Reflection for Monday June 3, Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs: Mark 12:1-12

Gospel: Mark 12:1-12

Jesus began to speak to the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and left on a journey. At the proper time he sent a servant to the tenants to obtain from them some of the produce of the vineyard. 

But they seized him, beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent them another servant. And that one they beat over the head and treated shamefully. He sent yet another whom they killed. So, too, many others; some they beat, others they killed. He had one other to send, a beloved son. 

He sent him to them last of all, thinking, 'They will respect my son.' But those tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' So they seized him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come, put the tenants to death, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture passage: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?" 

They were seeking to arrest him, but they feared the crowd, for they realized that he had addressed the parable to them. So they left him and went away.

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Reflection:

A wealthy woman suddenly died without leaving a last will and testament. Instead of talking thing out and amicably settling the issue about her wealth the relatives were now wrangling as to who would get the biggest chunk of wealth.  Why were they squabbling about her wealth?  Because all of them were greedy nobody wants to give an inch on the wealth that they would have. 

Many families are like this, they were once living in peace and unity until the issue of wealth divided them. What can we gain with material wealth? It’s temporal riches that may fly from our hands anytime! Why is it that some of us are willing to sacrifice blood relationship for wealth? The simple answer is our greed! 

In our gospel for this Monday Jesus gives us a story that mirrors greed for wealth. Wealth that is temporary, wealth that we will not be able to bring us to the next life. And wealth that has been the cause of many conflicts in the family.

Instead of being greedy, why not be generous? Instead of holding on to wealth, why not give some of it away or give it all away? The rewards are unfathomable for those who would not hold on to their wealth. It may not be in this finite world but it surely will come to them when they are not anymore in this world.   

Would you be generous with your wealth? – Marino J. Dasmarinas                 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Lunes Hunyo 3 San Carlos Lwanga at mga kasama, mga martir (Paggunita): Marcos 12:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 12:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, nagsimulang magsalita si Hesus sa mga punong saserdote, mga eskriba, at matatanda ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng mga talinghaga. Sinabi niya, “May isang taong nagtanim ng ubas sa kanyang bukid, at binakuran niya ito. Humukay siya ng pisaan ng ubas, at nagtayo ng isang mataas na bantayan. Pagkatapos, iniwan niya ang ubasan sa mga kasama, at siya’y nagtungo sa ibang lupain. 

Nang dumating ang panahon ng pitasan, pinapunta niya ang isa niyang utusan upang kunin sa mga kasama ang kanyang kaparte. Ngunit sinunggaban ng mga kasama ang utusan, binugbog, at pinauwing walang dala. Ang may-ari’y nagpapunta uli ng ibang utusan, ngunit kanilang pinukpok ito sa ulo, at dinusta. Nag-utos na naman siya sa isa pa, ngunit pinatay nila ang utusang iyon. 

Gayun din ang ginawa nila sa marami pang iba: may binugbog at may pinatay. Iisa na lang ang natitira na maaaring papuntahin sa kanila – ang kanyang minamahal na anak. Ito ang kahuli-hulihang pinapunta niya. ‘Igagalang nila ang aking anak,’ wika niya sa sarili. Ngunit ang mga kasama’y nag-usap-usap, ‘Ito ang tagapagmana. Halikayo, patayin natin at nang mapasaatin ang kanyang mamanahin.’’ Kanilang sinunggaban siya, pinatay at itinapon sa labas ng ubasan. 

“Ano ngayon ang gagawin ng may-ari ng ubasan? Paroroon siya at papatayin ang mga kasamang iyon, at ang ubasa’y ibibigay sa iba. Hindi pa ba ninyo nababasa ang nasasaad sa Kasulatan? ‘Ang batong itinakwil ng mga tagapagtayo ng bahay ang siyang naging batong panulukan. 

Ginawa ito ng Panginoon, At ito’y kahanga-hanga!’” Tinangka ng mga pinuno ng mga Judio na dakpin si Hesus, sapagkat nahalata nilang sila ang pinatatamaan sa talinghagang iyon. Ngunit takot naman sila sa mga tao; kaya’t hindi nila siya inano at sila’y umalis.

Reflection for Sunday June 2, The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi): Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" He sent two of his disciples and said to them, "Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. 

Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there. The disciples then went off, entered the city and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 

He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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 Reflection:

Are you ready to fulfill your mission in the vineyard of the Lord? 

Before the institution of the Eucharist took place, there were two men who became instrumental in the celebration of the Last Supper of the Lord.

The first is the man carrying a jar of water, Jesus told the disciples that the moment they see this man they have to follow him because he will lead them to the house where the last supper would be celebrated. And so, it happened, they saw this man and he led them to the house of the Last Supper.

The second man is the one in charge of the house where the Last Supper is to be held. This man ushered the disciples to the upper room. While there, they saw that it was furnished and ready for the commemoration of the Passover meal. Hence, they called the Lord, and they all went to the upper room, where they ate their Passover meal which is the Last Supper.

These two men played crucial roles in the Last Supper, for without them, the Last Supper might not have been held there. But the two men were present, and they made life easier for the disciples and for the Lord as well.

We all play crucial roles in the advancement of the mission of the Lord. Some of us may think that the roles we play are insignificant. But they're not; every role we play in the vineyard of the Lord is very important and significant.

What is the important role that you play in the vineyard of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Hunyo 2 Dakilang Kapistahan ng Katawan at Dugo ni Kristo: Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 14:12-16, 22-26

Unang araw ng Pista ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura, araw ng pagpatay sa kordero para sa Paskuwa. Tinanong si Jesus ng kanyang mga alagad, "Saan po ninyo ibig na ipaghanda namin kayo ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa?" Inutusan niya ang dalawa sa kanyang mga alagad, "Pumunta kayo sa bayan. May masasalubong kayo na isang lalaki na may dalang isang bangang tubig.  

Sundan ninyo siya sa bahay na kanyang napasukan sabihin ninyo sa may-ari, 'Ipinatatanong po ng Guro kung saang silid siya maaaring kumain ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa, kasalo ang kanyang mga alagad.' At ituturo niya sa inyo ang isang malaking silid sa itaas na mayroon nang kagamitan. Doon kayo maghanda para sa atin." Nagtungo sa bayan ang mga alagad at natagpuan nga nila roon ang lahat, gaya ng sinabi niya sa kanila. At inihanda nia ang Hapunang Pampaskuwa.  

Samantalang sila'y kumakain, dumampot ng tinapay si Jesus, at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay kanyang pinagpira-piraso at ibinigay sa mga alagad. "Kunin ninyo; ito ang aking katawan," wika niya. Hinawakan niya ang saro, at matapos magpasalamat ay ibinigay sa kanila; at uminom silang lahat. Sinabi niya, "Ito ang aking dugo ng tipan, ang dugong mabubuhos para sa marami. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi na ako iinom ng alak na mula sa ubas hanggang sa araw na inumin ko ang bagong alak sa kaharian ng Diyos." Umawit sila ng isang imno, at pagkatapos nagtungo sa Bundok ng mga Olibo.

Reflection for Saturday June 1 Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr: Mark 11:27-33

Gospel: Mark 11:27-33

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

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

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

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Reflection:

Who are the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders? 

They are persons of authority they are all highly valued and listened by their community. Jesus was actually no match to them in stature for He is just an ordinary Jew and a carpenter. That’s why they’ve asked Him: “By what authority are you doing these things? 

What was their motivation in asking Jesus about His authority? Of course their motivation was envy and greed for power because they were slowly being threatened by the growing popularity of Jesus.  Otherwise if they were not envious and greedy they would have not asked Jesus about His authority. This same envy and greed for power drove them to plot the killing of Jesus. 

We too are often times envious of those who succeed, those who are more popular than us. Why do we allow ourselves to be eaten up by this negative emotion called envy? Instead of feeling envious why not simply be happy for those people who succeed? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Hunyo 1 San Justino, martir (Paggunita): Marcos 11:27-33

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 11:27-33

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

Sumagot si Hesus, “Tatanungin ko rin kayo. Pag sinagot ninyo ako, saka ko naman sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga bagay na ito. Kanino nagmula ang karapatan ni Juan upang magbinyag – sa Diyos ba o sa mga tao?” At sila’y nag-usap-usap: “Kung sabihin nating mula sa Diyos, itatanong naman niya sa atin, ‘Bakit hindi ninyo siya pinaniwalaan?’ 

Ngunit kung sabihin nating mula sa tao,” natatakot naman sila at baka kung ano ang gawin sa kanila ng mga tao, sapagkat kinikilala ng lahat na si Juan ay isang propeta. Kaya’t sumagot sila kay Hesus, “Hindi namin alam!” Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Hindi ko rin sasabihin sa inyo kung ano ang karapatan kong gumawa ng mga ginawa ko.”

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

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

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

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

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

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

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

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Reflection:

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

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

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

We live now in a world driven by busyness and time, for the majority of us time is gold and surely we want to use majority of our time to earn a living or money.  But the Blessed Mother is telling us to use our time not only to earn a living. We also have to use our time to touch lives. To help those who are in need in that process we also silently bring Jesus to them. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 1:39-56

Si Maria'y nagmamadaling pumunta sa isang bayan sa kaburulan ng Juda. Pagdating sa bahay ni Zacarias, binati niya si Elisabet. Nang marinig ni Elisabet ang bati ni Maria, naggagalaw ang sanggol sa kanyang tiyan. Napuspos ng Espiritu Santo si Elisabet, at buong galak na sinabi, "Pinagpala ka sa mga babae, at pinagpala rin ang dinadala mo sa iyong sinapupunan! 

Sino ako upang dalawin ng ina ng aking Panginoon? Sapagkat pagkarinig ko ng iyong bati ay naggagalaw ang sanggol sa tuwa sa aking tiyan. Mapalad ka sapagkat nanalig kang matutupad ang ipinasasabi sa iyo ng Panginoon!"  

At sinabi ni Maria, "Ang puso ko'y nagpupuri sa Panginoon, at nagagalak ang aking espiritu dahil sa Diyos na aking Tagapagligtas. Sapagkat nilingap niya ang kanyang abang alipin! At mula ngayon, ako'y tatawaging mapalad ng lahat ng salinlahi. Dahil sa mga dakilang bagay na ginawa sa akin ng Makapangyarihan -- Banal ang kanyang pangalan!  

Kinahahabagan niya ang mga may takot sa kanya, sa lahat ng sali't-saling lahi. Ipinakita niya ang lakas ng kanyang mga bisig, pinangalat niya ang mga palalo ang isipan. ibinagsak niya ang mga hari mula sa kanilang trono, at itinaas ang mga nasa abang kalagayan.  

Binusog niya ng mabubuting bagay ang mga nagugutom, at pinalayas niyang wala ni anuman ang mayayaman. Tinulungan niya ang kanyang bayang Israel, bilang pagtupad sa pangako niya sa ating mga magulang, kay Abraham at sa kanyang lahi, magpakailanman!"  

Tumira si Maria kina Elisabet nang may tatlong buwan, at saka umuwi.

Reflection for May 30 Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:46-52

Gospel: Mark 10:46-52

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

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

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

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Reflection:

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

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

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

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

Reflection for May 29 Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:32-45

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

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

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. 

Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 

Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

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Reflection:

Are you willing to carry the cross of Jesus? 

Jesus began to tell his disciples what was going to happen to him: his passion, death and eventual resurrection. Then, James and John requested Jesus that in his glory they be allowed to sit beside him. 

Why in his glory only they want to sit beside Jesus? Why didn’t they tell Jesus that they would be with him also through his passion and death? 

Often times we are like James and John we only recognize the presence of Jesus in our lives during our glorious moments and our life’s triumphs. When we are beset with problems we feel that Jesus has forsaken us. The Lord wants us to be aware that He is with us always, he wants us to embrace him fully regardless of our life situations. 

James and John also desired greatness because they wanted to sit beside Jesus in his glorious moments. But Jesus rebuked them when he said: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.” 

In the church there are those who always want to been seen with their Priest/Pastors because it evokes greatness, power and prestige. But for Jesus the true measure of greatness is when we are always ready to serve regardless if we're seen, regardless if we're recognized or not. 

Let us not seek recognition when following Jesus let us instead follow the Lord with humility. And from humility everything good will follow including recognition. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting BalitaMayo 29, Miyerkules sa Ikawalong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 10:32-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:32-45

Noong panahong iyon, nasa daan sila patungong Jerusalem. Nauuna sa kanila si Jesus; nangangamba ang mga alagad at natatakot naman ang mga taong sumusunod sa kanya. Ibinukod ni Jesus ang Labindalawa at sinabi ang mangyayari sa kanya. 

Wika niya, "Ngayo'y paahon tayo sa Jerusalem. Ang Anak ng Tao'y ipagkakanulo sa mga punong saserdote at sa mga eskriba. Kanilang hahatulan siya ng kamatayan, at ibibigay sa mga Hentil. Siya'y tutuyain nila, luluran, hahagupitin,at papatayin. Ngunit muli siyang mabubuhay pagkaraan ng tatlong araw."

Lumapit kay Jesus sina Santiago at Juan na anak ni Zebedeo, at ang sabi, "Guro, may hihilingin po sana kami sa inyo." "Ano iyon?" tanong ni Jesus. Sumagot sila, "Sana'y makaupo kami katabi ninyo sa inyong kaharian-- isa sa kanan at isa sa kaliwa." "Hindi ninyo nalalaman ang inyong hinihingi," sabi ni Jesus sa kanila. 

"Mababata ba ninyo ang hirap na babatahin ko? Pabibinyag ba kayo sa binyag na daranasin ko?" "Opo," tugon nila. Sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang hirap na babatahin ko'y babatahin nga ninyo, at kayo'y bibinyagan sa binyag na daranasin ko. Ngunit wala sa akin ang pagpapasiya kung sino ang mauupo sa aking kanan at sa aking kaliwa. Ang mga luklukang sinasabi ninyo'y para sa mga pinaghandaan."

Nang marinig ito ng sampung alagad, nagalit sila sa magkapatid. Kaya't pinalapit sila ni Jesus at sinabi, "Alam ninyo na ang mga itinuturing na pinuno ng mga Hentil ay siyang pinapanginoon, at ang dinadakila ay siyang nasusunod. Ngunit hindi ganyan ang dapat umiral sa inyo. 

Sa halip, ang sinuman sa inyo na ibig maging dakila ay dapat maging lingkod. at sinumang ibig maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ng lahat. Sapagkat ang Anak ng Tao ay naparito, hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at ibigay ang kanyang buhay sa ikatutubos ng marami."

Reflection for May 28 Tuesday of the Eight Week of Ordinary Time: Mark 10:28-31

Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

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

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Reflection:

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

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

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

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

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

Let us not be afraid to give up this world for Jesus. Because there will be enormous rewards that awaits us the moment we decide to give up this world in favor of Jesus. But what are these rewards? The rewards are: Peace of mind, contentment, acceptance of the things that we  cannot change and so on. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 28 Martes sa Ikawalong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon:Marcos 10:28-31

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:28-31

Noong panahong iyon, nagsalita si Pedro kay Hesus, “Tingnan po ninyo, iniwan namin ang lahat at kami’y sumunod sa inyo.” 

Sinabi ni Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo ito: ang sinumang mag-iwan ng bahay, o mga kapatid, ina, ama, mga anak, mga lupa, dahil sa akin at sa Mabuting Balita, ay tatanggap ng makasandaang ibayo sa buhay na ito – mga bahay, mga kapatid, mga ina, mga anak, at mga lupa – ngunit may kalakip na pag-uusig. 

At sa kabilang buhay ay magkakaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Ngunit maraming nauuna na magiging huli, at maraming nahuhuli na magiging una.”

Reflection for May 27, Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:17-27

Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

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

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

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God! The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 

They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

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Reflection:

Who is this man in the gospel who walked away from his desire to follow Jesus in favor of his treasures? We don’t know but we could compare the attitude of this wealthy man to our own attitude when it comes to wealth. 

Many of us can’t give away our wealth so that it may serve its real purpose none other than to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. When the wealthy man walked away from Jesus he allowed himself to be possessed by his love for his wealth. He was already at the threshold of the real meaning of life. Yet he still chose to be possessed by worldly life which is accumulation and possession of wealth and power. 

Many of us including our politicians allow ourselves to be possessed by this false meaning of life. Which in the end will only serve as our downfall for the simple reason that we allowed ourselves to be possessed by our greed for wealth and power. 

What will it do us if we have wealth yet we don’t have peace of mind? What would wealth bring to our lives if we don’t have God? Nothing but false sense of security, nothing but a life devoid of meaning and a life of emptiness. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:17-27

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

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

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

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

Reflection for Sunday May 26, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity: Matthew 28:16-20

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20

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

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

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Reflection:           

What is the visible manifestation of the presence of the Most Holy Trinity? It’s the love and unity in the family. The teachings of the Most Holy Trinity are a mystery that nobody can unravel. Yet, when we see a unified and loving family, we are reminded of the Holy Trinity. This is because the Most Holy Trinity is a unity of love among God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. 

What is this love that unifies God the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit? In his first letter to the Corinthians, Saint Paul said this: “Love is patient, kind, without envy. It is not boastful or arrogant. It is not ill-mannered, nor does it seek its own interest. Love overcomes anger and forgets offenses. It does not take delight in wrong, but rejoices in truth. Love excuses everything, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). This is the kind of love that unifies the Holy Trinity, and surely this is the kind of love that binds a family. 

We could just imagine if this Trinitarian love is present inside every family. There would be no broken families, no suffering children and spouses. But the reality of many modern and social media savvy families today is  it’s so modern and hi-tech that it hardly have personal and heart-to-heart interaction. The modern family of today interacts in a modern way, primarily through their expensive gadgets. This results in impersonal interactions, which, if not corrected, might easily break apart a family when tested by trials. 

The Trinitarian love was also lived by the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and their son Jesus. Their family is the most visible manifestation of the unity and love of the Most Holy Trinity. The Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus is always ready to listen to the voice of God and ever docile in following the will of God. 

How’s your family right now? Does it have the Unity and Love of the Most Holy Trinity? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Linggo Mayo 26 Dakilang Kapistahan ng Tatlong Persona sa Isang Diyos: Mateo 28:16-30

Mabuting Balita Mateo 28:16-20

Noong panahong iyon: Ang Labing-isang alagad ay nagpunta sa Galilea, sa bundok na itinuro sa kanila ni Hesus. Nang makita nila si Hesus, siya’y sinamba nila, bagamat may ilang nag-alinlangan. Lumapit si Hesus at sinabi sa kanila, “Ibinigay na sa akin ang lahat ng kapangyarihan sa langit at sa Lupa.

Kaya, humayo kayo at gawin ninyong alagad ko ang lahat ng bansa. Binyagan ninyo sila sa ngalan ng Ama at ng Anak at ng Espiritu Santo, at turuang sumunod sa lahat ng ipinag-utos ko sa inyo. Tandaan ninyo: ako’y laging kasama ninyo hanggang sa katapusan ng sanlibutan.”

Ang Mabuting Balita, Mayo 25 Sabado sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 10:13-16

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:13-16

Noong panahong iyon, may nagdala ng mga bata kay Hesus upang hilinging ipatong niya sa mga ito ang kanyang kamay; ngunit pinagwikaan sila ng mga alagad. Nagalit si Hesus nang makita ito, at sinabi sa kanila, “Pabayaan ninyong lumapit sa akin ang mga bata, huwag ninyo silang sawayin, sapagkat sa mga katulad nila naghahari ang Diyos.  

Ito ang tandaan ninyo: ang sinumang hindi tumatanggap sa paghahari ng Diyos tulad ng isang maliit na bata ay hindi mapapabilang sa mga pinaghaharian niya.” At kinalong ni Hesus ang mga bata, ipinatong ang kanyang mga kamay sa kanila at pinagpala sila.

Reflection for May 25 Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:13-16

Gospel: Mark 10:13-16

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

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who wanted to know God on his own terms and through his own intelligence. So, he read books that he hoped would help him know God, but to no avail. He befriended people from his parish church, yet there still was no development in his knowledge about God. 

Finally, a wise man advised him to humbly abandon himself like a child before God. So he did and thereupon he received all the wisdom that he would need to know God deeply. 

Jesus’ bias for the children is very obvious in the gospel and the reason behind is the child is pure and not yet tainted by sin. For the same reason we too have a bias for children we take as an example the many images of Sto. Nino in government/private offices; majority of politicians are devotees of the Sto. Nino. For the reason that the Sto. Nino is present everywhere it may seem that our country is morally upright. Better think again, the country is still mired in corruption, immorality, arrogance and killings. 

Where is the influence of the Sto. Nino then? Do we allow our devotion to the Sto. Nino change us for the better? Certainly not and this is our big problem. We are fond of displaying images of our faith but the irony of it is this: Our faith remains on exterior display and it ends there. 

There is no conversion and change of heart. If only we would learn to imbibe and internalize the virtues of a child that is always humble and honest. A child who doesn’t know how to cheat, kill and lie. Who doesn’t know how to compromise with wrong. 

In the gospel, Jesus is angry with His disciples for they were preventing the children to go to Him. So Jesus told them: “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these (Mark 10:14). 

Is Jesus speaking here of the literal children only? Of course not! Jesus is also speaking here of the adult ones which includes us. Adult ones who have childlike virtues such as: Humility, simplicity, forgiveness, honestly and the like.  

Do you have these childlike virtues? – Marino J. Dasmarinas   

Reflection for May 24 Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:1-12

Gospel: Mark 10:1-12

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

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

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

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Reflection:

What if married couples decide not to divorce or separate? There would be no breakup of marriage, there would be no suffering children and there would be no hurting spouses.

Married couples who separate are only concerned with their own welfare and fleeting, false happiness. They don’t care about what will happen to their child or children, who are the main casualties when parents separate.

Beneath the opposition of Jesus to divorce is His command for couples to persevere in their marriage. HE commands us to always remember the vows of marriage whenever we are tempted to betray it or walk away from it. He commands us to accept the fact that marriage is not always a bed of roses but sometimes bed laden with thorns.

For the reason that there is no perfect marriage, there would also be thorny episodes in marriage. So the couple must stay no matter what their difficulties are. The couple must learn to adjust and sometimes bend in humility for the marriage to grow, bear fruit and succeed.

Incompatibility is not the reason why couples separate; it’s rather the lack of humility, the stubbornness to respect the sacred vows of the marriage covenant and the lack of active prayer life inside the marriage.

Just imagine if both husband and wife learns to imbibe humility.  Just imagine if there is an active presence of prayer life inside the marriage.  And just imagine if both spouses would learn to respect the sacred vows of marriage no matter the temptation that may come their way. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Mayo 24, Biyernes Ikapitong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 10:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 10:1-12

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

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

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

Reflection for Thursday May 23 Our Lord Jesus Christ, The Eternal High Priest (Feast): Mark 14:22-26

Gospel: Mark 14:22-26

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body. Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. 

Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

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Reflection:    

A young man asked his parents why they go to church to attend daily Mass. His parents told him that they attend Mass daily because they get to see Jesus in the altar and they receive Jesus and be one with Him during Holy Communion.  

Then the son said, "How come when I go to Mass, I don’t see Jesus? I only see the priest at the altar, and during Holy Communion, I only see the wafer bread that is given to me by the priest." 

The father said, "I think you’re lacking in faith and perhaps you’re not focused on the celebration of the Holy Mass. That is why you don’t see that it’s Jesus who presides. 

Lack of faith and focus during Holy Mass is something that many of us experience. That is why we don’t take Holy Mass seriously and that is why we are easily swayed to switch to other Christian faiths. And leave behind our Roman Catholic faith the moment somebody read to us selected bible passages. If our faith in Jesus is strong and if our belief in the Holy Mass is rock solid we will not leave the church and we will take seriously our presence at Holy Mass. 

Who presides in the celebration of the Holy Mass? It’s none other than Jesus in the person of the priest! The same Jesus who took bread, blessed it, broke it, gave it to His apostles and said: “Take it this is my body.” The same Jesus who took a cup, gave thanks then gave the cup to His apostles after which they all drank from it (Mark 14:22-23).   It’s only through the eyes of our faith that we would be able to comprehend that it’s really Jesus who presides in every Mass. 

Do you believe? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Huwebes Mayo 23, Panginoong Hesukristo Walang Hanggan at Dakilang Pari (Kapistahan): Marcos 14:20-25

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 14:20-25

Samantalang sila’y kumakain, dumampot ng tinapay si Hesus, at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay kanyang pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa mga alagad. “Kunin ninyo; ito ang aking katawan,” wika niya. Hinawakan niya ang kalis, at matapos magpasalamat ay ibinigay sa kanila; at uminom silang lahat.

Sinabi niya, “Ito ang aking dugo ng tipan, ang dugong mabubuhos dahil sa marami. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi na ako iinom ng alak na mula sa ubas hanggang sa araw na inumin ko ang bagong alak sa kaharian ng Diyos.”     

Reflection for May 22 Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:38-40

Gospel: Mark 9:38-40

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

There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

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Reflection:

Why do some Catholics leave the church in favor of other Christian church?  If we would ask them why they left they would normally say that they felt Jesus’ presence more in their lives when the Pastor of the Christian church shared passages about Jesus in the bible. 

Should we get angry with these Christian churches for convincing some of our brethren who grew bored in our church to join their church? Of course not! We should rather be more innovative in our preaching about the word of God so that our brethren will feel Jesus’ presence in their lives. 

John said to Jesus: “someone is driving out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied: “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.” 

We should at all times be gentle, tolerant and loving towards other Christian religions for we preach the same God. We may have doctrinal differences with them but at the end of the day we preach the same Jesus whose mission is to save us from ending up in hell someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas