Reflection for February 15 Saturday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:1-10

Gospel: Mark 8:1-10

In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.  

His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have? They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd.  

They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people.  

He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.

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Reflection:

What kind of God is Jesus? He is a God of compassion and mercy. Jesus feels our loneliness when we are lonely. He cries with us when we cry. He feels the heavy load we carry when we are burdened by it. 

Does His compassion and mercy stop with mere empathy? No, Jesus never stops thinking of ways to lighten the burdens we carry. 

We see this deep compassion and mercy of Jesus in our Gospel today. When Jesus saw the crowd that had been following Him for days, He had deep compassion for them because they were already hungry and tired. His mercy and compassion led Him to think about how He could feed them. 

So Jesus asked His disciples for whatever food they had, and with seven loaves and a few fish, He miraculously multiplied them to feed almost four thousand. This is how merciful and compassionate Jesus is to those who follow Him.

 What does this Gospel tell us? It tells us that we will never go hungry the moment we decide to faithfully follow Jesus! Jesus will never let us go hungry, for He will take care of our food and provide for our needs. This may be hard for some to believe, but it is true! Jesus provides for those who faithfully follow Him. 

Are you a faithful follower of Jesus? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 15 Sabado sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 8:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 8:1-10

Noong mga araw na iyon, muling nagkatipon ang mga tao. Naubos nila ang kanilang pagkain, kaya’t tinawag ni Hesus ang kanyang mga alagad, at sinabi sa kanila, “Nahahabag ako sa mga taong ito, sapagkat tatlong araw na ngayong kasama ko sila at wala na silang makain. Kung pauuwiin ko nang gutom, mahihilo sila sa daan – galing pa naman sa malayo ang ilan sa kanila.” 

“Saan po tayo kukuha ng tinapay dito sa ilang para magkasya sa ganito karaming tao?” tugon ng mga alagad. “Ilan ang tinapay ninyo riyan?” tanong ni Hesus. “Pito po,” sagot nila. Ang mga tao’y pinaupo ni Hesus sa lupa. Kinuha niya ang pitong tinapay, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinagpira-piraso niya ang mga iyon at ibinigay sa mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao. 

Gayun nga ang ginawa ng mga alagad. Mayroon din silang ilang maliliit na isda. Muli siyang nagpasalamat sa Diyos, at iniutos niyang ibigay din iyon sa mga tao. Kumain ang lahat at nabusog; at nang tipunin nila ang mga pira-pirasong tinapay na lumabis, nakapuno sila ng pitong bakol na malalaki. At may apat na libo ang kumain. Pinayaon ni Hesus ang mga tao, saka siya sumakay sa bangka, at nagtungo sa lupain ng Dalmanuta.

Reflection for Friday February 14 Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop: Mark 7:31-37

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. 

He took him off by himself away from the crowd.  He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!”— that is, “Be opened!” — And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. 

He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Of course, he was troubled—who wouldn’t be? But the man had great faith in Jesus, so he earnestly prayed for healing. He attended Mass every day, prayed the rosary regularly, and read his Bible fervently. 

As the days, weeks, and months passed, there was a noticeable decline in his physical appearance. However, those around him also observed a deepening of his faith and confidence in Jesus. They noticed the peacefulness and calmness he exuded—so unlike a dying man. 

In the Gospel, we are presented with a story of physical healing: a deaf man was able to speak again through the healing power of Jesus. With the help of those around him, the deaf man was brought closer to Jesus, after which he begged Him to lay His hand on him. 

Jesus took the man away from the crowd, and in the stillness of the moment, He groaned and said, “Ephphatha!”—which means “Be opened.” The man was immediately healed; he could hear and speak once again. 

Eventually, every one of us will fall ill, and we will all pray for physical healing from Jesus. However, not all of us will experience healing like the deaf man in the Gospel. Some of us will receive deep spiritual healing—the same kind of healing that the terminally ill man in our story received from Jesus. 

Therefore, we must take steps to draw closer to Jesus and build a relationship with Him. Let us take the initiative now, rather than wait until we are in dire need of Him. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Pebrero 14 Paggunita kay San Cirilo monghe at San Metodio, Obispo: Marcos 7:31-37

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:31-37

Noong panahong iyon, pagbabalik ni Hesus mula sa lupain ng Tiro, dumaan siya sa Sidon, at nagtuloy sa Lawa ng Galilea, matapos tahakin ang lupain ng Decapolis. Dinala sa kanya ang isang lalaking bingi at utal at ipinamanhik nila na ipatong sa taong ito ang kanyang kamay.  

Inilayo muna siya ni Hesus sa karamihan, at isinuot ang kanyang mga daliri sa mga tainga nito. Tumingala si Hesus sa langit at nagbuntong-hininga, at sinabi sa tao, “Effata,” ibig sabihi’y “Mabuksan!” At nakarinig na ito, nawala ang pagkautal at nakapagsalita na nang malinaw. 

Sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao na huwag ibalita ito kaninuman; ngunit kung kailan sila pinagbabawalan ay lalo naman nilang ipinamamalita ito. sila’y lubhang nanggilalas, at ang wika, “Anong buti ng lahat ng kanyang ginawa! Nakaririnig na ang bingi, at nakapagsasalita ang pipi!”

Reflection for February 13 Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:24-30

Gospel: Mark 7:24-30

Jesus went to the district of Tyre. He entered a house and wanted no one to know about it, but he could not escape notice. Soon a woman whose daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him. She came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.  

He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” When the woman went home, she found the child lying in bed and the demon gone.

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Reflection: 

What is the key to receiving what we ask from Jesus? 

It is persistence. If we feel that Jesus does not hear our prayers, we must continue to call upon Him, never losing hope. We should never give up, because giving up is a sign of our lack of faith in Jesus. 

The Syrophoenician woman in today’s Gospel never gave up on her request, even when she was tested by Jesus. She persisted and humbly begged Him to heal her daughter, who was possessed by a demon. Eventually, her persistence bore fruit—when she returned home, she discovered that her daughter was no longer possessed. 

As we journey through this temporary world, we will inevitably face many challenges. However, we must not allow these trials to discourage us or separate us from Jesus. Instead, the more difficulties we encounter, the more we should persistently turn to Him for help. 

For it is only through Jesus that we can endure the many trials and tribulations of this world. But what if, despite our persistent prayers, Jesus does not seem to answer? What should we do? We must continue to pray and have faith. The more we feel ignored, the more we must pray and trust in Him. 

How strong is your faith in the Lord? —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 13 Huwebes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:24-30

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:24-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagtungo si Hesus sa lupain ng Tiro at tumuloy sa isang bahay doon. Ayaw sana niyang malaman ninuman na naroon siya, subalit hindi gayon ang nangyari. Ang pagdating niya'y nabalitaan ng isang inang may maliit na anak na babaing inaalihan ng masamang espiritu. Pumunta siya kay Jesus at nagpatirapa sa kanyang harapan.                       

Ang babaing ito'y Hentil -- tubo sa Sirofenicia. Ipinamanhik niya kay Hesus na palayasin ang demonyo na nasa kanyang anak; ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, "Kailangang busugin muna ang mga anak. Hindi dapat kunin ang pagkain ng mga anak upang ihagis sa mga tuta." 

"Tunay nga po, Panginoon," tugon ng babae, "ngunit ang mga tuta mang nasa ilalim ng hapag ay naninimot ng mga mumong nalalaglag ng mga anak." Kaya't sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, "Dahil sa sinabi mo, maaari ka nang umuwi. Iniwan na ng demonyo ang iyong anak." Umuwi ang babae, at naratnan niya sa higaan ang bata. Iniwan na nga ng demonyo.

Reflection for February 12 Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:14-23

Gospel: Mark 7:14-23

Jesus 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.” 

When he got home away from the crowd his disciples questioned him about the parable. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, 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:
The story is told of a married man who was caught by his wife having an adulterous relationship with his officemate. The wife told him, “I never thought that you would be capable of doing this to me because you promised me that you would be faithful until the end.”

Why is it that many of us commit sin and fail to live out our faith? When tempted by Satan, we easily give in. Why is this so? I don’t know. Perhaps it is due to our weak and superficial faith or because we love this world more than we love God.

Jesus, in the Gospel, mentions that nothing that enters us makes us sin, but what comes out of us does. Therefore, we must be careful and discerning about the things we do. If we believe that our actions may lead us to sin, then by all means, we should avoid them.

If there is a strong temptation to sin, we must confront and resist it; otherwise, it will capture us. The danger with sin is that it will never stop until it completely destroys us. For example, in the case of adultery, couples engaged in this sinful relationship will likely continue until they are caught and punished.

They indulge in this sin because Satan makes it appear more attractive in their eyes. Under Satan’s spell, they continue without guilt of conscience—the same Satan whose hidden and ultimate desire is to destroy them.

Come to think of it—why is it that, even when we know something is sinful, many of us still do it? The simple answer is that many choose to embrace Satan rather than Jesus. Many gamble their very lives with Satan instead of investing them with Jesus.

When you choose to be with Satan, you will be destroyed sooner or later. However, when you turn away from sin and surrender to Jesus, He will tirelessly work within you, to transform your heart and free you from the grip of sin.  —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 12 Miyerkules sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:14-23

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:14-23

Noong panahong iyon, 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 nagmumula sa kanya. Ang may pandinig ay makinig." 

Iniwan ni Jesus ang mga tao; at nang makapasok na sa bahay, siya'y tinanong ng kanyang mga alagad tungkol sa talinghaga. "Kayo man ba'y wala ring pang-unawa?" tugon ni Hesus. "Hindi ba ninyo alam na hindi nakapagpaparumi sa tao ang kinakain niya, sapagkat hindi naman iyon pumapasok sa kanyang puso, kundi sa tiyan, at pagkatapos ay idinudumi." Sa pagsasabi nito'y para nang ipinahayag ni Hesus na maaaring kanin ang lahat ng pagkain. 

Nagpatuloy siya sa pagsasalita: "Ang lumalabas mula sa tao ang nagpaparumi sa kanya sa mata ng Diyos. 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 February 11 Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 7:1-13

Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

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 went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition! For Moses said, Honor your father and your mother, and Whoever curses father or mother shall die.

Yet you say, ‘If someone says to father or mother, “Any support you might have had from me is qorban”’ (meaning, dedicated to God), you allow him to do nothing more for his father or mother. You nullify the word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.”

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Reflection:

Are you very strict in observing your customs and traditions? 

The Pharisees were very particular about their customs and traditions, following them to the letter. So, when they saw that Jesus’ disciples ate their meals without washing their hands, they questioned Him about it. 

They said to Jesus, “Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?” 

Jesus responded, “You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition.” He went on to say, “How well you have set aside the commandment of God in order to uphold your tradition!” 

We see that Jesus placed more importance on God's commandments than on human traditions—on the interior rather than the exterior, on inner conversion rather than mere outward observance of laws. 

The conversion that Jesus desires for us is one that involves a true change of heart and mindset. For example, instead of indulging in sin, we strive to avoid it. Instead of remaining in an environment where we have sinned, we completely walk away from it. 

For Jesus, what matters most is not our external actions but our internal conversion and renewal.—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Pebrero 11 Martes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 7:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 7:1-13

Noong panahong iyon may mga Pariseo at ilang eskribang galing sa Jerusalem, na lumapit kay Jesus. Nakita nila na ang ilan sa mga alagad ni Jesus ay kumain ng 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 Jesus 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 Jesus, "Tama ang hula ni Isaias tungkol sa inyo, gaya ng kanyang isinulat: 'Paggalang na handog sa 'kin ng bayan ko'y paimbabaw lamang, Sapagkat sa bibig at hindi sa puso ito bumubukal. Pagpupuri'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."Sinabi pa ni Jesus, "Kay husay ng paraan ninyo sa pagpapawalang-bisa sa utos ng Diyos masunod lamng ninyo ang mga turong minana ninyo! Tulad nito: iniutos ni Moises, 'Igalang mo ang iyong ama't ina'; at, 'Ang magsalita ng masama sa kanyang ama o ina ay dapat mamatay.'  

Ngunit itinuturo ninyo, 'Kapag sinabi ng isang tao sa kanyang ama o ina; Ang anumang maitutulong ko sa inyo ay Corban' (alalaong baga'y inihahain ko ito sa Diyos)-- hindi na ninyo siya pinahihintulutang tumulong sa kanyang ama o ina. Sa ganitong paraa'y niwawalang-kabuluhan ninyo ang salita ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng mga turong minana ninyo. at marami pang bagay na tulad nito ang ginagawa Ninyo.

Reflection for Monday February 10 Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin: Mark 6:53-56

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.  

Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man sick with cancer who asked the Lord, “Why am I suffering, Lord? I can’t bear my sickness anymore, and I can’t endure the pain of going through chemotherapy any longer.”

In the Gospel, those who were able to touch the tassel of Jesus’ cloak were very fortunate, for they received healing in return. This speaks volumes about their faith and the power of Jesus.

But not everyone who has faith is healed. There are those who have faith but continue to suffer from their sickness. Sometimes, it may baffle us why they physically suffer, considering that they also have faith and love Jesus.

The healing that Jesus gives us is not always physical; oftentimes, it is spiritual. This means that we are given the grace to accept our physical sickness and the strength to completely surrender our lives to the great power and mercy of Jesus.

There are people who remain happy despite their physical sickness because they have learned to offer their suffering to God. They understand that the suffering they are undergoing is nothing compared to the suffering that Jesus endured.

There will come a time when we, too, will get sick and suffer. Let us never forget to offer our suffering to Jesus. Let us ask Him to help us endure our trials. Though it may be difficult, let us learn to accept them and continue to have enormous faith in the Lord.

How is your faith in the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Pebrero 10 Paggunita kay Santa Escolastica, dalaga: Marcos 6:53-56

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:53-56

Noong panahong iyon, sina Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay tumawid ng lawa, at pagdating sa Genesaret ay isinadsad nila ang bangka. Paglunsad nila, nakilala agad sila ng mga tao. Kaya't nagmamadaling nilibot ng mga ito ang mga pook sa paligid; at ang mga may sakit, na nakaratay na sa higaan ay dinala nila kay Jesus, saanman nila mabalitaang naroon siya. 

At saanman siya dumating maging sa nayon, lunsod, o kabukiran ay dinadala sa liwasan ang mga may sakit at isinasamo sa kanya na pahipuin sila kahit man lang sa palawit ng kanyang kasuotan. At lahat ng makahipo nito ay gumagaling. 

Reflection for February 9 Fifth Sunday 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:

The story is told of a middle-aged man who wanted to follow Jesus. However, he always had second thoughts about proceeding with his desire because he was sinful. The feeling of unworthiness constantly crept into him. Yet, there was always that inner voice whispering to him to follow the Lord, no matter his sinfulness.

Who among us is worthy to become a follower of Jesus? Nobody—for all of us are sinful, and all of us have offended the Lord in one way or another. Yet, despite our unworthiness, we are always being called by Jesus to follow Him so that He can purify us of our sins, no matter how dark they may be.

The Lord does not call us to condemn us for the countless sins we have committed. He calls us so that He can restore the dignity we lost through our sinfulness. He calls us to remind us that His love for us can overcome whatever sins we have committed.

All He wants from us is our yes and our firm commitment to walk away from our sins! When we say yes to the Lord, we must also be willing to leave behind the environment that led us to sin. We must distance ourselves from those who influenced us to sin. In other words, there is no turning back or looking back the moment we decide to follow the Lord. The Lord is not interested in our sinful past—what matters to Jesus is our present and future with Him.

In the Gospel, after Jesus performed the miracle of the great catch of fish before the very eyes of Simon and the other fishermen (Luke 5:6), Simon Peter knelt before Jesus and begged Him to leave them, for they were all sinful and therefore unworthy of His presence and the miracle He had performed for them (Luke 5:8).

However, Jesus, full of love, mercy, and forgiveness, told Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” (Luke 5:10). After bringing their boats to shore, Simon and the other fishermen left everything to follow the Lord (Luke 5:11).

Regardless of your sins and your dark past, Jesus is calling you to begin a new life with Him. Would you respond to His call? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Pebrero 9 Ikalimang 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.