Reflection for April 9 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:31-42

Gospel: John 8:31-42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.  

A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.” 

They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!”

So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”

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Reflection:

What would happen to us if we decide to faithfully follow Jesus?
Jesus will set us free from all forms of worldliness. He will open our minds to the deeper truths of life and our faith. He will help us appreciate that our life in this world is just a bridge we must cross to reach His kingdom.

But there’s a condition for us to attain this enlightenment: we must always choose to remain in the company of Jesus. We should not believe the many lies of the devil, no matter how attractive and tempting they may be.

However, why is it that many still choose this world over Jesus? They do so for the simple reason that they are more comfortable with the material and sinful offerings of this world. They do so because they have not allowed the teachings of Jesus to take root in their hearts—until they get sick or encounter a crucial event in their lives that forces them to seek God.

Let us not wait for that crucial moment to come before we choose to be faithful to Jesus. Let us do it now while we are still healthy and in full control of our physical and mental faculties.

Let us, therefore, decide to embrace Jesus now and leave behind our sinfulness while we still have the luxury of time. Let us not wait for tomorrow, for tomorrow may already be too late. —Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 9 Miyerkules sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:31-42

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judiong naniniwala sa kanya, “Kung patuloy kayong susunod sa aking aral, tunay ngang kayo’y mga alagad ko; makikilala ninyo ang katotohanan, at ang katotohanan ang magpapalaya sa inyo.” Lahi kami ni Abraham,” tugon nila, “at kailanma’y di kami naalipin ninuman. Paano mo masasabing palalayain kami?” 

Sumagot si Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo: alipin ng kasalanan ang lahat ng nagkakasala. Ang alipin ay hindi kabilang sa sambahayan sa habang panahon, subalit ang anak ay kabilang magpakailanman. Kapag kayo’y pinalaya ng Anak, tunay nga kayong malaya. 

Nalalaman kong lahi kayo ni Abraham; gayunma’y pinagsisikapan ninyo akong patayin, sapagkat walang pitak sa inyong puso ang aral ko. Sinasabi ko ang aking nakita sa aking Ama; ginagawa naman ninyo ang inyong narinig sa inyong ama.”

Sumagot sila, “Si Abraham ang aming ama.” “Kung kayo’y mga anak ni Abraham, tutularan ninyo ang kanyang ginawa,” ani Hesus. “Ngunit pinagsisikapan ninyo akong patayin, gayong sinasabi ko lamang ang katotohanang narinig ko sa Diyos. 

Hindi ganyan ang ginawa ni Abraham. Ang ginagawa ninyo’y tulad ng ginawa ng inyong ama.” “Hindi kami mga anak sa labas,” tugon nila. “Ang Diyos ang aming Ama.” Sinabi ni Hesus, “Kung talagang ang Diyos ang inyong Ama, iibigin ninyo ako, sapagkat nagmula ako sa Diyos. Hindi ako naparito sa ganang sarili ko lamang, kundi sinugo niya ako.”

Reflection for April 8 Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:21-30

Gospel: John 8:21-30

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above.  

You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.”  

They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.

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Reflection:

What does sin do to us?

It separates us from the infinite love of God. The more we sin, the more we widen the distance between us and God. 

Why do we sin?

We sin because we succumb to the devil’s temptation. But we are not beyond redemption, for we have someone who is always there to save us from the bondage of sin — and He is no other than Jesus. 

The moment we submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we allow Jesus to extricate us from the bondage of sin. We allow Jesus to heal whatever wounds we have created by our sinfulness. 

As we get closer to the holiest of weeks, the Church is slowly but surely bringing us closer to Jesus. For what reason? To help us realize the great love and sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. Jesus died for us — He didn’t have to, but He gave His life out of love for us. 

At the end of the day, it is still up to us whether we want to permanently separate ourselves from the love of Jesus or go to Him and accept His offer of salvation. Jesus is always there, waiting for us, ever ready to forgive whatever sins we have committed. 

Would you go to Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 8 Martes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma : Juan 8-21-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:21-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Pariseo: "Ako'y yayaon; hahanapin ninyo ako, ngunit mamamatay kayo sa inyong mga kasalanan. Hindi kayo makapupunta sa paroroonan ko." Sinabi ng mga Judio, "Magpapakamatay kaya siya kaya niya sinasabing, 'Hindi kayo makapupunta sa paroroonan ko'?" 

Sumagot si Jesus, "Kayo'y taga ibaba ako'y taga itaas. Kayo'y taga sanlibutang ito, ako'y hindi. Kaya sinasabi ko sa inyo na mamamatay kayo sa inyong mga kasalanan. Mamamatay nga kayo sa inyong mga kasalanan kung hindi kayo maniniwalang 'Ako'y si Ako nga'."

"Sino ka ba?" tanong nila. Sumagot si Jesus, "Ako'y yaong sinabi ko na sa inyo mula pa noong una. Marami akong masasabi at maihahatol laban sa inyo. Ngunit totoo ang sinasabi ng nagsugo sa akin, at ang narinig ko sa kanya ang ipinapahayag ko sa sanlibutan." 

Hindi nila nauunawaan na siya'y nagsasalita tungkol sa Ama. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus, "Kapag naitaas na ninyo ang Anak ng Tao, malalaman ninyong 'Ako'y si Ako nga.' Wala akong ginagawa sa ganang sarili ko lamang; nagsasalita ako ayon sa itinuturo sa akin ng Ama.

At kasama ko ang nagsugo sa akin; hindi niya ako iniwan, sapagkat lagi kong ginagawa ang nakalulugod sa kanya." Marami sa nakarinig nito ang nainiwala sa kanya.

Reflection for April 7 Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:12-20

Gospel: John 8:12-20

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” 

Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. 

And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified. I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. 

If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

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Reflection:

Would you allow Jesus to be your guiding light in this world? 

Jesus boldly proclaims that He is the light of the world. He further adds that whoever among us decides to follow Him will no longer walk in darkness but will have the light of life. This declaration of Jesus is always true, always timely, and always significant in our lives. 

If only we would care to listen, we would discover that a worthy life in this world is a life centered on Jesus—not centered upon this world. Many make the mistake of letting this world dictate to them, instead of them dictating to this world. In the end, they live empty and meaningless lives. 

Many are walking in darkness today because they don’t have Jesus in their lives. We may have all the material wealth and earthly power, but it amounts to nothing if we don’t have Jesus. 

What good is it to have all the earthly riches and influence, yet not have Jesus in our lives? Instead of following the dictates of this world—which only lead us to worldliness, sin, and emptiness—let us follow the light of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 7 Lunes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:12-20

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:12-20

Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judio: “Ako ang liwanag ng mundo. Magkakaroon ng liwanag ng buhay ang sumusunod sa akin at hinding-hindi lalakad sa karimlan.”Sinabi kung gayon sa kanya ng mga Pariseo: “Ikaw ang nagpapatotoo sa iyong sarili. Hindi mapanghahawakan ang patotoo mo.” 

Sumagot si Jesus sa kanila: “Kung ako man ay nagpapatotoo sa aking sarili, mapanghahawakan naman ang patotoo ko, sapagkat alam ko kung saan ako galing at kung pasaan ako. Pero hindi n’yo alam kung saan ako galing o kung pasaan ako. Naghuhukom kayo ayon sa kaya ng laman; hindi ko hinuhukuman ang sinuman. 

Kung sakali ma’t ako’y maghuhukom, mapanghahawakan ang paghuhukom ko sapagkat hindi ako nag-iisa, kundi ako pati na ang Amang nagsugo sa akin. “Nasusulat sa Batas n’yo na tama ang pagtotoo ng dalawang tao. Ako ang nagpatotoo sa aking sarili at nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin ang Amang nagsugo sa akin.” 

Kaya sinabi nila sa kanya: “Nasaan ba ang Ama mo?” Sumagot si Jesus: “Ni ako o ang aking Ama ay hindi n’yo kilala. Kung kilala n’yo ako, kilala n’yo rin sana ang aking Ama.”

Binigkas ni Jesus ang mga pananalitang ito sa may Kabangyaman nang nangaral siya sa Templo. At walang dumakip sa kanya, sapagkat hindi pa sumasapit ang oras niya.

Reflection for April 6 Fifth Sunday of Lent: John 8:1-11

Gospel: John 8:1-11

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to him, and he sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. 

They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 

They said this to test him, so that they could have some charge to bring against him.

Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.

And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.”

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Reflection:

Are you a person who is quick to judge?

Many of us like to judge others without realizing that when we judge, we also invite others to judge us. This is our weakness—we are very quick to judge. But what authority do we have to judge and condemn others?

We are quick to judge because we have a mindset of superiority. This mindset compels us to judge those who sin. Otherwise, if we do not have this sense of superiority, we will not judge. Instead, we offer advice or counsel, as this is the best way to help those who have sinned. Well and good if sinners follow our advice; if not, it is up to them.

Judgment or condemnation will never heal a sinner; in fact, it may push them deeper into sin until it ultimately destroys them.

In the Gospel, the woman caught in adultery was very blessed because her accusers brought her to Jesus. Otherwise, if she had been taken somewhere else, she would have been immediately killed by the arrogance of her accusers. But thanks be to God, Jesus was there to save and protect her.

To whom do you turn for shelter and solace when you are condemned and unfairly judged by the people of this world, or when you are burdened by the worries of life? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Abril 6 Ikalimang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 8:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:1-11

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay pumunta sa Bundok ng mga Olibo. Kinaumagaha’y nagbalik siya sa templo. Lumapit sa kanya ang lahat, kaya’t umupo siya at sila’y tinuruan. Noo’y dinala sa kanya ng mga eskriba at ng mga Pariseo ang isang babaing nahuli sa pakikiapid. 

Pinatayo ito sa harapan nila, at sinabi kay Hesus, “Guro, ang babaing ito’y nahuli sa pakikiapid. Ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, dapat batuhinhanggang sa mamatay ang mga gaya niya.

  

Ano ang masasabi mo?” Itinanong nila ito upang subukin siya, nang may maisumbong sila laban sa kanya. Ngunit yumuko si Hesus at sumulat sa lupa sa pamamagitan ng daliri. Ayaw nilang tigilan nang katatanong si Hesus, kaya’t sila’y tiningnan niya at sinabi ang ganito, “Sinuman sa inyo na walang kasalanan ang siyang maunang bumato sa kanya.” At muli siyang yumuko at sumulat sa lupa.   

Nang marinig nila ito, sila’y isa-isang umalis, simula sa pinakamatanda. Walang naiwan kundi si Hesus at ang babaing naroon pa rin sa harapan niya. Tiningnan siya ni Hesus at tinanong: “Nasaan sila? Wala bang nagparusa sa iyo?” “Wala po, Ginoo,” sagot ng babae. Sinabi ni Hesus: “Hindi rin kita parurusahan. Humayo ka, at huwag nang magkasala.” 

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Repleksyon:

Ikaw ba ay isang taong madaling maghusga? Marami sa atin ang mabilis humusga sa iba pero  kapag tayo’y humuhusga, iniimbitahan din natin ang iba na husgahan tayo. Diba pag ang ating hintuturo ay itinuturo natin ang tatlong daliri natin ay nakaturo pabalik sa atin?  Ito ang ating kahinaan—napakadali nating humusga. Ngunit anong kapangyarihan ang mayroon tayo upang hatulan at kondenahin ang iba?

Mabilis tayong humusga dahil sa tingin natin tayo ay mas malinis sa ating hinuhusgahan. Ang ganitong kaisipan ang nagtutulak sa atin na hatulan ang mga tinatawag nating makasalanan. Kung wala tayong ganitong pag-iisip ng pagiging nakatataas, hindi tayo manghuhusga.

Sa halip, magbibigay tayo ng payo o paggabay, sapagkat ito ang pinakamainam na paraan upang matulungan ang mga nagkasala. Mabuti kung susundin ng makasalanan ang ating payo; ngunit kung hindi, nasa kanya na iyon. Bast ang importante ay nagbigay tayo ng payo hindi ng pag kondena.

Ang paghatol o pagkondena ay hindi kailanman nakabubuti sa isang makasalanan; dahil, maaari pa itong magtulak sa kanya ng mas malalim pa na pagkakasala hanggang sa tuluyang masira ang kanyang buhay.

Sa atin pong mabuting balita, napakapalad ng babaeng nahuling nangangalunya dahil dinala siya ng kanyang mga tagapag-akusa kay Jesus. Kung dinala siya sa ibang tao, maaaring agad siyang pinatay dahil sa pag kondena ng kanyang mga tagapag-akusa. Ngunit salamat sa Diyos, dinala nila siya kay Jesus kaya siya ay nabigyan ng pagkakataon na mag bagong buhay.

Kanino ka ba lumalapit upang humanap ng magtatanggol saiyo kapag ikaw ay kinokondena at hinuhusgahan nang ng mga tao sa mundong ito? O kapag ikaw ay may pinapasan na mabigat na problema sa iyong buhay? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 5 Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:40-53

Gospel: John 7:40-53

Some in the crowd who heard these words of Jesus said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Others said, “This is the Christ.” But others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee, will he? Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So a division occurred in the crowd because of him. Some of them even wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.  

So the guards went to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The guards answered, “Never before has anyone spoken like this man.” So the Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him?  

But this crowd, which does not know the law, is accursed.” Nicodemus, one of their members who had come to him earlier, said to them, “Does our law condemn a man before it first hears him and finds out what he is doing?” They answered and said to him, “You are not from Galilee also, are you? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” Then each went to his own house.

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Reflection:

What happens when we engage in useless, self-centered debates or conversations? The protagonists try very hard to upstage each other, and then it turns ugly as they attempt to destroy each other’s reputations. No worthy outcome comes from it—only mudslinging and character assassination. 

The crowd was debating Jesus’ origin, which created division within their ranks. They were trying to outdo each other in their knowledge of Jesus’ origins. Thoughts ran through their minds about whether Jesus was a prophet or the promised Messiah. They were like little children in a contest of arguments, each trying to prove who among them had the best idea about Jesus. 

This scenario still exists today. Many of us argue about Jesus to prove that we have superior knowledge of Him over others. But what do we gain from arguing? From trying to show that we know more than anyone else? Nothing—except a display of arrogance, a feeling of superiority, and bloated egos, which only lead to more division and alienation. 

Instead of arguing, let us show through our actions the love, humility, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus. Why? Because the love, mercy, and forgiveness of Jesus always unify and heal the wounds of discord.—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 5 Sabado sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 7:40-53

Mabuting Balita: Juan 7:40-53

Noong panahong iyon, marami sa mga nakarinig kay Jesus ang nagsabi, "Tunay ngang ito ang Propetang hinihintay natin!" "Ito nga ang Mesias! sabi ng iba. Ngunit sumagot ang iba pa, "Maaari bang magmula sa Galilea ang Mesias? Hindi ba sinabi ng Kasulatan na magmumula ang Mesias sa lipi ni David, at sa Betlehem na bayan ni David ipanganganak?" 

Magkakaiba ang palagay ng mga tao tungkol sa kanya. Ibig ng ilan na dakpin siya, ngunit wala namang nangahas humuli sa kanya. 

Ang mga kawal na bantay sa templo ay nagbalik sa punong saserdote at sa mga Pariseo. "Bakit hindi ninyo sila dinala rito?" tanong nila sa mga bantay. Sumagot sila, "Wala pa pong nagsalita nang gaya niya!" "Kayo man ba'y nalinlang din?" tanong ng mga Pariseo. "Mayroon bang pinuno nang Pariseong naniniwala sa kanya? Wala! Mga tao lamang na walang nalalaman sa Kautusan ang naniniwala sa kanya -- mga sinumpa!" 

Isa sa naroon ay si Nicodemo, na nagsadya kay Jesus noong una. Tinanong niya sila, "Labag sa ating Kautusan na hatulan ang isang tao na di muna nililitis at inaalam kung ano ang kanyang ginawa, hindi ba?" Sumagot sila, "Ikaw ba'y taga-Galilea rin? Magsaliksik ka't makikita mo na walang propetang magmumula sa Galilea."

Reflection for April 4 Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. 

Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” 

So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come. 

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Reflection: 

How courageous are you in your desire to spread your faith? 

In today’s Gospel, even though there was a threat to His life, Jesus still secretly went to Judea to attend the Feast of the Tabernacles. He courageously spoke in the temple area, risking His life. Where does His courage come from? It originates from His deep passion for His mission and His oneness with God. 

Let us also aspire to have the same passion and oneness with God so that we, too, may have the courage to express how He has made a big difference in our lives. With this courage, we will be able to face and overcome whatever problems and trials that may come our way. 

A good way to start is by setting aside regular time for God—through daily readings of His words in the Bible, through our presence at Holy Mass, and through our prayers. 

If we practice these acts of worship and devotion, we will surely develop a deep friendship and oneness with Jesus. As a result, we will have the courage to live His teachings, share them, and even preach them. 

A faithful follower should live and preach the teachings of Jesus. If he or she cannot preach—since not everyone has the gift of preaching—then he or she must live His teachings. For this is one of the many marks of a faithful follower of Jesus. 

What kind of follower are you? Are you a follower in name only, or a follower in both name and deed? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 4 Biyernes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Noong panahong iyon, nilibot ni Jesus ang Galilea; iniwasan niya ang Judea, sapagkat ibig siyang patayin ng mga Judio roon. Nalalapit na ang Pista ng mga Tolda, isang pista ng mga Judio. Pagkaalis ng kanyang mga kapatid, si Jesus ma'y pumunta rin sa pista, ngunit hindi hayagan. 

Sinabi ng ilang taga-Jerusalem, "Hindi ba ito ang taong gusto nilang patayin? Hayan! Lantaran siyang nagsasalita, ngunit wala silang sinasabi laban sa kanya! Baka naman nakilala ng mga pinuno na siya nga ang Mesias! Walang makaaalam kung saan magmumula ang Mesias pagparito niya, ngunit alam naman natin kung saan nagmula ang taong ito!" 

Kaya't nang nasa templo si Jesus at nagtuturo, malakas niyang sinabi, "Ako ba'y nakikilala ninyo? Alam ba ninyo kung saan ako nagmula? Hindi ako naparito sa ganang akin lamang. Ang Totoo ang siyang nagsugo sa akin, ngunit hindi ninyo sila nakikilala. Nakikilala ko siya, sapagkat ako'y mula sa kanya, at siya ang nagsugo sa akin." 

Tinangka nilang dakpin siya; ngunit walang nangahas, sapagkat hindi pa niya oras.

Reflection for April 3 Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:31-47

Gospel: John 5:31-47

Jesus said to the Jews: “If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth. I do not accept human testimony, but I say this so that you may be saved.  

He was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.  

But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life.  

“I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you. I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?  

Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, because he wrote about me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

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Reflection:

How are you as a witness for Jesus? Do you live and share His teachings? A good witness for Jesus is someone who walks with Him through all the seasons of his/her life.

What do you gain from witnessing for Jesus? There will be times when you are ridiculed. It doesn’t matter, because everything is worth it for Jesus, including ridicule and chastisement. You may not immediately see the fruits of your witness for Jesus, but in His perfect time, you shall harvest them. 

In our Gospel, Jesus mentions John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Him. John told those who were acclaiming him as the Messiah that he was not. He declared that someone greater was coming after him, and that person was Jesus. 

John was an effective witness for Jesus because he did not take credit for what belonged to the Lord. He was content to fade away so that Jesus would be glorified. Through John’s witness for Jesus, we learn valuable lessons about witnessing and humility. 

Humility is one of the greatest—if not the greatest—virtues we can cultivate to effectively bring and lead others to Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 3 Huwebes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 5:31-47

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:31-47

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judio: "Kung ako lamang ang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa aking sarili, huwag ninyong tanggapin, ngunit may ibang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin, at totoo ang kanyang sinasabi. Nagpasugo kayo kay Juan, at nagpatotoo siya tungkol sa katotohanan. Hindi sa kailangan ko ang patotoo ng tao; sinasabi ko lamang ito para maligtas kayo. 

Si Juan ay parang maningas na ilaw na nagliliwanag noon, at kayo'y sandaling nasiyahan sa kanyang liwanag. Ngunit may patotoo sa akin na higit sa patotoo ni Juan: ang mga gawaing ipinagagawa sa akin ng Ama, at siya ko namang ginaganap -- iyan ang patotoo na ako'y sinugo niya. At ang Amang nagsugo sa akin ay nagpapatotoo rin tungkol sa akin. 

Kailanma'y hindi ninyo narinig ang kanyang tinig, at nakita ang kanyang anyo. Walang pitak sa inyong puso ang kanyang salita, sapagkat hindi kayo nananalig sa akin na sinugo niya. Sinasaliksik ninyo ang Kasulatan, sa paniwalang doon ninyo matatagpuan ang buhay na walang hanggan. Ang mga ito ang nagpapatotoo tungkol sa akin, ngunit ayaw naman ninyong lumapit sa akin upang kayo'y magkaroon ng buhay. 

"Hindi ako naghahangad ng parangal ng mga tao. Ngunit kilala ko kayo; alam kong wala kayong pag-ibig sa Diyos. Naparito ako sa ngalan ng aking Ama, at ayaw ninyo akong tanggapin. Kung may ibang pumarito sa kanyang sariling pangalan, siya'y inyong tatanggapin. Ang hinahangad ninyo'y ang parangal ng isa't isa, at hindi ang parangal na nanggagaling sa iisang Diyos; paano kayong makapaniniwala? 

Huwag ninyong isiping ako ang magsasakdal sa Ama laban sa inyo; si Moises na inaasahan ninyo ang siyang maghaharap ng sakdal laban sa inyo. Kung talagang pinaniniwalaan ninyo si Moises, ako'y paniniwalaan din sana ninyo, sapagkat sumulat siya tungkol sa akin. Ngunit kung hindi ninyo pinaniniwalaan ang mga sinulat niya, paano ninyong paniniwalaan ang mga sinasabi ko?"

Reflection for April 2 Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:17-30

Gospel: John 5:17-30

Jesus answered the Jews: “My Father is at work until now, so I am at work.” For this reason they tried all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath but he also called God his own father, making himself equal to God.  

Jesus answered and said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for what he does, the Son will do also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you may be amazed.  

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so also does the Son give life to whomever he wishes. Nor does the Father judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.  

Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life. Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so also he gave to the Son the possession of life in himself.  

And he gave him power to exercise judgment because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, because the hour is coming in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and will come out those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked deeds to the resurrection of condemnation.  

“I cannot do anything on my own; I judge as I hear, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.”

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Reflection:

Do you believe that Jesus and the Father are one? The critics of Jesus did not believe in this oneness of the Father and the Son because their mindset was based on human understanding, which is always subject to limitations.

What separates us from the critics of Jesus in our Gospel? We believe in the oneness of the Father and the Son. We believe because we have faith—faith that is not limited to what our eyes can see and our ears can hear.

If our faith is confined only to what we can see and hear, then it is not true faith, because deep faith requires believing even without seeing. Through our faith in both the Father and the Son, we are able to discover many truths about our Catholic faith. We also grow in faith and deepen our knowledge of our universal Church.

Perhaps some of us may ask, Why am I not growing in faith? The answer is that we may lack something—perhaps it is our faithful adherence to the teachings of our universal Church.

For example, we may lack adherence to the indissolubility of the Sacrament of Matrimony, the sanctity of human life, the healing and cleansing value of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and many other teachings of our Catholic faith. We will certainly not grow in faith if we do not believe in these teachings.

Do you believe in the oneness of the Son and the Father? And do you also believe in and practice the teachings of our Catholic faith?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 2 Miyerkules sa Ikatlong Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 5:17-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:17-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga Judio: “Ang aking Ama’y patuloy sa paggawa, at gayun din ako.” Lalong pinagsikapan ng mga Judio na patayin siya, sapagkat nilabag na niya ang batas tungkol sa Araw ng Pamamahinga ay sinasabi pa niyang ang Diyos ang kanyang Ama, at sa gayo’y ipinapantay ang sarili sa Diyos. 

Kaya’t sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Dapat ninyong malaman na walang ginagawa ang Anak sa kanyang sarili lamang; ang ginagawa lamang niya’y ang nakikita niyang ginagawa ng Ama. Ang ginagawa ng Ama ay siya ring ginagawa ng Anak. Sapagkat minamahal ng Ama ang Anak, at ipinakikita sa Anak ang lahat ng ginagawa niya. 

At higit pa sa mga ito ang mga gawang ipakikita sa kanya ng Ama at manggigilalas kayo. Kung paanong binubuhay ng Ama ang mga patay, gayun din naman, bubuhayin ng Anak ang sinumang nais niyang buhayin. Hindi humahatol kaninuman ang Ama. Ibinigay niya sa Anak ang buong kapangyarihang humatol upang parangalan ng lahat ang Anak, tulad ng kanilang pagpaparangal sa Ama. Ang hindi nagpaparangal sa Anak ay hindi nagpaparangal sa Amang nagsugo sa Anak.  

“Sinasabi ko sa inyo: Ang nakikinig sa aking salita at nananalig sa nagsugo sa akin ay may buhay na walang hanggan. Hindi na siya hahatulan kundi inilipat na sa buhay mula sa kamatayan. Tandaan ninyo: darating ang panahon – ngayon na nga – na maririnig ng mga patay ang tinig ng Anak ng Diyos at ang makinig sa kanya ay mabubuhay. Ang Ama ang may kapangyarihang magbigay-buhay at ang Anak ay binigyan niya ng kapangyarihang magbigay-buhay.  

Binigyan din siya ng kapangyarihang humatol sapagkat siya ang Anak ng Tao. Huwag ninyo itong pagtakhan, sapagkat darating ang oras na maririnig ng mga patay ang kanyang tinig. Sila’y muling mabubuhay at lalabas sa kinalilibingan nila. Lahat ng gumawa ng mabuti ay pagkakalooban ng buhay na walang hanggan at lahat ng masama ay parurusahan.”  

“Wala akong ginagawa sa sarili ko lamang. Humahatol ako ayon sa sinasabi sa akin ng Ama, kaya’t matuwid ang hatol ko; hindi ang sarili kong kalooban ang aking sinusunod kundi ang kalooban ng nagsugo sa akin.”

Reflection for April 1 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent: John 5:1-16

Gospel: John 5:1-16

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?” 

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.  

Now that day was a sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, “It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat.” He answered them, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Take up your mat and walk.’“ They asked him, “Who is the man who told you, ‘Take it up and walk’?” The man who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there. 

After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him, “Look, you are well; do not sin any more, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jews that Jesus was the one who had made him well. Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus because he did this on a sabbath. 

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Reflection:

Is there a relationship between sickness and sin? Based on the pronouncements of Jesus in the Gospel, there is. 

The man who had been sick for thirty-eight long years was asked by Jesus, “Do you want to be well?” (John 5:6). The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.” 

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.” (John 5:7-8). Then, in the latter part of the Gospel, Jesus said to the healed man, “Look, you are well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14). 

We may not realize it, but many of our sicknesses are brought about by our sins. For example, the sins of greed, anger, and gluttony. In many ways, greed and anger are among the triggers for illnesses such as high blood pressure. The same is true of gluttony—overindulging in any kind of food will eventually make us sick in the long run. 

Let us therefore repent of our sins and avoid them thereafter. The moment we repent through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will be free from guilt and surely free from the possession of the devil, which sometimes disguises itself as sickness. 

Let us therefore discard sin from our lifestyle so that we will have a much clearer picture of the presence of the Lord in our lives. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Abril 1 Martes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma : Juan 5:1-16

Mabuting Balita: Juan 5:1-16

Nang dumating ang pagdiriwang ng pista ng mga Judio, pumunta si Hesus sa Jerusalem. Sa lungsod na ito, malapit sa Pintuan ng mga Tupa, ay may malaking deposito ng tubig na may limang portiko. Kung tawagin ito sa wikang Hebreo ay Betesda. Natitipon dito ang maraming maysakit -- mga bulag, mga pilay, at mga paralitiko. Hinihintay nilang gumalaw ang tubig, sapagkat may panahong bumababa ang isang anghel ng Panginoon at kinakalawkaw ang tubig. 

Ang maunang lumusong pagkatapos makalawkaw ang tubig ay gumagaling, anuman ang kanyang karamdaman. Doon ay may isang lalaking tatlumpu't walong taon nang may sakit, at siya'y nakita ni Hesus. Alam nitong matagal nang may sakit ang lalaki. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, "Ibig mo bang gumaling?" Sumagot ang maysakit, "Ginoo, wala pong maglusong sa akin kapag nakalawkaw na ang tubig; patungo pa lamang ako roon ay may nauuna na sa akin." 

Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at lumakad ka." At pagdaka'y gumaling ang lalaki, dinala ang kanyang higaan, at lumakad. Noo'y Araw ng Pamamahinga. Kaya't sinabi ng mga Judio sa lalaking pinagaling, "Araw ng Pamamahinga ngayon! Labag sa Kautusan na dalhin mo ang iyong higaan." Ngunit sumagot siya, "Ang nagpagaling sa akin ang nagsabing dalhin ko ang aking higaan at lumakad ako." 

At siya'y tinanong nila, "Sino ang nagsabi sa iyong dalhin mo ang iyong higaan at lumakad ka?" Ngunit hindi nakilala ng lalaki kung sino ang nagpagaling sa kanya, sapagkat nawala na si Hesus sa karamihan ng tao.

Pagkatapos, nakita ni Hesus sa loob ng templo ang lalaki at sinabihan, "Magaling ka na ngayon! Huwag ka nang magkakasala at baka may mangyari sa iyo na lalo pang masama." Umalis ang lalaki at sinabi sa mga Judio na si Hesus ang nagpagaling sa kanya. Dahil dito, si Jesus ay sinimulang usigin ng mga Judio, sapagkat nagpagaling siya sa Araw ng Pamamahinga.

Reflection for March 31 Monday of the fourth Week of Lent: John 4:43-54

Gospel: John 4:43-54

At that time Jesus left [Samaria] for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place. When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast; for they themselves had gone to the feast. 

Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. 

Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” 

The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe. Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.

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 Reflection:

How profound is your faith in Jesus?

To have faith is to believe in something you do not see yet. The official in the Gospel who begged Jesus to heal his sick son had this kind of faith. He wanted Jesus to go and personally heal his son, who was near death at that time.

But Jesus did not grant his request. Instead, He simply told the official, “Go; your son will live.” So the man went home without Jesus but with faith in His words in his heart. When he arrived home, he found that his son was already recovering.

Believing in something we do not see yet is very difficult, especially for those with feeble faith. But for those who have faith, they will believe no matter the odds against them. If the official in our Gospel had not believed in Jesus, his son surely would not have been healed. But he believed!

We all have our own petitions before the Lord. He asks nothing from us but to have faith, for He will take care of everything. What are your petitions before Jesus? Simply believe, have faith, and work for it as well—for He will never fail you.—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 31 Lunes sa Ikaapat na Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Juan 4:43-54

Mabuting Balita: Juan 4:43-54

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Hesus sa Samaria at nagtungo sa Galilea. Sapagkat si Hesus na rin ang nagsabing ang isang propeta'y hindi iginagalang sa kanyang bayan. Pagdating niya sa Galilea ay mabuti ang pagtanggap sa kanya ng mga tagaroon, sapagkat nasa Jerusalem din sila noong Pista ng Paskua at nakita niya ang lahat ng kanyang ginawa roon. 

Nagpunta uli si Hesus sa Cana, Galilea. Doon niya ginawang alak ang tubig. Doon naman sa Capernaum ay may isang mataas na pinuno ng Pamahalaan; at may sakit ang kanyang anak na lalaki. Nang mabalitaan niyang bumalik si Jesus sa Galilea mula sa Judea, pinuntahan niya ito. 

Pinakiusapan niya itong pumunta sa Capernaum at pagalingin ang kanyang anak na naghihingalo. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Hangga't hindi kayo nakakikita ng mga palatandaan at mga kababalaghan, hindi kayo mananampalataya." Ngunit sinabi ng pinuno, "Tayo na po, Ginoo, bago mamatay ang aking anak." Sumagot si Jesus, "Umuwi na kayo; magaling na ang inyong anak." 

Naniwala ang lalaki sa salita ni Hesus, at umuwi nga siya. Sa daan pa'y sinalubong na siya ng kanyang mga alipin at sinabing magaling na ang kanyang anak. Tinanong niya sila, "Anong oras siya gumaling?" Siya po'y inibsan ng lagnat kahapong mag-aala-una ng hapon," tugon nila. Naalaala ng ama na noong oras na iyon sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Magaling na ang iyong anak." Kaya't siya at ang kanyang buong sambahayan ay sumampalataya kay Hesus. 

Ito ang pangalawang kababalaghang ginawa ni Hesus sa Galilea pagpunta niya roon buhat sa Judea.    

Reflection for March 30 Fourth Sunday of Lent: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable. “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’  

So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. 

So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. 

I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.  

He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly, bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 

Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.  

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. 

He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’ 

He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’” 

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Reflection:

What if the prodigal son had not decided to go back to his father? 

It is certain that he could have ended up in a very problematic situation. But he returned because he realized his mistake. He returned because he desperately wanted to once again feel the unconditional love of his father. 

This parable is also for us who are like the prodigal son. Jesus is inviting us all to repent of our own sinfulness and return to Him. He wants us to know that He is there, eternally waiting for us—ever ready to embrace us again with His unconditional love and forgiveness. 

Where would we go if we do not return to Jesus? Should we embrace this world? This world will only lead us to sin. This world cannot give us peace of mind for the simple reason that only God can give us true peace. 

When the prodigal son decided to return, he knew that nothing compares to the love of his father. He knew that his father would still accept him without any questions asked. 

We are the modern-day prodigal sons, and Jesus wants to embrace us with His unconditional love. — Marino J. Dasmarinas