Reflection for March 5, 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:

Who are the modern day sinners that Jesus wants to call to repentance? It’s no other than us, we are sinners; we sin through our thoughts, actions and words. Like the tax collector Levi, Jesus calls us to follow Him, to leave behind us our sinfulness.  

Why does Jesus calls us to follow Him? Because he wants to build a deeper friendship with us. And this would only happen if we would choose to respond to His call. Rather than respond to the call of the devil who always calls us to sin.  

When we respond to the call of Jesus we ensure ourselves of a meaningful life. This doesn’t mean that the moment we say yes to Jesus we would be free from worries and trials. We would still have our own share of trials and worries. Yet in the midst of our worries and trials we will feel the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives.   

If we decide to follow Jesus there would be people who will despise and perhaps belittle us. But we have nothing to worry with those who will despise us. What is most important is we choose to leave behind our sinfulness in favor of Jesus’ call.  

To leave behind our sinfulness is not easy to do because the devil will not easily let us go until we get destroyed by sin.  Nevertheless, nothing is impossible for Jesus all He asks us is our yes and our firm desire to leave behind our sinfulness.  

Lest we forget, a sinful life is a life in union with the devil and a sinful life is a problem filled life. Problem/s that is presented to us as pleasurable in the eyes of this world but would only destroy us in the end. Let us therefore respond to this call of Jesus. 

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

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 5, Sabado kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 5:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:27-32

Noong panahong iyon, 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 March 4, 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:

Do you practice fasting?  

The disciples of John interpreted the literal meaning of fasting when they asked Jesus this question: “Why are your disciples not fasting?  Then Jesus replied in a meaningful way when He said: “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course His disciples were not literally fasting or denying themselves food because He was with them.  

We have here the question about literal fasting or fasting that is seen which the disciples of John and the Pharisees were doing. Jesus disciples were obviously not doing this kind of fasting they were in fact joyous because Jesus was with them.  

Therefore, they were not fasting, but they were actually doing and sharing with the mission of Jesus. The question now is, which is more important to fast or to share in the mission of Jesus? Of course it’s to share in the mission of Jesus.  

In this gospel episode perhaps Jesus wants to open our eyes to the fact that true fasting is much more than just our willing abstention from food. True fasting is when we learn to give a part of ourselves so that others may live, have life and know Jesus through us.    

Do you practice true fasting? Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 4, Biyernes kasunod 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 March 3, 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:

Are you afraid of suffering? 

Suffering is part and parcel of our Christian life; in fact we will not be able to reach the fullness of our Christian life without suffering.  For the reason that it is in our suffering that we intensely feel the presence of God. It is through these periods of sufferings that God becomes more real to us. 

Try observing your behavior when you don’t have sufferings. God seems distant for we rarely remember Him in our days of prosperity. But notice also that when we are having some difficult moments it seems that God is within our reach. We call on Him we cry and unburden to Him.  

In the gospel, Jesus tells His disciples about the suffering that He has to go through. Why? This is for the reason that this was Jesus’ destiny. From the beginning Jesus knew that He would be going through intense suffering. So why did He not exempted Himself from it when He actually could?  

Because Jesus is faithful to the mission that was given to Him by God, thus Jesus endured suffering for His love of God.  Therefore, the true measure of our love for God is when we are ready to suffer for Him and when we are ready to sacrifice our everything for Him. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 3 Huwebes kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 9:22-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:22-25

22 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “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.”  

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 mawa­walan nito, at ang mawawalan ng kanyang sarili alang-alang sa akin ay siyang ma­ka­­pagliligtas nito. 25 Ano ang pakinabang ng tao tubuin man niya ang buong daig­dig at mawawala naman o mapapahamak ang kanyang sarili?  

Reflection for March 2, Ash Wednesday (Fasting and Abstinence): Matthew 6:6-1, 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:

What is the relevance of Ash Wednesday to your life?  

Today is Ash Wednesday; this is the start of our forty days journey of self-examination and self-reflection of our journey with the Lord and and our journey in this fleeting world. We examine ourselves if we were able to shun the many sins and temptations of this world in favor for our love for God.  

We also examine our attitude when we give Alms, when we Pray and when we Fast. Do we do these acts of piety to serve our own intentions or the intentions of God? Many of us do these acts of piety to show to the whole world our own intentions.  

As we go to the priest or to the ministers of the church for them to impose ash with the sign of the cross on our foreheads. We are reminded that someday we shall become ash and our mortal bodies will forever be part of this world.  

We will leave behind whatever temporal achievements, learning and riches that we have acquired. And after that be forgotten and permanently fade away from the memory of this world. 

But God will not forget us if only we would learn to repent and permanently walk away from anything that makes us sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 2 Miyerkules ng Abo (Pag-aayuno at Abstinensya): Mateo 6:6-1, 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 March 1, 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.

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Reflection:

A young man was asking for the heart of his beloved. The beloved said to him you have to give up your vices most especially your smoking and drinking. The young man acceded and from then on never did he smoke and drink. After a few months they end up in the altar of God to become one.  

When we give up something for someone we dearly love we could be assured of something more worthy. Something that would complete us, this may not make us happy immediately. But certainly something beautiful will come out of it in lieu of what we gave up.  

If we give up even a portion of our worldly life for Jesus we could expect something in return from Jesus. It may not be material riches or worldly power but we will certainly receive something in return from Him.  

 It may be peace of mind which may have eluded us for the longest time. It could be good health or anything that cannot be measured and seen by our naked eye. Yet certainly be felt by our hearts.  

When Jesus asks us of something to give up for Him we should hurry to obey and follow. We should never think twice, we should give it up immediately like a child jumping with reckless abandon to his father’s arms. 

What are you willing to immediately give up for Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 1 Martes ng Ikawalong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: 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 February 28, Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:17-27

Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.”  

He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.”  Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.  

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

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Reflection:

Do you cling to your wealth as if your life hangs upon it?  

The man who asked Jesus as to what must he do to have eternal life was at the threshold of eternal life. But when Jesus asked him to part ways with his wealth and give it to the poor. His face fell, after which he walked away from Jesus for he couldn’t obey the request of Jesus.  

Many of us are like this man, very possessive and in love with wealth that we are not willing to give it away. But what we don’t know is it is when we give away our wealth that we will receive more wealth. Perhaps Jesus was just testing this man if he could still accept more wealth. But the man failed the prosperity test of Jesus.  

If we want to attract wealth we must always be willing to give because it’s only in giving that we would receive more blessings. Never in not giving that we would receive more wealth. Let us look around and see who are those who are prosperous they are the people who are generous. Let us therefore pray to have the grace to become more generous so that we could bless others.  

What if we continue to cling to our wealth and refuse to become generous?  We therefore shut the door of blessings from God and we distance ourselves from His kingdom. But all is not lost yet, we still can change our mind because we still have time to turn things around and hear the call of Jesus for us to become generous. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 28 Lunes ng Ikawalong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 10:17-27

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:17-27

Noong panahong iyon, nang paalis na si Hesus ay may isang lalaking patakbong lumapit, lumuhod sa harapan niya at nagtanong, “Mabuting Guro, ano po ang dapat kong gawin upang magkamit ng buhay na walang hanggan?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Bakit mo ako tinatawag na mabuti? Walang mabuti kundi ang Diyos. 

Alam mo ang mga utos: ‘Huwag kang papatay; huwag kang mangangalunya; huwag kang magnanakaw; huwag kang magsisinungaling sa iyong pagsaksi; huwag kang magdadaya; igalang mo ang iyong ama’t ina.’” “Guro,” sabi ng lalaki, “ang lahat po ng iya’y tinutupad ko na mula pa sa aking pagkabata.” Magiliw siyang tiningnan ni Hesus, at sinabi sa kanya, “Isang bagay pa ang kulang sa iyo. Humayo ka, ipagbili mo ang iyong ari-arian at ipamigay sa mga dukha ang pinagbilhan, at magkakaroon ka ng kayamanan sa langit.  

Pagkatapos, bumalik ka at sumunod sa akin.” Namanglaw ang lalaki nang marinig ito, at malungkot na umalis, sapagkat siya’y napakayaman. Tiningnan ni Hesus ang mga nasa paligid niya at sinabi sa kanyang mga alagad, “Napakahirap mapabilang ang mayayaman sa mga pinaghaharian ng Diyos.” Nagtaka ang mga alagad sa pananalitang ito.  

Muling sinabi ni Hesus, “Mga anak, talagang napakahirap mapabilang sa mga pinaghaharian ng Diyos! Madali pang makaraan ang kamelyo sa butas ng karayom kaysa pasakop sa paghahari ng Diyos ang isang mayaman.” Lalong nagtaka ang mga alagad, kaya’t sila’y nagtanungan, “Kung gayo’y sino ang maliligtas?” Tinitigan sila ni Hesus at sinabi sa kanila, “Hindi ito magagawa ng tao, ngunit hindi ito mahirap sa Diyos. Magagawa ng Diyos ang lahat ng bagay.” 

LET US PRAY FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE

 LET US PRAY FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE

Reflection for Sunday February 27, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:39-45

Gospel: Luke 6:39-45

Jesus told his disciples a parable, "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?  

How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,' when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite!  Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye.  

"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles. A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good, but an evil person out of a store of evil produces evil; for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."

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Reflection:

A woman saw a handsome man. The handsome man sensing that the woman was looking at him looked as well to the woman. Their eyes met and she immediately fell in love with the handsome man. After a few weeks they got married, but two months after their marriage the domineering and arrogant behavior of the man started to unravel.  

Are you easily swayed by outward appearance? For example, you saw a handsome man or a beautiful woman and you were immediately attracted to that person.  An attractive outward appearance is very deceiving. Why? For the simple reason that we will not fully know the true character of the person based on what we see.  

What we see is simply a façade it can be faked. The exterior is not the true color or true character of the person. The true color or character lies hidden in the heart of the person. And we can only discover this hidden character once we get to know the person better.  

Many young people today are easily hooked to this trap of outward appearance. This is what attracts them to their future wife or husband. However, after marriage the hidden, dark and devious character of their spouse will begin to show.  

This also applies in relationship concerning friendship. We must not make friends with someone simply because the person is rich or influential. We should be friends with a person because of the good character of that person. It doesn’t matter if the person is poor what is important is the character and the goodness that emanates from that person’s heart.     

In our first reading according to the book of Sirach it says: one's speech disclose the bent of one's mind (Sirach 27:6). And in our gospel Jesus tells us: “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).”  

Hence, what are we going to do so that we would not fall into this false impression based on the exterior appearance? We have to know the person better by way of speaking to that person. By carefully discerning his/her utterances or the words that he/she speaks.  

Because what he/she speaks comes from the heart and what originates from the heart is the measure of a person’s true character. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Pebrero 27, Ikawalong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 6:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:39-45

Noong panahong  iyon, 39 Sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang isang talinhaga: “Puwede nga kayang akayin ng isang bulag ang isa pang bulag? Di ba’t kapwa sila mahuhulog sa kanal? 40 Hindi higit sa kanyang guro ang alagad. Magiging katulad ng kanyang guro ang ganap na alagad.  

41 Bakit mo tinitingnan ang puwing sa mata ng iyong kapatid? At di mo pansin ang troso sa iyong mata. 42 Paano mo masasabi sa iyong kapatid: ‘Kapatid, pahintulutan mong alisin ko ang puwing sa mata mo,’ gayong hindi mo nga makita ang troso sa mata mo? Mapag­kunwari! Alisin mo muna ang troso sa mata mo, at saka ka makakakitang mabuti para alisin ang puwing sa mata ng kapatid mo.  

43 Hindi makapamumunga ng masa­ma ang mabuting puno, at ang masamang puno nama’y hindi maka­pa­mumu­nga ng mabuti. 44 Nakikilala ang ba­wat puno sa bunga nito. Hindi makapi­pitas ng igos mula sa tinikan ni maka­aani ng ubas mula sa dawagan. 45 Nag­lalabas ang taong mabuti ng mabuting bagay mula sa yaman ng kabutihan sa kanyang puso; ang masama nama’y naglalabas ng ma­sa­mang bagay mula sa kanyang kasamaan. At sinasabi nga ng bibig ang uma­apaw mula sa puso.

Reflection for February 26, Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:13-16

Gospel: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

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Reflection:

We trust Children more than adults, don’t we?  

Jesus doesn’t only trust children; he also loves them dearly because children’s trust in Jesus is pure. A child’s humility is untainted with deceit and a child’s trust in Jesus is without question. Just look at a child when he/she prays and you can see how pure his/her faith and prayer before Jesus.  

We need to be childlike in our trust in Jesus and in our humility. So that when our retirement from this world comes we will be able to enter the kingdom of God and see Jesus there ever ready to embrace us. 

All of us are mere passersby in this finite world and someday we will leave this place for another place. Let us therefore see to it that we trust and love Jesus like a child. We humble ourselves before Jesus and our fellowmen like a child. And our faith in Jesus is like that of a child.  

Are you always childlike in your love and trust in Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 26 Sabado ng Ikapitong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 10:13- 16

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:13-16

Noong panahong iyon 13 May nagdala kay Jesus ng mga bata para hipuin niya sila. Ngunit pinagalitan ng mga alagad ang mga taong may dala sa kanila. 14 At pagkakita ni Jesus, nagalit siya at sinabi sa kanila: “Pabayaan ninyong lumapit sa akin ang mga bata. Huwag ninyo silang pigilan. Sa mga tulad nga nila ang kaharian ng Diyos.  

15 Talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi papasok sa kaharian ng Diyos ang di tumatanggap dito gaya ng isang maliit na bata.” 16 At pagka¬kalong sa kanila ni Jesus, ipinatong niya sa ka¬nila ang kanyang mga kamay para basbasan sila.

Reflection for February 25, Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:1-12

Gospel: Mark 10:1-12

Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. The Pharisees approached him and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?”  

They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  

So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

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Reflection: 

How is your married life?  

Many marriages are successful, it last a lifetime. If we would ask the couples about the secret of their successful marriage they would normally tell us that God is at the center of their marriage lives. When God is present in the lives of couples the chance of betrayal is nil. There is also the equal presence of Humility, Forgiveness, Patience and Love between husband and wife.  

From the very start the plan of God for married couples is to stay forever together. But the sad reality is some couples are separated and separating and some couples are betraying their vows of marriage.  

 Why is this happening? This is brought about by weak faith in God. There’s no fear and love for God anymore that is why married couples betray their sacred vows of marriage. Many are not even anymore afraid of the negative consequence of separation to their children.  

We may not know this but we are actually hurting ourselves and those we love whenever we betray the sacred vows of marriage. We give ourselves and those we love undeserved stress and problems. We also disturb the innocent minds of our children, try asking a child if he wants his parents to separate he/she surely would say no!   

Whenever we are tempted to betray our vows of marriage let us carefully think of the many aftershocks that it will create in our lives and in the lives of those that we love. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 25 Biyernes ng Ikapitong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 10:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay nagtungo sa lupain ng Judea, at nagtuloy sa ibayo ng Ilog Jordan. Muli siyang pinagkalipumpunan ng mga tao, at tulad ng dati’y nagturo sa kanila. May mga Pariseong lumapit kay Hesus. Ibig nilang masilo siya kaya’t kanilang tinanong, “Naaayon ba sa Kautusan na hiwalayan ng lalaki ang kanyang asawa?”  

 Tugon niya, “Ano ang utos sa inyo ni Moises?” Sumagot naman sila, “Ipinahintulot ni Moises na hiwalayan ng lalaki ang kanyang asawa matapos bigyan ng kasulatan sa paghihiwalay.” Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, “Dahil sa katigasan ng inyong ulo kaya niya inilagda ang utos na ito. Subalit sa pasimula pa, nang likhain ng Diyos ang sanlibutan: ‘Nilalang niya silang lalaki at babae. Dahil dito’y iiwan ng lalaki ang kanyang ama at ina, at magsasama sila ng kanyang asawa, at sila’y magiging isa.’ Kaya’t hindi na sila dalawa kundi isa. Ang pinagsama ng Diyos ay huwag paghiwalayin ng tao.”  

Pagdating sa bahay, ang mga alagad naman ang nagtanong kay Hesus tungkol sa bagay na ito. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Ang sinumang lalaking humiwalay sa kanyang asawa at mag-asawa sa iba ay gumagawa ng masama sa kanyang asawa – siya’y nangangalunya. At ang babaing humiwalay sa kanyang asawa at mag-asawa sa iba ay nangangalunya rin.”

Reflection for February 24, Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:41-50

Gospel: Mark 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples: “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.  

“Everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.” 

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Reflection:

What makes us sin? It’s the absence of Jesus in our lives and not taking seriously His teachings. What will make us avoid sin? It’s the presence of Jesus in our lives and it’s in carefully observing His teachings.  

In our gospel for today, Jesus gives us the grave punishment of sin. It involves maiming and cutting off of body parts. Of course these are just figures of speech but this conveys a message to all of us that there are many punishments for sin.   

If we will not repent for our sinfulness we have to pay for it, there’s no free ride as far as sin is concerned we have to pay for our sins somewhere along our journey. However, if we repent as soon as possible our punishment will forever be forgotten by God.  

But come to think of it, why do we sin and why are we not averse to sin? The answer is very simple, we love this world more than we love God thus there’s a void of the presence of God in our hearts.  

Yes, we know God and yes we go to church to worship Him. But it ends there; we leave Jesus in our church. We don’t bring Him home, we don’t   allow Jesus to have a permanent home in our hearts and we don’t live His teachings.  

Would you allow Jesus to have a permanent home in your heart? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 24 Huwebes ng Ikapitong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:41-50

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:41-50

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: 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. 49 Buburuhin nga ng apoy ang lahat. 50 Mabuti ang asin ngunit kung tuma­bang ang asin, paano ninyo ito mapaa­alat uli? Magkaroon kayo ng asin sa inyong sarili at mabuhay sa kapa­ya­paan sa isa’t isa.”

Reflection for Wednesday February 23, Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr (M): Mark 9:38-40

Gospel: Mark 9:38-40

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.”

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Reflection:

Have you encountered and arrogant and intolerant person?  

Arrogance and intolerance are often times what prevents us from becoming effective followers of Jesus. For example if we see a group of sinners, should we avoid them? Or should we be friends with them and live the teachings of Jesus through them? The best course of action to take is to be friends with them with the hope in mind that by doing so we would be able to eventually convert and enlighten them.  

When John saw someone who was not in their group driving out demons in the name of Jesus he tried to prevent them. Perhaps, John thought that they only have the monopoly of power and authority to drive out demons. So what did Jesus do when John told Him about this incident? He told John let him do what he was doing for whoever is not against them is for them also. 

To be arrogant, intolerant and judgmental is not good. It prevents us from faithfully doing the mission of Jesus, it prevents us from bringing people closer to Jesus. Lest we forget Jesus became man not only for those who are good but also for sinners.  

Let us avoid to be arrogant, to be intolerant and judgmental. Let us instead always show the mercy, humility and love of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Miyerkules Pebrero 23 San Policarpio, Obispo at martir (Paggunita): Marcos 9:38-40

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:38-40

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.

 

Reflection for Tuesday February 22, 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 pray to the Lord for the gift of faith? 

Faith in God is a gift that Jesus freely gives us without any form of ransom. However, like we water and nurture a plant because we want it to grow and bear much fruit. It’s the same also with our faith we must also do something to care for it so that it may grow and bear much fruit.   

Otherwise if we would not take care of it will not grow and with the passing of time it will eventually fly away from us.  When Jesus said to the apostles: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" Amongst them it was only Simon Peter who answered correctly when he said: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  

  How did he discover the true identity of Jesus? God gave him that gift to discern the true identity of Jesus. Thus, Peter used that gift to the hilt by nurturing it in doing so he discovered the true nature of Jesus.     

We may not know it but by virtue of our Baptism God has given us gifts too and one of those is the gift of faith. This gift of faith is within us, let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we would be able to share it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Martes Pebrero 22 Luklukan 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 February 21, Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:14-29

Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him. He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?”  

Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.”  

They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”  

Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

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Reflection:

What is the root cause of unhealthy prayer life? It’s lack of faith!   

The disciples asked Jesus: “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” Jesus told them: “This kind can only come out through prayer.” Just like some of us the disciples obviously do not have a very healthy prayer life that’s why they were not able to drive out the unclean spirit that possessed the boy. 

When there’s an unhealthy prayer life there is also a fading faith. Perhaps the disciples were already getting used of seeing Jesus doing miracles here and there every day.   

On the other hand the father in the gospel has a very strong faith. Even if the disciples failed to help him he persisted and asked Jesus to heal his son and he was not disappointed. Is it then safe to say that the father of the boy has a healthy prayer life? Surely the father has a healthy prayer life. 

The gospel invites us to examine the health of our prayer life maybe it’s unwell or fading like the disciples. How about our faith? If our faith is fading we have to nurture it by our, vibrant prayer life, pious presence at Holy Mass and by reading about the life of Jesus in the scriptures. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas