Reflection for Saturday November 30 Feast of Saint Andrew, Apostle: Matthew 4:18-22

Gospel: Matthew 4:18-22

As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. 

He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.

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Reflection:

Have you had an experience of being called by your name? 

Anyone who calls your name will surely get your attention. You will stretch your neck to look for that person who called you by your name. Why do you respond? You respond for the simple reason that you assume that the one who called you by your name knows you. 

In the gospel today Jesus called Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John all of them ordinary fishermen. Did they know Jesus deeply beforehand? No, but Jesus certainly knew the four fishermen otherwise He would not have called them. 

Jesus knew their sinfulness, their weaknesses and even their lack of education He knew yet He called them. What does this call of the apostles tell us? This tells us that notwithstanding our shortcomings whatever these shortcomings are the Lord is still calling us to follow Him. 

Jesus knows about our failings and weaknesses, even our sinfulness He knows also; yet He still calls us to follow Him. And become His partner in His mission to advance the good news of our salvation. Would we respond to His perpetual call? Or we continue to sit idly and be slaves of this material and fleeting world? 

The wisdom filled choice is to always respond and become a follower of Jesus. Why? Because we will never go wrong the moment we follow the Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Sabado Nobyembre 30, Kapistahan ni San Andres apostol: Mateo 4:18-22

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 4:18-22

Noong panahong iyon, sa paglalakad ni Hesus sa tabi ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakita niya ang dalawang mangingisda, si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro, at ang kapatid niyang si Andres. Sila’y naghahagis ng lambat. 

Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Sumunod kayo sa akin, at gagawin ko kayong mamamalakaya ng mga tao.” Noon di’y iniwan nila ang kanilang mga lambat at sumunod kay Hesus.  

Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad at nakita rin niya ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan, mga anak ni Zebedeo. Sila’y nasa bangka, kasama ang kanilang ama, at naghahayuma ng lambat. Tinawag din sila ni Hesus. Agad nilang iniwan ang bangka at ang kanilang ama, at sumunod kay Hesus. 

Reflection for November 29 Friday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:29-33

Gospel: Luke 21:29-33

Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. 

Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”

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Reflection:

Is the kingdom of God already dwelling in our hearts? If we’ve already learned to let go of our hurts, resentments and fears the kingdom of God is already dwelling in our hearts. If we’ve already surrendered our life under God’s care and disposition; God’s kingdom is already dwelling in our hearts. 

Growing old is the dread of many, more so when they notice the graying of their hair and the sagging of their skin. This is the reason why they try to dye their hair and they go to facial clinics to conceal the signs of aging.  

As we face this slow but sure change of our body’s appearance we are reminded that we are slowly but surely nearing our departure date from this world. We fear this occurrence especially for those who are not prepared. But why fear? This is the simple flow of life; and we all will pass through this experience. 

If we have not done anything wrong we have nothing to fear. If we are close to Jesus we have nothing to fear, if we are always present during Holy Mass we have nothing to fear. If we read the bible we have nothing to fear. Even death itself we will not fear for this is the last hurdle going to the eternal Kingdom of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Nobyembre 29, Biyernes ng Ika-34 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:29-33

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:29-33

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad ang isang talinghaga: “Tingnan ninyo ang puno ng igos at ibang punongkahoy. Kapag nagdadahon na ito, alam ninyong malapit na ang tag-araw. 

Gayun din naman, kapag nakita ninyong nangyayari na ang mga ito, malalaman ninyong malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. 

Tandaan ninyo: magaganap ang lahat ng ito bago mamatay ang lahat ng taong nabubuhay sa ngayon. Mawawala ang langit at ang lupa, ngunit ang salita ko’y hindi magkakabula” 

Reflection for November 28 Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:20-28

Gospel: Luke 21:20-28

Jesus said to his disciples: “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. 

Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.

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Reflection:

What makes you afraid? Are you afraid of the end of this world? 

Jesus talks about a very frightening scenario in the gospel. But at the same time at the end He also tells us that there shall be redemption.

We also have our own share of frightening scenarios in our lives. Problems, trials, persecution, sickness and we may feel that this is already the end for us and surely this kind of scenario would test us. 

Let us continue to steadfastly hold on to God, let us not let go no matter how difficult our trials. For at the end there shall be redemption for us also. If we have God nobody could bring us down not even the occurrence of the end times. 

However, there are times that many of us give up but why give up when God has not given up upon us? God is always there for us to assure us that everything will be alright no matter how difficult and frightening the situation before us.  

Let us not allow the signs of the end times to weaken us. For the simple reason that there is always hope for as long as we continue to have faith in Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Nobyembre 28, Huwebes ng Ika-34 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:20-28

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:20-28

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Kapag nakita ninyong kubkob na ng mga hukbo ang Jerusalem, talastasin ninyong malapit na ang pagkawasak nito. Dapat tumakas sa kabundukan ang mga nasa Judea, at umalis ng lungsod ang mga naroon; huwag nang pumasok doon ang mga nasa kabukiran. Sapagkat ito ang ‘Mga Araw ng Pagpaparusa,’ bilang katuparan ng mga nasasaad sa Kasulatan. 

Kawawa ang nagdadalantao at nagpapasuso sa mga araw na iyon! Sapagkat darating ang malaking kapighatian sa lupaing ito, at ang poot ng Diyos sa bansang ito. Mamatay sila sa tabak, at dadalhing bihag sa lahat ng bansa. At ang Jerusalem ay magiging busabos ng mga Hentil hanggang sa matapos ang panahong itinakda sa mga ito.  

“Magkakaroon ng mga tanda sa araw, sa buwan, at sa mga bituin. Sa lupa, ang mga bansa ay masisindak at malilito dahil sa ugong at mga daluyong ng dagat. Ang mga tao’y hihimatayin sa takot dahil sa pag-iisip sa mga sakunang darating sa sanlibutan; sapagkat mayayanig at mawawala sa kani-kanilang landas ang mga planeta at iba pang katulad nito na nasa kalawakan.  

Sa panahong iyon, ang Anak ng Tao’y makikita nilang dumarating na nasa alapaap, may dakilang kapangyarihan at malaking karangalan. Kapag nagsimula nang mangyari ang mga bagay na ito, magalak kayo sapagkat malapit na ang pagliligtas sa inyo.”

Reflection for November 27 Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:12-19

Gospel: Luke 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd: “They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.  

It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.  

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

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Reflection:

What made you decide to follow Jesus? Is it because of a promise of a good life, a life free from problems and worries from this world?  Many of us have this mistaken notion that it is easy to become a follower. But it’s not easy for to follow Jesus involves great sacrifice.  

 It involves deep humility, it involves giving up some of our family time. To follow Jesus even involves making unpopular stand on family and societal issues such as abortion, immorality and the like.  

There is no free ride going to Jesus, we have to persevere, we have to sacrifice and carry our own cross. Yet everything that we do for Jesus is well worth it. Because whatever we do for Jesus, He will give back to us a hundred times.  

Perhaps it may not be during our lifetime in this world. But certainly someday He will surely reward us very generously in the afterlife. Let us therefore always be faithful and courageous in our decision to follow Jesus whatever it may cost us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Nobyembre 27, Miyerkules ng Ika-34 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:12-19

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:12-19

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Darakpin kayo’t uusigin. Kayo’y dadalhin sa mga sinagoga upang litisin at ipabilanggo. At dahil sa akin ay ihaharap kayo sa mga hari at mga gobernador. Ito ang pagkakataon ninyo upang magpatotoo tungkol sa akin. 

Ipanatag ninyo ang inyong kalooban, huwag kayong mababalisa tungkol sa pagtatanggol sa inyong sarili; sapagkat bibigyan ko kayo ng katalinuhan at ng pananalitang hindi kayang tutulan o pabulaanan ng sinuman sa inyong mga kaaway.  

Ipagkakanulo kayo ng inyong mga magulang, mga kapatid, mga kamag-anak, at mga kaibigan. At ipapapatay ang ilan sa inyo. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin, ngunit hindi mawawala ni isang hibla ng inyong buhok. Sa inyong pagtitiis ay tatamuhin ninyo ang buhay na walang hanggan.”

Reflection for November 26 Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:5-11

Gospel: Luke 21:5-11

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here–the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” 

Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’

Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”  

Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.”

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Reflection:

When will the end times be? Many would say that the end time is here and now. Just look at the many disasters brought about by human’s abuse of its environment (Climate Change). Just look the many catastrophic wars going on. Just look at the massive hunger in third world countries.

Aren’t these all signs of the end times? These unfortunate events are not yet the end times for no one of us knows about it, only God knows when it would be. But it seems that the telltale signs are already in place. 

However it’s not the end times yet. This is for the reason that these unfortunate events that are happening now all over the world are created by us and not by God. For example, human’s greed for power and natural resources creates wars in many parts of the world. Our abuse of the environment creates natural disasters. 

Terroristic activities that are happening everywhere are due to human’s misguided and fanatical devotion to their creed. So, who is creating these end times scenarios? It’s not God but us, by our misguided adherence to this world we actually are speeding up the world’s end times.

So, we have to do something about it by following the teachings of Jesus not the teachings of this world. If we do so we avert the hastening of human created end times. - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Nobyembre 26, Martes ng Ika-34 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:5-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:5-11

Noong panahong iyon, pinag-uusapan ng ilang tao ang templo – ang kahanga-hangang mga bato na ginamit dito at ang mga palamuti nito na inihandog ng mga tao. Kaya’t sinabi ni Hesus, “Darating ang panahong lahat ng nakikita ninyong iyan ay iguguho, walang batong ititira sa ibabaw ng kapwa bato.” 

Tinanong nila si Hesus, “Guro, kailan po ito mangyayari? At ano ang magiging palatandaan na ito’y magaganap na?” Sumagot siya, “Mag-ingat kayo at nang hindi mailigaw ninuman! Sapagkat marami ang darating sa aking pangalan na magsasabi, ‘Ako ang Mesias!’ at, ‘Dumating na ang panahon!’

Huwag kayong susunod sa kanila. Huwag kayong mababagabag kung makabalita kayo ng mga digmaan at mga himagsikan. Dapat mangyari ang mga ito, ngunit hindi darating karaka-raka ang wakas.”  

At sinabi pa niya, “Makikipagdigma ang bansa laban sa kapwa bansa at ang kaharian sa kapwa kaharian. Magkakaroon ng malalakas na lindol, magkakagutom at magkakasalot sa iba’t ibang dako. May lilitaw na mga kakila-kilabot na bagay at mga kagila-gilalas na tanda buhat sa Langit.”

Reflection for November 25 Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 21:1-4

Gospel: Luke 21:1-4

When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury and he noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins. 

He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”

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Reflection:

What is your motive when you give to your church or to your fellowmen? Do you give because you are expecting something in return? Or you give because generosity and compassion is inherent in your heart? 

The right form of giving is to give without strings attached and to give from the heart. We don’t give because we are forced to give or we give because we have surplus. The joy of generous giving comes when we give freely. Just observe that unexplainable joy that we would feel after we’ve given something straight from your heart.  

We have countless motives when we give or when we help others. Whatever our motives may be, we can rest assured that God knows our reasons, for we cannot hide anything from Him.

The two small coins given by the poor widow in the gospel seem to be insignificant compared to what were given by the wealthy people. However, Jesus was pleased with her act of generosity for she gave it all. She gave without conditions and she gave without expecting something in return. She gave because she has a good heart and generosity and compassion are inherent in her heart.

Do you have a good heart, are you generous and compassionate? – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Nobyembre 25, Lunes ng Ika-34 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 21:1-4

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 21:1-4

Noong panahong iyon, nang tumingin si Hesus, nakita niya ang mayayamang naghuhulog ng kanilang kaloob sa lalagyan nito sa templo. Nakita rin niya ang isang dukhang babaing balo na naghulog ng dalawang kusing. 

Ang wika ni Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang dukhang balong iyon ay naghulog nang higit kaysa kanilang lahat. Sapagkat bahagi lang ng di na nila kailangan ang kanilang ipinagkaloob, ngunit ibinigay ng balong iyon na dukhang-dukha ang buo niyang ikabubuhay.”

Reflection for Sunday November 24, The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: John 18:33b-37

Gospel: John 18:33b-37

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?" 

Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" 

Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."

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Reflection:

There is a story of a king who was greatly loved by his people. He opened the gates of his kingdom to everyone, especially the poor. He would also regularly leave his beautiful palace in disguise to offer help to his people. 

In spite of his stature, he was very humble and down-to-earth. He mingled with everyone—the poor, the educated, and the social outcasts. Eventually, he grew old and sickly, and after a few months, he passed away. There was an outpouring of support from his people, and everyone mourned his passing. They paid glowing tributes to his kindness, humility, and selfless service. 

Today is the Solemnity of Christ the King. What is the kingship of Jesus Christ all about? It is about humility, servanthood and self-sacrifice. Jesus did not abuse His powerful kingship. He never used it for Himself, never used it to oppress or bully, and, foremost of all, His kingship was always for our welfare and never for Himself. 

What is the implication of Christ Kingship for us? It loudly tells us that we must at all times follow the kingship of Jesus. It loudly tells us that we must be humble at all times, we must be ready to serve at all times, sacrifice our welfare or the good of others at all times and we must not manipulate people to serve our selfish objectives. 

The world that we are in right now is in chaos because many of us most especially the political leaders and some religious leaders follow the kingship of this world. Many of us hunger to be acclaimed, served and honored. Many of us want to exercise power based on how this world would want us to use it. 

Truth be told, many of us still choose to follow the temporal kingship of this world. Many of us allow it to capture and enslave us. This is the reason why we become arrogant, manipulative and abusive. And these are all caused by our greed for the temporal kingship of this world. 

Let us discard worldly kingship and embrace the kingship of Christ. Why? Because if worldly power is not handled with humility, and if we allow ourselves to be consumed by it, it will surely destroy us. Worldly kingship is temporary and fleeting; sooner or later, it will come to an end. However, the kingship of Jesus Christ is eternal and will always be there for us when we choose to embrace and follow it. 

Which kingship will you embrace? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita, Linggo Nobyembre 24 Pagkahari ng Panginoong Hesukristo sa sanlibutan: Juan 18:33b-37

Mabuting Balita: Juan 18:33b-37

Noong panahong iyon, itinanong ni Pilato kay Hesus, “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?’ Sumagot si Hesus, “Iyan ba’y galing sa inyong sariling isipan, o may nagsabi sa inyo?” “Ako ba’y Judio?” tanong ni Pilato. “Ang mga kababayan mo at ang mga punong saserdote ang nagdala sa iyo rito. 

Ano ba ang ginawa mo?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ang kaharian ko’y hindi sa sanlibutang ito. Kung sa sanlibutang ito ang aking kaharian, ipinakipaglaban sana ako ng aking mga tauhan at hindi naipagkanulo sa mga Judio. Ngunit hindi sa sanlibutang ito ang aking kaharian!” 

“Kung gayon, isa kang hari?” sabi ni Pilato. Sumagot si Hesus, “Kayo na ang nagsasabing ako’y hari. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ako ipinanganak at naparito sa sanlibutan: upang magsalita tungkol sa katotohanan. Nakikinig sa aking tinig ang sinumang nasa katotohanan.”