Reflection for February 4 Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him?  

What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”

So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

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Reflection:   

There was a successful man who, after his death, was given lavish praise by his relatives and friends during his wake—praise he truly deserved because he was a good and humble man. Yet these were praises they had purposely not told him while he was still alive because they envied him.

Oftentimes, we wait until it is too late before we express our appreciation for the goodness that we see in others. Oftentimes, our pride, our jealousy, or our silence prevents us from giving encouragement to those who deserve it while they are still with us.

When Jesus went back to the place where He grew up, Nazareth, He went to their synagogue to teach. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence. Yet Jesus did not receive any congratulatory acknowledgment—not even a simple handshake or a gesture of recognition from His former townmates.

Instead, Jesus received derision and scorn because they could not accept that a former carpenter could speak to them with such wisdom and authority. This was someone they knew very well, yet they could not accept that He would one day speak in their house of worship. So, they belittled Jesus instead of giving Him the well-deserved recognition.

If we reflect deeply, do we not sometimes act like the townmates of Jesus? Many of us can be quick to judge and belittle our fellowmen and even our relatives who have achieved a certain degree of success in their lives. Instead of rejoicing with them, we sometimes allow envy and pride to take root in our hearts.

Why are we quick to belittle? Why are we quick to give unjust judgment? This can come from envy, from our very high regard for ourselves, and perhaps from our status in life. 

At times, we place ourselves on a pedestal so high that we can no longer bend our knees in humility before God and before others. We can no longer recognize worthy achievements because our eyes are clouded by the cataract of our egos and self-image. And when we are quick to judge and scorn others, we also open ourselves to the same judgment and scorn. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, to encourage rather than to discourage, and to lift others up rather than pull them down. When we celebrate the blessings and successes of others, we reflect the love, humility, and generosity of the Lord. 

Let us not judge. Let us not envy. Instead, let us choose to be happy for those who achieve success. Let us learn to affirm, appreciate, and encourage one another while we still have the chance. 

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we building others up, or are we silently tearing them down through envy, pride, or indifference? 

If Jesus were to stand before us today—not as someone distant, but as someone we already know—would we recognize Him with humility and love, or would we allow pride and envy to blind our hearts? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 4 Miyerkules ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, si Jesus ay nagtungo sa sariling bayan, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pagdating ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, nagturo siya sa sinagoga, nagtaka ang maraming nakarinig sa kanya at nagtanong, "Saan niya nakuha ang lahat ng iyan? Anong karunungan itong ipinagkaloob sa kanya? Paano siya nakagagawa ng mga kababalaghan? 

Hindi ba ito ang karpinterong anak ni Maria, at kapatid nina Santiago,Jose, Judas, at Simon? Dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba?" At siya'y ayaw nilang kilanlin. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, "Ang propeta'y iginagalang ng lahat, liban lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan, mga kamag-anak, at mga kasambahay." 

Hindi siya nakagawa ng anumang kababalaghan doon, maliban sa pagpapatong ng kanyang kamay sa ilang maysakit upang pagalingin ang mga ito. Nagtaka siya sapagkat hindi sila sumampalataya. At nilibot ni Jesus ang mga nayon sa paligid upang magturo.

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Repleksyon:

May isang matagumpay na negosyante na matapos siyang pumanaw, ay binigyan ng mararangyang papuri ng kanyang mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan sa kanyang burol—mga papuring karapat-dapat sapagkat siya ay mabuti at mapagkumbabang tao. Ngunit ang mga papuring ito ay hindi nila sinabi sa kanya noong siya ay nabubuhay pa dahil naiinggit sila sa kanya.

Madalas, hinihintay pa natin na maging huli ang lahat bago natin ipahayag ang ating pagpapahalaga sa kabutihang nakikita natin sa iba. Madalas, hinahayaan natin na ang ating pagmamataas, inggit, o pananahimik ang pumigil sa atin na magbigay ng pagpapalakas ng loob sa mga taong karapat-dapat naman nito habang kasama pa natin sila.

Nang bumalik si Jesus sa lugar kung saan Siya lumaki—sa Nazaret—pumunta Siya sa kanilang sinagoga upang magturo. Nagsalita Siya na puno ng karunungan. Ngunit si Jesus ay hindi nakatanggap ng anumang pagbati—kahit simpleng pakikipagkamay o pagkilala man lamang mula sa Kanyang mga kababayan.

Sa halip, tinanggap Niya ang panlilibak at paghamak sapagkat hindi nila matanggap na ang isang dating karpintero ay makapagsasalita sa kanila nang may ganitong karunungan at kapangyarihan. Kilala nila Siya, ngunit hindi nila matanggap na darating ang araw na Siya ay magsasalita sa kanilang sinagoga. Kaya minamaliit nila si Jesus sa halip na ibigay ang pagkilalang nararapat sa Kanya.

Kung susuriin natin ang ating mga sarili, hindi ba minsan ay nagiging katulad din tayo ng mga kababayan ni Jesus? Marami sa atin ang madaling humusga at maliitin ang ating kapwa, maging ang ating mga kamag-anak na nagtatagumpay sa kanilang buhay. Sa halip na makigalak sa kanila, minsan ay hinahayaan natin na ang inggit at pagmamataas ang mamayani sa ating puso.

Bakit tayo madaling mangmaliit? Bakit tayo madaling humusga? Maaaring nagmumula ito sa inggit, sa mataas na pagtingin natin sa ating sarili.

May mga pagkakataon na inilalagay natin ang ating sarili sa napakataas na pedestal kaya hindi na tayo marunong magpapakumbaba sa harap ng Diyos at ng ating kapwa. Hindi na natin nakikita ang mga karapat-dapat purihin dahil ang ating paningin ay nababalot na ng “katarata” dahil sa mataas na pagtingin natin sa ating sarili. At kung mabilis tayong humusga at manghamak ng iba, binubuksan din natin ang ating sarili sa ganoon ding paghusga at paghamak.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, tinatawag tayo na mamuhay nang iba. Tinatawag tayo na makigalak sa mga nagagalak, magpalakas ng loob sa halip na magpahina, at mag-angat ng kapwa sa halip na magpabagsak. Kapag ipinagdiriwang natin ang tagumpay at biyaya ng iba, naipapakita natin ang pag-ibig, kababaang-loob, at kabutihang-loob ng Panginoon.

Huwag tayong humusga. Huwag tayong mainggit. Sa halip, piliin nating matuwa sa tagumpay ng iba. Matuto tayong kumilala, magpasalamat, at magpalakas ng loob sa isa’t isa habang may pagkakataon pa tayo.

Tayo ba ay nagtatayo ng kapwa, o tahimik natin silang winawasak sa pamamagitan ng inggit, pagmamataas, o kawalang-pakialam?

Kung si Jesus ay tumayo sa ating harapan ngayon—hindi bilang isang estranghero, kundi bilang isang taong kilala na natin—makikilala ba natin Siya nang may pagpapakumbaba at pag-ibig, o hahayaan ba natin na ang ating pagmamataas at inggit ang bumulag sa ating puso? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 3 Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.  

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.  

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”  

 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer? Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

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Reflection:

Sickness and death are words that we are afraid to hear, much less experience. Who among us wants to get sick, and who among us wants to die? No one, because we all desire to enjoy the life that God has given us. Yet physical death, brought about by our human nature, is a certainty of life that none of us can escape. It will visit each one of us one day, because physical death is part of the natural process of life here on earth.

But there is another form of death that is far more dangerous. This is called spiritual death. It is something the devil continually tries to lure us into. The evil one tempts us to commit sin, and if we are not watchful and prayerful, we may fall into this trap. This can result in our separation from the love of God unless we humbly return to Him and submit ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), where His mercy and forgiveness are always waiting for us.

In the Gospel, we encounter a sick woman with great faith. She longed to touch even just the tassel of Jesus’ clothes because she believed that the moment she did, she would be healed of her sickness. So, while Jesus was passing by, she reached out in faith, touched His clothes, and immediately she was healed.

Jesus felt that power had gone out of Him, so He asked the crowd, “Who touched my clothes?” Upon hearing this, the woman fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And Jesus, full of compassion and love, said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.”

Many people were touching Jesus at that time, yet He did not feel power leave Him. Why was it different when this woman touched Him? It was because she reached out not just with her hands, but with her heart. She was in deep need of healing. She had living faith. She believed with all her heart that Jesus would heal her the moment she touched Him.

There will come moments in our lives when we, too, will be in need of Jesus’ healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. When those moments come, may we never doubt the power of our Lord to heal, restore, and make us whole again. May we learn to reach out to Him not only in words, but in deep faith, trust, and surrender.

Are we merely close to Jesus in presence, or are we truly reaching out to Him in faith, trusting that He alone can heal and restore our lives? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Pebrero 3 Martes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:21-43

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:21-43

Noong panahong iyon, muling tumawid si Hesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakasakay sa bangka. Nasa baybay pa siya ng lawa ay pinagkalipumpunan na siya ng maraming tao. Dumating ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Jairo, isang tagapamahala ng sinagoga. Pagkakita kay Hesus, siya’y nagpatirapa sa kanyang paanan, at ang samo: “Agaw-buhay po ang anak kong dalagita. 

Kung maaari, sumama kayo sa akin at ipatong ninyo sa kanya ang inyong kamay upang siya’y gumaling at mabuhay!” Sumama naman si Hesus. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming taong nagsisiksikan, anupa’t halos maipit na siya. 

May isang babae roon na labindalawang taon nang dinudugo, at lubhang nahihirapan. Marami nang manggagamot ang tumingin sa kanya, at naubos na sa kapapagamot ang kanyang ari-arian, ngunit hindi siya napabuti kahit kaunti bagkus ay lalong lumubha. Narinig niya ang sinasabi ng mga tao tungkol kay Hesus, kaya’t nakipagsiksikan siya hanggang sa makalapit sa likuran ni Hesus. At hinipo niya ang damit nito. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, “Mahipo ko lang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako.” 

Biglang tumigil ang kanyang pagdudugo at naramdaman niyang magaling na siya. Naramdaman naman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa kanya, kaya’t bumaling siya sa mga tao at nagtanong, “Sino ang humipo sa akin?” Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad, “Nakikita po ninyong nagsisiksikan ang napakaraming tao, bakit itinatanong ninyo kung sino ang humipo sa inyo?” Subalit patuloy na luminga-linga si Hesus, hinahanap ang humipo sa kanya. Palibhasa’y alam ng babae ang nangyari, siya’y nanginginig sa takot na lumapit kay Hesus, nagpatirapa, at ipinagtapat ang buong katotohanan.  

Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Anak pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig sa akin. Umuwi ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban. Lubusan ka nang magaling sa iyong karamdaman.” Samantalang nagsasalita pa si Hesus, may ilang dumating mula sa bahay ni Jairo. “Patay na po ang anak ninyo,” sabi nila. “Bakit pa ninyo aabalahin ang Guro?” Hindi pinansin ni Hesus ang kanilang sinabi, sa halip ay sinabi sa tagapamahala, “Huwag kang mabagabag, manalig ka.”  

At wala siyang isinama kundi si Pedro at ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan. Nang dumating sila sa bahay ng tagapamahala, nakita ni Hesus na gulung-gulo ang mga tao; may mga nananangis pa at nananaghoy. Pagpasok niya ay kanyang sinabi, “Bakit kayo nagkakagulo at nananangis? Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lamang!” 

Ngunit pinagtawanan siya ng mga tao. Pinalabas niya ang lahat, maliban sa ama’t ina ng bata at sa tatlong alagad, at sila’y pumasok sa kinaroroonan ng bata. Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at sinabi, “Talita kumi,” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Ineng, sinasabi ko sa iyo, magbangon ka!” Pagdaka’y bumangon ang bata at lumakad. Siya’y labindalawang taon na. At namangha ang lahat. Mahigpit na ipinagbilin ni Hesus na huwag ipaalam ito kaninuman; at iniutos niyang bigyan ng pagkain ang bata.

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Repleksyon:

Ang karamdaman at kamatayan ay mga salitang kinatatakutan nating marinig, lalo na kung tayo mismo ang makararanas nito. Sino ba sa atin ang gustong magkasakit? Sino ba sa atin ang gustong mamatay? Wala, sapagkat lahat tayo ay nagnanais na maranasan at matamasa ang buhay na kaloob sa atin ng Diyos.

Ngunit ang pisikal na kamatayan, bunga ng ating pagiging tao, ay isang katiyakan sa buhay na walang sinuman sa atin ang makatatakas. Darating ito sa bawat isa sa atin balang araw, sapagkat bahagi ito ng likas na takbo ng buhay dito sa mundo.

Ngunit may isa pang uri ng kamatayan na higit na mapanganib—ang espirituwal na kamatayan. Ito ang patuloy na sinusubukang iparanas sa atin ng demonyo. Inaanyayahan niya tayo na magkasala, at kung hindi tayo magiging mapagbantay at mapanalanginin, maaari tayong mahulog sa kanyang bitag.

Maaari itong magbunga ng pagkakahiwalay natin sa pag-ibig ng Diyos, maliban na lamang kung tayo ay buong pagpapakumbabang lalapit sa Kanya at tatanggap sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo o Kumpisal, kung saan laging naghihintay ang Kanyang awa at kapatawaran para sa atin.

Sa Mabuting Balita, makikita natin ang isang babaeng may sakit ngunit may matibay na pananampalataya. Ninais niyang mahawakan kahit ang laylayan lamang ng kasuotan ni Hesus, sapagkat naniniwala siya na sa sandaling magawa niya iyon, siya ay gagaling. Kaya habang dumaraan si Hesus, puno ng pananampalataya siyang lumapit, hinawakan ang Kanyang kasuotan, at agad siyang gumaling.

Naramdaman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas mula sa Kanya kaya tinanong Niya ang mga tao, “Sino ang humawak sa aking kasuotan?” Nang marinig ito, lumuhod ang babae sa harap Niya at sinabi ang buong katotohanan. At sinabi ni Hesus sa kanya, “Anak, pinagaling ka ng iyong pananampalataya. Humayo ka nang payapa at gumaling ka sa iyong karamdaman.”

Marami ang sumasagi at humahawak kay Hesus noon, ngunit hindi Niya naramdaman na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa Kanya. Bakit nang hawakan Siya ng babaeng iyon ay naramdaman Niya ito? Sapagkat ang babae ay lumapit hindi lamang gamit ang kanyang kamay kundi gamit ang kanyang puso. Malaki ang kanyang pangangailangan. Buhay ang kanyang pananampalataya. Buong puso siyang naniwala na pagagalingin siya ni Hesus sa sandaling mahawakan niya Siya.

Darating din ang mga pagkakataon sa ating buhay na tayo ay mangangailangan ng kagalingan mula kay Hesus—maaaring pisikal, emosyonal, o espirituwal. Kapag dumating ang panahong iyon, nawa’y huwag tayong mag-alinlangan sa kapangyarihan ng Panginoon na magpagaling, magpanumbalik, at magbigay ng bagong buhay sa atin. Matuto sana tayong lumapit sa Kanya hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa malalim na pananampalataya, pagtitiwala, at buong pagsuko ng ating sarili.

Lumalapit ba tayo kay Hesus nang may buong pananampalataya, nagtitiwala na Siya lamang ang makapagpapagaling at makapagpapanumbalik ng ating buhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Monday February 2 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord: Luke 2:22-40

Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses. Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Just as it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord. And to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.  

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.   

He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying: “Now, Master, you may let your servant go  in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”  

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted —and you yourself a sword will pierce—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”  

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a dying man who had one fervent wish before he died. His deepest longing was to see Jesus in the flesh and to speak with Him, even if only for a brief moment. Sadly, his wish was never fulfilled, for he died without seeing Jesus. This story invites us to reflect and ask ourselves: Is there a “magic word” that allows us to see Jesus? Is there a secret that enables us to encounter Him in our lives?

When the Child Jesus was brought into the temple to be presented to the Lord, it was in fulfillment of Jewish law, which required that a child be brought to the temple forty days after birth to be offered to God. This ordinary act of obedience became a sacred moment where heaven gently touched earth.

In our Gospel, we meet a holy man named Simeon, who also had one fervent wish before he died—to see the Messiah. Simeon was greatly blessed, for he not only saw the Child Jesus but also held Him tenderly in his arms. Was this encounter a matter of chance? Was Simeon simply fortunate to be in the right place at the right time? No. Luck had nothing to do with it. As the Gospel tells us, Simeon was a righteous and devout man, one who lived in faithful obedience and constant hope.

Simeon wholeheartedly strove to follow the teachings of his faith. Because of this, God—through the Holy Spirit—granted him the rare and precious grace of seeing and embracing the Child Jesus before his death. What a beautiful way to leave this world! Is this not also our deepest desire—that before our final breath, we may see Jesus and feel His loving presence as He gently leads us home?

When people approach the end of their lives, we often hear them say that they see their departed loved ones waiting for them. Rarely do we hear someone say that they see Jesus standing beside them. And yet, through the life of Simeon, we are shown that seeing Jesus is not reserved for the fortunate few—it is a grace prepared for hearts that are ready.

Through Simeon, we discover the path, the “secret” if we may call it, to encountering Jesus—not only at the hour of our death, but even now in our daily lives. We are called to live righteously. We are invited to become devout and faithful followers of Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts, our choices, and our way of living.

If our life were to end now, would our hearts be ready to recognize Jesus when He comes to meet us? Are we living in such a way that, like Simeon, we may joyfully behold the Lord—not only at the end of our journey, but in every moment of our lives? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Lunes Pebrero 2 Kapistahan ng Pagdadala kay Hesus na Panginoon sa Templo: Lucas 2:22-40

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:22-40

Nang dumating ang araw ng paglilinis sa kanila, ayon sa Kautusan ni Moises, si Jesus ay dinala ng kanyang mga magulang sa Jerusalem upang iharap sa Panginoon, sapagkat ayon sa Kautusan, "Ang bawat panganay na lalaki ay nakatalaga sa Panginoon." At naghandog sila, ayon sa hinihingi ng Kautusan ng Panginoon: "Mag-asawang batu-bato, o dalawang inakay na kalapati."

May isang tao noon sa Jerusalem, ang pangala'y Simeon. Matapat at malapit sa Diyos ang lalaking ito at naghihintay sa katubusan ng Israel. Sumasakanya ang Espiritu Santo na nagpahayag sa kanya na hindi siya mamamatay hangga't hindi niya nakikita ang Mesias na ipinangako ng Panginoon.

Sa patnubay ng Espiritu, pumasok siya sa templo. At nang dalhin doon ng kanyang mga magulang ang sanggol na si Jesus upang gawin ang hinihingi ng Kautusan, siya'y kinalong ni Simeon.

Ito'y nagpuri sa Diyos, na ang wika, "Kunin mo na Panginoon ang iyong abang alipin, Ayon sa iyong pangako, Yamang nakita na ng aking mga mata ang iyong tagapagligtas, Na inihanda mo para sa lahat ng bansa: Liwanag itong tatanglaw sa mga Hentil, At magbibigay-karangalan sa iyong bayang Israel."

Namangha ang ama't ina ng sanggol dahil sa sinabi ni Simeon tungkol sa kanya. Binasbasan sila ni Simeon, at sinabi kay Maria, "Tandaan mo, ang batang ito'y nakatalaga sa ikapapahamak o ikaliligtas ng marami sa Israel, isang tanda mula sa Diyos ngunit hahamakin ng marami kaya't mahahayag ang kanilang iniisip. Dahil diyan, ang puso mo'y para na ring tinarakan ng isang balaraw."

Naroon din sa templo ang isang propetang babae na ang ngala'y Ana, anak ni Fanuel na mula sa lipi ni Aser. Siya'y napakatanda na. Pitong taon lamang silang nagsama ng kanyang asawa, nang siya'y mabalo, at ngayon, walumpu't apat na taon na siya. Lagi siya sa templo at araw gabi'y sumasamba sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pag-aayuno at pananalangin.

Lumapit siya nang oras ding iyon at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Nagsalita rin siya tungkol kay Jesus sa lahat ng naghihintay sa pagpapalaya ng Diyos sa Jerusalem. Nang maisagawa nila ang lahat ng bagay ayon sa Kautusan, bumalik na sila sa kanilang bayan, sa Nazaret, Galilea. Ang bata'y lumaking malakas, marunong at kalugud-lugod sa paningin ng Diyos.

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang lalaking nasa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay. Mayroon siyang isang taimtim na kahilingan bago siya pumanaw—ang makita si Hesus nang personal at makausap Siya, kahit sa sandaling panahon lamang. Sa kasamaang-palad, hindi natupad ang kanyang kahilingan sapagkat siya’y namatay nang hindi Siya nakita. Dahil dito, tayo’y inaanyayahang magnilay: Mayroon bang mahiwagang salita upang makita natin si Hesus? Mayroon bang lihim upang tunay nating makatagpo ang Panginoon?

Nang dalhin ang Sanggol na si Hesus sa templo upang iharap sa Panginoon, ito’y alinsunod sa Kautusang Hudyo na nag-uutos na ang isang sanggol ay iharap sa Diyos apatnapung araw matapos ipanganak. Ang karaniwang gawaing ito ng pagsunod ay naging isang banal na sandali kung saan ang langit at lupa ay nagtagpo.

Sa ating Mabuting Balita, ay may isang banal na tao na nagngangalang Simeon. Tulad ng lalaking nasa kuwento, mayroon din siyang isang taimtim na hangarin bago siya mamatay—ang makita ang Mesiyas. Pinagpala si Simeon sapagkat hindi lamang niya nakita ang Sanggol na si Hesus, kundi kanyang niyakap at hinawakan Siya sa kanyang mga bisig.

Ito ba’y dahil lamang sa swerte? Nagkataon lamang ba na siya’y nasa tamang lugar at tamang oras? Hindi. Walang kinalaman ang swerte sa kanyang pagtatagpo sa Banal na Mag-anak. Ayon sa Mabuting Balita, si Simeon ay isang taong matuwid at maka-Diyos.

Buong puso niyang sinikap na isabuhay ang kanyang pananampalataya. Dahil dito, ipinagkaloob ng Diyos, sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo, ang isang bihira at napakagandang biyaya—ang makita at makarga ang Sanggol na si Hesus bago siya pumanaw.

Napakagandang paraan ng pagpanaw! Hindi ba’t ito rin ang minimithi ng ating mga puso—na bago ang ating huling hininga, ay makita natin si Hesus at maramdaman ang Kanyang mapagmahal na presensya habang tayo’y pauwi na sa kaharian ng Ama?

Kapag ang isang tao ay nalalapit na sa kamatayan, madalas nating marinig na sinasabi niyang nakikita na niya ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay na nauna nang pumanaw. Bihira nating marinig na sinasabi niyang si Hesus ang kanyang nakikita.

Gayunman, sa buhay ni Simeon, ipinapakita sa atin na ang pagkakita kay Hesus ay hindi lamang para sa iilan, kundi isang biyayang inihahanda ng Diyos para sa mga pusong handang tumanggap sa Kanya.

Sa buhay ni Simeon, natutuklasan natin ang landas—ang “lihim,” kung maaari nating tawagin—upang makatagpo si Hesus, hindi lamang sa oras ng ating kamatayan kundi maging sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Tayo ay tinatawagan na mamuhay nang may katuwiran. Inaanyayahan tayong maging tapat at debotong mga tagasunod ni Kristo, hinahayaan ang Espiritu Santo na hubugin ang ating mga puso, mga pasya, at buong buhay.

Kung tayo’y haharap sa kamatayan ngayon, handa ba ang ating mga puso na makilala at salubungin si Hesus? Nabubuhay ba tayo sa paraang tulad ni Simeon—na sa bawat araw ng ating buhay, ay namumuhay tayong handang masilayan ang Panginoon kapag Siya’y dumating? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for February 1 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:1-12a

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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Reflection:

What are the Beatitudes all about?

The Beatitudes are not merely words to be admired; they are a way of life that Jesus lovingly offered to His disciples—and to all of us. They gently lead us toward humility and invite us into a life of total dependence on God.

As we pause and look honestly at our own lives, we are invited to ask ourselves: Do we truly live with humility and trust in the Lord?

When we choose humility, we draw closer to God, surrendering our plans, struggles, and desires to His loving will. When we place our full dependence on Him, we learn to put God above all else, trusting not in our own strength but in His faithfulness to bring our hopes and endeavors to fulfillment.

We are called to let go of our selfish and self-centered ways, for these paths lead only to emptiness, misery, and spiritual desolation. Instead, we are invited to humbly embrace the Beatitudes of Jesus, knowing that they point us toward true freedom, lasting joy, and the promise of salvation.

As we journey through our daily lives, the Beatitudes challenge us to choose humility over pride, trust over self-reliance, and surrender over control.

Are we ready to allow these teachings of Jesus to shape our hearts, transform our choices, and lead us more fully into the life God desires for us? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Pebrero 1 Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:1-12a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12a

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Hesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya’y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila’y tinuruan niya ng ganito: 

“Mapalad ang mga aba na wala nang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.” “Mapalad ang mga nahahapis sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga mapagkumbaba, sapagkat tatamuhin nila ang ipinangako ng Diyos.” 

“Mapalad ang mga nagmimithing makatupad sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat ipagkakaloob sa kanila ang kanilang minimithi.” “Mapalad ang mga mahabagin, sapagkat kahahabagan sila ng Diyos.” 

“Mapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, sapagkat makikita nila ang Diyos.” “Mapalad ang mga gumagawa ng daan sa ikapagkakasundo, sapagkat sila’y ituturing ng Diyos na mga anak niya.” 

“Mapalad ang mga pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.” 

“Mapalad kayo kapag dahil sa aki’y inaalimura kayo ng mga tao, pinag-uusig at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na pawang kasinungalingan. Magdiwang kayo at magalak, sapagkat malaki ang inyong gantimpala sa Langit.”

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Repleksyon:

Ano nga ba ang kahulugan ng mga Mapapalad?

Ang mga Mapapalad ay hindi lamang mga salita; ito ay isang paraan ng pamumuhay na buong pagmamahal na ibinigay ni Hesus sa Kanyang mga alagad—at sa ating lahat. Inaanyayahan tayo nito sa landas ng kababaang-loob at ganap na pagtitiwala sa Diyos.

Sa ating paghinto at tapat na pagtingin sa ating sariling buhay, tayo ay inaanyayahang magtanong: Namumuhay ba tayo nang may kababaang-loob at tunay na pagtitiwala sa Panginoon?

Kapag pinili natin ang pagpapakumbaba, mas napapalapit tayo sa Diyos at buong pagpapasakop na iniaalay sa Kanya ang ating mga plano, paghihirap, at mga hangarin. Kapag lubos tayong umaasa sa Kanya, natututo tayong unahin ang Diyos higit sa lahat, hindi ang ating sariling lakas kundi ang Kanyang katapatan ang ating pinagtitiwalaan sa katuparan ng ating mga pag-asa at pagsusumikap.

Tayo ay tinatawag na talikuran ang ating makasarili at makasentro-sa-sariling mga gawi, sapagkat ang mga ito’y nagdadala lamang ng kawalan ng saysay, pagdurusa, at espirituwal na kawalan. Sa halip, inaanyayahan tayong buong kababaang-loob na yakapin ang mga sinasabi ni Hesus patungkol sa mga Mapapalad. Sapagkat dito natin matatagpuan ang tunay na kalayaan, pangmatagalang kagalakan, at ang landas tungo sa kaligtasan.

Sa ating araw-araw na paglalakbay, hinahamon tayo ng mga Mapapalad na piliin ang pagpapakumbaba kaysa kayabangan, pagtitiwala kaysa pag-asa sa sarili, at ganap na pagpapasakop kaysa pagnanais na gawin ang gusto natin.

Handa ba tayong pahintulutan ang mga turo ni Hesus na hubugin ang ating puso, baguhin ang ating mga pasiya, at akayin tayo sa buhay na ninanais ng Diyos para sa ating lahat? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday January 31 Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.  

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still! The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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Reflection:

Do we carry something in our hearts today that quietly troubles us? Perhaps a worry we cannot name, a burden we have not shared, or a fear we try to hide. We need not be overly anxious, for even these moments can become a test—and a strengthening—of our faith in the Lord. We are gently invited to trust Him more deeply, remembering that He is a faithful God who will never forsake us.

When Jesus allowed His disciples to pass through a violent storm, was He simply testing their faith? In that moment, their fear revealed how fragile their trust still was. Yet Jesus calmed the raging winds and waves, not only to still the storm, but to assure them that He remained in complete control. Even in chaos, His presence was enough.

We, too, will face storms in our lives. Some are loud and visible, while others are silent and hidden deep within our hearts. The question is not whether storms will come, but how we choose to face them. Do we allow these storms to overwhelm us and rob us of peace? Do we let them disrupt our daily lives and weaken our hope? Or do we strive to remain calm, trusting that the Lord is with us even in the fiercest moments?

Faith calls us to choose calm over panic, trust over fear. We can remain steadfast because Jesus is with us—today, tomorrow, and always. We believe that He will take care of the storms we are facing now and those we have yet to encounter.

Oftentimes, we are easily shaken by life’s storms because our faith is still growing. We tend to rely more on ourselves than on God. Yet if we learn to trust the Lord more than our own limited understanding, and if we place our confidence in His infinite wisdom, our hearts will begin to change.

Then we will truly discover how mighty and powerful Jesus is. We will realize that the Good Lord is more than enough to overcome every storm that enters our lives. Thus, we are called to surrender fully, to trust completely, and to rest in the assurance that God is at work—even when the storm is still raging.

When fear rises and faith is tested, will we choose to trust the One who calms the storm—or will we continue to doubt even while He is in our boat? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Enero 31 Paggunita kay San Juan Bosco, pari: Marcos 4:35-41

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:35-41

Noong araw na iyon, habang nagtatakip-silim na, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Tumawid tayo sa ibayo." Kaya't iniwan nila ang mga tao, at sumakay sa bangkang kinalululanan ni Jesus upang itawid siya. May kasabay pa silang ibang mga bangka. Dumating ang malakas na unos. Hinampas ng malalaking alon ang bangka, anupa't halos mapuno ito ng tubig.  

Si Jesus nama'y nakahilig sa unan sa may hulihan ng bangka at natutulog. Ginising siya ng mga alagad, "Guro," anila, "di ba ninyo alintana? Lulubog na tayo!" Bumangon si Jesus at iniutos sa hangin, "Tigil!" At sinabi sa dagat, "Tumahimik ka!" Tumigil ang hangin at tumahimik ang dagat.  

Pagkatapos, sinabi niya sa mga alagad, "Bakit kayo natatakot? Wala pa ba kayong pananampalataya?" Sinidlan sila ng matinding takot at panggigilalas, at nagsabi sa isa't isa, "Sino nga kaya ito, at sinusunod maging ng hangin at ng dagat?"

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Repleksyon:

Mayroon ba tayong dinadala sa ating mga puso na mabigat na alalahanin? Isang alalahaning hindi masabi, isang sugat na pilit tinatago, o isang takot na patuloy nating kinikimkim.

Hindi tayo dapat labis na mag-alala, sapagkat maging ang mga sandaling ito ay maaaring maging pagsubok—at pagpapalalim—ng ating pananampalataya sa Panginoon. Inaanyayahan tayong magtiwala nang mas lubos sa Kanya, sapagkat Siya ay tapat at hindi Niya tayo kailanman pababayaan.

Nang pahintulutan ni Hesus na danasin ng Kanyang mga alagad ang isang mabagsik na unos, sinusubok lamang ba Niya ang kanilang pananampalataya? Sa sandaling iyon, nahayag ang kanilang pangamba at kahinaan ng kanilang pagtitiwala. Ngunit pinatahimik ni Hesus ang nagngangalit na hangin at alon, hindi lamang upang pahupain ang unos, kundi upang ipaalala sa kanila na Siya ang may ganap na kapangyarihan sa lahat ng bagay. Kahit sa gitna ng kaguluhan, sapat ang Kanyang presensya.

Tayo man ay dadaan sa mga unos ng buhay. May mga unos na lantad at malakas, at mayroon ding mga unos na tahimik at nakatago sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. Hindi ang tanong kung darating ba ang unos, kundi kung paano natin ito haharapin. Hahayaan ba nating manaig ang takot at panghinaan tayo ng loob?

Papayagan ba nating agawin ng mga unos ang ating kapayapaan at sirain ang takbo ng ating pang-araw-araw na buhay? O pipiliin nating manatiling panatag, sapagkat alam nating kasama natin ang Panginoon?

Inaanyayahan tayo na piliin ang kapanatagan sa halip na pangamba, at ang pagtitiwala sa halip na takot. Maaari tayong manatiling matatag sapagkat si Hesus ay kasama natin—ngayon, bukas, at magpakailanman. Nananampalataya tayo na aalagaan Niya tayo sa mga unos na ating pinagdaraanan ngayon, pati na rin sa mga unos na darating pa.

Kadalasan, tayo ay madaling matinag ng mga unos ng buhay sapagkat kulang pa ang ating pananampalataya. Mas madalas tayong umasa sa ating sarili kaysa sa Diyos. Ngunit kung matututuhan lamang nating magtiwala sa Panginoon nang higit kaysa sa ating limitadong pag-unawa, at ipagkatiwala ang lahat sa Kanyang walang hanggang karunungan, unti-unting babaguhin ng Diyos ang ating mga puso.

Sa gayon, tunay nating matutuklasan kung gaano kamakapangyarihan si Hesus. Mauunawaan natin na ang Mabuting Panginoon ay higit na sapat upang daigin ang anumang unos na dumating sa ating buhay. Kaya’t tayo ay inaanyayahang lubusang sumuko, ganap na magtiwala, at mamahinga sa katiyakang ang Diyos ay patuloy na kumikilos—kahit tila hindi pa humuhupa ang unos.

Kapag sinubok ang ating pananampalataya at bumabalot ang takot sa ating mga puso, pipiliin ba nating magtiwala sa Panginoong nagpapatahimik ng unos—o mananatili tayong nag-aalinlangan kahit alam nating Siya ay kasama natin sa ating bangka? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 30 Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come."  

He said, "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade."

With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

Do we realize that God has scattered the seeds of faith in our hearts?

Our knowledge of God always begins with a small seed quietly planted in our minds and hearts. When we were young, we already knew that there is a God, yet we did not fully understand who He is or what role He plays in our lives. As we grow and mature, we slowly begin to nurture this seed—by thinking more deeply about God, by attending Holy Mass, by reading the Scriptures, and by learning more about our faith through the many means available to us.

As we do these things, the small seed that God has planted in us begins to grow. Little by little, God becomes the stronghold of our lives. He becomes our safe refuge—the One we turn to in times of distress, confusion, doubt, and weakness. In Him, we find not only shelter, but also strength, peace, and hope.

Yet, not all of us nurture this seed of faith, and not all of us choose to seek refuge in God. Many of us, at times, look for comfort in our vices or in other people. But sooner or later, we discover that the refuge they offer is short-lived and passing. The only refuge that lasts forever is God. All other refuges fade with time and fail us when we need them most.

What, then, is our part in this divine work of God’s scattering of seeds? Our part is to help these seeds grow—not only in our own hearts, but also in the hearts of our brothers and sisters. We do this by sharing what we know about God, by living out His teachings in our daily lives, and by encouraging others to read the Scriptures and to attend Holy Mass.

And so, we are invited to ask ourselves: Are we truly nurturing the seed of faith that God has planted in our hearts—and are we helping it grow in others, or are we letting it wither away?-Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Enero 30 ng Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:26-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

Noong panahong iyon, Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad sa isang naghahasik ng binhi sa kanyang bukid. Pagkatapos niyon, magpapatuloy siya sa kanyang pang araw-araw na gawain, tutubo at lalago ang binhi nang hindi niya nalalaman kung paano. 

Ang lupa'y siyang nagpapasibol at nagpapabunga ng mga pananim: usbong muna, saka uhay na pagkatapos ay mahihitik sa mga butil. Pagkahinog ng mga butil, agad itong ipagagapas sapagkat dapat ng anihin."  

"Sa ano natin ihahambing ang paghahari ng Diyos?" sabi pa ni Jesus. "Anong talinghaga ang gagamitin natin upang ilarawan ito? Tulad ito ng butil ng mustasa na siyang pinakamaliit sa lahat ng binhi. Kapag natanim at lumago, ito'y nagiging pinakamalaki sa lahat ng puno ng gulay; nagkakasanga ito nang malalabay, anupat ang mga ibon ay nakapamumugad sa mga sanga nito."   

Ang Salita'y ipinangaral ni Jesus sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maraming talinghaga tulad nito, ayon sa makakaya ng kanilang pang-unawa. Hindi siya nangaral sa kanila nang hindi gumagamit ng talinghaga; ngunit ipinaliwanag niya nang sarilinan sa kanyang mga alagad ang lahat ng bagay.

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Repleksyon:

Alam ba natin na ikinalat na ng Diyos ang mga binhi ng pananampalataya sa ating mga puso?

Ang ating pagkakilala sa Diyos ay laging nagsisimula sa isang munting binhi na tahimik na itinatanim sa ating isipan at puso. Noong tayo’y bata pa, karamihan sa atin ay alam na may Diyos, ngunit hindi pa natin lubos na nauunawaan kung sino Siya at kung ano ang Kanyang papel sa ating buhay.

Habang tayo’y lumalago at nagkakaedad, unti-unti nating inaalagaan ang binhing ito—sa pamamagitan ng mas malalim na pagninilay tungkol sa Diyos, sa pagdalo sa Banal na Misa, sa pagbabasa ng Banal na Kasulatan, at sa patuloy na pag-aaral ng ating pananampalataya.

Sa pagdaan ng panahon ang maliit na binhing itinanim ng Diyos sa atin ay nagsisimulang lumago. Unti-unti, nagiging sandigan ng ating buhay ang Diyos. Siya ang nagiging ating kanlungan—ang ating takbuhan sa oras ng pagsubok, pagkalito, pagdududa, at kahinaan. Sa Kanya, hindi lamang tayo nakakahanap ng kanlungan, kundi pati ng lakas, kapayapaan, at pag-asa.

Gayunman, hindi lahat sa atin ay inaalagaan ang binhi ng pananampalataya, at hindi rin lahat sa atin ay pinipiling sa Diyos sumandig. Marami sa atin, kung minsan, ay naghahanap ng aliw sa bisyo o sa kapwa-tao. Ngunit kalaunan, natutuklasan nating panandalian at lumilipas ang kanlungang naibibigay nila. Ang tanging kanlungang nananatili magpakailanman ay ang Diyos. Ang lahat ng iba pang ating sinasandigan ay kumukupas at nawawala sa paglipas ng panahon.

Ano nga ba ang ating bahagi sa banal na gawaing ito ng Diyos ng paghahasik ng mga binhi? Ang ating bahagi ay tulungan ang mga binhing ito na lumago—hindi lamang sa ating mga puso, kundi pati sa puso ng ating mga kapatid.

Magagawa natin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng ating nalalaman tungkol sa Diyos, sa pagsasabuhay ng Kanyang mga aral sa ating araw-araw na pamumuhay, at sa paghihikayat sa iba na basahin ang Banal na Kasulatan at dumalo sa Banal na Misa.

At kaya, tayo ay inaanyayahang tanungin ang ating mga sarili: Inaalagaan ba natin ang binhi ng pananampalatayang itinanim ng Diyos sa ating mga puso—at tinutulungan ba natin itong lumago sa puso ng iba, o hinahayaan na lamang ba natin itong matuyo at mamatay? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 29 Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 4:21-25

Gospel: Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.

He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

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Reflection:

Do we take time to share what we know about God? Do we truly live the faith that He Himself has entrusted to us? Our knowledge of God and our faith in Him are not meant to remain hidden or kept only for ourselves.

They grow, deepen, and blossom when we humbly learn to share them. In fact, we ourselves are transformed when we care enough to witness to what we believe. Yet we must ask: have we really thought of sharing not just ideas about God, but God Himself?

Oftentimes, we hesitate to share God because many people today are no longer centered on Him. The world teaches us to focus on how to earn a living, on material success, and on mere survival.

Little by little, we can forget what truly gives life meaning. But what kind of people are we forming—and what kind of hearts are we shaping—if we allow ourselves and others to become more focused on this world than on God?

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of a lamp that must not be hidden under a bed, for then it becomes useless. Instead, it is placed on a lampstand so that it may give light, guide those in darkness, and bring wisdom and enlightenment to all who see it.

Our knowledge of God and our faith are the lamps of our lives. They are not meant to be kept in silence or fear. We are called to live them and to share them so that others, too, may walk in the light. Sadly, many people do not come to know God because many of us fail to share and live what we already know about Him.

Therefore, let us bring the lighted lamp of Jesus into our homes, into our friends, and into every place where we are sent. Let us do this not with pride, but with humility, remembering that the light we carry is not our own—it is Christ’s light shining through us.

And so we ask ourselves today: if Christ has already placed His light in our hands, will we finally let it shine for others, or will we continue to keep it hidden? —Marino J. Dasmarinas