Reflection for Sunday May 1, Third Sunday of Easter: John 21:1-19

Gospel: John 21:1-19

At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.”

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.”

So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish.

When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” Because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.  

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus 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.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus 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.”

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel abandoned by Jesus? There are times that we go through some arid stages in our life. We feel abandoned by our friends, relative and even Jesus, But does Jesus abandon us? Never will the Lord abandon us.

With the death of Jesus the disciples had no other option but to go back to their former way of life none other than fishing. It must have been difficult for them to go back to fishing for they’ve been detached from it for three long years. Perhaps they even thought that they would never go back to fishing but their Lord and Master died on the cross.

Therefore, there was no other choice for them but to go back to their former job as fishermen. From being fishers of men they go back again to being real fishermen. After three long years they went fishing for the very first time, it must been very hard for them. Perhaps when they were at sea they were still thinking of Jesus and terribly longing for His presence. That’s why they failed to concentrate on fishing so they caught nothing.

Then the feeling of weariness, loneliness and the feeling of being abandoned was immediately replaced by joy and hope when they saw Jesus waiting for them ashore. Jesus asked them, have you caught anything? They said none, then Jesus told them put once again your nets at sea where you are right now. No need for you to go far, drop it where you are right now! And then the miracle happened they caught an enormous number of fish.    

Relating this gospel with our personal journey with Jesus. There would also be episodes of weariness, loneliness and perhaps feeling of abandonment. But in the midst of these episodes let us continue to have faith in the Lord for Jesus will make His way back to us when we least expect it. Never will the Lord abandon us.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Mayo 1, Ikatlong Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:1-19

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:1-19

1 Pagkaraan ng mga ito, muling ibinunyag ni Jesus ang sarili sa mga alagad sa may Dagat ng Tiberias. Ganito ang kanyang pagbu¬bunyag. 2 Magkasamang naroon sina Simon Pedro, Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, Natanael na taga-Cana ng Galilea, ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pa sa  mga alagad niya. 3 Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro: “Aalis ako para mangisda.” Sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sasama kami sa iyo.” 

Lumabas sila at sumakay sa bangka nang gabing iyo’y wala silang nahuli. 4 Nang madaling-araw na, nakatayo si Jesus sa dalampasigan pero hindi nakilala ng mga alagad na si Jesus iyon. 5 Tinatawag sila ni Jesus: “Mga bata, wala ba kayong isda?” Sumagot sila sa kanya: “Wala!” 6 Kaya sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ihagis n’yo ang lambat sa bandang kanan ng bangka at ma-kakatagpo kayo.” Kaya inihagis nga nila at hindi na nila makayang hilahin iyon dahil sa dami ng isda.  

7 Kaya sinabi kay Pedro ng alagad na iyon na mahal ni Jesus: “Ang Panginoon siya!” Nang marinig ni Simon Pedro na ang Panginoon iyon, ibinigkis niya ang [kanyang] damit dahil hubad siya, at saka tumalon sa dagat. 8 Dumating namang sakay ng maliit na bangka ang iba pang mga alagad pagkat hindi sila kalayuan mula sa pampang kundi mga sandaang metro lamang. Hila-hila nila ang lambat ng mga isda.  

9 At pagkalunsad sa lupa, nakita nilang may nagbabagang uling doon, na pinagiihawan ng isda, at may tinapay. 10 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Magdala kayo mula sa mga isdang nahuli n’yo ngayon.” 11 Kaya sumakay si Simon Pedro at hinila sa pampang ang lambat na puno ng sandaa’t limampu’t tatlong malalaking isda. At kahit na napakarami’y hindi napunit ang lambat.  

12 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Halikayo’t mag-almusal!” Walang maka-pangahas sa mga alagad na mag-usisa sa kanya: “Sino ba kayo?” dahil alam nilang ang Panginoon iyon. 13 Lumapit si Jesus at kumuha ng tinapay at ipinamahagi sa kanila. Gayundin sa isda. 14 Ito ngayon ang ikatlong pagbubunyag ni Jesus sa mga alagad matapos siyang ibangon mula sa mga patay.  

15 Pagkapag-almusal nila, sinabi ni Jesus kay Simon Pedro: “Simon, anak ni Juan, mahal mo ba ako nang higit sa pagmamahal nila?” Sinabi nito sa kanya: “Oo, Panginoon, ikaw ang nakaaalam na iniibig kita.” Sinabi sa kanya: “Pakanin mo ang aking mga kordero.” 16 Sinabi sa kanyang makalawa: “Simon, anak ni Juan, mahal mo ba ako?” Sinabi nito sa kanya: “Oo, Panginoon, ikaw ang nakaaalam na iniibig kita.” Sinabi sa kanya: “Ipastol ang aking mga tupa.” 17 Sinabi sa kanyang makaitlo: “Simon, anak ni Juan, iniibig mo ba ako?” Nalungkot na si Pedro dahil makaitlo siyang sinabihan: “Iniibig mo ba ako?” kaya sinabi niya: “Panginoon, ikaw ang nakaaalam ng lahat; alam mong iniibig kita.” Sinabi nito sa kanya: “Pakanin mo ang aking mga tupa.  

18 Talagang-talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo, nang bata-bata ka pa, ikaw mismo ang nagbibigkis sa iyong sarili at palakad-lakad ka saan mo man naisin. Ngunit pagtanda mo’y ididipa mo naman ang mga kamay mo, at iba ang magbibigkis sa iyo sa hindi mo nais.” 19 Sinabi ito ni Jesus sa pagbibigay-tanda sa paraan ng kamatayang ipanluluwalhati ni Pedro sa Diyos. At pagkatapos nito ay sinabi niya: “Sumunod ka sa akin!” 

1Reflection for April 30 Saturday of the Second Week of Easter: John 6:16-21

Gospel: John 6:16-21

When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.  

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.

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Reflection:

Where do you go when you are fearful or when there’s an absence of peace in your life? Do you go to Jesus and ask Him to calm you and give you peace?  

 As we continue to live we would be encountering many fears and many of these fears will certainly unsettle us. Yes, we worry about these fears but after a while we also learn to submit everything to Jesus and the moment we do we already have peace. 

While the disciples were on a boat on their way to Capernaum they encountered a strong wind and they were certainly bothered by it. What would have happened if Jesus was with them? Jesus would have told them, keep calm don’t worry for I am with you. But Jesus was not with them so they were all fearful.  

Many fears bother us when there’s an absence of Jesus in our lives. Why? Because there’s an absence of stability, serenity and peace. Even if a person is rich or powerful if he/she doesn’t have Jesus there would certainly be absence of peace and calmness.  

You will only have peace in your life if you have Jesus, if you don’t have Jesus expect the absence of peace to bother you. Wealth will not give you peace; power will not give you peace only Jesus will give you this elusive peace.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Sabado Abril 30, Sabado sa Ika-2 Linggo ng Pasko ng muling pagkabuhay : Juan 6:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:16-21

16 Nang magtakipsilim na, lumu­song sa aplaya ang kanyang mga alagad, 17at pag­ka­sakay sa bangka ay nagpaka­bilang-ibayo ng dagat pa-Capernaum. Dumilim na at wala pa sa kanila si Jesus: 18 at magalaw ang dagat sa mala­kas na ihip ng hangin.   

19 Pagkasagwan nila nang may lima o anim na kilometro, napansin nilang naglalakad si Jesus sa dagat at palapit sa bangka. Nasindak sila. 20 Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanila: “Ako siya; huwag kayong ma­takot.” 21 Nang isasakay na nila sa bangka, bigla namang nasa pampang na na pupuntahan nila ang bangka.

Reflection for Friday April 29, Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church: John 6:1-15

Gospel: John 6:1-15

Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they saw the signs he was performing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. The Jewish feast of Passover was near. When Jesus raised his eyes and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, he said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” He said this to test him, because he himself knew what he was going to do.  

Philip answered him, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people recline.” Now there was a great deal of grass in that place.  

So the men reclined, about five thousand in number. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.  

When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” Since Jesus knew that they were going to come and carry him off to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain alone.

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus can do miracles in your life? 

The precursor to Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fish was a boy who had five barley loaves and two fish; we cannot speak of this miracle without him. The boy was generous enough to give what was for him alone, he did not mind if he would be hungry; he simply shared his food for others to eat.  

Out of the selfless heart of the boy, Jesus miraculously multiplied the five barley loaves and two fish and they were able to feed the more than five thousand followers. And they still had some more to gather and it filled twelve wicker baskets.  

We see here the enormous benefit of selfless sharing; sometimes we don’t share because we think that what we have is only enough for us. However, if we would learn to share we would also notice that what we share comes back to us a hundredfold. It is already immaterial how big or small the food or anything that we share what is important is we are very much willing to share whatever blessing that we have. 

There are similarities in the institution of the Eucharist and this miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus instituted the Eucharist in remembrance of the Passover meal and coincidentally Jesus did this miracle of the loaves when the Passover feast was near. Jesus also took the loaves and gave thanks and distributed it to them. These are actions that He did during the Institution of the Eucharist.  

Why did Jesus tested Philip? Because Philip had a shaky faith, he was with Jesus all along witnessing His miracles and all. Yet he was still doubtful that’s why Jesus tested him. Are we not like Philip once in a while? We are impatient sometimes and we doubt if Jesus would grant our prayers before Him. 

If only we know that Jesus will never abandon us, yes there would be testing of our faith. For as long as we hold on He will always be there for us in His own time of choosing.  Let us be patient and wait, let us pursue and not give up on our life’s aspirations, ambitions and visions. He will eventually help us achieve what we want. 

After doing the miracles of the loaves and after having so much fragments leftover. Naturally the crowds were amazed. Who would not be? So it’s time now to hail and exalt Jesus with praises. But Jesus would have none of it. True to his humility and self-effacing character He simply walked away to the mountain to be alone perhaps to pray and thank God for the blessing of the miracle of the loaves. 

In this occurrence we see how different is Jesus from us, we love it when we are being honored, praised for the things that we do. We are tickled pink by it and our ears flap in agreement, often times we don’t do things without people noticing us. We want people to see what we do and we want them to praise us (like politicians and public officials). Let us all wake up from this egotism and selfish attitude. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Biyernes Abril 29, Santa Catalina, dalaga at pantas ng Iglesia (Paggunita): Juan 6:1-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 6:1-15

Noong panahong iyon 1 Nagpunta si Jesus sa kabilang ibayo ng dagat ng Galilea sa may Tiberias. 2 Sinusun­dan siya ng makapal na tao dahil napansin nila ang mga tandang ginagawa niya sa mga maysakit. 3 Uma­hon si Jesus sa bundok at naupo siya roon kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. 4 Malapit na ang Paskuwa na piyesta ng mga Judio.   

5 Kaya pagkatunghay ni Jesus at pag­ka­kita niyang marami ang taong pumu­punta sa kanya, sinabi niya kay Felipe: “Saan kayo makabi­bili ng tinapay para makakain ang mga ito?” 6 Sinabi niya ito bilang pagsubok sa kanya dahil alam na niya kung ano ang napipinto niyang ga­win. 7 Sumagot sa kanya si Felipe: “Dala­wandaang denar­yong tinapay ay hindi sapat sa kanila para makakuha ng tigka­kaunti ang bawat isa.”  

8 At sinabi naman sa kanya ng isa sa kanyang mga alagad na si Andres na kapatid ni Simon Pedro: 9 "May maliit na bata rito na may limang tinapay na sebada at dalawang isda. Ano ito para sa pagkarami-raming tao?” 10 Madamo sa lugar na iyon kaya sinabi ni Jesus: “Paupuin n’yo ang mga tao.” Kaya nag-upuan sila, halos liman­libo ang mga lalaki.   

11 Kaya kinuha ni Jesus ang mga tina­pay at pagkapagpasalamat, at ipi­na­bigay sa mga nakaupo. Gayundin naman sa mga isda – ga­ano man ang gustuhin nila. 12 Nang busog na sila, sinabi niya sa kanyang mga ala­gad: “Tipunin ninyo ang natirang mga piraso para walang masa­yang.” 13 Kaya tini­pon nila ang mga tira ng mga pinakain, at labindalawang bakol ang napuno ng mga pira-piraso mula sa limang tinapay na sebada.   

14 Pagkakita sa tandang ginawa ni Jesus, sinabi ng mga tao: “Ito ngang talaga ang Propeta parating sa mundo.” 15 At alam ni Jesus na parating sila upang agawin siya para gawing hari kaya lumigpit siyang muli na siya lamang mag-isa sa bulubundukin. 

1Reflection for April 28, Thursday of the Second Week of Easter: John 3:31-36

Gospel: John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.  

For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

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Reflection:

Why is it hard for many of us to convince others to go to church for Holy Mass and why can’t we share Jesus with them? This is for the reason that many of us don’t live the teachings of Jesus we don’t live our faith in other words.  

What must we do if we are in this kind of predicament?  Should we easily give up or should we change our ways and live our faith? It’s no brainer that the right choice is to change our ways and not give up. Because if we would give up, who will evangelize them? We leave them to be evangelized by those from other faiths?  

We must teach our faith but we must do it with humility, patience and love. We have to employ humility, patience and love so that we could open their hearts to the teachings of Jesus and our faith. For example our gospel for today tells us about the love of God for His Son. How would they know about this if we would not teach them?  

We have to teach them using humility, patience and love. We will always become effective evangelizers/sharers of our faith if we are humble, patient and loving. For these are the qualities of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 28, Huwebes sa Ika-2 Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:31-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:31-36

Sinabi ni Jesus kay Nicodemo 31 Walang kapantay ang naparirito mula sa itaas. Makalupa naman ang mula sa lupa at makalupa rin ang sina­sabi niya. Walang kapantay ang naparirito mula sa langit. 32 Pinatutuna­yan niya ang kanyang nakita at narinig ngunit wala ngang tuma­tanggap sa kanyang patunay.  

33 Pinag­tibay naman ng tumanggap sa kanyang patunay na totoo ang Diyos. 34 Sinasabi nga ng sinugo ng Diyos ang mga salita ng Diyos sapagkat walang sukat na ibini­bigay sa kanya ang Espiritu. 35 Mahal nga ng Ama ang Anak, at ipinagkatiwala sa kanyang mga kamay ang lahat. 36 May buhay magpakailan­man ang nananalig sa Anak. Hindi naman nakikita ng ayaw manalig sa Anak ang buhay kundi nama­malagi sa kanya ang galit ng Diyos.

Reflection for April 27, Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter John 3:16-21

Gospel: John 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.  

And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

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Reflection:

What would happen to us if we will not embrace the teachings of God? We will have miserable lives in this world. Almost all of humanity knows that there is God but not all of us embrace the teachings of God. We prefer to embrace the teachings of this world rather than God. 

 We prefer to enjoy life without God rather than life with God. Why? Is this because God creates rules and limits on how we live our lives? Many of us don’t want our freedom to be curtailed. But since freedom is not absolute there are limits to freedom.  

God always wants us not to commit sin. This is for the reason that the moment we commit sin we envelope ourselves in darkness and darkness is the absence of the light of God.  Just imagine a life in darkness, it’s a life without hope and this is precisely what the devil gives to us: Life without hope sugar coated with worldly pleasures.  

But no sinner is beyond reach of the love of God for God always offer to us His hand of forgiveness and love. This forgiveness and love is for our benefit but do we take advantage of this great forgiveness and love of God?    

God loves us dearly that He gave us Jesus His only begotten Son to save us from all of our sinfulness. Let us not put Jesus aside and tell Him that we will first enjoy the sinful and pleasurable life in this world before we go to Him. For it may be too late already.  

Let’s embrace God now let us open our life to Him now and let us start to walk away from our sinfulness now. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 27, Miyerkules sa Ika-2 Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:16-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:16-21

16 Ganito nga kamahal ng Diyos ang mundo! Kayat ibinigay niya ang kanyang bugtong na anak upang hindi na ma­wala ang bawat nananalig sa kanya kundi magkaroon ng buhay magpa­kailanman.   

17 Hindi nga sinugo ng Diyos sa mundo ang Anak upang hukuman ang mundo kundi upang maligtas ang mundo sa pamamagitan niya. 18 Hindi hinuhukuman ang nananalig sa kanya. Ngunit hinu-kuman na ang hindi nana­nalig pagkat hindi siya nananalig sa Ngalan ng bugtong na Anak ng Diyos.  

19 Ito ang paghuhukom: dumating sa mundo ang liwanag pero mas minahal pa ng mga tao ang karimlan kaysa liwanag sapagkat masasama ang kanilang gawa. 20 Ang gumagawa ng masama’y napopoot nga sa liwanag at hindi lumalapit sa liwanag, at baka malantad ang kanyang mga gawa. 21 Lumalapit naman sa liwanag ang gumagawa ng katotohanan upang mabunyag na sa Diyos ginagawa ang kanyang mga gawa. 

1Reflection for April 26, Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter John 3:7b-15

Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this?  

Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

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Reflection:

Do you seek Jesus?  

Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin a Jewish judicial body. Why did he follow Jesus? He must have discovered something in Jesus that made him follow Him even until Jesus death on the cross. Nicodemus followership of Jesus did not stop on His death on the cross, Nicodemus also took care of the body of Jesus after His death (John 19:39).    

What would it take for us to become a follower of Jesus? Do we still need to see a miracle before we become a faithful follower? It might be too late already, why not follow Jesus now? Let us look up at Jesus on the cross, that man on the cross died for us! Would we not take a second look to that man on the cross? Would we not thank Him for giving His life for us?  

Nicodemus was initially not a follower of Jesus but when he heard about Jesus he strived to know Jesus until he met the Lord. From the point of hearing about the Lord transformation was also happening in the life of Nicodemus which led him to become a faithful follower of the Lord.

Nicodemus was initially not a follower of Jesus but when he heard about Jesus he strived to know Jesus until he met the Lord. From the point of hearing about the Lord transformation was also happening in the life of Nicodemus which led him to become a faithful follower of the Lord.

Nobody knows the deepest core of our lives; nobody knows our gravest sins except us. Notwithstanding our sins, we have to decide to follow the Lord now for He is ready to transform us. To give us peace in our lives which this world cannot give us. It’s no problem for Jesus if we would become a secret follower like Nicodemus what is important for Jesus is we follow Him.  

Would you follow the Lord beginning today? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 26, Martes sa Ika-2 Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 3:7b-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:7b-15

Sinabi ni Jesus kay Nicodemo 7 Huwag kang magtaka dahil sinabi ko sa iyong kailangan kayong isilang mula sa itaas. 6 Umihip ang hangin kung saan nito nais, at naririnig mo ang ihip nito pero hindi mo alam kung saan ito galing at kung saan ito patungo. Gayon din nga ang bawat isinilang mula sa Espiritu.”  

9 Sumagot sa kanya si Nicodemo: “Paano pupuwede ang mga ito?” 10 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Ikaw ang guro ng Israel at hindi mo alam ang mga ito?  • 11 Talagang-talagang sinasabi ko sa iyo: ang alam namin ang aming sinasabi at ang nakita namin ang aming pinatu­tunayan, at hindi naman n’yo tinatanggap ang aming patunay.  

12 Mga bagay na nga sa lupa ang sinasabi ko sa inyo at hindi kayo naniniwala, kaya paano kayo maniniwala kapag mga bagay sa langit ang sasabihin ko sa inyo. 13 Walang umakyat sa langit mali­ban sa bumaba mula sa langit – ang Anak ng Tao. 14 At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas sa disyerto, gayundin dapat itaas ang Anak ng Tao 15 upang mag­karoon ng buhay magpakailanman ang bawat nananalig sa kanya.

1Reflection for April 25, Monday Feast of Saint Mark, evangelist: Mark 16:15-20

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”  

So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.

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Reflection:

A soldier was about to be assigned in a faraway place so he said to his wife: “Take care of the children. Teach them about our faith so that they’ll grow up to become responsible and God loving individuals.”  

The wife followed the command of his husband. She taught their children the teachings of the faith, she introduced Jesus to them and she educated them about discipline good manners and values. After five years he came back. His children were all grown up and he was so happy because they were all wonderfully brought up by his wife.   

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave His disciples this marching order: “Proclaim the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) All the disciples lived to the hilt this command of Jesus. In fact majority of them were martyred for the sake of advancing the gospel of Jesus.  

The words of Jesus are like stream of water it endlessly flows with the passing of time and it speaks to us now so that we can respond to it. It tells us that we too have a mission and what is that mission? We are also tasked by Jesus to proclaim and live the good news. Have we shared and lived the gospel?  

Majority of us may have not shared and lived it yet we therefore have to live and share it. Not tomorrow, not next week but now, why now and not on a later date? This is for the reason that many are in need of the life transforming words of Jesus. Many are being eaten alive by worldliness, hedonism and sinfulness.  

We therefore should share the good news as the disciples shared it because the Lord is commanding us to do so. Let us share Jesus’ teachings by how we live. We have to remember that we become more fruitful and useful followers of Jesus when we obey Him and when we help Him advance His teachings.  

We allow ourselves to become blessings for others when we share and give Jesus to them. We also allow Jesus to bless us more not with material wealth but with spiritual gifts when we follow His marching order. – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 25, Lunes San Marcos, manunulat ng Mabuting Balita (Kapistahan): Marcos 16:15-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:15-20

15 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga alagad: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal. 16 Maliligtas ang maniniwala at mag­papabinyag; ha­hatulan naman ang di maniniwala. 17 At ito ang mga tandang sasama sa mga mani­niwala: magpapalayas sila ng mga de­mon­­yo sa aking Pangalan, magsasa­lita sila sa iba pang mga wika, 18 hahawakan nila ang mga ahas, at di sila maaano kung iinom man sila ng may lason. Ipa­patong nila ang kanilang kamay sa mga maysakit at gagaling ang mga iyon.”  

19 Matapos silang kausapin ng Pangi­­noong Jesus, iniakyat siya sa langit at lumuklok sa kanan ng Diyos. 20 At umalis sila at nangaral sa lahat ng lugar. Kasama nilang gumagawa ang Panginoon at pinatatatag ang Salita sa tulong ng mga tandang kasa­ma nila.

Reflection for Sunday April 24, Second Sunday of Easter/ Divine Mercy Sunday: John 20:19-31

Gospel: John 20:19-31

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.” 

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

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Reflection:

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the risen Lord Jesus Christ?

Thomas in the gospel wanted very much to have an up-close and personal encounter with his lord and master. He was yearning for it like a parched land longing for water. Therefore, when Thomas was told by his fellow disciples that the risen Jesus appeared to them. He perhaps pretended not to believe but deep inside his heart he already believed what his fellow disciples told him.

Thomas already believed but he still yearned for physical evidence and encounter. He wanted to see the Risen Christ in the flesh and he wanted to touch the wounds of the Lord Jesus.

Thomas desire to encounter Jesus came to fruition after a week when they were all in that upper room where Jesus first appeared. While all of them were inside the upper room, lo and behold Jesus suddenly appeared before them all!

Right after His appearance Jesus singled out Thomas. He invited Thomas to see the wounds on His hands and to touch the wound on the side of His body which was pierced by a lance by a roman soldier while He was on the cross.  

Is it OK to doubt the resurrection of the Lord? Yes it’s OK but after doubting replace that doubt with curiosity by asking the Lord to let you discover more about Him. Feed it some more by praying to Him.

Sooner you will discover and feel for yourself that Jesus is real. That Jesus is alive and that Jesus is just a prayer or even a whisper away from you. Why? Because Jesus has never failed anyone who yearned for a personal encounter with Him.

Do you want to have a personal encounter with the Risen Lord?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Abril 24, Ikalawang Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay/Linggo ng Banal na Awa ng Panginoon: Juan 20:19-31

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:19-31

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.”  

24 Hindi nila kasama si Tomas na tina­guriang Kambal, na isa sa Labin­dalawa, nang du­mating si Jesus. 25 Kaya sinabi sa kanya ng iba pang mga alagad: “Nakita namin ang Pangi­noon!” Sinabi naman niya: “Maliban lamang na ma­kita sa kanyang mga kamay ang tatak ng mga pako at maipasok ang aking daliri sa pinag­lagusan ng mga pako at maipasok ang aking kamay sa tagiliran niya, hinding-hindi ako mani­niwala!”  

26 Makaraan ang walong araw, mu­ling nasa loob ang kanyang mga ala­gad at kasa­ma nila si Tomas. Dumating si Jesus ha­bang nakasara ang mga pinto at puma­gitna. At sinabi niya: “Kapa­yapaan sa inyo!” 27 At sinabi niya kay Tomas: “Ilapit mo rito ang daliri mo at tingnan ang aking mga kamay. At ilapit ang kamay mo at ipasok sa aking tagiliran at huwag tumangging maniwala kundi ma­niwala!”  

28 Sumagot si Tomas sa kanya: “Pangi­noon ko at Diyos ko – ikaw!” 29 Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus: “Dahil ba sa nakita mo ako kaya ka naniniwala? Mapapalad ang mga hindi nakakita at naniniwala.” 30 Ngayon, marami pang ibang tan­dang ginawa si Jesus sa harap ng kanyang mga alagad, na hindi naman nasusulat sa kasulatang ito. 31 Isinulat naman ang mga ito upang maniwala kayo na si Jesus ang Kristo, ang Anak ng Diyos. At sa pani­niwala ninyo’y magkaroon kayo ng buhay sa bisa ng kanyang Pangalan.

Reflection for April 23, Saturday in the Octave of Easter: Mark 16:9-15

Gospel: Mark 16:9-15

When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 

After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either. But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus has risen? Well and good if you believe for He has indeed risen and appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene believed this too for she saw Him personally and she conversed with the risen Lord. 

But when she told the disciples that Jesus had risen they did not believe they instead continued to mourn the death of Jesus. The disciples finally believed only when Jesus personally appeared before them. And right there Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith in His resurrection. 

Perhaps the guiding principle of the disciples who did not believe is to see is to believe. For they only believed in the resurrection when He personally appeared to them. Were they already lacking in faith when they did not believe what Mary Magdalene told them? Yes! Lack of faith was slowly but surely creeping into their system until they saw Jesus in the flesh! 

The folly of not believing or lack of faith is we will not be blessed by Jesus if we don’t have faith or we don’t believe. We will not be healed by Jesus if we lack faith or we don’t believe. 

Do you believe that Jesus has risen? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 23, Sabado sa Walong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Marcos 16:9-15

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 16:9-15

9 Pagkabuhay ni Jesus sa unang araw ng sanlinggo, una siyang napakita kay Maria Magdalena na mula rito’y pitong demonyo ang pinalayas niya. 10 Umalis ito at nag­balita sa mga ka­sama ni Jesus na noo’y umiiyak at nag­luluksa. 11 Ngunit hindi sila naniwala sa kanya nang marinig nilang buhay si Jesus at napakita sa kanya.   

12 Pagkatapos nito, napakita naman si Jesus sa ibang anyo sa dalawa sa kanila habang pa­punta sila sa labas ng bayan. 13 At pagbalik nila, ibina­lita rin nila ito sa iba pa pero hindi rin naniwala ang mga ito sa ka­nila. 14 Sa dakong huli, nang nasa hapag ang La­bing-isa, napakita sa kanila si Jesus at pinagsabihan sila dahil sa ka­wa­lang-paniwala nila at kati­gasan ng puso: hindi nga nila pinaniniwalaan ang mga nakakita sa kanya matapos siyang bu­hayin.  

15 At sinabi sa kanila: “Pumunta kayo sa bu­ong daigdig at ipahayag ang ebang­helyo sa buong sangkinapal.

Reflection for April 22, Friday in the Octave of Easter: John 21:1-14

Gospel: John 21:1-14

Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.”  

So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish.  

So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.”  

So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

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Reflection:

What is the scenario when fishermen arrive after long hours of fishing at sea? They naturally want to go home and rest their tired bodies.  

This was the situation when the fishermen arrived from their long hours of fishing without any catch. They simply want to go home and rest their very tired bodies.  But as they approach the shore, they saw Jesus who told the fishermen to put their empty nets back onto the sea.   

They simply obeyed Jesus and presto they’ve caught the biggest number of fish. We see here in the gospel that Jesus rewards those who obey Him. We see also the love and care that Jesus gave to His disciples. Love and care that never ends and not constrained by time and space.  

Why did Jesus appear to His disciples for the third time after His resurrection? Jesus wanted to reassure His disciples that He will never abandon them and that He is still with them in every step of the way. As if saying to His disciples, I am always with you wherever you go ever ready to guide and help you.  

Humans as we are we also pass through episodes of weariness, tiredness and frustrations brought about by our many life challenges. We are never alone when we pass through these challenging episodes of life. The Risen Christ is also with us ever ready to guide and help us.  

Let us always go to Him for the risen Christ is always there for us. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 22, Biyernes sa Walong Araw na Pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 21:1-14

Mabuting Balita: Juan 21:1-14

1 Muling ibi­nunyag ni Jesus ang sarili sa mga alagad sa may Dagat ng Tiberias. Ganito ang kanyang pagbu­bunyag.  

2 Magkasamang naroon sina Simon Pedro, Tomas na tinaguriang Kambal, Natanael na taga-Cana ng Galilea, ang mga anak ni Zebedeo, at dalawa pa sa  mga alagad niya. 3 Sinabi sa kanila ni Simon Pedro: “Aalis ako para ma­ngisda.” Sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sasama kami sa iyo.” Lumabas sila at sumakay sa bang­ka nang gabing iyo’y wala silang nahuli.  

4 Nang madaling-araw na, nakatayo si Jesus sa dalampasigan pero hindi naki­lala ng mga alagad na si Jesus iyon. 5 Tina­tawag sila ni Jesus: “Mga bata, wala ba kayong isda?” Sumagot sila sa kanya: “Wala!” 6 Kaya sinabi niya sa kanila: “Iha­gis n’yo ang lambat sa bandang kanan ng bangka at ma­kakatagpo kayo.” Kaya ini­hagis nga nila at hindi na nila maka­yang hilahin iyon dahil sa dami ng isda.  

7 Kaya sinabi kay Pedro ng alagad na iyon na mahal ni Jesus: “Ang Pangi­noon siya!” Nang marinig ni Simon Pedro na ang Panginoon iyon, ibinigkis niya ang [kanyang] damit dahil hubad siya, at saka tumalon sa dagat. 8 Dumating namang sakay ng maliit na bangka ang iba pang mga alagad pagkat hindi sila kala­yuan mula sa pampang kundi mga sandaang metro lamang. Hila-hila nila ang lambat ng mga isda.  

9 At pagkalunsad sa lupa, nakita nilang may nagbabagang uling doon, na pinagiihawan ng isda, at may tinapay. 10 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Mag­dala kayo mula sa mga isdang nahuli n’yo ngayon.” 11 Kaya sumakay si Simon Pedro at hinila sa pampang ang lambat na puno ng sandaa’t limampu’t tatlong mala­laking isda. At kahit na napakarami’y hindi napunit ang lam­bat.  

12 Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus: “Hali­kayo’t mag-almusal!” Walang maka­pangahas sa mga alagad na mag-usisa sa kanya: “Sino ba kayo?” dahil alam nilang ang Pangi­noon iyon. 13 Lumapit si Jesus at ku­muha ng tinapay at ipinamahagi sa kanila. Gayun­din sa isda. 14 Ito ngayon ang ikatlong pagbu­bunyag ni Jesus sa mga alagad matapos siyang ibangon mula sa mga patay.

Reflection for April 21, Thursday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.  

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.  

Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.  

He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

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Reflection:

How would you react if a dead friend suddenly appears before you? Of course you will be shocked and perhaps after a few seconds you will shout and run away. This reaction is human nature, a natural reaction because you are not used of seeing a ghost.  

This was also the reaction of the disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared before them and said to them: Peace be with you. They were startled and terrified; who would not be? Then, Jesus slowly opened Himself to His disciples by inviting them to look at His hands and feet. And touch it if they want so that He could prove to them that He has indeed risen and is with them.  

Perhaps some of us are troubled and worried because of our present life circumstances. If we are, Jesus would tell us: "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Firmly believe in me and I will take care of you. Call on me anytime and I will be with you, follow me and I will not disappoint you! I will give you peace, peace that this world can’t give you. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid!  

The peace that Jesus will give us is beyond compare nothing in this world can approximate it. Some of us mistakenly look for peace and comfort in this world only to end up holding an empty bag. Why? Because it’s only through Jesus that we will find true peace. 

Look for the peace that only Jesus will give you and humbly ask Him to give it to you. If you will be persistent He surely will give it to you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas