Reflection for Sunday November 1, Solemnity of All Saints: Matthew 5:1-12a

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

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

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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Reflection:

What is the secret to have a full and meaningful life in this world? Is it to accumulate wealth and power? Is it to have a beautiful face and body? None of these actually. The secret is to be blessed by God or to have the blessing of God. 

But how are we going to attract the blessing of God? It’s by living a simple and humble life. A person who is preoccupied with chasing the offerings of this world and a person who is so full of himself will never be blessed and will never find true happiness which only God can give. 

By possessing wealth and power the worldly person will be deluded to believe that he/she is already blessed. But in the long run he/she will eventually realize how much emptiness wealth and power has brought into his/her life. 

Who is the ultimate giver of real blessing and happiness? It’s Jesus, He who always leads us to know God deeply. He who always lead us to have an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. And He who initially opens the doorway of faith for us. 

The eight beatitudes that Jesus gave to His disciples and to us also is a contradiction for those who are so enamored by this world.  But truth be told beneath the eight beatitudes lies true blessedness and happiness. 

This we could easily discover and feel if we are humble and simple for the reason that God always shower His infinite blessings to those who are simple and humble. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Reflection for October 31, Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1, 7-11

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. 

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. 

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

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Reflection:

What can humility do to your life? Among many other things humility can give you peace and contentment. With humility you can also have many friends and you would get their silent admiration. 

Many of us are afraid to imbibe and live humility because we are afraid that we would be dominated. But humility doesn’t work that way, humility is to think less of ourselves and not think of ourselves as somebody who is superior than anyone else. 

For example if the situation calls for us to say yes and follow lawful orders by all means we have to say yes and follow. Thus, we have to do the task that is given to us with utmost competence.  We give it our all until we are able to achieve what is expected of us and then we simply fade away from the limelight.   There is always a reward that accompanies humility and that is honor and exaltation not from our fellow human beings but from God.  

In the gospel Jesus tells us about the parable of the wedding banquet. The Lord tells us that when we get invited we have to seat first at the lowest place no matter who we are and let the host have a free hand to bring us to the place which we deserve.   

Why is the Lord very particular about humility? The reason behind is it’s only through our humility that the Lord could pour out His unfathomable blessings upon us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for October 30, Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1-6

Gospel: Luke 14:1-6

On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully. In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking, “Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?” 

But they kept silent; so he took the man and, after he had healed him, dismissed him. Then he said to them “Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” But they were unable to answer his question.

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Reflection:

What is the purpose of the Sabbath law? It’s to bring honor to God by resting and doing nothing for the world on that day. What if there’s somebody who is need of help on that same day? Should they (Jews) ignore the person for the reason that it was a day of rest? 

In our gospel Jesus asked this question to the scholars of the law and the Pharisees: “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath or not (Luke 14:3)?” Not hearing any reply from them Jesus simply healed the man sick with dropsy. By doing so Jesus sent a clear message to the scholars of the law and the Pharisees that to bring healing or help to someone is nobler than the observance of the law. In other words the immediate need of somebody takes precedence over the observance of the Sabbath law. 

How could we relate this with our own exercise of our faith life? In like manner say for example, if we have an obligation to our faith such as scheduled prayer meeting. Scheduled time for our prayers or our presence at Sunday Mass which is a day of obligation for us Catholics. 

All of these exercise of worship for God must take a backseat over our acts of mercy. For example if we are in the process of fulfilling our obligation to our faith. And it so happen that there is a person who is in need of our immediate help. Our exercise of mercy must take precedence over our obligation to our faith. 

Why is Pope Francis so admired, revered and respected? Is this because he is always shown presiding at Holy Mass, shown praying the Holy Rosary and shown wearing the most expensive priestly vestment? 

No, it’s because of the Pope’s spontaneous acts of mercy, love and humility. Such as his non judgmental words, his action of embracing a disfigured man and countless more acts of compassion, mercy and love. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Oktubre 30, Biyernes; sa Ika-30 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 14:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:1-6

1 Isang Araw ng Pahinga, pumasok si Jesus sa bahay ng isang pinuno ng mga Pariseo para ku­main, at minamanmanan naman nila siya. 2 Nasa harap niya roon ang isang taong mina­manas 3 kaya nag­tanong si Jesus sa mga guro ng Batas at mga Pariseo: “Puwede bang magpagaling sa Araw ng Pahinga o hindi?” 4 Hindi sila umi­mik kaya hinawakan ni Jesus ang maysakit, pinaga­ling ito at saka pi­na­uwi. 

5  Pagkatapos ay sinabi niya sa kanila: “Kung mahulog sa balon ang anak o ang baka ng isa sa inyo, di ba’t agad niya itong iniaahon kahit na Araw ng Pahi­nga?” 6 At hindi nila siya nasa­got.

Reflection for October 29, Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:31-35

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’ 

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

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Reflection:

Do you have the courage to face anyone who tries to bully you or even threaten your life? 

Jesus life was being threatened by King Herod the very same King Herod who ordered the beheading of John the Baptist. But instead of scampering to look for a safe hiding place Jesus told the Pharisees: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose (Luke 13:32-33).  

Jesus was so focused on His mission that He did not allow even a threat to His life to deter Him. Such is Jesus, always true to His mission and always courageous even at the cost of His life.  

As we move forward with our life we too will face our own set of obstacles and challenges. And because of Covid-19 many of us might crumble for the reason of the overwhelming odds. But if we have faith and what we are doing is for God and for the good of His people.  We must continue with fervor and not lose heart. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for October 28, Wednesday Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles (Feast): Luke 6:12-16

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: 

Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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Reflection:

Among the many to be called, why did Jesus chose these twelve ordinary men to be His apostles? We never know the reason considering that before a man becomes a Priest or Deacon he needs to study for years. Same as when a woman desires to become a nun she also has to go through a formation process that takes years to complete. 

So why did Jesus called these very ordinary men to become apostles? The reason perhaps that Jesus wants to convey is this: We need not become a priest or a nun to become His followers. Anyone of us by virtue of our baptism could become a follower even if we have no education and even if we are not educated about our faith. 

Some if not many of us may have this mistaken notion that the sole responsibility of spreading the faith lies in the hands of the priest. No, for we are all called by Jesus to become his followers and to spread the faith. The less educated we are the more that He calls us to follow Him this is for the reason that Jesus does not call the qualified He qualifies the called.    

Therefore each and everyone of us has this special mission given to us by Jesus. Jesus wants us to become His missioners so that our faith could grow much further. So that through us Jesus could save and inspire more lives. 

Do you find time to share Jesus through your words, actions and through social media? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

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

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

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Reflection:

Do you embrace the great virtue of Humility?

Humility is a virtue that is disregarded by many of us. Why? Because humility for many of us is a display of our meekness, simplicity and littleness. On the other hand many love arrogance, bravado and egotism for this shows power and might. But come to think of it, many great personalities are revered for their humility.

Think for example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Pope Francis, Nelson Mandela and of course Jesus, to name a few. From their humility sprouted greatness and reverence by millions of people. Their words are carefully listened and serve as a reservoir of wisdom.

On the other side of the fence are arrogance, bravado and egotism. Many dictators and dictatorial presidents became paper tigers by instilling fear in the hearts of their people. They imposed dictatorial rule to manipulate and oppress. And there is no doubt that this is brought about by their arrogance, bravado and egotism. But where are they now? Are they revered? Are they remembered with fondness, respect and love? No! They are forgotten, despised and confined in the dustbin of history.

Jesus mentions in the gospel the kingdom of God as a little mustard seed that eventually became big whereby birds took comfort in its shade. He also compared the kingdom of God to a little yeast that was mixed with three measures of wheat flour. After it was cooked it grew big and many ate from it.

Plant in your heart the seemingly insignificant virtue of Humility. Don’t bother if you will be belittled and be perceived as nobody. In God’s own perfect time you will be admired, revered and your wisdom will be sought by many. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Gospel: Luke 13:10-17

Jesus was teaching in a synagogue on the sabbath. And a woman was there who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over, completely incapable of standing erect. When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free of your infirmity.” 

He laid his hands on her, and she at once stood up straight and glorified God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” 

The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering? This daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years now, ought she not to have been set free on the sabbath day from this bondage?” When he said this, all his adversaries were humiliated; and the whole crowd rejoiced at all the splendid deeds done by him.

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus would heal you of anything that you’re feeling right now? Have faith and believe for indeed you will be healed by Jesus. 

Jesus compassion for us is unfathomable; His desire to heal us of our sickness (whatever it may be) is beyond question. But He also requires something from us and that is faith. If we have faith Jesus healing hands will touch and heal us. 

The woman in the gospel who has been crippled by an evil spirit has faith. This is the reason why Jesus cured her even if it was Sabbath day, a day of rest for the Jewish people. Faith is the most important requirement for us to receive healing from Jesus. Without faith there would be no healing from Jesus. 

Are you in need of healing from the Lord right now? Pray and ask the greatest healer who ever walked this earth to heal you. For nothing is impossible for Jesus, He always makes a way for us when there seems to be no way. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Oktubre 26, Lunes; sa Ika-30 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 13:10-17

 

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:10-17

10 Nagtuturo si Jesus sa isang sinagoga sa Araw ng Pa­hinga, 11 at may isang babae roon. Labingwalong taon na siyang may espiritung nagbibigay-sakit; nagkaka­kandakuba na siya at di makatingala. 12 Pag­ka­kita sa kanya ni Jesus, tinawag siya nito at sinabi: “Ba­bae, lumaya ka sa iyong sakit.” 13 Ipinatong nito sa kanya ang mga kamay at agad na nakatayo nang tuwid ang babae at nagpuri sa Diyos. 

14 Nagalit ang pangulo ng sinagoga dahil nagpagaling si Jesus sa Araw ng Pahinga kaya sinabi niya sa mga tao: “May anim na araw para magtrabaho kaya sa mga araw na iyon kayo puma­rito para mapagaling, hindi sa Araw ng Pa­hinga!” 

15 Sinagot siya ng Panginoon: “Mga mapag­kunwari, hindi ba kinakalagan ng bawat isa sa inyo ang kanyang baka o asno mula sa sabsaban nito sa Araw ng Pahinga at inilalabas para painumin? 16 At isang babae naman ang narito na anak ni Abraham na labingwalong taon nang iginapos ni Satanas. Di ba siya dapat kalagan sa Araw ng Pahinga?” 

17 Napahiya ang lahat niyang kalaban pag­karinig sa kanya pero nagalak naman ang mga tao sa lahat ng kahanga-hangang gina­gawa ni Jesus.

1Reflection for Sunday October 25, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:34-40

Gospel: Matthew 22:34-40

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

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

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Reflection:

Can we measure the length and breadth of true love? 

The length and breadth of true love is something that we cannot measure no matter how meticulously we try to measure it. We will be willing to give everything for the sake of this true love and this is what our love for God must be. 

If we love God we would be willing to do everything for Him including giving our life for the advancement of His kingdom here in this world. If we love God we would be willing to forgive those who have hurt us no matter how deep the wound it inflicted upon us. And if we truly love God we would be willing to give up whatever form of sinfulness that we have no matter the gratification that we derive from it.  

The martyrs and saints of the church best exemplify this greatest commandment of love. They lived it to the hilt that they willingly gave their very lives for the sake of their great love for God. 

We often times say that we love God but when we are confronted with difficult situations such as giving up something very important out of ourselves. We capitulate thus we betray our self- serving profession of love for God. Same with when we are challenged to forgive those who’ve hurt us. 

True love for God is the willingness to give our time, our treasures and even our life for the advancement of God’s kingdom. True love for our neighbor/s is our readiness to forgive somebody even if she/he does not ask for our forgiveness. And true love for God is our willingness to walk away from anything that makes us sin.

Do you really love God? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

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

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” 

And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a corrupt government official who was being prodded by his wife to leave behind his life of sin. The corrupt official would always say to his wife to be quite and enjoy the fruits of his greed for nobody would know about it. After years of enjoying his dirty wealth he was eventually caught and was imprisoned for the rest of his life.    

What does sin do to us? It gives us nothing but misfortune! But sometimes the result of the dangerous fruit of sin doesn’t immediately manifest so we are tempted to enjoy it. Until the point of reckoning comes where both divine and civil punishment would be served upon us. 

Sinful ways doesn’t pay, we may enjoy it for a short or long period of time but the eventual weight of punishment will be upon us. We have to realize this fact that we will not gain anything by miring ourselves with sin.   

Let us therefore examine ourselves regarding the many sins that we have committed. If possible let us write these sins on a white bond paper or a piece of clean paper. And after we are through writing let us cross-out every single sin that has possessed us for so long. While silently promising God that we will not do it again. 

 This would now serve as our initial step toward our repentance, renewal and reconciliation with Jesus and with those whom we’ve hurt. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for October 23, Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:54-59

Gospel: Luke 12:54-59

(Jesus said to the crowds) “When you see a cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? 

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

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Reflection:

The story is told about a neighbor who had a verbal tussle with his fellow neigbor that eventually resulted to a physical combat. After both of them has been bloodied they both hurdled threats of lawsuit. The neighbor who started the conflict had a sudden realization that he needs to apologize. So he knocked on the gate of his neighbor and when the gate was opened he humbly apologized. And his apology was immediately accepted. 

Jesus in our gospel is advising us to exert effort to settle whatever conflict that we have with anyone: neighbor, spouse, siblings, etc. Why? For the simple reason that it always pays to settle conflict/s early. Otherwise if we wouldn’t settle it immediately that conflict could morphed into a much bigger and dangerous conflict. 

Take for example conflict between spouses that is left unsettled. Sooner or later this conflict would result to something that is irreparable which would result to estrangement. Therefore, we have to immediately cure whatever conflict that we have with anyone by apologizing in the soonest possible time. 

Those who apologize are always rewarded with peace of mind. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for October 22, Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:49-53

Gospel: Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a brother who rebuked his wayward sister for not living her life properly. While in the process of reprimand the sister angrily walked out from his brother. She told him not to meddle in her life and he is already dead as far as she is concerned. By having the courage to correct a wayward behavior the brother unexpectedly created enmity and an enemy for himself. 

This is the reality of a life with Jesus there would be times that we would be hated and ostracized by our fellowmen for doing what is right. But we must not be bothered by these temporal difficult circumstances in our lives. We must always have the courage to speak out and correct a wayward behavior no matter what the cost because this is part of our mission as followers of Christ. 

If we would not correct a wrong behavior and just go with the flow even if it’s wrong. We are betraying Christ and sad to say, we are not also a true follower of Christ. For the simple reason that we are afraid to create an enemy for the sake of Jesus Christ. 

We will always pay a worldly price that is sometimes painful to accept for the sake of our passionate discipleship for Jesus. We may even temporarily or even permanently create enemies or lose friends and even relatives for HIS sake. But let us not be afraid of having frayed relationships for the sake of our faithful disciples for Jesus. Because we are already complete if we have Jesus in our life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for October 21, Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:39-48

 

Gospel: Luke 12:39-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 

Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

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Reflection:

When a typhoon is about to hit a certain area the government would always remind its citizens to be prepared or even relocate to a safer place for a period of time. The reason behind is very basic: To avoid destruction of lives and properties. Those who would hear the call for preparedness would survive and those who will not would surely suffer. 

In today’s gospel Jesus once again calls us to be prepared for He will come to us when we least expect Him to come into our lives. But does Jesus really come to our lives without prior warning? Does He really surprise us with His immediate presence thus we are caught unaware? 

Before Jesus comes to us He would first knock into our hearts so that we could open our hearts to Him and embrace His offer of renewal with open arms.  By doing so we hear His call for us to be prepared. 

But for those who would pretend not to hear even if they hear, those who would continue with their sinful lives even if Jesus is calling him/her for renewal. They would be awakened to the sad reality of life and this sad reality is the sufferings that they will face. For the reason that they did not listen to Jesus.    

Nevertheless, everything is not written in stone. For as long as we breathe there’s always a chance to listen to the voice of Jesus coursed through people around us or even events around us. Who will earnestly call upon us to be prepared by means of walking away from all of our sinfulness.  

In the book of Revelation, the Lord tells us: “I reprimand and correct all those I love. Be earnest and Change your ways. Look I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my call and opens the door. I will come into him and have supper with him (Revelation 3:19-20).” -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for October 20, Tuesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:35-38

Gospel: Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.

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Reflection:
Are you afraid to die?

The thought of death is something that we always dread; we never want to speak about it. But death is one reality of life that will come to each one of us. No one is exempted, rich or poor, educated or not educated, whoever we are it will eventually come to us. 

Jesus in our gospel is calling us to prepare for the unannounced coming of the Lord in our lives. It’s sad that the coming of the Lord comes to many of us through our death only. But do we need to be sad? For example if we are given by our doctor a month to live, should we be sad with this heart wrenching news? Of course we are entitled to be sad for this is part of our being human. 

But after a while the sadness should be replaced by our confidence and faith in God. For the reason that we actually have nothing to fear about death if we have strong faith in the Lord. For some death is even welcome news for them. How could this be? Ahh, the reason is very simple; they have long prepared for this by their obedience and closeness to Jesus. As such they are not afraid to die and meet God who by the way is the author of our lives. 

Therefore, it’s always imperative for us to take seriously the advice of Jesus to the disciples. To always be prepared for the coming of the Lord for we don’t know when it will be. 

Are you already prepared for the Lord’s coming into your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for October 19, Monday; Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs: Luke 12:13-21

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

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

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest? And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry! But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

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Reflection:

What will be the scenario when we are a few inches away from the doorway of death? Would we still be concerned about our wealth? No, not anymore what would be of prime importance during that time are the relationships that we’ve built. 

The first that will matter is the relationship that we’ve built with God, the next is the relationship that we’ve built with our relatives and friends. Our wealth no matter how enormous will not occupy a space in our minds. 

Why is this so? Because wealth will not count as our ticket to heaven, what will count is the relationship that we have created with God. What will count are the good deeds that we’ve done to those who are in need. 

 But the paradox is so many of us today who are alive and healthy are actively in pursuit of wealth and power. That we don’t anymore care how many lives would we be stepping on just to have it. We don’t anymore care if we will be called greedy or corrupt just to have it. 

In our gospel for this Monday, Jesus is teaching us not to live our lives for the accumulation of wealth, He teaches us to be generous and not greedy. Jesus teaches us instead to build a relationship with Him. To spread and share our blessings with others most especially today wherein many are going hungry because of the covid-19 pandemic. 

What occupies most of your time right now, is it still the accumulation of wealth and other  worldly things? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Sunday October 18, Twenty- ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 22:15-21

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech. They sent their disciples to him, with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. And you are not concerned with anyone's opinion, for you do not regard a person's status. 

Tell us, then, what is your opinion: Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Knowing their malice, Jesus said, "Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax." Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, "Whose image is this and whose inscription?" They replied, "Caesar's." At that he said to them, "Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

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Reflection:

What belongs to God and what belongs to Caesar? 

What belongs to God is everything that we own including this life that we have. And what belongs to Caesar the roman governor during that time which represents the government that we have right now? What belongs to Caesar are the duties and taxes that we are obliged to pay. 

The Pharisees were always critical of Jesus because they saw Jesus as a threat to their dominance. This is the reason why they’d been plotting against Him (Mt 12:14) and our gospel episode today is part of their elaborate plan. But Jesus was aware of their dangerous scheme against Him; He knew their detailed plan to unconscionably kill Him. 

So, they ask Jesus this very elementary question: “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?"  They thought that they would be able to pin Him down with this question. Since if Jesus would say that it is lawful the people would get angry with Him. Because paying this tax was abhorred by the people thus it will harm His reputation as a charismatic leader. If Jesus would say that it is unlawful then He would be persecuted by the powerful roman government of that time. 

In the minds of the Pharisees it seems that Jesus has no way out in this situation. But Jesus knew beforehand about their immoral plan. Therefore He said to them:"Why are you testing me, you hypocrites! So He asked for the coin used to pay the tax and He said: Whose image is on the coin? And they said, Caesar! Jesus said to them give to Caesar what is his and to God what belongs to God and once again Jesus is able to extricate Himself from this wicked scheming of the Pharisees.

Jesus knows everything what is in our hearts: Our devious and wicked pretensions. Our plans to use God for our own selfish interest and our many more evil thoughts, He knows everything about it. In other words, we cannot hide anything from God and we surely can’t fool HIM. 

Jesus knows everything what is in our hearts: Our devious and wicked pretensions. Our plans to use God for our own selfish interest and our many more evil thoughts, He knows everything about it. In other words, we cannot hide anything from God and we surely can’t fool HIM.  

Let us also honestly give the tax that is due to the authorities let us not try to deceitfully avoid it for this is our obligation to the government. And the most important is we must give God what is rightfully His. What are these? Let us give help to our church, let us extend help to the poor in wealth and spirit and most of all, let us give our everything to God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Oktubre 18, Ika-29 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 22:15-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 22:15-21

15 Umurong ang mga Pariseo at nagpulong kung paano nila huhulihin si Jesus sa sarili niyang mga salita. 16 Kaya ipinadala nila ang kanilang mga alagad kasama ng mga kampi kay Herodes. Sinabi nila kay Jesus: “Guro, nalalaman namin na tapat kang tao at tunay na nagtuturo ng daan ng Diyos; hindi ka napadadala sa iba at nagsasa¬lita hindi ayon sa kalagayan ng tao. 17 Kaya ano ang palagay mo: ayon ba sa Batas na magbayad ng buwis sa Cesar? Dapat ba tayong magbayad sa kanya o hindi?”  

18 Alam naman ni Jesus ang ma¬sama nilang pakay, at sinabi niya sa kanila: “Mga mapagkunwari! Bakit ninyo ako sinusubukan? 19 Ipakita ninyo sa akin ang perang pambuwis.” Ipinakita nila ang isang denaryo, 20 at sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Sino ang naka¬larawan dito, na narito rin ang kanyang pangalan?” 21 Sumagot sila: “Ang Cesar.” At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Kung gayon, ibigay sa Cesar ang para sa Cesar, at sa Diyos ang para sa Diyos.”

1Reflection for October 17, Saturday; Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr: Luke 12:8-12

Gospel: Luke 12:8-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.  

“Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” 

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Reflection:

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

One of the major requisites for us to have an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to first acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Then, after that the gift of the presence of the Holy Spirit and everything else about the faith and church would follow. 

The Holy Spirit will open our minds to the various avenues about the majestic history of the church and the many truths about it. We also would start to become more aware of the true purpose of our life in this world. 

As the Holy Spirit opens us to the many truths of the church it simultaneously works in our lives by purifying us. It enlightens us to the gifts of: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3). 

Let us therefore seek out Jesus Christ first by knowing more about Him. Let us be faithful to Him and we surely would feel the outpouring gifts of the Holy Spirit. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for October 16, Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:1-7

Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees. 

“There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.  

I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

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Reflection:

Have you openly voiced out your opinion on something that is wrong? For example, you’ve noticed that something is wrong in your family or in your church community, what do you normally do? Do you simply let it be as if you see nothing and hear nothing for the reason that you’re afraid that you will be rebuked? 

The best course of action to take in such situation is to do something that will contribute to the resolution of the problem. To keep silent and pretend to see and hear nothing is never an option. We have to act without fear and do something appropriate and good. 

As followers of Jesus we must see to it that we are always relevant and always in the thick of things. We have to see to it that we are catalyst in building bridges so that there would be peace and harmony. This is always the right course of action to take as followers of Jesus. 

To be effective we always have to undertake this with calmness and humility. We should not push our weight around and bully people so that they would listen to us. For how could we become Jesus’ instrument of healing and reconciliation if we will act like a bully or dictator? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Oktubre 16, Biyernes; sa Ika-28 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 12:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:1-7

1 Nang magkatipon ang libu-libong tao hanggang magkatapakan na sila, sinimulang sabihin ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Mag-ingat muna kayo sa lebadura ng mga Pariseo, na walang iba kundi ang pag­ku­kunwari.  

2 Walang tinatakpan na di mabu­bun­yag, walang natatago na di malalaman. 3 Kaya naman, ang sinabi ninyo sa dilim, sa liwanag maririnig; at ang ibi­nulong ninyo sa mga kuwarto, sa bu­bu­­ngan ipahahayag. 

4 Sinasabi ko naman ito sa inyo na mga kaibigan ko: huwag ninyong kata­kutan ang mga nakapapatay sa katawan at wala nang magagawa pa. 5 Ituturo ko sa inyo kung sino ang dapat ninyong katakutan: matakot kayo sa may kapangyarihang pumatay at may ka­pangyarihan pang mag­bulid sa impiyer­no. 

Oo, sinasabi ko sa inyo, ito ang kata­kutan ninyo. 6 Di ba’t ipinag­bibili nang dala­wang pera ang limang maya? Subalit isa man sa kanila’y di nalilimutan ng Diyos. 7 Bilang na pati ang lahat ng buhok sa inyong ulo. Huwag ka­yong matakot; mas maha­laga pa kayo kaysa maraming maya.

1Reflection for October 15, Thursday; Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church: Luke 11:47-54

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. 

Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

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Reflection:

Do you listen to those who care for you and to those who give you meaningful advice? Or you don’t care to listen for the reason that you want to drive your own life? 

In our lifetime there shall be people who will come into our lives to give us advice and to guide us. Or people who by the example of their lives would make us think to change our life for the better and live behind sinfulness.  Some of us will care to listen to them but many will simply ignore and continue to live sinfulness. 

Why is it that many don’t care to listen? Stubbornness is already inherent in our mindset that is why we don’t listen. We want to live life the way we want it. And our usual reason is: “This is my life and I’m responsible for my life!” Many of us even get angry with those who give us meaningful advice. What happens to those who don’t listen? They learn their lesson the hard way: their lives become mired in sin and they naturally suffer for it. 

Nevertheless there’s still hope we can reverse the vicious cycle of sinfulness. We just need to change our way of life. Or follow the advices given to us by people whose only desire is for the good of our own wellbeing. – Marino J. Dasmarinas