Reflection for October 1, Friday Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church: Luke 10:13-16

Gospel:Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said to them, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? 

You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.

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Reflection:

Is it possible for us not to sin anymore? 

No, as we live here in this world we will continue to sin for we are mere mortals with frailties. We sin through our thoughts, words and actions. However, as we keep on sinning God calls us always to repentance until the time comes that our sins will be diminished. 

Amid our humanness and sinfulness God wants us to know that we need to repent that is why He created the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For us to humbly submit ourselves and for us to be aware of God’s goodness and forgiveness.  

Obviously the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were stone hearted. They did not listen to the call of Jesus for them to repent. There really are people who are like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. No matter how we try to help them and no matter how hard we gently speak to them. They will not walk away from their sinfulness they will really not hear us.

This is perhaps the mystery of human psychology; God comes to us yet we refuse Him. Or we are given advice by those who are concerned for our welfare yet we refuse to hear them.    

So for those who refuse to hear the wisdom of God and the wise counsel of the people around them. Be prepared for the consequences for there are really consequences for those who refuse to hear. But why wait for the price of our stubbornness to befall us?  Why not listen and walk away from our sinfulness? 

Let us repent while we still have time and let us humbly ask Jesus to forgive us of all our sins. The best vehicle for us to do this is to humbly submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Oktubre 1 Santa Teresita de Jesus, dalaga at pantas ng Iglesya (Paggunita): Lucas 10:13-16

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:13-16

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Hesus, “Kawawa ka, Corazon! Kawawa ka, Betsaida! Sapagkat kung sa Tiro at Sidon ginawa ang mga kababalaghang ginawa rito sa inyo, disin sana’y malaon na silang nagdaramit ng sako at nauupo sa abo upang ipakilalang sila’y nagsisisi. 

Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom, higit na mabigat ang kaparusahan ninyo kaysa kaparusahan ng mga taga-Tiro at taga-Sidon. At ikaw, Capernaum, ibig mong mataas hanggang sa langit? Ibabagsak ka sa Hades! “Ang nakikinig sa inyo’y nakikinig sa akin, ang nagtatakwil sa inyo’y nagtatakwil sa akin, at ang nagtatakwil sa akin ay nagtatakwil sa nagsugo sa akin.”   

Reflection for September 30, Thursday Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Luke 10:1-12

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.  

Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.

Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’  

Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand. I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.”

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to be an ambassador of Jesus? 

It’s hard to respond to this call of Jesus to follow Him most especially when you see nothing but challenges. For example, provisions are very scarce, nobody wants to be with you for the simple reason that they don’t love God as much as you do.  

What would you do then? You must carry on! The harder the challenges in front of you the firmer your resolve to pursue and follow the Lord. The enemy of God which is no other than the devil will continue to badger you to give up. It will continue to paint a picture of hopelessness with what you do for Christ so as to discourage you. But you must not give up. You must continue to hold on with your desire to partake with the mission of Jesus.  

The statement of Jesus that the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few is as true as the sunshine today. Each day we see the decline of the morality and values of many people. Each day we see the debasement of the sanctity of marriage. Each day we see the disintegration of families most especially in the so called first world countries. This is the abundant harvest that Jesus pertains today.  

Don’t say that you don’t see any abundant harvest. Look in your own sphere of environment and you’ll see them. Focus on them; share Jesus with them thru your words or thru your lifestyle for they are your abundant harvest. Don’t worry about anything for Jesus is with you, He will protect you and He will provide for you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Setyembre 30 San Miguel, San Geronimo, pari at pantas ng Iglesya (Paggunita): Lucas 10:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:1-12

1Noong panahong iyon humirang ang Panginoon ng iba pang pitumpu’t dalawa at isinugo silang dala-dalawa na mauna sa kanya sa bawat ba­yan at lugar na takda niyang pun­tahan. 2 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Marami nga ang aanihin at kakaunti naman ang mga mang­gagawa; idalangin ninyo sa panginoon ng ani na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang ani. 3 Lumakad na kayo. Isinusugo ko ka­yong parang mga tupa sa gitna ng mga asong-gubat. 4 Huwag kayong magdala ng pitaka, bag o mga sandalyas. At huwag ninyong ba­tiin ang sinuman sa daan.

5 Saanmang bahay kayo pumasok, sa­bihin muna ninyo: ‘Mapasatahanang ito ang kapayapaan!’ 6 Kung mapaya­pang tao ang naroon, sasakanya ang inyong kapayapaan. Kung hindi’y mag­babalik sa inyo ang inyong dasal. 7 At sa bahay na iyon kayo manatili; kumain kayo at umi­nom na kasalo nila sapag­kat may karapatan ang manggagawa sa kanyang sa­hod. Huwag kayong magpapapalit-palit ng bahay. 

8 Saanmang bayan kayo pumasok at tanggapin nila kayo, kanin ninyo anu­mang ihain sa inyo. 9 Pagalingin din ninyo ang mga maysakit doon at sabihin ninyo sa kanila: ‘Palapit na sa inyo ang kaha­rian ng Diyos.’ 10 Saanmang bayan kayo pumasok at di nila kayo tanggapin, lumabas kayo sa mga liwasan nito at inyong sabihin: 11 ‘Pati na alikabok mula sa inyong ba­yan na ku­mapit sa aming mga paa ay ipinapagpag namin sa inyo. 

Gayunman, alamin nin­yong palapit na ang kaharian ng Diyos.’ 12 Sina­sabi ko sa inyo na magaan pa ang sasapitin ng mga taga-Sodom kaysa bayang iyon sa dakilang Araw.

Reflection for September 29, Wednesday Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels (Feast): John 1:47-51

Gospel: John 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.”Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus knows you very well? Many will not believe but the truth of the matter is Jesus knows each and everyone of us very well. What we are thinking right now Jesus knows about it also! 

 If Jesus knows everything about us why is it that he doesn’t intervene whenever we are in the verge of committing sin?  This is for the reason that God gave us the freewill or the freedom of choice to do what we want to do. 

However the moment we strive to get closer to Jesus. For example we religiously attend Holy Mass. We spend time to read the Holy Bible and live His teachings, we surely would feel the movement of Jesus in our lives. We therefore invite Jesus to take an active part in our lives when we strive to get close to Him. 

In the gospel Nathanael was surprised that Jesus knew him in advance. But looking at the life of Nathanael it comes without surprise that Jesus knew him beforehand. Because Nathanael was also quietly seeking and thinking about God. 

Do you want to feel the movement of Jesus in your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Setyembre 29 San Miguel, San Gabriel at San Rafael, mga arkangel (Kapistahan): Juan 1:47-51

Mabuting Balita: Juan 1:47-51

47 Nakita ni Jesus si Natanael na palapit sa kanya at sinabi niya tungkol sa kanya: “Hayan, isang totoong Israelitang walang pagkukunwari.” 48 Sinabi sa kanya ni Natanael: “Paano mo ako nakilala?” Su­ma­got sa kanya si Jesus: “Bago ka pa man tawagin ni Felipe, habang nasa ilalim ka ng punong-igos, nakita na kita.”  

49 Sumagot si Natanael: “Rabbi, ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos, ikaw ang Hari ng Israel.” 50 Sumagot si Jesus: Sinabi ko lang sa iyong nakita kita sa ilalim ng punong-igos, at naniniwala ka na? Higit pa sa mga ito ang makikita mo.” 

51 At idinugtong ni Jesus: “Talagang-talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo, makikita ninyong bukas na ang langit at panhik-panaog sa Anak ng Tao ang mga anghel ng Diyos.”

Reflection for September 28, Tuesday St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions, martyrs (M): Luke 9:51-56

Gospel: Luke 9:51-56

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him.  

On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

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Reflection:
Would you open the door of your house for Jesus? 

The Samaritans did not welcome Jesus because they did not know Him well. If only they knew Him they would have welcomed Him even if He was going to Jerusalem. But they did not know Him that’s why they refused to be hospitable to Him.  

There are some problematic individuals who decide to end their life by way of committing suicide. Why? Because they do not know Jesus, if only they know Jesus they would have not committed that grievous sin.  

We miss so many blessings when we do not fully know the Lord. For example, the blessing of hope, the blessing of love, the blessing of understanding, humility, peacefulness and a lot more. These are but a few of the many blessings that we miss when we do not know Jesus that well.  

But how would we know Jesus? We must read the bible most especially the first four books of the New Testament. We must often be present in the celebration of the Eucharist or Holy Mass  most especially during Sundays. If we do these acts of faith, slowly but surely our eyes of faith would be opened to the friendship of Jesus.  

But how about those who do not Jesus? How would they know Jesus? We have to share Jesus and we have to live His teachings so that through us they will know Jesus. To know Jesus is still not enough we have to share Him and we have to live what we know about Him.     

Do you want to live a more meaningful life? If your answer is yes, you therefore have to share and live Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Martes Setyembre 28 San Lorenzo Ruiz at mga Kasama, mga martir (Paggunita): Lucas 9:51-56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:51-56

51 Nang papalapit na ang pana­hon ng pag-aakyat sa kanya, tahasang ipinasya ni Jesus na pumunta sa Jeru­sa­lem. 52 Nag­padala siya ng mga sugo para mauna sa kanya at pumasok sila sa nayon ng mga Samaritano para ihan­da ang kanyang matutuluyan.  

53 Pero ayaw nila siyang tanggapin dahil pa­punta siya sa Jerusalem. 54 Kaya sinabi sa kanya ng kanyang mga alagad na sina Jaime at Juan: “Panginoon, gusto mo bang tuma­wag kami ng apoy na babagsak mula sa langit para puksain sila?” 55 Lumingon si Jesus at pinag­wikaan sila, 56 at sa ibang bayan sila nag­punta.

Reflection for September 27, Monday Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest: Luke 9:46-50

Gospel: Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company. Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel that you are above all for the reason of the things that you do or for the reason of your achievements and status in life? 

We can’t help but ask, why did the disciples argue as to who among them is the greatest? Perhaps they got carried away with the sudden fame of being with Jesus. That’s why they were arguing as to who was the greatest among them. By being mindful of their egos they forgot that they were with their Lord and Master. 

Jesus knew of their selfish desire for fame thus He took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” 

Least in what aspect? Least in promoting oneself as the greatest and least in filling up ones ego. It’s indeed very tempting to use Jesus to enhance our self-image. But reality check first, this is not what Jesus wants for us to become. Jesus desire for all of us is to embrace humility at all times. 

No one is greatest for Jesus but those who are humble. And those who silently give their time to help him advance His teachings. They are the greates in the eyes of Jesus. 

If you give your time for Jesus no matter how little so long as you give it with all your heart. If you give your time for Jesus without the objective to boast and the selfish desire to be popular. You’re already the greatest in Jesus eyes. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Setyembre 27 San Vicente de Paul, pari (Paggunita): Lucas 9:46-50

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:46-50

46 Nangyari na ikinabahala nila kung sino nga kaya sa kanila ang pinaka­dakila. 47 Alam ni Jesus ang pinagtatalunan nila sa kanilang isipan kaya kumuha siya ng isang bata at pinatayo sa tabi niya. 48 At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ang tumatanggap sa batang ito sa ngalan ko ay tumatanggap sa akin, at ang tumatanggap sa akin ay tuma­tanggap sa nagsugo sa akin. At isa pa: ang ma­tagpuang pinakamaliit sa inyong lahat ang siyang dakila.” 

49 At nagsalita si Juan: “Guro, may na­kita kaming nagpapalayas ng mga de­monyo sa ngalan mo. Pero pinagba­walan namin siya dahil hindi siya sumu­sunod na kasama namin.” 50 Ngu­nit sina­bi ni Jesus sa kanya: “Huwag ninyo siyang pagba­walan dahil panig sa inyo ang hindi laban sa inyo.”

Reflection for Sunday September 26, Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

 

Gospel: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

At that time, John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him. 

There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. 

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. 

And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. 

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 Reflection:

The Story is told about two pastors who were trying to convince the people in their place to join their respective religions. Pastor number one said, nobody can bring you closer to God except me  because others who are preaching about God are fake preachers so don’t listen to them listen only to me. 

Pastor number two said: Aside from listening to me you can also listen to others who are preaching the words of God. One of the members of his religion asked the pastor: Why should I listen to them also? The pastor said: Because I don’t have the monopoly of the words of God.     

In the gospel, a man who doesn’t belong to the group of Jesus was casting out demons using His name. John saw this man, thus he tried to prevent the man from using the name of the Lord (Mark 9:38). However, Jesus told John: Do not prevent him, let him continue using my name for no one who is using my name will speak ill of me (Mark 9:39).       

Was John feeling superior when he prevented the man from using the name of the Lord? Why did John has that mindset of superiority? Because he was with Jesus and he felt that he has the sole possession of the name Jesus? But Jesus did not like John’s display of arrogance. So Jesus contradicted John to send a strong message to His apostles that they don’t have the monopoly of his name.     

Jesus did not want to become an exclusive property of anyone even by those who are very close to Him. As far as Jesus is concerned, He is for everybody.  And for as long as it is for a noble purpose anyone can use His name anytime. 

We must avoid the mindset of superiority over anybody because nobody will like or join us. Instead, we must at all times be humble since its only thru our humility that we can bring our fellowmen  closer to the Lord and to our church. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo September 26 Ika-26 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

 

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Noong Panahong iyon sinabi ni Juan kay Jesus: “Guro, nakita namin ang isang di natin kasama na nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa bisa ng iyong pangalan. Ngunit pinigil namin siya dahil hindi natin siya kasama.” 39 At sinabi ni Jesus: “Huwag ninyo siyang pigilan. Wala ngang gumagawa ng himala sa bisa ng aking pangalan na agad na magsasalita laban sa akin. 40 Ang hindi laban sa atin ay kampi sa atin. 

41 At kung may magpainom sa inyo ng malamig na tubig alang-alang sa aking pangalan dahil kay Kristo kayo, talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo na hindi siya mananatiling walang gantimpala. 42 Ngunit kung may tumisod at magpadapa sa isa sa maliliit na ito na nananalig, mas makabubuti pa para sa kanya na itapon siya sa dagat na may taling malaking bato sa kanyang leeg.  

43 Kung ang kamay mo ang nagtutulak sa iyo sa kasalanan, putulin mo ito. Mas mabuti pa sa iyo ang pumasok na pingkaw sa buhay kaysa matapon sa walang hanggang apoy ng impiyerno na may dalawang kamay. 45 At kung ang paa mo ang nagtutulak sa iyo sa kasalanan, putulin mo ito. Mas mabuti pa sa iyo ang pumasok na pilay sa buhay kaysa matapon sa impiyerno na may dalawang paa.  

47 At kung ang mata mo ang nagtutulak sa iyo sa kasalanan, itapon mo ito. Mabuti pa sa iyo ang pumasok sa kaharian ng Diyos na may isang mata kaysa matapon sa impiyerno na may dalawang mata, 48 kung saan walang tigil ang mga uod sa kanila at walang kamatayan ang apoy. 

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa dalawang pastor na gustong kumbinsihin ang mga tao sa kanilang lugar na sumama sa kanilang relihiyon. Sinabi ng unang pastor: Walang ibang makapagdadala palapit sa Diyos sa inyo kundi ako lang. Dahil ang iba na nangangaral tunkol sa Diyos ay hindi totoo kaya huwag kayong makinig sa kanila bagkus ay sa akin lang kayo makinig. 

Sinabi naman ng ikalawang pastor: Maliban sa pakikinig nyo sa akin ay pakingan nyo rin ang iba na nangangaral ng salita ng Diyos. Kaya may  nagtanong sa kanya: Bakit po ba ako makikinig pa sa kanila? At sumagot ang pastor, basta mabuti ang layunin lahat ay may karapatan na magbahagi ng salita ng Diyos.  

Sa atin pong mabuting balita ay may isang tao na nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa pamamagitan ng pangalan ni Jesus. At ito ay nakita ni Juan kaya pinagbawalan nya ang taong ito. Pero sinalungat si Juan ni Jesus at sinabi nya huwag itong pigilan dahil walang gumagawa ng himala sa kanyang pangalan ang mag sasalita laban sa kanya.  

Sa palagay ba ni Juan ay mas superior na sya kaya pinagbawalan nya ang lalaki na gamitin ang pangalan ni Jesus? Bakit ba si Juan ay nagkaroon ng ganon na pag-iisip? Ito ba ay dahil siya  ay palaging kasama ni Jesus? Pero hindi iyon na gustuhan ni Jesus kaya sinalungat nya sii Juan. At ito ay ginawa ni Jesus para magbigay nang malakas na mensahe sa kanyang mga apostol na wala silang monopolyo sa kanyang pangalan.  

Ayaw ni Jesus na siya ay maging exclusibong pag aari ng kahit na sinong grupo na sa tingin nila ay sila ay malapit sa kanya. Para po kay Jesus siya o ang kanyang pangalan ay para sa lahat. At lahat ay may karapatan na gamitin ang pangalan nya para sa mabuting layunin.  

 Iwasan po natin ang magkaroon tayo ng pag-iisip na tayo ay mataas na o superior na kaysa iba dahil walang magkakagusto na sumama sa atin o sa ating pangkat. Bagkus dapat ay tayo ay palaging mababa ang kalooban dahil sa pamamagitan po lamang nito natin mailalapit ang ating kapwa kay Jesus at sa ating simbahan. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for September 25, Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:43b-45

Gospel: Luke 9:43b-45

While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

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Reflection:

Why were the disciples afraid to ask Jesus to elaborate His meaningful statement that He is going to be handed over to men? Did they sense that something dangerous is going to happen to Jesus soon? Were they afraid to hear something that would deal with suffering and the cross? Or the disciples were simply used to the image of Jesus as a powerful miracle worker and healer?   

Is it only for His miracles and healings that we follow Jesus? Perhaps yes, many of us are only after Jesus the miracle worker and Jesus the healer. But if we are only after His miracles and healings then this is not true discipleship.  

True discipleship happens to us when we are also ready to suffer for Jesus and when we are also ready to carry our own cross for Jesus. We cannot separate Jesus from suffering because He himself brutally suffered. Thus we cannot also separate ourselves from suffering/s if we truly follow Jesus.  

Nevertheless, let us not be afraid to suffer for our discipleship for Jesus because our suffering for Jesus will not be in vain. There is always something glorious after suffering and carrying our own cross for Jesus. We may not know it immediately but there surely will be glory after we endure our cross and sufferings. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Setyembre 25 Sabado sa Ika-25 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 9:43b-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:43b-45

Nang lubos na nagtataka ang lahat dahil sa mga ginagawa ni Jesus, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 

44 “Itanim ninyong mabuti sa inyong pandinig ang mga kataga kong ito: ibibigay ang Anak ng Tao sa kamay ng mga tao.” 45 Hindi nila naintindihan ang pahayag na ito at nalingid ito sa kanila upang hindi nila maunawaan. At takot naman silang magtanong sa kanya tungkol sa pahayag na ito.

Reflection for September 24, Friday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:18-22

Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.  

He said, “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.”

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Reflection:

Do you live the teachings of Jesus? 

When Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” they were unsure, some said that He was John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen. Then He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.”  

If Jesus would ask us, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” I don’t know if we would be able to answer at all. Because unlike the disciples who walked and lived with Jesus and who shared and preached the word of God. We may not have preached and shared what we know about the  yet.  

What if He will also say to us, “But who do you say that I am?” Would we be able to reply like Peter who said with conviction, “The Christ of God.”  

These are two simple questions from Jesus that invites us to examine if we have a personal relationship with Him. If we don’t have it yet let us do our part by having that thirst and hunger for the Lord. And surely the Holy Spirit will do its part to bring us closer to Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Setyembre 24 Biyernes sa Ika-25 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 9:18-22

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:18-22

18 Minsan, mag-isang nagdarasal si Jesus at naroon din ang mga alagad. Tinanong niya sila: “Sino raw ako ayon sa sabi ng mga tao?” 19 Sumagot sila: “Si Juan Bautista raw; may iba namang nagsa­sabing ikaw si Elias at may iba pang nagsasabi na isang propeta noong una ang nabuhay.”  

20 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Ano naman ang sinasabi ninyo kung sino ako?” Sumagot si Pedro: “Ang Mesiyas ng Diyos.” 21 At inutusan sila ni Jesus na huwag sabihin ito kaninuman.  22 Sinabi nga ni Jesus: “Kaila­ngang 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.”

Reflection for September 23, Thursday of the Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest: Luke 9:7-9

Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, "John has been raised from the dead"; others were saying, "Elijah has appeared"; still others, "One of the ancient prophets has arisen." But Herod said, "John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" And he kept trying to see him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a lady who was always being bothered by her conscience every time she sees a baby.  For it always reminds her of her baby which she aborted. She had no closure with the mortal sin that she did.  

Perhaps the same scenario was occurring in the mind of Herod. He was deeply disturbed by the news about Jesus. And it came to a point that he thought that John whom he ordered killed has been raised from the dead.  

Why is Herod curious about the true identity of Jesus and why have that burning desire to see Jesus? This is for the reason that Herod wants to see if John whom he ordered killed had risen.  

We too should have that curiosity about Jesus not because we want to know if He is John. We have to be curious about Jesus for the reason that we want to have a deeper intimacy with Him. And this desire to know more about the Lord should lead us to a deeper faith and love for the Lord.  

To whom does Jesus always manifest Himself to us during this covid-19 pandemic? He manifest through the poor, the deprived, the hungry and the oppressed. If we want to know Jesus deeply we must exert every possible effort to help and love them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Huwebes Setyembre 23 San Pio de Pietrecina, pari (Paggunita): Lucas 9:7-9

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:7-9

7 Nabalitaan naman ng tetrarkang si Herodes ang lahat ng pangyaya­ring ito at litung-lito siya dahil may nagsasa­bing nabuhay mula sa mga patay si Juan.  

8 Si­nabi naman ng iba na nagpa­kita si Elias, at ng iba pa na isa sa mga propeta noon ang buma­ngon. 9 At sinabi ni Herodes: “Pina­pugutan ko si Juan; sino nga kaya itong nababalitaan kong gumagawa ng mga iyon?” Kaya sini­kap niyang makita si Jesus. 

Reflection for September 22, Wednesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 9:1-6

Gospel: Luke 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and curing diseases everywhere.

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Reflection:

How do you live in this world? Do you live with your trust and confidence in Jesus or you are living with your trust and confidence on yourself and in this world?  

When Jesus sent the twelve apostles to their mission of evangelization He told them this: “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic (Luke 9:3). What does this very important statement of Jesus imply to the apostles? Jesus in essence was telling the apostles, rely on no one but me for I will provide for all of your needs!  

Did they rely on Jesus? Yes of course except for Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him. The eleven of them relied on Jesus that’s why they were very successful in their mission of evangelization. Majority of them even gave their lives for their mission, faaithfulness and reliance to Jesus.  

This is a good point of reflection for all of us as we continue our journey in this fleeting world. To whom do we rest our lives in this world? Do we rest it on Jesus or we rest it on this world and ourselves? We are in the era of covid-19 in which it tells us about how fragile life is. That we can go out of this world anytime what if we die without a personal friendship with the Lord because of our busyness with the affairs of this world?  

Many of us continue to work so hard to accumulate temporal things. There are even some of us or many of us who even work during Sundays so that we could have what we want. So, we sacrifice our worship for God at Holy Mass in exchange for our accumulation of worldly things. 

Reliance on material things of this world will bring us nothing but emptiness. Even if we accumulate all of the material things of this world we would still not be happy we would still have this very deep feeling of void and emptiness. 

What if we rely on Jesus and we have a personal friendship with the Lord? Then, we are already complete and we are the happiest and most contented person in this world even if we have no material riches.  For the simple reason that Jesus is more than enough than any of the material thing/s of this world.     

We cannot bring to the next life the worldly things that we rely on this world. But if we rely on Jesus and if we rest our lives in Him this would assure us of eternal life in heaven with the Lord someday.  

To whom do you rely? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Setyembre 22 Miyerkules sa Ika-25 na Linggo ng Taon: Lucas 9:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:1-6

1 Tinawag ni Jesus ang Labindalawa at binigyan sila ng lakas at kapangyarihan para supilin ang lahat ng demonyo at magpagaling ng mga sakit. 2 Sinugo niya sila para ipa­hayag ang kaharian ng Diyos at mag­bigay-lunas.  

3 Sinabi niya sa kanila: “Huwag ka­yong magdala ng anuman sa inyong paglakad, ni tungkod, ni supot, ni ti­na­pay, ni salapi; huwag kayong mag­ka­roon ng tigalwang bihisan. 4 Sa alin­mang bahay kayo naki­tuloy, doon kayo tumigil hanggang sa pag-alis ninyo. 5 Kung may hindi tatang­gap sa inyo, umalis kayo sa bayang iyon at ipagpag ang alikabok sa inyong mga paa bilang sakdal laban sa kanila.”  

6 Kaya nga lumabas sila at dumaan sa lahat ng bayan na nangangaral at nagpapagaling saanman.

Reflection for September 21, Tuesday Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist: Matthew 9:9-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.  

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

Does Jesus have a soft spot for sinners? Yes Jesus has a soft spot for all of us sinners. For example in our gospel HE called a tax collector and a sinful man named Matthew. After calling Matthew Jesus went to Matthew’s house to dine with tax collectors and sinners.  

All of us are sinners and Jesus is continuously calling upon us to leave for good our sinful lives and follow HIM. The gravity of our sins are not anymore important for Jesus what is important for HIM is we respond to HIS call same as how Matthew in our gospel responded.  

Perhaps you may ask, why is Jesus calling me to follow HIM? Among many other reasons Jesus wants you to be freed from the bondage of sin; HE wants us to be enlightened by HIS grace. And Jesus wants to save you from hell where Satan holds court. These are the reasons why Jesus is calling you to follow HIM.  

Your life will never be the same again once you accept this call of Jesus. There will be healing in your family; you will now become averse to commit any form of sin and you will be freed from its bondage.  

Would you respond to the Lord’s call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Martes San Mateo, apostol at ebanghelista (Kapistahan): Mateo 9:9-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:9-13

9 Sa paglalakad ni Jesus, nakita niya ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Mateo na nakaupo sa singilan ng buwis at sinabi niya rito: “Sumunod ka sa akin.” At tumayo si Mateo at sinundan siya. 10 At habang nasa hapag si Jesus sa bahay ni Mateo, maraming taga­singil ng buwis at iba pang makasa­la­nan ang lumapit at nakisalo kay Jesus at sa kanyang mga alagad. 11 Nang makita ito ng mga Pariseo, tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad: “Bakit kumakaing kasama ng mga makasa­lanan at maniningil ng buwis ang inyong guro?”  

12 Nang marinig ito ni Jesus, sinabi niya: “Hindi ang malulusog ang nanga­ngailangan ng doktor kundi ang mga maysakit! 13 Sige, matutuhan sana ninyo ang kahulugan ng ‘Awa ang gusto ko, hindi handog.’  Hindi ako pumarito para tawagin ang mabubuti kundi ang mga ma­kasalanan.”

Reflection for September 20, Monday Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs (M): Luke 8:16-18

Gospel: Luke 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd: “No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.  

For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care, then, how you hear. To anyone who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he seems to have will be taken away.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a long dormant lighthouse that was revived and brightly lighted by the community around it.  The voyagers and fishermen were very happy to see its light once again. For it gave them direction and it made their life easier at sea.  

By virtue of our faith and what we know about Jesus we also have the potential to become a bright lighthouse. That gives direction, inspiration and hope to our fellowmen. This could happen provided we have the courage to live and share Jesus through our words and actions.  

But how many of us have become the living light of Jesus to our fellowmen? How many of us have dared to live and share the teachings of Jesus? If we don’t dare live and share Jesus we simply become an unlighted lighthouse. A lighthouse that is overcome by darkness it doesn’t give hope, inspiration and direction.  

Let us never forget to remember that we can always become a lighted lamp that is placed on a lampstand that Jesus mentions in the gospel. In that way we can bless others by sharing and living our faith. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes San Andres Kim Taegon, Pari at Martir, San Pablo Chong Hasang, at mga kasama, mga Martir (Paggunita): Lucas 8:16-18

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 8:16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Walang taong nagsisindi ng ilaw at pagkatapos ay tatakluban ng banga o ilalagay kaya sa ilalim ng higaan. Sa halip, inilalagay ito sa talagang patungan upang makita ng mga pumapasok ang liwanag. Walang natatago na di malalantad, at walang lihim na di malalaman at mabubunyag.  

Kaya pagbutihin ninyo ang inyong pakikinig; sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, ngunit ang wala ay aalisan pati ng inaakala niya nasa kanya.”

Reflection for Sunday September 19, Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:30-37

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. 

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” 

Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who heard an announcement in their parish church about its need for those who would be interested to volunteer as an extra-ordinary minister of the Holy Communion. Thus, he volunteered and he went through the formation process.  

However, he had this thought in his mind that this church ministry is an opportunity for him to be popular in their community. He was already imagining that his being popular would result to him entering politics.   

In the gospel, while journeying through Galilee Jesus heard His disciples arguing, so Jesus’ asked them when they were in a house in Capernaum. “What were you arguing about on the way?” (Mark 9:33) They were not able to answer because they were arguing who is the greatest among them. 

Who is the greatest in the eyes of the Lord? The greatest for Jesus is the one who is willing and ready to serve and not to be served. The greatest is the one who is willing and ready to humble himself amidst the temptation to boast and be arrogant. The greatest are those who silently do their vocation for the Lord without expecting anything in return. 

Many of us love to project power.  We feel that we are above all because we occupy an exalted position in our work, church or community. However, this is without importance in the eyes of the Lord what is important for Jesus is our childlike humility and our willingness to follow Him without expecting anything in return. 

Are you ready to humbly follow the Lord with expecting anything in return? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Linggo September 19 Ika-25 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:30-37

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:30-37

30 Noong panahong iyon si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagsimulang dumaan sa Galilea. Gusto niya na walang sinumang makaalam 31 sapagkat tinuturuan niya ang kanyang mga alagad. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ibibigay ang Anak ng Tao sa kamay ng mga tao. Papatayin nila siya ngunit pagka¬patay nila sa kanya, babangon siya sa ikatlong araw.” Kaya lubha silang nalungkot. 32 Hindi nila ito naintindihan at hindi rin sila nangahas magtanong sa kanya. 33 Pagdating nila sa Capernaum, nang nasa bahay na siya, tinanong niya sila: “Ano ang pinag-uusapan ninyo sa daan?” 34 At hindi sila umimik; pinagtatalunan nga nila sa daan kung sino ang mas una.  

 35 Kaya naupo siya at pagkatawag sa Labindalawa ay sinabi sa kanila: “Kung may gustong mauna, maging huli siya sa lahat at lingkod ng lahat.” 36 At pagkakuha niya sa isang maliit na bata, pinatayo ito sa gitna nila at inakbayan at saka sinabi sa kanila: 37 “Ang sinumang tumanggap sa isa sa mga batang ito nang dahil sa aking pangalan ay tumatanggap sa akin. At ang tumatanggap sa akin ay hindi ako ang tinatanggap kundi ang nagsugo sa akin.” 

Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaki na nakarinig ng anunsyo sa kanilang simbahan. Na  nangangailagan ng mga volunteer na maging Layko ministro ng banal na kumunyon. Kaya siya ay tumugon at sumailalim sa processo ng paghuhubog.  

Pero sabi nya sa isip nya na itong pagsali nya sa ministring ito ng simbahan ay isang magandang pagkakataon para sa kanya na maging popular at kilala. At sabi pa niya ito ay gagawin nyang tungtungan para pasukin ang politika sa kanilang lugar.  

Sa ating pong mabuting balita, habang si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay dumaraan sa Galilea ay narinig ni Jesus na sila ay may pinagtatalunan. Kaya ng sila ay nasa isang bahay na sa Capernaum sila ay tinanong ni Jesus kung ano ang kanilang pinagtatalunan habang sila ay dumadaan sa Galilea. (Marcos 9:33) Pero walang nakasagot ni isa man sa kanila dahil ang kanilang pinagtatalunan ay kung sino ang una o dakila sa kanila.  

Sino nga po ba ang una o dakila sa pananaw ng Panginoon? Ang dakila para kay Jesus ay yung handang mag silbi. Ang dakila para kay Jesus ay yung mapagpakumbaba yung hindi mayabang at hindi arrogante. Ang dakila at una para kay Jesus ay yung tahimik na gumagawa ng kanyang bokasyon para sa Diyos na walang hinahangad na anumang kapalit.  

Marami po sa atin ang gusto ng kapangyarihan o katanyagan. At ang pakiramdam natin ay dakila na tayo at una na sa lahat. Pero ito po ay balewala para sa Panginoon dahil mas mahalaga para kay Jesus na tayo ay magkaroon ng kababaan ng loob na tulad ng isang bata. Mas mahalaga para kay Jesus na tayo ay palaging handang sumunod sa kanya na walang anumang hinihingi na kapalit. 

Handa ka bang sumunod kay Jesus ng may pagpapakumbaba at walang hinahangad na anumang kapalit?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas