1Reflection for December 26, Wednesday; Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr: Matthew 10:17-22

Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

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Reflection:

During Christmas season we savor the many good things about life. Such as food, gifts and other beautiful things that would satisfy us. However, there will come a time that we will be called to live our faith to the fullest. This simply means that we’ll have to witness for our love and faith for Jesus. This witness for Jesus may require us to pass through hard times or it may even require us to even give our very own life.

Saint Stephen the first martyr of the church whose martyrdom we remember today. Is one of those who witnessed for Jesus until the very end of his life. He advanced the faith and did great things in the name of Jesus. But he was eventually savagely killed for witnessing for Jesus.

Until now we are still called to witness for our faith in Jesus. We are called to use the internet so that Jesus will become more relevant. More relevant in the hearts and minds of the modern people of today most especially the young ones for they are the future of the church.

Have you already witnessed for Jesus? Have you already been persecuted for your love for Jesus? Do not be disheartened if you have been through or currently going thru these tests of faith for these are part and parcel of your witness and discipleship for Jesus. Make Jesus more relevant today as what Saint Stephen did during his time. Do not be afraid of the severe consequences that may befall us.

Because you have nothing to fear if Jesus is with you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 25, Tuesday; Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Day: John 1:1-18

Gospel: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

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Reflection:

What kind of mindset do you have this Christmas?

During Christmas there are two primary mindsets that envelopes our mind: The mindset of receiving and the mindset of giving or making a positive difference in the lives of others. The mindset of receiving creates a feeling of expectation and excitement.

However, the mindset of giving creates a burning desire within us which is fueled by Jesus Himself. We give something that comes from our heart we give something that would be very useful and meaningful to the receiver. We don’t only give for the sake of giving.  

Today God gave us His Son Jesus the word that became flesh that dwelt amongst us. The light that shines in the darkness, the light that gives life, enlightenment and direction.

The true essence of Christmas is the mindset of giving; it doesn’t matter if we don’t receive anything for so long as we give. This is what God wants us to do; to learn how to give as He had given us His only begotten son so we must give. 

What a big difference would it make to a poor family this Christmas if we will give them something to eat (not from our excess). What a huge difference will it make if we will give them something to wear (not from our surplus).

In the process of our giving we silently bring to them as well the greatest gift that they will receive and that is Jesus. What kind of mindset do you have this Christmas?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for December 25, Tuesday; Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord – Christmas Midnight: Luke 2:1-14

Gospel: Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

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Reflection:

How do you celebrate your Christmas?

The gospel intimates to us the very simple birth of Jesus, bereft of any sign of affluence. This must also be our guide when we celebrate our Christmas; let us make it as simple as possible. Let us also see to it that we make others happy most especially the poor by sharing what we have with them. If we do this, they would see the person of Christ in us; the true meaning of Christmas will become a living reality for them through us.  

Let us also see to it that we attend Holy Mass for this is the best way to usher the birth of Jesus. The true reason for the season which is the birth of our savior is often times overcrowded by our many Christmas undertakings/celebrations. Thus, our celebration becomes the center of our Christmas; Jesus is set aside in favor of these many celebrations.

Our Responsorial Psalm which says: Today is born our savior Christ the Lord. Typifies that we must put more premium first on the birth of Jesus and not on our many celebrations. In our first reading the prophet Isaiah signified the importance of Jesus’ birth by saying that those who walked in darkness have seen a great light and those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone (Isaiah 9:1).

How can we see the true light of Jesus that will brighten our life if we put first our celebrations in lieu of our presence in the Holy Mass? How can we discover the true essence of Christ simple birth if we will not share what we have with the poor? Which Jesus always love to be identified with. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 24, Monday; Fourth Week of Advent: Luke 1:67-79

Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free. He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David. Through his prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us. He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hand of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

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Reflection:

When do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life? It’s when you make prayer part of your daily life. It’s when you have regular time reading your bible. It’s when you always make yourself available for Holy Mass.  

Many of us do not pray often every day because we think that it takes time to pray, no it doesn’t take time to pray. We can even pray even for a few seconds because the efficacy of our prayer is not measured by its length it’s measured by our focus and intensity.  

Many of us don’t have anymore time to read the bible not knowing that the secret to a successful and worthy life in this world is in the bible. Many of us don’t attend Holy Mass regularly not knowing that Jesus is always present during Holy Mass.

In our gospel we have Zechariah the father of John. He is not only a priest he is also a holy man and as such he is a prayerful man; he prays with focus and passion. Because of his prayerful life it was already automatic for Zechariah to be filled with God the Holy Spirit.

The canticle of Zechariah was not only his own making it was also largely influenced by God the Holy Spirit whom he was always in touch with thru his prayerful life. It was the Holy Spirit who empowered Zechariah to compose his canticle or song of praise for God.

Try to have an effective and passion filled prayer life. Try to have a regular time for reading of the bible and be always present during Holy Mass. Then, you would surely feel the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday December 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

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Reflection:

An adopted man wanted to find out who was his real mother. So he asked his adoptive parents about the whereabouts of his biological mother. He was told that she lives in a faraway place. He told his parents; even if she lives in a faraway place I will go and find her for I owe my life to her.

 So he went to the faraway place and there he found his mother, already very old and sickly. The son told his mother, I am your son, I am here to take care of you and I will never leave you alone from now on. The mother unabashedly cried and said, thank you for finding me and for bringing joy and hope into my life.

Mary and Elizabeth must have been very close relatives and both may have known each other since childhood. Otherwise Mary would have not endeavored to go to a faraway place to visit and stay for six months with her cousin Elizabeth.

In her visit to her cousin Elizabeth Mary imparts to us the importance of having concern for the welfare of others. Mary imparts to us that we should learn to forget our own needs in favor of those who are in great need of our help and care.

Mary imparts to us the importance of reaching out and building bridges instead of walls. And last but certainly not the least Mary shows us the importance of giving Jesus to others. For this is the greatest gift of love that Mary brought to her cousin: She brought and gave Jesus to her.

Think of your relatives or friends whom you have not seen or been in touch with for a long time. Why not reach out to them, if your physical presence is not possible. Reach out by communicating via the internet. A simple hello or how are you will surely lift their morale. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 22, Saturday; Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:46-56

Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

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Reflection:

Do you remember to proclaim the greatness of the Lord and does your spirit rejoice in God your savior?

We may have different answers but the Blessed Mother pronounced these words (Magnificat) in the gospel with the purest of intentions. No double speak, it was pure rejoicing for her for she realized the great honor that God bestowed on her.        

Did the Blessed Mother still rejoice during the passion of her son Jesus? Of course in her humanity she did not but deep inside her she was also ready for it for she knew that her son was destined to become the savior of humanity.

The Blessed Mother in her magnificat teaches us that we must proclaim and rejoice the greatness of Jesus we must thank Him for everything. In our triumphs and in our failures we must thank Him.

 But do we always remember to thank the Lord for our triumphs and failures every day? And why should we also thank the Lord for our failures? For the simple reason that we also learn from our failures and there’s always silver lining behind every failure.

Therefore we must proclaim the greatness of the good Lord in our good times and bad and in our triumphs and failures. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 21, Friday; Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:39-45

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.  Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

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Reflection:

Aside from the birth of our savior, one of the many beautiful and relevant messages of Christmas is self emptying of ourselves. To look less on our personal needs and focus it to the needs of those who are materially and spiritually poor.

Considering that she was also pregnant at that time. The Blessed Mother did not focus on her own needs and safety. She looked outside of herself to make a difference in the life of someone else: That is her cousin Elizabeth. This is what we must always emulate every Christmas time and even every day, to empty and make ourselves available for others.

Children usually focus of their Christmas celebrations and expectations for themselves. That's why during Christmas eve they hang  socks in anticipation of the gifts that Santa Clause would put into it. Then as they mature they slowly capture the true essence of Christmas.  That  Christmas is not about gifts and certainly not about themselves.

Christmas is actually the gift of life of Christ, the self emptying of God’s only begotten son for our sake. Therefore, let us focus our Christmas on making others happy, let us remember those who are poor.

Let us also remember our relatives whom we’ve not been in touch for so long especially the poor ones and let us make a positive difference in their lives this Christmas. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for December 20, Thursday; Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:26-38

Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever and of his Kingdom there will be no end.

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man? And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren for nothing will be impossible for God.”

Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.

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Reflection:

Do you bow in humility to the will of the Lord? For example, you want to focus on something that you want to become your lifelong career. Yet in your heart you also feel that the Holy Spirit is leading you to something which is for the Lord. Do you listen to this leading of the Holy Spirit in your life or you listen only to what you want for yourself?

Mary listened to the voice of the Lord God, Mary listened to the Holy Spirit who spoke to her heart. Mary had her own plan yet she subordinated her plan for God’s plan for her which is to become the mother of Jesus.

When you obey the voice of God who is continuously speaking to you, your life will change for the better. You may not gain the material wealth that this world will offer you but once you say yes to the voice of God. You will gain peace in your life; peace that you have never experienced before and peace that no material wealth could give you.

The Blessed Mother did this, she listened to the voice of God thru the angel Gabriel and she listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit which was already speaking to her heart. Thus, she gained peace and serenity in her life.

Listen to the voice of God and listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It may be telling you to reconcile with someone close to you. It may be telling you to reach out in humility to a friend or it may be telling you to forgive and forget an offense done against you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Reflection for December 19, Wednesday; Third Week of Advent: Luke 1:5-25

Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.

Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.”

Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute.

Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

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Reflection:

How profound is your faith in the Lord? Does your faith create awareness in you that nothing is impossible with the Lord?

We have in our gospel Zechariah a priest who is in the twilight of his life. For the reason of his advance age Zechariah thought that he would never have a child. Until the Lord through an angel intervened and granted what he long for but Zechariah still did not believe.      

Nothing is impossible with God for those who believe; unfortunately, Zechariah was deficient in this aspect. The possible for God was impossible for him. Considering that he is a Priest his faith seems to be shallow. But we can’t blame Zechariah for he was just being realistic; he and his wife Elizabeth were both old already. So, how could his wife be pregnant?

Once in a while we also pass through this episode of unbelief and lack of faith. Amidst this episode, let us not lose focus on the fact that nothing is impossible with the Lord for those who believe and have faith.  

We may have dreams or aspirations in life that may seem impossible for us to achieve and we naturally doubt. But let us not doubt let us continue to silently work for that seemingly impossible dream. Then let us leave everything to the Lord’s providence let us ask Him to bless and guide us as we aspire for this impossible dream.

Do you believe that the Lord will give you what you’ve been praying for? If you believe and you have strong faith you will have it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 18, Tuesday; Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:18-25

Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.  When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son and he named him Jesus.

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Reflection:
Do you always follow the will of the Lord?

Upon learning that Mary was already pregnant Joseph decided to quietly divorce her. But an Angel of the Lord appeared through his dream. And intervened and told him not to divorce Mary for the reason that the child in her womb was conceived by the Holy Spirit.

After waking up Joseph obeyed what the angel told him. He stayed with Mary, He protected her and saw to it that she would receive the best love and care that she could ever have.

Such is Saint Joseph, righteous, humble, docile and obedient to the will of the Lord. In this time wherein, the Sacrament of Matrimony is not given much worth anymore. And is treated as a simple paper contract.

We have Saint Joseph reminding us about the sacredness of the Sacrament of Marriage. We have Saint Joseph reminding us that we must not stray and we must not betray it no matter the temptation. We have Saint Joseph reminding us that Marriage is not only a paper contract. It is in fact a covenant between the couple and Jesus.

Let us examine ourselves on how we put value on the Sacrament of Marriage. And let us follow the example of Saint Joseph on how he deeply loved the Blessed Mother. And how he subordinated his own will for the will of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

1Reflection for December 17, Monday; Third Week of Advent: Matthew 1:1-17

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,  whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.

After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of  Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations.

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Reflection:

Do you know your own genealogy?

Our gospel for today traces the genealogy of Jesus. From Abraham to David to Solomon just to name a few. As we look at the bloodline of Jesus, we would find out that some of them are sinners. But God in His infinite wisdom chose them to become the ancestors of Jesus.

We may think that this is bizarre or strange, some of the members of Jesus family tree are sinners?   Isn’t this inappropriate for the Son of God to originate from their bloodlines? But this is how God works, very mysterious and very unexpected.

All of us are sinners also, let us not think that because of our being sinful we are already beyond redemption and beyond the reach of the love of God. Everything is possible with our God. If we judge others or if we think of others and ourselves as incorrigible sinners. God doesn’t think that way, God can change sinners to become saints.

If others have already judged you as a sinner and beyond redemption already, remember that God is not judgmental towards you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Sunday December 16, Third Sunday of Advent: Luke 3:10-18

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

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Reflection:

If you will try to ask kids as to what is Christmas for them. Perhaps, majority of them would say that Christmas is about Santa Clause and the gifts that he would bring them. Even if they are wrong. This is is understandable being kids their minds are being bombarded to focus on the material side of Christmas. However, we must point out to them the real essence of Christmas and that is the coming birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

In our gospel for this third Sunday of advent John gives us another angle about Christmas that we must seriously look into. When John was asked by the crowd; “What should we do”? John told them share your cloaks and your food. Then he told the taxmen stop collecting more than what is prescribed. Afterwards, he told the soldiers stop being extortionists and be satisfied with your wages.

Through his actions and words John is telling us that Christmas is not all about the material things of this world. That Christmas is about giving and sharing, especially to those who are poor which cannot repay our generosity. Christmas is also about repentance and changing our ways for the better. That’s why he said to the taxmen and the soldiers: “Stop your extortions and be satisfied with your wages.”

This consumer and gadget driven world are slowly taking from us the true essence of Christmas we must not allow it to succeed. We must continue to focus our attention on the coming birth of Jesus. Because this is the true spirit and essence of Christmas that the gospel wants us all to live and imbibe.

Let us not focus on the material things for it gives us superficial joy and happiness. Let us rather fix our sight on something that gives us real joy and happiness. Joy and happiness that nobody can take away from us. Joy and happiness that is much deeper and profound and this is the birth of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

1Reflection for December 15, Saturday; Second Week of Advent: Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

As they were coming down from the mountain the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

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Reflection:

Do you have the courage to advice a person to repent?

The call of Jesus for repentance continuous until this very hour, he speaks to us through people around us and through our conscience. We should not ignore it, we should listen to it because to listen and repent is the right course of action that we must take.

Like John who prepared the way for Jesus, we too should become the modern day John. Thus we should also gently call for repentance to those within our sphere of environment. This is for the reason that this is a call of duty for us Catholics.

Lest we forget that by virtue of our Baptism we also become a modern-day John. Therefore, we have to call for repentance and conversion as well. For this call to be effective we have to do this with gentleness, with mercy and compassion.

It is obvious that Jesus is pertaining to John as the second coming of the prophet Elijah. But majority of the people then did not listen to John’s call because they were busy with the things of this world. They have no time to listen to the messenger of God.

You have nothing to lose if you tread the way of John. Yes, it will not be a walk in the park and there will be challenges as well. But if Christ is with you who will be against you? Nobody for you have Jesus at our back silently supporting you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for December 14, Friday; Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 11:16-19

Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

(Jesus said to the crowds) 16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places and calling to their playmates, 17 `We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not mourn.' 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, `He has a demon'; 19 the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

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Reflection:

Are you quick to judge based on what you see? The people during Jesus and John’s time most especially the Pharisees and scribes were like that as well. They judge both John and Jesus; John they judged as having a demon and Jesus as a glutton and a drunkard. They based their judgment on the external actuations that they saw on both of them.

However, their judgment is misplaced and farthest from the truth. Those who judged Jesus and John should have first tried to know them first by becoming their followers but they never cared to follow, they instead quickly judged. Thus, they missed the opportunity of a lifetime to know John and Jesus.

Those who are quick to judge allow themselves to be controlled by their biased emotions. Those who judge usually end up missing something worthy and beautiful from the person that they judge.     

There are times that I see married couples the husband is handsome but the wife is not beautiful and vise-versa. I usually tell myself, how come they ended up together? The reason behind is simple, they never cared to judge based on what they saw on their future spouse. They instead delve deeper, thus they discovered how beautiful the character of the person they chose to be with for the rest of their lives.  

Are you quick to judge? - Marino J. Dasmarinas