found. 

He no longer ran first to his wealth, his friends, or his vices. Instead, he turned to Jesus in the Adoration Chapel, encountered Jesus in the Holy Mass, and listened to Jesus in the Holy Bible. The more he drew near to the Lord, the more he found the strength, wisdom, and peace to face each day.

In today's Gospel, Jesus lovingly says to us:

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

What a beautiful invitation from the heart of Jesus! He does not wait for us to become perfect before calling us. He invites us as we are—with our sins, weaknesses, fears, disappointments, and heavy burdens. He knows every struggle we carry, every silent tear we shed, and every battle we fight within. Yet instead of condemning us, He gently says, "Come to Me."

How often do we search for peace in the wrong places? Like the man in the story, we may be tempted to rely on our own strength, possessions, achievements, or even other people to fill the emptiness within us. While these may provide temporary comfort, only Jesus can give the lasting peace that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts.

When we spend time with Him in the Adoration Chapel, receive Him in the Holy Eucharist at Mass, immerse ourselves in His Word, and speak with Him in prayer, He gradually transforms us from within. Our circumstances may not always change immediately, but our hearts do. He gives us the grace to carry our crosses with hope, the wisdom to make the right decisions, and the courage to keep trusting Him no matter what we face.

May we never forget that Jesus is always waiting for us with open arms. His invitation remains the same today as it was centuries ago: "Come to Me." He alone can give the rest that the world can never offer.

Today, let us bring every burden, every worry, every fear, and every sin to Jesus. Let us surrender our lives completely to Him and allow Him to lead us each day. As we choose to remain close to Him in prayer, in the Holy Eucharist, and in His Word, we will discover that His grace is always enough and that His love never fails.

The question is not whether Jesus is waiting for us—He always is. The question is this: Will we continue carrying our burdens alone, or will we finally place them into the loving hands of Jesus and trust Him to lead us into the peace that only He can give? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 16 Huwebes ng Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 11:28-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:28-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, "Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at; nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y pagpapahingahin ko. 

Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok, at mag-aral kayo sa akin; ako'y maamo at mababang-loob, at makasusumpong kayo ng kapahingahan para sa inyong kaluluwa. Sapagkat maginhawang dalhin ang aking pamatok, at magaan ang pasaning ibibigay ko sa inyo."

+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang napakayamang lalaki na nabibigatan sa napakarami niyang suliranin. Sinubukan niya ang iba't ibang paraan upang lutasin ang mga ito. Inakala niyang kayang resolbahin ng kanyang kayamanan ang lahat, ngunit nabigo siya. Lumapit siya sa kanyang mga kaibigan, nagpakalulong sa inuman at iba't ibang bisyo, ngunit wala ring nagbigay sa kanya ng tunay na kapayapaan o kasagutan.

Para siyang isang barkong walang timon na walang patutunguhang inaanod ng alon. Hindi niya namamalayan na unti-unti na niyang sinasayang ang kanyang buhay hanggang sa makatagpo niya ang isang kamag-anak na aktibong kasapi ng kanilang simbahan. Ibinukas niya ang kanyang puso, at buong malasakit siyang pinakinggan ng kanyang kamag-anak.

Sa huli, iisa lamang ang ipinayo sa kanya: "Lumapit ka kay Jesus. Maglaan ka ng panahon sa Kanya sa Adoration Chapel. Huwag mong palampasin ang Lingguhang Banal na Misa, at habang dumadalo ka rito, makinig kang mabuti sapagkat maraming salita roon ang personal na magsasalita sa iyong puso. Magbasa ka rin ng Banal na Kasulatan, sapagkat doon ay kakausapin ka rin ni Jesus sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang Salita."

Sa madaling salita, sinunod niya ang payong iyon. Naging bahagi ng kanyang buhay ang regular na pagdalaw sa Adoration Chapel, ang madalas na pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, at ang tapat na pagbabasa ng Banal na Kasulatan.

Makalipas ang ilang linggo, nagsimula siyang magbago. Hindi naman tuluyang nawala ang kanyang mga problema, at mayroon pa ring mga pagsubok na kailangang harapin. Ngunit may isang bagay na nagbago sa kanyang puso. Natagpuan niya kung saan nagmumula ang tunay na kapayapaan.

Hindi na siya unang tumatakbo sa kanyang kayamanan, sa kanyang mga kaibigan, o sa kanyang mga bisyo. Sa halip, kay Jesus na siya lumalapit sa Adoration Chapel, si Jesus ang kanyang nakakatagpo sa Banal na Misa, at si Jesus ang kanyang pinakikinggan sa Banal na Kasulatan. Habang lalo siyang lumalapit sa Panginoon, lalo rin niyang natatagpuan ang lakas, karunungan, at kapayapaang kailangan niya sa bawat araw.

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, buong pagmamahal tayong inaanyayahan ni Jesus:

"Lumapit kayo sa Akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y bibigyan Ko ng kapahingahan. Pasanin ninyo ang Aking pamatok at matuto kayo sa Akin, sapagkat Ako'y maamo at mapagpakumbaba ang puso, at makasusumpong kayo ng kapahingahan para sa inyong mga kaluluwa. Sapagkat magaan ang Aking pamatok at magaang ang Aking dalahin."

Napakaganda ng paanyayang ito mula sa puso ni Jesus! Hindi Niya hinihintay na maging perpekto muna tayo bago Niya tayo tawagin. Inaanyayahan Niya tayo kung ano tayo ngayon—dala ang ating mga kasalanan, kahinaan, pangamba, kabiguan, at mabibigat na pasanin. Alam Niya ang bawat laban na ating pinagdaraanan, bawat luhang palihim nating pinapatak, at bawat sugat na ating kinikimkim. Ngunit sa halip na tayo'y hatulan, marahan Niya tayong tinatawag: "Lumapit kayo sa Akin."

Hindi ba't madalas ay naghahanap din tayo ng kapayapaan sa mga bagay na hindi naman tunay na makapagbibigay nito? Kung minsan ay umaasa tayo sa ating sariling kakayahan, sa ating mga ari-arian, sa ating tagumpay, o maging sa ibang tao upang punan ang ating kakulangan. Ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay pansamantala lamang. Si Jesus lamang ang makapagbibigay ng kapayapaang tunay na makapupuno sa ating puso.

Kapag naglalaan tayo ng panahon sa Kanya sa Adoration Chapel, tinatanggap Siya sa Banal na Eukaristiya sa Misa, pinagninilayan ang Kanyang Salita, at nakikipag-usap sa Kanya sa panalangin, unti-unti Niyang binabago ang ating buhay. Maaaring hindi agad magbago ang ating mga sitwasyon, ngunit binabago Niya ang ating puso. Binibigyan Niya tayo ng biyayang magpatuloy, ng karunungang magpasya nang tama, at ng lakas na magtiwala sa Kanya sa gitna ng lahat ng pagsubok.

Nawa'y huwag nating kalilimutan na si Jesus ay laging naghihintay sa atin nang may bukas na mga bisig. Ang Kanyang paanyaya ay nananatiling buhay hanggang ngayon: "Lumapit kayo sa Akin." Siya lamang ang makapagbibigay ng kapahingahang hindi kailanman maibibigay ng mundo.

Kaya't ilapit natin sa Kanya ang lahat ng ating mga pasanin, mga alalahanin, mga takot, at maging ang ating mga kasalanan. Isuko natin sa Kanya ang ating buong buhay at hayaan natin Siyang manguna sa bawat hakbang ng ating paglalakbay. Habang nananatili tayong malapit sa Kanya sa panalangin, sa Banal na Eukaristiya, at sa Kanyang Salita, lalo nating mararanasan na sapat ang Kanyang biyaya at hindi nagmamaliw ang Kanyang pag-ibig.

Narito ang tanong na dapat nating pagnilayan: Patuloy pa ba nating dadalhin nang mag-isa ang ating mga pasanin, o buong pagtitiwala na ba nating ilalapag ang mga ito sa mapagmahal na mga kamay ni Jesus at hahayaan Siyang akayin tayo tungo sa tunay na kapayapaang Siya lamang ang makapagbibigay? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday July 15 Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 11:25-27

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.  

Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a man who was deeply sincere in his desire to know God. To fulfill this longing, he read every book he could find about God. Yet, the more he filled his mind with knowledge, the more distant God seemed to become. Confused and searching for answers, he sought the counsel of a wise man.

The wise man gently said, "Your dilemma is simple. As you become more learned about God, you must also become more humble. Let the knowledge you gain from your reading sink into your heart, not just remain in your head."

This wise advice reminds us that knowing about God is not the same as truly knowing Him. We may spend countless hours reading Scripture, studying spiritual books, or listening to inspiring talks, but if our hearts are not transformed by humility, we may miss the very God we seek. Knowledge can enlighten our minds, but only humility opens our hearts to God's presence and allows His grace to take root within us.

Do we desire to experience more deeply the loving presence and movement of God in our lives? The key is childlike humility. The more we humble ourselves before God, the more we recognize our need for Him, trust in His wisdom, and welcome His abundant graces. Like little children who depend completely on their loving father, we are invited to surrender our pride, our self-sufficiency, and our desire to rely solely on our own understanding.

Jesus Himself gives us the perfect example. Whenever He prayed to the Father, He approached Him with complete humility, love, and obedience. Although He is the Son of God, He never sought His own glory but always fulfilled the Father's will. If Jesus embraced humility in His relationship with the Father, how much more should we?

May we never allow knowledge to inflate our pride but instead let it deepen our love for God and for others. Let every truth we learn draw us closer to Christ, shape our hearts, and inspire us to live with greater faith, obedience, and compassion. For it is not merely what we know about God that transforms us, but how humbly we allow Him to transform us from within.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Are we simply filling our minds with knowledge about God, or are we humbly opening our hearts so that we may truly know Him, love Him, and allow Him to transform our lives each day?-Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Miyerkules Hulyo 15 Paggunita kay San Buenaventura, obispo at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 11:25-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:25-27

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus, "Pinasasalamatan kita, Ama, Panginoon ng langit at lupa, sapagkat inilihim mo ang mga bagay na ito sa marurunong at matatalino at inihayag sa mga may kaloobang tulad ng sa bata. 

Oo, Ama, sapagkat gayon ang ikinalulugod mo. "Ibinigay sa akin ng aking Ama ang lahat ng bagay. Walang nakakikilala sa Anak kundi ang Ama, at walang nakakikilala sa Ama kundi ang Anak at yaong marapating pagpahayagan ng Anak."

+ + + + + + +  

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking taimtim ang hangaring makilala ang Diyos. Upang matupad ang hangaring ito, binasa niya ang halos lahat ng aklat na maaari niyang matagpuan tungkol sa Diyos.

Ngunit habang lalo niyang pinupuno ng kaalaman ang kanyang isip, lalo namang tila nagiging malayo ang Diyos sa kanya. Nalito siya at naghanap ng kasagutan, kaya't lumapit siya sa isang matalinong tao upang humingi ng payo.

Magiliw na sinabi ng matalinong tao, "Simple lamang ang iyong suliranin. Habang dumarami ang iyong kaalaman tungkol sa Diyos, lalo ka ring dapat maging mapagpakumbaba. Huwag mong hayaang manatili lamang sa iyong isipan ang iyong natututuhan. Hayaan mong bumaba ito sa iyong puso at maging bahagi ng iyong buhay."

Ang payong ito ay isang mahalagang paalala para sa ating lahat. Ang maraming nalalaman tungkol sa Diyos ay hindi nangangahulugang tunay na natin Siyang nakikilala. Maaaring marami tayong nababasang Banal na Kasulatan, mga aklat na espirituwal, o mga aral tungkol sa pananampalataya, ngunit kung hindi naman nagiging mapagpakumbaba ang ating puso, maaari nating hindi mapansin ang mismong Diyos na ating hinahanap.

Ang kaalaman ay nagbibigay-liwanag sa ating isip, ngunit ang kababaang-loob ang nagbubukas ng ating puso upang maranasan natin ang Kanyang presensya at tanggapin ang Kanyang masaganang biyaya.

Nais ba nating higit pang maranasan ang pagkilos ng Diyos sa ating buhay? Ang susi ay ang pagiging mapagpakumbaba na tulad ng isang bata. Kapag tayo ay lumalapit sa Diyos nang may simpleng pananampalataya, buong pagtitiwala, at mapagkumbabang puso, lalo nating kinikilala ang ating pangangailangan sa Kanya at lalo nating binubuksan ang ating sarili sa Kanyang pag-ibig, karunungan, at mga biyaya. 

Inaanyayahan Niya tayong isuko ang ating pagmamataas, ang labis na pagtitiwala sa ating sariling kakayahan, at ang pagnanais na umasa lamang sa ating sariling pag-unawa.

Si Jesus mismo ang ating ganap na huwaran. Sa tuwing Siya ay nananalangin sa Ama, lagi Siyang lumalapit nang may ganap na kababaang-loob, pag-ibig, at pagsunod. Bagama't Siya ang Anak ng Diyos, hindi Niya hinanap ang sariling karangalan kundi ang katuparan ng kalooban ng Ama. Kung ang ating Panginoon ay nagpamalas ng gayong pagpapakumbaba, lalo na tayong mga tagasunod Niya ay nararapat na mamuhay nang may kababaang-loob.

Nawa'y hindi tayo maging kuntento sa pagdaragdag lamang ng ating kaalaman tungkol sa Diyos. Hilingin natin ang biyayang magkaroon ng pusong mapagpakumbaba upang ang bawat salitang ating naririnig, bawat talatang ating binabasa, at bawat aral na ating natututuhan ay maglapit sa atin kay Kristo at magbago sa ating pamumuhay.

Sapagkat hindi ang dami ng ating nalalaman tungkol sa Diyos ang tunay na nagpapabanal sa atin, kundi ang ating mapagpakumbabang pagtugon at pagpapahintulot na baguhin Niya ang ating puso.

Sa araw na ito, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Habang lumalago ba ang ating kaalaman tungkol sa Diyos, lalo rin ba tayong nagiging mapagpakumbaba at mas malapit sa Kanya? O baka naman pinupuno lamang natin ang ating isipan ng kaalaman, ngunit nananatiling sarado ang ating puso sa pagbabagong nais Niyang gawin sa atin? -Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 14 Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:20-24

Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 

And as for you, Capernaum: Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the nether world. For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a man who was deeply troubled by his many sins. Every now and then, memories of them would return, filling him with guilt and robbing him of his peace of mind. Though he tried to move on, the burden in his heart remained. A friend noticed his troubled demeanor and gently asked what was weighing so heavily on him.

After opening his heart, his friend lovingly encouraged him to repent of all his sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He humbled himself, sought God's mercy, and experienced the forgiveness that only Jesus can give. From that moment on, the heavy burden he had carried for so long was lifted, and his heart was filled with a peace that the world could never offer.

In today's Gospel, Jesus reproached the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they refused to repent despite witnessing His mighty works. Their hearts remained closed to His invitation to conversion. This Gospel invites us to pause and ask ourselves: Why do we sometimes delay our repentance? Why do we continue to cling to the very sins that wound our relationship with God?

Perhaps it is because we become too attached to the things of this world and lose sight of what truly matters. We may seek temporary pleasures, personal comfort, or worldly success more than we seek the lasting joy of living in God's grace. Yet if we truly love Jesus, our hearts will long to turn away from sin and return to Him. That journey of conversion reaches a beautiful expression when we humbly approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where Christ Himself waits to forgive, heal, and restore us.

This is often our human struggle. We desire God's blessings, peace, and eternal life, yet we sometimes hesitate to let go of the sins that keep us from Him. What we may fail to recognize is that every unrepented sin gradually weakens our communion with God and steals the peace He longs to give us. Satan is real, and so is the spiritual battle we face each day. Whenever we choose sin over God's will, we allow the enemy to influence our hearts, and we begin to experience the emptiness, restlessness, and darkness that sin inevitably brings.

On the other hand, whenever we sincerely repent and entrust ourselves to God's boundless mercy, His grace renews us from within. He breaks the chains that have held us captive, heals the wounds caused by sin, and restores the joy of living as His beloved children. No sin is greater than His mercy when we come to Him with humble and repentant hearts.

Jesus lovingly calls each one of us to repentance and invites us to encounter His healing mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. He longs to cleanse us from the sins that have burdened us for so long and to fill our hearts with His peace. Yet because He loves us perfectly, He never forces us to come to Him. He respects the freedom He has given us and patiently waits for our response.

The choice is ours. Will we continue walking in the darkness that sin brings, or will we step into the light of Christ by embracing His loving invitation to repent? Today, Jesus stands at the door of our hearts with open arms, ready to forgive, restore, and make us new.

May we never allow pride, fear, or attachment to sin to keep us from the healing embrace of our Savior. Instead, may we courageously examine our hearts, trust completely in His infinite mercy, and return to Him with sincere repentance. For every step we take toward Jesus is met by His loving grace, and every repentant heart becomes a dwelling place of His peace.

 As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: What sin, attachment, or fear is Jesus asking us to surrender today? Will we continue carrying the burden of sin, or will we humbly come to Him in the Sacrament of Reconciliation and allow His mercy to set us truly free?– Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 14 Martes ng Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 11:20-24

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:20-24

Noong panahong iyon, sinumbatan ni Jesus ang mga bayang ginawan niya ng maraming kababalaghan sapagkat hindi sila nagsisi't tumalikod sa kanilang mga kasalanan. "Kawawa ka, Corazin! Kawawa ka Betsaida! Sapagkat kung sa Tiro at Sidon ginawa ang mga kababalaghang ginawa sa inyo, malaon na sanang nagdaramit ng sako at nauupo sa abo ang mga tagaroon upang ipakilalang sila'y nagsisisi. 

Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang sasapitin ninyo kaysa sasapitin ng mga taga-Tiro at taga-Sidon. At ikaw, Capernaum, ibig mong maging mataas kaysa langit? Ibabagsak ka sa Hades! Sapagkat kung sa Sodoma ginawa ang kababalaghang ginawa rito sa inyo, sana'y nananatili pa ito hanggang ngayon. Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo, sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang ipaparusa sa inyo kaysa dinanas ng Sodoma."  

+ + + + + + +   

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking lubhang nababagabag dahil sa dami ng kanyang mga kasalanan. Paulit-ulit itong bumabalik sa kanyang isipan, pinupuno ang kanyang puso ng matinding pagsisisi at inaalis ang kanyang kapayapaan.

Pilit man niyang kalimutan ang kanyang nakaraan, nananatiling mabigat ang kanyang kalooban. Napansin ito ng isang kaibigan at buong malasakit na tinanong kung ano ang nagpapabigat sa kanyang puso.

Nang maibukas niya ang kanyang kalooban, buong pagmamahal siyang hinikayat ng kanyang kaibigan na magsisi sa kanyang mga kasalanan at lumapit sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo (Kumpisal). Buong pagpapakumbaba niyang hiniling ang awa ng Diyos at naranasan ang kapatawarang tanging si Jesus lamang ang makapagkakaloob. Mula noon, nawala ang mabigat na pasaning matagal niyang dinadala, at napuno ang kanyang puso ng kapayapaang hindi kayang ibigay ng mundong ito.

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, sinaway ni Jesus ang mga taga-Corazin at Bethsaida sapagkat tumanggi silang magsisi kahit nasaksihan na nila ang Kanyang makapangyarihang mga gawa. Nanatiling sarado ang kanilang mga puso sa Kanyang paanyaya ng pagbabagong-buhay. Inaanyayahan din tayo ng Ebanghelyong ito na huminto sandali at tanungin ang ating mga sarili: Bakit natin ipinagpapaliban ang pagsisisi? Bakit tayo kumakapit sa mga kasalanang sumisira sa ating ugnayan sa Diyos?

Marahil ay dahil masyado tayong nahuhumaling sa mga bagay ng mundong ito kaya nawawala sa ating paningin ang tunay na mahalaga. Maaaring mas hinahangad natin ang pansamantalang kasiyahan, sariling kaginhawahan, at tagumpay sa mundo kaysa sa kagalakang dulot ng pamumuhay sa biyaya ng Diyos.

Ngunit kung tunay nating minamahal si Jesus, nanaisin ng ating mga puso na talikuran ang kasalanan at muling magbalik-loob sa Kanya. Ang paglalakbay na ito ng pagbabalik-loob ay nagkakaroon ng ganap na kahulugan kapag buong kababaang-loob tayong lumalapit sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo (Kumpisal), kung saan si Kristo mismo ang naghihintay upang tayo ay patawarin, pagalingin, at ibalik sa Kanyang mapagmahal na yakap.

Ito ang madalas nating pakikibaka bilang mga tao. Nais nating matamo ang kapayapaan, pagpapala, at buhay na walang hanggan, ngunit nag-aatubili tayong bitawan ang mga kasalanang naglalayo sa atin sa Diyos. Ang hindi natin madalas namamalayan ay ang bawat kasalanang hindi natin pinagsisisihan ay unti-unting nagpapahina sa ating pakikipag-isa sa Kanya at umaagaw sa kapayapaang nais Niyang ipagkaloob sa atin.

Totoo si Satanas, at totoo rin ang espirituwal na labanan na kinakaharap natin araw-araw. Sa tuwing pinipili natin ang kasalanan kaysa sa kalooban ng Diyos, binibigyan natin ng puwang ang kaaway upang impluwensiyahan ang ating mga puso, at unti-unti nating nararanasan ang kawalan ng saysay, pagkabalisa, at kadilimang dulot ng kasalanan.

Ngunit kapag taos-puso tayong nagsisisi at buong pagtitiwalang inilalagak ang ating sarili sa walang hanggang awa ng Diyos, binabago Niya tayo mula sa ating kalooban. Pinuputol Niya ang mga tanikalang matagal nang gumagapos sa atin, pinagagaling ang mga sugat na dulot ng kasalanan, at ibinabalik ang kagalakang mamuhay bilang Kanyang minamahal na mga anak. Walang kasalanang hihigit sa Kanyang awa kung lalapit lamang tayo sa Kanya nang may kababaang-loob at tunay na pagsisisi.

Buong pagmamahal tayong tinatawag ni Jesus sa pagsisisi at inaanyayahang maranasan ang Kanyang mapagpagaling na awa sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo (Kumpisal). Nais Niyang linisin tayo sa mga kasalanang matagal nang nagpapabigat sa ating mga puso at punuin tayo ng Kanyang kapayapaan. Ngunit dahil tunay Niya tayong minamahal, hindi Niya tayo pinipilit. Iginagalang Niya ang kalayaang ipinagkaloob Niya sa atin at matiyaga Siyang naghihintay sa ating pagtugon.

Nasa ating mga kamay ang pagpapasya. Patuloy ba tayong lalakad sa kadilimang dulot ng kasalanan, o pipiliin nating lumakad sa liwanag ni Kristo sa pamamagitan ng pagtanggap sa Kanyang paanyayang magsisi? Sa mismong sandaling ito, nakatayo si Jesus sa pintuan ng ating mga puso, bukas ang Kanyang mga bisig, handang magpatawad, magpanibago, at bigyan tayo ng panibagong buhay.

Huwag nawa nating hayaang ang ating pagmamataas, takot, o labis na pagkakapit sa kasalanan ang humadlang sa atin upang maranasan ang mapagpagaling na yakap ng ating Tagapagligtas. Sa halip, nawa'y magkaroon tayo ng lakas ng loob na siyasatin ang ating mga puso, lubos na magtiwala sa Kanyang walang hanggang awa, at taos-pusong magbalik-loob sa Kanya. Sapagkat sa bawat hakbang na ginagawa natin palapit kay Jesus, sinalubong na tayo ng Kanyang biyaya, at ang bawat pusong nagsisisi ay nagiging tahanan ng Kanyang kapayapaan.

Sa ating pagninilay ngayon, tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: Ano ang kasalanan, maling pagkakapit, o takot na hinihiling ni Jesus na isuko natin sa Kanya? Patuloy pa ba nating papasanin ang bigat ng kasalanan, o buong kababaang-loob ba tayong lalapit sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo upang maranasan ang Kanyang awa na tunay na nagpapalaya, nagpapagaling, at nagbibigay ng bagong buhay?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 13 Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:34-11:1

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1

(Jesus said to the Apostles) Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household.  

Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man’s reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”  

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a man who longed to bring peace to his fractured family. One night, he had a dream in which Jesus said to him, “You need to become a priest for healing to come to your family.” At first, this seemed impossible. The young man loved the pleasures and attractions of the world, yet he loved his family even more. Deep within his heart, he knew that if he truly desired healing, he had to trust and obey the Lord's call.

So, he heeded the voice of Jesus. He entered the seminary to study for the priesthood, and whenever he came home during his vacations, he gathered his family for prayer and recollection. Little by little, God's grace began to work in their hearts. The family that had once been divided and wounded gradually became united in love. In time, he was ordained a priest, and just as Jesus had promised, his vocation became a channel of healing and reconciliation for his family.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us that He can bring division even within a family. At first, this may seem difficult to understand. Yet Jesus does not desire division for its own sake. Rather, whenever we choose to follow Him faithfully and live according to His teachings, not everyone around us may immediately welcome that decision. Our commitment to Christ may be met with misunderstanding, opposition, or even rejection by those closest to us.

But we should never lose heart. If we remain faithful, patient, and loving, and if we continue to entrust our families to Jesus in prayer, the temporary divisions that arise because of our fidelity to Him can, in God's perfect time, become the very path to healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace. Time and again, Jesus has shown that no family is beyond the reach of His transforming love. His grace is always greater than our deepest wounds, and His mercy is always stronger than our brokenness.

Have we invited Jesus into the joys, struggles, and wounds of our family life? Have we shared His Word, prayed together, and allowed His presence to shape our homes? Perhaps we have delayed because we fear rejection or believe that nothing will change. Yet today, Jesus gently reminds us that every journey of healing begins with one faithful step of trust.

May we never grow weary of bringing Christ into our homes. Let us patiently sow the seeds of His Word, persevere in prayer, and entrust every member of our family to His loving Heart. Even if we do not immediately see the fruits of our efforts, we can be confident that God is already at work in ways we cannot yet see.

Today, will we allow Jesus to begin—or continue—His healing work in our families through our faithful witness, loving perseverance, and unwavering trust in Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 13 Lunes ng Ika-15 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:34-11:1

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:34 – 11:1

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Huwag ninyong isiping naparito ako upang magdala ng kapayapaan sa lupa; naparito ako upang magdala ng tabak, hindi kapayapaan. Sapagkat naparito ako upang papaglabanin ang anak na lalaki at ang kanyang ama, ang anak na babae at ang kanyang ina, ang manugang na babae at ang kanyang biyenang babae. at ang kaaway ng isang tao'y ang kanya na ring kasambahay.

"Ang umiibig sa ama o sa ina nang higit sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. At ang umiibig sa anak na lalaki o babae nang higit sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. Ang hindi nagpapasan nang kanyang krus at sumusunod sa akin ay hindi karapat-dapat sa akin. Ang nag-iingat ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito, at ang nawawalan ng kanyang buhay dahil sa akin ay magkakamit nito." 

"Ang tumatanggap sa inyo ay tumatanggap sa akin, at ang tumatanggap sa akin ay tumatanggap sa nagsugo sa akin. Ang tumatanggap sa isang propeta dahil sa siya'y propeta ay tatanggap ng gantimpala ukol sa propeta. At ang tumatanggap sa isang taong matuwid dahil sa siya'y matuwid ay tatanggap ng gantimpalang nauukol sa taong matuwid.

At sinumang magbigay ng kahit isang basong tubig na malamig sa isa sa maliliit na ito dahil sa ito'y alagad ko-- tinitiyak kong tatanggap siya ng gantimpala." Matapos tagubilinan ang labingdalawang alagad, umalis si Jesus upang magturo at mangaral sa mga bayang malapit doon.

+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking matagal nang naghahangad na magkaroon ng kapayapaan sa kanilang pamilyang watak-watak. Isang gabi, nanaginip siya at sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, “Kailangan kang maging pari upang dumating ang kagalingan at pagkakasundo sa inyong pamilya.”

Sa simula, tila napakahirap nitong tanggapin. Mahal ng binatang ito ang mga kasiyahan at makamundong pamumuhay, ngunit higit niyang minahal ang kanyang pamilya. Sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso, naunawaan niyang kung tunay niyang ninanais ang paggaling ng kanilang pamilya, kailangan niyang magtiwala at tumugon sa tawag ng Panginoon.

Kaya't sinunod niya ang tinig ni Jesus. Pumasok siya sa seminaryo upang mag-aral para sa pagkapari. Tuwing siya ay nagbabakasyon, tinitipon niya ang kanyang pamilya sa kanilang tahanan upang manalangin at magnilay ng Salita ng Diyos.

Unti-unti, kumilos ang biyaya ng Diyos sa kanilang mga puso. Ang pamilyang dati'y puno ng sugat, hidwaan, at pagkakawatak-watak ay dahan-dahang napalitan ng pagmamahalan at pagkakaisa. At nang siya'y maordinahan bilang pari, nagkatotoo ang pangako ni Jesus—ang kanyang bokasyon ay naging daan ng kagalingan at pagkakasundo para sa kanilang pamilya.

Sa Ebanghelyo ngayon, sinabi ni Jesus na maaari Siyang maging dahilan ng pagkakahati-hati sa loob ng isang pamilya. Sa unang tingin, mahirap itong maunawaan. Ngunit hindi nais ni Jesus ang pagkakabahagi para sa sarili nitong layunin.

Sa halip, kapag pinili nating mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang mga aral at maging tapat sa Kanya, hindi lahat ng ating mga mahal sa buhay ay agad na tatanggap o makauunawa sa ating pasiya. Maaaring makaranas tayo ng pagtutol, hindi pagkakaunawaan, o maging pagtanggi mula sa mga pinakamalapit sa atin.

Ngunit huwag tayong panghinaan ng loob. Kapag nanatili tayong tapat sa Panginoon, matiyaga sa pagmamahal, at patuloy na ipinagkakatiwala sa Kanya ang ating mga pamilya sa panalangin, ang pansamantalang mga hidwaan ay maaaring maging daan upang maghilom ang mga sugat, maghari ang pagpapatawad, at maibalik ang tunay na kapayapaan.

Paulit-ulit nang pinatunayan ni Jesus na walang pamilyang napakalayo upang hindi maabot ng Kanyang pag-ibig. Higit na makapangyarihan ang Kanyang biyaya kaysa sa ating mga sugat, at higit na dakila ang Kanyang awa kaysa sa ating pagkukulang at pagkasira.

Naitanong na ba natin sa ating sarili kung tunay na nating inimbitahan si Jesus na maging sentro ng ating buhay-pamilya? Ibinabahagi ba natin ang Kanyang Salita, sama-sama ba tayong nananalangin, at hinahayaan ba nating baguhin Niya ang ating mga puso at tahanan?

Marahil ay nag-aatubili tayo dahil natatakot tayong hindi tayo maunawaan o iniisip nating wala nang magbabago. Ngunit ngayon, marahang inaanyayahan tayo ni Jesus na magtiwala, sapagkat ang bawat himala ng kagalingan ay nagsisimula sa isang pusong handang sumunod sa Kanya.

Nawa'y hindi tayo mapagod sa pagdadala kay Hesus sa ating mga tahanan. Patuloy nating itanim ang Kanyang Salita, magtiyaga sa panalangin, at ipagkatiwala sa Kanya ang bawat miyembro ng ating pamilya. Kahit hindi pa natin nakikita ang bunga ng ating mga pagsisikap, makatitiyak tayong tahimik nang kumikilos ang Diyos sa mga paraang hindi pa natin nakikita.

Ngayon, handa ba nating hayaang si Jesus ang maghilom ng mga sugat sa ating pamilya sa pamamagitan ng ating katapatan, pagtitiyaga, at pagmamahal? O patuloy ba nating ipagpapaliban ang Kanyang paanyaya, samantalang ang ating pamilya ay naghihintay na maranasan ang kapayapaan at kagalingang Siya lamang ang makapagbibigay? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 12 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:1-9

Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. 

Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

+ + + +  + + +

Reflection:

Do we give time to listen to Jesus?

Whenever Jesus speaks, everyone listens because everything He says is filled with wisdom. Who would not want to listen to someone who imparts true wisdom? We all long to hear words that bring hope, truth, peace, and life. No one can speak to our hearts as Jesus does, for His words are not only wise—they have the power to transform our lives.

But how can we listen to Jesus in these smartphone- and social media-dominated times, when countless voices compete for our attention every day? First, we listen to Him by reading and reflecting on His life and teachings in the Bible. Many of us no longer make time to open God's Word, even for a few quiet moments.

Yet we often find time for many worldly pursuits that may entertain us for a while but rarely bring lasting peace. When we allow God's Word to dwell in our hearts, we discover that His voice gently guides us, strengthens us, and reminds us that we are never alone.

Second, we listen to Jesus through our prayerful and attentive participation at Holy Mass. Because of the many distractions we create for ourselves, it can be difficult to set aside time for this holy and sacred celebration.

Yet whenever we choose to place the Lord first, He never allows our sacrifices to go unnoticed. At every Mass, Jesus nourishes us with His Word and gives Himself to us in the Holy Eucharist, filling us with the grace, strength, and peace that only He can give.

Third, we listen to Jesus by spending time with Him in the Adoration Chapel. There, in the quietness of His presence, we do not need many words. We simply remain with Him, allowing Him to speak to the depths of our hearts.

If we can spend hours each day using our smartphones or scrolling through social media, can we not also set aside even a few moments to be with the Lord? The time we give to Jesus is never wasted. Every moment spent in His presence draws us closer to Him and transforms us little by little into the people He calls us to be.

If only we would make the Lord our highest priority, we would become like the seed that fell on rich soil and produced a harvest—some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. The more we listen to Jesus, the more our hearts are changed.

The more we remain with Him, the more we learn to love as He loves, forgive as He forgives, and serve as He serves. His voice quiets our fears, renews our hope, and leads us along the path that brings true joy and everlasting life.

Today, Jesus continues to speak. The question is not whether He is calling us, but whether we are willing to pause, listen, and respond. Amid the busyness and noise of our daily lives, will we choose His voice over the countless distractions that surround us? Will we make time for the One who gave everything for us, so that our hearts may be transformed and our lives may bear abundant fruit for His glory?

Do we truly give time to listen to the Lord?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Hulyo 12 Ika-15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:1-9

Noon ding araw na iyon, si Hesus ay lumabas ng bahay at naupo sa tabi ng lawa. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng makapal na tao, kaya sumakay siya sa isang bangka at doon naupo. Nasa dalampasigan naman ang mga tao. At nagturo siya ng maraming bagay sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga.  

“May isang magsasakang lumabas upang maghasik. Sa kanyang paghahasik ay may binhing nalaglag sa tabi ng daan. Dumating ang mga ibon at tinuka ang mga iyon. May binhi namang nalaglag sa kabatuhan. Sapagkat manipis lang ang lupa roon, sumibol agad ang binhing iyon, ngunit nang mapabilad sa matinding sikat ng araw ay natuyo, palibhasa’y walang gaanong ugat.  

May binhi namang nalaglag sa dawagan; lumago ang mga dawag at ininis ang mga iyon. Ngunit ang binhing nalaglag sa mabuting lupa ay nag-uhay: may tigsasandaan, may tig-aanimnapu, at may tigtatatlumpung butil ang bawat uhay. Ang may pandinig ay makinig!”
+ + + + + + +  

Repleksyon:

Naglalaan ba tayo ng panahon upang makinig kay Jesus?

Kapag nagsasalita si Jesus, ang lahat ay nakikinig sapagkat ang bawat salitang namumutawi sa Kanyang bibig ay puno ng karunungan. Sino ba naman ang hindi magnanais makinig sa isang nagbibigay ng tunay na karunungan? Lahat tayo ay naghahangad makarinig ng mga salitang nagbibigay ng pag-asa, katotohanan, kapayapaan, at buhay. 

Walang sinuman ang makapagsasalita sa ating puso tulad ni Jesus, sapagkat ang Kanyang mga salita ay hindi lamang puno ng karunungan—may kapangyarihan din itong baguhin ang ating buhay.

Ngunit paano nga ba tayo makikinig kay Jesus sa panahong ang ating pansin ay madaling maagaw ng mga smartphone at social media, kung saan napakaraming tinig ang araw-araw na nakikipag-agawan sa ating atensyon?

Una, nakikinig tayo sa Kanya sa pamamagitan ng pagbabasa at pagninilay sa Kanyang buhay at mga turo na matatagpuan sa Banal na Kasulatan o Biblia. Marami sa atin ang hindi na naglalaan ng kahit ilang sandali upang buksan at pagnilayan ang Salita ng Diyos. Pero, nagkakaroon tayo ng panahon para sa maraming makamundong gawain na maaaring magbigay ng panandaliang aliw, ngunit bihirang makapaghatid ng tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. 

Kapag hinahayaan nating manahan ang Salita ng Diyos sa ating puso, mararanasan nating banayad Niya tayong ginagabayan, pinalalakas, at pinapaalalahanang hindi tayo kailanman nag-iisa.

Ikalawa, nakikinig tayo kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng ating taimtim at buong pusong pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa. Dahil sa maraming distraksiyong tayo rin ang lumilikha, kung minsan ay nahihirapan tayong maglaan ng oras para sa banal at sagradong pagdiriwang na ito. Ngunit kapag pinili nating unahin ang Panginoon, hindi Niya kailanman hinahayaang mawalan ng kabuluhan ang ating munting sakripisyo. 

Sa bawat Banal na Misa, pinapakain tayo ni Jesus sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang Salita at ibinibigay Niya ang Kanyang sarili sa Banal na Eukaristiya, upang punuin tayo ng biyaya, lakas, at kapayapaang Siya lamang ang makapagkakaloob.

Ikatlo, nakikinig tayo kay Jesus sa pamamagitan ng pananatili sa Kanyang presensya sa Adoration Chapel. Doon, sa katahimikan ng Kanyang piling, hindi natin kailangang magsalita nang marami. Sapat nang manatili tayo sa Kanyang harapan at hayaang Siya ang mangusap sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. 

Kung nakagugugol tayo ng maraming oras sa paggamit ng ating mga smartphone o sa walang tigil na pag-scroll sa social media, hindi ba tayo makapaglalaan kahit ilang sandali upang makasama ang Panginoon? Ang bawat sandaling inilalaan natin kay Jesus ay hindi kailanman nasasayang. Sa halip, ang bawat sandaling kasama natin Siya ay lalo tayong inilalapit sa Kanya at unti-unti tayong binabago upang maging mga taong ayon sa Kanyang kalooban.

Kung gagawin lamang nating pinakamahalagang prayoridad ang Panginoon, matutulad tayo sa binhing nahulog sa matabang lupa na namunga nang sagana—ang iba'y sandaan, ang iba'y animnapu, at ang iba'y tatlumpung ulit. Habang lalo tayong nakikinig kay Jesus, lalo ring nababago ang ating puso. 

Habang lalo tayong nananatili sa Kanyang piling, lalo nating natututuhan ang magmahal tulad Niya, magpatawad tulad Niya, at maglingkod tulad Niya. Ang Kanyang tinig ang nagpapatahimik sa ating mga pangamba, nagbibigay ng panibagong pag-asa, at umaakay sa atin sa landas ng tunay na kagalakan at buhay na walang hanggan.

Hanggang sa ngayon ay patuloy pa ring nagsasalita si Jesus. Ang tanong ay hindi kung tinatawag ba Niya tayo, kundi kung handa ba tayong huminto, makinig, at tumugon sa Kanyang paanyaya. Sa gitna ng ingay, abala, at napakaraming bagay na umaagaw sa ating pansin, pipiliin ba nating pakinggan ang Kanyang tinig kaysa sa mga tinig ng sanlibutan? 

Maglalaan ba tayo ng panahon para sa Kanya na nagbigay ng Kanyang buong sarili alang-alang sa atin, upang mabago ang ating puso at mamunga ang ating buhay para sa Kanyang kaluwalhatian?

Tunay nga bang naglalaan tayo ng panahon upang makinig sa Panginoon? O baka naman mas marami tayong oras para sa mga bagay na panandalian lamang kaysa sa Kanya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Saturday July 11 Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot: Matthew 10:24-33

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33

(Jesus said to the twelve Apostles) “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household!  “Therefore do not be afraid of them.

Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 

Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

+ + + +  + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a dying man who rarely attended Holy Mass and was very much afraid to die. When his relatives told him that they would call a priest to administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, he asked them, “Am I going to die already?”

To make a long story short, the priest arrived and administered the sacrament. After the priest left, the dying man told his relatives, “Now I am prepared to die.” He went from being afraid of death to facing it with peace and courage because Jesus had strengthened him through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. In that sacred encounter, he discovered that the Lord does not merely prepare us for death—He prepares us for eternal life.

Are we not afraid to die? Many of us are. But why do we fear death? Perhaps it is because we have not yet fully encountered Jesus or allowed Him to become the center of our lives. When our hearts remain attached only to the things of this world, death can seem frightening because it appears to take everything away. But when we truly know and follow Jesus, we begin to see death not as the end, but as the doorway to everlasting life with Him.

When Jesus becomes the foundation of our lives, He fills us with the courage to face whatever trials may come. We are no longer afraid to look earthly death in the face because we know that our hope rests not in this passing world but in God's promise of eternal life. Christ has conquered sin and death, and those who belong to Him can face the future with confidence, trusting that He will never abandon us.

Each day is an invitation for us to draw closer to Jesus, to receive His grace through the sacraments, and to live in faithful obedience to His will. As we walk with Him day by day, He gradually replaces our fear with His peace, our uncertainty with hope, and our weakness with His strength.

If the Lord were to call us today, could we honestly say, “Now we are prepared”? Are we living each day in such a way that we are ready to meet Jesus with joyful hearts, confident that our lives have been rooted in His love and faithfully lived for His glory?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Hulyo 11 Paggunita kay San Benito, abad: Mateo 10:24-33

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:24-33

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Walang alagad na higit kaysa kanyang guro, at walang aliping higit sa kanyang panginoon. Masiyahan ang alagad na matulad sa kanyang guro, at ang alipin na matulad sa kanyang panginoon. Kung ang puno ng sambahayan ay tinawag nilang Beelzebul, lalo na nilang aalimurahin ang kanyang mga kasambahay!" 

"Kaya huwag kayong matakot sa kanila. Walang natatago na di malalantad, o nalilihim na di mabubunyag. Ang sinasabi ko sa inyo sa dilim, ulitin ninyo sa liwanag; at ang ibinulong sa inyo ay inyong ipagsigawan. Huwag ninyong katakutan ang pumapatay ng katawan ngunit hindi nakapapatay ng kaluluwa. 

Sa halip, ang katakutan ninyo'y ang nakapapatay ng kaluluwa at katawan sa impyerno. Hindi ba ipinagbibili ang maya nang dalawa isang pera? Gayunman, Kahit isa sa kanila'y hindi nahuhulog sa lupa kung hindi kalooban ng inyong Ama. Maging ang buhok ninyo'y bilang na lahat. Kaya, huwag kayong matakot; higit kayong mahalaga kaysa libu-libong maya." 

"Ang sinumang kumilala sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay kikilalanin ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit. Ngunit ang magtatwa sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay itatatwa ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit."

+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking naghihingalo na bihirang dumalo sa Banal na Misa at labis na natatakot sa kamatayan. Nang sabihin sa kanya ng kanyang mga kamag-anak na tatawag sila ng pari upang tanggapin niya ang Sakramento ng Pagpapahid ng Langis sa mga Maysakit, agad siyang nagtanong, “Mamamatay na ba ako?”

Sa madaling sabi, dumating ang pari at ipinagkaloob sa kanya ang sakramento. Pagkaalis ng pari, sinabi niya sa kanyang mga kamag-anak, “Handa na akong mamatay.” Ang dating takot sa kamatayan ay napalitan ng kapayapaan at katatagan, sapagkat pinalakas siya ni Hesus sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Pagpapahid ng Langis sa mga Maysakit.

Sa banal na sandaling iyon, natuklasan niya na ang Panginoon ay hindi lamang naghahanda sa atin para sa kamatayan, kundi lalo't higit ay inihahanda Niya tayo para sa buhay na walang hanggan.

Hindi ba't tayong lahat ay natatakot ding mamatay? Marami sa atin ang umamin na mayroon tayong ganitong takot. Ngunit bakit nga ba tayo natatakot? Marahil ay dahil hindi pa natin lubos na nakikilala si Hesus o hindi pa natin Siya tunay na hinahayaang maging sentro ng ating buhay.

Kapag ang ating puso ay labis na nakakapit sa mga bagay ng mundong ito, ang kamatayan ay tila isang nakakatakot na wakas. Ngunit kapag tunay nating nakilala, minahal, at sinunod si Hesus, unti-unti nating mauunawaan na ang kamatayan ay hindi katapusan, kundi daan patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan kasama Niya.

Kapag si Hesus ang naging matibay na pundasyon ng ating buhay, binibigyan Niya tayo ng lakas ng loob upang harapin ang anumang pagsubok na dumating. Hindi na tayo natatakot na harapin ang kamatayan, sapagkat alam nating ang ating pag-asa ay hindi nakasalalay sa mundong lumilipas, kundi sa pangako ng Diyos na buhay na walang hanggan.

Dinaig na ni Kristo ang kasalanan at kamatayan, kaya't ang mga nananatili sa Kanya ay maaaring mamuhay nang may kapayapaan, pag-asa, at matatag na pananampalataya.

Bawat araw ay paanyaya ng Panginoon para lalo tayong lumapit sa Kanya, tumanggap ng Kanyang biyaya sa pamamagitan ng mga sakramento, at mamuhay ayon sa Kanyang banal na kalooban. Habang araw-araw tayong lumalakad kasama Niya, unti-unti Niyang pinapalitan ang ating takot ng Kanyang kapayapaan, ang ating pangamba ng Kanyang pag-asa, at ang ating kahinaan ng Kanyang lakas.

Kung tatawagin tayo ng Panginoon sa araw na ito, masasabi rin kaya natin nang buong puso, “Handa na po ako”? Nabubuhay ba tayo sa paraang handa tayong humarap kay Hesus anumang oras, na may pusong puspos ng pananampalataya, pag-asa, at pag-ibig? O may mga bagay pa bang kailangan nating isuko at ipagkatiwala sa Kanya upang matagpuan natin ang tunay na kapayapaan at maging handa sa buhay na walang hanggan?– Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 10 Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:16-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

(Jesus said to the twelve Apostles) “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.”

+ + + +  + + +

Reflection:

How far are we willing to go because of our love for Jesus?

Would we be willing to lay down our lives so that His teachings may continue to live on and take root in the hearts of others?

Today, perhaps more than ever, Jesus calls us to be His faithful disciples because we see our world gradually being enveloped by the culture of secularization. Little by little, many people are drifting away from God, and His truth is often set aside in favor of worldly values. In the face of this growing reality, how will we respond? Will we simply stand by, remain indifferent, and allow the mission of Jesus to fade from our homes, our communities, and our hearts?

If we refuse to act because we fear sacrifice, rejection, or persecution, what will become of our world? It will slowly be shaped by people who no longer know, love, or worship God. As disciples of Christ, we cannot remain silent when so many are longing—perhaps unknowingly—for the hope, truth, and salvation that only Jesus can give.

We only need to look around us. Practices such as abortion have become widespread and legal in many countries, and divorce has likewise become increasingly accepted. These realities remind us that many hearts are drifting farther from God's plan. One reason is that many have become reluctant to offer themselves wholeheartedly in the service of Jesus. We can easily fall into the trap of thinking, "As long as my family and I are doing well, that is enough." Yet the Gospel calls us to look beyond ourselves and to become instruments of God's love for others.

Our indifference to the mission of Jesus contributes, little by little, to the erosion of the moral and spiritual values of society. Therefore, we must awaken from our complacency and faithfully do our part—no matter how small—to proclaim the Gospel through our words, our actions, and the witness of our lives. We no longer do this only for ourselves but also for future generations, especially for our children and those who will come after us.

Just imagine a generation growing up with only a faint understanding of who Jesus is. What kind of world will they inherit if they are never guided to know His love, trust His mercy, and follow His teachings? Our witness today may become the faith that inspires tomorrow's generation to walk with Christ.

May we never allow fear, comfort, or indifference to keep us from answering the Lord's call. Instead, may we courageously embrace whatever sacrifices are necessary so that others may encounter Jesus through us. Every prayer we offer, every act of love we perform, every truth we courageously proclaim, and every sacrifice we willingly embrace can become a seed that God uses to transform a heart and renew the world.

Today, Jesus is asking each of us: Will we choose the comfort of silence, or will we courageously become His witnesses so that future generations may come to know, love, and follow Him?— Marino J. Dasmarinas