1Reflection for Sunday January 6, Epiphany of the Lord: Matthew 2:1-12

Matthew 2:1-12

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

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Reflection:

A young man was thinking of something that he can give Jesus this 2019. So, he was asking himself: What can I give Jesus this year being the year of the youth? Then, he immediately answered his questioning by saying; “ I will give Jesus my time, energy and whatever talent that I have.”

The Magi from the East had their gifts for the baby Jesus and these were not ordinary gifts for they consist of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Gold foretells Jesus kingship, Frankincense predicts that the child Jesus is to be worshipped. And Myrrh which was used for anointing the dead predicts His death on the cross.     

What is the best gift that you could give Jesus this year? Is it your time and strength for the furtherance of the gospel? Is it your treasure and knowledge? Whatever it is give Jesus nothing less but your very best. Do not mind what it will cost you; You have to give Jesus what He truly deserves for He is your Lord and Savior.

  

Sometimes it is very hard to give especially if we will not immediately receive something in return. It’s very hard for many of us to give to Jesus because Jesus does not physically reciprocate our generosity. However, where can we find Jesus in this era of facebook, twitter and Instagram? Can we find Jesus in those social media platforms? No, we cannot find Jesus there.

  

Jesus is with the poor that you happen to pass by every day, Jesus is with the hungry and homeless that you always see. Jesus is with anyone who badly needs your help. Have you felt that feeling that you wished you could give them something but you did not?

Don’t hold back once you see or pass by them again. Give them that something no matter how small or how insignificant it may seem to you.  For that something means the world to them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for January 5, Saturday before Epiphany; John 1:43-51

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth." But Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him." Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." Jesus answered and said to him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this." And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

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Reflection:

Jesus said to Philip: Follow me, such powerful words coming from Jesus. Thus, Philip could do nothing except to humbly follow the Messiah. This is the reason why Philip became one of the twelve apostles, he was called by Jesus.  

What if Jesus would call you to follow Him, would you respond to His call?

Follow where? Follow Him in His humility, follow Him in His perseverance, follow Him in His being a man for others. Follow Him in His gentleness and follow Him in His humble obedience to the will of God.

These powerful words of Jesus echoes until this very moment and it is not anymore addressed to Philip but to us! He gently tells us to follow Him; many have said yes and followed Jesus already.

Many have forsaken their material riches, high society status and power for the sake of Jesus. Why? Because at last they found the one that will finally cure their emptiness and brokenness. Emptiness and brokenness which they thought could be filled-up by their riches and power but it never did.

Many of us are still chasing after riches, earthly things and power at what cost and for what? When we are at our deathbeds riches and power will not anymore matter what will matter is the relationship that we have with Jesus. 

Even now the riches and power that we are chasing will never complete us it will even exacerbate our emptiness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 4, Friday; Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious; John 1:35-42

Gospel: John 1:35-42

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come, and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, "We have found the Messiah," which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas," which is translated Peter.

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Reflection:

Do you respond to Jesus when He calls? The call of Jesus comes in so many ways. He would indirectly call you using a friend or a written commentary.  

We have to respond when Jesus calls us, we must not ignore His call. What is the centerpiece of Jesus call? It’s always to walk away from sinfulness. Therefore, when God calls us it’s an offer to take away our problems, problems that we create for ourselves brought about by our sinfulness.    

Let us respond to this call of Jesus and we will see that little by little there would be less sin related problems in our life. Problems that we create for ourselves because we refuse to hear the call of Jesus.   

What else would happen when we respond to Jesus call? We will know more about Jesus and His life. There would be strengthening of our faith and we will have a sturdy wall to lean on whenever we pass through the many challenges of life.

In our gospel when Andrew and his companion heard John said: “Behold the Lamb of God.” The phrase uttered by John struck a chord in them that they decided to follow Jesus. As they were following they asked Him: Where are you staying?” And Jesus gave them a very meaningful response by saying: “Come and you will see.” (John 1:39)

This is also what Jesus is telling us, come because you will discover more of me. Come because I am here to help you carry whatever burdens that you have. Come for I will walk with you from now on. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for January 3, Thursday before Epiphany; John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel. John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to give your life so that others may live? Jesus did that for you, He gave His very life on the cross so that you may live and have life. What have you given Jesus in return? Have you thought of silently helping the poor and unwanted which Jesus always represent?

We often have this me and myself mentality; me first, myself first before the wellbeing of others. But Jesus did not think of Himself first, it was you first and never Himself otherwise He would not have freely given His life on the cross. 

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world as John the Baptist referred Him to be in our gospel. Let us not simply forget this ultimate sacrifice of Jesus by doing nothing, by not helping the poor and unwanted. We have to do something good for them no matter how small or insignificant for this is our responsibility.

Just imagine the good that you will be doing if you would help the poor and unwanted. What you do to the poor and unwanted you do to Jesus. You help the poor you help Jesus, you give water and food to the poor and unwanted you help Jesus. Never worry for whatever help that you silently give to the poor Jesus will give back to you in manifold ways.

Have you silently given help to the poor? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for January 2, Wednesday; Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

Would you want to follow the way of John?

If only we are all like John, we could have avoided so many troubles in this world. But we are not because we are not as humble as John. And we are not like John because many of us are not also ready to die for the sake of upholding what is moral and right.

John is a paradox for many of us because he was at the threshold of attaining instant fame. But he refused it, he instead choose to remain humble and not fool around with fleeting fame. Around that time John had all the opportunities to put himself above everyone else but he did not.

John chose the way of humility. Such is John, humble to the core of his bones and loyal to Jesus and His teachings. The way of John is the way of humility, the way of John is to shun fame and adulation for the sake of Jesus’ teachings.

Many of us love to be in the limelight, we hunger for attention and adulation. We love it when we are praised to high heavens. Our ears even flap in acknowledgment of the honor that is not ours. Let us be like John at all times always humble, always self-effacing and always pointing to Jesus as the one sent by God.– Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for January 1, Tuesday; Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God: Luke 2:16-21

Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them. When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

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Reflection:
Do you always respect and honor your mother?

On this first day of the year the church honor’s Mary as the Holy Mother of God. Perhaps this is so because the church wants to remind us of the important role of Mary in salvation history. In our gospel, the Blessed Mother quietly kept everything that was told them by the shepherd. No complaint whatsoever, she humbly submitted herself to the will of God for her.

Mary quietly fulfilled her role as the Holy Mother of Jesus. She did not complain, she simply submitted herself to God’s will. She taught Jesus everything that He needs to know about life. And she also stayed with Jesus until the very end of His life. In return, Jesus greatly recognized her humble submission to the will of God by asking John the apostle to take care of His mother ( John 19:27).

All of us have our own mothers and we are all aware of the great sacrifices that they did for us. Like the Blessed Mother, they never complained they instead quietly assumed their motherly roles. But how are we treating them right now that they are in twilight of their years? Are we giving them the best comfort and care that they could ever have?

Let us give our mothers the best that we could ever give them. Let us express to them our love and gratitude for all of the things that they’ve done for us. And if there will come a time that they commit mistakes caused by their advancing age let us remain patient and gentle with them.

     

How are you taking care of your mother? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 31, Monday; Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 

He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son, full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

What is the best New Year’s resolution that you could ever do? The best resolution is for you to be like John who humbly prepared the way for Jesus. John brought people to Jesus, John never told the people of his time to stay with him. He pointed to Jesus as the one that they must follow and not himself. Are you capable of doing this?

Are you up to the task of guiding others to Jesus and do you have the motivation to gently speak about Jesus to your fellowmen? By simply living the life of Jesus  you can already point others to Jesus.

Some of us may say that to share Jesus is not my job it’s for the exclusive domain of the people of the church. But no, by virtue of your baptism you have already been empowered to share whatever you could share about Jesus and your Catholic faith. But have you shared Jesus and your Catholic faith?

This New Year make it your resolution to share and live Jesus. Be not afraid to share Him for He will be with you and the Holy Spirit who makes everything possible will be with you also.

Therefore, be like John who shared Jesus and who pointed to Jesus as the Anointed one. Use facebook, instagram, twitter and many other social media platforms. To advance the teaching of the greatest teacher who ever walked this earth. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for Sunday December 30, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph: Luke 2:41-52

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

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Reflection:

A child was adopted by a childless couple. As he grew, he was treated as their very own child. They taught him about the faith, they disciplined him and they regularly brought him to church for Mass. When he was fourteen years old, his biological parents went to his adopted parents to get him back. The couple who adopted him asked him if he was willing to go back to his biological family but the child chose to stay with his adopted family.

What made the child chose his adopted family over his biological parents? It was the parental love and discipline that he felt. It was the strong foundation about the faith that they had given him. These important family values were also provided by Mary and Joseph to the twelve-year-old Jesus.

The Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph implanted upon the young mind of Jesus the importance love, discipline and church worship. That is why they frequently brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem for the yearly feast of Passover. They both wanted the young Jesus to become a God-centered man and not a man centered on the world.

With the modernity of our times. Many parents are forgetting the very important fact that they must implant in the hearts of their children the basics of their faith. Many parents are forgetting to bring their children to church for worship in favor of the many material things of this world. What kind of children are we raising if we neglect our parental duty to teach them about our faith and if we neglect to bring them to church for worship?

Thus, we raise children that do not know how to respect their parents. We raise children that treats sex without any sacredness. These scenarios are for real and are happening now. For the simple reason that there are parents who neglect their basic duty to introduce their children to God.

The feast of the Holy Family is a wake up call for all of us. It tells us that we must prioritize God over anything else in this world. It tells us that we must worship God at church as a family. And it tells us that we must teach our children about our faith. Because we are supposed to be the very first catechist or faith formators of our children.

Before children go to church for Holy Mass. It is already assumed that they have already been taught about the fundamentals of our faith in the domestic church which is none other than inside our own home.   

Let us therefore emulate the Holy family life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Let us follow the unconditional love of Mary and Joseph and let us emulate them on how they properly took care of the young Jesus.  How they brought the child Jesus to the temple to worship God.

Do you raise your child as Jesus was raised by Joseph and Mary? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 29, Saturday; Fifth day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord: Luke 2:22-35

Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

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

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.  This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you prepared in the sight of every people, a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.”

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

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Reflection:

Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Surely the Holy Spirit was with Simeon because he knew beforehand the destiny of Jesus. Not everyone is given the kind of wisdom that Simeon has. Let us take a look how the gospel reading described Simeon: “This man was righteous and devote (Luke 2:25).” We know now the hidden secret on how to have the grace of the Holy Spirit: We have to be righteous and devout.

Righteousness in terms of what? Righteousness in terms of how you live, you have to be morally upright at all times. You don’t have to do wrong or compromise with whatever is wrong.  This is hard to do initially but as you live and practice righteousness you would notice that it will become part of your system already. Thus, you will now slowly but surely detest whatever form of sin and evil.

You also have to be devout in the observance of your faith. When it’s time for Holy Mass you have to leave everything behind for your presence at Mass. Same as when it’s time for your private moment with God through personal and structured prayers. Your devoutness to your faith will always bring you closer to Jesus.

The Holy Spirit will not be upon you if you continue to sin and do things that are contrary to the will of God. Aspire to be righteous and devout and see the positive transformation that it will create in your life and in the life of those around you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for December 28, Friday; Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs: Matthew 2:13-18

Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.

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Reflection:

What fuels extreme anger? It’s arrogance of power, it’s the mindset of ego and superiority. But the trouble with extreme anger is it makes us capable of doing extreme and dangerous acts too.

For example, in a quarrel between husband and wife. When the quarrel reaches its highest point both spouses could say and do things that they would regret after a few days or even hours. But the damage is done already and there are times that the damage done would be irreversible no matter the regret and remorse.

So, what should we do to avoid being sucked into this troublesome situation? Avoid the mindset of superiority and arrogance. Even if we have all the power and authority in this world let us not allow ourselves to be possessed by that power otherwise it will eventually destroy us.

Be humble instead, be considerate and be gentle. Be calm and collected under pressure of anger for this is how you could best live the teachings of Jesus.

When King Herod ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity within the age of two years and below (Matthew 2:16). His order was certainly fueled by his arrogance, ego, abuse of power and the mindset of superiority.

Did Herod suffer for his despicable act? He did certainly, he suffered in silence and he had no peace of mind for the rest of his life. This could happen to us also when we are arrogant and when we allow blind and extreme anger to rule over us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for December 27, Thursday; Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist: John 20:1a, 2-8

Gospel: John 20:1a, 2-8

On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him. So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

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Reflection:

What does the empty tomb of Jesus signify? It signifies that Jesus has risen after dying on the cross at Calvary. Simon Peter perhaps did not immediately believe in the resurrection of Jesus. Unlike the other disciples (John) who immediately believed after seeing the empty tomb and the burial cloths.

In this gospel episode it may seem that Peter and John are followers with contrasting intensity of faith. John with his rock-solid faith and Peter who seem to be reluctant to immediately believe.

But was Peter’s faith in the resurrection of Jesus really inadequate during that moment? Perhaps no, perhaps Peter chose to keep in his heart his faith in Jesus. In the silence of his heart Peter perhaps was also an instantaneous believer of the resurrection of Jesus.

Faith is a gift, like Peter many of us carry it in our hearts silently. We may not immediately notice this in our fellowmen but it’s within them deeply rooted courtesy of Jesus.

Let us therefore pray to Jesus that He also give us this gift of faith. Let us also not forget to pray for our loved ones and friends so that they too may receive the same gift of faith. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

1Reflection for December 26, Wednesday; Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr: Matthew 10:17-22

Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: “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.”

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Reflection:

During Christmas season we savor the many good things about life. Such as food, gifts and other beautiful things that would satisfy us. However, there will come a time that we will be called to live our faith to the fullest. This simply means that we’ll have to witness for our love and faith for Jesus. This witness for Jesus may require us to pass through hard times or it may even require us to even give our very own life.

Saint Stephen the first martyr of the church whose martyrdom we remember today. Is one of those who witnessed for Jesus until the very end of his life. He advanced the faith and did great things in the name of Jesus. But he was eventually savagely killed for witnessing for Jesus.

Until now we are still called to witness for our faith in Jesus. We are called to use the internet so that Jesus will become more relevant. More relevant in the hearts and minds of the modern people of today most especially the young ones for they are the future of the church.

Have you already witnessed for Jesus? Have you already been persecuted for your love for Jesus? Do not be disheartened if you have been through or currently going thru these tests of faith for these are part and parcel of your witness and discipleship for Jesus. Make Jesus more relevant today as what Saint Stephen did during his time. Do not be afraid of the severe consequences that may befall us.

Because you have nothing to fear if Jesus is with you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 25, Tuesday; Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Day: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

What kind of mindset do you have this Christmas?

During Christmas there are two primary mindsets that envelopes our mind: The mindset of receiving and the mindset of giving or making a positive difference in the lives of others. The mindset of receiving creates a feeling of expectation and excitement.

However, the mindset of giving creates a burning desire within us which is fueled by Jesus Himself. We give something that comes from our heart we give something that would be very useful and meaningful to the receiver. We don’t only give for the sake of giving.  

Today God gave us His Son Jesus the word that became flesh that dwelt amongst us. The light that shines in the darkness, the light that gives life, enlightenment and direction.

The true essence of Christmas is the mindset of giving; it doesn’t matter if we don’t receive anything for so long as we give. This is what God wants us to do; to learn how to give as He had given us His only begotten son so we must give. 

What a big difference would it make to a poor family this Christmas if we will give them something to eat (not from our excess). What a huge difference will it make if we will give them something to wear (not from our surplus).

In the process of our giving we silently bring to them as well the greatest gift that they will receive and that is Jesus. What kind of mindset do you have this Christmas?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for December 25, Tuesday; Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Midnight: Luke 2:1-14

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

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Reflection:

How do you celebrate your Christmas?

The gospel intimates to us the very simple birth of Jesus, bereft of any sign of affluence. This must also be our guide when we celebrate our Christmas; let us make it as simple as possible. Let us also see to it that we make others happy most especially the poor by sharing what we have with them. If we do this, they would see the person of Christ in us; the true meaning of Christmas will become a living reality for them through us.  

Let us also see to it that we attend Holy Mass for this is the best way to usher the birth of Jesus. The true reason for the season which is the birth of our savior is often times overcrowded by our many Christmas undertakings/celebrations. Thus, our celebration becomes the center of our Christmas; Jesus is set aside in favor of these many celebrations.

Our Responsorial Psalm which says: Today is born our savior Christ the Lord. Typifies that we must put more premium first on the birth of Jesus and not on our many celebrations. In our first reading the prophet Isaiah signified the importance of Jesus’ birth by saying that those who walked in darkness have seen a great light and those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 9:1).

How can we see the true light of Jesus that will brighten our life if we put first our celebrations in lieu of our presence in the Holy Mass? How can we discover the true essence of Christ simple birth if we will not share what we have with the poor? Which Jesus always love to be identified with. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 24, Monday; Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:67-79

Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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Reflection:

When do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? It’s when you make prayer part of your daily life. It’s when you have regular time reading your bible. It’s when you always make yourself available for Holy Mass.  

Many of us do not pray often every day because we think that it takes time to pray, no it doesn’t take time to pray. We can even pray even for a few seconds because the efficacy of our prayer is not measured by its length it’s measured by our focus and intensity.  

Many of us don’t have anymore time to read the bible not knowing that the secret to a successful and worthy life in this world is in the bible. Many of us don’t attend Holy Mass regularly not knowing that Jesus is always present during Holy Mass.

In our gospel we have Zechariah the father of John. He is not only a priest he is also a holy man and as such he is a prayerful man; he prays with focus and passion. Because of his prayerful life it was already automatic for Zechariah to be filled with God the Holy Spirit.

The canticle of Zechariah was not only his own making it was also largely influenced by God the Holy Spirit whom he was always in touch with thru his prayerful life. It was the Holy Spirit who empowered Zechariah to compose his canticle or song of praise for God.

Try to have an effective and passion filled prayer life. Try to have a regular time for reading of the bible and be always present during Holy Mass. Then, you would surely feel the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. - Marino J. Dasmarinas