Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 19 Sabado sa Ika-15 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 12:14-21

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 12:14-21

Noong panahong iyon, umalis ang mga Pariseo at nag-usap-usap kung paano ipapapatay si Jesus. Alam ito ni Jesus kaya't umalis siya roon. Maraming sumunod sa kanya at pinagaling niya ang lahat ng maysakit, ngunit mahigpit nilang ipinagbilin sa kanila na huwag ipamamalita ang tungkol sa kanya.  

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ni propeta Isaias: "Narito ang lingkod ko na ako rin ang humirang, minamahal ko nang labis, lubos kong kinalulugdan; ang banal kong Espiritu sa kanya ay ibibigay, sa lahat ng mga bansa ibabadha'y katarungan.  

Hindi siya makikipagtalo, mahinahon kung mangusap, ang tinig niya sa lansanga'y tinig lamang na paanas; Hindi niya puputulin yaong tambong nakahapay, ni hindi rin papatayin ang umaandap na ilawan, hanggang itong katarunga'y mapagtagumpay niyang ganap; At ang pag-asa ng tao sa kanya ay ilalagak."

Reflection for July 18 Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 12:1-8

Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8

Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.”  

He said to the them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here.  

If you knew what this meant, I desire mercy, not sacrifice, you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” 

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Reflection:

The story is told of a disciplinarian father who suddenly realized that his strictness with his children was slowly building an invisible wall between them. 

One day, he sat in silence, reflecting deeply on how he could tear down the wall that he himself had built. And with humility, he said to himself, “From now on, I will not be strict anymore. I will be more compassionate, approachable, and merciful.” 

After a week, the wall that had created a gap between the father and his children completely vanished. From then on, his children became more open to him, and a beautiful relationship blossomed between father and children. 

Mercy, understanding, and openness are always higher and holier than rigidity and strictness. Rigidity and strictness tear people apart; they create walls in our relationships and foster coldness and distance. But mercy, understanding, and openness draw us closer, break down walls, and heal wounds in our hearts. 

Let go, therefore, of your anger. Let go of your hidden hurts. Let go of your pride, and let the mercy of Jesus rule your heart. Allow His compassion to soften you, to free you, and to restore your relationships. 

Let us always desire to be merciful because Jesus Himself is merciful. As we choose mercy, we allow His love to flow through us, bringing healing where there is pain, and unity where there is division. 

Lord Jesus, soften our hearts and teach us to be merciful, just as You are merciful. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 17 Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:28-30

Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

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Reflection:

Are you sometimes feeling weary and burdened by the daily challenges and problems of life? You are not alone. All of us, at some point, carry the weight of trials and struggles that drain our strength and shake our spirit. Yet, in the quiet moments of prayer, these heavy burdens are miraculously made light when we learn to surrender them to Jesus, trusting Him to help us carry what we cannot bear alone. 

Why do you continue to carry the burdens of someone you love, or choose to suffer quietly for their sake? It is because love unites you to the one you love, making you one with him or her in their joys and in their pains. Think about married life: when your spouse is sick, you willingly set aside your comfort to care for him or her until he or she is well. At times, you may even wish that you could be the one who is sick so that he or she would not have to suffer. 

Why is this so? Because Jesus, through the Sacrament of Matrimony, has bonded you and your spouse to become one. Remember the words of your marriage vows: “I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.” If marriage makes you one with your spouse, know that through your Baptism, you have also been made one with Jesus. You are yoked with Him, and He walks with you in every burden you carry. 

Let us therefore always respond to the gentle invitation of Jesus, who calls out to each of us who are oftentimes burdened by the difficulties of life. In Him, we will find rest, healing, and strength that the world cannot give. Are you burdened by your problems right now? Bring them to Jesus. Humbly lay them at His feet and ask Him to help you carry them, for He will never abandon you in your struggles. 

May you feel the comforting presence of Jesus today and always, reminding you that no burden is too heavy when you are yoked with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 16 Wednesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:25-27

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

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Reflection: 

What is the life of Jesus? 

It is a life of simplicity, prayer, sacrifice and humility. 

Simplicity is deeply connected with humility, and this is the life Jesus embraced—and the life He lovingly invites us to live as well. Though Jesus is equal with God, He always found time to withdraw in prayer, seeking the Father’s presence, unburdening His heart to Him, and offering Him praise. This is an invitation for us too: to seek the Father daily, to pour out our hearts, and to lift up our gratitude to Him. 

If we desire to grow in wisdom, we need hearts that are simple and humble. God does not delight in self-righteous, self-centered, and ego-driven lives. Often without our awareness, when we choose simplicity and humility, we create a welcoming space in our hearts for God to dwell. Unknown to us, our simplicity and humility shine through our presence, and others can sense God’s gentle touch through us. 

Just as Jesus did, it is essential that we set aside time each day to be with God—to speak to Him and to listen for His voice in the stillness of our hearts. It is in these sacred moments that we grow closer to Him and allow Him to shape us. A beautiful way to begin is by offering our first moments upon waking in the morning, and our last moments before sleeping at night, to prayer and thanksgiving. 

In the quiet of the morning, before the concerns of the day fill our minds, we can turn our hearts to God and invite Him to guide us. At night, as we prepare to rest, we can speak to Him once more, thanking Him for the day He has given us, entrusting to Him our hopes and burdens, and asking Him to watch over us through the night. 

If we feel we do not yet have the virtue of humility, let us be patient with ourselves and continue to ask the Lord to bless us with this grace. For it is only through humility that we truly come to know God, to hear His voice, and to discover the beautiful plans He has prepared for us. 

Do you live with humility? Do you find time each day to be with Jesus and allow Him to fill your heart with His love? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Tuesday July 15 Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 11:20-24

Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. 

But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum:  Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the nether world. 

For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 

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Reflection: 

Why do we sin? 

We sin because, at times, we allow the devil to take control of our lives. When we let him in, sinning can slowly become an ordinary routine. We lose the voice of guilt in our conscience, and our hearts grow numb to criticism and to the consequences of our actions. We even find ourselves becoming angry with those who try to correct us. 

Why is this so? Because sin often offers us fleeting moments of earthly pleasure, promising us gratification that never truly satisfies. We continue in this path until the day comes when we get caught and receive the punishment we deserve. But why wait for that day? Why continue to walk a path that leads us away from God’s love and peace? 

Why don’t we stop, turn around, and embrace the unconditional love that Jesus is offering us every single day? 

In our gospel reading today, we hear Jesus reproaching the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they refused to listen to God’s call to turn away from their sinful ways. Like them, we, too, often close our hearts to God’s gentle invitation to change. Yet even in our stubbornness, the Lord never stops reaching out to us, patiently calling us back to Him. 

Every now and then, God will gently nudge us, reminding us that there is no good in sin, that sin will bring us nothing but trouble, sorrow, and regret. We may enjoy the fruits of our sinfulness for a while, but this kind of enjoyment is shallow and short-lived. Eventually, we will face the consequences of our choices. 

God’s love is far greater than any temporary pleasure that sin can offer. His forgiveness is waiting for us. His mercy is ready to embrace us. His love can heal us and restore our peace. 

Why not walk away from sin today and run into the forgiving, merciful, and loving arms of God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 14 Monday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:34—11:1

Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1

Jesus said to his Apostles: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household. 

"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. 

Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." 

When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples, he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns. 

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Reflection: 

There once lived a man of profound generosity, and many of his neighbors envied him. No matter how often he gave money and food to the poor around him, he never seemed to run out of resources. One day, a curious friend finally asked, “What is your secret? Why do you never seem to run out of money?” The generous man simply smiled and replied, “There is no secret at all. I give because it is in my heart to give.” 

Whatever we give with a sincere and generous heart will return to us a hundredfold in ways we may never expect. If we struggle to believe this, let us try to live generously for even a week and witness how God, in His faithfulness, pours blessings back into our lives. These blessings are not confined to financial gain alone; they come in the form of good health, peace of mind, restored relationships, and a sense of deep joy that the world cannot give. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus assures us that even the smallest act of kindness and generosity does not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father. Why is this so? Because it is in giving that we truly receive, and the more we give from a place of love, the more we open our hearts to receive the grace and abundance God desires to bestow upon us. 

May we learn to give without counting the cost, to love without expecting anything in return, and to trust that our Father in Heaven sees every act of generosity, no matter how small. For in His perfect timing, He will return it to us in ways that will draw us closer to His heart. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 13 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:25-37

Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live." 

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. 

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." 

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Reflection:

How can we best share the love, compassion, and mercy of Jesus? 

It is when we go out of our way to help someone in need. It is when we choose to forgive those who have wronged us. It is when we take a step of faith to show the world that God is alive and living within us. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, the Samaritan, did the unexpected. He helped a man who had been robbed and left near death. He could have simply walked by, just as the priest and the Levite did, ignoring the man in his suffering. 

But the Samaritan did not walk away. He stopped, cared for the man, and brought him to a place where he could recover and regain his strength. The Samaritan showed mercy, love, and compassion to someone who had been brutally victimized. 

Who is this Samaritan who mirrored the qualities and character of Jesus? We do not know his name. But perhaps it is safe to say that he was a true follower of the Lord—not a follower in name only, but a follower in words and in deeds. 

If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, the story of the Good Samaritan should also be our story. We, too, are called to be merciful, loving, and compassionate—even to those whom we think no longer deserve our mercy, love, and compassion. 

Otherwise, we are no different from the priest and the Levite, who were servants in the temple of God but were servants in name only. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Hulyo 13, Ika-15 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 10:25-37

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:25-37

Noong panahong iyon, may isang eskribang lumapit kay Hesus upang siya’y subukin. “Guro,” aniya, “ano ang dapat kong gawin upang magkamit ng buhay na walang hanggan?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ano ang nakasulat sa Kautusan? Ano ang nababasa mo roon?” 

Tumugon siya, “‘Ibigin mo ang Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong puso, nang buong kaluluwa, nang buong lakas, at nang buong pag-iisip’; at ‘Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng iyong sarili.’” “Tama ang sagot mo,” wika ni Hesus. “Gawin mo iyan at mabubuhay ka.” 

Sa hangad ng eskriba na huwag siyang lumabas na kahiya-hiya, tinanong niya uli si Hesus, “Sino naman ang aking kapwa?” Sumagot si Hesus: “May isang taong naglalakbay buhat sa Jerusalem, patungong Jerico. Hinarang siya ng mga tulisan, kinuha pati damit sa katawan, binugbog at halos patay na nang iwan. 

Nagkataong dumaan doon ang isang saserdote at pagkakita sa taong nakahandusay, siya’y lumihis at nagpatuloy ng kanyang lakad. Dumaan din ang isang Levita, ngunit tiningnan lamang niya ito at nagpatuloy ng kanyang lakad. Ngunit may isang Samaritanong naglalakbay na naparaan doon. Nakita niya ang hinarang at siya’y nahabag. Lumapit siya, binusan ng langis at alak ang mga sugat nito at tinalian. 

Saka isinakay ang tao sa kanyang sinasakyang hayop, dinala sa bahay-panuluyan, at inalagaan doon. Kinabukasan, dumukot siya ng dalawang denaryo, ibinigay sa may-ari ng bahay-panuluyan at sinabi, ‘Alagaan mo siya, at kung magkano man ang kakulangan niyan, babayaran ko sa aking pagbabalik.’ 

Sino ngayon sa palagay mo ang nagpakita ng kanyang pakikipagkapwa sa taong hinarang ng mga tulisan?” tanong ni Hesus. “Ang nagpakita ng habag sa kanya,” tugon ng eskriba. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Humayo ka’t gayun din ang gawin mo.”

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Repleksyon:

Paano nga ba natin maipapakita ang pag-ibig, habag, at awa ni Jesus? 

Ito ay kapag handa tayong lumapit at tumulong sa nangangailangan. Ito ay kapag pinipili nating magpatawad sa mga taong nakasakit sa atin. Ito ay kapag naglalaan tayo ng oras at lakas upang ipakita sa mundo na ang Diyos ay buhay at nananahan sa ating puso. 

Sa ating Mabuting Balita ngayong Linggo, ang Samaritano, ay gumawa ng hindi inaasahan. Tinulungan niya ang isang lalaki na hinarang, ninakawan, at halos patayin. Maaari sana siyang dumaan na lamang at magkunwaring walang nakita, gaya ng ginawa ng Saserdote at Levita, ngunit hindi niya ito ginawa. 

Sa halip, huminto ang Samaritano, nilapatan ng lunas ang lalaki, at dinala siya sa isang tahanan upang matiyak na siya ay gagaling at manunumbalik ang kanyang lakas. Ipinakita niya ang awa, pagmamahal, at malasakit sa isang taong walang kakayahang gumanti sa kanya. 

Sino ba ang Samaritano na ito na nagpapakita ng ugali at puso ni Jesus? Hindi natin alam ang kanyang pangalan. Ngunit marahil, masasabi nating siya ay isang tunay na tagasunod ni Jesus—hindi lamang sa pangalan kundi sa salita at gawa. 

Kung tinatawag natin ang ating sarili na mga tagasunod ni Jesus, ang kwento ng Mabuting Samaritano ay dapat maging kwento rin ng ating buhay. Tinatawag tayo upang maging maawain, mapagmahal, at mahabagin—kahit sa mga taong sa tingin natin ay hindi na karapat-dapat sa ating awa, pagmamahal, at malasakit. 

Kung hindi, katulad lamang tayo ng Saserdote at Levita na naglilingkod sa templo ng Diyos ngunit paglilingkod sa pangalan lamang. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 12 Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:24-33

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus said to his Apostles: "No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. 

If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! "Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 

Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." 

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Reflection:

What does the modern world promote today? It promotes the idolatry of the passing things of this world. It entices us in many forms with the idolatry of money, lust, and power. It glorifies greed, hedonism, and arrogance. 

It seems that there is no more room for us to acknowledge, share, and live out the teachings of Jesus. It is heartbreaking to see that the teachings of Jesus often have no place in many of our hearts. What will we do about this? Will we simply stand on the sidelines and become silent witnesses to the moral decay of our society? 

Let us not remain silent. Let us rise and do something to share the teachings of Jesus with love and courage. Let us not fear persecution or hardship, for Jesus is with us every step of the way. May we always remember that we are pilgrims in this world, journeying toward our true home in His heavenly kingdom. 

Let us aspire for a place in heaven by courageously sharing the teachings of Jesus with others. And if we are not comfortable with preaching in words, let us find the courage to preach by the way we live. Let us use social media to spread the light of Jesus, sharing the faith and hope that He has entrusted to us. 

May we never forget that we are mere passersby in this temporary world. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and on the hope of our eternal home in heaven, where true joy, peace, and fulfillment await those who choose to follow Him faithfully. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday July 11 Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot: Matthew 10:16-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But 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. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” 

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Reflection:

There was a very corrupt high-ranking government official who experienced a stirring turnabout in his life. From being deeply entrenched in corruption, he turned toward a saintly life, and from then on, he never engaged in any form of wrongdoing. Yet his saintly lifestyle became his cross, for he was maliciously persecuted by his former companions in corruption. 

Does it pay to leave our sinfulness for the sake of Jesus? Does it pay to walk away from friends who lead us only into sin? Yes, it does! Following Jesus may not be easy. We may face persecution, be scorned, or even be harmed. Yet all these sufferings and earthly imbalances are nothing compared to the peace, joy, and eternal life that Jesus brings into our lives. 

The moment we decide to faithfully follow Jesus, we must be ready to face persecution. We should expect to be looked down upon and to receive insulting remarks from those who cannot understand our choice to live for Jesus. Nonetheless, let these trials strengthen our resolve and deepen our faith. 

Almost all of the apostles were severely persecuted because they chose to follow Jesus faithfully. The world persecuted them, but God exalted them and rewarded their faithfulness with eternal glory. 

How about you? Which will you choose: the fleeting, immoral enticements of this world, or the initially difficult but ultimately rewarding path that leads to Jesus and eternal life? 

May we always choose Jesus, no matter the cost, for in Him alone will we find peace, purpose, and salvation. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 10 Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.  

Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace.  

If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” 

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Reflection:

Have you already shared Jesus using social media?

Lady A is a social media fanatic. She shares almost everything about herself on Facebook, hoping to create an impression that her life is perfect. But deep inside, is it truly the life she lives, or is it just a facade to cover up the emptiness within?

Many of us are like Lady A. We love to share every detail of our day, even the smallest, non-essential moments, on social media—especially on Facebook and Instagram. But have we ever paused to think: Have I shared Jesus today? Have I shared something that will lead others closer to Him, using the very platform I use daily?

In the Gospel, we see Jesus commissioning the apostles to go and share the Good News of our salvation. They faithfully fulfilled their mission, spreading His teachings and the stories of His miracles wherever they went, no matter the cost.

What is striking is that the apostles never shared about themselves. It was always about Jesus, always about His love, His mercy, and His call to repentance and faith.

For a change, why not consider sharing Jesus instead of yourself on social media? A Bible verse, a reflection, or a simple testimony of how Jesus is working in your life can touch someone who is silently scrolling and searching for hope.

When you share Jesus, you plant seeds of faith in the hearts of others. You become a channel of God’s blessing, and in the process, your own faith deepens as you witness the gentle ways God uses your small act of sharing for His glory.

Will you take that step today? Will you share Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 9 Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. 

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. 

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” 

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Reflection:

How can we effectively evangelize? We must always stay connected with Jesus in both our words and deeds. We can never be effective evangelizers of Jesus’ teachings if we only preach them but do not live them. Our actions must echo the Gospel we share. 

Except for Judas, who betrayed Jesus, the other eleven apostles were effective messengers of His teachings for a simple reason: they preached them, they lived them, and they even gave their lives for them out of love for the Lord. 

They were simple people—some were fishermen, and like us, they were sinners too. In the eyes of men, they may not have been worthy to become Jesus’ apostles, but Jesus called them, and He qualified them. His grace transformed them into courageous witnesses of His love. 

Jesus is neither a discriminating nor a condemning God. He is a God of love, mercy, and compassion. And because of His love, He calls each of us to turn our backs on our sinful ways and follow Him. He invites us to help Him advance the Good News of His love and compassion in a world that desperately needs Him. 

You may say that you are not worthy to be called, but who is worthy? None of us, for we are all sinners. Yet what Jesus is asking for is your yes to His call. He will take care of the rest, and through His grace, your life will become a living testimony of His love. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 8 Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:32-38

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”  

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

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Reflection: 

Are you quick to hurl accusations without careful thought? 

In today’s Gospel, after Jesus drove out the demon from the man, the Pharisees accused Him of being the prince of demons. A wild accusation with no basis at all, rooted only in their hatred toward Jesus. Why? Because Jesus was becoming popular among the people, and they saw Him as a threat to their authority. 

Perhaps, if we look into our hearts, we will see that we can be like the Pharisees at times. We may throw baseless accusations against others simply because we carry hurts and resentments within us. We may accuse others of wrongdoing simply because we want to get back at someone who has wronged us in the past. 

This tendency to hurl baseless accusations is not limited to church organizations; it also happens among friends, within families, and especially in politics, particularly during elections. But we must ask ourselves: Why throw baseless accusations? Why not choose peace, friendship, and understanding instead? If we truly follow Jesus, we will not seek to destroy the reputation of others but will strive to love and forgive, as Jesus has taught us. 

In the latter part of the Gospel, seeing the great crowd before Him, Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Indeed, the workers in the Lord’s vineyard remain few even today. Many people still do not know Jesus deeply and personally. We are invited, therefore, to share and live out His teachings so that those who do not know Him may come to know Him through our words, actions, and the way we live our daily lives. 

Would you allow yourself to be God’s instrument today? Would you help advance the teachings of Jesus, beginning by choosing peace over accusation, and love over hatred? 

May we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us so that, instead of tearing others down, we may lift them up and lead them closer to Jesus, our Savior and Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 7 Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:18-26

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.  

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. 

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

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Reflection: 

Do you always complement your faith with actions? Our faith in God is measured not just by what we believe but by how we live out that belief each day. 

In the Gospel, we read about a man who was full of faith and went to Jesus, saying, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live” (Matthew 9:18). His faith moved him to seek Jesus, even in his moment of deepest sorrow. 

There was also a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve long years. She came up behind Jesus and touched the tassel on His cloak, saying to herself, “If only I can touch His cloak, I shall be cured” (Matthew 9:21). Her faith led her to reach out to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal her. 

We, too, have our own stories of faith in Jesus. These stories did not happen by accident; they happened for a reason. We supported our faith with actions, and afterward, we entrusted everything to Jesus’ mercy, love, and compassion. 

It is the same mercy, love, and compassion that Jesus gave to the official’s daughter, and the same mercy and compassion He extended to the woman who had been suffering for so long. 

Let us, therefore, continue to have unwavering faith in Jesus. Let us support our faith with our actions—reaching out to Him in prayer, serving others, and trusting in His promises. When we do, God’s mercy, love, and compassion will surely be upon us. 

Do you always support your faith with action? – Marino J. Dasmarinas