Reflection for March 12 Wednesday of the First Week in Lent: Luke 11:29-32

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.  

At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 

At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

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Reflection:

A sinful man had a conversion. When he was asked what moved him to become good and Godly, he replied: “I have a terminal illness, so I don’t want to be in hell when I depart from this world. Hell is real, as well as heaven, and those who continue to sin and ignore God’s call to conversion will certainly end up in hell someday.” 

Some of us may ask, "Is heaven and hell real?" Yes, they are both real, and they are already here in our midst. If we always do good, our life will be like heaven on earth. Yes, we may face problems from time to time, but we will always overcome them because Jesus is always by our side to help. On the other hand, if we continue to do evil, we can expect our lives to be in a state of suffering—like hell on earth. This is the practical reality of heaven and hell. 

However, God loves us so much that He calls us to repent and permanently walk away from our sinfulness. This is because the good Lord wants us to experience heaven while we are still here in this world. He also wants us to be in heaven after we pass from this world. This is God's great love for us. He constantly calls us to repentance every day, every hour, every minute, and every second of our lives. 

Someday, when we die, some of us will say, "If only I had listened to Jesus’ call to repentance, I would not be in this hellish place right now. But I did not. Instead, I continued to enjoy the many pleasures brought to me by the devil." 

Nonetheless, all is not lost yet, because there is still time for us to repent and walk away from anything that leads us to sin. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 12 Miyerkules sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 11:29-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 11:29-32

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang dumaragsa ang mga tao, sinabi ni Hesus, “Napakasama ng lahing ito! Naghahanap sila ng palatandaan mula sa langit, subalit walang ipapakita sa kanila maliban sa palatandaang inilalarawan ng nangyari kay Jonas. Kung paanong naging isang palatandaan si Jonas sa mga taga-Ninive, gayun din naman, magiging isang palatandaan sa lahing ito ang Anak ng Tao. 

Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom, titindig ang Reyna ng Timog laban sa lahing ito at sila’y hahatulan niya ng kaparusahan. Sapagkat nanggaling siya sa dulo ng daigdig upang pakinggan ang karunungan ni Solomon; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay Solomon ang naririto!

Sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay titindig ang mga taga-Ninive laban sa lahing ito at hahatulan ng kaparusahan, sapagkat nagsisi sila dahil sa pangangaral ni Jonas; ngunit higit na di-hamak kay Jonas ang naririto!” 

Reflection for March 11 Tuesday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 6:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.    

“This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” 

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Reflection:

What is the secret to closeness with God? It is prayer that comes from the depths of our being. This is the foundation of our closeness with God. From the fountain of our prayerful life will emanate the God-given desire to know more about Him. Do we always pray with our hearts and minds fully engaged? Or do we only pray when we feel the need or when we have the time? 

The most effective method of prayer is to pray without any excess baggage in our hearts. What does this mean? It means praying without carrying any hatred. For example, if someone has wronged us and is asking for our forgiveness, what would we do? Would we forgive or refuse to forgive? 

Of course, we must forgive. For how can God forgive us when we ourselves are unwilling to forgive? How can we be open to the many blessings of God if our hearts are full of unforgiveness? We must live forgiveness if we want God to hear and forgive us. 

We are mere passersby in this world. Sooner or later, the curtain of our life in this world will close. How can we enter heaven if we carry the weight of unforgiveness in our hearts? And how can we go to heaven if we carry the burden of hatred? 

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He said a short yet deeply meaningful prayer to God. While gasping for breath, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) If Jesus can forgive, why can’t we? 

Do you have hatred or any form of unforgiveness in your heart right now? Let go of it. And if you still cannot let go, humbly pray to Jesus and ask Him to heal you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 11 Martes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 6:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:7-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sa pananalangin ninyo'y huwag kayong gagamit ng napakaraming salita, gaya ng ginagawa ng mga Hentil. Ang akala nila'y pakikinggan sila ng Diyos dahil sa dami ng kanilang salita. Huwag ninyo silang tutularan. Sapagkat alam na ng inyong Ama ang inyong kinakailangan bago pa ninyo hingin sa kanya. 

Ganito kayo mananalangin: 'Ama naming nasa langit, Sambahin nawa ang pangalan mo. Ikaw nawa ang maghari sa amin, Sundin nawa ang iyong kalooban dito sa lupa tulad ng sa langit. Bigyan mo kami ng pagkaing kailangan namin sa araw na ito; At patawarin mo kami sa aming mga kasalanan, Tulad ng aming pagpapatawad sa mga nagkakasala sa amin. At huwag mo kaming iharap sa mahigpit na pagsubok, Kundi ilayo mo kami sa Masama! 

Sapagkat iyo ang kaharian at ang kapangyarihan at ang kapurihan, magpakailanman! Amen.' Sapagkat kung pinatatawad ninyo ang mga nagkakasala sa inyo, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Ngunit kung hindi ninyo pinatatawad ang mga nagkakasala sa inyo, hindi rin kayo patatawarin ng inyong Ama."

Reflection for March 10 Monday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 25:31-46

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus said to his disciples: "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 

Then the king will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.' 

Then the righteous will answer him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?' And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.' 

Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.' Then they will answer and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?' 

He will answer them, 'Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.' And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." 

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Reflection:

What is the significance of this Gospel in our lives? It encourages us to make Jesus the center and King of our lives; it persuades us to make Jesus the priority of our lives. In other words, before anything else, it must be Jesus first. 

But look at what is happening now—Jesus is the least priority for some of us. We need no factual statistics to validate this; we simply need to look at the attendance at Holy Mass. We observe the spiraling crime rate, corporate greed, and the massive destruction of the environment, which results in calamitous disasters and flooding. There is also political corruption and the arrogance of many politicians, and so forth. 

Obviously, the Kingship of Christ is nowhere in their hearts. The kingship of Jesus is eroded by the kingship of materialism, greed, and arrogance. 

Would we allow this erosion of the Kingship of Jesus in favor of the kingship of the secular world, which Satan represents? We must not allow this to happen! We, who are followers of Christ, must see to it that He is always part and parcel of our daily lives. We may not verbally preach Him, but we must learn to preach Him through our daily lives. 

Saint Francis of Assisi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times; use words if necessary.” This means that we must live the Gospel in every moment of our lives. By doing so, we would be perpetuating the Kingship of Christ in this world. But this is seldom done now. What is often preached instead is greed, materialism, arrogance, and other forms of destructive secular teachings. 

We are therefore being challenged by Jesus to help Him become more relevant in this present world. Now more than ever, the world needs Jesus—His values and His teachings. Let us not run away from this responsibility that Jesus gave us. Let us live Him, embrace Him, and share Him. 

Can we measure up to this challenge? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 10 Lunes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 25:31-46

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:31-46

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Darating ang Anak ng Tao bilang Hari, kasama ang lahat ng anghel, at luluklok sa kanyang maringal na trono. Sa panahong iyon, matitipon sa harapan niya ang lahat ng tao. Sila'y pagbubukud-bukurin niya, tulad ng ginagawa ng pastol sa mga tupa at mga kambing. Ilalagay niya sa kanyang kanan ang mga tupa, at sa kaliwa ng mga kambing.

At sasabihin ng Hari sa mga nasa kanan, 'Halikayo, mga pinagpala ng aking Ama! Pumasok na kayo at manirahan sa kahariang inihanda para sa inyo mula pa nang likhain ang sanlibutan. Sapagkat ako'y nagutom at inyong pinakain, nauhaw at inyong pinainom. Ako'y isang dayuhan at inyong pinatuloy. ako'y walang maisuot at inyong pinaramtan, nagkasakit at inyong dinalaw; ako'y nabilanggo at ako'y inyong pinuntahan.'

Sasagot ang mga matuwid, 'Panginoon, kailan po namin kayo nakitang nagutom at aming pinakain, o nauhaw at aming pinainom? Kailan po kayo naging dayuhan at aming pinatuloy, o kaya'y walang maisuot at aming pinaramtan? At kailan po namin kayo nakitang may sakit o nasa bilangguan at aming dinalaw?' Sasagutin ng Hari, 'Sinasabi ko sa inyo: nang gawin ninyo ito sa pinakahamak sa mga kapatid kong ito, ito ay sa akin ninyo ginawa.'

"At sasabihin naman niya sa mga nasa kaliwa, 'Lumayo kayo sa akin, mga sinumpa! kayo'y pasa-apoy na di-mamamatay, na inihanda para sa diyablo at sa kanyang mga kampon. Sapagkat ako'y nagutom at hindi ninyo pinakain, nauhaw at hindi ninyo pinainom. Ako'y naging isang dayuhan at hindi ninyo pinatuloy; ako'y nawalan ng maisuot at hindi ninyo pinaramtan, ako'y may sakit at nasa bilangguan at hindi ninyo dinalaw.'

At sasagot din sila, 'Panginoon, kailan po namin kayo nakitang nagutom, nauhaw, naging dayuhan, nawalan ng maisuot, may sakit o nasa bilangguan, at hindi namin kayo pinaglingkuran?' At sasabihin sa kanila ng Hari, 'Sinasabi ko sa inyo: nang pinagkaitan ninyo ng tulong ang pinakahamak sa mga ito, ako ang inyong pinagkaitan.' Itataboy ang mga ito sa kaparusahang walang hanggan, ngunit ang mga matuwid ay tatanggap ng buhay na walang hanggan."

Reflection for March 9 First Sunday of Lent: Luke 4:1-13

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 

Jesus answered him, “It is written, One does not live on bread alone.” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” 

Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written: You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” 

Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.

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Reflection:

A man gave in to the temptation of an adulterous affair. His sister constantly advised him to end the immoral relationship, but he did not listen. He reasoned that his wife would never catch him. Indeed, he was never caught, but when he died, the devil immediately brought his soul to hell. 

Today is the first Sunday of Lent, and we read that Jesus was tempted by the devil three times. The first was to transform a stone into bread, the second was to worship the devil in exchange for power and glory, and the third was to jump from the parapet. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus rejected all three temptations and walked away from the devil. 

Why do we succumb to temptation? Why can’t we refuse or simply walk away from the devil? The answer is simple: we take control of our lives instead of surrendering to God. Rather than following His authority, we follow our own sinful desires—desires that the devil feeds into our minds. 

If we follow the devil’s ways, we will gain nothing but hell. If we sell our souls to him, we will reap only misery. What happened to Judas when he gave in to the devil’s temptation and betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5)? Did he profit from it? No. Likewise, we will gain nothing good if we yield to the devil’s many temptations. 

Let us make this Lent a time to deeply strengthen our relationship with Jesus so that we can resist whatever temptations the devil places before us. 

What are you doing to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 9 Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 4:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:1-13

Noong panahong iyon: Umalis si Hesus sa Jordan, puspos ng Espiritu Santo. Dinala siya ng Espiritu doon sa ilang, at sa loob ng apat-napung araw ay tinukso ng diyablo. Hindi siya kumain sa buong panahong iyon, kaya’t gutom na gutom siya. 

Sinabi sa kanya ng diyablo, “Kung ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos, iutos mo na maging tinapay ang mga batong ito.” Ngunit sinagot siya ni Hesus, “Nasusulat, ‘Hindi lamang sa tinapay nabubuhay ang tao.’” 

Dinala siya ng diyablo sa isang napakataas na lugar at sa isang saglit ay ipinakita sa kanya ang lahat ng kaharian ng sanlibutan. “Ibibigay ko sa iyo ang lahat ng kapangyarihan at kadakilaan ng mga kahariang ito,” wika ng diyablo. “Ipinagkaloob ito sa akin at maibibigay ko sa kaninumang ibigin ko. Kaya’t kung ako’y sasambahin mo, magiging iyong lahat ito.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Nasusulat, ‘Ang iyong Diyos at Panginoon ang sasambahin mo, at siya lamang ang iyong paglilingkuran.’” 

At dinala siya ng diyablo sa taluktok ng templo ng Jerusalem, at sinabi sa kanya, “Kung ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos, magpatihulog ka, sapagkat nasusulat, ‘Ipagbibilin niya sa kanyang mga anghel na ingatan ka’ at ‘Aalalayan ka nila, upang hindi ka matisod sa bato.’” 

Subalit sinagot siya ni Hesus, “Nasusulat, ‘Huwag mong subukin ang Panginoon mong Diyos!’” Pagkatapos siyang tuksuhin ng diyablo sa lahat ng paraan, ito’y umalis at naghintay ng ibang pagkakataon.

Reflection for March 8 Saturday after Ash Wednesday: Luke 5:27-32

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.   

The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

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Reflection:

Who are the modern-day sinners that Jesus wants to call to repentance? It’s no other than us—we are sinners. We sin through our thoughts, actions, and words. Like the tax collector Levi, Jesus calls us to follow Him and leave behind our sinfulness. 

Why does Jesus call us to follow Him? Because He wants to build a deeper friendship with us, and this can only happen if we choose to respond to His call—rather than respond to the call of the devil, who always tempts us to sin. 

When we respond to the call of Jesus, we ensure ourselves a meaningful life. This doesn’t mean that the moment we say yes to Jesus, we will be free from worries and trials. We will still have our share of struggles, yet in the midst of them, we will feel the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives. 

If we decide to follow Jesus, there will be people who will despise and perhaps belittle us. But we have nothing to worry about when faced with such opposition. What is most important is that we choose to leave behind our sinfulness in favor of Jesus’ call. 

Leaving behind our sinfulness is not easy because the devil will not easily let us go—he seeks to destroy us through sin. Nevertheless, nothing is impossible for Jesus. All He asks of us is our "yes" and our firm desire to turn away from sin. 

Lest we forget, a sinful life is a life in union with the devil, and a sinful life is a problem-filled life—problems that may seem pleasurable in the eyes of the world but will ultimately lead to our destruction. Let us, therefore, respond to the call of Jesus. 

Would you respond to the Lord’s call? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 8 Sabado kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Lucas 5:27-32

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:27-32

Noong Panahong iyon, nakita ni Jesus ang isang publikano na nag ngangalang Levi, nakaupo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Sumunod ka sa akin." Tumindig si Levi, iniwan ang lahat, at sumunod kay Jesus.  

Si Jesus ay hinandugan ni Levi ng isang malaking piging sa kanyang bahay. Nakasalo niya roon ang mga publikano at ang iba pang mga tao. Nagbulung-bulungan ang mga Pariseo at ang kanilang mga kasamang eskriba. Sinabi nila sa mga alagad ni Jesus, "Bakit kayo kumakain at umiinom na kasalo ng mga publikano at ng mga makasalanan?"  

Sinagot siya ni Jesus, "Hindi nangangailangan ng manggagamot ang walang sakit kundi ang may sakit. Naparito ako, hindi upang tawagin ang mga matuwid kundi ang mga makasalanan upang magsisi."    

Reflection for March 7 Friday after Ash Wednesday: Matthew 9:14-15

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-15

The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” 

Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

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Reflection:

Have you ever tried abstaining from food? 

The question of fasting is most relevant to all of us during this season of Lent because this is when the Church actively reminds us about it. The gospel for today reiterates this reminder. 

It may seem that Jesus is defending His disciples for not fasting. But in hindsight, they were actually fasting—not in the literal sense to appease the discriminating eyes of John's disciples. The disciples of Jesus were fasting from self-righteousness, from doing wrong, and from judging others as good for nothing. 

This is the deeper form of fasting that Jesus wants from all of us, and it should not be practiced only during the season of Lent. Are we capable of permanently fasting from doing wrong, from feeling superior, and from judging others? 

This is the deeper form of fasting that Jesus appreciates. For what good is it if we fast from food but do not change our undesirable attitudes? For example, what if we fast yet continue to be arrogant, judgmental, unforgiving, uncaring, and so forth? What, then, is the use of our fasting? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 7 Biyernes kasunod ng Miyerkules ng Abo: Mateo 9:14-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:14-15

Noong Panahong iyon, lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad ni Juan Bautista at ang wika, "Malimit kaming mag-ayuno, gayon din ang mga Pariseo.

Bakit po hindi nag-aayuno ang inyong mga alagad?" Sumagot siya, "Maaari bang magdalamhati ang mga panauhin sa kasalan habang kasama nila ang lalaking ikinasal? Kapag wala na siya, saka pa lamang sila mag-aayuno." 

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?”

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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.” 

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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.

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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.”

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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."

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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.