Reflection for December 20 Friday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.   

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”   

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Why is the Blessed Mother favored by God? Why was she chosen among many women? She is favored because of her humility and docility. God saw her saintly character, which He did not find in any other women during that time. Therefore, the Blessed Mother was given the singular honor to carry in her womb our Savior.

So you might say I would also want to be humble because I also expect to receive some blessings from God. That’s ok nothing is wrong with this kind of mindset. However, we must remember that the Blessed Mother is humble and docile not because she was vying to be chosen as the dwelling place of God. 

To be humble and docile was her natural character. There was no pretension or any sort of fake humility in her system.  In other words as far as the Blessed Mother is concerned, what we see is what we get from her. If we see her as humble and docile to the will of God she really is humble and docile. 

In so many ways, God also announces His will for us and what is His will for us? It’s for us to live simple and humble lives. Many of us live complicated lives and lifestyles and this results to problematic lives. Thus, we fail to hear the voice of God and we fail to hear the guidance of God us well. 

The Blessed Mother lived a simple and humble life, thus she was chosen by God. How are you living your life?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 20, Biyernes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:26-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:26-38

Nang ikaanim na buwan na ng pagdadalantao ni Elisabet, ang anghel Gabriel ay sinugo ng Diyos sa Nazaret, Galilea, sa isang dalaga na ang pangala'y Maria. Siya'y nakatakdang ikasal kay Jose, isang lalaki buhat sa lipi ni Haring David. Paglapit ng anghel sa kinaroroonan ng dalaga, binati niya ito.  

"Matuwa ka! Ikaw ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos," wika niya. "Sumasaiyo ang Panginoon!" Nagulumihanan si Maria sa gayong pangungusap, at inisip niyang mabuti kung ano ang kahulugan niyon. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng anghel, "Huwag kang matakot, Maria, sapagkat kinalulugdan ka ng Diyos. Makinig ka! Ikaw ay maglilihi at manganganak ng isang lalaki, at siya'y tatawagin mong Jesus. 

Magiging dakila siya, at tatawaging Anak ng Kataas-taasan. Ibibigay sa kanya ng Panginoong Diyos ang trono ng kanyang amang si David. Maghahari siya sa angkan ni Jacob magpakailanman, at ang kanyang paghahari ay walang hanggan." "Paanong mangyayari ito, gayong ako'y dalaga?" tanong ni Maria. Sumagot ang anghel, "Bababa sa iyo ang Espiritu Santo, at lililiman ka ng kanyang kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasan.  

Kaya't banal ang ipanganganak mo at tatawaging Anak ng Diyos. Natatandaan mo ang iyong kamag-anak na si Elisabet? Alam ng lahat na siya'y baog, ngunit naglihi siya sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan. At ngayo'y ikaanim na buwan na ng kanyang pagdadalantao -- sapagkat walang hindi mapangyayari ang Diyos." Sumagot si Maria, "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon. Mangyari sa akin ang iyong sinabi." At nilisan siya ng anghel.

Reflection for December 19 Thursday of the Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. 

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. 

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” 

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.

Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. 

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

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Reflection:

Do you have a prayer request before God and do you believe that your prayer request will be granted by God? You must always believe that God will grant your prayer request. Because when you believe that you will have what you want from God what you want from Him is already within your reach. 

In today's Gospel, the couple Zechariah and Elizabeth are praying to God for the gift of a child. Yet, when the angel of God appeared to Zechariah in the sanctuary and told him that his wife would become pregnant, Zechariah suddenly had doubts. His doubt had a basis, as both of them were already old.

However, it is so uncharacteristic for Zechariah to doubt considering that he was a priest serving God. Zechariah forgot that nothing is impossible for God, did he forget or he simply had weak and feeble faith? Perhaps Zechariah had weak faith during that moment when the angel of God appeared to him. Perhaps Zechariah was overwhelmed by their personal circumstances (Old age).

However, nothing is impossible with God because God makes all things possible.  Hence, let us not doubt when we have prayers for God. Let us firmly believe and have faith that God will grant us what we want from Him.  

Do you have a prayer request before God? Believe, have faith and you shall have it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 19, Huwebes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 1:5-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:5-25

Nang si Herodes ang hari ng Judea, may isang saserdote na ang ngala'y Zacarias, sa pangkat ni Abias. At mula rin sa lipi ni Aaron ang kanyang asawang si Elisabet. Kapwa sila kalugod-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos, namumuhay ng ayon sa mga utos at tuntuning mula sa Panginoon. Wala silang anak pagkat baog si Elisabet, at sila'y matanda na.  

Ang pangkat ni Zacarias ang nanunungkulan noon, at sila'y naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos bilang saserdote. Nang sila'y magsapalaran, ayon sa kaugalian ng saserdote, siya ay nahirang na maghandog ng kamanyang. Kaya't pumasok siya sa templo ng Panginoon sa oras ng pagsusunog ng kamanyang, samantalang nagkakatipon sa labas ang mga tao at nananalangin.  

Walang anu-ano'y napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel ng Panginoon, nakatayo sa gawing kanan ng damabanang sunugan ng kamanyang. Nagulat si Zacarias at sinidlan ng matinding takot nang makita ang anghel. Ngunit sinabi nito sa kanya, "Huwag kang matakot, Zacarias! Dininig ng Diyos ang panalangin mo. Kayo ni Elisabet ay magkakaanak ng isang lalaki, at Juan ang ipapangalan mo sa kanya. 

Ikaw ay matutuwa at magiging maligaya, at maraming magagalak sa kanyang pagsilang sapagkat siya'y magiging dakila sa paningin ng Panginoon. Hindi siya iinom ng alak o anumang inuming nakalalasing. Sa sinapupunan pa lamang ng kanyang ina, mapupuspos na siya ng Espiritu Santo. Marami sa mga anak ng Israel ang panunumbalikin niya sa Panginoon, taglay ang espiritu at kapangyarihan ni Elias, upang pagkasunduin ang mga ama at mga anak, at panumbalikin sa matuwid ang mga suwail.  

Sa gayon, ipaghahanda niya ng isang bayan ang Panginoon." Sinabi ni Zacarias sa anghel, "Paano ko po matitiyak na mangyayari ito? Sapagkat ako'y napakatanda na at gayon din ang aking asawa." Sumagot ang anghel, "Ako si Gabriel ang anghel na naglilingkod sa harapan ng Diyos. Sinugo ako upang ihatid ang mabuting balitang sinabi ko sa iyo. At ngayon, mabibingi ka't hindi makapagsasalita hangang sa araw na maganap ang mga bagay na ito, sapagkat hindi ka naniniwala sa mga sinabi ko na matutupad pagdating ng takdang panahon." 

Samantala, naghihintay naman kay Zacarias ang mga tao. Nagtaka sila kung bakit nagtagal siya ng gayon sa loob ng templo. Paglabas niya ay hindi na siya makapagsalita, mga senyas na lamang ang ginagamit niya; kaya natanto nila na nakakita siya ng pangitain. At siya'y nanatiling pipi. Nang matapos ang kanyang paglilingkod ay umuwi na siya. Hindi nga nagtagal at naglihi si Elisabet, at hindi ito umalis ng bahay sa loob ng limang buwan. "Ngayo'y nilingap ako ng Panginoon," wika ni Elisabet. "Ginawa niya ito upang alisin ang aking kadustaan sa harapan ng mga tao!" 

Reflection for December 18 Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:18-25

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.  When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son and he named him Jesus.

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Reflection:

What would have happened if Joseph did not listen to the angel of God? 

Mary could have died violently by way of stoning because, during that time, death by stoning was the punishment for those caught cheating on their betrothed husband. But Joseph listened to the voice of the angel of God, who told him that the fruit of Mary’s womb was brought to her by the Holy Spirit.

We see humility in Joseph, we see obedience and love for God in Joseph and we also see the great love of Joseph for Mary. Deep in his heart Joseph loved Mary to the deepest core of his being. Mary was his everything so to speak and Joseph loved Mary more than his life. If Joseph did not love Mary more than his life, he could have easily left Mary and told the authorities about her out of wedlock pregnancy. 

Aside from Joseph’s love for Mary, Joseph also loved God for if he did not love God he could have simply brushed aside the angel of God and move on with his plan of divorcing Mary. But Joseph loved God this is the reason why he listened to the voice of God coursed through an Angel. 

In the Sacrament of Matrimony the voice of God is an ever present guiding light that couples must always follow. God tells the couples to stay with the Marriage covenant no matter the challenges until mortal death breaks it. Of course no marriage is made in heaven, husbands and wives have their own shortcomings. 

However, if couples would make the humility, the commitment, the love of God and the holiness of both Joseph and Mary their role model in their married life. There would be no divorce; no deception and lies. 

What would remain is love, love that is humble, love that is truthful and love that is forgiving and eternal. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 18, Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:18-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:18-25

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, Si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito ng lihim. 

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito'y panganganlan mong Jesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan." 

Nangyari ang lahat ng ito upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng propeta:"Maglilihi ang isang dalaga at manganganak ng isang lalaki; at tatawagin itong Emmanuel" ang kahuluga'y "Kasama natin ang Diyos". 

Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang anghel ng Panginoon; pinakasalan niya si Maria. Ngunit hindi ginalaw ni Jose si Maria hanggang sa maipanganak nito ang isang sanggol na lalaki na pinanganlan nga niyang Jesus.

Reflection for December 17 Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:1-17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. 

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. 

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 

Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

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Reflection:

Do you know your family tree? 

With the modernity of technology today wherein we are always busy with facebook and our many gadgets. Do we still have time to know our family tree or are we still willing to know our family tree? Say for example the names of our ancestors, do we still have time to know them? 

Or we don’t have time to know them for the simple reason that they belong to the past already. And we are now here in this high-technology driven times where there is less people to people interaction. We now interact more with our internet friendly cell phones, ipads, laptops etc. 

Nevertheless, we still need to know who our relatives are for the simple reason that we are humans. We are not high-tech smart phones or other gadgets. And as such we need to know who our relatives are, so that we could also touch base and help them if they are in need of help. 

We have in our gospel the ancestry of Jesus, it traces the family history of Jesus. From Abraham, King David up to Saint Joseph the designated father of Jesus. This ancestry shows the humanity of Jesus. 

Even if He is God the Son Jesus is also human like all of us and being human this means that He is one with us. We can even adopt Him as our relative so that we could feel more closer to Him. For example we can treat Jesus as our brother or even our father that we could communicate with anytime. 

God could have chosen Jesus to directly originate from heaven like a shooting star coming into earth. But God allowed Jesus to come from an ancestry of numerous people so that we can always be at home with Him. And so that we could treat Him as our close friend, our brother or even our father. 

How’s your relationship with Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Disyembre 17, mga Huling Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 1:1-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:1-17

Ang simula ng Mabuting Balita ng Panginoon ayon kay San Mateo. 

Ito ang lahi ni Hesukristo na mula sa angkan ni David na mula naman sa lahi ni Abraham. Si Abraham ang ama ni Isaac; si Isaac ang ama ni Jacob na ama ni Juda at ng kanyang mga kapatid. Naging anak naman ni Juda kay Tamar sina Fares at Zara. Si Fares ang ama ni Esrom at si Esrom ang ama ni Aram. Si Aram ang ama ni Aminadab; si Aminadab ang ama ni Naason na ama naman ni Salmon. Naging anak ni Salmon kay Rahab si Booz, at naging anak naman ni Booz kay Ruth si Obed. Si Obed ang ama ni Jesse na ama ni Haring David. 

Naging anak ni David si Solomon sa dating asawa ni Urias. Si Solomon naman ang ama ni Roboam. Si Roboam ang ama ni Abias, at si Abias ang ama ni Asa. Si Asa ang ama ni Josafat, at si Josafat ang ama ni Joram na siya namang ama ni Ozias. Itong si Ozias ay ama ni Jotam na ama ni Acaz, at si Acaz ang ama ni Ezequias. Si Ezequias ang ama ni Manases, at si Manases ang ama ni Amos na ama naman ni Josias. Si Josias ang ama ni Jeconias at ang kanyang mga kapatid. Panahon noon ng pagkakatapon ng mga Israelita sa Babilonia. 

Matapos ang pagkakatapon sa Babilonia, naging anak ni Joconias si Salatiel na ama ni Zorobabel. Si Zorobabel ang ama ni Abiud na ama ni Eliaquim, at si Eliaquim ang ama ni Azor. si Azor ang ama ni Sadoc na ama ni Aquim; itong si Aquim ang ama ni Eliud. Si Eluid ang ama ni Eleazar; si Eleazar ang ama ni Matan na ama ni Jacob. At si Jacob ang ama ni Jose na asawa ni Maria. Si Maria naman ang ina ni Hesus na tinatawag na Kristo.  

Samaktwid, labing-apat ang salin-lahi mula kay Abraham hanggang kay David, labing-apat mula kay David hanggang sa pagkakatapon ng mga Israelita sa Babilonia, at labing-apat din mula sa pagkakatapon sa Babilonia hanggang kay Kristo.

Reflection for December 16 Monday of the Third Week of Advent (1st day of Misa de Gallo): John 5:33-36

Gospel: John 5:33-36

Jesus said to the Jews: “You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. 

But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.”

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Reflection:

Do you have a personal testimony about Jesus? For example an instance in your life wherein Jesus changed you to become a gentler and loving person or you were brought out of a sinful life by the Lord or any life-changing experience that you have about Jesus. 

If you have this one of a kind life changing experience with Jesus you have to share it, don’t just keep it to yourself.  This is for the reason that when you share your life experience with Jesus you can change another life courtesy of Jesus through you. 

However we have to remember that we have to share Jesus with humility and gentleness. Because this is where we could become more effective heralds of our savior. If we share Jesus with bombast we may never be able to bring others close to Him because people normally gravitate toward the humble and gentle.  

If we are afraid of sharing Jesus through the spoken word let us not be afraid to share Jesus through our actions. Actions of love, humility, gentleness and servanthood for the simple reason that these acts are the best testament that Jesus is alive and has an active part in our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 16, Lunes sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento (Simula ng Misa de Gallo): Juan 5:33-36

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:33-36

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judio, “Nagpasugo kayo kay Juan, at nagpatotoo siya tungkol sa katotohanan. Hindi sa kailangan ko ang patotoo ng tao; sinasabi ko lamang ito para maligtas kayo. Si Juan ay parang maningas na ilaw na nagliliwanag noon, at kayo’y sandaling nasiyahan sa kanyang liwanag. 

Ngunit may patotoo tungkol sa akin na higit sa patotoo ni Juan: ang mga gawang ipinagagawa sa akin ng Ama, at siya ko namang ginaganap – iyan ang nagpapatotoo na ako’y sinugo niya.”  

Reflection for Sunday December 15, Third Sunday of Advent: Luke 3:10-18

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” 

Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

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Reflection:

A troubled husband was asking the Lord for enlightenment. Thus; he said to the Lord. Lord help me I am so burdened by my problems, my wife and children are not speaking to me, I feel so alone.

 All of a sudden, the husband heard the booming voice of the Lord, which said, "Your wife and children are not talking to you because you’re arrogant and domineering." The Lord further said, "Change your ways by being more humble, gentle, and loving."

The troubled husband followed the Lord's advice, and it immediately had a positive result. The divided family became one, and they lived happily ever after. 

In the Gospel, before the crowd asked John, "What should we do?" he had already preached to them about repentance and the need to renew their wicked lifestyles.

Why is repentance so important? Repentance is important because it makes us worthy before the Lord. It also straightens our crooked lives, and it heals us spiritually.

Why do many of us experience problematic family lives? It is because we refuse to heed John’s call for renewal and repentance. We continually reject humility, forgiveness, and servanthood.

Would you listen to the preaching of John the Baptist? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Disyembre 15 Ikatlong Linggo ng Adbiyento: Lucas 3:10-18

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 3:10-18

Noong panahong iyon: Tinanong si Juan Bautista ng mga tao, “Kung gayun, ano po ang dapat naming gawin?” “Kung mayroon kang dalawang baro, bigyan mo ng isa ang wala. Ganyan din ang gawin ng mga may pagkain,” tugon niya. Dumating din ang mga publikano upang pabinyag at itinanong nila sa kanya, “Guro, ano po ang dapat naming gawin?” Sumagot siya, “Huwag kayong sumingil nang higit sa dapat singilin.” 

Tinanong din siya ng mga kawal, “At kami, ano naman ang dapat naming gawin?” “Huwag kayong manghihingi kaninuman sa pamamagitan ng pamimilit o ng pagpaparatang ng di totoo; masiyahan kayo sa inyong sahod,” sagot niya. 

Naghahari sa mga tao ang pananabik sa pagdating ng Mesiyas at ang akala ng marami’y si Juan ang kanilang hinihintay. Kaya’t sinabi ni Juan sa kanila, “Binibinyagan ko kayo sa tubig, ngunit ang darating na kasunod ko ang magbibinyag sa inyo sa Espiritu Santo at sa apoy. 

Siya’y makapangyarihan kaysa sa akin, at ni hindi ako karapat-dapat magkalag ng tali ng kanyang panyapak. Hawak niya ang kanyang kalaykay upang alisin ang dayami. Titipunin niya ang trigo sa kanyang kamalig, ngunit ang ipa’y susunugin sa apoy na di mamamatay kailanman.”

Marami pang bagay ang ipinangaral ni Juan sa mga tao sa kanyang paghahayag ng Mabuting Balita.

Reflection for Saturday December 14 Memorial of Saint Ambrose, preist and doctor of the Church: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Gospel: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down from the mountain the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply,* “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. 

So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

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Reflection:

Why is it that we don’t listen to the voice of God for us to repent? 

The call of Jesus for repentance continuous until this very hour, He speaks to us through people around us and through our conscience. We should not ignore it, we should rather listen to it because to listen and repent is the right course of action that we must always take. 

Like John who prepared the way for Jesus, we too should become the modern day John. Thus we should also gently call for repentance to those within our sphere of environment. This is for the reason that this is a call of duty for us followers of the Lord. 

Lest we forget, by virtue of our Baptism, we are the modern-day John. Therefore, we must call for repentance and conversion as well. For this call to be effective, we must do so with gentleness, mercy, and compassion. Of course, we must also be good role models because if we don’t live what we preach, our call for repentance will simply fall on deaf ears. 

It is obvious that Jesus is pertaining to John as the second coming of the prophet Elijah. But majority of the people did not recognize the call of John to renew their lives because they were busy with the things of this world. They have no time to listen to the messenger of God yet they created time to serve their own selfish interest.   

We have nothing to lose if we tread the way of John. Yes it will not be a walk in the park and there would be challenges as well. But if Christ is with us who will be against us? Nobody for we have Jesus at our backs silently supporting us. 

Oftentimes it may seem that Jesus is not there for us but He is always there. Even in the lowest points of our lives, the Lord is there. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Disyembre 14, Paggunita kay San Juan de la Cruz, pari at pantas ng Simbahan: Mateo 17:10-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:10-13

Habang bumababa sila sa bundok, tinanong si Hesus ng mga alagad, "Bakit po sinasabi ng mga eskriba na dapat munang pumarito si Elias?" Sumagot siya, “Paririto nga si Elias upang ihanda ang lahat ng bagay. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na pumarito na si Elias, ngunit hindi siya nakilala ng mga tao. 

At kanilang ginawa sa kanya ang gusto nila. Gayon din naman, pahihirapan nila ang Anak ng Tao." At naunawaan ng mga alagad na si Juan Bautista ang tinutukoy niya.

 

Reflection for Friday December 13 Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr: Matthew 11:16-19

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ 

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.

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Reflection:

Are you familiar with the word repentance? 

The word repentance is perhaps the most ignored word. For example we would often call on people close to us to repent and change their ways for the better. More often than not, this call is ignored, and they reason that they have nothing to repent for.

We often don’t see our sinfulness until a person close to us tells us about it and we don’t normally like to be told about our sins. But the reality of it all is we are sinners we sin by our words, thoughts and actions. 

John the Baptist called for repentance, asceticism or simplicity was his way of life he wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt on his waist and his food was locust and wild honey. He prepared the way for Jesus by calling the sinners of his time to repent. 

Jesus’ approach was different, He mingled with sinners, He healed the sick, He performed miracles and conducted life changing sermons in that process He called them all to repentance. 

This season of Advent the call to repentance intensifies to a crescendo for us to be more worthy of the coming birth of our savior. But only few of us give it an ear, we chose to ignore it. Why not listen to this call? Why not change our ways for the better? Why not humbly submit ourselves to the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation? 

If today you hear His voice harden not your hearts. (Hebrew 3:15) – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Disyembre 13, Paggunita kay Santa Lucia, dalaga at martir: Mateo 11:16-19

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:16-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, "Sa ano ko nga ihahambing ang mga tao ngayon? Katulad sila ng mga batang nakaupo sa plasa at sumisigaw sa kanilang mga kalaro, 'Tinugtugan namin kayo ng plauta, ngunit hindi kayo sumayaw! Nanambitan kami, ngunit hindi kayo tumangis!' 

Sapagkat naparito si Juan na nag-aayuno at di uminom ng alak, at sinabi nila, 'Inaalihan siya ng demonyo!' Naparito rin ang Anak ng Tao, na kumakain at umiinom, at sinasabi naman nila, 'Masdan ninyo ang taong ito! Matakaw at maglalasing, kaibigan ng mga publikano at mga makasalanan!' Gayunman, ang karunungan ng Diyos ay napatutunayang tama sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga gawa."

Reflection for Thursday December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.   

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”   

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Today is the memorial of Our Lady of Guadalupe also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe.  

The Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico in December 1531, to an indigenous peasant, named Juan Diego. After she had identified herself to him, The Virgin Mary asked that Juan build her a shrine in that same spot, in order for her to show and share her love and compassion with all believers. 

So, Juan Diego visited Juan de Zumárraga, who was Archbishop of what is now Mexico City. Zumárraga dismissed him in disbelief and asked that Juan Diego provide proof of his story and proof of the Lady’s identity. Juan Diego returned to the hill and encountered the Virgin Mary again. The Virgin Mary told him to climb to the top of the hill and pick some flowers to present to Archbishop Juan de Zumárraga. 

Even though it was winter and nothing should have been in bloom, Juan Diego found an abundance of flowers of a type he had never seen before. The Virgin Mary bundled the flowers into Juan's cloak, known as tilma. When Juan Diego presented the tilma of exotic flowers to Archbishop Juan de Zumárraga, the flowers fell out and he recognized them as Castilian roses, which are not found in Mexico. 

What was even more astonishing was the tilma had been miraculously imprinted with a colorful image of the Virgin Mary. This tilma, showing the familiar image of the Virgin Mary with her head bowed and hands together in prayer, represents the Virgin of Guadalupe. 

In 1990, Pope Saint John Paul II visited Mexico and beatified Juan Diego. 10 years later, in the year 2000, he was declared a Saint.   

Do you always humble yourself before God?  

There is something in the Blessed Mother that many of us don’t have. We may ask, what is it which the Blessed Mother have that we often don’t usually have?  It’s the humility and docility to follow the will of God.   

 After the angel Gabriel told Mary everything about the Lord’s plan for her. The blessed Mother simply said: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)   

God speaks to us as well in so many ways, He even uses people and events in our life to  convey His message to us. But many of us chose to purposely ignore it and go on with what we want in our life. What if the Blessed Mother chose to ignore the angel and move on with her life?   But she chose to listen to the voice of God.

Listening to the voice of God is something that is often lacking in many of us today. Yes we pray, yes we go to church for Holy Mass. But more often than not it’s still our will that we follow not the will of God.  

This is primarily the reason why we sin and why we have enormous problems. Because we often ignore the voice of God and we often don’t pay attention to the teachings of the church which always tells us to only do what is good and right.

The Blessed Mother did not resist God’s will, she simply believed and humbly submitted herself to the will of God.   But what is God’s will for you? It’s for you to always do what is right and confront and then avoid anyone who brings you nothing but sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Disyembre 12, Paggunita sa Mahal na Birhen ng Guadalupe, Makalangit na Patrona ng Pilipinas: Lucas 1:26-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:26-38

Nang ikaanim na buwan na ng pagdadalantao ni Elisabet, ang anghel Gabriel ay sinugo ng Diyos sa Nazaret, Galilea, sa isang dalaga na ang pangala'y Maria. Siya'y nakatakdang ikasal kay Jose, isang lalaki buhat sa lipi ni Haring David. Paglapit ng anghel sa kinaroroonan ng dalaga, binati niya ito.  

"Matuwa ka! Ikaw ay kalugud-lugod sa Diyos," wika niya. "Sumasaiyo ang Panginoon!" Nagulumihanan si Maria sa gayong pangungusap, at inisip niyang mabuti kung ano ang kahulugan niyon. Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ng anghel, "Huwag kang matakot, Maria, sapagkat kinalulugdan ka ng Diyos. Makinig ka! Ikaw ay maglilihi at manganganak ng isang lalaki, at siya'y tatawagin mong Jesus. 

Magiging dakila siya, at tatawaging Anak ng Kataas-taasan. Ibibigay sa kanya ng Panginoong Diyos ang trono ng kanyang amang si David. Maghahari siya sa angkan ni Jacob magpakailanman, at ang kanyang paghahari ay walang hanggan." "Paanong mangyayari ito, gayong ako'y dalaga?" tanong ni Maria. Sumagot ang anghel, "Bababa sa iyo ang Espiritu Santo, at lililiman ka ng kanyang kapangyarihan ng Kataas-taasan.  

Kaya't banal ang ipanganganak mo at tatawaging Anak ng Diyos. Natatandaan mo ang iyong kamag-anak na si Elisabet? Alam ng lahat na siya'y baog, ngunit naglihi siya sa kabila ng kanyang katandaan. At ngayo'y ikaanim na buwan na ng kanyang pagdadalantao -- sapagkat walang hindi mapangyayari ang Diyos." Sumagot si Maria, "Ako'y alipin ng Panginoon. Mangyari sa akin ang iyong sinabi." At nilisan siya ng anghel.

Reflection for December 11 Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.

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Reflection:

The story is told about  a man who would always drink until he gets drunk whenever he had problems. When he is drunk already he would disturb the peace of his family, he would verbally abuse his wife and his children and blame them for all their miseries.  Many fathers are like this! But what can they get from this temporal escape? They only further mire themselves with more problems until their problems takes control of them.  

In our gospel for today Jesus gives us a foolproof invitation, HE tells us: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light (Matthew 11:28-30).”  

What are we going to do with this invitation? Of course we have to accept and open our life to Jesus. If we would not accept and continue to keep out Jesus in our life we would continue to be enslaved by this world. And when a person is a slave of this world he/she has no peace of mind and will be forever be burdened by the worries of this world.  

Will you go to Jesus and allow Him to help you carry your life’s burdens? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 11, Miyerkules sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 11:28-30

 

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 11:28-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus, "Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at; nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y pagpapahingahin ko.  

Pasanin ninyo ang aking pamatok, at mag-aral kayo sa akin; ako'y maamo at mababang-loob, at makasusumpong kayo ng kapahingahan para sa inyong kaluluwa. Sapagkat maginhawang dalhin ang aking pamatok, at magaan ang pasaning ibibigay ko sa inyo."

Reflection for December 10 Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent: Matthew 18:12-14

Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

Jesus said to his disciples: “What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? 

 And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

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Reflection:

Can we compare the love of Jesus with how we exercise our love for our fellowmen?  

No, we cannot compare because majority if not all of us love with preconditions and conditions. We love with limitations and we love only those who give us love. Jesus loves us without any preconditions, limitations and He loves us even if we don’t love Him in return. 

We all know that Jesus is alluding about His infinite love for us when He told this story of the lost sheep.  By way of this story He is also telling us that His love for us is always there no matter how sinful we are and no matter who we are. 

As we follow Jesus, we must also ask Him to deepen our faith and to erase our preconditions and conditions when we love. For example, if before we could only love those who give us love, now that we have become mature followers of Jesus. We would love even those who do not give us love and those people who do not love us anymore. 

To love even those who do not love us and those who hurt us is very hard to do. But if we really are sincere in following Jesus, we would be able to love them. And we would search for them until we find them and forgive them without any precondition. 

Let us find those who went astray, let us forgive them and give them the unconditional love of Jesus. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Disyembre 10, Martes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Adbiyento: Mateo 18:12-14

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 18:12-14

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ano sa akala ninyo ang gagawin ng isang taong may isang daang tupa kung maligaw ang isa sa mga iyon? Hindi kaya niya iiwan ang siyamnapu't siyam na nanginginain sa kaburulan upang hanapin ang naligaw? 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo; kapag nasumpungan niya ito, higit niyang ikinagagalak ang isang ito kaysa siyamnapu't siyam na hindi naligaw. Gayon din naman, hindi kaloob ng inyong Amang nasa langit na mapahamak ang isa sa maliliit na ito."

Reflection for Monday December 9 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you. But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 

Then the angel said to her “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.   

But Mary said to the angel “How can this be since I have no relations with a man? And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 

And behold, Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren for nothing will be impossible for God. Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

We celebrate today the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was approved in 1476 by Pope Sixtus IV and later extended to the universal Church by Pope Clement XI in 1708. Recognizing the belief held for centuries by the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, Pope Pius IX solemnly proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854.

This dogma affirms that the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God was preserved free from all stain of original sin” (Ineffabilis Deus, 1854).   

What are you going to do if you receive a shocking announcement? Perhaps the first that would come to your mind is to pray and ask for guidance and strength from God.  

When Mary received the annunciation from angel Gabriel that she would be pregnant with the baby Jesus. She might have been in shock for a moment, then right after she perhaps prayed to God for guidance and strength. After which she was ok and with faith she accepted the will of the Lord for her.  

The pregnancy of the Blessed Virgin Mary conveys to us that nothing is impossible for God. That God can do miracles as He did to Mary. It conveys to us that our God is a God of possibilities, blessings and miracles. Our God can make things happen for us for as long as we have faith and for as long as we have unwavering belief in Him.  

Because of the many challenges that you face, you may somehow feel weariness in your journey in this world. Do not lose heart, continue to journey with God, continue to pray, continue to work hard for whatever aspiration that you have in your heart and  continue to have faith and hope. For the Lord will never abandon those who continue to trust in Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas