Reflection for Sunday January 11 The Baptism of the Lord: Matthew 3:13-17

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying,  "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. 

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying,  "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

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Reflection:

If we were asked, “When were you baptized?” many of us might not be able to answer right away. We might need to look for our Baptismal certificate—if we have even kept a copy of it. And what if we no longer have it?

Unlike our birthdays, which we never fail to remember each year, we often forget our baptismal day—yet this day is far more important than the day we were born into this world. In Baptism, we were born again through water and the Holy Spirit.

It was on that sacred day that we became children of God, members of the Church, and sharers in the mission of Jesus. From that moment on, our lives were no longer meant to be lived only for ourselves, but for God and for others. As baptized Christians, we are called to humbly proclaim and live out the teachings of Jesus and of His Church.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus Himself stepping into the waters of the Jordan to be baptized by John. John hesitated and said, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” He was filled with awe, for he knew he was standing before the Savior, the Holy One of God.

Why would Jesus, the Son of God, choose to be baptized by an ordinary man? Why not simply begin His mission at once? Yet Jesus insisted, because His baptism was the sign that His mission of love, obedience, and self-giving had truly begun. In that moment, heaven was opened. The Holy Spirit descended upon Him, and the voice of the Father was heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

From that day on, Jesus began His public ministry. He proclaimed the Good News, healed the sick, lifted up the brokenhearted, fed the hungry, and brought hope to the hopeless. And in the end, He did not turn away from suffering, but offered His life completely out of love for us.

Brothers and sisters, our own baptism united us to this same Jesus and to this same mission. We, too, were anointed, chosen, and sent. Our baptism was not only a moment in the past—it is a call that continues to echo in our hearts today.

So let us pause and ask ourselves: Are we truly living as baptized people? Are we faithfully carrying the mission of Christ in the way we love, serve, and forgive? Or has our baptism become only a forgotten date, instead of a living commitment? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon sa Linggo Enero 11 Ang Kapistahan ng Pagbibinyag sa Panginoon: Mateo 3:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 3:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus ay dumating naman sa Jordan mula sa Galilea, at lumapit kay Juan upang pabinyag. Sinansala siya ni Juan na ang wika, "Ako po ang dapat binyagan ninyo, at kayo pa ang lumalapit sa akin!" Ngunit tinugon siya ni Hesus, "Hayaan mo itong mangyari ngayon; sapagkat ito ang nararapat nating gawin upang matupad ang kalooban ng Diyos."  

At pumayag si Juan. Nang mabinyagan si Hesus, umahon siya sa tubig. Nabuksan ang langit at nakita niya ang Espiritu ng Diyos, bumababa sa kanya, ang isang kalapati. At isang tinig mula sa langit ang nagsabi, "Ito ang minamahal kong Anak na lubos kong kinalulugdan!"

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Repleksyon:

Kung tayo ay tatanungin, “Kailan ka bininyagan?” marahil marami sa atin ang hindi agad makakasagot. Baka kailangan pa nating hanapin ang ating sertipiko ng binyag—kung mayroon pa nga tayong naitago. At paano kung wala na ito?

Hindi tulad ng ating kaarawan na taon-taon nating naaalala, madalas nating nalilimutan ang araw ng ating binyag—gayong ito ang mas mahalagang araw sa ating buhay. Sa Binyag, tayo ay muling isinilang sa pamamagitan ng tubig at ng Espiritu Santo.

Sa araw na iyon, tayo ay naging mga anak ng Diyos, mga kasapi ng Simbahan, at mga kabahagi sa misyon ni Hesus. Mula noon, ang ating buhay ay hindi na lamang para sa ating sarili, kundi para sa Diyos at sa kapwa. Bilang mga Kristiyanong bininyagan, tayo ay tinatawag na ipahayag at isabuhay, nang may kababaang-loob, ang mga aral ni Hesus at ng Kanyang Simbahan.

Sa Mabuting Balita, nakita natin si Hesus na bumaba sa Ilog Jordan upang pabinyag kay Juan. Nag-atubili si Juan at sinabi, “Ako ang dapat na binyagan mo, at ikaw pa ang lumalapit sa akin?” Puno siya ng pagkamangha, sapagkat alam niyang ang kaharap niya ay ang Tagapagligtas, ang Banal na Anak ng Diyos.

Bakit nga ba nagpabinyag si Hesus, ang Anak ng Diyos, sa isang karaniwang tao? Bakit hindi na lamang Niya agad sinimulan ang Kanyang misyon? Ngunit iginiit ni Hesus ang Kanyang binyag, sapagkat ito ang hudyat ng pagsisimula ng Kanyang misyon ng pag-ibig, pagsunod, at lubos na pag-aalay ng sarili. Sa sandaling iyon, nabuksan ang langit, bumaba ang Espiritu Santo, at narinig ang tinig ng Ama: “Ito ang minamahal kong Anak na lubos kong kinalulugdan.”

Mula noon, sinimulan ni Hesus ang Kanyang hayagang ministeryo. Ipinahayag Niya ang Mabuting Balita, pinagaling ang mga maysakit, pinalakas ang loob ng mga nanghihina, pinakain ang mga nagugutom, at binigyan ng pag-asa ang mga nawawalan ng pag-asa. At sa huli, hindi Siya umiwas sa paghihirap, kundi buong pagmamahal Niyang inialay ang Kanyang buhay para sa ating kaligtasan.

Sa ating sariling binyag, tayo rin ay iniuugnay kay Hesus at sa Kanyang misyon. Tayo man ay pinili, binasbasan, at isinugo. Ang ating binyag ay hindi lamang isang alaala ng nakaraan—ito ay isang tawag na patuloy na umaalingawngaw sa ating mga puso hanggang ngayon.

Tayo ba ay tunay na namumuhay bilang mga taong bininyagan? Tapat ba nating isinasabuhay ang misyon ni Hesus sa paraan ng ating pagmamahal, paglilingkod, at pagpapatawad araw-araw? O ang ating binyag ba ay isa na lamang nakalimutang petsa, sa halip na isang buhay na pangako? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 10 Saturday after Epiphany: John 3:22-30

Gospel: John 3:22-30

Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. 

So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him.  

The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”

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Reflection:

Would we be willing to decrease so that Jesus may increase? Would we be willing to remain faceless workers in the vineyard of the Lord, content to serve even when no one notices our labor?

John the Baptist had no insecurities whatsoever toward Jesus, for he knew where he stood in the plan of salvation. He knew who he was—and more importantly, he knew who Jesus is. When he was told that Jesus was baptizing and that everyone was coming to Him, he did not feel threatened, nor did he compete for attention. Instead, he calmly said: “You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before Him” (John 3:28).

And then he gave us one of the most beautiful images of humble discipleship: “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:29–30).

John was never tempted to upstage Jesus, even when there was an inviting opportunity to do so. He knew perfectly well that his role was to be the best man for the Bridegroom, who is Jesus. He understood that his mission was simply to prepare the way for Him—and he fulfilled this mission with deep joy and profound humility. For John, it was enough that Christ be known, loved, and followed, even if he himself faded into the background.

Is this not also our calling? We, too, are sent not to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others to Jesus. We, too, are invited to rejoice not in our own importance, but in the triumph of God’s will. True joy is found not in being seen, praised, or remembered, but in knowing that Christ is increasing in the hearts of those we serve.

Are we willing to step aside, to be forgotten if necessary, so that Jesus may be more clearly seen in our lives? Are we ready to decrease, so that He alone may increase in us, and through us? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 10 Sabado kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Juan 3:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay nagpunta sa lupain ng Judea. Nanatili siya roon ng kaunting panahon kasama nila, at nagbinyag. Si Juan ay nagbibinyag rin naman sa Enon, malapit sa Salim, sapagkat maraming tubig doon. Pumupunta sa kanya ang mga tao at nagpapabinyag. Hindi pa nakabilanggo noon si Juan.

Minsan, nakatalo ng mga alagad ni Juan ang isang Judio tungkol sa tanging paraan ng paglilinis. Kaya’t pumunta sila kay Juan at sinabi sa kanya, “Rabi, yaon pong lalaking kasama ninyo sa ibayo ng Jordan, na inyong pinatotohanan ay nagbibinyag rin at nagpupunta sa kanya ang lahat!” Sumagot si Juan, “Walang tatanggapin ang tao malibang ipagkaloob sa kanya ng Diyos.

Kayo na rin ang makapagpapatunay na sinabi kong hindi ako ang Kristo; sugo lamang akong mauuna sa kanya. Ang babaing ikakasal ay para sa lalaking ikakasal. Ang abay na naghihintay sa pagdating ng lalaking ikakasal ay lubos na nagagalak pagkarinig sa tinig nito. Gayun din naman, lubos na ang kagalakan ko ngayon. Kinakailangang siya ay maging dakila, at ako nama’y mababa.”

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Repleksyon:

Handa ba tayong magpakababa upang si Jesus ang lalong maitaas? Handa ba tayong manatiling mga tahimik at hindi napapansing manggagawa sa ubasan ng Panginoon, na naglilingkod kahit walang nakakakita at pumupuri?

Si Juan Bautista ay walang anumang inggit o insekyuridad kay Jesus, sapagkat alam niya kung ano ang kanyang lugar sa plano ng kaligtasan. Alam niya kung sino siya—at higit sa lahat, alam niya kung sino si Jesus.

Nang sabihin sa kanya na si Jesus ay nagbibinyag na at marami ang lumalapit sa Kanya, hindi siya nabahala ni nakaramdam ng inggit. Sa halip, mahinahon niyang sinabi: “Kayo na rin ang makapagsasaksi na sinabi kong hindi ako ang Cristo, kundi isinugo lamang ako upang mauna sa Kanya” (Juan 3:28).

At ibinigay niya sa atin ang isa sa pinakamagandang larawan ng mapagkumbabang paglilingkod: “Ang may kasintahang babae ay ang lalaking ikakasal; ngunit ang kaibigan ng lalaking ikakasal, na nakatayo at nakikinig sa kanya, ay nagagalak nang labis sa tinig ng lalaking ikakasal. Kaya’t ganap na ang kagalakang ito na aking tinatamasa. Siya ang dapat tumaas, at ako naman ang dapat bumaba” (Juan 3:29–30).

Hindi kailanman tinukso si Juan na higitan o tabunan si Jesus, kahit may pagkakataon sana siyang gawin iyon. Batid niyang lubos na ang kanyang tungkulin ay maging kaibigan ng Lalaking Ikakasal—na si Jesus.

Naunawaan niya na ang kanyang misyon ay ihanda lamang ang daan para sa Kanya, at ginampanan niya ito nang may malalim na kagalakan at taos-pusong kababaang-loob. Para kay Juan, sapat na na makilala, mahalin, at sundin si Hesus, kahit siya mismo ay manatili sa likuran.

Hindi ba ito rin ang pagtawag sa atin? Tayo man ay isinugo hindi upang itampok ang ating mga sarili, kundi upang ituro ang ating kapwas kay Hesus. Inaanyayahan din tayong magalak hindi sa sarili nating kahalagahan, kundi sa tagumpay ng kalooban ng Diyos. Ang tunay na kagalakan ay hindi matatagpuan sa pagiging nakikita, pinupuri, at pinahahalagahan, kundi sa pagkaalam na si Hesus ay lalong tumitingkad sa mga puso ng mga ating pinaglilingkuran.

Handa ba tayong umatras, na kahit makalimutan man, basta’t mas makita si Jesus sa ating buhay? Handa ba tayong magpakababa upang Siya lamang ang lalong maghari sa atin, at sa pamamagitan natin? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Friday January 9 Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, Señor Jesus Nazareno: John 3:13-17

Gospel: John 3:13-17

Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”  

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

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Reflection:

Do we know the story of the True Cross of Jesus?

After the death of Jesus, there was an intense persecution of Christians. Yet in the year 312 AD, the Church entered a new era. This was the time when Constantine I embraced the Christian faith and became the first Christian emperor of Rome. One of his first edicts was to stop the persecution of Christians.

It is said that Constantine deputized his mother, Helena, to gather Christian relics. She traveled to the Holy Land, and while there, she discovered the three crosses used during the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves—Dismas and Gestas.

Since there were three crosses, her dilemma was to find the real cross of Jesus. So she called on sick people from the community and let them touch each of the three crosses. Among the three, there was one that stood out, because it instantly healed those who touched it. Helena then declared it to be the True Cross of Jesus.

Today, we celebrate the Feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, Señor Jesus Nazareno. Unlike other Christians whose cross is without Jesus, our cross is never complete without Him on it. And as much as possible, we do not only want to touch the cross—we want to touch Jesus Himself through His cross.

Oftentimes, our cross symbolizes the burdens that we carry in life—these can be sickness or problems. A young mother was once asked, “Who is your cross?” She replied without hesitation, “It is my irresponsible husband, because he is always with his friends, indulging in drinking sprees, and whenever he comes home, he subjects me to physical and emotional abuse.”

Each and every one of us has our own cross—something that makes life difficult, something that weighs heavily on our hearts. Sometimes we even ask, “Why is it that the closer we draw to Jesus, the heavier the cross we seem to carry?” The cross we carry is a test of our faith. We may not fully understand the presence of Jesus in our lives unless we, too, learn to carry and endure our own cross in silence and trust.

What is important is this: whenever we carry our cross, we do not carry it alone. We are invited to ask Jesus to help us carry it and to walk with us in our painful journey. Let us not question why we have our cross, because the cross that burdens us today is nothing compared to the cross that Jesus carried for our sake.

Here lies the great paradox of our faith: the cross that caused Jesus so much suffering became the instrument for the fulfillment of His mission. That same cross has become the symbol of our salvation. There is no glory in the cross without the saving sacrifice of Jesus. And there is no true meaning to our own suffering unless we unite it with His.

So today, let us ask ourselves: What cross are we carrying right now? What burden is weighing down our hearts, testing our faith, and challenging our trust in God?

Let us look up to Jesus. Let us close our eyes. And in the silence of our hearts, let us humbly ask Him not to take away our cross—but to give us the grace to carry it with Him.

And the question that remains for all of us is this: Are we willing to embrace our cross and walk with Jesus, trusting that—like His—it, too, can become a path to resurrection? — Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Biyernes Enero 9 Kapistahan ng ating Panginoong Jesukristo, Señor Jesus Nazareno: Juan 3:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Juan 3:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus kay Nicodemo, "Walang umakyat sa langit kundi ang bumaba mula sa langit -- ang Anak ng Tao. "At kung paanong itinaas ni Moises ang ahas doon sa ilang gayon din naman, kailangang itaas ang Anak ng Tao, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa kanya ay magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.  

Gayun na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sumampalataya sa kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan. Sapagkat sinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, hindi upang maparusahan ang sanlibutan, kundi upang iligtas ito sa pamamagitan niya.

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Repleksyon:

Alam ba natin ang kuwento ng Tunay na Krus ni Jesus?

Pagkatapos ng kamatayan ni Jesus, dumaan ang mga Kristiyano sa matinding pag-uusig. Ngunit noong 312 AD, pumasok ang Simbahan sa isang bagong yugto ng kasaysayan. Ito ang panahong tinanggap ni Constantine I ang pananampalatayang Kristiyano at siya ang naging kauna-unahang Kristiyanong emperador ng Roma. Isa sa kanyang mga unang kautusan ay ang ipahinto ang pag-uusig sa mga Kristiyano.

Sinasabing inatasan niya ang kanyang ina na si Helena upang tipunin ang mga banal na relikya ng Kristiyanismo. Naglakbay si Helena patungo sa Banal na Lupain sa Israel, at doon niya natuklasan ang tatlong krus na ginamit sa pagpapako kay Jesus at sa dalawang magnanakaw—sina Dismas at Gestas.

Dahil tatlo ang krus, naging hamon para sa kanya ang tukuyin kung alin ang tunay na krus ni Jesus. Kaya tinawag niya ang mga maysakit sa komunidad at pinahipo sa kanila ang bawat isa sa tatlong krus. At sa tatlo, may isang namukod-tangi, sapagkat ang sinumang humipo rito ay agad na gumaling. Ipinahayag ni Helena na iyon ang Tunay na Krus ni Jesus.

Ngayon, ipinagdiriwang natin ang kapistahan ng ating Panginoong Hesukristo, ang Señor Jesus Nazareno. Hindi tulad ng ibang mga Kristiyano na may krus na walang katawan ni Jesus, para sa atin, ang krus ay hindi kailanman ganap kung wala si Jesus dito. At higit pa sa paghipo sa krus, nais nating mahipo si Jesus mismo sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang krus.

Kadalasan, ang ating krus ay sumasagisag sa mga pasaning dala-dala natin sa buhay—maari itong isang sakit o problema. May isang batang ina na minsang tinanong, “Sino ang krus mo?” Agad siyang sumagot, “Ang aking iresponsableng asawa, dahil palagi siyang kasama ng kanyang mga kaibigan sa pag-iinuman, at kapag umuuwi siya, ako’y inaabuso niya—pisikal at emosyonal.”

Bawat isa sa atin ay may sariling krus—mga bagay na nagpapabigat sa ating buhay at nagpapalungkot sa ating puso. Minsan ay naitatanong pa natin, “Bakit habang lalo tayong lumalapit kay Jesus, tila lalo namang bumibigat ang krus na ating pasan?”

Ang krus na dala natin ay isang pagsubok sa ating pananampalataya. Maaaring hindi natin ganap na maunawaan ang presensya ni Jesus sa ating buhay kung hindi rin tayo matutong magtiis at magpasan ng sarili nating krus nang may pananampalataya at pagtitiwala.

Ngunit ito ang mahalaga: hindi tayo nag-iisa sa pagdadala ng ating krus. Inaanyayahan tayong isama si Jesus, hingin ang Kanyang tulong, at hayaan Siyang makasabay natin sa ating mahirap na paglalakbay. Huwag na nating tanungin kung bakit tayo may krus, sapagkat ang krus na nagpapabigat sa atin ngayon ay wala pa sa anino ng krus na pinasan ni Jesus para sa ating kaligtasan.

Narito ang dakilang paradox ng ating pananampalataya: ang krus na nagdulot ng napakatinding paghihirap kay Jesus ang siyang naging daan upang matupad ang Kanyang misyon. Ang krus ding iyon ang naging tanda ng ating kaligtasan. Walang kaluwalhatian ang krus kung wala ang nagliligtas na sakripisyo ni Jesus. At wala ring tunay na saysay ang ating pagdurusa kung hindi natin ito iniuugnay sa Kanyang pagdurusa.

Kaya ngayon, itanong natin sa ating sarili: Ano ang krus na dala-dala natin sa kasalukuyan? Anong bigat ang patuloy na sumusubok sa ating pananampalataya at nagtutulak sa atin na manghina?

Tumingala tayo kay Jesus. Ipikit natin ang ating mga mata. At sa katahimikan ng ating puso, buong kababaang-loob nating hingin sa Kanya—hindi na alisin ang ating krus, kundi bigyan tayo ng lakas ng loob at biyaya upang pasanin ito kasama Niya.

At ang hamon para sa ating lahat ay ito: Handa ba nating yakapin ang ating krus at sumabay kay Jesus sa paglalakbay, na may paniniwalang tulad ng Kanyang krus, ang atin man ay maaari ring maging daan patungo sa muling pagkabuhay at bagong pag-asa? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 8 Thursday after Epiphany: Luke 4:14-22

Gospel: Luke 4:14-22

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all. 

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

He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.  

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

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Reflection:

Are we living and fulfilling our Baptismal Mission?

We all have a mission in our existence. We are not mere vapors passing through this world; we are human beings created with purpose and called by God. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we were anointed and sent to share in the mission of Jesus. But have we truly lived this mission? Have we shared His words in the Bible? Have we reached out to the poor, the hungry, the oppressed, and the homeless—not just in words, but in concrete acts of love?

From time to time, we need to pause and honestly examine our lives. For we may be living, often without noticing it, according to what this world dictates. The world constantly invites us to seek self-gratification and to pursue the endless accumulation of material wealth, as if these were the true measures of a successful life.

What happens to us when we embrace the ways of this world and slowly, perhaps even deliberately, forget the teachings of Jesus? We may still be walking and breathing, but deep inside, we begin to lose our true purpose and direction.

God did not create us to become mere creatures of this world. He did not create us simply to accumulate wealth. He created us so that we could share whatever material and spiritual gifts we have received. God did not create us to pattern our lives after the values of this world; He created us to pattern our lives after the life of Jesus.

Let us, then, strive to live the life of Christ and to spread His teachings, not only with our lips but with our whole lives. There are far greater and more lasting rewards in following Him than in embracing the ways of the world. 

For worldly satisfactions are short-lived and filled with problems—sugar-coated with enticing pleasures: pleasures that do not last, pleasures that only draw us into deeper bondage to sin, and pleasures that eventually leave our hearts emptier than before.

Are we truly living our baptismal mission, or are we merely living for ourselves and for this passing world? And if Christ were to look into our hearts right now, would He recognize in us His faithful disciples? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 8 Huwebes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Lucas 4:14-22

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 4:14-22

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Galilea, at sumasakanya ang kapangyarihan ng Espiritu Santo. Kumalat sa palibot na lupain ang balita tungkol sa kanya. Nagturo siya sa kanilang mga sinagoga; at dinakila siya ng lahat.

Umuwi si Hesus sa Nazaret na kanyang nilakhan. Gaya ng kanyang kinagawian, pumasok siya sa sinagoga nang Araw ng Pamamahinga. Tumindig siya upang bumasa; at ibinigay sa kanya ang aklat ni propeta Isaias. Binuksan niya ang aklat sa dakong kinasusulatan ng ganito: “Sumasaakin ang Espiritu ng Panginoon, Sapagkat hinirang niya ako upang ipangaral sa mga dukha ang Mabuting Balita.

Sinugo niya ako upang ipahayag sa bihag na sila’y lalaya, At sa mga bulag na sila’y makakikita; Upang bigyang-kaluwagan ang mga sinisiil, At ipahayag ang pagliligtas na gagawin ng Panginoon.”

Binalumbon niya ang kasulatan, at matapos isauli sa tagapaglingkod, siya’y naupo. Nakatitig sa kanya ang lahat ng nasa sinagoga. At sinabi niya sa kanila: “Natupad ngayon ang bahaging ito ng Kasulatan samantalang nakikinig kayo.” Pinuri siya ng lahat, at namangha sila sa kanyang napakahusay na pananalita. 

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Repleksyon:

Tinutupad ba natin ang ating misyon ng tayo ay binyagan?

Tayong lahat ay may misyon. Hindi tayo basta mga aninong dumaraan lamang sa mundong ito; tayo ay mga taong nilikha na may layunin at tinawag ng Diyos. Sa pamamagitan ng Sakramento ng Binyag, tayo ay pinahiran at isinugo upang makibahagi sa misyon ni Hesus.

Ngunit tunay nga ba nating isinasabuhay ang misyong ito? Ipinapahayag ba natin ang Kanyang Salita? Iniaabot ba natin ang ating mga kamay sa mga dukha, sa mga nagugutom, sa mga naaapi, at sa mga walang tahanan—hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa gawa?

Paminsan-minsan, kailangan nating huminto at tapat na suriin ang ating mga buhay. Sapagkat maaaring namumuhay tayo, ayon sa idinidikta ng mundong ito. Patuloy tayong inaanyayahan ng mundo sa paghahangad ng pansariling kaligayahan at sa walang katapusang pag-iipon ng yaman, na para bang ito ang tunay na sukatan ng isang matagumpay na buhay.

Ano ang mangyayari sa atin kapag niyakap natin ang mga gawi ng mundong ito at unti-unti—marahil ay sinasadya pa—nating nalilimutan ang mga turo ni Hesus? Maaaring tayo ay patuloy na humihinga at naglalakad, ngunit sa kaibuturan ng ating pagkatao, unti-unti nating nawawala ang tunay na saysay at direksiyon ng ating buhay.

Hindi tayo nilikha ng Diyos upang maging mga alipin ng mundong ito. Hindi Niya tayo nilikha upang basta lamang mag-ipon ng kayamanan. Nilalang Niya tayo upang ibahagi ang anumang materyal at espirituwal na kaloob na ating tinanggap. Hindi Niya tayo nilikha upang hubugin ang ating buhay ayon sa mga pamantayan ng mundo, kundi ayon sa buhay mismo ni Hesus.

Kaya, sikapin nating isabuhay ang buhay ni Kristo at ipalaganap ang Kanyang mga turo—hindi lamang sa ating mga salita, kundi sa ating pamumuhay. Sapagkat ang mga gantimpala ng pagsunod sa Kanya ay higit na dakila at higit na tumatagal kaysa sa anumang alok ng mundo.

Ang mga bigay na aliw ng sanlibutan ay panandalian at puno ng problema—pinatamis lamang ng mapang-akit na kasiyahan: mga kasiyahang hindi nagtatagal, mga kasiyahang lalo lamang tayong iginagapos sa kasalanan, at mga kasiyahang sa huli ay nag-iiwan sa ating mga puso na sugatan, hungkag at wasak.

Tunay nga bang isinasabuhay natin ang ating misyon sa binyag, o nabubuhay lamang tayo para sa ating sarili at sa mundong ito na lilipas din? At kung titingnan tayo ni Kristo sa sandaling ito, makikita kaya Niya sa atin ang mga katagian ng isang tunay na alagad? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 7 Wednesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:45-52

Gospel: Mark 6:45-52

After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.  

When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified.  

But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

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Reflection:

Do we have the habit of setting aside time each day to be alone with God in prayer?

In the busyness and hustle and bustle of life, many of us find ourselves constantly moving, constantly occupied, and constantly tired. Too often, prayer becomes the first thing we set aside. And even when we do find time, we may not always pray with solemnity and reflection. We pray because we feel we must, and prayer slowly becomes routine—mechanical rather than heartfelt.

After feeding more than five thousand people, Jesus went up the mountain by Himself to pray. Even though He is the Son of God, Jesus recognized the vital place of prayer in His life. He knew perfectly well that life without prayer is empty, directionless, and shallow.

So He withdrew to the mountain to pray. There, in silence and solitude, He sought the Father’s guidance and strength as He continued His ministry. Like Jesus, do we prayerfully ask for God’s guidance and strength as we face our daily challenges, responsibilities, and struggles?

Everything we do in this world—no matter how important it may seem—will eventually pass away. One day, we will leave it all behind, and much of it may even be forgotten. But the prayers we offer each day will carry us through the daily grind of life. They ground us, strengthen us, and keep our hearts anchored in God.

And those same daily prayers, offered in quiet moments of isolation with the Lord, slowly shape our souls. One day, they will become the key that opens the doorway to heaven.

Are we willing to step away from the noise of life, to climb our own “mountain,” and to meet God in prayer—not out of obligation, but out of love and trust? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 7 Miyerkules kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Marcos 6 45-52

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:45-52

Matapos mapakain ang limang libong lalaki, agad pinasakay ni Hesus sa bangka ang mga alagad at pinauna sa Betsaida, sa kabilang ibayo ng lawa, samantalang pinauuwi niya ang mga tao. Pagkaalis nila, siya’y umahon sa burol upang manalangin. Sumapit ang gabi. Nasa laot na noon ang bangka, samatalang si Hesus ay nag-iisa sa katihan.

Nakita niyang nahihirapan sa pagsagwan ang kanyang mga alagad, sapagkat pasalungat sila sa hangin. At nang madaling-araw na, sumunod sa kanila si Hesus na naglalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig. Lalampasan niya sana sila, ngunit nakita ng mga alagad na siya’y lumalakad sa ibabaw ng tubig, kaya’t napasigaw sila.

Ang akala nila’y multo, at kinilabutan silang lahat. Ngunit agad niyang sinabi sa kanila, “Huwag kayong matakot, si Hesus ito! Lakasan ninyo ang inyong loob!” Sumakay siya sa bangka, at tumigil ang hangin. Sila’y lubhang nanggilalas, sapagkat hindi nila naunawaan ang nangyari sa tinapay; hindi pa ito abot ng kanilang isip.

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Repleksyon:

Naglalaan ba tayo ng oras araw-araw upang mapag-isa kasama ang Diyos sa panalangin?

Sa gitna ng abala at walang humpay na takbo ng ating buhay, madalas tayong mapagod, magmadali, at mawalan ng panahon. Kadalasan, ang panalangin ang unang naisasantabi. At kahit may oras man tayo, hindi rin palaging taimtim at puno ng pagninilay ang ating panalangin. Nanananalangin tayo dahil pakiramdam natin ay kailangan natin itong gawin, hanggang sa ito’y maging paulit-ulit, mekanikal, at kulang sa buhay.

Matapos pakainin ni Jesus ang mahigit limang libong tao, Siya ay umakyat sa bundok upang manalangin nang mag-isa. Kahit Siya ay Anak ng Diyos, kinilala Niya ang napakahalagang lugar ng panalangin sa Kanyang buhay. Batid Niyang ang buhay na walang panalangin ay hungkag, walang direksiyon, at mababaw.

Kaya Siya’y nagbukod upang manalangin. Doon, sa katahimikan at pag-iisa, humingi Siya sa Ama ng gabay at lakas upang ipagpatuloy ang Kanyang misyon. Tulad ni Jesus, tayo rin ba ay taimtim na humihingi ng gabay at lakas sa Panginoon habang hinaharap natin ang ating araw-araw na hamon, tungkulin, at pagsubok?

Lahat ng ginagawa natin sa mundong ito—gaanuman ito kahalaga—ay lilipas din. Darating ang panahong iiwan natin ang lahat, at maaaring makalimutan pa ang marami sa ating pinagpaguran. Ngunit ang mga panalanging iniaalay natin araw-araw ang siyang magdadala sa atin sa gitna ng pagod at hamon ng buhay. Ang mga ito ang nagpapatatag sa atin, nagpapalalim ng ating pananampalataya, at nag-uugat sa ating puso sa Diyos.

At ang mga panalanging iyon—ang mga tahimik na sandaling kasama ang Panginoon—ang unti-unting humuhubog sa ating kaluluwa. Sa huli, ang mga ito ang magiging susi na magbubukas ng pintuan patungo sa buhay na walang hanggan.

Handa ba tayong humiwalay kahit sandali sa ingay ng mundo, akyatin ang sarili nating “bundok,” at makipagtagpo sa Diyos sa panalangin—hindi dahil obligasyon, kundi dahil sa pag-ibig at tiwala? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 6 Tuesday after Epiphany: Mark 6:34-44

Gospel: Mark 6:34-44

When Jesus saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. By now it was already late and his disciples approached him and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already very late.

Dismiss them so that they can go to the surrounding farms and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” He said to them in reply, “Give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Are we to buy two hundred days’ wages worth of food and give it to them to eat?”

He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” So he gave orders to have them sit down in groups on the green grass. The people took their places in rows by hundreds and by fifties. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; he also divided the two fish among them all.

They all ate and were satisfied. And they picked up twelve wicker baskets full of fragments and what was left of the fish. Those who ate of the loaves were five thousand men.

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Reflection:

When Jesus saw the vast crowd persistently following Him, He was moved with compassion. That compassion flowed from His infinite love for the people. And from that love came action—Jesus did not merely feel compassion; He allowed it to move Him to act. With only five loaves and two fish, He fed everyone, and there was more than enough left over.

This is how Jesus loves us: with a heart full of compassion and a love that is alive and active. Yet, are we truly mindful of this love that He has been pouring out upon us all these years? Do we pause to acknowledge the depth of His love and the tenderness of His compassion for us? Jesus fed more than five thousand not simply to satisfy their hunger, but because He loved them—and He loves us in the same way.

There are times—perhaps oftentimes—when we forget this infinite love of Jesus. Still, even when we forget Him, His love never fades. His compassion remains ever present, patiently waiting for us to return. It is always there for us to receive and to claim, freely given, with no price to pay and no ransom required.

Let us, therefore, claim this priceless gift of love by being present at the Eucharistic Celebration, the Holy Mass. There, Jesus waits for us, ready to nourish us, to heal us, and to fill our empty and sometimes wandering hearts.

Do we come to the Eucharist merely out of habit, or do we come with hearts open and ready to receive the loving compassion of Jesus who longs to fill us once again? Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Martes Enero 6 kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Marcos 6:34-44

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:34-44

Noong panahong iyon, nakita ni Hesus ang napakaraming tao; nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat para silang mga tupang walang pastol. At sila’y tinuruan niya ng maraming bagay. Nang dapit-hapon na, lumapit sa kanya ang mga alagad at ang sabi, “Ilang ang pook ng ito at malapit nang lumubog ang araw.

Payaunin na po ninyo ang mga tao sa mga karatig-nayon at bayan upang makabili ng pagkain.” Ngunit sinabi niya, “Kayo ang magbigay sa kanila ng makakain.” “Bibili po ba kami ng halagang dalawandaang denaryong tinapay upang ipakain sa kanila?” Tanong ng mga alagad. “Ilan ba ang dala ninyong tinapay? Tingnan nga ninyo,” wika niya. Pagkatapos tingnan ay kanilang sinabi, “Lilima po, at dalawang isda.”

Iniutos ni Hesus na ang lahat ay maupo nang pulu-pulutong sa damuhan. Kaya’t naupo sila nang manda-mandaan at lima-limampu. Kinuha ni Hesus ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda, tumingala sa langit, at nagpasalamat sa Diyos. Pinaghati-hati niya ang mga tinapay at ibinigay sa mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao.

At pinaghati-hati niya ang dalawang isda at ipinamahagi rin. Ang lahat ay nakakain at nabusog. Nang tipunin ng mga alagad ang lumabis na hati-hating tinapay at isda, nakapuno sila ng labindalawang bakol. Sa mga nagsikain, limanlibo ang mga lalaki.  

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Repleksyon:

Nang makita ni Jesus ang napakaraming taong patuloy na sumusunod sa Kanya, Siya ay napuno ng habag. Ang habag na ito ay nagmumula sa Kanyang walang hanggang pagmamahal sa mga tao. At mula sa habag na iyon ay umusbong ang pagkilos—ang pag-ibig ni Jesus ay hindi lamang nadarama, kundi isinasabuhay. Sa limang tinapay at dalawang isda, pinakain Niya ang lahat, at may higit pang natira.

Ganito tayo minamahal ni Jesus—may pusong puno ng habag at pag-ibig na nahahayag sa gawa. Ngunit tayo ba ay tunay na may kamalayan sa pag-ibig na patuloy Niyang ibinubuhos sa atin sa loob ng maraming taon? Tinatanggap ba natin at kinikilala ang lalim ng Kanyang pagmamahal at malasakit sa atin? Pinakain ni Jesus ang mahigit limang libo, hindi lamang upang punuin ang kanilang sikmura, kundi dahil mahal Niya sila—at gayon din ang pagmamahal Niya sa atin.

May mga pagkakataon—marahil ay madalas—na nakakalimutan natin ang walang hanggang pag-ibig ni Jesus. Ngunit kahit nakalilimot tayo sa Kanya, nananatili ang Kanyang pagmamahal at habag. Palagi itong naririyan, handang tanggapin at angkinin. Ito ay libreng kaloob—walang bayad, walang kapalit, at walang panukat.

Kaya naman, inaanyayahan tayong angkinin ang dakilang kaloob na ito ng pag-ibig sa pamamagitan ng ating presensya sa Pagdiriwang ng Eukaristiya, sa Banal na Misa. Naroon si Jesus—laging naghihintay, handang punuin ang ating mga pusong hungkag at minsang naliligaw.

At sa ating pagninilay, itanong natin sa ating mga sarili: Tayo ba’y dumadalo sa Banal na Misa dahil nakasanayan na lamang, o lumalapit ba tayo kay Jesus na may pusong bukás at handang tumanggap ng Kanyang habag at pag-ibig na nais Niyang ibuhos muli sa atin? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for January 5 Monday after Epiphany: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. 

From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

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Reflection:

In the midst of darkness, light gives us hope. It gives us something to hold on to and something to look forward to. When all seems uncertain and overwhelming, light reminds us that darkness does not have the final word.

This is how the prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus in the Old Testament—a promised light shining upon those who walk in darkness. In the New Testament, that promise was fulfilled, for the light became a living reality in the person of Jesus.

Jesus called people then and now to repentance. He proclaimed the Gospel and healed those burdened by spiritual and physical sickness. He entered into human suffering with compassion and love, restoring not only bodies but also wounded hearts and souls.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He remains the light of our lives even now. He continues to heal us of our many sicknesses, our brokenness, and our hidden wounds. And He still lovingly calls each of us to turn away from sin and return to God.

Let us be careful not to make the mistake of seeking our light and hope in this world. The world may offer comfort, success, or temporary happiness, but it can never give us true and lasting hope.

When we place our trust in worldly things, we eventually find ourselves empty and restless. To anchor our hope and happiness in this world is a grave mistake—one that quietly draws our hearts away from God.

Let us, instead, learn to discern the voice of Jesus, who continually calls us to follow Him. Let us choose Him as the true hope and light of our lives, today and always. We will never go wrong when we listen to His voice, a voice that calls us to repent, to let go of sin, and to walk faithfully in the path of new life.

Where are we placing our hope today—in the fading lights of this world, or in Jesus, the true Light who alone can lead us out of darkness and into lasting life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Enero 5 Lunes kasunod ng Pagpapakita ng Panginoon: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:12-17, 23-25

Noong panahong iyon, nabalitaan ni Hesus na ibinilanggo si Juan, kaya’t bumalik siya sa Galilea. Ngunit hindi na siya sa Nazaret nanirahan kundi sa Capernaum. Ang bayang ito’y nasa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea, sa mga hangganan ng Zabulon at Neftali. 

Sa gayo’y natupad ang sinabi ni propeta Isaias: “Ang lupain ng Zabulon at lupain ng Neftali – daanan sa gawing dagat sa ibayo ng Jordan, Galilea ng mga Hentil! Itong bayang nag-apuhap sa gitna ng kadiliman sa wakas ay nakakita ng maningning niyang ilaw! Liwanag na taglay nito’y siya ngayong tumalanglaw sa lahat ng nalugami sa lilim ng kamatayan!” 

Magmula noon ay nangaral na si Hesus. Ang sabi niya, “Pagsisihan ninyo’t talikdan ang inyong mga kasalanan, sapagkat malapit nang maghari ang Diyos.” 

Nilibot ni Hesus ang buong Galilea. Nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at ipinangangaral ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos. Pinagaling din niya ang mga tao sa kanilang mga sakit at karamdaman. 

Siya’y nabantog sa buong Siria kaya’t dinadala sa kanya ang lahat ng maysakit at mga pinahihirapan ng iba’t ibang karamdaman: mga inaalihan ng mga demonyo, mga himatayin, mga paralitiko. Silang lahat ay kanyang pinagaling. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao buhat sa Galilea, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, at maging sa ibayo ng Jordan.

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Repleksyon:

Sa gitna ng dilim, ang liwanag ang nagbibigay sa atin ng pag-asa. Ito ang nagbibigay sa atin ng mahahawakan at ng inaasahang bukas. Kapag ang lahat ay tila magulo at mabigat, ipinapaalala sa atin ng liwanag na hindi kailanman mananaig ang dilim.

Ganito inilarawan ng propetang si Isaias si Jesus sa Lumang Tipan—bilang liwanag na sisikat sa mga taong naglalakad sa kadiliman. Sa Bagong Tipan, ang liwanag na ito ay naging ganap na realidad sa katauhan ni Jesus.

Tinawag tayo ni Jesus noon at hanggang ngayon sa pagsisisi. Ipinahayag Niya ang Mabuting Balita at pinagaling ang mga may karamdaman sa katawan at kaluluwa. Lumapit Siya sa ating paghihirap nang may habag at pag-ibig, upang pagalingin hindi lamang ang katawan kundi pati ang sugatang puso at espiritu. 

Si Jesus ay hindi nagbabago—kahapon, ngayon, at magpakailanman. Siya pa rin ang liwanag ng ating buhay sa kasalukuyan. Patuloy Niya tayong pinagagaling sa ating mga karamdaman, kahinaan, at mga sugat na minsan ay hindi nakikita ng iba. At patuloy pa rin Niya tayong inaanyayahang talikuran ang kasalanan at magbalik-loob sa Diyos. 

Mag-ingat tayo na huwag magkamaling hanapin ang ating liwanag at pag-asa sa mundong ito. Maaaring magbigay ang mundo ng panandaliang kasiyahan, tagumpay, o aliw, ngunit hindi nito kayang ibigay ang tunay at pangmatagalang pag-asa. 

Kapag sa mga bagay ng mundo natin inilagak ang ating tiwala, madalas ay nauuwi tayo sa pagkadismaya at kawalan ng kapayapaan. Ang paglalagak ng ating pag-asa at kaligayahan sa mundong ito ay isang malaking pagkakamaling hindi natin dapat pahintulutan. 

Kaya’t matuto tayong makinig at kumilala sa tinig ni Jesus na patuloy na tumatawag sa atin upang sumunod sa Kanya. Gawin natin Siyang tunay na liwanag at pag-asa ng ating buhay—ngayon at magpakailanman. Hindi tayo kailanman maliligaw kung pipiliin nating pakinggan ang Kanyang tinig na mapagmahal na humihimok sa atin na magsisi, talikuran ang kasalanan, at lumakad sa daan ng bagong buhay. 

Saan ba talaga natin inilalagay ang ating pag-asa—sa mga ilaw ng mundong madaling maglaho, o kay Jesus, ang Tunay na Liwanag na nag-aakay sa atin palabas ng dilim at patungo sa buhay na ganap at walang hanggan? – Marino J. Dasmarinas