Reflection for March 1 Monday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 6:36-38

Gospel: Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

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Reflection:

Are you merciful, are you not quick to judge and are you generous? 

Jesus gives us today in the gospel guidelines for living our faith. Be merciful, this merciful attitude is not only exclusive to those whom we love or to those whom we are friends with. Let us be merciful to anyone most especially to our enemies and to those who’ve hurt us.   

Stop judging/condemning and you will not be judged/condemned. Try pointing an accusing finger to someone whom you are judging or condemning and you will find out that three of your fingers are pointing back at you. Before you judge others of their iniquities look closely on yourselves first. 

On forgiveness, Jesus tells us to forgive and we will be forgiven. There are some of us who are so heartless that we have no room for forgiveness in our hearts. Jesus gives us insights on how we can liberate ourselves form hateful emotions through forgiveness.

We have to always be forgiving, it is indeed a liberating experience when we forgive; we let go of our pent up emotions that have been enslaving us for so long. Just try giving your wholesale forgiveness to everyone who has hurt you and you will feel as if a big burden has been taken off your back. 

On giving, Jesus tells us to give and gifts will be given to us in return, this is very true. The more that we give the more that we would receive; oftentimes we don’t give simply because we are very concerned with our own needs. In truth, it’s always in giving that we would receive more blessings from the Lord.

Whatever possessions that we have are not ours. We are simply stewards of the material possessions that we have. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 1 Lunes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 6:36-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:36-38

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad 36 Maging maawain kayo gaya ng inyong Amang maawain. 37 Huwag kayong humatol, at hindi kayo hahatulan; huwag ninyong sum­pain ang sinuman, at hindi kayo susum­pain; mag­patawad kayo, at kayo’y patata­wa­rin. 38 Magbigay kayo, at kayo’y bibig­yan – isang saganang takal, siksik, liglig at umaapaw ang mabu­buhos sa inyong kandungan. Sapag­kat susukatin kayo sa sukatang gina­gamit ninyo.” 

 

1Reflection for Sunday February 28, Second Sunday of Lent: Mark 9:2-10

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus.  

Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them.  

As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

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Reflection:

Is heaven for real? Yes it is as evidenced by the transfiguration of the Lord. When Jesus brought along the three disciples (Peter, James and John) to have their mountain top experience. He wanted them to see that heaven is for real and not just a creation of the mind. Jesus wanted them to feel how it is to be in heaven literally.  

Indeed, heaven is for real and it is open for all of us. But we have to do also our part so that we could be there. Of course we have to become faithful followers of Jesus and not followers in name only.  We have to become all weather followers and not fair weather followers.  

Someday our journey in this world will be over and we all are surely hoping that we would be with Jesus in heaven. We therefore have to do our part no matter how small. We have to positively change so that we would have a chance to be with Jesus in heaven.  

Nobody of us knows where we would be eventually: Would we be in heaven or hell?  We don’t know only God knows about it but it’s a safe insurance that we ourselves be transfigured. From bad we now become good. From fair-weather followers of Jesus we now become an all-weather and faithful followers of the Lord.

But what is the relevance of the mountaintop experience for Peter, James and John? Why did Jesus ask them to go with Him when he could have went there by Himself? Perhaps Jesus wanted to inspire the three to continue with their mission of evangelization no matter the difficulties that they would be facing. Why? Because there’s a sacred and glorious reward that awaits them and that is the reward of heaven.  

Isn’t this what life is also? There are difficulties here and there we all pass through it most especially right now caused by Covid-19. But for so long as we don’t give up no matter the challenges that are before us right now there would be a reward for us also. What kind of reward we don’t know only God knows. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Pebrero 28, Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Marcos 9:2-10

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:2-10

2 Pagkaraan ng anim na araw, isinama ni Jesus sina Pedro, Jaime at Juan, at umakyat na sila lamang ang kasama sa isang mataas na bundok. At nagbago ang anyo ni Jesus sa harap nila 3 at ku­minang na puting-puti ang kanyang da­mit, na walang makapaglalabang simputi ni­yon sa lupa. 4 At napakita sa kanila sina Elias at Moises na nakikipag-usap kay Jesus.  

5 Kaya nagsalita si Pedro at kanyang sinabi: “Panginoon, mabuti at narito tayo. Gagawa kami ng tatlong kubol: isa para sa iyo, isa para kay Moises, at isa para kay Elias.” 6 Nasindak sila kaya hindi niya malaman kung ano ang sa­sabihin.  

7 At may ulap na lumilim sa kanila. At na­rinig mula sa ulap ang salitang ito: “Ito ang aking Anak, ang Minamahal, pa­king­gan nin­yo siya.” 8 At biglang-bigla, pagti­ngala nila, wala silang nakita liban kay Jesus na kasama nila.  

9 At pagbaba nila mula sa bundok, inu­tu­san niya sila na huwag sabihin ka­ni­nu­man ang nakita nila hanggang ma­ka­ba­ngon ang Anak ng Tao mula sa mga patay. 10 Ini­ngatan nila ang bagay na ito sa kanilang sarili pero nagta­nu­ngan sila kung ano ang pagbangon mula sa mga patay.

Reflection for February 27 Saturday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a wife who was betrayed by her husband for a younger woman. After years of separation the wife learned that her husband was now sick. Because of her unconditional love for her husband she went to him and she brought her husband to the hospital to heal. 

Jesus in our gospel today gives us teaching about unconditional love. A love that pervades everyone. Including those who have hurt us or continue to hurt us, this is very hard to do but this is who Jesus is. He gives us teachings that are seemingly hard to follow based on our human standards. However if we are really devoted to Him we will obey and follow. 

What would happen to us if we follow the teachings of Jesus? For example His teaching in today’s gospel about loving and praying for our enemies and persecutors. We free ourselves from undeserved hatred and we free ourselves from self-created psychological and emotional imprisonment  which does not bring us any good anyway. 

Let us observe ourselves when we carry hatred in our hearts. We feel that we may explode anytime and this is very bad for our health most especially to our blood pressure. Observe also when we don’t carry any hatred in our hearts, we feel light and we invite the blessings of Jesus to come to us.  

Will you follow this teaching of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 27 Sabado sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 5:43-48

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:43-48

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 43 Narinig na ninyo na sinabi: Ma­ha­lin mo ang iyong kapwa at kamuhian ang iyong kaaway. 44 Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: Mahalin ninyo ang inyong ka­away, at ipagdasal ang mga umuusig sa inyo. 45 Sa ganito kayo magi­ging mga anak ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Sa­pagkat pinasisikat niya ang araw sa kap­wa ma­sama at mabuti, at pinapapatak niya ang ulan sa kapwa makatarungan at di-maka­tarungan.  

46 Kung mahal ninyo ang nagma­mahal sa inyo, bakit kayo gagantim­palaan? Di ba’t ginagawa rin ito ng mga kolektor ng buwis? 47 At kung ang mga kapatid ninyo lamang ang inyong bina­bati, ano ang na­iiba rito? Di ba’t gina­gawa rin ito ng mga pagano?  

48 Kaya maging ganap kayo gaya ng pagiging ganap ng inyong Amang nasa langit.

Reflection for February 26 Friday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 5:20-26

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.  

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.  

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

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Reflection:

What is the cure for anger? It’s humility. 

Nobody is perfect once in a while we get angry but do we have the humility to make amends after we have injured someone with our arrogance? Only a gentle and humble person would have the courage to say I’m sorry or to apologize.  

But to say I’m sorry is not easy to do, only a humble person would summon enough courage to say this magic words that have healed so many disputes and arguments. In our gospel for today, Jesus gives us teaching about anger.  

Jesus tells us that we must be reconciled with those whom we have differences and had feelings of enmity. But why do we get angry in the first place? We get angry because we lack humility, we get angry because we have this superiority complex against our fellowmen.  

It’s only humility that could deescalate and eventually eliminate our anger. Let us therefore pray for the grace of humility, let us ask God the Holy Spirit to give it to us. The best test of humility is our willingness to apologize and to admit our mistakes before those whom we have hurt.  

Do you have the humility to reach out and apologize?  Reach out and apologize for it will set you free. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 26 Biyernes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 5:20-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:20-26

Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad sinasabi ko sa inyo na kung hindi mas ganap ang inyong kabanalan kaysa sa mga guro ng Batas at mga Pariseo, hin­ding-hindi kayo makapapasok sa Kaha­rian ng Langit.  

21 Narinig na ninyo na sinabi sa in­yong mga ninuno: Huwag kang papatay; ang sinumang pumatay ay lilitisin. 22 Sinasabi ko naman sa inyo: Ang sinu­mang magalit sa kanyang kapa­tid ay lilitisin. Ang sinumang manuya sa kan­yang kapatid ay lilitisin sa Sanggunian. At ang sinumang manghiya sa kanyang kapatid ay nara­rapat lamang itapon sa apoy ng impiyerno. 

23 Kaya sa paglalagay mo sa altar ng iyong hain at naalaala mong may reklamo sa iyo ang kapatid mo, 24 iwan mo muna ang iyong hain sa harap ng altar at puntahan mo ang iyong kapatid para maki­pagkasundo sa kanya. At saka ka bumalik at ialay ang iyong hain sa Diyos. 

25 Makipagkasundo na sa iyong kaaway habang papunta pa kayo sa hukuman, at baka ipaubaya ka niya sa hukom na magpapaubaya naman sa iyo sa pulisya na magkukulong sa iyo. 26 Talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo: hindi ka makalalabas hang­ga’t di mo nababaya­ran ang kahuli-hulihang sentimo.

Reflection for February 25 Thursday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 7:7-12

Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. 

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

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Reflection:
Do you have a prayer before God? 

God always answers our prayers and petitions oftentimes it’s yes, sometimes No. And there will be times that He will test our patience and say to us wait. Whatever God’s response to us let us simply be patient, have hope and continue to pray.   

Almost all of us have our own pending prayer petitions before God. We should not lose our faith and patience. We should continue to hope that in time God will grant us our respective prayer before Him. 

When we ask God for something we must not lie idle and wait for the answers to our prayers to simply land on our lap like manna from heaven. We must do our part also for God looks kindly to those who accompany their prayer petitions with actions. 

The secret therefore is to not give up on God and to always believe that God always answers our prayers. We may not initially like God’s reply to us; nevertheless we have to continuously believe in the goodness of God. 

What are your prayer petitions before God? Believe, work for it and you will have it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 25 Huwebes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 7:7-12

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:7-12

7 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad, humingi at kayo’y bibigyan; magha­nap at matatagpuan ninyo; kumatok at bubuksan ang pinto para sa inyo. 8 Talaga ngang tumatanggap ang humi­hingi, naka­kakita ang naghahanap, at pagbu­buksan ang kuma­katok.   

9 Sino sa inyo ang magbibigay ng bato sa kanyang anak kung tinapay ang hinihingi nito? 10 Sino ang magbi­bigay ng ahas kung isda ang hinihingi nito? 11 Kahit masama kayo, marunong kayong magbigay ng mabu­ting bagay sa inyong mga anak. Gaano pa kaya ang inyong Amang nasa Langit? Mag­bibigay siya ng mabubuting bagay sa mga hihingi sa kanya.

12 Kaya gawin ninyo sa iba ang gusto ninyong gawin sa inyo, ito ang nasa Batas at Mga Propeta.

Reflection for February 24 Wednesday of the First Week of Lent: Luke 11:29-32

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.  

At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

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Reflection:

Can you still remember the thief at the side of Jesus who asked Jesus to remember him when He is in His kingdom? The thief had an on the spot salvation because he repented from his sins (Luke 23:42-43).  

Jesus calls us also to repentance every minute of our life. Let us not be deaf to this call, let us listen, follow and embrace this call.  

What is sin that many of us can’t leave it behind? What does it give us?  Does committing sin give us fulfillment that many of us continue to embrace it? Whatever pleasure/s sin gives us it’s actually a curse coated in pleasure. For example the sin of adultery, it’s pleasurable and exciting  for the person who commits adultery. Why? Because he/she walks into the doorway of pleasure and excitement until he/she gets caught.  

As the person enjoys the pleasure and excitement, sins start to pile up as well. Until such time that it destroys the individuals involved in the sinful relationship. However, why wait to be destroyed by sin when Jesus is always offering us repentance? When Jesus is ever and always ready to forget and forgive all our past sins provided we leave it behind and completely walk away from it.       

There’s a reward that awaits us the moment we listen to Jesus’ call of repentance. The incentive is maybe like the reward of salvation that He gave to the repentant thief on the cross.  

Perhaps it may not be instant salvation but certainly there would be a reward if we decide to leave our sinful lives. Rewards like: peace of mind, peace in the family, a life free from any guilt of conscience and so forth. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 23 Tuesday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 6:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.  

“This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

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Reflection:

If God knows what we need before we ask him, what is the use of our prayer before him? 

The answer is this: It is through our consistent prayer life that we get close with God. In fact the more we pray the more that we get closer to God. If we are not yet prayerful or we don’t have yet a regular prayer life, just try having a consistent prayer life. And you will be surprised by the growth of your friendship with Jesus. 

So we pray not because we want to ask something from God for indeed He knows beforehand what we need. He in fact knows everything that we need and desire today, tomorrow and in the future. We pray because we want to be best friends with God.   

When we pray with piety our whole being talks to God and He listens and in the silence of our hearts He also talks to us. We hear God whispering to us this is hard to explain but this is what occurs when we pray this prayer with devoutness.  This kind of prayer relationship with God is a sign of a mature life of prayer. 

For example, in a married life relationship the marriage bond is strengthened by frequent communication between husband and wife. Through this regular communication they both mature in the marriage covenant relationship. Until such time that they know and understand practically everything about themselves even without verbal expression. 

This is the same with our prayer life; the more we pray with our whole being focused to God the more that we would grow in closeness and friendship with God. Then, there will eventually come a time that when we pray to God we will not anymore utter a single word. We will simply go down on our knees and keep silent and let our heart talk to our merciful, compassionate and loving God. 

How is your prayer life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 23 Martes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 6:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:7-15

7 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad pag mananalangin kayo, huwag ka­yong magsalita nang magsalita gaya ng ginagawa ng mga pagano; nani­niwala nga sila na mas paki­kinggan sila kung marami silang sina­sabi. 8 Huwag kayong tumulad sa kanila. Alam ng inyong Ama ang mga panganga­ila­ngan ninyo bago pa man kayo humingi. 

9 Kaya, ganito kayo manalangin: Ama naming nasa Langit, sambahin ang Ngalan mo, 10 dumating ang Kaharian mo, sundin ang loob mo         dito sa lupa para nang sa Langit. 11 Bigyan mo kami ngayon ng aming kakanin sa araw-araw, 12 patawarin mo ang aming mga pagkakautang          gaya ng pagpapatawad namin sa mga nagkakautang sa amin. 

13 Huwag mo kaming dalhin sa tukso, at iligtas mo kami sa Masama. 14 Kung patatawarin ninyo ang mga nag­kasala sa inyo, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa Langit. 15 At kung hindi ninyo patatawarin ang mga nag­ka­sala sa inyo, hindi rin kayo patatawarin ng inyong Ama.

Reflection for February 22 Monday the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle (Feast): Matthew 16:13-19

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

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Reflection:

Do you have a best friend forever or bff? 

When you are best friend with someone it signifies deeper friendship, it signifies that you spend sizeable time with this person whom you call your best friend. Your friendship with your best friend is much much deeper compared to your ordinary friends and you entrust important things and kept secrets with your best friend than your ordinary friends. 

Saint Peter is the best friend of Jesus because he spent more time with Jesus more than any other apostle in the bible. Although he denied Jesus three times; Peter is still the most trusted apostle of Jesus for the simple reason that Jesus chose to entrust the future of the church to him. 

Do you want Jesus to give to you the gift of faith that others do not have?  The first requirement is you must be best friend with Him.  So start by habitually reading the bible, have time for Holy Mass, be prayerful and live His teachings. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 22 Lunes Lulukan ni Apostol San Pedro (Kapistahan): Mateo 16:13-19

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 16:13-19

13 Pumunta si Jesus sa may dakong Cesarea ni Filipo. Tinanong niya ang kanyang mga ala­gad: “Ano ang Anak ng Tao para sa mga tao? Sino ako para sa kanila?” 14 Sumagot sila: “May nagsasa­bing si Juan Bautista ka; may iba pang nagsasabing si Elias ka o si Jeremias o isa sa mga propeta kaya.” 

15 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ngunit sino ako para sa inyo?” 16 At sumagot si Simon Pedro: “Ikaw ang Mesiyas, ang Anak ng Diyos na Buhay.” 17 Sumagot naman si Jesus: “Mapalad ka, Simon Bar-Yona, hindi nga laman at dugo ang nagbunyag nito sa iyo kundi ang aking Amang nasa Langit.

18 At ngayon sinasabi ko sa iyo: Ikaw si Pedro (o Bato) at sa batong ito ko itatayo ang aking Iglesya; at hinding-hindi ito madadaig ng kapangyarihan ng kama­tayan. 19 Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang mga susi ng kaharian ng Langit: ang itali mo dito sa lupa ay itatali rin sa Langit, at ang ka­lagan mo dito sa lupa ay kakalagan din sa Langit.”

Reflection for Sunday February 21, First Sunday of Lent: Mark 1:12-15

Gospel: Mark 1:12-15

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. 

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.

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Reflection:

Have you been through a desert experience? 

Desert experience are moments of trials and tribulations for all of us. This is something that we go through in our lifetime not only once but many times. More often than not we pass through this desert experience because we create it for ourselves.  For example, the temptation to sin is a desert experience it’s here where our firm resolve to follow God is tested. Some of us are able to conquer this desert experience but some are not able to do so.  

The moment we succumb to these many temptations that satan dangles before us it will spell trouble for us and our family. We may enjoy fleeting happiness and satisfaction but at the end of the day there will be problems. Why? Because we were not able to resist the temptation of satan. 

Jesus had His own desert experience; He was tested by satan in the wilderness. Yet He did not succumb to the temptation of satan to betray God. Because Jesus was very steadfast in His faith and love for God, can this be said of us as well?    

The moment you are able to conquer your own desert experience many good things will come your way. However when you are not able to overcome your own desert experience be sure of troubles to come along your way. Who wants trouble in this era of Covid – 19 no one wants it.    

Let us therefore be committed to God as Jesus was committed to God and to His mission during His own desert experience.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Pebrero 21, Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Marcos 1:12-15

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:12-15

Noong panahong iyon itinulak si Jesus ng Espiritu sa disyerto, 13 at apatnapung araw siyang nanatili sa dis­yerto. Tinukso siya ni Satanas; kasama niya ang mga hayop, at pinaglingkuran siya ng mga ang­hel. 

• 14 Pagkadakip kay Juan, pumunta si Jesus sa Galilea. Doon niya ipina­hayag ang magandang balita ng Diyos sa pagsa­sabing 15 “Sumapit na ang panahon; mag­bagong-buhay at mani­wala sa magandang balita; lumapit na nga ang Kaharian ng Langit.”

1Reflection for February 20 Saturday after Ash Wednesday: Luke 5:27-32

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32 

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me. And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.  

The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

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Reflection:

There is a story of a sinner who wanted to change his ways. So he gathered enough courage and presented himself to his parents to ask for forgiveness. But the parents did not forgive him they instead condemned him as good for nothing and useless. 

In the days that followed they received a call that their son ended his life. If only they were not judgmental they could have saved a life and became an instrument of conversion. But they choose not to forgive. 

How do you treat sinners? Are you quick to condemn them for who they are? Or you are patient with them and even build bridges with them so that they would also feel the love and forgiveness of Jesus? 

When we judge sinners we also immediately cut off the chance for us to be an instrument of their healing and conversion. We are also pushing them deeper into the mud of sin. But why are we judgmental when we are sinners as well? Why are we judgmental when we are not perfect, when we too are subject to judgment? 

When Jesus saw the tax collector named Levi who was labelled as a sinner by those who knew him. Jesus did not condemn the tax collector He instead asked Levi to follow Him and this sinner left everything to follow the Lord. Here we see the redemptive result when we don’t judge and condemn. 

In the heart of hearts of every sinner rest a sacred place that is reserved for someone who will not judge them. A sacred place exclusively for those who would be willing to forgive them and help them get up and start a new life with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 20 Sabado pagkaraan ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 5:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:27-32

27 Nakita ni Jesus ang isang kolektor ng buwis na nagngangalang Levi na naka­upo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi niya rito: “Sumunod ka sa akin.” 28 Tu­mayo naman ito, iniwan ang lahat at sumunod sa kanya. 

29 Naghandog sa kanya si Levi ng isang marang­yang handaan sa kanyang bahay at nakisalo sa kanila ang maraming kolektor ng buwis at iba pang mga tao. 30 Dahil dito’y pabulong na nag­reklamo ang mga Pariseo at ang panig sa kanilang mga guro ng Batas sa mga alagad ni Jesus: “Bakit kayo kuma­kain at umiinom kasama ng mga mani­ningil ng buwis at mga maka­sa­lanan?” 

31 Sumagot naman si Jesus at sinabi sa kanila: “Hindi ang malulusog ang na­ngangailangan ng doktor kundi ang mga may­sakit. 32 Hindi ako pumarito para tawagin ang mabu­buti kundi ang mga makasalanan tungo sa pagba­balik-loob.”

Reflection for February 19 Friday after Ash Wednesday: Matthew 9:14-15

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

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Reflection:

Have you tried abstaining from eating food?

The question about fasting is most relevant to all of us during this season of Lent. Because it’s here where the church actively reminds us about it.  And the gospel for today is a reiteration of this reminder.

It may seem that Jesus is defending His disciples for not fasting. But in hindsight, they were actually fasting; not the literal fasting per see to appease the discriminating eyes of John's disciples.  The disciples of Jesus were fasting from self-righteousness, from doing wrong, from judging others as good for nothing.

This is the deeper form of fasting that Jesus wants from us all and this should not be done only during the season of Lent. Are we capable of permanently fasting from our bloated egos, from doing wrong and from unjustly judging others?

These are the deeper form of fasting that Jesus appreciates for what good it is if we fast from food when we don’t change our undesirable attitudes? Say for example we fast yet we continue to be arrogant, to be judgmental, to be unforgiving, to be uncaring and so forth. What then is the use of our fasting? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 19 Biyernes pagkaraan ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Mateo:9:14-15

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo:9:14-15

14 Noo’y lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad ni Juan at nagtanong: “May araw ng ayuno kami at ang mga Pariseo, at wala bang pag-aayuno ang iyong mga alagad?”  

15 Sinagot sila ni Jesus: “Puwede bang magluksa ang mga abay sa kasalan habang kasama pa nila ang nobyo? Darating ang panahon na aagawin sa kanila ang nobyo at sa araw na iyon sila mag-aayuno.  

Reflection for February 18 Thursday after Ash Wednesday: Luke 9:22-25

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

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Reflection:

Do you have a cross that you carry right now? We all have our own share of little and big crosses that we carry. .

Jesus gives us a paradoxical statement: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself (Luke 23:25)?"

On the surface this may seem to be an odd statement. But if we are faithful followers of Jesus these are precious and priceless wisdom filled words from the Lord. The moment we decide to follow the path of Jesus we will deny ourselves with anything that is wordly and we will courageously carry our cross to follow Him.

Amidst the carrying of our daily cross we would also notice that it is not that heavy simply because Jesus is with us. He is helping us carry whatever cross that we have, making sure that the burdens that we carry right now are still light.

When Jesus was carrying the cross towards Golgotha/Calvary His cross became a sign of suffering and intense pain. However the same cross became the sign of Triumph and Salvation. If we carry our cross with Jesus the same cross would also be our means of purification, triumph   and salvation.

Are you carrying a cross right now? Humbly ask Jesus to help you carry that cross.

Prayer:

O Lord we humbly beseech you to help us carry our cross. Sinners as we are yet we still know that you will never refuse to help us, you will never refuse to give us hope amidst our many crosses. Make our daily burdens light O Lord no matter how heavy.  This we humbly ask you. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 18 Huwebes pagkaraan ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 9:22-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:22-25

22 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Kaila¬ngang magtiis ng marami ang Anak ng Tao. Itatakwil nga siya ng mga Matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong-pari at ng mga guro ng Batas. Papatayin siya at muling babangon sa ikatlong araw.”

23 Sinabi naman ni Jesus sa lahat: “Kung may gustong sumunod sa akin, itakwil ang kanyang sarili at kunin ang kanyang krus araw-araw para sumunod sa akin. 24 Sapagkat ang naghahangad na magligtas ng kanyang sarili ay mawa¬walan nito, at ang mawawalan ng kanyang sarili alang-alang sa akin ay siyang ma¬ka¬¬pagliligtas nito. 25 Ano ang pakinabang ng tao tubuin man niya ang buong daig¬dig at mawawala naman o mapapahamak ang kanyang sarili?  

Reflection for February 17, Ash Wednesday: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that you may not appear to be fasting except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

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Reflection:

How does the season of lent affect you? Does this make you closer to God? There are three keys for you to have a meaningful observance of lent. The first is Almsgiving, the second is Prayer and the third is Fasting. In all of these three Jesus advocates silence and self-introspection. What Jesus advocates is a contradiction to what this world would normally dictate you to do.  

In Almsgiving, Prayer and Fasting Jesus advocates doing it in the privacy of your heart. Nobody will know except you and God alone not even your closest relative or friend.  Why? Because it is in silence and secrecy that you would also receive blessings from God (Most especially spiritual blessings).  For example, how could you have peace of mind? It’s through silence. How would you feel the presence of God in your life it’s in silence also.  

God is not a loud God He is a God that loves silence.  He is not like the many artificial Gods of this secular world that thrives in noise and publicity. Come to think of it, is it possible to have communion with Jesus through noise and publicity? Never. We will never have connection with Jesus through noise, publicity and other acts of self-promotion.     

As we begin our forty (40) day’s journey this lent let us look back on the loudness of our life. Let us look at our facebooks and other social media platforms and observe how we loudly promoted our life there. And let us ask ourselves this question: Has this self-promotion and laud lifestyle led me in close communion with Jesus? 

Lent is the time of year that the Good Lord gives us so that we could get closer and intimate with Him. So that we could repent from all of our sins. It is His hope that through lent we could have a close encounter with Him and this we could best do in silence.

As the priest or lay minister sprinkle on top of your head. Close your eyes and silently pray this to the Lord: Cleanse me O Lord a sinner, forgive me of all of my sins and embrace me with your unconditional love. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 17, Miyerkules ng Abo: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

1 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad  pag-ingatang huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang in­yong mabubuting gawa. Kung ganito ang ga­gawin ninyo, wala na kayong gantimpala sa inyong Amang nasa langit. 2 Kaya pag nagbibigay ka ng limos, huwag pahipan ang trumpeta sa unahan gaya ng gina­gawa ng mga mapagkunwari sa sinagoga at sa mga daan; gusto nilang mapuri ng mga tao. Sinisiguro ko sa inyo na nagan­timpala­an na sila nang husto. 

3 Kaya kung ikaw naman ang magbi­bigay ng limos, huwag ipaalam sa iyong kaliwang kamay ang ginagawa ng iyong kanang kamay; 4 at mananatiling lihim ang iyong pagli­limos at ang iyong Amang nakakakita sa mga lihim ang siyang ga­gantimpala sa iyo. 

5 Kung mananalangin kayo, huwag nin­yong tularan ang mga mapagkunwari. Gustung-gusto nilang tumayo sa mga sinagoga o sa mga daan para manala­ngin nang nakikita ng marami. Sinisi­guro ko sa inyo na nagantimpa­laan na sila nang husto. 6 At kung ikaw naman ang mana­nalangin, pumasok sa iyong silid, isara ang pinto at mana­langin sa iyong Ama na kasama mo nang lihim; at ang iyong Ama na naka­kakita sa ipinag­lilihim ang gagantimpala sa iyo. 

• 16 Pag mag-aayuno kayo, huwag magpakita ng lungkot sa mukha gaya ng mga mapagkunwari. Nagpapakita sila ng lungkot sa mukha para makita ng tao na nag-aayuno sila. Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo na nagantimpalaan na sila nang husto. 17 Kung ikaw naman ang mag-aayuno, maghilamos at ayusin ang sarili 18 sapagkat hindi ka nag-aayuno para pakitang-tao lamang kun­di para sa iyong Amang naka­kakita sa lahat. At gagantimpalaan ka ng iyong Amang nakakakita sa lahat ng lihim.

Reflection for February 16, Tuesday of the Sixth Week: Mark 8:14-21

Gospel: Mark 8:14-21

The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. Jesus enjoined them, “Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. They concluded among themselves that it was because they had no bread.  

When he became aware of this he said to them, “Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?  

They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

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Reflection:

Do you allow the enticement of this world to take off your focus on Jesus? For example the Sunday obligation to attend Holy Mass. Many of us today sometimes do not pay much attention to the highest form of worship inside the church. We sacrifice it for our many worldly undertakings that do nothing but pull us away from Jesus. Do you allow this to happen to you? 

In the gospel Jesus admonished his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. He used the leaven as a metaphor that they should not be convinced by the inducement of the Pharisees and Herod to leave him for them.  

Both the Pharisees and Herod represents power, the power of religion and government which for all intents and purposes are worldly and temporary. Jesus was actually telling His disciples not to leave Him for them. In effect Jesus was telling them not to favor the world over their love for God.  

The secular world has many inducements such as: power, money, greed, popularity, lust, ego, self-centeredness etc… We should be careful of these worldly appendages, we should not let ourselves be deceived by these temporal inducements.  

Let us rather continue be steadfast with our love, fellowship and fidelity to Jesus through our words and actions. For what would we gain if we have all the things that this world can offer if we don’t have God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 16, Martes sa Ikaanim na Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 8:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:14-21

14 Nakalimutan ng mga alagad na magdala ng tinapay at isa lang ang dala nila sa bangka. 15 At pinagsabihan sila ni ­Jesus: “Mag-ingat at huwag magtiwala sa leba­dura ng mga Pariseo at sa lebadura ni Herodes.” 16 At sinabi ng mga alagad sa isa’t isa: “Oo nga, ano? Wala tayong dalang tinapay.”  

17 Alam ni Jesus ang mga ito kaya si­nabi niya sa kanila: “Bakit ninyo pinag-uusapan ang tinapay na wala sa inyo? Hindi pa ba ninyo maisip at maunawaan? Mapurol ba ang inyong pag-iisip? 18 May mata kayong di nakakakita at may ta­i­ngang di naka­karinig? Hindi na ba ninyo naaalala 19 nang pinira-­piraso ko ang limang tinapay para sa limang libo, ilang basket na puno ng mga pira-piraso ang inyong naipon?”  

At suma­got sila: “Labin­dalawa.” 20 “At nang may pitong tinapay para sa apat na libo, ilang ba­yong na puno ng mga pira-piraso ang inyong na­ipon?” At suma­got sila: “Pito.” 21 At si­nabi ni ­Jesus: “Hindi pa ba ninyo nauunawaan?”