Reflection for Thursday March 6 Thursday after Ash Wednesday: Luke 9:22-25

Gospel: Luke 9:22-25

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” 

Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A man of the world was on the verge of ending his life. He decided to go to a cliff to jump, hoping to end everything. On his way, he saw a church with an inscription of the words of Jesus: "Come, follow me" (Matthew 9:14). He gave it serious thought, changed his mind, and decided to enter the church to inquire about its meaning. 

There, he was informed that it was a call to vocation in the service of the Lord. He then chose not to end his life but instead responded to the call of vocation. Soon after, he found God and discerned the true meaning of his life with Jesus. 

Many of us spend our lifetime pursuing earthly ambitions, such as wealth and power. Yet, when we reach the pinnacle of our success, we often discover that something is still lacking. We yearn for something meaningful—something that will truly satisfy our inner being. 

This deep longing is no other than God. No matter how rich or powerful we become, we will still lack contentment and peace of mind. The simple reason is that only God gives true peace, inner calmness, and healing. However, following God is not easy, as it requires us to carry our own cross. 

But the big question is this: Are we willing to carry that cross? Are we willing to give our lives to God so that He may save us and make full use of us? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 6 Huwebes kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 9:22-25

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:22-25

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ang Anak ng Tao'y dapat magtiis ng maraming hirap. Itatakwil siya ng matatanda ng bayan, ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga eskriba. Ipapapatay nila siya, ngunit sa ikatlong araw ay muling mabubuhay." 

At sinabi niya sa lahat, "Kung ibig ninumang sumunod sa akin, limutin niya ang ukol sa kanyang sarili, pasanin araw-araw ang kanyang krus at sumunod sa akin. 

Ang naghahangad magligtas ng kanyang buhay ay siyang mawawalan nito; ngunit ang mag-alay ng kanyang buhay alang-alang sa akin ay siyang magkakamit niyon. Ano nga ang mapapala ng tao, makamtan man niya ang buong sanlibutan kung ang katumbas naman nito'y ang kanyang buhay? Ano nga ang mapapala niya kung siya’y mapapahamak?” 

Reflection for March 5 Ash Wednesday (Fasting and Abstinence): Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. 

Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” 

+ + + + + +

Reflection: 

What is the relevance of Ash Wednesday to your life? 

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of our forty-day journey of self-examination and self-reflection on our walk with the Lord and our journey through this fleeting world. We examine ourselves to see whether we have been able to shun the many sins and temptations of this world in favor of our love for God. 

We also examine our attitude when we give alms, pray, and fast. Do we perform these acts of piety to serve our own intentions or to fulfill the will of God? Many of us do these acts to show the world our own righteousness rather than to glorify Him. 

As we approach the priest or church ministers to receive ashes in the sign of the cross on our foreheads, we are reminded that one day, we shall return to dust, and our mortal bodies will forever remain part of this world. 

We will leave behind all our temporal achievements, knowledge, and riches. Eventually, we will be forgotten and permanently fade from the memory of this world. 

But God will not forget us—if only we learn to repent and truly turn away from everything that leads us to sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 5 Miyerkules ng Abo (Pag-aayuno at Abstinensya): Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Pag-ingatan ninyo na huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang paggawa ninyo ng mabuti. Kapag ganyan ang ginawa ninyo, wala kayong matatamong gantimpala buhat sa inyong Amang nasa langit. 

“Kaya nga, kapag naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipagmakaingay ito, katulad ng ginagawa ng mga mapagpaimbabaw doon sa sinagoga at sa mga lansangan. Ginagawa nila ito upang purihin sila ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kung naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipaalam ito kahit sa iyong pinakamatalik na kaibigan upang malihim ang iyong paglilimos. At gagantihan ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim.  

“At kapag nananalangin kayo huwag kayong tumulad sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Mahilig silang manalangin nang patayo sa mga sinagoga at sa mga panukalang-daan, upang makita ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kapag mananalangin ka, pumasok ka sa iyong silid at isara mo ang pinto. Saka ka manalangin sa iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita, at gagantihan ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim.  

“Kapag nag-aayuno kayo, huwag kayong magmukhang malungkot, tulad ng mga mapagimbabaw. Hindi sila nag-aayos upang malaman ng mga tao na sila’y nag-aayuno. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Kapag ikaw ay nag-aayuno, mag-ayos ka ng buhok at maghilamos upang huwag mapansin ng mga tao na nag-aayuno ka. Ang iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita ang siya lamang nakaaalam nito. Siya, na nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim, ang gaganti sa iyo.”

Reflection for March 4 Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:28-31

Gospel: Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you. 

Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. 

But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A young man was asking for the heart of his beloved. The beloved said to him, "You have to give up your vices, especially smoking, drinking, and womanizing." The young man acceded, and from then on, he never smoked, drank, or womanized. After a few months, they ended up at the altar of God to become one.

When we give up something for someone we dearly love, we can be assured of receiving something more worthy—something that will complete us. This may not make us happy immediately, but certainly, something beautiful will come out of it in place of what we gave up.

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

It may be peace of mind, which may have eluded us for the longest time. It could be good health or anything that cannot be measured or seen with our naked eyes, yet it can certainly be felt in our hearts.

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

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

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 4 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 March 3 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.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A businessman was on his deathbed. As he lay in his final moments, his wife and all his children were by his side. Seeing them all, he suddenly wore a worried expression and said, “Why are you all here? Who’s tending the business?” He was in the throes of death, yet his mind was still fixated on his material wealth. 

What must we do to inherit eternal life? Jesus tells us to follow the commandments, sell what we have, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Him. This is how Saint Francis of Assisi lived his life. He was the son of a rich merchant, but he disowned all his inheritance and instead chose to help the poor. He lived a life of simplicity and poverty, relying more on God’s providence than on worldly possessions. 

There are people who are overly concerned with their material wealth, as if they could take it to the grave. Some are even willing to sell their souls to the devil just to be rich. But we should not invest in these things, for they are temporary and can be taken from us at any time. 

Instead, we should focus more on God rather than on this world. We should help those in need and steadfastly follow Christ. There is nothing wrong with being rich, as long as we do not make riches our god—and we can best avoid this by sharing what we have. Let us always remember that we are merely stewards of the things entrusted to us. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 3 Lunes sa Ikawalong Linggo ng 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 March 2 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:39-45

Gospel: Luke 6:39-45

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

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

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

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

A woman saw a handsome man. The handsome man, sensing that the woman was looking at him, also looked at her. Their eyes met, and she immediately fell in love with him. After a few weeks, they got married. However, two months into their marriage, the man's domineering and arrogant behavior started to unravel. 

Are you easily swayed by outward appearances? For example, have you ever seen a handsome man or a beautiful woman and felt immediately attracted to that person? An attractive outward appearance can be very deceiving. Why? Simply because we cannot fully know a person's true character based on what we see. 

What we see is merely a façade—it can be faked. The exterior is not a reflection of a person's true character. A person's true nature lies hidden in their heart, and we can only discover it once we get to know them better.

Many young people today easily fall into the trap of being captivated by outward appearances. This is often what attracts them to their future spouse. However, after marriage, the hidden, dark, and devious aspects of their partner’s character may begin to emerge. 

The same applies to friendships. We should not choose friends based solely on wealth or influence. Instead, we should befriend people because of their good character. It does not matter if a person is poor—what truly matters is the goodness that emanates from their heart. 

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

So, how can we avoid being misled by outward appearances? We must take the time to truly know a person by engaging in conversation with them and carefully discerning their words. 

For what a person speaks comes from the heart, and what originates from the heart is the true measure of their character. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 2 Ikawalong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 6:39-45

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:39-45

Noong panahong iyon, tinanong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad nang patalinghaga: “Maaari bang maging tagaakay ng bulag ang isa ring bulag? Kapwa sila mahuhulog sa hukay kapag ginawa ang gayun. Walang alagad na higit sa kanyang guro; ngunit kapag lubusang naturuan, siya’y magiging katulad ng kanyang guro. 

“Ang tinitingnan mo’y ang puwing ng iyong kapatid ngunit hindi mo pinapansin ang tahilan sa iyong mata. Paano mo masasabi sa iyong kapatid, ‘Kapatid, bayaan mong alisin ko ang iyong puwing,’ gayung hindi mo nakikita ang tahilang nasa iyong mata? Mapagpaimbabaw! Alisin mo muna ang tahilan sa iyong mata, at makakikita kang mabuti; sa gayo’y maaalis mo ang puwing ng iyong kapatid.” 

“Walang mabuting punongkahoy na namumunga ng masama, at walang masamang punongkahoy na namumunga ng mabuti. Nakikilala ang bawat punongkahay sa pamamagitan ng kanyang bunga. Sapagkat hindi nakapipitas ng igos sa puno ng aroma, at di rin nakapipitas ng ubas sa puno ng dawag. 

Ang mabuting tao ay nakapagdudulot ng mabuti sapagkat tigib ng kabutihan ang kanyang puso; ang masamang tao ay nakapagdudulot ng masama, sapagkat puno ng kasamaan ang kanyang puso. Sapagkat kung ano ang bukambibig siyang laman ng dibdib.

Reflection for March 1 Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 10:13-16

Gospel: Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 

Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Who are the main formators of children? Of course, it’s the parents. From their parents, children learn basic Christian values such as love for God, humility, obedience, and other virtues. Children learn almost everything from their parents. 

Therefore, virtues such as these are taught by parents to their children. What is taught by the parents is imbibed by their children. What is observed from parents is copied by children. 

For example, if children are taught by their parents about love for God and humility—and these teachings are also lived or practiced by the parents—it’s a no-brainer that they will grow up practicing these virtues throughout their lives. Conversely, if children are taught arrogance and they observe the same behavior from their parents, it’s a cinch that they will also become arrogant. 

Therefore, the mind of a child is fertile soil for the inculcation of proper Christian values by their elders, specifically their parents. 

In our Gospel, we see people (most probably parents) bringing children to Jesus. These people were trying to instill in the minds of the children that it is essential to go to Jesus, which is always the right thing to do. However, the disciples prevented them. When Jesus saw this, He became angry. He told the disciples to let the children come to Him, then He embraced them and blessed them by placing His hands on them. 

Let us not forget that the future of the children whom Jesus loves so dearly rests in our hands. We are the primary formators of our children, and the very first lesson we must teach them is love for God. Let us always bring them to Jesus, for He loves them even more than we do. 

Do you teach your children to love Jesus? Do you teach them to pray and listen to Him? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 1 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 February 28 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.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Are you faithful to your marriage vows? 

When a man and a woman are wed in the Catholic Church, the priest poses this question to them: 

"Do you take [name] as your lawful wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do you part?" The man and woman will answer: "I do." 

The marriage bond is meant to last forever, but the reality is that some married couples separate. I know of three couples who were married in the Church: 

Couple #1: The husband simply left his wife and two very young children.

Couple #2: The wife left her husband, even though they already had a baby.

Couple #3: The wife carried on an adulterous affair for more than three years. During that time, her husband constantly reminded her to stop, but she refused to listen—until he fully discovered her infidelity. 

Oftentimes, couples separate for selfish reasons. They care only about what they want and feel, without giving an iota of concern to the feelings of their spouse and children. Instead of separating, why not walk away permanently from whatever leads us into sin, give love a second chance, and ask Jesus to heal the marriage? 

Jesus said to his disciples: 

"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" (Mark 10:7-9). 

Then he added: 

"Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery" (Mark 10:11-12). 

The Sacrament of Marriage is one of the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church. The first miracle performed by Jesus was turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. The priest who presides over a wedding ceremony does so in the person of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus himself said: "What God has joined together, no human being must separate" (Mark 10:9). 

Are you doing something to preserve the sanctity of your marriage? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 28 Biyernes sa 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 February 27 Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:41-50

Gospel: Mark 9:41-50

Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. 

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

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

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

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What does sin bring to our lives? Sin wounds our lives and our relationships. It also dims the light of Jesus in our lives and allows the influence of Satan to pervade. 

When Jesus told His disciples about the severe punishments for sin, He was, in effect, telling them that they must avoid sin at all costs because there is always a price to pay for those who sin. It also served as a warning and a guide for the disciples as they faced the many temptations of their mission. 

But why do we sin? Why do we allow sin to overcome us? We sin because we love this world more than we love Jesus. We sin because we purposely reserve a dwelling place for the devil in our lives. We sin because we prefer a problematic life over a peaceful life with Jesus. 

However, come to think of it—what if we try to avoid sin? There would be peace in our lives, we would have fewer human-created problems, and we would surely be closer to Jesus. Try to avoid sin for just one day and see the blessings it brings into your life. Then, try to avoid sin for a week, a month, and eventually for the rest of your life. 

If we avoid sin, we inoculate our lives against Satan’s influence, and by doing so, we always invite Jesus to dwell in us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 27 Huwebes sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:41-50

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:41-50

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: sinumang magbigay sa inyo ng isang basong tubig dahil sa kayo’y kay Kristo ay tiyak na gagantimpalaan. 

“Mabuti pa sa isang tao ang siya’y bitinan ng isang malaking gilingang-bato sa leeg at itapon sa dagat kaysa maging sanhi ng pagkakasala ng isa sa maliliit na ito na nananalig sa akin. Kung ang kamay mo ang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, putulin mo! 

Mabuti pa ang mapunta ka sa langit nang putol ang isang kamay kaysa may dalawang kamay na mahulog ka sa impiyerno, sa apoy na hindi mamamatay. Doo’y hindi mamamatay ang mga uod na kumakain sa kanila, at hindi mamamatay ang apoy. 

Kung ang paa mo ang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, putulin mo! Mabuti pa ang mapunta ka sa langit nang putol ang isang paa kaysa may dalawang paa na mahulog ka sa impiyerno. Doo’y hindi mamamatay ang mga uod na kumakain sa kanila at hindi mamamatay ang apoy. 

At kung ang mata mo ang nagiging sanhi ng iyong pagkakasala, dukutin mo! Mabuti pa ang pumasok ka sa kaharian ng Diyos nang bulag ang isang mata kaysa may dalawang mata na mahulog ka sa impiyerno. Doo’y hindi mamamatay ang mga uod na kumakain sa kanila, at hindi mamamatay ang apoy. 

“Sapagkat ang bawat isa’y dadalisayin sa apoy. Mabuti ang asin, ngunit kung mawalan ng lasa, paano ito mapaaalat uli? Taglayin ninyo ang katangian ng asin, at sa gayo’y magiging mapayapa ang inyong pagsasamahan.”    

Reflection for February 26 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.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What prompted John to prevent someone from using the name of Jesus to exorcise a demon? Was it a feeling of superiority because he was directly connected with Jesus? Was it simply arrogance? 

No one has the exclusive right to the name of Jesus; anyone can invoke His name as long as it is for a good cause. We must not fall into the mistake of feeling superior to others simply because we have studied our religion, received an education, or hold a position in the church. 

God allows other Christian faiths to flourish for reasons known only to Him. Therefore, we have no right to claim exclusive ownership of Jesus, for He belongs to all of us. The moment we consider ourselves superior to others because we know Jesus, we cease to be His true followers. 

Jesus is for everyone, regardless of who we are. And everyone has the right to call upon His powerful name for a noble and good purpose. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 26 Miyerkules sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:38-40

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:38-40

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi kay Hesus ni Juan, “Guro, nakakita po kami ng isang taong nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo sa pamamagitan ng pangalan mo, at pinagbawalan namin sapagkat hindi natin siya kasamahan.” 

Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, “Huwag ninyo siyang pagbawalan, sapagkat walang taong matapos gumawa ng kababalaghan sa pangalan ko ang agad magsasalita ng masama laban sa akin. Sapagkat ang hindi laban sa atin ay panig sa atin. 

Reflection for February 25 Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:30-37

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

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

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. 

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child, he placed it in the their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Why Do You Follow Jesus?

As Jesus and the disciples were walking, He told them:“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill Him, and three days after His death, the Son of Man will rise” (Mark 9:31). But they did not pay much attention to what Jesus told them because they were busy conversing about who among them was the greatest.

We assume that Jesus and the disciples had just finished their mission of preaching the Kingdom of God. They performed miracles such as healing the sick, expelling demons, and more. Because of these miraculous acts, the disciples’ high regard for themselves got the better of them. They were already angling to claim the title of the greatest among the disciples.

Are not many of us like the disciples? Do many of us not have hidden motives when we do acts of kindness? Do many of us not desire to be praised for what we do? Do many of us not feel proud when we do good things? Was it possible that the disciples were feeding their own egos, which is why they were discussing who was the greatest among them?

In the midst of their bloated egos, Jesus gave them a valuable lesson about humility and what it means to be humble servants of the Lord and His people. Thus, He told them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

In other words, if you want to be a leader, be a humble servant—someone who is always ready to serve without seeking accolades or honors. A true leader desires to serve humbly, always walking his talk and practicing what he preaches. This is what Jesus wanted the disciples to embrace: to become humble servants.

This is also what Jesus wants for us. However, some of us are the opposite of the servant leader that Jesus envisioned. Instead of placing the title of "leader" in our hearts, we place it in our heads. That is why many of us become false and arrogant leaders—those who merely give orders, abuse their authority, and take advantage of innocent followers.

As a result, we serve only our personal interests. The servant leadership that Jesus’ desires for us is completely pushed aside, replaced by our greed for power, our ego, and our arrogance.

What must we do so that we can rightfully claim to follow the greatest servant leader who ever walked this earth? We must be humble at all times; we must continuously decrease while Jesus increases through our acts of humility.

The mistake of many who follow Jesus is that we often act without humility. We feel superior because we have a distorted sense of closeness to Jesus when, in reality, we are not. Our intimacy with the Lord is not defined by religious titles, ranks, or positions, nor is it determined by the frequency of our worship.

Our closeness to Jesus is measured by how we live out His virtue of humility. — Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 25 Martes sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:30-37

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:30-37

Noong panahong iyon, sina Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagdaan sa Galilea. Ayaw ni Hesus na malaman ito ng mga tao, sapagkat tinuturuan niya ang kanyang mga alagad. Sinabi niya: “Ang Anak ng Tao ay ipagkakanulo at papatayin, ngunit muling mabubuhay sa ikatlong araw.” Hindi nila naunawaan ang sinabi niya, ngunit natatakot naman silang magtanong sa kanya. 

At dumating sila sa Capernaum. Nang sila’y nasa bahay na, tinanong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, “Ano ba’ng pinagtatalunan ninyo sa daan?” Hindi sila kumibo, sapagkat ang pinagtatalunan nila’y kung sino sa kanila ang pinakadakila. Naupo si Hesus, tinawag ang Labindalawa at sinabi, “Ang sinumang nagnanais maging una ay dapat maging huli sa lahat, at maging lingkod ng lahat.”

Tinawag niya ang isang maliit na bata, at pinatayo sa harapan nila. Pagkatapos, kinalong niya ito at sinabi, “Ang sinumang tumanggap sa isang maliit na batang tulad nitong alang-alang sa akin ay tumatanggap sa akin; at sinumang tumanggap sa akin — hindi ako ang kanyang tinatanggap kundi yaong sa aki'y nagsugo.

Reflection for February 24 Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 9:14-29

Gospel: Mark 9:14-29

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

He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. 

I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. 

As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 

Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” 

Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Is it possible for the disciples to lack faith? Yes. Even though they were always with Jesus, it was still possible for them to lack faith. Perhaps, because they were with Jesus every day, His presence became ordinary to them, and they began to treat Him as just one of them. Their extraordinary discipleship with Jesus became ordinary in their eyes. 

That is why they no longer had strong faith. Adding to this was their lack of a prayerful life. The result of their weak faith and lack of prayer was their failure to drive out the evil spirit from the boy. Therefore, Jesus admonished them to strengthen their faith and reignite their prayer life. 

Why do marriages fail? It is because both spouses oftentimes forget to have faith in the sacredness of their marriage. Being together every day, they become too familiar with each other, treating each other in an ordinary way. Their marriage loses its fervent, unifying prayer life, and as a result, it becomes a casualty. 

Let us take Jesus’ admonition to the disciples personally—to have faith and a more fervent prayer life. Let us also apply it to our married life, making prayer an essential part of it. 

If only we invested more in prayer in our marriages, perhaps there would be fewer marriage failures. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 24 Lunes sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 9:14-29

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 9:14-29

Noong panahong iyon, habang bumababa si Hesus sa bundok, kasama sina Pedro, Santiago at Juan, ay nakita nila ang napakaraming taong nakapaligid sa mga alagad na naiwan, at ang mga eskriba na nakikipagtalo sa mga ito. Nagulat ang mga tao nang makita nila si Hesus. Sila’y patakbong lumapit sa kanya, at binati siya.  

Tinanong ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, “Ano ba ang pinagtatalunan ninyo at ng mga taong iyon?” Sumagot ang isa mula sa karamihan, “Guro, dinala ko po rito sa inyo ang aking anak na lalaki, sapagkat siya’y inaalihan ng masamang espiritu, at hindi makapagsalita. Tuwing aalihan siya nito, siya’y inilulugmok; bumubula ang kanyang bibig at nagngangalit ang kanyang ngipin, at siya’y naninigas.  

Hiniling ko po sa inyong mga alagad na palayasin ang espiritu, ngunit hindi nila napalayas ito!” Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, “Lahing walang pananampalataya! Hanggang kailan ako dapat manatiling kasama ninyo? Hanggang kailan ko kayo pagtitiisan?

Dalhin ninyo rito ang bata!” At dinala nga nila ito sa kanya. Nang si Hesus ay makita ng espiritu, biglang pinapangisay nito ang bata, anupa’t napalugmok ito sa kanya, at gumugulong-gulong na bumubula ang bibig.  

“Kailan pa siya inalihan ng masamang espiritu?” tanong ni Hesus sa ama. “Mula pa po sa kanyang pagkabata!” tugon niya. “Madalas siyang ihagis nito sa apoy at sa tubig upang patayin. Kaya kung may magagawa kayo, mahabag po kayo sa amin at tulungan ninyo kami.” “Kung may magagawa!” ulit ni Hesus. “Mapangyayari ang lahat sa may pananalig.” Kaagad sumagot nang malakas ang ama ng bata, “Nananalig po ako! Tulungan ninyo ako bagamat ako’y nagkulang.”  

Nang makita ni Hesus na dumaragsa ang mga tao, pinagsabihan niya ang masamang espiritu, “Ikaw, espiritung nagpapapipi at nagpapabingi – iniuutos ko sa iyo: lumabas ka sa bata! At huwag ka nang papasok sa kanya!” Nagsisigaw ang masamang espiritu, pinapangisay ang bata, at saka lumabas. Naging mistulang bangkay ang bata, kaya’t ang sabi ng marami. “Patay na!”  

Subalit siya’y hinawakan ni Hesus sa kamay at ibinangon. At tumindig ang bata. Nang pumasok na si Hesus sa bahay, palihim siyang tinanong ng kanyang mga alagad, “Bakit po hindi namin napalayas ang espiritu?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ang ganitong uri ng espiritu ay hindi mapalalayas kundi sa pamamagitan ng panalangin.”

Reflection for February 23 Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 6:27-38

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. 

Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you?  

Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.  

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

How do you love? 

All of us will agree that we can easily love those who give us love in return. But are we willing to love those who have hurt us or those who continue to hurt us? Mother Teresa once said, “If you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” 

A wife or husband who truly loves would continue to love their spouse despite the betrayal of their marriage covenant. Many marriages fail because we put limits on how we give love. For example, if a wife discovers that her husband is being unfaithful, her initial reaction might be to take revenge, to do the same, and to stop loving her philandering husband. But what will happen if our attitude is like that? There would be many broken marriages and many suffering children simply because we put limits on how we give our love. 

Jesus, in our Gospel, advises us to change this mindset of reactive love and to elevate our understanding of love to a much higher level—perhaps to the level of God’s love for us. But are we capable of raising our love and the way we give love to a higher level? 

If we truly love Jesus, we would be able to forgive and love again—even a spouse who has betrayed us. We would be able to love our siblings or relatives who have hurt us and refuse to listen to our well-meaning advice. We would be able to love a friend who has betrayed our trust. 

Jesus tells us in the Gospel: “For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same” (Luke 6:32-33). —Marino J. Dasmarinas