Reflection for Sunday January 19, Feast of the Sto. Nino: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10

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 humbles himself 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.”

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Reflection:

Why did the disciples ask Jesus, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Were they expecting Him to say that they were the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven because they were His disciples?

Instead, Jesus called a child and said: “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4) 

The key that unlocks the Kingdom of Heaven for us is the humility of a child, which we must always emulate. The same childlike humility invites the grace of the Holy Spirit upon us.

It’s a no-brainer to ask: why a child and not an adult? Unlike adults, children have the simplest and purest minds. They are not tainted by sin and are docile, humble, and obedient. In contrast, adults like us are sinful; we defy God’s commandments in favor of our worldly desires.

Life nowadays is not easy. Many of our children today are also more exposed to poverty than before. We just need to open our eyes, and we will see it. What interventions can we take to help these children? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Linggo Enero 19 Kapistahan ng Banal na Sanggol o Santo Nino: Lucas 2:41-52

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 2:41-52

Taun-taon, tuwing pista ng Paskuwa, ang mga magulang ni Hesus ay pumupunta ng Jerusalem. At nang labindalawang taon na siya, pumaroon sila gaya ng dati nilang ginagawa. Pagkatapos ng pista, sila’y umuwi na. Nagpaiwan si Hesus sa Jerusalem ngunit hindi ito napansin ng kanyang mga magulang. 

Sa pag-aakala ng isa na si Hesus ay kasama ng isa, nagpatuloy sila sa maghapong paglalakbay. Nang malaman nilang hindi siya kasama, siya’y hinanap nila sa kanilang mga kamag-anak at kakilala. Hindi nila siya matagpuan, kaya’t bumalik sila sa Jerusalem upang doon hanapin. 

At nang ikatlong araw, natagpuan nila si Hesus sa loob ng templo, nakaupong kasama ng mga guro. Nakikinig siya sa kanila at nagtatanong; at ang lahat ng nakarinig sa kanya ay namangha sa kanyang katalinuhan. Nagtaka rin ang kanyang mga magulang nang siya’y makita. 

Sinabi ng kanyang ina, “Anak, bakit naman ganyan ang ginawa mo sa amin? Balisang-balisa na kami ng iyong ama sa paghahanap sa iyo.” Sumagot siya, “Bakit po ninyo ako hinahanap? Hindi ba ninyo alam na ako’y dapat na nasa bahay ng aking Ama?” Ngunit hindi nila naunawaan ang pananalitang ito. 

Siya’y umuwing kasama nila sa Nazaret, at naging isang masunuring anak. Ang lahat ng bagay na ito ay iningatan ng kanyang ina sa kanyang puso. Patuloy na lumaki si Hesus. Umunlad ang kanyang karunungan at lalong kinalugdan ng Diyos at ng mga tao.

Reflection for Sunday January 19 Second Sunday in Ordinary Time: John 2:1-11

Gospel: John 2:1-11

There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servers, "Do whatever he tells you."  

Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it.  

And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

What can we learn from the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana? We learn about the enormous influence of His mother, Mary, over Him. In the middle of the wedding banquet, they suddenly ran out of wine. However, thanks to Mary, who informed Jesus that there was no more wine left.

Mary went to Jesus to tell Him that they had no more wine. On the surface, it appears that Jesus didn’t care. However, deep within, He cared for the simple reason that His mother, Mary, brought it to His attention.

What if Mary had not been at the wedding? Who among the disciples would have had the courage to approach Jesus and tell Him that there was no more wine? Perhaps nobody would have dared to disturb their Master. But thanks to the presence of Mary, her motherly instinct, and her influence over Jesus.

Mary is always listened to by Jesus for the simple reason that she is His mother. Jesus came into this world through Mary, and from His birth up to His death, she was with Him as well. It is no small wonder that Mary has great influence over Jesus.

Do you always seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother? -  Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 19 Ikalawang Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Juan 2:1-11

Mabuting Balita: Juan 2:1-11

Noong panahong iyon, may kasalan sa Cana, Galilea, at naroon ang ina ni Jesus. Si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay naroon din. Kinapos ng alak kaya’t sinabi ng ina ni Jesus sa kanya, “Nauubusan sila ng alak.” Sinabi ni Jesus, “Huwag ninyo akong pangunahan, Ginang! Hindi pa ito ang panahon ko.” Sinabi ng kanyang ina sa mga naglilingkod,“Gawin ninyo ang anumang sabihin niya sa inyo.”

Doo’y may anim na tapayan, ang bawat isa’y naglalaman ng dalawampu hanggang tatlumpung galon. Nakalaan ang mga ito para sa paglilinis ayon sa tuntuning panrelihiyon ng mga Judio. Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga katulong, “Punuin ninyo ng tubig ang mga tapayan.” At pinuno nga nila hanggang sa labi. Pagkatapos, sinabi niya, "Sumalok kayo ngayon at dalhin ninyo sa namamahala ng handaan." Dinalhan nga nila ang namamahala ng handaan.

Tinikman naman nito ang tubig na naging alak. Hindi niya alam kung saan nanggaling iyon, bagamat alam ng mga katulong na sumalok ng tubig, kaya't tinawag niya ang lalaking ikinasal. Sinabi niya rito, "Ang una pong inihahain ay ang masarap na alak. Kapag marami nang nainom ang mga tao, saka inihahain ang mababang uri. 

Ngunit ipinagpahuli ninyo ang masarap na alak." Ang nangyaring ito sa Cana, Galilea, ay siyang unang kababalaghang ginawa ni Jesus. Sa pamamagitan nito'y inihayag niya ang kanyang kadakilaan, at nanalig sa kanya ang mga alagad.

Reflection for January 18 Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 2:13-17

Gospel Mark 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them. As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

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Reflection:

How can we evangelize sinners and bring them closer to Jesus? The answer is very simple, by not judging them and by showing them the love of Jesus. 

There are sinners because there are people who don’t care to show Jesus’ language of love. The language of forgiveness, the language of not judging them for what they do. However, the moment we dare show them Jesus language of love. Expect these sinners to walk away from their sinfulness sooner or later. 

In the gospel the language of love, of forgiveness and of not being judgmental are exhibited by Jesus towards the sinful tax collector Levi. Jesus went to the tax collector Levi not minding Levi’s reputation, Jesus even went to Levi’s house to mingle and break bread with him and his fellow sinners. 

We cannot convert sinners by judging them as good for nothing and beyond redemption. We cannot convert sinners by bluntly telling them to walk away from their sinfulness or they would die or be imprisoned. And we cannot convert sinners by not showing them the love, forgiveness and gentleness of Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 18 Sabado sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 2:13-17

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:13-17

Noong panahong iyon, muling pumunta si Hesus sa baybayin ng Lawa ng Galilea. Sinundan siya ng napakaraming tao, at sila’y tinuruan niya. Nagpatuloy siya ng paglakad at nakita niya si Levi na anak ni Alfeo, nakaupo sa paningilan ng buwis. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Sumunod ka sa akin.” Tumindig naman si Levi at sumunod. 

Nang si Hesus at ang kanyang mga alagad ay kumakain sa bahay ni Levi, nakisalo sa kanila ang maraming publikano at mga makasalanang sumunod sa kanya. Nakita ito ng ilang eskribang kabilang sa pangkat ng mga Pariseo at tinanong nila ang kanyang mga alagad, “Bakit siya sumasalo sa mga publikano at sa mga makasalanan?” 

Narinig ito ni Hesus, at siya ay sumagot, “Hindi nangangailangan ng manggagamot ang walang sakit, kundi ang maysakit. Naparito ako upang tawagin ang mga makasalanan, hindi ang mga banal.”

Reflection for Friday January 17 Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot: Mark 2:1-12

Gospel Mark 2:1-12

When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.  

Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming.  

Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’?

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”

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Reflection:

Are we humble enough to admit that we are sinners? 

We have in our gospel a paralytic who is also a sinner. In the midst of great odds, four men brought him to Jesus. It did not matter to them that they had to climb the roof and break through it. Aware of their own frailties, the four men and the paralytic himself summoned every ounce of courage they had to be in front of Jesus. What an expression of faith! What an expression of hunger to be forgiven by Jesus! And what an expression of humility!

The faith of the paralytic and also those who helped him eventually paid off for Jesus forgave him of his many sins. Not only that he was forgiven by Jesus he got a bonus because he was also physically healed of physical sickness.  

We may not be aware of this, but our spirits long to be forgiven and healed by Jesus, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We may also not realize that the sins we have committed are what prevent us from receiving more blessings from Jesus.

It takes great courage, effort and tons of humility to approach a priest and ask for his time in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If we humbly submit ourselves to this healing Sacrament we would receive enormous spiritual and physical blessings.

Let us therefore be like the paralytic and his four companions who braved the great odds to approach Jesus. – Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Enero 17 Paggunita kay San Antonio, Abad: Marcos 2:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 2:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, bumalik si Hesus sa Capernaum, at kumalat ang balitang siya’y nasa kanyang tahanan. Kaya’t nagkatipon ang napakaraming tao, anupat wala nang matayuan kahit sa labas ng pintuan. Samantalang nangangaral si Hesus, may idinating na isang paralitikong dala ng apat katao. 

Hindi nila ito mailapit kay Hesus dahil sa dami ng tao, kaya’t binakbak nila ang bubong sa tapat niya, at inihugos ang paralitikong nakaratay sa kanyang higaan. Nang makita ni Hesus kung gaano kalaki ang kanilang pananalig, sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Anak, ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo.”  

May nakaupo roong ilang eskriba na nagsaloob ng ganito: “Bakit nagsasalita ng ganito ang taong ito? Kalapastanganan sa Diyos iyan! Hindi ba’t Diyos lamang ang makapagpapatawad ng mga kasalanan?” Talos ni Hesus ang kanilang iniisip, kaya’t sinabi niya, “Bakit kayo nagsasaloob ng ganyan? Alin ba ang lalong madali: ang sabihin sa paralitiko, ‘Ipinatatawad na ang mga kasalanan mo,’ o ang sabihing, ‘Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan ay lumakad ka’?  

Patutunayan ko sa inyo na dito sa lupa, ang Anak ng Tao ay may kapangyarihang magpatawad ng mga kasalanan.” Sinabi niya sa paralitiko, “Tumindig ka, dalhin mo ang iyong higaan, at umuwi ka!” Tumindig naman ang paralitiko, binuhat ang kanyang higaan at umalis na nakikita ng lahat. Sila’y pawang nanggigilalas at nagpuri sa Diyos. “Hindi pa kami nakakikita ng ganito!” sabi nila.

Reflection for January 16 Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:40-45

Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” 

The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”  

The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

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Reflection:

The story is told of a man who had kidney failure. To temporarily extend his life, he submitted himself to twice-a-week dialysis treatments. After two years of searching for a donor, he finally found a poor relative who was very willing to donate one of his kidneys.

To facilitate fast matching and compatibility the donor was invited to stay with the family of the sick man. He was treated well until it was found out during the battery of test that he had AIDS. Naturally he was not anymore fit to be a donor and fearing contagion all his things were isolated by his relatives including his utensils.

After the discovery that he had AIDS, their behavior towards him radically changed as well. He was no longer welcome, and he felt his relatives' isolation and ill-treatment. A few days later, he was asked to leave them permanently.

In our gospel we have a man with leprosy (a contagious disease) who humbly went to Jesus He knelt and begged Jesus to cure him. Jesus had nothing in His heart but love, mercy and compassion for the man. So, He touched him and was immediately made clean.

By touching the man with leprosy Jesus broke the stereotypical ill-treatment of those who were sick with leprosy. By touching the man with leprosy Jesus shows us that love, mercy and compassion are more powerful than any dreaded disease.

As we move forward in this journey called life we will meet or be acquainted with people with contagious diseases. Or people who are sinful or who lived wayward and misguided lives. Let us not scorn them, let us not avoid them and let us not judge them.

Let us help them heal by giving them our unconditional LOVE, MERCY and COMPASSION. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 16 Huwebes sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:40-45

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:40-45

Noong panahong iyon, may isang ketonging lumapit kay Hesus, nanikluhod at nagmakaawa: “Kung ibig po ninyo’y mapagagaling ninyo ako.” Nahabag si Hesus at hinipo siya, sabay ang wika, “Ibig ko. Gumaling ka!” Noon di’y nawala ang ketong at gumaling ang tao. Pinaalis siya agad ni Hesus matapos ang ganitong mahigpit na bilin: “Huwag mong sasabihin ito kaninuman.  

Sa halip ay pasuri ka sa saserdote. Pagkatapos, maghandog ka ayon sa iniutos ni Moises, upang patunayan sa mga tao na ikaw ay magaling na.” Ngunit umalis siya at bagkus ipinamalita ang nangyari, anupat hindi na hayagang makapasok ng bayan si Hesus. Naroon na lamang siya sa labas, sa mga ilang na pook, at doon pinagsasadya ng mga tao buhat sa iba’t ibang dako.

Reflection for January 15 Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:29-39

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 

When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”  So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

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Reflection:

How’s your relationship with your mother-in-law?

Many married couples are not in good terms with their mother-in-laws Why? Because they see their mother in laws as interventionist but not all mother-in-laws are like that. Many mother-in-laws are low profile and quite because they respect the privacy and independence of their married children. But they would always be there for their married children whenever they would need her. 

In our gospel Jesus was brought by Simon to their house to cure his mother-in-law. Why? Because Simon loved his mother-in-law. She must have been quite, low profile and not interventionist.   Simon saw his mother-in-law as a blessing and guiding light to his family otherwise Simon would have not asked Jesus to come by to their house and heal her.

Simon told Jesus about her sickness and entrusted her healing to Him. Jesus immediately went to her grasped her hand and she was immediately cured. That’s how big the love of Simon towards his mother-in-law and that’s how huge the trust of Simon toward Jesus.

Sometimes we trust more on ourselves rather than Jesus. We put more weight on our human effort rather than the divine effort of Jesus. This is perhaps the reason why many of us forget to bring first our sick to Jesus by way of our prayers before bringing them to those who could cure them.

What is it that is bothering you right now? Is it the harshness of life? Is it sickness? Is it unfulfilled dreams? Is it family and personal problems? Please tell Jesus about it, be patient, don’t give up; continue to have hope and trust in Jesus. His help and healing will come to you sooner than you expect it. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 15 Miyerkules sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:29-39

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:29-39

Noong panahong iyon, mula sa sinagoga, sila'y nagtuloy sa bahay ni Simon at Andres. Kasama nila sina Santiago at Juan. Nararatay noon ang biyenan ni Simon Pedro, dahil sa matinding lagnat, at ito'y agad nilang sinabi kay Jesus. Nilapitan ni Jesus ang babae, hinawakan sa kamay at ibinangon. Noon di'y inibsan ito ng lagnat at naglingkod sa kanila.  

Pagkalubog ng araw, dinala kay Jesus ang lahat ng maysakit at ang mga inaalihan ng demonyo. At nagkatipon ang buong bayan sa may pintuan ng bahay. Pinagaling niya ang maraming maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman at nagpalayas sila ng mga demonyo. Hindi niya hinayaang magsalita ang mga ito, sapagkat alam nila kung sino siya. 

Madaling-araw pa'y bumangon na si Jesus at nagtungo sa isang ilang na pook at nanalangin. Hinanap siya ni Simon at ng kanyang mga kasama. Nang siya'y matagpuan, sinabi nila, "Hinahanap po kayo ng lahat." Ngunit sinabi ni Jesus, "Kailangang pumunta rin naman tayo sa mga kalapit-bayan upang makapangaral ako roon -- ito ang dahilan ng pag-alis ko sa Capernaum." At nilibot niya ang buong Galilea, na nangangaral sa mga sinagoga at nagpapalayas ng mga demonyo.

Reflection for January 14 Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 1:21-28

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” 

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

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Reflection:

What would you get if you are taught by someone without authority? You get nothing from it. Would you still go and listen to him? Of course not! You would prefer to go and listen to the person who teaches with authority and conviction. 

Jesus teaches with both authority and conviction, which is why, when He entered the synagogue and taught there, everyone was captivated with amazement and admiration. This was further reinforced when they saw Jesus rebuke and command the evil spirit to come out of the man it had possessed.

Jesus still speaks to you with authority and conviction, even to this very moment—it happens when you read the Bible. If you take your Bible reading or study seriously, you will be able to discern Jesus directly speaking to you. But the big question is: Do you read your Bible, or is it just gathering dust?

The man possessed with an unclean spirit immediately sensed the presence of Jesus that’s why when Jesus said: “"Quiet! Come out of him!" It instantly convulsed and was immediately freed from evil possession.  

This is also what Jesus will do in your life if you allow Him to speak to you through reading the Bible. If you commune with Him through your devout presence at Holy Mass, He will drive out all the demons and evil influences that seek to cause you harm. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Enero 14 Martes sa Unang Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 1:21-28

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 1:21-28

Sa lungsod ng Capernaum sa Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay pumasok sa sinagoga at nagturo. Namangha ang mga tao sapagkat nagturo siya sa kanila na parang isang may kapangyarihan, at hindi tulad ng mga eskriba. 

Bigla namang pumasok sa sinagoga ang isang lalaking inaalihan ng masamang espiritu, at sumigaw: “Ano ang pakialam mo sa amin, Hesus na taga-Nazaret? Naparito ka ba upang puksain kami? Kilala kita: ikaw ang Banal mula sa Diyos!” Ngunit iniutos ni Hesus sa masamang espiritu, “Tumahimik ka! Lumabas ka sa kanya!” 

Pinapangisay ng masamang espiritu ang tao, at sumisigaw na lumabas. Nanggilalas ang lahat, kaya’t sila’y nagtanungan, “Ano ito? Bagong aral? Nauutusan niya pati ang masamang espiritu. At sinunod naman siya!” At mabilis na kumalat sa buong Galilea ang balita tungkol kay Hesus.