Reflection for September 5 Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 5:1-11

Gospel: Luke 5:1-11

While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.  

Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch. Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets. When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them.

They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man. For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men. When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

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Reflection:

What is it with Jesus that He can make ordinary fishermen to become fishers of men? This is for the reason that all things are possible with our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ.  

The encounter of Simon Peter and the other fishermen with Jesus by the lake of gennesaret is a magical and whirlwind encounter. It was an encounter that transformed their very lives! An encounter that moved them out of their own comfort zones so that they could follow Jesus.  

We too have our own encounter/s with our Lord. We encounter Him through the celebration of the Eucharist/ Holy Mass. We encounter Him when we take time to read His very words in the bible. We encounter the Lord when we pray and there are many more encounters that occurs between us and the Lord. But sad to say, many of these encounters with the Lord we fail to discern.  

All of these encounters with Jesus are specifically designed to transform us. So that like Simon Peter and his companions of fishermen we too could be converted and become Jesus’ followers. Our every encounter with Jesus is always life-changing, transformative and enlightening.

Do you want to have an encounter with the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 5, Huwebes ng Ika-22 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 5:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 5:1-11

Noong panahong iyon, nakatayo si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Generaset. Pinagkalipumpunan siya ng napakaraming tao na ibig makarinig ng salita ng Diyos. May nakita siyang dalawang bangka sa baybayin; nakalunsad na ang mga mangingisda at naghuhugas ng kanilang mga lambat. Lumulan siya sa isa sa mga bangka at hiniling kay Simong may-ari nito, na ilayo nang kaunti sa tabi. Naupo siya sa bangka at nangaral sa mga tao. 

Pagkatapos niyang magsalita ay sinabi niya kay Simon, “Pumalaot kayo at ihulog ang mga lambat upang manghuli.” Sumagot si Simon, “Guro, magdamag po kaming nagpagod at wala kaming nahuli! Ngunit dahil sa sinabi ninyo, ihuhulog ko ang mga lambat.” Gayun nga ang ginawa nila at sa dami ng kanilang huli ay halos magkansisira ang kanilang mga lambat.  

Kaya’t kinawayan nila ang kanilang mga kasamahang nasa ibang bangka upang patulong, at lumapit naman ang mga ito. Napuno ang dalawang bangka na halos lumubog. Nang makita iyon ni Simon Pedro, siya’y nagpatirapa sa paanan ni Hesus at nagsabi, “Lumayo po kayo sa akin, Panginoon, sapagkat ako’y makasalanan.” 

Nanggilalas siya at ang kanyang mga kasama dahil sa dami ng kanilang huli; gayun din sina Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo, na mga kasosyo ni Simon. At sinabi ni Hesus kay Simon, “Huwag kang matakot. Mula ngayo’y mamamalakaya ka ng mga tao.” Nang maitabi na nila ang kanilang mga bangka, iniwan nila ang lahat at sumunod kay Hesus.

Reflection for September 4 Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:38-44

Gospel: Luke 4:38-44

After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. 

At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.  

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. 

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Reflection: 

Have you asked Jesus to heal somebody close to you? Have you brought to Jesus a relative or a friend? Your faith and relationship with Jesus becomes more meaningful when you are able to bring/introduce someone to Him. Because this means that your faith has already matured and is bearing fruit already.  

In today's gospel, Simon humbly asked Jesus to heal his mother-in-law, who was sick with a fever. Immediately, Jesus went to her and healed her. What if Simon had not asked Jesus to heal his mother-in-law? Of course, she would not have been healed, but she was, thanks to Simon’s prayerful and humble intercession. 

Simon’s act of asking Jesus to heal his mother-in-law is a very good reminder for us. We too must make sure that we pray to Jesus to heal and enlighten others, especially those who are close to us. Many people are in great need of enlightenment and healing from Jesus. Let us not take for granted the power of our prayerful intercession for others, especially for the sick and for those who have not yet been enlightened about the love of Jesus. 

This is for the reason that our prayerful intercession for them can heal and change them. For example, Saint Monica (the mother of Saint Augustine) she was forced to marry a non-believer but through her unceasing prayer she was able to convert her husband to the catholic faith.  

Saint Monica also unceasingly prayed for 17 long years for the conversion of her son Augustine who was living a life of sin at that time. And through her humble and persevering prayers she was eventually heard by God.   

Have you already prayed for someone's enlightenment and healing? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Setyembre 4, Miyerkules ng Ika-22 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:38-44

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:38-44

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus sa sinagoga at nagtungo sa bahay ni Simon. Mataas noon ang lagnat ng biyenan ni Simon, kaya't ipinamanhik nila kay Jesus na pagalingin siya. Tumayo si Jesus sa tabi ng higaan ng babae at iniutos na maalis ang lagnat, at nawala nga ito. Noon di'y tumindig ang maysakit at naglingkod sa kanila. 

Paglubog ng araw, ang lahat ng maysakit -- anuman ang karamdaman -- ay dinala ng kanilang mga kaibigan kay Jesus. Ipinatong niya ang kanyang mga kamay sa bawat isa sa kanila at pinagaling sila.

Nagsilabas sa marami ang mga demonyo, sabay sigaw, "Ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos!" Ngunit sinaway sila ni Jesus at hindi pinahintulutang magsalita, sapagkat nakikilala nila na siya ang Mesias. 

Nang mag-uumaga na, umalis si Jesus at nagpunta sa isang ilang na pook. Hinanap siya ng mga tao, at nang matagpuan ay pinakiusapang huwag munang umalis. Subalit sinabi niya, "Dapat ko ring ipangaral sa ibang bayan ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos; sapagkat iyan ang layunin ng pagkasugo sa akin." At nangaral siya sa mga sinagoga sa Judea.

Reflection for Tuesday September 3 Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church: Luke 4:31-37

Gospel: Luke 4:31-37

Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!”  

 Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.

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Reflection:

Do we have time to read the words of Jesus in the bible, do we have a regular prayer life and do we give time to Jesus at Holy Mass? Many of us do not have time but when it comes to worldly things we create time.  

If only we would give time to Jesus we would certainly feel His authority and power working within us. How does the authority and power of Jesus work in us? For example, if during the time that we still don’t know Jesus we were temperamental. After discovering Jesus in our life we will now become calm and peaceful.  

If before we are easily affected by sad events that come our way. Not so much anymore now, for the simple reason that we already learned to surrender our life to Jesus. There are other true stories of transformed lives all because of Jesus. These are example of Jesus power and authority at work in our life.  

But many have not yet experienced the power and authority of Jesus in their lives. So, what are we going to do? We who have already experienced the transforming power and authority of Jesus have to lead them to Jesus. We have to encourage them to open and read the bible, we have to teach them to pray and we have to encourage them to go to Holy Mass.  

We certainly will be blessed by Jesus if we do so. Perhaps not material blessing for it’s temporal and fleeting anyway. What Jesus will give us is His friendship and His abiding presence in our life. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Setyembre 3 Paggunita kay San Gregorio Magno papa at pantas ng Simbahan: Lucas 4:31-37

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:31-37

Noong panahong iyon, nagpunta si Jesus sa Capernaum, Galilea. Nagturo siya sa mga tao sa Araw ng Pamamahinga at nagtaka sila sa kanyang pagtuturo, sapagkat may kapangyarihan kung siya'y magsalita. 

Naroon sa sinagoga ang isang lalaking inaalihan ng demonyo o isang masamang espiritu. Sumigaw siya nang malakas: "Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Jesus na taga-Nazaret?  

Naparito ka ba upang puksain kami? Alam ko kung sino ka -- ikaw ang Banal ng Diyos." Subalit pinagwikaan siya ni Jesus, "Tumahimik ka! Lumayas ka sa taong iyan!" At sa harapan ng lahat, ang tao'y inilugmok ng demonyo at iniwan nang hindi man lamang sinaktan.

Nanggilalas silang lahat at nagsabi sa isa't-isa, "Anong uri ng pangungusap ito? Makapangyarihan at mabisa! Pinalalayas niya ang masasamang espiritu, at sumusunod naman sila!" At kumalat ang balita tungkol kay Jesus sa buong lupaing iyon.

Reflection for September 2 Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 4:16-30

Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord. 

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?” 

He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’ And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 

 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 

They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

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Reflection:

Do you always want to be respected? A person who thinks highly of himself would always want to be respected. 

Respect and acceptance is something that we all want we desire it deep in our hearts. However, there would be times that we will not be respected and accepted. If this happens to us let us be calm, take it in stride and humbly accept the humiliation. Then, let us charge everything to experience and let us quietly walk away from the people who disrespect us. 

When Jesus returned to Nazareth (the place where He had grown up) He got an unpleasant welcome.  He was disrespected and was not accepted by his town mates. But instead of hating them back Jesus calmly heard their insulting remarks. Instead of getting back at His town mates Jesus chose to take the road less travelled which is the great virtue of humility.  

They even drove Him out of their town with the intent of killing Him. But instead of getting back at them He walked away from them to avoid a troublesome situation. This is Jesus for us, calm under duress, always humble and peaceful but how about us? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita: Setyembre 2, Lunes sa Ika-22 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 4:16-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:16-30

Noong panahong iyon, umuwi si Jesus sa Nazaret na kanyang nilakhan. Gaya ng kanyang kinagawian, pumasok siya sa sinagoga nang Araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumindig siya upang bumasa; at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni Propeta Isaias. Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito:

"Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, Sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita. Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag sa mga bihag na sila'y lalaya. At sa mga bulag na sila'y makakikita; Upang bigyang-kaluwagan ang mga sinisiil, At ipahayag ang pagliligtas ng Panginoon."

Binalumbon niya ang Kasulatan, at matapos na isauli sa tagapaglingkod, siya'y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga. At sinabi niya sa kanila: "Natupad ngayon ang bahaging ito ng Kasulatan samantalang nakikinig kayo." Pinuri siya ng lahat, at namangha sila sa kanyang napakahusay na pananalita. "Hindi ba ito ang anak ni Jose?" tanong nila.

Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus, "Walang pagsalang babanggitin ninyo sa akin ang kawikaang ito: 'Doktor, gamutin mo ang iyong sarili!' Sasabihin din ninyo sa akin, "Gawin mo naman sa iyong sariling bayan ang mga nabalitaan naming ginawa mo sa Capernaum.' " At nagpatuloy ng pagsasalita si Jesus, "Tandaan ninyo: walang propetang kinikilala sa kanyang sariling bayan.

Ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo: maraming babaing balo sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Elias nang hindi umulan sa loob ng tatlong tao't kalahati at nagkaroon ng taggutom sa buong lupain. Subalit hindi sa kaninuman sa kanila pinapunta si Elias kundi sa isang babaing balo sa Sarepta, sa lupain ng Sidon.

Sa dinami-dami ng ketongin sa Israel noong kapanahunan ni Eliseo, walang pinagaling isa man sa kanila; si Naaman pang taga-Siria ang pinagaling." Galit na galit ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga nang marinig ito. Nagtindigan sila, at ipinagtabuyan siyang palabas, sa taluktok ng burol na kinatatayuan ng bayan, upang ibulid sa bangin. Ngunit dumaan siya sa kalagitnaan nila at umalis.

Reflection for Sunday September 1, Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Gospel: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands. —For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders. And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves. 

And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 

He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy  about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”

He summoned the crowd again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.

“From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

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Reflection:

A middle-aged wife was always seen by her husband every morning carefully fixing herself, especially her makeup, before going to work. One morning, the husband inquired, “Why are you so particular about your physical appearance?” The wife retorted, “I need to look good so that I always look fresh and young.” 

In the Gospel, the Pharisees questioned Jesus regarding His followers who were not observing the external traditions. However, Jesus would have none of it because, for Him, external observance is simply a façade. What is important to Jesus is what is in our hearts.

Many of us are like this middle-aged woman, very particular about our external appearance and the impression we convey. However, what is the use of an external impression if we don’t follow the commands of the Lord? What is the use of a pretty or handsome appearance if we are spewing expletives and scorn?

Physical appearance is useless, for it is passing and temporary. What is important is what is inside us, like the goodness and purity of our hearts, which we translate into actual acts of love, mercy, and compassion. What matters is that we do good without seeking recognition, honor, or adulation.

What is important is that we follow the commands of the Lord and not the temptations and commands of the devil. The commands of the devil are always disguised as attractive and tempting, yet they lead us to emptiness, nothingness, and brokenness in the end. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Setyembre 1 Ika-22 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Noong panahong iyon, may mga Pariseo at ilang eskribang galing sa Jerusalem, na lumapit kay Hesus. Nakita nila na ang ilan sa mga alagad ni Hesus ay kumain nang hindi muna naghugas ng kamay sa paraang naaayon sa turong minana nila.

Ang mga Judio, lalo na ang mga Pariseo, ay hindi kumakain hangga’t hindi nakapaghuhugas ng kamay ayon sa mga turong minana nila sa kanilang mga ninuno. Hindi rin sila kumakain ng anumang galing sa palengke nang hindi muna ito hinuhugasan. At marami pang ibang minanang turo ang kanilang sinusunod, tulad ng tanging paraan ng paghuhugas ng mga inuman, ng mga saro, ng mga sisidlang tanso, at mga higaan.

Kaya’t tinanong si Hesus ng mga Pariseo at mga eskriba, “Bakit hindi sumusunod ang mga alagad mo sa mga turo ng ating mga ninuno? Kumain sila nang hindi man lamang naghugas ng kamay ayon sa paraang iniutos!” Sinagot sila ni Hesus, “Tama ang hula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyo. Mapagpaimbabaw nga kayo, gaya ng kanyang isinulat:

‘Paggalang na handog sa ‘kin ng bayan ko’y paimbabaw lamang, sapagkat sa bibig at hindi sa puso ito bumubukal. Pagpuri’t pagsambang ginagawa nila’y walang kabuluhan, ang utos ng tao ay itinuturong utos ng Maykapal.’ Niwawalang-kabuluhan nga ninyo ang utos ng Diyos, at ang sinusunod ninyo’y ang turo ng tao.”

Muling pinalapit ni Hesus ang mga tao at sinabi sa kanila, “Makinig kayong lahat, at unawain ang aking sasabihin! Hindi ang pumapasok sa bibig ng tao ang nakapagpaparumi sa kanya sa mata ng Diyos kundi ang mga nagmumula sa kanya.

“Sapagkat sa loob – sa puso ng tao – nagmumula ang masasamang isipang nag-uudyok sa kanya na makiapid, magnakaw, pumatay, mangalunya, mag-imbot, at gumawa ng lahat ng kabuktutan, tulad ng pagdaraya, kahalayan, pagkainggit, paninirang-puri, kapalaluan, at kahangalan. Ang lahat ng ito’y nanggagaling sa puso ng tao, at siyang nagpaparumi sa kanya.” 

Reflection for August 31 Saturday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:14-30

Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability.

Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money.  

After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ 

Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter?  

Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’” 

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 Reflection:

The story is told about an elderly woman who died. While her soul was on a journey he saw two portals which were near each other. One portal had the markings of heaven and the other had hell, the elderly woman chose the heavenly portal of course. When she was about to enter the heavenly portal she was asked by an angel about the things that she did while she was alive. And he rattled off her impressive worldly achievements.     

Then, the angel asked her again, “How about regarding your faith what have you done? The elderly woman said: “I went to Holy Mass every day” then, the angel said: “Have you shared your Catholic faith and have you helped those who were in need?” The elderly woman said: No.   

Do we recognize that the Lord has given us talent/s to help Him advance His teachings in this world? Many of us are not aware of it because we are busy investing our God given talents for this world alone. But truth be told, we are mandated by God to use whatever talents that we have not for this world alone. The Lord mandates us also to use our talents to grow and propagate our faith.  

Whether we like it or not our day of reckoning will eventually come. When it comes God will ask us this question: What have you done to the talent/s that I had given you? Did you properly use it to help those who were in need? Did you use it to advance my teachings?  

Some of us will answer in the affirmative. Others will be on the negative for the reason that they only used their God given talents for their own self interest: To earn a living, to fulfill a lifelong ambition, to get busy online and so on.   

Others would even have excuses like: How can I use my talents for the church when I don’t know anybody there? How can I give my talents for the church when I don’t even have enough time for my family? However, if there’s a will to be of service to God there would be a way. God will find that way for us. We simply have to initiate it first and God will be there to see us through.

 Someday God will ask you: What have you done to the talent/s that I gave you? How will you answer God during that time? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 31 Sabado sa Ika-21 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo:25:14-30

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:14-30

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad dito: May isang taong maglalakbay, kaya tinawag niya ang kanyang mga alipin at ipinagkatiwala sa kanila ang kanyang ari-arian. Binigyan niya ng salapi ang bawat isa ayon sa kanya-kanyang kakayahan: binigyan niya ang isa ng limang libong piso, ang isa nama’y dalawang libong piso, at ang isa pa’y isang libong piso.  

Pagkatapos, siya’y umalis. Humayo agad ang tumanggap ng limang libong piso at ipinangalakal iyon. At nagtubo siya ng limang libong piso. Gayun din naman, ang tumanggap ng dalawang libong piso ay nagtubo ng dalawang libong piso. Ngunit ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso ay humukay sa lupa at itinago ang salapi ng kanyang panginoon.  

Pagkaraan ng mahabang panahon, bumalik ang panginoon ng mga aliping iyon at pinapagsulit sila. Lumapit ang tumanggap ng limang libo. Wika niya, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang limang libo na bigay ninyo sa akin. Heto pa po ang limang libo na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi sa kanya ng panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Yamang naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan!’  

Lumapit din ang tumanggap ng dalawang libo, at ang sabi, ‘Panginoon, heto po ang ibinigay ninyong dalawang libo. Heto naman po ang dalawang libong piso na tinubo ko.’ Sinabi ng kanyang panginoon, ‘Magaling! Tapat at mabuting alipin! Naging tapat ka sa kaunting halaga, kaya pamamahalain kita sa malaking halaga. Makihati ka sa aking kagalakan.’  

At lumapit naman ang tumanggap ng isang libong piso. ‘Alam ko pong kayo’y mahigpit,’ aniya. ‘Gumagapas kayo sa hindi ninyo tinamnan, at nag-aani sa hindi ninyo hinasikan. Natakot po ako, kaya’t ibinaon ko sa lupa ang inyong salapi. Heto na po ang isang libo ninyo.’ ‘Masama at tamad na alipin!’ tugon ng kanyang panginoon. ‘Alam mo palang gumagapas ako sa hindi ko tinamnan at nag-aani sa hindi ko hinasikan!  

Bakit hindi mo iyan inilagak sa bangko, di sana’y may nakuha akong tubo ngayon? Kunin ninyo sa kanya ang isang libong piso at ibigay sa may sampung libo. Sapagkat ang mayroon ay bibigyan pa, at mananagana; ngunit ang wala, kahit ang kakaunting nasa kanya ay kukunin pa. Itapon ninyo sa kadiliman sa labas ang aliping walang kabuluhan. Doo’y tatangis siya at magngangalit ang kanyang ngipin.’”

Reflection for August 30 Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 25:1-13

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. 

Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  

But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 

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Reflection: 

Is there a magic word for a successful marriage? Yes, there is and the magic word is preparation. When a couple decides to marry they have to ensure that they plunge into the marriage covenant prepared. 

They have to be prepared spiritually by putting God at the center of their lives. They have to be prepared for the emotional and financial stress that they will be going through. They have to be prepared to swallow their own prides/egos. If there are no preparations their marriage would simply break apart sooner or later. 

In the gospel the five foolish virgins went unprepared to meet the bridegroom. They have no knowledge of the time of the bridegroom’s arrival yet they did not bring extra oil for their lamps. Hence, the five who were unprepared went out for a while to buy oil.  

But upon returning, nobody was present anymore because the bridegroom had already arrived, and everybody was inside at the wedding feast. Despite knocking on the door and begging to be allowed entry, the door was not opened for them.  

Preparation is important in any event of life. For example, a student who prepares for an examination would be able to pass. A soldier who carefully  prepares his battle plan will be able to fight properly.  

A Priest who prepares for his homily will be able to touch and change hearts and minds.  And a person who only has a few months to live and who prepares for his death will be able to die without excess baggage in his heart.  

Should you also prepare as early as now for your ascent to heaven someday? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 30, Biyernes sa Ika-21 na Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 25:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 25:1-13

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang talinghagang ito: "Dito maitutulad ang pagpasok sa kaharian ng Diyos: may sampung dalagang lumabas upang sumalubong sa lalaking ikakasal. Bawat isa'y may dalang ilawan.  

Ang lima sa kanila'y hangal at ang lima'y matalino. Ang mga hangal ay nagdala ng ilawan ngunit hindi nagbaon ng langis. Subalit ang matatalino'y nagdala ng langis bukod pa sa kanilang ilawan. Nabalam ang dating ng lalaking ikakasal, kaya't inantok silang lahat at nakatulog. 

"Ngunit nang hatinggabi na'y may sumigaw: 'Narito na ang lalaking ikakasal! Salubungin ninyo!' Agad nagbangon ang sampung dalaga at inayos ang kanilang ilawan. Sinabi ng mga hangal sa matatalino, 'Bigyan naman ninyo kami ng kaunting langis. Aandap-andap na ang aming mga ilawan, e!' 'Baka hindi magkasya ito sa ating lahat,' tugon ng matatalino. ' 

Mabuti pa'y pumunta muna kayo sa nagtitinda at bumili ng para sa inyo.' Kaya't lumakad ang limang hangal na dalaga. Samantalang bumibili sila, dumating ang lalaking ikakasal. Ang limang nakahanda ay kasama niyang pumasok sa kasalan, at ipininid ang pinto. 

"Pagkatapos, dumating naman ang limang hangal na dalaga. 'Panginoon, papasukin po ninyo kami!' sigaw nila. Ngunit tumugon siya, 'Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi ko kayo nakikilala.' Kaya, magbantay kayo, sapagkat hindi ninyo alam ang araw ni ang oras."