Reflection for June 1 Tuesday Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr: Mark 12:13-17

Gospel: Mark 12:13-17

Some Pharisees and Herodians were sent to Jesus to ensnare him in his speech. They came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are a truthful man and that you are not concerned with anyone’s opinion. You do not regard a person’s status but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.  

Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Should we pay or should we not pay?” Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them, “Why are you testing me? Bring me a denarius to look at. They brought one to him and he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this? They replied to him, “Caesar’s. So Jesus said to them “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. They were utterly amazed at him.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is your obligation to Jesus? Your obligation is to follow His teachings. And as stated by Jesus in the gospel paying the rightful tax to the government is one of them. We disobey Jesus when we don’t pay the taxes due to the government. 

The question of paying the census tax had a deeper meaning for it was created to trap Jesus. However, Jesus was able to wiggle out of this complicated situation. This is the reason why at the end of the gospel the emissaries of Jesus’ opponents were utterly amazed at Him (Mark 12:17). 

As shown in our gospel, Jesus always makes a way out when there seems to be no way. Thus, He will always make things possible for us as well. Because He is always there to help us solve our problems no matter how complicated it may seem. 

Where are you in your life right now? Are you in a predicament where you think that you’re about to surrender to your problems? Call on Jesus and pray to Him. He is there just a prayer away, ever ready to help you extricate yourself out of your problem. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Hunyo 1, Martes San Justino, martir (Paggunita) : Marcos 12:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 12:13-17

13 Gusto nilang hulihin si Jesus sa sarili niyang mga salita. Kaya pina­punta kay Jesus ang ilan sa mga Pariseo kasama ng mga kampi kay Herodes. 14 Nila­pitan nila siya at sinabi: “Guro, nalalaman naming tapat ka at hindi napadadala sa iba. Hindi ka nag­sasalita ayon sa kala­gayan ng tao kundi tunay na itinu­turo ang daan ng Diyos. Kaya ayon ba sa Batas na magbayad ng bu­wis sa Cesar?”  

15 Nang makita ni Jesus ang kani­lang pagkukunwari, sinabi niya sa kanila: “Bakit ninyo ako sinusubok? Akin na ang isang denaryo.” 16 Iniabot nila sa kanya ang isang denaryo at sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Sino ang naka­­larawan dito, na na­rito rin ang kanyang pa­ngalan?” Suma­got sila: “Ang Cesar.” 17 At sinabi niya sa ka­nila: “Ibigay nga sa Cesar ang para sa Cesar, at sa Diyos ang para sa Diyos.” Lubha silang namangha sa kanya.

Reflection for May 31 Monday Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:39-56

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."  

And Mary said: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. 

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever."  

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

+ + + +  + +

Reflection:

Why did Mary remain with her cousin Elizabeth for three months? 

The gospel for today tells us that the blessed Mother stayed with her cousin Elizabeth for three months.  Why three months? Why not one month or two months instead? Three months because the Blessed Mother ensured first that she would be with her cousin Elizabeth until she gives birth to her son John. This is the reason why the Blessed Mother was with her cousin for three months. 

Considering that she was also pregnant during that time Mary could have decided to just stay with her for a month. Then go home so that she could also prepare for the birth of her son Jesus. But she chose to be with Elizabeth until she gave birth. This is how compassionate, loving and selfless with her time is the blessed Mother. 

We live now in a world driven by time, for the majority of us time is gold and surely we want to use majority of our time to earn a living or money.  But the Blessed Mother is telling us to use our time not only to earn a living. 

We also have to use our time or even waste our time to touch lives. To help those who are in need like those affected by this covid-19 pandemic in that process we also silently bring Jesus to them.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 31, Lunes Pagdalaw ng Mahal na Birheng Maria (Kapistahan): Lucas 1:39-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-56

39 Nang mga araw ring iyo’y nag­mamadaling naglakbay si Maria pa­punta sa isang bayan sa mataas na lupain ng Juda. 40 Pumasok siya roon sa bahay ni Zacarias at binati si Eli­zabeth. 41 Nang marinig ni Elizabeth ang bati ni Maria, sumikad ang sanggol sa si­na­pupunan niya, at napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elizabeth 42 at mala­kas siyang sumigaw at sinabi: “Lubos kang pi­nagpala sa mga kababaihan. Pinag­pala rin ang bunga ng iyong sina­pu­punan! 43 Sino nga ba naman ako’t na­parito sa akin ang ina ng aking Pa­ngi­noon? 

44 Nang umabot sa aking pan­dinig ang iyong pagbati, sumikad sa tuwa ang sanggol sa aking sina­pu­punan. 45 Pinagpapala ang naniniwa­lang magaganap ang mga sinabi sa kanya ng Pa­nginoon.” 46 At sinabi ni Maria: “Dinadakila ng aking kaluluwa ang Panginoon 47 at nagagalak ang aking espiritu sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas 48 dahil isinaalang-alang niya ang abang utu­san niya, at mula ngayon, ituturing akong mapalad ng lahat ng salinlahi. 49 Dakila nga ang ginawa sa akin ng Ma­kapangya­rihan, banal ang kanyang Pangalan. 

50 Patuloy ang kanyang awa sa mga sali’t salinlahi para sa mga may pitagan sa kanya. 51 Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang bisig, ipinagtabuyan ang mga taong may ma­pagma­taas na balak. 52 Pinatalsik niya sa luklukan ang mga makapang­yarihan, itinampok naman ang mga bale-wala. 53 Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga na­gugutom at itinaboy namang walang-wala ang maya­yaman. 

54 Nilingap niya ang Israel na kanyang lingkod, inalaala ang kanyang awa 55ayon sa ipinangako niya sa ating mga ninuno, kay Abraham at sa kanyang angkan mag­paka­ilanman.” 56 Mga tatlong buwang nanatili si Ma­riang ka­sa­ma ni Elizabeth at saka nagbalik sa kanyang bahay.

Reflection for Sunday May 30, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: Matthew 28:16-20

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

There’s a story about St. Augustine, while he was walking on the seaside and reflecting on the mystery of the Trinity. He saw a boy who created a big hole in the sand and the boy was continuously filling the big hole with water. St. Augustine asked him, “What are you doing?” The boy said: “I’m going to pour the entire ocean into this hole.” “That is impossible, the whole ocean will not fit in the hole that you have created” said St. Augustine. The boy replied, “And you will not comprehend also the mystery of the  Trinity in your brain.” The boy vanished and St. Augustine saw an angel where the boy was located. 

If we are asked today about the Most Holy Trinity some of us may be able to answer it as the fusion of the three persons into one God.  Some of us may not be able to answer because we don’t have any knowledge about the Holy Trinity. It doesn't  matter anymore if we are able to answer or not on the question about the Trinity. What is important is we believe this seemingly unbelievable doctrine of the church. 

The Trinity represents love and unity it shows us that the impossible will become possible for so long as there is love and unity amongst us. What makes a family happily united? What makes church organization successful? It’s love! Love that forgives, love that is willing to sacrifice, love that is honest and love that is humble. This kind of pure love is the embodiment of the Holy Trinity that is why they’re able to coexist as one God even if they are actually three persons.  

In our gospel we have Jesus commissioning the eleven apostles to go and make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). What compelled them to faithfully follow this command of Jesus even at the cost of their lives? It’s the same Trinitarian love.  

This Trinitarian love is what is presently missing right now: In many families, in many church communities/organizations and in many governments around the world. Why? Because there are many broken families, there are many church organization/communites that can’t agree to move as one. And there are many governments around the world that fails to address the needs of their people.   

Is there a solid manifestation of the Trinitarian love in your family? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Mayo 30 Banal na Santatlo (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 28:16-20

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 28:16-20

Noong Panahong iyon 16 Pumunta sa Galilea ang La­bing-isang alagad, sa bundok na itinak­da ni Jesus. 17 Pagkakita nila sa kanya, su­mamba sila, ngunit may nag-aalinla­ngan pa. 18 At nilapitan sila ni Jesus at sinabi: “Ibinigay sa akin ang buong kapang­yarihan sa langit at sa lupa.  

19 Kaya hu­mayo kayo at gawing mga alagad ang lahat ng bansa. Binyagan sila sa Ngalan ng Ama at ng Anak at ng Espi­­ritu Santo, 20 at turuan sila na sundin ang lahat ng iniutos ko sa inyo. Kasa­ma ninyo ako sa lahat ng araw hang­gang sa wakas ng panahon.”

   

 

Reflection for May 29 Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 11:27-33

Gospel: Mark 1:27-33

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him “By what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you this authority to do them? 

Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me. They discussed this among themselves and said “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 

But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’? they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know. Then Jesus said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Is it natural for the chief priest, scribes and elders to question the authority of Jesus? 

It was natural for the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders to question the authority of Jesus for they were not his followers. They know Jesus based only on what they see and hear they have no personal interactions with the Lord. If only they were His followers they would have not questioned His authority. 

This is what normally happens to us when we have no personal friendship with Jesus. When our knowledge about Jesus is based only on what we see and hear. We may question Him also when we pass through some difficulties and trials in our lives. 

We would only understand the authority of Jesus or the role of Jesus in our lives once we start to know Him deeply. Let us not be content with what we see and hear about Jesus. Let us delve deeper by exerting effort to know Him deeply.  Thus, we eliminate doubts about His authority over us and His authority to move in our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 29, Sabado sa Ikawalong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 11:27-33

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 11:27-33

Noong panahong iyon, pumunta na naman si Hesus at ang mga alagad sa Jerusalem. Samantalang si Hesus ay naglalakad sa templo, nilapitan siya ng mga punong saserdote, ng mga eskriba, at ng matatanda ng bayan. Tinanong siya, “Ano ang karapatan mong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito?  

Sino ang nagbigay sa iyo ng karapatang ito?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Tatanungin ko rin kayo. Pag sinagot ninyo ako, saka ko naman sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito. Kanino nagmula ang karapatan ni Juan upang magbinyag – sa Diyos ba o sa mga tao?”  

At sila’y nag-usap-usap: “Kung sabihin nating mula sa Diyos, itatanong naman niya sa atin, ‘Bakit hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan?’ Ngunit kung sabihin nating mula sa tao,” natatakot naman sila at baka kung ano ang gawin sa kanila ng mga tao, sapagkat kinikilala ng lahat na si Juan ay isang propeta. Kaya’t sumagot sila kay Hesus, “Hindi namin alam!” Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Hindi ko rin sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga ginawa ko.”

Reflection for May 28 Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 11:11-26

Gospel: Mark 11:11-26

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything and, since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve.  

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again! And his disciples heard it.  

They came to Jerusalem and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area. Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written: My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. But you have made it a den of thieves.”  

The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of it and were seeking a way to put him to death, yet they feared him because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. When evening came, they went out of the city.  

Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered. Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.  

 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you always see Jesus as someone who is always, merciful, gentle and compassionate? Some parts of this gospel somewhat show us the other side of Jesus. A Jesus who gets angry with those who choose not to bear fruit. A Jesus who gets angry with those who do not give the respect and reverence that the temple of God truly deserves.  

Is this anger of Jesus justified? Of course it’s justified! His anger toward the fig tree was not for the fig tree per se. It was for those people who know that they could do something for His mission. But for reasons of selfishness and not daring to go out of their own comfort zones they chose not to do anything.  

Many of us are like them we don’t do something to advance the mission of Jesus in this world. We don’t want to labor for Jesus, we don’t want to sacrifice our time for Jesus. We rather choose to spend time for our own self-interest and gratification.   

Why is it that many of us do not want to labor and sacrifice for Christ? Is it because there’s no money that could motivate us to do it? However, money is just a miniscule part of life, we will not find the true meaning of life with money, with power or anything that emanates from this world.  

We can only find the true essence and meaning of life with Jesus only with Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 28, Biyernes sa Ikawalong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 11:11-26

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 11:11-26

11 Dumating si Jesus sa Jerusalem at pumasok sa Templo. Minasdan niya ang lahat at dahil magdadapithapon na, bu­malik siya sa Betania kasama ng Labin­dalawa.  

12 Kinaumagahan, paglabas nila sa Betania, nagutom siya. 13 Nang ma­pan­sin niya sa malayo ang isang puno ng igos na may mga dahon, nilapitan niya iyon kung makakakita siya roon ng anu­man. Ngunit paglapit niya, wala siyang natagpuang anuman kundi mga dahon lamang. Hindi nga panahon ng igos. 14 Kaya sinabihan niya ang puno: “Wala nang bungang makakain mula sa iyo magpakailan­man.” At narinig ito ng kan­yang mga alagad.  

 15 Pagkarating ni Jesus sa Jerusalem, pumasok siya sa Templo at sinimulan niyang palayasin ang mga nagtitinda at bumibili sa patyo ng Templo. Itinaob niya ang mga mesa ng mga nagpapalit ng pera at ang mga upuan ng mga nagtitinda ng mga kalapati. 16 At hindi niya pinayagang dumaan sa Templo ang may dalang anumang bagay.  

17 Tinuruan niya sila at sinabi: “Hindi ba nasusulat na, tatawaging bahay-da­langinan para sa lahat ng bansa ang aking bahay? Ngunit ginawa ninyo itong kuta ng mga magnanakaw.” 18 Nabalitaan naman ito ng mga punong-pari at mga guro ng Batas at ha­ngad nila siyang ilig­pit. Takot nga sila sa kanya sapagkat namamangha ang lahat sa kanyang pag­tuturo.  

19 At nang hapon na, muli silang luma­bas ng lunsod. 20 Pagbalik nila kinaumagahan, na­kita nilang natuyo hanggang ugat ang punong-igos. 21 Kaya naalaala ni Pedro ang tungkol dito at sinabi niya: “Guro, na­tuyo ang isinumpa mong punong-igos.” 22 At nagsalita si Jesus sa kanila: “Su­mampalataya kayo sa Diyos.  

23 Tala­gang sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung may mag­sasabi sa bundok na ito: ‘Tumayo ka’t itapon mo ang iyong sarili sa dagat!’ at wala siyang alin­la­ngan kundi nanini­wala siyang mang­­­­yayari ang kanyang sinabi, mang­ya­yari ito sa kanya. 24 Kaya sinasabi ko sa inyo: anuman ang hingin ninyo sa pana­langin, sumampalataya kayo na natang­gap na ninyo at tatang­gapin ninyo. 

25 At pagtindig ninyo sa pananala­ngin, magpatawad kayo kung may­roon ka­yong sama ng loob kaninuman; 26 sa gayo’y patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa langit sa inyong mga kasa­lanan.”

Reflection for May 27 Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:46-52

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."  

And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."  

He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Is the blind man Bartimaeus desperately seeking Jesus? Desperation is an understatement  because he is seeking Jesus with all of his might. This is for the reason that he knows the real identity  of Jesus. Bartimaeus knows that it is only Jesus who can cure his physical blindness. But Bartimaeus physical blindness did not prevent him from uncovering the true identity of Jesus. Why? Because Batimaeus has the eyes of faith that many of us do not have yet.  

Through his eyes of faith Bartimaeus saw the real identity of Jesus. Through the eyes of faith Bartimaeus discovered that it is only Jesus who can cure his physical blindness.  This is the reason why he mightily shouted to get the attention of Jesus when He passed by him.  

The eyes of faith of this blind man did not fail him for he was noticed and soon after called by Jesus. And right there while face to face with Jesus he was asked by the Lord: "What do you want me to do for you?" Bartimaeus said, Master, I want to see. And at that very moment his physical blindness was cured by Jesus.  

How about us? Do we have these eyes of faith of Bartimaeus? Let us reflect upon this for we may be able to see physically yet we are still blind spiritually. Let us therefore seek the Lord more so that we would also have Bartimaeus eyes of faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 27, Huwebes sa Ikawalong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 10:46-52

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:46-52

Noong panahong iyon, dumating si Hesus sa Jerico, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad at marami pang iba. Nang umaalis na sila roon, may naraanan silang isang bulag na nakaupo sa tabi ng daan at namamalimos. Siya’y si Bartimeo, anak ni Timeo. Nang marinig niyang naroon si Hesus na taga-Nazaret, sumigaw siya ng ganito: “Hesus, Anak ni David, mahabag po kayo sa akin!”  

Pinagsabihan siya ng mga tao at pinatatahimik, ngunit lalo pa siyang nagsisigaw, “Anak ni David, mahabag po kayo sa akin!” Tumigil si Hesus at kanyang sinabi, “Tawagin ninyo siya.” At tinawag nga nila ang bulag. “Lakasan mo ang iyong loob,” sabi nila. “Tumindig ka. Ipinatatawad ka niya.”  

Iniwaksi niya ang kanyang balabal, paluksong tumayo at lumapit kay Hesus. “Ano ang ibig mong gawin ko sa iyo?” tanong sa kanya ni Hesus. Sumagot ang bulag, “Guro, ibig ko po sanang makakita.” Sinabi ni Hesus, “Humayo ka; magaling ka na dahil sa iyong pananalig.” Noon di’y nakakita siya, at sumunod kay Hesus.  

Reflection for May 26 Wednesday Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest: Mark 10:32-45

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.”  

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, ‘We can.”  

Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt.  

But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What ensures lasting marriage? It’s the willingness to sacrifice, the willingness to bear pain and suffering and the willingness to swallow our own pride and ego. After we have endured these trials lasting marriage would be at hand.  

The two disciples namely James and John wanted to sit beside Jesus in His glory. It seems that both of them do not want to pass through what Jesus is about to go through. Both of them wanted the easy path towards glorification.  

But the easy path is not the way of Jesus for the way of Jesus is the way of the cross. The way of humility, suffering and humiliation without it there would be no triumph over evil. Without it there would be no glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven.  

The same is true if we want to become true followers of our Lord. We also have to go through the way of Jesus before we could be bestowed by glory that Jesus alone can bestow upon us.  

Stay the course therefore because there will be reward someday no matter how filled with trials our journey with the Lord might be. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 26, Miyerkules San Felipe Nerio, pari (Paggunita): Marcos 10:32-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:32-45

32 Noong panahong iyon nasa daan ang mga alagad patungong Jerusalem, nanguna si Jesus at nagtaka sila. Natakot naman ang mga kasunod nila. Muli niyang isinama ang Labin­dalawa at habang nasa daan ay sinimulan niyang sabihin sa kanila ang mga sasapitin niya: 33 “Tingnan ninyo, papunta na tayo sa Je­rusalem. Doon ibibigay ang Anak ng Tao sa mga punong-pari at mga guro ng Batas na maghahatol sa kanya ng kamatayan.   

Kaya ibibigay nila siya sa mga pagano. 34 Pagtatawanan nila siya, luluraan, hahagupitin at papatayin. Ngunit baba­ngon siya pagkatapos ng tatlong araw.” • 35 Lumapit noon kay Jesus sina Jaime at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo, at sinabi sa kanya: “Guro, gusto sana naming gawin mo ang hihingin namin sa iyo.” 36 At sinabi ni Jesus: “Ano ang gusto ninyong gawin ko?” 37 Su­magot sila: “Ipagkaloob mo sa amin sa iyong kaluwalhatian na maupo ang isa sa amin sa kanan mo, at ang isa naman sa kaliwa mo.”  

38 Sinabi ni Jesus: “Talagang hindi ninyo alam kung ano ang hinihingi ninyo. Maiinom ba ninyo ang kopang iinumin ko at mabi­bin­yagan sa binyag na ibinin­yag sa akin?” 39 Su­magot sila: “Kaya namin.” Sumagot si Jesus: “Totoong iinom din kayo sa kopang iinumin ko at mabi­binyagan sa binyag na ibi­binyag sa akin. 40 Ngu­nit wala sa akin ang pag­papaupo sa aking kanan o kaliwa. Ini­handa ito para sa  iba.”  

41 Nang marinig ito ng sampu, nagalit sila kina Jaime at Juan. 42 Kaya tinawag sila ni Jesus at sinabi sa kanila: “Nalalaman ninyo na sinusupil ng mga naghahari ang kanilang mga bansa at inaapi ng mga nasa kapang­yarihan. 43 Huwag namang ganito sa inyo: ang may gustong maging dakila, siya ang maging lingkod ninyo; 44 ang may gustong mauna sa inyo, siya ang maging alipin ninyo.45 Gayun­din naman, dumating ang Anak ng Tao hindi para paglingkuran kundi para mag­lingkod at ibigay ang kanyang buhay bilang pantubos sa ma­rami.”

Reflection for May 25 Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:28-31

Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What are we capable of giving up for Jesus? Can we give up our riches? Can we give up our life of sin, hedonism and worldliness? Perhaps this is quite hard to do for many of us. 

But if we do so and we begin to trust and love Jesus more than this world. We would also see a marked improvement in our lives, there would be less human created worries, stress and problems. 

This is for the reason that we’ve decided to embrace Jesus more than this world. Jesus tells us in the gospel that if we give up this world and choose to follow Him. We would receive more than this world could offer. But what does this world offer us except sin, endless pressure through accumulation of wealth and problems. 

Let us try detaching ourselves from this world even for only a short time and we would see the big improvement that it would create in our lives. Let us cut our relationship and communication with our friends who have not brought any good into our lives. 

Let us also detach ourselves from our vices and anything that is sinful. After doing so let us develop a real relationship with Jesus. By attending Holy Mass/online Mass more often, by praying more often and let us begin to develop a habit of reading the Bible. 

Let us not be afraid to give up this world for Jesus. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 25, Martes sa Ikawalong Linggo ng Taon: Marcos 10:28-31

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:28-31

28 Noong panahong iyon nagsalita si Pedro kay Jesus at si­nabi: “Iniwan namin ang lahat para su­munod sa iyo.” 29 Sinabi ni Jesus: “Talagang sina­sabi ko sa inyo: walang nag-iwan ng tahanan, mga kapatid, ina at ama at mga anak at mga bukid alang-alang sa akin at sa Ebanghelyo 30 na walang gantimpala. 

Tatanggap nga siya ngayon ng makasandaang beses ng mga tahanan, mga kapatid, mga ina at mga anak at mga bukid sa gitna ng mga pag-uusig, at sa pana­hong darating nama’y makakamit niya ang buhay na walang hanggan. 

31 May mga una ngayon na mahuhuli at may mga huli naman na mauuna.”

Reflection for May 24 Monday, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (M): John 19:25-34

Gospel: John 19:25-34

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. 

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.”  There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. 

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first     and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately Blood and water flowed out.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What do we thirst for? 

Was it physical thirst that Jesus was feeling when He said: “I thirst.” In His humanity, yes physical thirst but more than that it was the thirst for those people who were formerly with Him. 

Dying on the cross perhaps, Jesus was whimpering while saying, “I thirst.” Why? For the reason that He was also thirsting for His followers and apostles who were with Him during His miraculous healing and powerful speaking ministry.  

It is in the lowest episodes of our lives that we would know who is really for us and not for us. Those who are for us would choose to remain no matter the odds against us. Those who are not for us would immediately evaporate from our sights to save their necks. 

When we encounter these words: “I thirst.”  Let us imagine that Jesus is addressing these words to us. I thirst for you to be faithful in your marriage covenant. I thirst for you to be honest where you are presently working right now. I Thirst for you to value the sacredness of life over the evils of abortion and extra judicial killing. I thirst for you to always be humble and simple. 

 I thirst for your presence at Holy Mass/Online Mass everyday or even every Sunday if you cannot make it every day.  I thirst for you to become a good father/mother. I thirst for you to become a good and God loving son/daughter. I thirst for you to be faithful to your priesthood. I thirst for you to be faithful to your religious life. I thirst for you to help those who are going hungry caused by this Covid-19 pandemic.    

Would you respond to Jesus thirst? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 24, Lunes Ang Mahal na Birheng Maria, Ina ng Iglesya: Juan 19:25-34

Mabuting Balita: Juan 19:25-34

25 Nangakatayo naman sa tabi ng krus ni Jesus ang kanyang ina at ang kapatid na babae ng kanyang ina, si Maria ni Cleofas at si Maria Magdalena. 26 Kaya pagkakita ni Jesus sa ina at sa alagad na mahal niya na nakatayo sa tabi, sinabi niya sa Ina: “Babae, hayan ang anak mo!” 27 pagkatapos ay sinabi naman niya sa alagad: “Hayan ang iyong ina.” At mula sa oras na iyon, tinanggap siya ng alagad sa kanyang tahanan.  

28 Pagkaraan nito, alam ni Jesus na ngayo’y natupad na ang lahat. Ngunit kailangang maganap ang Kasulatan, at sinabi niya: “Nauuhaw ako!” 29 May sisidlan doon na puno ng maasim na alak. Kaya ikinabit nila sa isopo ang isang esponghang ibinabad sa alak at idiniit sa kanyang bibig. 30 Pagkasipsip ni Jesus ng alak, sinabi niya: “Natupad na!” At pagka­yuko ng ulo’y ibinigay ang espiritu.  

Sinibat ang kanyang tagiliran, at may umagos na dugo at tubig • 31 Dahil paghahanda noon, ayaw ng mga Judio na mamalagi sa krus ang mga katawan sa Araw ng Pahinga sapagkat dakilang araw ang Araw na iyon ng Pahinga. At ipinakiusap nila kay Pilato na baliin ang mga binti ng mga nasa krus at saka alisin.  

32 Kaya pumaroon ang mga sundalo. Binali nila ang mga binti ng una at ng isa pang kasama niyang ipinako sa krus. 33 Ngunit pagsapit nila kay Jesus, nakita nilang patay na siya kaya hindi nila binali ang kanyang mga binti. 34 Gayunma’y sinibat ng isa sa mga sundalo ang kanyang tagiliran, at biglang may umagos na dugo at tubig.

Reflection for Sunday May 23, Solemnity of Pentecost: John 20:19-23

Gospel: John 20:19-23

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.  

As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of two brothers that lived in a remote rural area; these two have very extreme behaviors. Brother A, is a good natured fellow he’s very helpful towards his neighbors he is also very humble, prayerful and active in their church.  

Brother B, is the opposite of Brother A, he has a rude behavior, has vices and always full of himself.  He doesn’t even go to church he prefers to be with his drinking buddies rather than go to church for Sunday Mass.  

Due to his good natured characteristics the people around the community gravitates towards the side of Brother A. Whenever there’s conflict in the area they would run to him for help to be the peacemaker. They would also go to his house every week to ask him to be their guide and facilitator in their prayer meetings.  

How does the Holy Spirit work in our lives or how does the Holy Spirit manifest its presence in our lives? This is the million dollar question that is very hard to answer mainly because many of us have no experience of feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit.  

God the Holy Spirit makes his presence obvious on those people who lead their lives worthy in the eyes of God. The Holy Spirit is like those people who gravitated towards the side of the good natured, humble and prayerful brother A. The secret therefore to unleash the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to live our lives according to the teachings of God.  

In the gospel this Sunday, the disciples of Jesus were in a room hiding from their persecutors. Aside from hiding from the Jews who were persecuting them what else were they doing there? They were obviously praying for Jesus’ protection and care and they were not failed by the Lord.  

In the midst of locked doors He appeared to them and gave them His peace, He twice told them: “Peace be with you.” To pledge them that there’s nothing to worry about for the reason that He is there in their midst. Peace be with you to reassure them of His abiding presence and protection. Then finally he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.  

God’s peace and the presence of the Holy Spirit will come to us the moment we become His faithful and prayerful followers. This peace that God gives us doesn’t mean the absence of problems and challenges in our lives. It means that amidst these problems and challenges we would still be calm and peaceful because we know that God the Holy Spirit is with us.  

Do you feel the guiding, calming and enlightening presence of God the Holy Spirit in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 23 Linggo ng Pentekostes (Dakilang Kapistahan): Juan 20:19-23

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:19-23

19 Agaw-dilim na noon sa unang araw na iyon ng sanlinggo at nakasara ang mga pinto sa kinaroroonan ng mga alagad dahil sa takot sa mga Judio, dumating si Jesus at pumagitna. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Kapayapaan sa inyo!” 20 Pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang mga kamay at ang tagiliran. Kaya nagalak ang mga alagad pagka­kita nila sa Panginoon.  

21 At muli niyang sinabi sa kanila: “Kapa­­yapaan sa inyo! Kung paanong isinugo ako ng Ama, ipinadadala ko rin kayo.” 22 At pagkasabi nito, hiningahan niya sila at sinabi: “Tanggapin ang Espi­ritu Santo! 23 Patatawarin ang mga kasa­lanan ninu­man na inyong patawarin; at pana­natiliin naman sa sinuman ang in­yong panatiliin.”

Reflection for May 22 Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 21:20-25

Gospel: John 21:20-25

Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” 

So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”  

It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

 + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Do you always stay close to Jesus? 

John is the disciple whom Jesus loved; there is that closeness between them and we saw it when John reclined upon His chest (John 13:23-25). John was also the only disciple who was with Jesus until His last gasp of breath on the cross.  

In our present time it may be very odd to see a man recline upon the chest of another man. Our  imaginations will conclude something else which is not right. But during Jesus’ time; it suggest close friendship between the Master/Teacher (Jesus) and His disciple (John). John had Jesus’ ears that he could ask HIM questions whenever he wants too. The strength of their friendship was clearly evident when John stayed with Jesus until the very end of the Lord’s earthly life.  

This is also the friendship that the Lord wants from us, Jesus wants us also to always recline towards Him and to stay with HIM regardless of our life’s predicament. We stay close to Jesus in our happy moments and the more that we become closer to Jesus in our moments of sadness, difficulties and trials. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Mayo 22, Sabado sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:20-25

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:20-25

20 Paglingon ni Pedro, nakita niyang sumusunod ang alagad na mahal ni Jesus, na siyang humilig sa tabi niya noong hapunan at nagsabing: “Pangi­noon, sino ba ang magkakanulo sa iyo?” 21 Kaya pag­kakita rito ni Pedro, sinabi niya kay Jesus: “Panginoon, ano naman sa kanya?” 22 Si­na­bi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Kung loobin kong mamalagi siya hang­gang ako’y pu­ma­­rito, ano sa ’yo? Ikaw, sumunod ka sa akin!”  

23 Dahil dito’y kumalat ang salitang ito sa mga kapatid na hindi mama­matay ang alagad na ito pero hindi naman sinasabi sa kanya ni Jesus na hindi siya mama­ma­tay kundi “Kung loobin kong mamalagi siya hanggang ako’y pumarito.”  

24 Ito ang alagad na siyang nagpa­patunay tungkol sa mga bagay na ito at ang sumulat sa mga ito. At alam namin na totoo ang kanyang patunay. 25Ma­rami pa ring ibang ginawa si Jesus, na kung isa-isang masusulat ang mga iyon, sa tantiya ko’y hindi magkakasya sa mundo ang isusulat na mga aklat.

Reflection for May 21 Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter: John 21:15-19

Gospel: John 21:15-19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."  

He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." 

Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you know that true love always requires humility and sacrifice? 

There’s always humility attached to the word love. We can’t love without sacrifice; we can’t love without emptying ourselves for the sake of the person that we love. The word love is not a lip service word it is always coupled with humble positive action for those we love. 

In the gospel Jesus asked Simon Peter three times: “Do you love me?” and whenever Simon Peter replies in the affirmative Jesus always gives him a responsibility (Feed my lambs, Tend my sheep and Feed my sheep) which he must do to substantiate his love. 

This is also what Jesus wants us to do if we profess to love Him: We have to be His humble followers. We have to be ready to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of our love for Jesus. For the reason that humility and sacrifice are the essence of true love. Love without sacrifice and humility is not true love, it’s rather a selfish kind of love based on love for oneself. 

How do you love? – Marino J. Dasmarinas