Reflection for August 5 Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:22-36

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 

Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." 

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" 

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God." 

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Have you ever paused and asked yourself, “Do I truly make time to deepen my friendship with God?” 

Jesus did. He always made it a point to withdraw from the crowd, to be alone in silence and prayer, communing with His Heavenly Father. Prayer was His lifeline. It was His source of strength, His spiritual nourishment. It was in those quiet moments with God that He drew the courage to embrace His painful mission of salvation—for you and for me. 

In our fast-paced, noisy world—one often ruled by selfish pleasures and relentless material pursuits—how easy it is to push God aside. We rush through our days with barely a whisper of prayer, and even less time to read the Gospels and reflect on the life of our Lord Jesus. 

Why does this happen? 

Because we allow the noise of this fleeting world to drown out the gentle voice of God. We find time to reconnect with friends and relatives. We spend hours scrolling through Facebook and other social media platforms. Yet when it comes to spending even a few quiet minutes with the Lord, we often say, “I’m too busy.” 

But if we can make time for the world, why can’t we make time for the One who created the world? 

Let us not forget: everything we have—our health, our family, our career, even our very breath—is a gift from God. Many may not acknowledge this truth, but it is God, and God alone, who is the author and sustainer of our lives. 

What if, in a moment we least expect, our life on earth comes to an end? What if we die without ever having cultivated a real friendship with Jesus? Would our souls be ready to meet Him? Or would the enemy—always lurking, always waiting—seize the chance to snatch us away from His light? 

But if we walk closely with Jesus now, if we speak to Him daily in prayer, it becomes far more difficult for the devil to deceive us. When Christ is the center of our lives, we are strengthened against temptation and darkness. 

You have to make time for God. Even just a few moments each day. Sit with the Lord. Speak to Him. Listen in silence. Offer your heart. This daily “quiet time” may be short, but it can transform your soul. It is in those sacred moments that grace flows, peace enters, and love grows. 

The Lord waits for you—not with judgment, but with arms wide open, longing for your presence. Come to Him. Make Him your priority. Deepen your friendship with the One who has loved you since before you were born. 

Let your life be a living prayer. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Monday August 4 Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest: Matthew 14:13-21

Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.  

When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”  

But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds.  

They all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up the fragments left over— twelve wicker baskets full. Those who ate were about five thousand men, not counting women and children.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you truly believe that Jesus loves you—deeply and unconditionally—no matter who you are, no matter the sins you’ve committed? His love is not earned by merit or perfection. His love is freely given, especially to the humble and the brokenhearted. Jesus’ love for ordinary people—those who place their trust in Him—is immeasurable, and this is powerfully revealed in today’s Gospel.

The disciples were anxious. A great crowd had gathered to follow Jesus, the day was drawing to a close, and there was no food in sight. So they said to Him, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves” (Matthew 14:15).

But those very people the disciples wanted to send away were the same ones who had faithfully followed Jesus—many of whom had already experienced His healing touch. And with a heart full of compassion, Jesus responded, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves” (Matthew 14:16).

The disciples were stunned. How could they feed such a multitude? They momentarily forgot—or perhaps had taken for granted—that Jesus was with them. This was the same Jesus who had been performing miracle after miracle in their midst. Had they grown so accustomed to His presence that they began to see Him as ordinary?

How easy it is for us to fall into the same pattern. When the Lord walks beside us daily, we sometimes fail to recognize Him for who He truly is—our Savior, our Provider, our God. We forget that the One who multiplied bread for the hungry can also fill our emptiness and nourish our souls.

And so, we too take Him for granted. We grow indifferent to His love. We neglect the beauty of our Catholic faith. At times, we skip Holy Mass without a second thought, or we attend merely out of obligation rather than out of love, reverence, and longing for Him.

But Jesus never forgets us. His gaze never turns away. Even in our weakness and sin, His heart remains open, inviting us to come to Him. He sees our hunger—not only for food but for meaning, for peace, for love—and He longs to satisfy it.

So let us remember: Jesus is not just with us; He is for us. He longs to do great things in our lives. He desires a relationship with us that is alive, personal, and transforming. He wants to feed us—not only with bread, but with His very self.

How’s your relationship with the Lord? Is He someone you merely acknowledge from a distance—or is He the very center of your life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for August 3, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:13-21

Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?” Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” 

Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’  

But God said to him, ‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is material wealth that many of us struggle to let go of? Why do we cling to it so tightly, as if it were our ultimate security?  

Many are even willing to sacrifice family relationships just to possess this fleeting treasure. Some will go so far as to compromise their integrity, even tarnishing their name and reputation, for the sake of gaining wealth—regardless of whether that wealth is clean or tainted. 

How tragic it is when our desire for material things blinds us to what truly matters. This insatiable hunger for wealth often becomes our passport to hell—one we experience not in the afterlife, but here and now, in this earthly journey. And if left unchecked, this same desire may one day lead us to eternal separation from God. 

Who among us would willingly choose hell in exchange for earthly riches? None of us, of course! Yet, many continue to chase after wealth with such obsession, punishing themselves in the process—perhaps unaware that this greed will only lead to greater misery, anxiety, and emptiness. 

Wealth, in itself, is not evil. It is neutral. It becomes evil only when we allow it to control us—when we let it sit on the throne of our hearts, where only God belongs. So, what must we do? 

We must guard our hearts. We must be vigilant. Let us not allow wealth to manipulate our decisions or define our worth. Let us not permit the fleeting treasures of this world to dictate the direction of our souls. 

In the Gospel, Jesus gives us a profound warning. He says: “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” (Luke 12:15) 

Jesus is not condemning prosperity. He is reminding us that our true life—our eternal life—does not depend on what we own, but on how we live, how we love, and how we serve. 

One day, all of us will leave this world. And when that moment comes, the key that will open the gates of heaven will not be the wealth we accumulated, but the love we shared, the mercy we extended, and the sacrifices we made to advance the mission of Jesus in this materialistic world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 3, Ika-18 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:13-21

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:13-21

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi kay Hesus ng isa sa mga tao, “Guro, iutos nga po ninyo sa kapatid ko na ibigay sa akin ang bahagi ko sa aming mana.” Sumagot siya “Ginoo, sino ang naglagay sa akin bilang hukom o tagapaghati ng mana ninyo?” At sinabi niya sa kanilang lahat: “Mag-ingat kayo sa lahat ng uri ng kasakiman; sapagkat ang buhay ng tao ay wala sa laki ng kayamanan.” 

At pagkatapos ay isinaysay ni Hesus ang talinhagang ito: “Ang bukirin ng isang mayaman ay umani nang sagana. Kaya’t nasabi niya sa sarili, ‘Ano ang gagawin ko? Wala na akong paglagyan ng aking ani! A, gigibain ko ang aking mga kamalig, at magtatayo ako ng lalong mas malaki. 

Doon ko ilalagay ang aking ani at ari-arian. At sasabihin ko sa aking sarili, Ayan, marami naman na akong ari-arian! Hindi na ako kukulangin habambuhay! Kaya’t mamamahinga na lang ako, kakain, iinom, at magsasaya!’ 

Ngunit sinabi sa kanya ng Diyos, ‘Hangal! Sa gabing ito’y babawian ka ng buhay. Kanino mapupunta ang mga bagay na inihanda mo?’ Ganyan ang sasapitin ng nagtitipon ng kayamanan para sa sarili, ngunit dukha naman sa paningin ng Diyos.”

+ + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

Ano ba ang materyal na kayamanan na tila hindi natin kayang bitiwan? Bakit marami sa atin ang mahigpit na kumakapit dito na para bang ito na ang ating kaligtasan? 

May mga tao na handang isakripisyo ang magandang samahan sa pamilya, makamtan lamang ang yamang materyal. May ilan pa ngang hinahayaan masira ang kanilang pangalan at dangal, para lang magkamal ng salapi—kahit ito'y galing sa masama o maruming paraan. 

Nakakalungkot. Ang ating labis na paghahangad sa kayamanan ay nagiging daan upang malasap natin ang impiyerno—hindi sa kabilang buhay, kundi habang tayo'y nabubuhay pa rito sa lupa. At kung hindi natin ito titigilan, maaaring ito rin ang maghahatid sa atin sa walang hanggang kapahamakan. 

Sino ba sa atin ang gustong pumunta sa impiyerno kapalit ng kayamanang makamundo?

Wala, syempre! Ngunit, tila hindi natin ito napapansin. Patuloy nating sinusubok pagurin at pahirapan ang ating mga sarili upang makamtan ito, na hindi natin namamalayang ang kasakiman sa yaman ay hindi magdudulot ng tunay na kapayapaan, kundi ng dalamhati at kaguluhan. 

Ang kayamanan ay hindi naman likas na masama. Nagiging masama lamang ito kapag hinayaan nating ito ang magdikta sa ating puso at isip—kapag pinayagan nating ito ang magkontrol sa ating mga desisyon at layunin sa buhay. 

Ano nga ba ang dapat nating gawin? Bantayan natin ang ating mga puso. Huwag nating hayaan na tayo’y alipinin ng salapi. Huwag nating hayaang ang makamundong yaman ang magtakda ng ating halaga o humubog sa ating pagkatao. Ang ating tunay na yaman ay wala sa dami ng ating ari-arian kundi nasa lalim ng ating ugnayan sa Diyos. 

Sa ating Mabuting Balita ay may paalala si Jesus: “Mag-ingat kayo sa lahat ng uri ng kasakiman, sapagkat ang buhay ng tao ay hindi nasusukat sa dami ng kanyang kayamanan.” (Lucas 12:15) 

Hindi sinasabi ni Jesus na masama ang umunlad o yumaman. Ang paalala Niya ay malinaw: Ang tunay na buhay—ang buhay na walang hanggan—ay hindi nakasalalay sa kung anong meron tayo, kundi sa kung paano tayo nabuhay, nagmahal, at naglingkod. 

Darating ang araw na lahat tayo'y lilisan sa mundong ito. At sa sandaling iyon, ang susi sa pintuan ng langit ay hindi ang yamang naipon natin, kundi ang kabutihang ginawa natin sa ngalan ni Kristo—ang pagmamahal, ang awa, at ang pagtulong natin sa kapwa, lalo na sa mga kapos at nangangailangan. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 2 Saturday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 14:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus and said to his servants, “This man is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why mighty powers are at work in him.” Now Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, for John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”  

Although he wanted to kill him, he feared the people, for they regarded him as a prophet. But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”  

The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests who were present, he ordered that it be given, and he had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the corpse and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do you always make sure to do good so that you can have a clear conscience? 

A clear conscience is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and others. On the other hand, guilt of conscience is perhaps the worst enemy we can ever face—it is invisible, yet it quietly eats away at our peace. It follows us when we lie down at night and whispers to us when we rise in the morning. 

When King Herod heard about Jesus, fear immediately gripped his heart. He thought that John the Baptist had come back from the dead. Why was John on his mind? Because Herod knew deep within him that he was responsible for John’s unjust and undeserved death. The weight of that sin—of that injustice—was like a shadow that never left his side. It haunted him, pierced his conscience, and robbed him of peace. 

This is what guilt does when left unaddressed. It doesn’t shout—it lingers. It had haunted Herod for the longest time. So when news of Jesus’ miracles began to spread, Herod’s guilty conscience trembled. He feared the light because it reminded him of the darkness he had never truly faced. 

The wrongs we’ve done in the past can hang around our necks like an albatross, weighing us down and reminding us of wounds left unhealed. Unless we confront them with humility and repentance, they will continue to follow us. But thanks be to God—He is a God of mercy and new beginnings. When we take the first step toward healing, He meets us with open arms. 

Let us strive each day to avoid doing anything that could hurt others—through our words, our actions, or even our silence. Let us always choose what is good, what is kind, and what is pleasing to the Lord. Let us walk humbly, live peacefully, and love sincerely. 

And if ever we offend or hurt someone, may we have the courage to ask for forgiveness, the grace to forgive ourselves, and the strength not to fall into the same sin again. 

Because in doing so, we will begin to live not only with a clear conscience—but also with a heart that is free, and a soul that is truly at peace. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday August 1 Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 13:54-58

Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 

Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do we sometimes treat our fellow men and women selectively? 

Perhaps we do, often without even realizing it. We look at someone’s background, their education, their occupation, or the family they come from—and in a dark corner of our heart, we judge. We assume they are not capable of wisdom, goodness, or greatness simply because of where they came from. 

This was exactly what happened to Jesus in His own hometown. The people who had known Him since childhood—His neighbors, relatives, and friends—treated Him with disdain. Why? Because they could not believe that someone they had seen grow up among them, someone from a family of humble laborers, could now speak with such authority and wisdom in their synagogue. 

Instead of welcoming Him, they dismissed Him. Instead of opening their hearts, they closed them. They could not accept that this man—whom they thought they knew—was now teaching with divine insight. What led them to reject the Lord? It was pride. It was their arrogance and their inflated view of themselves that blinded them to the truth standing right in front of them. 

Jesus’ own townspeople missed the opportunity to receive the grace and blessings He had brought. Because of their unbelief, their spiritual pride and their unwillingness to believe that God could work through someone so familiar, they were deprived of miracles and teachings that could have transformed their lives. 

Let us not fall into the same trap. Our pride and self-importance will never lead us to Jesus—they only lead us away from Him. They close our hearts to His presence, especially when He comes to us in unexpected forms: through the poor, the uneducated, the quiet, or the ordinary. How many blessings have we missed because we failed to recognize Christ in others? 

Instead of pride, let us choose humility. Let us be respectful, gentle, and open-hearted to everyone, regardless of their status in life or level of education. For it is often through the humble and lowly that Jesus speaks most powerfully. 

Let us not strive to exalt ourselves in the eyes of others. Let us surrender that desire to the Lord. If we allow Him to lift us according to His will and time, we will gain the kind of respect that truly matters—the kind that comes from love, not pride. 

May we never overlook the divine simply because it appears in the ordinary. May we never miss Jesus simply because we think we know better. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday July 31 Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest: Matthew 13:47-53

Gospel: Matthew 13:47-53

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. 

Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.” 

“Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” When Jesus finished these parables, he went away from there.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

There is a story about a middle-aged man who often found himself pondering a question that many of us quietly carry in our hearts: “Where will I go when I die? Will I end up in heaven or in hell?” This question would echo within him, especially in the stillness of night. 

One night, he had a dream. In that dream, he heard the thunderous yet tender voice of God saying, “You must turn over a new leaf. Repent completely of all the sins you have committed. Otherwise, you will surely end up in hell.” It was a wake-up call—a divine invitation to change, to return to the path of grace. 

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that at the end of the age, there will be a separation between the righteous and the wicked. The wicked will be cast into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and the grinding of teeth. What a sobering and terrifying image this is! Yet, it is not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to stir our hearts into deep reflection and urgency. 

But let us not forget—our Lord is a God of love, mercy, and unfathomable forgiveness. He does not desire that any of His children be lost. That’s why He constantly reaches out to us: through people He sends into our lives, through the Sacraments, and even through trials and hardships. These may seem painful, but they are often disguised invitations to draw closer to Him and walk away from sin. 

Still, the choice remains ours. At the end of the day, we hold the key to our eternal destiny. God has given us the freedom to choose: Will we turn away from sin, or will we cling to it? If we choose to walk away, we step out of the chains of Satan and into the light of God's grace. But if we continue in sin, we must also be prepared to face its eternal consequences. 

Right now, Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, offering us His mercy, love, and forgiveness. He is not condemning us—He is calling us. He longs to embrace us, to heal us, to restore us. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 30 Wednesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:44-46

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a wealthy man who gave up all his material possessions to serve in the Church. When asked why he made such a drastic choice, he simply replied: “I have found the greatest treasure and the most precious pearl that anyone can ever possess in this world—and that is Jesus.” Such a statement may sound foolish to the world—but to those who have tasted the goodness of the Lord, it rings with eternal truth. 

Every now and then, we hear heartbreaking news of rich, powerful, and famous people taking their own lives. And we are left wondering: Why would they do such a thing? From the outside, it seems like they had everything. Fame. Wealth. Influence. Comfort. But do they truly have everything? 

If they did, why would they choose to end their lives? Perhaps they had everything that this fleeting world could offer—but something eternal, something divine, was missing. And that missing piece is none other than the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Many of us long to be successful—to be wealthy, influential, or admired. And there’s nothing wrong with hard work and ambition. But even if we reach the top of the world, a silent emptiness can still echo within. A hunger that money cannot satisfy. A thirst that power cannot quench. 

What is this emptiness? Who is this missing piece in our hearts? It is Jesus. To encounter Him is to discover the treasure of all treasures—the pearl of great price. To find Him is to find the very reason we were created. 

But how can we find Jesus when our lives are cluttered with distractions? How can we hear His gentle voice when we are drowning in noise? How can we draw near to Him when we rarely enter the sacred silence where He speaks? 

How can we know Him if we seldom open the Scriptures—His living Word? How can we grow in love for Him if we neglect the Holy Mass, the source and summit of our faith? How can we truly encounter Him if we have become slaves to social media, entertainment, or worldly pursuits? 

Life is fragile. It could end when we least expect it. One day, sickness may knock. And one day—sooner than we think—our earthly journey may come to a close. 

When that moment comes, what will matter most? Will we be ready to meet the Lord face to face? Will we have found the One who gives life true meaning? Or will we leave this world still searching—empty-handed, soul-weary, and lost? 

The greatest treasure is not found in bank accounts, in fame, or in power. It is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Seek Him. Listen to Him. Love Him. For when you find Him, you find everything your heart has ever longed for. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 30 Miyerkules sa Ika-17 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 13:44-46

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 13:44-46

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga tao, “Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad ng kayamanang nakabaon sa isang bukid. Nahukay ito ng isang tao at tinabunan uli. Sa laki ng tuwa, siya’y humayo at ipinagbili ang lahat ng ari-arian niya at binili ang bukid na iyon.  

“Gayun din naman, ang paghahari ng Diyos ay katulad nito: may isang mangangalakal na naghahanap ng mamahaling perlas. Nang makakita ng isang perlas na napakahalaga, siya’y humayo at ipinagbili ang lahat ng kanyang ari-arian at binili iyon.”  

Reflection for Tuesday July 29 Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: John 11:19-27

Gospel: John 11:19-27

Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother [Lazarus, who had died]. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 

But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.”  Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and anyone who lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

The story is told of a young man who wandered through life without any clear direction. His days were filled with worldly pleasures—especially drinking—and his heart felt empty. One day, his loving mother, with tears in her eyes, said to him, “My son, if you do not change, you may leave this world earlier than you should.” 

Her words pierced his soul. He looked at her with sincerity and said, “Help me live a new life, Mama.” With faith and hope, his mother replied, “Come with me to Holy Mass every day.” 

He obeyed. Slowly but surely, as grace flowed into his heart through the Eucharist and the Word of God, his life began to change. The darkness lifted, and he began to walk in the light of Christ. His renewed life was a testimony to the power of God’s mercy and the quiet strength of a mother’s love. 

When Lazarus died, his sisters—Martha and Mary—were crushed. Their world seemed to collapse under the weight of grief and loss. But everything changed the moment Jesus arrived. His presence brought light to their darkness. His words brought hope to their despair. And His power brought life where there was death. 

Yes, Jesus raised Lazarus—but more than that, He raised the spirits of Martha and Mary. That encounter with Jesus turned sorrow into joy and despair into renewed faith. 

Do you feel hopeless today? Are you overwhelmed by the burdens of life, weighed down by pain, failure, or sin? Take heart. Jesus is near. 

Just as He visited the home of Martha and Mary, He longs to enter your life today. His presence brings peace. His voice brings healing. His love brings new life. 

No matter how dark your situation may seem, there is hope—and that hope is found in Jesus.

He is not only offering you comfort; He is offering you a new beginning. A fresh start. A renewed life in Him. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 28 Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 13:31-35

Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” 

He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: 

I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. illustrate the same point: the amazing contrast between the small beginnings of the kingdom and its marvelous expansion.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

How does the Kingdom of God begin in our hearts? 

It begins in the quietest of ways—like a tiny seed planted deep within us. At first, it may seem small and insignificant. But when we nurture it with prayer, soak it in the wisdom of the Bible, and remain faithfully present at Holy Mass, it begins to grow. Slowly, gently—little by little—it flourishes. And when it does, it becomes a source of blessing, not just for us, but for those around us. 

Yet not everyone experiences this growth. For many of us, the Kingdom also begins small—but instead of growing, it fades and dies. Why does this happen? Because we often fail to nurture it. We neglect to ask Jesus to bless our faith. We forget that faith, like any living thing, needs care, time, and intentional effort to thrive. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of the parable of the mustard seed—a beautiful image of how faith begins and how He longs for it to grow within us. This seed was first planted in our hearts at baptism. And just as we grow in years and wisdom, Jesus desires that we grow in faith—so that we may be witnesses of His love and truth to others. 

So now I ask you: How is the seed of faith that Jesus sowed in your heart at baptism? Have you allowed it to take root and grow? Have you nurtured it with prayer, strengthened it with the Word of God, and fed it with the grace of the sacraments? Have you made the effort to ask Jesus to help your faith grow stronger each day? 

And if it has grown—thanks be to God! But let me also ask: Has anyone been blessed through the faith that now lives in you? Because when faith is real and alive, it bears fruit. It blesses others—just as God continues to bless you. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 26, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 11:1-13

Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." He said to them, "When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test." 

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him, and he says in reply from within 'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. 

I cannot get up to give you anything.' I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence. 

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? 

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Can we live without prayer? 

No, we cannot live without prayer—because prayer sustains us. It breathes life into our spirit and keeps us connected to our Creator. Without prayer, there is no true life. This is the guiding conviction of those who walk closely with the Lord—those who have discovered the joy and peace that come from a deep, intimate relationship with God. 

Yet, on the other hand, some might say, “There is life even without prayer.” Perhaps this is true, in a worldly sense, for those who rarely or never pray. Outwardly, their lives may seem fine—especially if they are surrounded by material wealth or worldly success. 

But let us look deeper. Beneath the surface, their hearts may be restless. There may be an emptiness, a longing for something greater—something that wealth cannot buy nor human effort can secure. That "something" is peace. That "something" is contentment. And both can only be found in the loving presence of God through prayer. 

Prayer is more than a daily routine; it is the lifeline of the soul. Through prayer, we are embraced by the very heart of God. We are renewed, consoled, and strengthened. This is why we pray—not only because we need something from God, but because we need God Himself. He is our source, our refuge, and our everything. 

In the Holy Gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us the power of prayer. He shows us that prayer does not need to be grand or elaborate. It should be simple, it should come from the heart, and it must be persistent. For our Heavenly Father listens not to eloquent words but to sincere, faith-filled hearts that seek Him earnestly. 

So let us live a life rooted in prayer. Let us draw near to God not just in moments of need, but in every moment—rejoicing, weeping, hoping, and waiting. In prayer, we open our entire being to Him, and in the quiet of our hearts, we hear His voice. It is there, in that sacred encounter, that we are transformed. 

Let us never underestimate the power of a praying heart. For when we pray, heaven leans in to listen—and God, who is always near, pours His grace into our lives. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Hulyo 27, Ika-17 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 11:1-13

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 11:1-13

Minsan nanalangin si Jesus pagkatapos niya sinabi ng isa sa kanyang mga alagad. panginoon turuan niyo po kaming manalangin. Katulad ng ginawa ni juan sa kanyang mga alagad.  Sinabi ni Hesus, kung kayo’y mananalangin ganito ang sabihin ninyo. 

Ama  sambahin nawa ang ngalan mo. Magsimula na sana ang iyong paghahari. Bigyan mo kami ng aming makakain sa araw-araw. At patawarin mo kami sa aming mga kasalanan sapagkat pinatatawad na namin ang bawat nagkasala sa amin. At huwag mo kaming iharap sa mahigpit na pagsubok. 

Sinabi pa rin nya sa kanila, ipalagay natin ang isa sa inyo ay nagpunta sa isang kaibigan isang hatinggabi at nagsabi. Kaibigan bigyan mo muna ako ng tatlong tinapay. Dumating kasi ang isa kong kaibigang naglalakbay at wala akong maihain sa kanya! At ganito naman ang sagot ng kanyang kaibigan sa loob ng bahay. Huwag mo nga akong gambalain! Naka tranka na ang pinto at nakahiga na kami ng aking mga anak. Hindi na ako makababagon pa upang bigyan kita ng iyong kailagan. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo hindi naman siya bumangon dahil sa kanilang pagkakaibigan. Babangon siya para ibigay ang hinihingi ng kaibigan dahil sa pagpupumilit nito. Kaya sinasabi ko sa inyo, humingi kayo at kayo ay bibigyan, humanap kayo at kayo’y makasusumpong; kumatok kayo at ang pinto’y bubuksan para sa inyo. Sapagkat tumatanggap ang bawat humihingi; nakasusumpong ang bawat humahanap at binubuksan ang pinto sa bawat kumakatok. 

Kayong mga ama, bibigyan ba ninyo ng ahas ang inyong mga anak kung humihingi ng isda? Bibigyan ba ninyo siya ng alakdan kung siya ay humihingi ng itlog? Kung kayong masasama ay marunong magbigay ng mabubuting bagay sa inyong mga anak, gaano pa kaya ang inyonng amang nasa langit! Ibibigay niya ang Espiritu Santo sa mga humihingi sa kanya.

 + + + + + + +

Repleksyon:

Maaari ba tayong mabuhay nang walang panalangin? 

Hindi po tayo maaaring mabuhay nang walang panalangin—sapagkat ang panalangin ang bumubuhay sa ating espiritu. Ito ang ating hininga bilang mga anak ng Diyos. Ang panalangin ang nag-uugnay sa atin sa ating Panginoon. 

Kapag wala ang panalangin, wala ring tunay na buhay. Ito ang paninindigan ng mga taong may malalim at personal na ugnayan sa Panginoon—yaong mga araw-araw na sumasalig sa Kanya at naglalakad kasama Siya sa pananampalataya. 

Subalit may ilan din na nagsasabi, “May buhay naman kahit walang panalangin.” Totoo ito sa panlabas na anyo, lalo na sa mga bihirang manalangin o sa mga hindi mananampalataya. Sa unang tingin, ayos naman ang kanilang buhay—lalo na kung sila’y pinagpala ng kayamanang materyal at kapangyarihan. 

Ngunit kung titingnan natin ang kanilang kalooban, baka may tinatagong silang kalungkutan o kakulangan. Maaaring may pangungulila sa isang bagay na hindi maibibigay ng mundong ito—isang bagay na tanging Diyos lamang ang makapagkakaloob: kapayapaan at kapanatagan ng puso. At ang tunay na kapayapaan at kapanatagan ay natatagpuan lamang sa mataimtim na panalangin at sa tahimik na paglapit sa Diyos. 

Ang panalangin ay hindi lamang isang gawi o obligasyon. Ito ay isang ugnayang buhay at banal sa pagitan ng tao at ng Diyos. Sa bawat panalangin, niyayakap tayo ng Panginoon. Binibigyan Niya tayo ng lakas, pag-asa, at kapahingahan. Kaya tayo nananalangin—hindi lamang dahil may kailangan tayo, kundi dahil kailangan natin ang Diyos mismo. Siya ang ating pinanggagalingan, sandigan, at layunin. 

Sa Ebanghelyo, itinuro sa atin ni Jesus ang kahalagahan ng panalangin. Hindi Niya hinanap ang magagarbong salita, kundi ang dalanging simple, taos-puso, at matiyaga. Bakit? Sapagkat ang Diyos ay nakikinig sa pusong tapat at mapagpakumbaba. Mas pinakikinggan Niya ang mga panalanging nagmumula sa tunay na pananampalataya at pagtitiwala. 

Kaya magsabuhay tayo ng isang mapanalanging buhay. Lumapit tayo sa Diyos sa bawat sandali—hindi lamang sa oras ng pangangailangan kundi sa bawat tibok ng ating puso. Sapagkat sa panalangin, ibinubukas natin ang ating buong pagkatao sa Diyos, at sa katahimikan, tayo'y natutong makinig sa Kanya. 

Huwag nating maliitin ang kapangyarihan ng isang pusong nananalangin. Sapagkat sa bawat panalanging tapat, ang langit ay yumuyuko upang makinig—at ang Diyos na laging malapit ay nag bubuhos ng biyaya sa ating buhay. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Saturday July 26 Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Matthew 13:24-30

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well.  

The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from? He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 

He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.”

+ + + +  + + +

Reflection:

The story is told about a married man and woman who chose to engage in an adulterous relationship. It’s a no-brainer that the will of God for both of them is not to enter into such a sinful relationship. Yet, they disregarded God’s will to satisfy their lustful, shameless, wicked, and bestial desires.

Perhaps we wonder: Why are there people who choose to go against the will of God? Instead of living a life attuned to God’s desires, they live according to their own desires, even if those desires are sinful. In pursuing what they want, they immerse themselves in sin. Thus, they become the sales representatives and walking advertisements of the devil in this world.

But why does God allow sin? Why does He allow it to exist and, in the process, tempt or even destroy us, when He can easily eliminate it from our environment? Lest we forget, our God is not a dictatorial God; He is a God of love. And part of that love is giving us the free will to choose for ourselves what we want to do in this world.

God has a purpose for allowing sin to exist: for us to avoid, confront, and overcome it through His grace. We must remember that, by virtue of our baptism, we became Jesus’ extension in this world. Hence, Jesus expects us not only to avoid and confront sin but also to neutralize it immediately the moment it rears its devious head.

What if they would not, or we would not, stop sinning? We must prepare for its many consequences, including death. Saint Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, reminds us: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Jesus alludes to this severe punishment in the Gospel, saying, “Collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning” (Matthew 13:30).

Yet, why go to the extent of experiencing the painful wages of sin when, by God’s grace, we can confront and eliminate it immediately? Why allow ourselves to be enslaved by sin when Jesus, through His sacrifice on the cross, has already won for us the victory over sin and death?

God longs for us to choose Him daily, to turn away from the enticements of the world, and to walk in the light of His truth and mercy. The moment we turn to Him in humility and repentance, He is there to embrace us, cleanse us, and empower us to live in the freedom of His love. 

Let us pray for the grace to reject sin courageously and to choose God’s will over our own sinful desires. – Marino J. Dasmarinas