Reflection for April 9 Thursday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 

Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. 

He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 

And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

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Reflection:

Who moves and inspires us to go on when we feel spiritually and emotionally weary and tired? Of course, it is none other than Jesus. In those quiet moments when our strength seems to fade and our hearts grow heavy, we turn to Him in prayer.

We lift up our burdens, our fears, and our doubts, asking for His help and strength. And when we sincerely open our hearts to Him, we begin to feel renewed—strengthened from within—ready once again to face the many trials in our lives.

When the disciples of Jesus were feeling weary and discouraged, burdened by the thought that He had not risen, He suddenly stood in their midst and greeted them, “Peace be with you.” In their confusion and fear, He gently asked, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?” In that sacred moment, Jesus revealed Himself to them—not only to prove that He had truly risen, but to remind them that He had never left them.

If we are honest with ourselves, we often find our own hearts reflected in the lives of the apostles. We, too, experience doubt. We, too, feel abandoned at times. We, too, question the presence of the Lord in our lives, wondering if He truly sees us, if He truly hears us, if He is truly with us.

And yet, even in our questioning, the Lord does not turn away from us. Instead, He comes to us—quietly, gently—speaking peace into our restless hearts.

At times, we may ask: If Jesus is truly present, why do we still experience hardships, struggles, and pain? But perhaps it is in these very moments of difficulty that His presence becomes even more real. For it is in our weakness that His strength sustains us, and in our trials that His grace carries us through.

What, then, does this Gospel remind us? It assures us that we are never alone. The Risen Jesus walks with us each day, especially in moments of struggle and uncertainty. He remains by our side—guiding us, strengthening us, and lifting us up when we fall.

As we continue our journey of faith, may we learn to recognize His presence even in the ordinary moments of our lives. May we trust that He is always near, even when we do not feel Him.

And so we ask ourselves: When doubts arise and our hearts grow weary, will we continue to question His presence—or will we choose to trust, believe, and allow the Risen Jesus to fill us with His peace?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 9 Huwebes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:35-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:35-48

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang isinalaysay ng mga alagad ni Hesus ang nangyari sa daan, at kung paano nila siyang nakilala nang pagpira-pirasuhin niya ang tinapay. Samantalang pinag-uusapan nila ito, si Hesus ay tumayo sa gitna nila. "Sumainyo ang kapayapaan!" sabi niya sa kanila. Ngunit nagulat sila at natakot sapagkat ang akala nila'y multo ang nasa harapan nila. 

Kaya't sinabi ni Hesus sa kanila, "Ano't kayo'y nagugulumihanan? Bakit nag-aalinlangan pa kayo? Tingnan ninyo ang aking kamay at paa, ako nga ito. Hipuin nga ninyo at pagmasdan. Ang multo'y walang laman at buto, ngunit ako'y mayroon, tulad ng nakikita ninyo." At pagkasabi nito, ipinakita niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay at mga paa. Nang hindi pa rin sila makapaniwala dahil sa malaking galak at pagkamangha, tinanong sila ni Hesus, "May makakain ba riyan?" Siya'y binigyan nila ng kaputol na isdang inihaw, kinuha niya ito at kinain sa harapan nila. 

Pagkatapos, sinabi sa mga alagad, "Ito ang tinutukoy ko nang sabihin ko sa inyo noong kasama-sama pa ninyo ako: dapat matupad ang lahat ng nasusulat tungkol sa akin sa Kautusan ni Moises sa mga aklat ng mga propeta at sa aklat ng mga Awit." At binuksan niya ang kanilang mga pag-iisip upang maunawaan nila ang mga Kasulatan.  

Sinabi niya sa kanila. "Ganito ang mga nasusulat: kinakailangang magbata ng hirap at mamatay ang Mesias at muling mabuhay sa ikatlong araw. Sa kanyang pangalan, ang pagsisisi at kapatawaran ng mga kasalanan ay dapat ipangaral sa lahat ng bansa, magmula sa Jerusalem. Kayo ang mga saksi sa bagay na ito."

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Repleksyon:

Sino ang nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa atin upang magpatuloy kapag tayo ay nakakaramdam ng pagkapagod—sa espirituwal man o emosyonal na aspeto ng ating buhay? Siyempre, walang iba kundi si Jesus. Sa mga tahimik na sandali na tila nauubos ang ating lakas at bumibigat ang ating puso, lumalapit tayo sa Kanya sa panalangin.

Iniaalay natin ang ating mga pasanin, takot, at pag-aalinlangan, humihingi ng Kanyang tulong at lakas. At kapag buong puso tayong dumudulog sa Kanya, unti-unti nating nadarama ang panibagong sigla—at lakas—handa muli tayong harapin ang iba’t ibang pagsubok sa ating buhay.

Noong ang mga alagad ni Jesus ay nalulumbay at pinanghihinaan ng loob, dahil inakala nilang hindi Siya muling nabuhay, bigla Siyang tumayo sa gitna nila at binati sila, “Sumainyo ang kapayapaan.” Sa gitna ng kanilang takot at pagkalito, mahinahon Niya silang tinanong, “Bakit kayo nababagabag? At bakit nag-aalinlangan ang inyong mga puso?” Sa banal na sandaling iyon, ipinahayag ni Jesus ang Kanyang sarili sa kanila—hindi lamang upang patunayang Siya ay muling nabuhay, kundi upang ipaalala na hindi Niya sila iniwan kailanman. 

Kung magiging tapat tayo sa ating sarili, madalas nating makita ang ating sarili sa mga alagad. Tayo rin ay nagdududa. Tayo rin ay nakakaramdam na tila pinabayaan. Tayo rin ay nagtatanong kung tunay ngang kasama natin ang Panginoon—kung nakikita ba Niya tayo, kung naririnig ba Niya tayo, kung tunay nga bang Siya ay naririto sa ating buhay. 

Ngunit kahit sa gitna ng ating mga tanong at pagdududa, hindi tayo iniiwan ng Panginoon. Sa halip, Siya ay lumalapit sa atin—tahimik ngunit tiyak—nagdadala ng kapayapaan sa ating puso. 

May mga pagkakataon na nagtatanong tayo: Kung tunay ngang naririto si Jesus, bakit patuloy pa rin nating nararanasan ang hirap, pagsubok, at sakit? Subalit marahil, sa mismong mga sandaling ito ng kahinaan, mas lalo nating nararanasan ang Kanyang presensya. Sapagkat sa ating kahinaan, ang Kanyang lakas ang siyang umaalalay sa atin; at sa ating mga pagsubok, ang Kanyang biyaya ang siyang gumagabay at bumubuhat sa atin. 

Ano, kung gayon, ang paalala sa atin ng Ebanghelyo? Ipinapaalala nito na hindi tayo nag-iisa. Ang Muling Nabuhay na si Jesus ay patuloy na lumalakad kasama natin araw-araw, lalo na sa gitna ng ating mga paghihirap at pagsubok. Siya ay nananatiling nasa ating tabi—gumagabay, nagpapalakas, at nag-aangat sa atin sa tuwing tayo ay nadarapa. 

Sa pagpapatuloy ng daloy ng ating buhay, nawa’y matutunan nating kilalanin ang Kanyang presensya kahit sa mga karaniwang sandali ng ating buhay. Nawa’y patuloy tayong magtiwala na Siya ay laging malapit, kahit hindi natin Siya nadarama. 

Kaya tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Sa gitna ng ating pagdududa at pagkapagod, pipiliin ba nating mag-alinlangan—o pipiliin nating magtiwala, sumampalataya, at hayaang punuin tayo ng kapayapaan ng Muling Nabuhay na si Hesus?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 8 Wednesday in the Octave of Easter: Luke 24:13-35

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.  

He asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?" And he replied to them, "What sort of things?"  

They said to him, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. 

But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.  

Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see." And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.  

As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.  

Then they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

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Reflection:

Do we truly remain aware of the presence of Jesus in our lives?

As we reflect on the journey of Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus, we see a story that mirrors our own. They were walking with heavy hearts—downcast, burdened, and confused by all that had happened. Their hopes seemed shattered, their expectations unmet, and their spirits weighed down by sorrow.

And yet, in the midst of their sadness, something beautiful and profound was taking place.

The Risen Lord was already walking beside them.

But they did not recognize Him.

How often does this happen to us? In moments when we feel alone, abandoned, or overwhelmed by life’s trials, we fail to see that Jesus is already near—quietly walking with us, listening to us, and gently guiding us.

When Jesus asked, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” (Luke 24:17), He invited them to open their hearts. And they did—sharing not only their story but also their disappointments and false expectations. Like them, we too sometimes expect that following Jesus will make life easier, free from suffering, and filled only with blessings.

We may even, in our own way, see Him as someone who will solve all our problems instantly—a “superhero” who will remove every hardship.

But the path of discipleship is not a bed of roses.

The cross is part of our journey.

Jesus Himself showed us that love often involves sacrifice, that faith is tested through trials, and that hope is born in moments of darkness. Like Cleopas and his companion, we may feel confused when things do not go as we expect. We may question, doubt, or even lose heart.

Yet, the Gospel gently reminds us: we are never alone.

Even when we do not recognize Him, Jesus walks beside us.

Even when our hearts are heavy, He is already at work within us.

Even when hope seems lost, He is preparing us for a deeper encounter with His presence.

So let us continue to walk in faith. Let us persevere through our struggles, trusting that in God’s perfect time, our sorrow will be turned into joy, our discouragement into renewed strength, and our doubts into a deeper, unshakable hope.

For just as the Risen Lord revealed Himself to those two disciples, He will also reveal Himself to us—in ways we may not expect, but in moments we most need.

As we journey through the roads of our own lives, will we open our hearts and recognize Jesus walking beside us—or will we allow our doubts and disappointments to keep us from seeing His loving presence?—Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 8 Miyerkules sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Lucas 24:13-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 24:13-35

Nang araw ding iyon, ang dalawa sa mga alagad ay patungo sa isang nayong tinatawag na Emaus, may labing-isang kilometro ang layo sa Jerusalem. Pinag-uusapan nila ang mga pangyayari. Samantalang nag-uusap sila at nagtatanungan, lumapit si Hesus at nakisabay sa kanila.  

Siya'y nakita nila, ngunit hindi nakilala agad. Tinanong sila ni Hesus, "Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan ninyo?" At tumigil silang nalulumbay. Sinabi ng isa na ang ngala'y Cleopas, "Kayo po lamang yata ang dayuhan sa Jerusalem na hindi nakaaalam sa mga bagay na katatapos pa lamang nangyari roon." "Anong mga bagay?" tanong niya. At sumagot sila, "Tungkol kay Hesus na taga-Nazaret, isang propetang makapangyarihan sa gawa at sa salita, maging sa harapan ng Diyos at ng mga tao.  

Isinakdal siya ng aming mga punong saserdote at mga pinuno upang mahatulang mamatay, at siya'y ipinako sa krus. Siya pa naman ang inaasahan naming magpapalaya sa Israel. Hindi lamang iyan. Ikatlong araw na ngayon mula nang mangyari ito, nabigla kami sa ibinalita ng ilan sa mga babaing kasamahan namin. 

Maagang-maaga raw silang nagpunta sa libingan, at di nila natagpuan ang kanyang bangkay. Nagbalik sila at ang sabi'y nakakita raw sila ng isang pangitain -- mga anghel na nagsabing buhay si Hesus. Pumunta rin sa libingan ang ilan sa mga kasama namin at gayon nga ang natagpuan nila, ngunit hindi nila nakita si Hesus."  

Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, "Kay hahangal ninyo! Ano't hindi ninyo mapaniwalaan ang lahat ng sinabi ng mga propeta? Hindi ba't ang Mesias ay kailangang magbata ng lahat ng ito bago niya kamtan ang kanyang marangal na katayuan?" At ipinaliwanag sa kanila ni Hesus ang lahat ng nasasaad sa Kasulatan tungkol sa kanyang sarili, simula sa mga aklat ni Moises hanggang sa sinulat ng mga propeta. 

Malapit na sila sa nayong kanilang patutunguhan, at si Hesus ay waring magpapatuloy pa ng lakad. Ngunit siya'y pinakapigil-pigil nila. "Tumuloy na po kayo rito sa amin," anila, "sapagkat palubog na ang araw at dumidilim na." Kaya't sumama nga siya sa kanila. Nang siya'y kasalo na nila sa hapag, dumampot siya ng tinapay at nagpasalamat sa Diyos, saka pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa kanila.  

Nabuksan ang kanilang paningin at nakita nila si Hesus, subalit ito'y biglang nawala. At nawika nila, "Kaya pala gayon ang pakiramdam natin habang tayo'y kinakausap sa daan at ipinapaliwanag sa atin ang mga Kasulatan!" 

Noon di'y tumindig sila at nagbalik sa Jerusalem. Naratnan nilang nagkakatipon ang Labing-isa at ang ibang mga kasama nila na nag-uusap-usap, "Muli ngang nabuhay ang Panginoon! Napakita kay Simon!" At isinalaysay naman ng dalawa ang nangyari sa daan, at kung paano siyang nakilala nang paghati-hatiin niya ang tinapay.

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Repleksyon:

Tayo ba ay tunay na may kamalayan sa presensya ni Jesus sa ating buhay?

Sa ating pagninilay sa paglalakbay nina Cleopas at ng kanyang kasama patungong Emmaus, nakikita natin ang isang kuwento na sumasalamin sa sarili nating karanasan. Sila ay naglalakad na may mabibigat na puso—nalulungkot, nabibigatan, at nalilito sa mga nangyari. Ang kanilang mga inaasahan ay tila nawasak, at ang kanilang pag-asa ay tila unti-unting nawawala.

Ngunit sa gitna ng kanilang kalungkutan, may isang napakagandang katotohanan na nagaganap.

Ang Muling Nabuhay na Panginoon ay kasama na nila.

Ngunit hindi nila Siya nakilala.

Gaano kadalas itong nangyayari sa atin? Sa mga sandaling tayo ay nakakaramdam ng pag-iisa, panghihina, o tila ba pinabayaan na, hindi natin napapansin na si Jesus ay naroon na—tahimik na sumasabay sa ating paglalakbay, nakikinig sa ating mga hinaing, at marahang gumagabay sa atin.

Nang tanungin sila ni Jesus, “Ano ang inyong pinag-uusapan habang kayo’y naglalakad?” (Lucas 24:17), binuksan Niya ang pintuan ng kanilang mga puso. At sila nga ay nagbahagi—hindi lamang ng kanilang kuwento, kundi pati ng kanilang mga pagkadismaya at maling inaasahan. Tulad nila, tayo rin ay minsang umaasa na ang pagsunod kay Jesus ay magdudulot ng buhay na walang paghihirap, puno lamang ng biyaya at kaginhawaan.

Minsan pa nga, tinitingnan natin Siya bilang isang “tagapagligtas” na agad lulutas sa lahat ng ating problema.

Ngunit ang landas ng pagiging alagad ay hindi laging madali.

Ang krus ay bahagi ng ating paglalakbay.

Ipinakita mismo ni Jesus na ang tunay na pag-ibig ay may kasamang sakripisyo, na ang pananampalataya ay nasusubok sa gitna ng pagsubok, at ang pag-asa ay higit na tumitibay sa kadiliman. Tulad nina Cleopas, maaari rin tayong panghinaan ng loob kapag hindi nangyayari ang mga bagay ayon sa ating inaasahan. Maaari tayong magtanong, magduda, o mawalan ng pagasa.

Ngunit marahang ipinapaalala sa atin ng Ebanghelyo: hindi tayo kailanman nag-iisa.

Kahit hindi natin Siya nakikilala, si Jesus ay patuloy na naglalakad kasama natin.

Kahit mabigat ang ating puso, Siya ay kumikilos na sa ating buhay.

Kahit tila nawawala ang pag-asa, inihahanda Niya tayo sa isang mas malalim na karanasan ng Kanyang presensya.

Kaya magpatuloy tayo sa ating paglalakbay ng pananampalataya. Magtiwala tayo at magtiyaga, sapagkat sa tamang panahon ng Diyos, ang ating kalungkutan ay mapapalitan ng kagalakan, ang ating panghihina ay mapapalitan ng bagong lakas, at ang ating pagdududa ay magiging matatag na pag-asa.

Sapagkat kung paanong ipinahayag ni Jesus ang Kanyang sarili kina Cleopas at sa kanyang kasama, gayundin Niya ipapahayag ang Kanyang sarili sa atin—sa mga paraang hindi natin inaasahan, ngunit sa mga sandaling lubos natin Siyang kailangan.

Sa ating patuloy na paglalakbay sa buhay, bubuksan ba natin ang ating mga puso upang makilala si Jesus na kasama natin—o hahayaan ba natin ang ating mga pagdududa at pagkadismaya na hadlangan tayo na makita ang Kanyang mapagmahal na presensya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 7 Tuesday in the Octave of Easter: John 20:11-18

Gospel: John 20:11-18

Mary Magdalene stayed outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting there one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?

She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him. When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? 

Whom are you looking for? She thought it was the gardener and said to him,“ Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him. Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni, which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.

But go to my brothers and tell them,‘I am going to my Father and your Father to my God and your God.’Mary went and announced to the disciples,“I have seen the Lord, and then reported what he had told her.

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Reflection:

Do we always recognize the manifestation of Jesus in our lives? In so many quiet and unexpected ways, He continually reveals Himself to us in our daily journey. Yet, how often do we pause, reflect, and truly discern His presence? We need only to open the eyes of our hearts, to become still, and to recognize that He has been with us all along.

There are moments when we lose our way and follow our own desires, choosing paths that lead us away from Him. We fall, we fail, and at times, we feel distant and unworthy. But even then, Jesus never abandons us. In His great love and mercy, He gently calls us back, straightens our path, and reminds us that we are never alone. He whispers hope into our hearts and invites us to trust in Him once more.

Like Mary of Magdala, we too experience moments of sorrow, confusion, and emptiness. She wept outside the tomb, believing that all was lost. But in the very moment of her deepest grief, Jesus revealed Himself to her. Her tears turned into joy, her despair into hope. And filled with this encounter, she ran to share the Good News: the Lord is alive.

In the same way, Jesus, our Rabboni—our Teacher—has risen and remains with us. He walks beside us in our struggles, speaks to us in silence, and reveals Himself in the ordinary moments of our lives. He is not distant; He is near—closer than we often realize.

As we continue our journey in this world, let us call upon His name with faith and humility. Let us ask Him to guide us, strengthen us, and remain with us, especially in times when we feel weak or lost. For even in the presence of trials and temptations, His grace is always greater, and His love is always enough.

In the midst of our daily struggles and distractions, are we truly seeking to recognize the living presence of Jesus among us—and when He reveals Himself, are we ready to listen, to trust, and to follow Him with all our hearts?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 7 Martes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Juan 20:11-18

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:11-18

Noong panahong iyon, si Maria'y nakatayong umiiyak sa labas ng libingan; yumuko siya at tumingin sa loob. May nakita siyang dalawang anghel na nakaupo sa pinaglagyan ng bangkay ni Hesus, ang isa'y sa gawing ulunan at ang isa nama'y sa paanan. Tinanong nila si Maria, "Ale, bakit kayo umiiyak?" Sumagot siya, "Kinuha po nila ang aking Panginoon, at hindi ko alam kung saan nila dinala." 

Lumingon siya pagkasabi nito, at nakita niya si Hesus na nakatayo roon, ngunit hindi niya nakilalang si Jesus iyon. Tinanong siya ni Hesus, "Bakit ka umiiyak? Sino ang hinahanap mo?" Akala ni Maria'y siya ang tagapag-alaga ng halamanan, kaya't sinabi niya, "Ginoo, kung kayo po ang kumuha sa kanya, ituro ninyo sa akin kung saan ninyo dinala at kukunin ko." 

"Maria!" ani Hesus. Humarap siya at kanyang sinabi, "Raboni!"-- ibig sabihi'y "Guro." "Huwag mo akong hawakan, sapagkat hindi pa ako nakapupunta sa Ama," wika ni Jesus. Sa halip, pumunta ka sa aking mga kapatid at sabihin mong aakyat ako sa aking Ama at inyong Ama, sa aking Diyos at inyong Diyos." Kaya't si Maria Magdalena'y pumunta sa mga alagad at sinabi, "Nakita ko ang Panginoon!" At tuloy sinabi sa kanila ang bilin ni Hesus.

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Repleksyon:

Palagi ba nating nakikilala ang pagpaparamdam ni Hesus sa ating buhay? Sa napakaraming tahimik at hindi inaasahang paraan, patuloy Niya tayong sinasamahan sa ating pang-araw-araw na paglalakbay.

Ngunit gaano kadalas tayong humihinto, nagmumuni-muni, at tunay na nakikilala ang Kanyang presensya? Kailangan lamang nating buksan ang mga mata ng ating puso, manahimik, at kilalanin na Siya ay matagal nang nasa piling natin.

May mga sandali na tayo ay naliligaw ng landas at pinipili ang sarili nating kagustuhan. Dahil dito, tayo ay nagkakasala at napapalayo sa Kanya. Ngunit kahit sa ating pagkukulang, hindi tayo iniiwan ni Hesus. Sa Kanyang dakilang pag-ibig at awa, marahan Niya tayong tinatawag pabalik, itinutuwid ang ating landas, at ipinapaalala na hindi tayo nag-iisa. Binubulong Niya ang pag-asa sa ating puso at inaanyayahan tayong muling magtiwala sa Kanya.

Tulad ni Maria Magdalena, nararanasan din natin ang kalungkutan, pagkalito, at kawalan ng pag-asa. Siya ay umiyak sa labas ng libingan, iniisip na nawala na ang lahat. Ngunit sa gitna ng kanyang matinding dalamhati, nagpakita sa kanya si Hesus. Ang kanyang mga luha ng pagddalamhati ay napalitan ng mga luha ng kagalakan, at ang kanyang kawalan ng pag-asa ay napalitan ng panibagong bukas. At dahil sa kanyang karanasan, agad siyang tumakbo upang ibalita sa iba: buhay ang Panginoon.

Gayon din sa atin, si Hesus—ang ating Rabboni o Guro—ay muling nabuhay at nananatiling kasama natin. Siya ay sumasabay sa ating paglalakbay, nakikinig sa ating katahimikan, at nagpapahayag ng Kanyang sarili sa mga karaniwang sandali ng ating buhay. Hindi Siya malayo—Siya ay malapit, higit pa sa ating inaakala.

Habang tayo ay nagpapatuloy sa ating paglalakbay sa mundong ito, patuloy nating tawagin ang Kanyang pangalan nang may pananampalataya at pagpapakumbaba. Hilingin natin na tayo ay Kanyang gabayan, palakasin, at samahan—lalo na sa mga panahong tayo ay nanghihina at naliligaw. Sapagkat sa gitna ng mga pagsubok at tukso, ang Kanyang biyaya ay laging sapat at ang Kanyang pag-ibig ay hindi nagmamaliw.

Sa gitna ng ingay, abala, at pagsubok ng ating pang-araw-araw na buhay, hinahanap ba natin at kinikilala ang buhay na presensya ni Hesus sa atin—at kapag Siya ay nagpakita, handa ba tayong makinig, magtiwala, at sumunod sa Kanya nang buong puso? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 6 Monday in the Octave of Easter: Matthew 28:8-15

Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” 

While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him while we were asleep. 

And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.

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Reflection:

Up to what point are we willing to be influenced and shaped by the many evils of money? As we examine our hearts, we must ask ourselves: are we willing to compromise the truth for financial gain? Are we willing to trade what is eternal for what is temporary?

Money, in itself, is not evil—but when we allow it to take control of our hearts, it slowly begins to lead us away from God. When we place it above truth, integrity, and faithfulness, it becomes a quiet but powerful force that can eventually destroy us from within.

Let us reflect on the life of Judas Iscariot. He walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His words of life—yet he allowed greed to take root in his heart. For thirty pieces of silver, he chose to betray the very Lord he once followed. In the end, he was overwhelmed by guilt and despair, unable to bear the weight of what he had done.

This is not just his story—it can also become ours if we are not vigilant. Even today, many of us are tempted in subtle ways. We may not betray Jesus openly, but we may compromise our values, remain silent when we should speak the truth, or justify dishonest gain for the sake of comfort or security. At first, it may seem small, even harmless—but over time, it shapes our hearts and distances us from God.

In the Gospel, we also encounter the soldiers who witnessed the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. They had the opportunity to proclaim what they had seen, yet they allowed themselves to be silenced and persuaded by money. Instead of becoming witnesses of truth, they chose convenience and self-preservation. How often do we find ourselves in the same situation—knowing what is right, yet choosing what is easy?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be people of truth, courage, and integrity. When we are faced with temptations—especially those that appeal to our desires for security, comfort, or gain—may we remember that no amount of money can ever replace a clear conscience and a faithful heart before God.

Let us pray for the grace to stand firm, to choose what is right even when it is difficult, and to trust that God will provide for all our needs when we remain faithful to Him.

Now the question we must bring into prayer is this: When we are faced with the quiet temptation of dishonest gain, will we choose fleeting rewards—or will we choose to remain faithful to Christ, no matter the cost? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 6 Lunes sa Oktaba ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Mateo 28:8-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 28:8-15

Noong panahong iyon, dali-daling umalis ang mga babae sa libingan. Pinagharian sila ng magkahalong takot at galak. At patakbong nagpunta sa mga alagad upang ibalita ang nangyari. 

Ngunit sinalubong sila ni Jesus at binati. At lumapit sila, niyakap ang kanyang paa at sinamba siya. Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, "Huwag kayong matakot! Humayo kayo at sabihin sa mga kapatid ko na pumunta sila sa Galilea, at makikita nila ako roon!" 

Pagkaalis ng mga babae, pumunta naman sa lunsod ang ilan sa mga kawal na nagbabantay sa libingan at ibinalita sa mga punong saserdote ang lahat ng nangyari. Nagtipun-tipon ang mga ito at matapos makipagpulong sa mga matatanda ng bayan, sinuhulan ng malaki ang mga kawal. 

At inutusan sila na ganito ang ipamalita, "Samantalang natutulog kami kagabi, naparito ang kanyang mga alagad at ninakaw ang bangkay." Sinabi pa nila, "Huwag kayong mag-alaala, makarating man ito sa gobernador. Kami ang bahala!" Tinanggap ng mga bantay ang salapi at ginawa ang bilin sa kanila. Hanggang ngayon, ito pa rin ang sabi-sabi ng mga Judio.

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Repleksyon:

Hanggang saan ba tayo handang magpadala at magpaimpluwensya sa maraming kasamaan na dulot ng pera? Habang sinusuri natin ang ating mga puso, itanong natin sa ating sarili: handa ba tayong isuko ang katotohanan kapalit ng pakinabang? Handa ba nating ipagpalit ang mga bagay na walang hanggan para sa mga bagay na panandalian lamang?

Ang pera, kung tutuusin, ay hindi masama. Ngunit kapag hinayaan nating ito ang maghari sa ating mga puso, unti-unti tayong inilalayo nito sa Diyos. Kapag mas pinili natin ito kaysa sa katotohanan, integridad, at katapatan, nagiging tahimik ngunit makapangyarihang puwersa ito sa ating pagkatao na sa bandang huli ay makasisira sa atin.

Magnilay tayo sa buhay ni Judas Iscariote. Siya ay lumakad kasama ni Jesus, nasaksihan ang Kanyang mga himala, at narinig ang Kanyang mga salitang nagbibigay buhay—ngunit pinayagan niyang manaig ang kasakiman sa kanyang puso. Sa halagang tatlumpung pirasong pilak, pinili niyang ipagkanulo ang Panginoon. Sa huli, siya ay nilamon ng matinding pagsisisi at dalamhati, at hindi na niya nakayanang dalhin ang bigat ng kanyang kasalanan.

Hindi lamang ito kuwento niya—maaari rin itong maging kuwento natin kung hindi tayo magbabantay. Sa ating panahon ngayon, marami ring tukso ang dumarating sa atin sa tahimik na paraan.

Maaaring hindi natin tahasang ipinagkakanulo si Jesus, ngunit maaari nating ikompromiso ang ating mga paninindigan, manahimik sa halip na magsabi ng katotohanan, o bigyang-katwiran ang maling pakinabang para sa pansariling kaginhawaan. Sa simula, tila maliit lamang ito—ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, unti-unti nitong hinuhubog ang ating puso at inilalayo tayo sa Diyos.

Sa Ebanghelyo, makikita rin natin ang mga sundalong nakasaksi sa katotohanan ng muling pagkabuhay ni Jesus. May pagkakataon silang ipahayag ang kanilang nakita, ngunit pinili nilang magpalinlang at magpasuhol. Sa halip na maging mga saksi ng katotohanan, pinili nila ang mas madali at mas ligtas na landas. Ilang beses na rin ba tayong nasa ganitong sitwasyon—alam natin ang tama, ngunit pinipili natin ang madali at ang mali?

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, tinatawag tayong mamuhay sa katotohanan, katapangan, at integridad. Sa tuwing tayo ay tinutukso—lalo na sa mga bagay na nagbibigay ng pansamantalang seguridad at pakinabang—nawa’y alalahanin natin na walang anumang halaga ng pera ang makapapalit sa malinis na konsensya at pusong tapat sa Diyos.

Manalangin tayo na pagkalooban tayo ng lakas ng loob na manindigan, piliin ang tama kahit mahirap, at magtiwala na ang Diyos ang gagawa ng paraan para sa ating mga pangangailangan habang tayo ay nananatiling tapat sa Kanya.

Ngayon, ang tanong na dapat nating dalhin sa ating panalangin ay ito: Kapag tayo ay nahaharap sa tahimik na tukso ng maling pakinabang, pipiliin ba natin ang panandaliang gantimpala—o mananatili tayong tapat kay Kristo, anuman ang kapalit?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 5 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord: John 20:1-9

Gospel: John 20:1-9

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."   

So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. 

Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.  For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

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Reflection:

How does today’s Gospel reading about the Resurrection of Christ speak to us? Does it awaken within us a deeper sense of hope, renewal, and new life?

This Gospel of the Resurrection is not only about Jesus—it is also about us. It invites us to experience our own rising, our own victory over sin and brokenness. In the light of the Risen Lord, we are reminded that no darkness within us is beyond His power to transform.

From our sinful ways, we are now called to strive for lives that are holy, grace-filled, and meaningful. Each sincere effort we make to turn away from sin becomes a quiet yet powerful testimony that Jesus is truly alive within us. His Resurrection is not just an event to remember—it is a life we are invited to live.

As a community of believers, we are called to align our lives with the will of the Risen Christ. This means choosing, day by day, to let go of anything that leads us away from God and embracing a life rooted in Him rather than in the fleeting things of this world. It means allowing His Resurrection to take root in our hearts, so that everything within us that is sinful and broken may be overcome by His grace.

We may fall many times—we may “die” a thousand times in our sins—but each moment of repentance is also a moment of rising again. Every step we take away from sin and toward the Lord is already a participation in His Resurrection.

And so, as we reflect on this great mystery of our faith, let us ask ourselves: if Christ is truly risen and alive within us, can others see His life in the way we think, speak, and act? Are we truly leaving behind our old ways, or are we still holding on to what keeps us from fully rising with Him?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 5 Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling pagkabuhay: Juan 20:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Juan 20:1-9

Madilim-dilim pa ng araw ng Linggo, naparoon na si Maria Magdalena sa libingan. Naratnan niyang naalis na ang batong panakip sa pinto ng libingan. Dahil dito, patakbo siyang pumunta kay Simon Pedro at sa alagad na mahal ni Jesus, at sinabi sa kanila, "Kinuha sa libingan ang Panginoon at hindi namin alam kung saan dinala!" 

Kaya't si Pedro at ang nasabing alagad ay nagpunta sa libingan. Kapwa sila tumakbo ngunit si Pedro'y naunahan ng kasamang alagad. Yumuko ito at sumilip sa loob. Nakita niyang nakalatag ang mga kayong lino, ngunit hindi siya pumasok. Kasunod niyang dumating si Simon Pedro at tuloy-tuloy itong pumasok sa libingan. 

Nakita niya ang mga kayong lino at ang panyong ibinalot sa ulo. Hindi ito kasama ng mga kayong lino, kundi hiwalay na nakatiklop sa isang tabi. Pumasok din ang alagad na naunang dumating; nakita niya ito at siya'y naniwala. Hindi pa nila nauunawaan ang nasasaad sa Kasulatan, na kailangang muling mabuhay si Hesus.  

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Repleksyon:

Paano nagsasalita sa atin ang Ebanghelyo ngayon tungkol sa Muling Pagkabuhay ni Kristo? Nagbibigay  ba ito sa ating puso ng mas malalim na pag-asa, panibagong lakas, at bagong buhay?

Ang Ebanghelyong ito ng Muling Pagkabuhay ay hindi lamang tungkol kay Hesus—ito rin ay tungkol sa ating lahat. Inaanyayahan tayo nito na maranasan ang sarili nating pagbangon, ang ating tagumpay laban sa kasalanan at kahinaan. Sa liwanag ng Muling Nabuhay na Panginoon, pinaaalalahanan tayo na walang dilim sa ating buhay ang hindi Niya kayang baguhin.

Mula sa ating pagiging makasalanan, tinatawag tayo na magsikap na mamuhay nang banal, puspos ng biyaya, at may tunay na kahulugan. Sa bawat tapat na pagsisikap nating talikuran ang kasalanan, ipinapahayag natin na si Hesus ay tunay na nabubuhay sa ating kalooban. Ang Kanyang Muling Pagkabuhay ay hindi lamang alaala—ito ay buhay na dapat nating isabuhay araw-araw.

Bilang isang pamayanan ng mga mananampalataya, inaanyayahan tayong iayon ang ating buhay sa kalooban ng Muling Nabuhay na Kristo. Nangangahulugan ito ng araw-araw na pagpili na iwan ang anumang naglalayo sa atin sa Diyos, at yakapin ang buhay na nakaugat sa Kanya, hindi sa mga bagay na panandalian lamang sa mundong ito. Hinahayaan nating manaig sa atin ang Kanyang Muling Pagkabuhay upang mapagtagumpayan ang lahat ng masama at makasalanan sa ating puso.

Maaaring tayo ay madapa at “mamatay” nang maraming beses dahil sa kasalanan, ngunit sa bawat pagbabalik-loob, tayo rin ay muling bumabangon. Sa bawat hakbang palayo sa kasalanan at papalapit sa Panginoon, nakikibahagi tayo sa Kanyang tagumpay sa kamatayan.

Kaya ngayon, bilang pagninilay, itanong natin sa ating sarili: kung si Kristo ay tunay na muling nabuhay at nananahan sa atin, nakikita ba Siya ng iba sa ating pag-iisip, pananalita, at pagkilos?

Handa ba tayong talikuran ang ating dating buhay at ganap na mabuhay kasama Niya—o patuloy pa rin ba tayong kumakapit sa mga bagay na humahadlang sa ating ganap na pagbangon kasama ng Panginoon? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 4 Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter: Matthew 28:1-10

Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. 

His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. 

He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” 

Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

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Reflection:

What is the greatest achievement we can ever have in this world? It is to have a personal encounter with Jesus. More than any success, possession, or recognition, this is the greatest grace we can ever receive in our lives. From this sacred encounter flows a deep and lasting friendship—a relationship that fills our hearts with meaning, purpose, and love.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James were blessed with this life-changing encounter with the risen Christ. In that holy moment, their sorrow was turned into joy, their confusion into clarity, and their fear into courage. From that encounter blossomed a faithful and enduring friendship with the Lord. In their story, we see our own longing—a quiet yet persistent desire within us to meet the Lord and be transformed by His presence.

Why do we seek an encounter with the risen Christ? Because without Him, our lives feel empty, restless, and incomplete. As Saint Augustine of Hippo reminds us, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Like Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, we, too, carry burdens, questions, and longings deep within our hearts. And like them, we will only find true peace and lasting joy when we encounter the risen Lord who calls us by name and draws us close to Himself.

This is what we are all invited to seek. Let us open our hearts more deeply. Let us desire Him more sincerely. Let us seek Him more faithfully—in our prayers, in the silence of our hearts, and most especially in our loving and reverent participation in the Holy Mass. For when we truly seek the Lord, we will surely find Him, and in finding Him, we discover the fullness of life we have been longing for.

 Now the question is no longer whether the Lord is present—He is always near to us. The real question is this:

 Are we truly seeking a personal encounter with the risen Christ, or are we content with merely knowing about Him without ever allowing Him to transform our lives?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Sabado Santo Abril 4 Ang Magdamagang Pagdiriwang sa Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay: Mateo 28:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 28:1-10

Makaraan ang Araw ng Pamamahinga, pagbubukang liwayway ng unang araw ng sanlinggo, pumunta sa libingan ni Hesus si Maria Magdalena at ang isa pang Maria. Biglang lumindol nang malakas. 

Bumaba mula sa langit ang isang anghel ng Panginoon, iginulong ang batong nakatakip sa libingan, at naupo sa ibabaw niyon. Ang kanyang mukha ay nakasisilaw na parang kidlat at kasimputi ng busilak ang kanyang damit. Nanginig sa takot ang mga bantay at nabulagtang animo’y patay nang makita ang anghel. 

Ngunit sinabi nito sa mga babae, “Huwag kayong matakot; alam kong hinahanap ninyo si Hesus na ipinako sa krus. Wala na siya rito, sapagkat siya’y muling nabuhay tulad ng kanyang sinabi. Halikayo, tingnan ninyo ang pinaglagyan sa kanya. Lumakad na kayo at ibalita sa kanyang mga alagad na siya’y muling nabuhay at mauuna sa Galilea. 

Makikita ninyo siya roon! Tandaan ninyo ang sinabi ko sa inyo.” At dali-dali silang umalis ng libingan. Pinagharian sila ng magkahalong takot at galak. At patakbong nagpunta sa mga alagad upang ibalita ang nangyari. 

Ngunit sinalubong sila ni Hesus at binati. At lumapit sila, niyakap ang kanyang paa at sinamba siya. Sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Huwag kayong matakot! Humayo kayo at sabihin sa mga kapatid ko na pumunta sila sa Galilea at makikita nila ako roon!”

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang pinakadakilang tagumpay na maaari nating makamtan sa mundong ito? Ito ay ang magkaroon ng isang personal na pakikipagtagpo kay Hesus. Higit pa sa anumang tagumpay, kayamanan, o pagkilala, ito ang pinakamahalagang biyayang maaari nating tanggapin sa ating buhay.

Mula sa banal na pakikipagtagpong ito ay dumadaloy ang isang malalim at pangmatagalang pakikipagkaibigan—isang ugnayang pumupuno sa ating mga puso ng kahulugan, layunin, at pag-ibig.

Sila Maria Magdalena at ang isa pang Maria ay pinagpala na maranasan ang ganitong uri ng pakikipagtagpo sa muling nabuhay na Kristo. Sa banal na sandaling iyon, napalitan ang kanilang dalamhati ng kagalakan, ang kanilang pagkalito ng kaliwanagan, at ang kanilang takot ng tapang.

Mula sa kanilang pakikipagtagpo ay umusbong ang isang tapat at matibay na pakikipagkaibigan sa Panginoon. Sa kanilang kuwento, nakikita natin ang ating sariling pananabik—isang tahimik ngunit malalim na paghahangad na makatagpo ang Panginoon at mabago ng Kanyang presensya.

Bakit natin hinahangad ang pakikipagtagpo sa muling nabuhay na Kristo? Sapagkat kung wala Siya, ang ating buhay ay tila hungkag, balisa, at kulang. Tulad ng sinabi ni San Augustine ng Hippo, “Ang ating mga puso ay hindi mapapanatag hangga’t hindi ito nagpapahinga sa Iyo.”

Tulad nina Maria Magdalena at ng isa pang Maria, tayo rin ay may mga dinadala—mga alalahanin, katanungan, at pananabik sa kaibuturan ng ating puso. At tulad nila, matatagpuan lamang natin ang tunay na kapayapaan at kagalakan kapag nakatagpo natin ang muling nabuhay na Panginoon na tumatawag sa atin sa ating pangalan at inaanyayahan tayong lumapit sa Kanya.

Ito ang paanyaya sa ating lahat. Buksan natin nang mas malalim ang ating mga puso. Hangarin natin Siya nang mas taos-puso. Hanapin natin Siya nang may katapatan—sa ating panalangin, sa katahimikan ng ating puso, at higit sa lahat, sa ating mapagmahal at banal na pakikibahagi sa Banal na Misa. Sapagkat kapag tunay nating hinanap ang Panginoon, tiyak na matatagpuan natin Siya, at sa Kanya, matatagpuan natin ang ganap na buhay na matagal na nating inaasam.

Ngayon, hindi na ang tanong ay kung naroon ba ang Panginoon—sapagkat Siya ay laging malapit sa atin. Ang tunay na tanong ay ito:

Tayo ba ay tunay na naghahangad ng isang personal na pakikipagtagpo kay Kristo, o kuntento na lamang tayo na Siya’y makilala sa isip ngunit hindi natin hinahayaang baguhin Niya ang ating buhay?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 3 Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion (Fasting and Abstinence): John 18:1-19:42

Gospel John 18:1-19:42 

Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 

So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards  from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?” 

They answered him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas his betrayer was also with them. When he said to them, “I AM,  they turned away and fell to the ground. So he again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. 

So if you are looking for me, let these men go. This was to fulfill what he had said, “I have not lost any of those you gave me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?”  

So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him, and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people. 

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest,  went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.  

The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his doctrine. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing. Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them.

They know what I said. When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, “Is this the way you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?” Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.  

Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.  

Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium, in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and said, “What charge do you bring against this man?”

They answered and said to him, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” At this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” The Jews answered him, “We do not have the right to execute anyone, “ in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die.  

So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?”Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting  to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.

But as it is, my kingdom is not here.” So Pilate said to him, “Then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” 

When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this one but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a revolutionary. 

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly. Once more Pilate went out and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him.”

So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, “Behold, the man!” When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him.” The Jews answered, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.”  

Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid, and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” Jesus did not answer him. So Pilate said to him, “Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?”

Jesus answered him, “You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.” Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, “If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.”  

When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge’s bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha. It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your king?” 

The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, and, carrying the cross himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. here they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.  

Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.” Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am the King of the Jews’.” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier.  

They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be, “ in order that the passage of Scripture might be fulfilled that says: They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.

This is what the soldiers did. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.  

After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.  

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.  

Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and that they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;  he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: Not a bone of it will be broken. And again another passage says: They will look upon him whom they have pierced.    

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds.

They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.

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Reflection:

Would we have the strength and courage to carry our own cross?

After all the hardship, betrayal, and persecution, Jesus has fulfilled His salvific mission. In His final moments, He appeared powerless—yet we know that He is all-powerful. He chose not to save Himself, even though He had at His disposal all the power in the world. In that silence, in that surrender, we witness not weakness, but the fullness of divine love.

Jesus did not die for Himself; He died for us. He embraced everything—even the humiliating death on the cross—so that we might be saved. Such is the depth of His love for us. The very cross on which He suffered and died has become the instrument of our salvation.

As we reflect on this great mystery of love, we are gently invited to look within our hearts: what are we willing to offer Jesus in return? Are we ready to walk the same path of self-giving love? Are we willing to carry our own cross for His sake?

At times, we may hesitate. We live in a world filled with comfort, convenience, and distractions. We are used to ease, to quick solutions, and to avoiding pain whenever possible. And so, the thought of carrying a cross can feel overwhelming, even frightening.

Yet, the comforts of this world can never compare to the eternal joy that awaits us in our heavenly home. Jesus reminds us that the path to that eternal dwelling is not found in comfort, but in love—a love that is willing to sacrifice, to endure, and to trust.

Our cross may come in many forms. It may be a person who tests our patience and challenges our capacity to love. It may be a burden, a struggle, or a sickness that we are called to endure day by day. It may be hidden sacrifices that no one else sees. Whatever form it takes, our cross is an invitation—a sacred opportunity to unite our lives with the love of Christ.

We are not alone in carrying it. Jesus walks with us. He strengthens us. He invites us to lean on Him, to trust in Him, and to allow His grace to sustain us in every trial. 

And so, as we stand before the mystery of the Cross, let us ask ourselves with sincerity and courage:

Are we willing to embrace our cross each day, to follow Jesus faithfully, and to trust that through our suffering, He is leading us to the fullness of life with Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas