Reflection for August 16 Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:13-15

Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

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Reflection:

Do you bring your children to church for Holy Mass? Do you take time to tell them about Jesus? Do you read to them the life of Jesus in the Bible? These are not just casual acts of parenting—they are sacred opportunities to lead the hearts of our children closer to the One who loves them most. 

Why is it so important to bring our children to Jesus? First and foremost, it assures them of a good future—not just in this fleeting world but in eternity. This is the promise of Jesus: to give our children a bright and godly future, measured not by the shallow standards of this world but by His own divine standard. 

Just imagine—if our children grow up close to Jesus, how different their lives will be. We would have fewer worries and heartaches because they would be guided daily by His hand. His presence in their hearts would serve as a compass, directing their steps toward what is pure, true, and holy. 

Yet, some parents today hesitate to bring their children closer to Christ. They fear that their sons or daughters might feel called to the priesthood or religious life. And their reason? “There’s no money in that.” True—there may be little financial gain in these vocations. But let us remember: we were not created to live for money alone. We were created to live the teachings of Jesus, to love as He loves, and to journey toward heaven. 

What would it profit our children to have all the wealth the world can give, yet lack the presence of Jesus in their lives? When we lead our children to Christ, we are not only investing in their eternal future—we are also securing our own place with Him in the life to come. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Agosto 16 Sabado sa Ika-19 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 19:13-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 19:13-15

Noong panahong iyon, may nagdala ng mga bata kay Jesus upang hilinging ipatong niya sa mga ito ang kanyang kamay at ipanalangin.

Ngunit pinagwikaan sila ng mga alagad. Datapwat sinabi ni Jesus, "Hayaan ninyong lumapit sa akin ang mga bata. Huwag ninyo silang hadlangan, sapagkat sa katulad nila naghahari ang Diyos." Ipinatong niya sa kanila ang kanyang mga kamay, saka umalis.

Reflection for Friday August 15 Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Luke 1:39-56

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 

And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 

He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” 

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. 

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Reflection: 

Is selfless love still relevant today? 

Selfless love is a rare and precious virtue in our world today. What we often see is a me-first or self-centered mindset—love redefined as self-care or self-love, as they say. We make sure that our needs are met first before we even think of giving ourselves to others. And so, slowly, we forget how to live as a person for others. 

Yet in doing so, we miss a profound truth: when we are selfless, we breathe life, joy, and hope into the hearts of others. We bless them when we give of ourselves without counting the cost. And the blessings we pour out quietly find their way back to us—sometimes in ways we least expect, but always in ways that touch our soul. 

The Blessed Mother shows us the beauty of such love. She was not consumed by her own comfort or convenience. Even in the tender months of her own pregnancy, she made the long journey to her cousin Elizabeth—offering her presence, her care, and her love. She stayed until Elizabeth gave birth, ensuring she was supported and comforted during a delicate time. What love could be greater than giving yourself fully when you, too, are in need? 

In this age, when so many are preoccupied with personal happiness, social media validation, and self-fulfillment, Mary’s example stands as a gentle but firm invitation: Look beyond yourself. See the needs of others. Love even when you long to be loved. 

Who are those who need our love the most? Let us begin with our mothers. Like Elizabeth, they have carried us, nurtured us, and prayed for us. They are growing older with each passing day, and though we may not notice the quiet changes, there will come a day when they will no longer be with us. While they are still here, let us love them in ways they can feel—in words, in actions, in time shared. What will it cost us? Almost nothing, yet the joy it will bring them is immeasurable. 

And beyond our mothers, there are countless others who need our love—friends who are silently struggling, neighbors carrying heavy burdens, strangers longing for a kind word. They may never say it, but they are waiting for someone to see them, to care for them, to love them without asking for anything in return. 

The truth is, life is never measured by the wealth we accumulate or the possessions we own. It is measured by the selfless acts of love, kindness, and mercy we offer to others. 

Do you love as Mary loves? Do you go out of your way to bring Christ’s presence into the lives of others? Do you allow God to use you as an instrument of His agape—love that gives without expecting anything back? 

May the Blessed Mother lead us to her Son, who is Love Himself. And may our hearts learn the joy of loving without measure, for in giving ourselves away, we discover the fullness of life. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Thursday August 14 Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr: Matthew 18:21–19:1

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-19:1

Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. 

When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ 

Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 

But he refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! 

I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart.” 

When Jesus finished these words, he left Galilee and went to the district of Judea across the Jordan. 

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Reflection:

The story is told about a philandering husband who was finally caught by his wife. The husband realized his mistake, so he humbly asked for forgiveness. After days of prayer and deep contemplation, the wife finally found it in her heart to forgive her unfaithful husband. 

In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us about the beauty and depth of true forgiveness. His forgiveness is not partial, hesitant, or tinged with resentment—it is a forgiveness that is complete and unconditional. 

It is a forgiveness without a trace of bitterness or hatred, a forgiveness that can wash away even the darkest stains of our past and paint over them with the bright and gentle colors of hope, healing, and new beginnings. 

But in moments of honest reflection, we might ask ourselves: Can I truly forgive the way Jesus forgives? Many of us would instinctively say, “I cannot.” Why? Because we think, I am only human and Jesus is God. I am finite, and He is infinite. 

Yet, if this is our reasoning, we must remember this truth: Jesus not only forgave us—He also offered His very life for us. On the cross, He forgave those who betrayed Him, denied Him, and crucified Him. His mercy is beyond measure, and His example is meant not only to inspire us but to transform us. 

Who is your role model when it comes to forgiveness? Is it Jesus, whose love knows no bounds, or the unforgiving servant in the Gospel, who could not pass on the mercy he had received? 

Forgiveness is not weakness—it is the power of God at work in the human heart. When we choose to forgive, we choose to let God’s grace flow through us. And in doing so, we not only free others, but we also free ourselves. — Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for August 13 Wednesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:15-20

Gospel: Matthew 18:15-20

(Jesus said to his disciples) “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 

If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 

Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” 

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Reflection: 

The story is told of a mother who would always shout at her daughter whenever she committed a mistake. This was her behavior until her child grew up; eventually, the child learned to answer back. Thus, whenever the mother shouted at her, she would also shout back to reciprocate the insult. In time, when the daughter matured, she became aloof and distant toward her mother. 

What is the importance of having a one-on-one talk with someone who has offended you or someone who is at fault? It shows your sincerity to help the person grow and be restored. It sends the message that you wish to address the matter with love, resolve the problem without grandstanding, and avoid wounding anyone further. By doing so, you communicate that you desire to build bridges of understanding rather than walls of separation. 

Yet many of us fall into the mistake of correcting someone in front of a crowd. Instead of bringing the person closer to correction, healing, and reconciliation, such public rebuke often drives them farther away. It inflicts deeper emotional wounds that may leave scars for life. Words spoken in public anger can echo in a person’s heart far longer than we realize. 

Jesus teaches us the gentle art of private correction. He calls us to approach others with humility and kindness, especially when they have gone astray. But often, our pride overpowers our compassion, and we allow arrogance to guide our actions rather than love. We must ask ourselves: What is the value of power if it only divides and wounds? What is the point of correcting someone in full public view if it sows resentment and hatred that might later bear bitter fruit? 

The way of Jesus in resolving conflict is always marked by diplomacy, fraternal correction, and gentleness—never arrogance or power-tripping to prove one’s influence. He invites us to follow His example, to speak truth in love, and to seek reconciliation over self-justification. 

How do you exercise your power and authority? Do you use it to build others up, or to tear them down? May we all choose the way of Christ—restoring with love, healing with gentleness, and leading with humility. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 12 Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. 

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father. What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”

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Reflection:

Many of us, if not all, place a premium on recognition. We naturally feel good when others notice our efforts, appreciate our hard work, and commend us for what we do. We nod in silent approval, and deep within, there’s a quiet sense of satisfaction. Recognition in itself is not wrong — but if it becomes our primary motivation, we risk missing something far greater. 

In today’s Gospel, the disciples approached Jesus with a question: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” In response, Jesus called a little child to stand among them and said, “Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” It was a simple but powerful gesture — an object lesson in humility.  

Perhaps in that moment, Jesus was silently asking Himself: Do they follow Me because they seek greatness in My Kingdom? Do they follow Me for the applause and recognition of others? Do they understand that following Me means letting go of oneself, laying down personal ambitions, and embracing humility? Do they realize that the very heart of discipleship is not self-exaltation but self-emptying? 

We, too, are often like the disciples. We may work hard for the Church or serve our fellowmen, yet in the depths of our hearts, we may long for affirmation, applause, or praise. But God did not create us to chase after titles, honor, or human recognition. He created us to reflect His heart — a heart that is meek and humble. 

Therefore, in all that we do, let us resist the temptation to seek greatness for ourselves. Instead, let us faithfully and humbly do what is asked of us, knowing that this is what Jesus desires. Recognition, honor, and reward will come in God’s perfect time — not as the goal we strive for, but as a grace we receive when our hearts are set only on glorifying Him.  

When we serve in humility, we find the true joy of discipleship. And in God’s Kingdom, it is not the proud, but the humble, who are truly great. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Reflection for Monday August 11 Memorial of Saint Clare, Virgin: Matthew 17:22-27

Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

As Jesus and his disciples were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were overwhelmed with grief.   

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes,” he said. When he came into the house, before he had time to speak, Jesus asked him, “What is your opinion, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take tolls or census tax?    

From their subjects or from foreigners?” When he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the subjects are exempt. But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you.”

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Reflection:

Do you generously give to your church? 

In today’s Gospel, we hear about the payment of the temple tax. Although Jesus and His disciples were exempt from paying it, our Lord still instructed Peter to go and pay the tax. Why? because Jesus wanted to set an example — to willingly contribute to the upkeep of the house of God and to the work done in His name. 

This simple yet profound act of generosity invites us to look within and ask ourselves: How generous am I to my church? Do I give with an open heart during the offertory, not out of obligation, but out of love for God and His people? 

Our giving is not merely about maintaining church buildings and facilities. It is also about supporting the ministers and workers who serve the community and reaching out to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. 

We may not always see it, but the church quietly and faithfully cares for those in need, often without making any public announcement. This unseen service is sustained by the offerings we place before the Lord. 

When we give generously, we are not losing anything — in fact, we are sowing seeds that will return to us a hundredfold. The blessings that come back may not always be financial. They may come in the form of peace and harmony in our family, good health, protection from harm, and other graces that no amount of money can buy. 

Let us remember: every gift we give to God through His church is a declaration of our trust in Him. And our God is never outdone in generosity. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Lunes Agosto 11 Paggunita kay Santa Clara, dalaga: Mateo 17:22-27

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 17:22-27

Noong panahong iyon, nang nagkakatipon sa Galilea, ang mga alagad, sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, "Ang Anak ng Tao ay ipagkakanulo at papatayin, ngunit muling mabubuhay sa ikatlong araw," At sila'y lubhang nagdalamhati. Pagdating nila sa Capernaum, lumapit kay Pedro ang mga maniningil ng buwis para sa templo. Tinanong siya, "Nagbabayad ba ng buwis para sa templo ang inyong Guro?" "Opo," sagot ni Pedro.  

At nang dumating siya sa bahay, tinanong na agad siya ni Jesus: "Ano ba ang palagay mo, Simon? Kanino sumisingil ng bayad sa lisensiya o buwis ang mga hari sa lupa? Sa mga mamamayan ba o mga dayuhan?"  

"Sa mga dayuhan po," tugon niya. sinabi ni Jesus, "Kung gayon, hindi pinagbabayad ang mga mamamayan. Gayunaman, para wala silang masabi sa atin, pumaroon ka sa lawa at ihagis mo ang kawil. Kunin mo ang unang isdang mahuhuli. Ibuka mo ang bibig nito at may makikita kang isang salaping pilak. Kunin mo ito at ibayad mo sa buwis nating dalawa."

Reflection for August 10, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 12:32-48

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.  

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 

And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 

Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 

Truly, I say to you, the master will put the servant in charge of all his property. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful.

That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

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Reflection:

There is a story of an elderly woman whose days were never too busy for God. Every morning, she could be found at Holy Mass, her quiet devotion was a steady light to those around her. Yet her faith did not end at the church doors — she carried it into the streets, offering her time, her hands, and her heart to anyone in need of her help.  

When people asked why he lived that way, he would gently answer, “This is my way of preparing for the coming of the Lord.” He likened the coming of the Lord to death—an event that arrives without any warning, yet one that we must always be ready to face.  

In our Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus reminds us to always be prepared and to be vigilant servants of the Lord—like the Israelites in our first reading, who patiently waited with faith and courage for God to set them free from the bondage of the Egyptians. They trusted in His promise, even when the night seemed long, and they acted in faith until the hour of deliverance came.  

How, then, can we become vigilant and prepared servants of the Lord? By serving and obeying Him without reservation, and by nurturing a faith that is alive, active, and visible in the way we live each day. True readiness is not about fear of the unknown—it is about love for the One we are waiting for. 

If death should come to us—which will certainly happen at God’s appointed time—then, if we have lived in faith and obedience, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we will look forward to meeting our Lord and being with Him forever in His heavenly kingdom. 

But what if we are not prepared? What if we have lived distracted, careless, or indifferent? Where will we end up then? 

Today, the Lord’s message is clear: Be ready. Stay faithful. Live as though you could meet Him at any moment. Let every act of kindness, every prayer, every choice for good be your way of saying, “Lord, I am ready when You call.” – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Agosto 10, Ika-19 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 12:32-48

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 12:32-48

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Maging handa kayo at sindihan ang inyong mga ilawan. Tumulad kayo sa mga taong naghihintay sa pag-uwi ng kanilang panginoon mula sa kasalan, para pagdating niya ay mabuksan agad ang pinto. Mapalad ang mga alipin na abutang nagbabantay pagdating ng kanilang panginoon. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo, maghahanda siya, padudulugin sila sa hapag, at maglilingkod sa kanila. Mapapalad sila kung maratnan niya silang handa, dumating man siya ng hatinggabi o madaling-araw siya dumating. Tandaan ninyo ito: kung alam lamang ng puno ng sambahayan kung anong oras darating ang magnanakaw, hindi niya pababayaang pasukin ang kanyang bahay. Kayo ma’y dapat humanda, sapagkat darating ang Anak ng Tao sa oras na hindi ninyo inaasahan.” 

Itinanong ni Pedro, "Panginoon, sinasabi po ba ninyo ang talinghagang ito para sa amin o para sa lahat?" Tumugon ang Panginoon, "Sino nga ang tapat at matalinong alipin? Hindi ba siya ang pamamahalain ng kanyang panginoon sa sambahayan nito, upang magbigay sa ibang mga alipin ng kanilang pagkain sa karampatang panahon? Mapalad ang aliping iyon, kapag dinatnan siyang gumagawa ng gayon pagbabalik ng kanyang panginoon. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo: pamamahalain siya ng kanyang panginoon, at simulan niyang bugbugin ang ibang aliping lalaki at babae, at kumain, uminom, at maglasing, darating ang panginoon ng aliping yaon sa araw na hindi niya inaasahan at sa oras na hindi niya alam. Buong higpit na parurusahan siya ng panginoon, at isasama sa mga di-tapat. 

"At ang aliping nakaaalam ng kalooban ng kanyang panginoon ngunit hindi naghanda ni sumunod sa kalooban nito ay tatanggap ng mabigat na parusa. Ngunit ang aliping hindi nakaaalam ng kalooban ng kanyang panginoon at gumawa ng mga bagay na nararapat niyang pagdusahan ay tatanggap ng magaang na parusa. Ang binigyan ng maraming bagay ay hahanapan ng maraming bagay; at ang pinagkatiwalaan ng lalong maraming bagay ay pananagutin sa lalong maraming bagay."

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Repleksyon:

May isang kuwento tungkol sa isang senior citizen na babae na laging naglalaan ng oras para sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kanyang presensya sa Banal na Misa at para sa mga taong nangangailangan ng kanyang tulong.  

Kapag tinatanong siya kung bakit ganoon ang kanyang pamumuhay, marahan niyang sinasabi, “Ito ang aking paraan ng paghahanda para sa muling pagdating ng Panginoon.” Inihahalintulad niya ang pagdating ng Panginoon sa kamatayan—isang pangyayaring dumarating nang walang anumang babala, ngunit isang bagay na dapat lagi nating paghandaan. 

Sa ating mabuting balita ngayong Linggo, pinaaalalahanan tayo ni Jesus na laging maging handa at maging mapagmatyag na mga lingkod ng Panginoon—gaya ng mga Israelita sa ating Unang Pagbasa, na matiyagang naghintay nang may pananampalataya hanggang sa sila’y palayain ng Diyos mula sa pagkaalipin sa mga Egipcio. Nagtitiwala sila sa Kanyang pangako, kahit tila napakahaba ng gabi, at kumilos sila ayon sa pananampalataya hanggang sumapit ang oras ng pagliligtas. 

Paano nga ba tayo magiging mapagmatyag at handang mga lingkod ng Panginoon? Sa pamamagitan ng taos-pusong paglilingkod at pagsunod sa Kanya nang walang alinlangan, at sa pamamagitan ng paglinang ng pananampalatayang buhay, masigla, at nakikita sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ang tunay na kahandaan ay hindi bunga ng takot sa hindi natin alam—ito ay bunga ng pag-ibig sa Kanya na ating hinihintay. 

Kapag dumating ang kamatayan—na tiyak na mangyayari sa itinakdang oras ng Diyos—at kung tayo’y namuhay sa pananampalataya at pagsunod, wala tayong dapat ikatakot. Sa halip, pananabikan natin ang sandaling makaharap ang ating Panginoon at makapiling Siya magpakailanman sa Kanyang kaharian sa langit. 

Ngunit paano kung hindi tayo handa? Paano kung tayo’y patuloy na namumuhay sa kasalanan at walang malasakit sa ating kapwa? Saan tayo hahantong? 

Ngayon, malinaw ang mensahe ng Panginoon: Maging handa. Manatiling tapat. Mamuhay na parang maaari Siyang dumating anumang oras. Nawa’y bawat gawa ng kabutihan, bawat panalangin, at bawat pagpili sa tama ay maging paraan natin ng pagsasabi, “Panginoon, handa po ako kapag ako’y Iyo ng tatawagin.” – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 9 Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 17:14-20

Gospel: Matthew 17:14-20

A man came up to Jesus, knelt down before him, and said, “Lord, have pity on my son, who is a lunatic and suffers severely; often he falls into fire, and often into water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 

Jesus said in reply, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked him and the demon came out of him, and from that hour the boy was cured. Then the disciples approached Jesus in private and said, “Why could we not drive it out? 

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

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Reflection: 

What can your faith in Jesus do for you? 

It can stir hope deep within your heart, and it can move you to hold on to Jesus with unwavering trust, even in the most difficult and painful moments of your life. 

Consider the man in the Gospel who approached Jesus, begging for the healing of his son. He came with faith—quiet, desperate, but strong. Without that faith, he wouldn’t have dared to approach the Lord. But because he believed, he came. And because he came, he received the grace he sought. 

Now contrast his faith with the doubts of Jesus’ own disciples. Why did they falter? Perhaps they began to see Jesus as just another man, someone familiar and ordinary. Maybe the burdens of their mission—the trials and frustrations—slowly wore down their sense of awe and reverence for the Master. 

The same can happen to us. When we begin to treat Jesus as a mere figure from history, or when we only remember Him during convenient moments, we, too, become vulnerable to a quiet and dangerous illness: the erosion of faith. And when our faith erodes, we become lukewarm—disconnected, unmotivated, and spiritually tired. We lose our desire to pursue Jesus. Doubts creep in. Our love grows cold. 

But take heart—there is a remedy. 

When we feel our faith beginning to fade, let us fall to our knees and pray. Let us ask Jesus, with the humility of the man in the Gospel, “Lord, increase my faith.” Let us go to Him with open hearts at the Eucharistic Celebration. Be fully present. Listen to His voice. Receive His Body with longing and love. Read His words in Scripture, not as ink on paper, but as a personal message from the One who loves us most. 

If we commit ourselves to doing these things—not out of obligation, but out of love—we will be strengthened. Our faith will become firm, like a house built on rock. And then, no storm in life, no matter how fierce or overwhelming, will be able to shake us. Jesus will hold us steady. He will walk with us. And we will know, deep in our souls, that nothing is impossible with Him. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday August 8 Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest: Matthew 16:24-28

Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 

What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”

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Reflection:

What is a meaningful and well-lived life? 

It is a life lived for the greater glory of God—a life not centered on ourselves or our fleeting earthly achievements, but on our relationship with the One who created us. 

So often, we fall into the trap of living only for what this world can give. We chase success, wealth, recognition, and pleasure, believing that these things will fill the deepest longings of our hearts. 

But even after achieving all these, we may still find ourselves asking: Why am I not truly happy? Worse, we may feel empty and alone—surrounded by abundance yet starving for meaning. 

Why does this happen? 

Because our hearts were not made for this world. We were created by God and for God, and our souls will always remain restless until they rest in Him. We desire the things of this world, yet we fail to see that many of them enslave us—binding us with false promises that can never satisfy the soul. 

Everything we have here is temporary. Even we, who walk this earth today, are but pilgrims—passing through this world on our way to our true home in heaven. 

God did not create us for earthly riches but for eternal joy in His presence. And yet, many still don’t understand this. We accumulate more than we need. Some even go so far as to sacrifice their values and sell their souls just to gain what the world calls "success." 

But in today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us of a powerful truth: the true meaning of life is found only in living for Him. We will never find lasting peace or purpose in wealth, power, or glamour. These things will fade. Only a life rooted in Christ—a life of faith, surrender, and love—will endure. 

Let us ask ourselves today: Am I living for the glory of God or for the fleeting glories of this world? May we allow the Holy Spirit to lead us back to what truly matters: a life lived in union with Jesus, full of grace, purpose, and eternal hope. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for August 7 Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 16:13-23

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-23

Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  

Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.  

I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.  

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

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Reflection:

Is there a reward for a person who exerts effort to know Jesus deeply? Yes, there is—and this is beautifully revealed in today’s Gospel reading. 

When Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “But who do you say that I am?” it was Simon Peter who responded with a heart full of conviction and faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 

Peter didn’t arrive at this truth by chance. Yes, it was a divine gift from the Father—but Peter also nurtured that gift. He spent time with Jesus. He listened. He observed. He loved. He allowed himself to be transformed by the presence of the Lord. Without that effort, that deep longing to know Jesus personally, Peter would not have been able to make such a profound confession of faith. 

What was Peter’s reward? Jesus looked into his heart and entrusted him with a divine mission: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” (Matthew 16:18) What an extraordinary reward—to be chosen as the foundation upon which the visible Church of Christ would stand! 

And what about us? What will we receive if we, too, exert effort to know Jesus more intimately? The rewards are immense and eternal—peace that surpasses understanding, a life anchored in grace, hearts that forgive, families that flourish in love, and a soul that rests securely in the arms of God. These are treasures the world cannot give, and the world cannot take away. 

Through our Baptism, the gift of a relationship with Jesus has already been placed in our hands. But a gift left unopened remains useless. Let us not neglect this divine gift. Instead, let us unwrap it each day with eagerness and joy by deepening our love and knowledge of Christ. 

We open this gift when we immerse ourselves in His life through the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We open it when we live out His teachings in our daily choices, in our forgiveness, in our sacrifices, in our love. We open it when we participate fully, consciously, and joyfully in the celebration of the Holy Mass—where heaven meets earth and Christ gives Himself to us again and again. 

Do you also long to receive the Lord’s rewards? Draw near to Him. Desire Him. Spend time with Him. Because those who seek Him with all their hearts will never walk away empty. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Wednesday August 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord: Luke 9:28b-36

Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up a mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 

As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. 

Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

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Reflection:

There’s a story about a man who deeply longed to experience a more intimate relationship with the Lord through prayer. Yet, every time he knelt in silence, his mind would wander. Thoughts unrelated to God would creep in, stealing his attention and disturbing the sacred space of his heart. 

No matter how much he tried to focus, he always found himself distracted. It became a painful pattern—every time he prayed, his thoughts pulled him away from the One he desired to encounter most. 

Perhaps this man’s struggle mirrors our own. We, too, yearn for deeper intimacy with God. We thirst for a prayer life that brings peace, clarity, and closeness with the Lord. But distractions—both external and internal—often cloud our hearts and minds. And so we ask: How can we truly enter into that sacred communion with God, where both mind and heart are in tune with Him? 

The Gospel reading today offers us a beautiful glimpse into this kind of prayer. Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James, and John, climbed a mountain to pray. For a brief moment, He withdrew from the noise and distractions of the world. He ascended to a place of solitude, a sacred height, to be alone with the Father. His heart and mind were completely attuned to God—free, focused, and full of love. 

Even His closest companions, overwhelmed by sleep, faded into the background, allowing Jesus to be completely immersed in divine communion. And then it happened—His face changed in appearance, and His garments became dazzling white. 

A holy radiance surrounded Him. It was the visible sign of a soul fully united with God. In that mountaintop silence, Jesus found what He longed for: profound intimacy with the Father through deep, unbroken prayer. 

This is an invitation for us, too. If we desire a deeper connection with the Lord, we must be willing to climb our own mountain of silence. We must set aside time, step away from distractions, and create a sacred space where we can meet God heart-to-heart. It is in the stillness—when we turn off the noise of the world and focus our full attention on Him—that we will encounter His presence most intimately. 

Silence is not empty. It is full of God. 

Let us not be afraid of this climb. Let us seek the face of God with the same desire Jesus had. Let us surrender our scattered thoughts, our burdens, and our distractions—and simply be still before the One who knows us, loves us, and waits for us. 

Do you make time each day to enter into prayerful silence before God? Have you found your own mountaintop, where your heart can rest in Him alone? — Marino J. Dasmarinas