Reflection for May 13 Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 16:12-15

Gospel: John 16:12-15

Jesus said to his disciples, I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 

He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

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Reflection:

How can we truly feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

The Holy Spirit becomes alive within us when we strive to live according to the way Jesus wants us to live, rooted in the commandments of love (Luke 10:27). Everything begins when we choose to follow these commandments wholeheartedly.

As we continue to live them out each day, our hearts gradually become more aware of the gentle yet powerful presence of the Holy Spirit guiding, strengthening, and transforming us.

Therefore, we must learn to live by Jesus’ commandments of love. Yet, if we honestly examine ourselves, do we always live these commandments faithfully? Are we not sometimes selective in the way we love others? It is often easy for us to love those who love us in return, those who treat us kindly and make us feel valued.

But when people hurt us, reject us, or fail to appreciate us, loving them becomes difficult. Still, this is precisely where the Lord challenges us most deeply—to love even those who do not love us back, to show compassion even when our hearts are wounded, and to forgive even when forgiveness is painful.

The same can also be true in our relationship with God. For many of us, it is easier to love God when our prayers are answered, when blessings overflow, and when life is peaceful and secure. But when our prayers seem unanswered, when trials come, or when we experience suffering and uncertainty, our love and trust in God can be tested.

Yet the Lord calls us to remain faithful—not only in moments of joy and abundance, but also in times of silence, pain, and waiting. True love for God perseveres both in good times and in difficult times.

When we sincerely strive to love as Jesus loves, we begin to recognize the quiet movements of the Holy Spirit within us. The Holy Spirit softens our hearts, teaches us to forgive, strengthens us to persevere, and leads us closer to God each day. The more we allow love to shape our thoughts, words, and actions, the more deeply we experience God’s living presence in our lives.

Do we truly recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives today? If not, perhaps the Lord is inviting us to begin again—to follow His commandments of love not according to our own conditions, preferences, or convenience, but according to His example of selfless and unconditional love.

Are we willing to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts so that we may love God and others the way Jesus loves us, even when it is difficult and demands sacrifice?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 13 Miyerkules sa Ikaanim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 16:12-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:12–15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Marami pa akong sasabihin sa inyo, ngunit hindi pa ninyo kayang unawain ngayon. Pagdating ng Espiritu ng katotohanan, tutulungan niya kayo upang maunawaan ang buong katotohanan.  

Sapagkat magsasalita siya hindi sa ganang kanyang sarili; sasabihin niya sa inyo ang kanyang narinig, at ipapahayag ang mga bagay na darating. Pararangalan niya ako, sapagkat sa akin magmumula ang ipapahayag niya sa inyo. Ang lahat ng sa Ama ay akin; kaya ko sinabing sa akin magmumula ang ipapahayag niya sa inyo."

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Repleksyon:

Paano nga ba natin tunay na mararamdaman ang presensya ng Espiritu Santo sa ating buhay?

Ang Espiritu Santo ay higit nating nararanasan kapag sinisikap nating mamuhay ayon sa nais ni Hesus para sa atin, batay sa Kanyang mga utos ng pag-ibig (Lucas 10:27). Nagsisimula ang lahat kapag pinipili nating sundin at isabuhay ang mga utos na ito nang buong puso.

Habang patuloy natin itong ginagawa araw-araw, unti-unting namumulat ang ating puso sa banayad ngunit makapangyarihang presensya ng Espiritu Santo na gumagabay, nagpapalakas, at nagbabago sa atin.

Kaya naman, kailangan nating matutunang mamuhay ayon sa mga utos ng pag-ibig ni Hesus. Ngunit kung tapat nating susuriin ang ating sarili, tunay nga ba nating isinasabuhay ang mga utos na ito? Hindi ba’t minsan ay namimili rin tayo kung sino lamang ang ating mamahalin?

Madali para sa atin na mahalin ang mga taong nagmamahal din sa atin, ang mga taong mabait at nagbibigay sa atin ng saya at pagpapahalaga. Ngunit kapag tayo ay nasasaktan, naaapi, o hindi nauunawaan, nagiging mahirap para sa atin ang magmahal.

Gayunpaman, dito tayo higit na hinahamon ng Panginoon—na magmahal kahit hindi tayo suklian ng kaatulad na pagmamahal, magpakita ng malasakit kahit sugatan ang ating damdamin, at magpatawad kahit napakahirap gawin nito.

Ganito rin minsan ang ating relasyon sa Diyos. Para sa marami sa atin, mas madaling mahalin ang Diyos kapag sinasagot Niya ang ating mga panalangin, kapag sagana ang biyaya, at kapag payapa ang ating buhay. Ngunit kapag tila nananatiling tahimik ang Diyos, kapag dumarating ang pagsubok, o kapag tayo ay dumaranas ng hirap at kabiguan, nasusubok ang ating pagmamahal at pagtitiwala sa Kanya.

Ngunit tinatawagan tayo ng Panginoon na manatiling tapat—hindi lamang sa panahon ng kagalakan at kasaganaan, kundi maging sa panahon ng paghihintay, pagdurusa, at katahimikan. Ang tunay na pagmamahal sa Diyos ay nananatili sa mabuti man o mahirap na panahon.

Kapag taimtim nating sinisikap na magmahal tulad ng pagmamahal ni Hesus, mas lalo nating nakikilala ang pagkilos ng Espiritu Santo sa ating puso. Siya ang nagpapalambot ng ating kalooban, nagtuturo sa ating magpatawad, nagbibigay-lakas upang magpatuloy, at umaakay sa atin palapit sa Diyos araw-araw. Habang hinahayaan nating manaig ang pag-ibig sa ating isip, salita, at gawa, mas lalo nating nararanasan ang buhay na presensya ng Diyos sa ating buhay.

Tunay nga ba nating kinikilala at nararamdaman ang presensya ng Espiritu Santo sa ating buhay ngayon? Kung hindi pa, inaanyayahan tayo ng Panginoon na magsimulang muli—na sundin ang Kanyang mga utos ng pag-ibig hindi ayon sa ating kagustuhan o kaginhawahan, kundi ayon sa Kanyang halimbawa ng wagas at walang kondisyong pagmamahal.

Handa ba tayong hayaan ang Espiritu Santo na baguhin ang ating puso upang matuto tayong magmahal tulad ng pagmamahal ni Hesus—kahit mahirap, kahit masakit, at kahit nangangailangan ng sakripisyo?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 12 Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 16:5-11

Gospel: John 16:5-11

Jesus said to his disciples: "Now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.  

But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

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Reflection:

Are we afraid of separation?

There is a quiet sadness in the words of Jesus in our Gospel today. He tells the disciples, “Now I am going to the One who sent me.” We can only imagine how deeply these words pierced their hearts. Their teacher, leader, healer, father figure, and closest confidant would soon be leaving them. The One who walked with them, comforted them, and gave meaning to their lives would no longer be physically present among them.

At some point in our lives, we too experience the pain of separation. We know the sorrow of letting go, the loneliness of absence, and the ache of losing someone dear to us. Separation is one of the deepest wounds of the human heart because we were created to love, to belong, and to remain connected with one another.

Yet Jesus does not leave His disciples empty-handed. Before He departs, He assures them of the abiding presence of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit — the divine companion who will guide, strengthen, comfort, and remind them that they are never alone. Even when Jesus is no longer visible to their eyes, His Spirit will continue to dwell within them and lead them every step of the way.

The same promise is given to us today. In moments when we feel abandoned, uncertain, or afraid, the Holy Spirit gently whispers to our hearts that God remains with us. When the world changes, when people leave, and when life becomes uncertain, the presence of God remains constant and faithful.

Someday, we too will leave this world. Our mortal bodies will pass away, and our loved ones may grieve our absence. But beyond the sadness of parting, we pray that the love we shared, the kindness we offered, and the faith we lived out will continue to inspire those whose lives we have touched. In the end, what will matter most is not how long we lived, but how deeply we loved and how faithfully we walked with God.

This is the reality of life: there is a time for everything. Yet we need not live in fear, for as long as we believe in Jesus, we are never truly separated from Him. His love conquers even death, and His Spirit remains with us always.

As we continue our journey in this life, may we ask ourselves: when the time comes for us to leave this world, will we leave behind hearts that were healed by our love, strengthened by our faith, and drawn closer to God because we chose to live in the Spirit of Christ?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 12 Martes sa Ikaanim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 16:5-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 16:5-11

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ngayo'y paroroon na ako sa nagsugo sa akin. Wala isa man sa inyong nagtatanong sa akin kung saan ako pupunta. At ngayong sabihin ko sa inyo, natigib kayo ng kalungkutan.

Ngunit dapat ninyong malaman ang katotohanan: ang pag-alis ko'y sa ikabubuti ninyo, sapagkat hindi paparito sa inyo ang patnubay kung hindi ako aalis. Ngunit kung umalis ako, susuguin ko siya sa inyo. Pagdating niya ay kanyang patutunayan sa mga tao sa sanlibutan na mali ang pagkakilala nila sa kasalanan, at ipakikilala niya kung ano ang matuwid, at kung ano ang kahatulan.

Mali sila tungkol sa kasalanan, sapagkat hindi sila nanalig sa akin; tungkol sa matuwid, sapagkat ako'y paroroon sa Ama at hindi na ninyo makikita; tungkol sa kahatulan, sapagkat hinatulan na ang pinuno ng sanlibutang ito."

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Repleksyon:

Natatakot ba tayo sa paghihiwalay?

May nakatagong lungkot sa mga salita ni Hesus sa ating Ebanghelyo ngayon. Sinabi Niya sa Kanyang mga alagad, “Pupunta na ako sa Kanya na nagsugo sa akin.” Isipin natin kung gaano kasakit marinig iyon para sa mga alagad. 

Ang kanilang guro, pinuno, manggagamot, ama, at pinakamalapit na kaibigan ay malapit nang mawala sa kanilang piling. Ang Hesus na kanilang nakakasama, nasasandalan, at nagbibigay ng kahulugan sa kanilang buhay ay hindi na nila makikita nang pisikal.

Sa ating buhay, darating din ang mga sandali ng paghihiwalay. Nararanasan natin ang sakit ng pamamaalam, ang lungkot ng pagkawala, at ang pangungulila sa mga mahal natin sa buhay. Masakit ang paghihiwalay dahil nilikha tayo ng Diyos upang magmahal, makipag-ugnayan, at maging bahagi ng buhay ng isa’t isa.

Ngunit hindi iniwan ni Hesus na walang pag-asa ang Kanyang mga alagad. Bago Siya umalis, ipinangako Niya ang patuloy na presensya ng Tagapatnubay — ang Espiritu Santo — na magiging gabay, lakas, at kaagapay nila sa bawat hakbang ng kanilang misyon. Kahit hindi na nila pisikal na makikita si Hesus, mananatili namang buhay ang Kanyang presensya sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo.

Ang pangakong ito ay para rin sa atin ngayon. Sa mga sandaling tayo’y natatakot, nanghihina, nalilito, o nakakaramdam ng pag-iisa, marahang ipinapaalala ng Espiritu Santo na hindi tayo iniiwan ng Diyos. Maaaring magbago ang mundo, maaaring may mga taong lumisan sa ating buhay, ngunit ang pagmamahal at presensya ng Diyos ay nananatiling tapat magpakailanman.

Darating din ang araw na tayo nama’y aalis sa mundong ito. Lilipas ang ating katawang lupa, at mag-iiwan tayo ng lungkot sa mga taong nagmamahal sa atin. Ngunit higit sa lahat, nawa’y maiwan natin sa kanilang puso ang alaala ng ating pagmamahal, kabutihan, pananampalataya, at malasakit. Sapagkat sa huli, hindi ang haba ng ating buhay ang pinakamahalaga, kundi kung paano tayo nagmahal at naging tapat sa Diyos habang tayo’y nabubuhay.

Ito ang katotohanan ng buhay: may tamang panahon para sa lahat. Ngunit hindi tayo dapat mabuhay sa takot, sapagkat hangga’t tayo’y nananalig kay Hesus, hindi tayo kailanman tunay na maihihiwalay sa Kanya. Dinaig na Niya maging ang kamatayan, at ang Kanyang Espiritu ay nananatiling kasama natin magpakailanman.

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa paglalakbay ng buhay, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: kapag dumating na ang oras ng ating pagpanaw, maiiwan kaya natin sa puso ng iba ang bakas ng pagmamahal ng Diyos? May mga taong lalong napalapit kaya kay Kristo dahil nakita nila sa atin ang liwanag, kabutihan, at presensya ng Espiritu Santo?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 11 Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter: John 15:26—16:4a

Gospel: John 15:26-16:4a

(Jesus said to his disciples) “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning. 

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

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Reflection:

Who is the Advocate in our lives?

We know that the Advocate is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gently moves within our hearts, guiding us, strengthening us, and whispering to us to always choose what is good, loving, and pleasing to God. Whenever we listen to the gentle promptings of the Spirit, we are led toward peace, truth, and the kind of life that draws us closer to Jesus.

Yet, there are many among us who still do not know the Holy Spirit deeply. Some have not yet learned to listen to the Spirit’s voice, while others may no longer recognize the Spirit’s loving presence because of pain, distractions, or the struggles of daily life.

As followers of Christ, we have a beautiful mission. We are called to help others encounter the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide. Through our words, our actions, our kindness, and our witness, we gently lead others toward God’s presence. We patiently encourage, guide, and accompany them so that they, too, may experience the comfort, wisdom, and love of the Holy Spirit.

And when people begin to open their hearts to the Spirit, we humbly step aside and allow God to continue the work within them. For it is not we who change hearts, but the Holy Spirit working silently and powerfully in every soul.

In this world, we are called to be the visible presence of Jesus. People come to know Christ through the love we share, the humility we practice, the gentleness we show, and the compassion we extend to others, especially to those who are hurting, forgotten, or lost. Through these simple yet meaningful acts, we help others become aware that they are never alone because the Advocate walks with them.

Therefore, let us continually strive to live like Jesus each day, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. 

Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to truly move within us so that others may encounter Jesus through the way we live and love?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 11 Lunes sa Ikaanim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:26—16:4a

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:26-16:4a

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ngunit ang Patnubay, ang Espiritu ng Katotohan, ang paparito mula sa Ama. Susuguin ko siya sa inyo buhat sa Ama, at siya ang magpapatotoo tungkol sa akin. At magpapatotoo rin kayo tungkol sa akin, sapagkat sa pasimula pa'y kasama ko na kayo.

"Sinasabi ko ito sa inyo upang huwag kayong mawalan ng pananalig sa akin. Palalayasin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga. Darating ang panahon na ang sinumang pumatay sa inyo ay mag-aakalang naglilingkod siya sa Diyos. At gagawin nila ito sapagkat hindi nila ako nakikilala ni ang Ama. Ito'y sinasabi ko sa inyo upang, pagdating ng oras na gawin nila, maalaala ninyong ipinagpauna ko na ito sa inyo."

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Repleksyon:

Sino ang Pumapatnubay sa ating buhay?

Alam natin na ang ating Tagapatnubay ay ang Espiritu Santo. Siya ang marahang kumikilos sa ating mga puso, gumagabay, nagpapalakas, at bumubulong sa atin upang piliin lagi ang mabuti, makatarungan, at kalugod-lugod sa Diyos. Sa tuwing pinakikinggan natin ang banayad na tinig ng Espiritu Santo, inaakay Niya tayo tungo sa kapayapaan, katotohanan, at sa buhay na lalong naglalapit sa atin kay Hesus.

Ngunit marami pa rin sa atin at sa ating paligid ang hindi pa tunay na nakakikilala sa Espiritu Santo. May ilan na hindi pa natututong makinig sa Kanyang tinig, at mayroon ding unti-unting nawawalan ng kamalayan sa Kanyang presensya dahil sa mga sugat, problema, abala, at hirap ng buhay.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, mayroon tayong mahalagang misyon. Tayo ay tinatawag upang tulungan ang iba na makilala at maranasan ang Espiritu Santo, ang ating Tagapatnubay at Gabay. Sa pamamagitan ng ating mga salita, gawa, kabutihan, at mabuting halimbawa, marahan nating inaakay ang iba palapit sa Diyos. May pagtitiis at pagmamahal natin silang hinihikayat, ginagabayan, at sinasamahan upang maranasan din nila ang aliw, karunungan, at pag-ibig ng Espiritu Santo.

At kapag nagsimula nang magbukas ang kanilang puso sa Diyos,  ay hahayaan na natin ang Espiritu Santo ang kumilos sa kanilang buhay. Sapagkat hindi tayo ang tunay na nagpapabago ng puso kundi ang Espiritu Santo na tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang kumikilos sa bawat isa sa atin.

Sa mundong ito, tinatawag tayong maging buhay na larawan ni Hesus. Nakikilala Siya ng ating kapwa sa pamamagitan ng pag-ibig na ating ibinabahagi, kababaang-loob na ating isinasabuhay, kaamuan na ating ipinapakita, at habag na ating iniaalay lalo na sa mga sugatan, naliligaw, at nakakalimutan ng lipunan. 

Sa pamamagitan ng mga simpleng gawaing ito, ipinaparamdam natin sa iba na hindi sila nag-iisa sapagkat kasama nila ang Tagapatnubay. Kaya naman, magsikap tayong mamuhay araw-araw na katulad ni Hesus at hayaan nating ang Espiritu Santo ang gumabay sa ating isip, salita, at mga gawa.

Hinahayaan ba nating tunay na kumilos ang Espiritu Santo sa ating buhay upang makita at maranasan ng iba si Hesus sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay at pagmamahal?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 10 Sixth Sunday of Easter: John 14:15-21

Gospel: John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him.

But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live.

On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him."

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Reflection:

Do we, once in a while, feel that somebody is watching over us, especially when we are alone? Do we oftentimes sense a gentle voice within us, urging us to do what is right whenever we are tempted to do what is wrong? In the quiet moments of our lives, when our hearts are troubled or uncertain, do we recognize that God is speaking to us through the Advocate or Holy Spirit?

In this Gospel episode, Jesus is soon to be arrested, yet He lovingly assures them that they will not be left alone. He promises them the presence of the Advocate—the Holy Spirit—who will remain with them always. This same Holy Spirit continues to dwell within us today, watching over us, guiding us, comforting us, and leading us toward the path of holiness and truth.

This is the very same Holy Spirit whom we received during our Baptism and whose presence was strengthened within us through the Sacrament of Confirmation. God did not simply create us and leave us on our own. He remains close to us through His Spirit, continually calling us back whenever we wander away from Him.

But if the Holy Spirit is always with us, why do we still fall into sin? We continue to sin because God, in His great love for us, has given us free will. We are free to choose between good and evil, between obedience and disobedience, between love and selfishness.

Sadly, many of us still choose what is wrong even when the Holy Spirit is already whispering within our hearts to choose what is right. Because of this, we lose our inner peace and become restless, burdened, and spiritually weak.

The key to continually experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is simple: we must truly love the Lord and faithfully follow His commandments. Yet although this instruction is simple, many of us find it difficult to live out because we are constantly surrounded by temptations, distractions, and worldly desires that pull us away from God.

When we allow sin to rule our hearts, we slowly become deaf to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit. Instead of peace, we experience confusion. Instead of joy, we carry anxiety and unrest. Instead of living simple and grace-filled lives, we find ourselves trapped in lives that are sinful, complicated, and empty.

Yet despite the many trials, uncertainties, and economic difficulties we face today, if we still possess peace deep within our hearts, this is a sign that the abiding, guiding, and calming presence of the Advocate remains alive within us. Such peace is not given by the world. It comes from the Lord alone, and it remains with those who sincerely love Him and strive to obey His will.

As we continue our journey in life, may we open our hearts more fully to the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit. May we learn to listen more carefully to His voice, trust more deeply in His guidance, and courageously turn away from whatever separates us from God.

Are we still listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit within our hearts, or have the noise of sin, pride, and worldly desires drowned out His gentle call to holiness and peace?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 10 Ikaanim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Juan 14:15-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 14:15-21

Noong panahong iyon: Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Kung iniibig ninyo ako, tutuparin ninyo ang aking mga utos. Dadalangin ako sa Ama, at kayo’y bibigyan niya ng isa pang Patnubay na magiging kasama ninyo magpakailanman.

Ito’y ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, na hindi matanggap ng sanlibutan sapagkat hindi siya nakikita ni nakikilala ng sanlibutan. Ngunit nakikilala ninyo siya, sapagkat siya’y sumasainyo at nananahan sa inyo.

“Hindi ko kayo iiwang nangungulila; babalik ako sa inyo. Kaunting panahon na lamang at hindi na ako makikita ng sanlibutan. Ngunit ako’y makikita ninyo; sapagkat mabubuhay ako, at mabubuhay rin kayo.

Malalaman ninyo sa araw na yaon na ako’y sumasa-Ama, kayo’y sumasaakin, at ako’y sumasainyo. “Ang tumatanggap sa mga utos ko at tumutupad nito ang siyang umiibig sa akin. Ang umiibig sa akin ay iibigin ng aking Ama; iibigin ko rin siya, at ako’y lubusang magpapakilala sa kanya.”

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Repleksyon:

Nararamdaman ba natin minsan na may nagbabantay sa atin, lalo na kapag tayo ay nag-iisa? Madalas din ba nating marinig sa kaibuturan ng ating puso ang isang mahinahong tinig na nagsasabi sa atin na gawin ang tama sa sandaling tayo ay natutuksong gumawa ng mali? Sa mga tahimik na sandali ng ating buhay, kapag tayo ay nabibigatan, nalilito, o nanghihina, kinikilala pa ba natin na ang Diyos ay nangungusap sa atin sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo?

Sa Ebanghelyong ito, malapit nang iwan ni Jesus ang Kanyang mga alagad dahil siya ay aarestuhin na, ngunit hindi Niya sila iiniwang nag-iisa at walang kasama. Nangako Siya na ipadadala Niya ang isang Tagapatnubay—ang Espiritu Santo—na mananatili sa kanila magpakailanman. Ang Espiritu Santong ito rin ang patuloy na nananahan sa atin ngayon: gumagabay, nagbabantay, nagpapalakas, at umaakay sa atin tungo sa landas ng kabanalan, kabutihan at katotohanan.

Ito rin ang parehong Espiritu Santo na ating tinanggap noong tayo ay bininyagan at lalong pinagtibay sa atin nang tanggapin natin ang Sakramento ng Kumpil. Hindi tayo nilikha ng Diyos upang pabayaan lamang sa paglalakbay ng buhay. Sa halip, nananatili Siyang malapit sa atin sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang Espiritu, na patuloy na tumatawag at umaakay sa atin pabalik sa Kanya tuwing tayo ay nalalayo.

Ngunit kung ang Espiritu Santo o Tagapatnubay ay laging nasa atin, bakit patuloy pa rin tayong nagkakasala? Nagkakasala pa rin tayo dahil binigyan tayo ng Diyos ng malayang kalooban. Malaya tayong pumili sa pagitan ng tama at mali, ng pagsunod at pagsuway, ng pag-ibig at pagkamakasarili.

Nakalulungkot isipin na marami pa rin sa atin ang pinipiling gumawa ng mali kahit ang Espiritu Santo ay marahang bumubulong na piliin natin ang tama. Dahil dito, nawawala ang ating kapayapaan at napupuno tayo ng pag-aalala, kalungkutan, at espirituwal na panghihina.

Ang susi upang patuloy nating maranasan ang presensya ng  Tagapatnubay sa ating buhay ay simple lamang: tunay nating mahalin ang Panginoon at tapat na sundin ang Kanyang mga utos. Ngunit kahit simple ang paalalang ito, marami pa rin sa atin ang nahihirapang isabuhay ito dahil sa mga tukso, makamundong pagnanasa, at mga bagay na unti-unting naglalayo sa atin sa Diyos.

Kapag hinahayaan nating manaig ang kasalanan sa ating puso, unti-unti nating hindi naririnig ang mahinahong tinig ng Espiritu Santo. Sa halip na kapayapaan, kaguluhan ang ating nararanasan. Sa halip na kagalakan, pagkabalisa at kabigatan ang ating pasan. At sa halip na payapa at maka-Diyos na pamumuhay, tayo ay nabubuhay sa magulo, makasalanan, at walang kapanatagang buhay.

Gayunman, sa kabila ng mga pagsubok, kawalang-katiyakan, at hirap na ating kinakaharap ngayon, kung mayroon pa rin tayong kapayapaan sa ating puso, ito ay tanda na nananatili sa atin ang gumagabay at nagbibibgay ng kapanatagan na presensya ng Espiritu Santo. Ang kapayapaang ito ay hindi kayang ibigay ng mundo. Ito ay nagmumula lamang sa Panginoon at nananatili sa mga pusong tunay na nagmamahal at nagtitiwala sa Kanya.

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa paglalakbay ng ating buhay, nawa’y lalo nating buksan ang ating puso sa banayad na tinig ng Espiritu Santo. Nawa’y matuto tayong makinig nang mas mabuti sa Kanyang paggabay, magtiwala nang mas malalim sa Kanyang presensya, at talikuran ang anumang humahadlang sa atin upang lubos na mapalapit sa Diyos.

Naririnig pa ba natin ang banayad na tinig ng Espiritu Santo sa ating puso, o nalunod na ba ito sa ingay ng kasalanan, kapalaluan, at makamundong kagustuhan? At kung tinatawag tayo ngayon ng Diyos na magbalik-loob at muling mamuhay ng tama, handa ba tayong tumugon nang buong puso?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 9 Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:18-21

Gospel: John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.  

Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”

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Reflection:

There were two brothers who had two different motivations in life. One aspired to become rich and successful in the eyes of the world, while the other had simple aspirations. His deepest desire was only to serve God in whatever way he could and to live a simple, peaceful, and quiet life.

After forty years, both of them had already retired. Yet the brother who had become worldly slowly grew envious of his sibling. Deep in his heart, he realized that the brother who had devoted his life to serving God and His Church was living a more peaceful, fulfilled, and settled life than he was. Though he possessed worldly achievements, his heart remained restless, while his brother possessed the quiet joy and inner peace that only God can truly give.

In our Gospel, Jesus presents to all of us two pathways in life that we may choose: the way of the world or the way of peace with Him. Through our baptism, Jesus has lovingly called each one of us to walk with Him in simplicity, humility, peace, and trust. This has always been God’s beautiful desire for us—not a life consumed by selfish ambition, endless worries, and worldly attachments, but a life rooted in His love and presence.

Yet many of us still choose our own plans instead of God’s plan. We become too focused on worldly success, possessions, recognition, and pleasures, thinking that these will give us lasting happiness. But sooner or later, we realize that the things of this world can never fully satisfy the deepest longing of our hearts. Without God, even abundance can leave us empty; but with God, even a simple life becomes rich with peace, meaning, and joy.

As we continue our journey in life, may we ask ourselves honestly: Which path are we truly following—the restless way of the world or the peaceful way of Christ? And when everything in this world fades away, will we be able to say that we chose to live not only for ourselves, but for God who lovingly called us to walk with Him each day?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 9 Sabado sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:18-21

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:18-21

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kung napopoot sa inyo ang sanlibutan, dapat ninyong malamang napoot na ito sa akin bago sa inyo. Kung kayo nga'y sa sanlibutan, iibigin kayo nito bilang kanya.

 Ngunit yamang hindi kayo sa sanlibutan, kundi pinili ko kayo mula rito, ito'y napopoot sa inyo. Alalahanin ninyo ang sinabi ko sa inyo: walang aliping higit kaysa kanyang panginoon.

Kung ako'y inusig nila, uusigin din nila kayo; kung tinupad nila ang aking salita tutuparin din nila ang salita ninyo. Ngunit ang lahat ng ito'y gagawin nila sa inyo dahil sa akin, sapagkat hindi nila nakikilala ang nagsugo sa akin."

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Repleksyon:

May dalawang magkapatid na may magkaibang layunin sa buhay. Ang isa ay nagsikap na yumaman at maging matagumpay ayon sa pamantayan ng mundo, samantalang ang isa naman ay may payak na pangarap lamang. Ang pinakamimithi niya ay ang makapaglingkod sa Diyos sa anumang paraan na kaya niya at mamuhay nang simple, payapa, at tahimik.

Pagkaraan ng apatnapung taon, pareho na silang nagretiro. Ngunit ang kapatid na naging maka-mundo ay unti-unting napuno ng inggit sa kanyang kapatid. Sa kaibuturan ng kanyang puso, nakita niya na ang kapatid na naglaan ng kanyang buhay sa paglilingkod sa Diyos at sa Simbahan ay mas payapa, mas kuntento, at mas masaya kaysa sa kanya.

Maaaring nakamit niya ang tagumpay at mga bagay ng mundo, ngunit nanatiling balisa ang kanyang puso, samantalang ang kanyang kapatid ay nagtataglay ng tahimik na kagalakan at kapayapaang tanging ang Diyos lamang ang makapagbibigay.

Sa ating Ebanghelyo, ipinapakita sa ating lahat ni Jesus ang dalawang landas na maaari nating tahakin: ang landas ng mundo o ang landas ng kapayapaan kasama Niya. Sa pamamagitan ng ating binyag, buong pagmamahal tayong tinawag ni Jesus upang lumakad kasama Niya sa buhay na may kasimplehan, kababaang-loob, kapayapaan, at pagtitiwala sa Diyos.

Ito ang matagal nang magandang hangarin ng Diyos para sa ating lahat—hindi ang buhay na puno ng pansariling ambisyon, walang katapusang pag-aalala, at makamundong pagnanasa, kundi isang buhay na nakaugat sa Kanyang pag-ibig at presensya.

Ngunit marami pa rin sa atin ang mas pinipiling sundin ang sarili nating mga plano kaysa sa plano ng Diyos. Madalas tayong maging abala sa paghahangad ng kayamanan, pagkilala, kapangyarihan, at kasiyahan ng mundo, sa pag-aakalang dito natin matatagpuan ang tunay na kaligayahan. Ngunit sa bandang huli, mapagtatanto nating walang anumang bagay sa mundong ito ang tunay na makapupuno sa pananabik ng ating puso.

Kapag wala ang Diyos, kahit marami tayong tinataglay ay maaari pa rin tayong makaramdam ng matinding kahungkagan; ngunit kapag kasama natin ang Diyos, kahit payak ang ating buhay ay nagiging mayaman ito sa kapayapaan, kabuluhan, at tunay na kagalakan.

Habang nagpapatuloy tayo sa ating paglalakbay sa buhay, magandang tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Aling landas nga ba ang tunay nating tinatahak—ang magulong landas ng mundo o ang mapayapang landas ni Cristo?

At kapag naglaho na ang lahat ng bagay sa mundong ito, masasabi kaya natin na pinili nating mabuhay hindi lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa Diyos na buong pagmamahal na tumawag sa atin upang sumama sa Kanya araw-araw?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 8 Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:12-17

Gospel: John 15:12-17

Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing.  

I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

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Reflection:              

What would happen if the love of Jesus were truly alive in our families?

There would be less conflict, less pride, less domination, and less hurtful behavior. Instead, our homes would become places of forgiveness, humility, understanding, patience, and love. Peace would reign in our relationships because the love of Jesus would dwell in our hearts. When Christ is at the center of our family life, we learn to listen with compassion, forgive with sincerity, and love without conditions.

But when we remove the love of Jesus from our lives, division and pain slowly enter our homes. Pride, selfishness, dishonesty, infidelity, jealousy, and misunderstandings begin to weaken the unity of the family. Without the love of Christ, our relationships become fragile because we rely only on our human strength instead of the grace of God.

That is why Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He loved them (John 15:12). Jesus desired His followers to live in harmony, humility, trust, and genuine concern for one another. He knew that their mission of evangelization would only bear fruit if they remained united in love.

Jesus understood that without His love dwelling in their hearts, His disciples would struggle with jealousy, pride, and misunderstanding. Instead of building one another up, they would pull one another down, and their mission would fail. Love was not merely a suggestion from Jesus; it was the very foundation of their mission and their witness to the world.

The same is true for us today. We cannot truly succeed in our mission for Jesus or experience lasting harmony in our families unless we learn to embrace, share, and live out His commandment of love every day. Love is not simply spoken through words; it is revealed through patience, sacrifice, forgiveness, kindness, and humility.

Do our words, actions, and attitudes bring the love of Jesus into our homes, or do they create wounds and division? If Jesus were to look at our family relationships today, would He truly see His love alive in us?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 8 Biyernes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:12-17

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:12-17

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Ito ang aking utos: mag-ibigan kayo gaya ng pag-ibig ko sa inyo. Walang pag-ibig na hihigit pa sa pag-ibig ng isang taong nag-aalay ng kanyang buhay para sa kanyang mga kaibigan. Kayo'y mga kaibigan ko kung tinutupad ninyo ang mga utos ko. 

Hindi ko na kayo inaaring alipin, sapagkat hindi alam ng alipin ang ginagawa ng kanyang Panginoon. Sa halip, inaari ko kayong mga kaibigan, sapagkat sinabi ko sa inyo ang lahat ng narinig ko sa aking Ama.

Hindi kayo ang pumili sa akin; ako ang pumili at humirang sa inyo upang kayo'y humayo at mamunga, at manatili ang inyong bunga. Sa gayon, ang anumang hingin ninyo sa Ama sa aking pangalan ay ipagkakaloob sa inyo. Ito ang iniuutos ko sa inyo: mag-ibigan kayo."

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Repleksyon:

Ano kaya ang mangyayari kung tunay na naghahari ang pag-ibig ni Jesus sa ating mga pamilya?

Mababawasan ang alitan, kayabangan, pagmamalabis, at di mabuti na pag-uugali. Sa halip, ang ating mga tahanan ay mapupuno ng pagpapatawad, kababaang-loob, pag-unawa, pagtitiis, at pagmamahalan.

Magkakaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan sa ating mga relasyon sapagkat ang pag-ibig ni Jesus ang mananahan sa ating mga puso. Kapag si Kristo ang sentro ng ating pamilya, natututo tayong makinig nang may malasakit, magpatawad nang taos-puso, at magmahal nang walang kondisyon.

Ngunit kapag nawala ang pag-ibig ni Jesus sa ating buhay, unti-unting pumapasok ang pagkakahati at sakit sa ating tahanan. Ang pagmamataas, pagkamakasarili, kasinungalingan, pagtataksil, inggit, at hindi pagkakaunawaan na sumisira sa pagkakaisa ng pamilya. Kapag wala ang pag-ibig ni Kristo, nagiging marupok ang ating mga relasyon sapagkat umaasa lamang tayo sa ating sariling lakas at hindi sa biyaya ng Diyos.

Kaya iniutos ni Jesus sa Kanyang mga alagad na magmahalan sila gaya ng pagmamahal Niya sa kanila (Juan 15:12). Nais ni Jesus na mamuhay ang Kanyang mga tagasunod sa pagkakaisa, kababaang-loob, pagtitiwala, at tunay na pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa. Alam Niyang magiging mabunga lamang ang kanilang misyon ng ebanghelisasyon kung mananatili silang nagkakaisa sa pag-ibig.

Batid ni Jesus na kung wala ang Kanyang pag-ibig sa puso ng Kanyang mga alagad, mananaig ang inggit, pagmamataas, at hindi pagkakaunawaan. Sa halip na magtulungan, hihilahin nila pababa ang isa’t isa at mabibigo ang kanilang misyon. Ang pag-ibig ay hindi lamang mungkahi ni Jesus kundi siyang pundasyon ng kanilang misyon at patotoo sa mundo.

Totoo rin ito sa ating panahon ngayon. Hindi tayo tunay na magtatagumpay sa ating misyon para kay Jesus, at hindi rin tayo magkakaroon ng tunay na pagkakaisa sa ating mga pamilya, hangga’t hindi natin natututunang yakapin, ibahagi, at isabuhay araw-araw ang Kanyang utos ng pagmamahal. Ang tunay na pag-ibig ay hindi lamang nasasabi sa salita kundi nakikita sa pagtitiis, sakripisyo, pagpapatawad, kabutihan, at kababaang-loob.

Ang ating mga salita, kilos, at pag-uugali ba ay nagdadala ng pag-ibig ni Jesus sa ating tahanan, o nagiging dahilan ng sugat at pagkakahati? Kung si Jesus ay titingin sa kalagayan ng ating pamilya ngayon, makikita kaya Niya ang Kanyang pag-ibig na tunay na kumikilos sa atin?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 7 Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:9-11

Gospel: John 15:9-11

(Jesus said to his disciples) “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

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Reflection:

What is the primary fruit of remaining in God’s love? It is joy, hope, and faith—gifts that quietly sustain our hearts even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

When Jesus called His disciples to remain in His love, He already knew the path that lay ahead of them—a path marked by trials, persecution, and even death. Yet He did not withdraw His invitation. Instead, He strengthened it. And true enough, the apostles endured these sufferings, holding on to His love as their source of courage and fidelity.

In our own lives, why is it so important for us to remain in Jesus’ love? Because if we are honest, we know that human love, as sincere and beautiful as it may be, can sometimes falter. Even the love we receive from those closest to us—our family, our friends—can be affected by emotions, limitations, and changing circumstances.

But there is a love that never wavers.

Jesus’ love for us is constant, faithful, and unchanging. It is not bound by human weakness or shifting emotions. His love is rooted in eternity, filled with unending forbearance and mercy. It is a love that does not give up on us, even when we struggle to remain faithful.

As we journey through life, we will fall. We will fail. We will not always live up to what the Lord asks of us. Yet even then, His love remains—patiently waiting, gently calling, always ready to embrace us once again.

He invites us not to let go of this love, but to cling to it more deeply, especially when we are tempted to turn away. Each time sin comes knocking at the door of our hearts, we are given a choice: to give in, or to remain in His love.

So today, let us pause and reflect—not just with our minds, but with our hearts.

Are we truly remaining in the love of Jesus by the way we live, by the choices we make, and by our faithfulness to His commandments? Or are there areas in our lives where we are slowly letting go of His love without even realizing it?

What, then, will we choose today—to remain in His love, or to drift away from it?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Mayo 7 Huwebes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 15:9-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 15:9-11

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Kung paanong iniibig ako ng Ama, gayon din naman, iniibig ko kayo; manatili kayo sa aking pag-ibig; Kung tinutupad ninyo ang aking mga utos, mananatili kayo sa aking pag-ibig; tulad ko, tinutupad ko ang mga utos ng aking Ama at ako'y nananatili sa kanyang pag-ibig.  

"Sinasabi ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito upang makahati kayo sa kagalakan ko at malubos ang inyong kagalakan."

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang pangunahing bunga ng pananatili sa pag-ibig ng Diyos? Ito ay kagalakan, pag-asa, at pananampalataya—mga biyayang tahimik na nagpapalakas sa ating puso sa gitna ng mga pagsubok ng buhay.

Nang tawagin ni Jesus ang Kanyang mga alagad na manatili sa Kanyang pag-ibig, batid na Niya ang landas na kanilang tatahakin—isang landas na puno ng pagsubok, pag-uusig, at maging kamatayan. Ngunit hindi Niya binawi ang Kanyang paanyaya. Sa halip, lalo Niya itong pinagtibay. At tunay nga, naranasan ng mga apostol ang lahat ng ito, habang matatag na kumakapit sa Kanyang pag-ibig bilang pinagmumulan ng kanilang lakas at katapatan.

Sa ating sariling buhay, bakit nga ba napakahalaga na manatili tayo sa pag-ibig ni Jesus? Sapagkat kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, alam nating ang pag-ibig ng tao—kahit gaano man ito kaganda at katapat—ay maaaring magbago. Maging ang pag-ibig ng ating pamilya at mga kaibigan ay maaaring maapektuhan ng damdamin, kahinaan, at pagbabago ng sitwasyon.

Ngunit may pag-ibig na hindi kailanman nagbabago.

Ang pag-ibig ni Jesus para sa atin ay tapat, matatag, at walang hanggan. Hindi ito naaayon sa kahinaan ng tao o sa pabago-bagong damdamin. Ito ay nakaugat sa walang hanggang awa, pagtitiis, at kapatawaran. Isang pag-ibig na hindi sumusuko sa atin, kahit tayo ay madalas na nagkukulang.

Sa ating paglalakbay sa buhay, tayo ay madadapa. Tayo ay magkakasala. Hindi natin palaging matutupad ang inaasahan ng Panginoon sa atin. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, nananatili ang Kanyang pag-ibig—matiyagang naghihintay, marahang tumatawag, at laging handang yakapin tayong muli.

Inaanyayahan Niya tayong huwag bitawan ang pag-ibig na ito, kundi lalo pa itong panghawakan, lalo na sa mga sandaling tayo ay tinutukso na lumayo. Sa tuwing kumakatok ang kasalanan sa pintuan ng ating puso, may pagpipilian tayo: susuko ba tayo, o mananatili sa Kanyang pag-ibig?

Kaya ngayon, sandali tayong tumigil at magnilay—hindi lamang sa ating isipan, kundi sa ating puso.

Tunay nga ba tayong nananatili sa pag-ibig ni Jesus sa paraan ng ating pamumuhay, sa ating mga desisyon, at sa ating pagsunod sa Kanyang mga utos? O may mga bahagi ng ating buhay na unti-unti na nating hinahayaan na mawalay sa Kanyang pag-ibig?

Sa araw na ito, ano ang ating pipiliin—manatili sa Kanyang pag-ibig, o tuluyang lumayo rito?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for May 6 Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter: John 15:1-8

Gospel: John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. 

Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. 

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

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Reflection:

The story is told of a good man. He was active in the Church, a responsible father and husband. His friends and relatives looked up to him, for he lived a life worthy in the eyes of both God and others. In many ways, we may see a part of ourselves in him—our desire to live rightly, to be faithful, and to honor God in our daily lives.

Yet, there came a time when he became close to a woman, and that friendship slowly grew into an attraction. Little by little, he began to set aside his godly values and gave in to his desires. What once seemed small and harmless gradually took root in his heart. As his covetousness deepened, his family life and personal well-being began to suffer. Before he realized it, he was already living a life marked by emptiness and regret.

Is this not a story that can also be ours?

Oftentimes, we find ourselves choosing our own ways instead of God’s way. We follow our desires, even when we know deep within that they are not aligned with His will. We become stubborn, holding on to what pleases us rather than what leads us closer to Him. In subtle ways, we drift—slowly, quietly—away from the One who gives us life.

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that He is the Vine, and God is the vine grower. We are the branches, called to remain in Him. For apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is from Him that all grace flows—grace that strengthens us, heals us, and draws us back when we begin to wander.

But life brings trials and temptations. We face the pull of the flesh, the lure of easy gain, the quiet whisper of worldly ambitions that promise fulfillment but leave us empty. These temptations are real, and they are persistent. Yet, they need not have the power to separate us from Jesus—unless we allow them to.

We are not meant to live disconnected from the true Vine. For it is only in remaining in Him that we find true joy, a peace that the world cannot give, and a love that endures beyond this life.

One day, we will stand before God at the end of our journey. And perhaps He will gently ask us: Did you remain in me? When you were tempted, when you were weak, when you were drawn away—did you return to me?

Are we still firmly connected to the true Vine, or are there desires and choices in our lives that are slowly pulling us away from Him—and what will we do, starting now, to remain in His love?— Marino J. Dasmarinas