Reflection for Wednesday March 19 Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Gospel: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 

Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

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Reflection:

Are you obedient to the will of God?

When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, he decided to quietly separate from her—quietly, because that was his character. He was a quiet and humble man. As much as possible, Joseph did not want to create a scene that could result in Mary’s being ostracized by her townspeople.

Perhaps the devil was already insidiously trying to provoke Joseph to do something that would humiliate Mary. But Joseph calmly resisted whatever evil machinations the devil had. He overcame them by listening to what the angel told him to do. 

Thus, Joseph faithfully loved and protected his family. By his act of obedience to the will of God, we can safely conclude that Joseph loved Mary deeply.

Many fathers today easily give up when their marriage is tested by fire. They quickly succumb when tempted by the devil, no longer listening to the voice of God, who always calls them to uphold the sanctity of marriage and family life.

Let us be inspired by the life of Saint Joseph—his humility, his obedience to the voice of God, and his unconditional love and protection for his wife, Mary, and his child, Jesus.

Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of Fathers, Patron Saint of Families, and Patron Saint of a Happy Death, we beseech you to always pray for us. —Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Miyerkules Marso 19 San Jose, Kabiyak ng Puso ng Mahal na Birheng Maria (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 1:16, 18-21, 24a

Si Jacob, ang ama ni Jose na asawa ni Maria. Si Maria naman ang ina ni Jesus na tinatawag na Cristo. 

Ganito ang pagkapanganak kay Jesu-Cristo. Si Maria na kanyang ina at si Jose ay nakatakda nang pakasal. Ngunit bago sila nakasal, si Maria'y natagpuang nagdadalang-tao. Ito'y sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo. Isang taong matuwid itong si Jose na kanyang magiging asawa, ngunit ayaw niyang mapahiya si Maria, kaya ipinasiya niyang hiwalayan ito nang lihim.

Samantalang iniisip ni Jose ito, napakita sa kanya sa panaginip ang isang anghel ng Panginoon. Sabi nito sa kanya, "Jose, anak ni David, huwag kang matakot na tuluyang pakasalan si Maria, sapagkat siya'y naglihi sa pamamagitan ng Espiritu Santo.

Manganganak siya ng isang lalaki at ito’y pangangalanan mong Hesus, sapagkat siya ang magliligtas sa kanyang bayan sa kanilang mga kasalanan.” Nang magising si Jose, sinunod niya ang utos ng anghel ng Panginoon.

Reflection for March 18 Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent: Matthew 23:1-12

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 

All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 

Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 

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Reflection: 

Do you lead by example? 

The principle of leadership by example means that a leader sets the standards to be followed and personally adheres to them. Similarly, parents should establish benchmarks in their homes and fully embody them so their children can emulate their example. 

On the other hand, bad or ineffective leaders instruct their people to do this and that, yet they fail to follow their own commands. They preach the standards but do not practice what they preach. The same applies to irresponsible parents—they tell their children to observe certain disciplines, but ironically, they do not follow these disciplines themselves. 

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees and scribes were the religious leaders, and they were supposed to lead by example. However, they failed to do so. They were good at giving orders, but when it came to practicing what they preached, they fell short. 

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the common people of that time began to gravitate toward Jesus. They saw in Him a leader who led by example—someone who empathized with them, was approachable and humble, and ate and mingled with them. In other words, Jesus lived what He preached. 

What lesson does our Gospel teach us? We must always be true to our words and actions. We must not be like the Pharisees and scribes, who were excellent at preaching but severely lacking in practicing what they preached. 

Instead, we must strive to be like Jesus, who lived by His teachings. Jesus was always true to His words and actions. He led by example and truly walked His talk. 

Do you always live what you preach? Are you always true to your words? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 18 Martes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 23:1-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 23:1-12

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Jesus sa mga tao at sa kanyang mga alagad, "Ang mga eskriba at ang mga Pariseo ang kinikilalang tagapagpaliwanag ng Kautusan ni Moises. Kaya't gawin ninyo ang itinuturo nila at sundin ang kanilang iniuutos. Ngunit huwag ninyong tularan ang kanilang gawa, sapagkat hindi nila isinasagawa ang kanilang ipinangangaral. 

Nagbibigkis sila ng mabibigat na dalahin at ipinapasan sa mga tao; ngunit ni daliri ay ayaw nilang igalaw upang tumulong sa pagdadala ng mga iyon. Pawang pakitang-tao ang kanilang mga gawa, Nilalaparan nila ang kanilang mga pilakterya at hinahabaan ang palawit sa laylayan ng kanilang mga damit. Ang ibig nila'y ang mga upuang pandangal sa mga piging at ang mga tanging luklukan sa mga sinagoga. Ang ibig nila'y pagpugayan sila sa mga liwasang bayan, at tawaging guro. 

Ngunit kayo-- huwag kayong patawag na guro, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Guro, at kayong lahat ay magkakapatid. At huwag ninyong tawaging ama ang sinumang tao sa lupa, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Ama, ang Amang nasa langit. Huwag kayong patawag na tagapagturo, sapagkat iisa ang inyong Tagapagturo, ang Mesias. Ang pinakadakila sa inyo ay dapat maging lingkod ninyo. Ang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas."    

Reflection for March 17 Monday of the Second Week of Lent: Luke 6:36-38

Gospel: Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 

“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. 

For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

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Reflection:

Are you merciful? Are you not quick to judge? Are you generous?  

Jesus gives us, in today’s Gospel, guidelines for living our faith. Be merciful. This merciful attitude should not be exclusive to those we love or to our friends. Let us be merciful to everyone, especially to our enemies and those who have hurt us. 

Stop judging and condemning, and you will not be judged or condemned. Try pointing an accusing finger at someone you are judging or condemning, and you will find that three of your fingers are pointing back at you. Before you judge others for their iniquities, look closely at yourself first. 

On forgiveness, Jesus tells us: Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Some of us are so heartless that we have no room for forgiveness in our hearts. Jesus gives us insight into how we can free ourselves from hateful emotions through forgiveness. 

We must always be forgiving. It is truly a liberating experience when we forgive because we release the pent-up emotions that have enslaved us for so long. Just try offering your wholehearted forgiveness to everyone who has hurt you, and you will feel as if a great burden has been lifted from your shoulders. 

On giving, Jesus tells us: Give, and gifts will be given to you in return. This is very true. The more we give, the more we receive. Oftentimes, we hesitate to give because we are overly concerned with our own needs. In reality, it is always through giving that we receive more blessings from the Lord. 

Whatever possessions we have are not truly ours. We are merely stewards of the material things entrusted to us. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 17 Lunes sa Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 6:36-38

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:36-38

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa kanyang mga alagad: Maging mahabagin kayo gaya ng inyong Ama."

"Huwag kayong humatol, at hindi kayo hahatulan ng Diyos. Magpatawad kayo sa inyong kapwa, at patatawarin kayo ng inyong Diyos. Magbigay kayo, at bibigyan kayo ng Diyos: hustong takal, siksik, liglig, at umaapaw pa ang ibibigay sa inyo.

Sapagkat ang takalang ginagamit ninyo sa iba ay siya ring gagamitin ng Diyos sa inyo."   

Reflection for March 16 Second Sunday of Lent: Luke 9:28b-36

Gospel: Luke 9:28b-36

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. 

Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. 

While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

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Reflection:

A carefree young man had a car accident that nearly cost him his life. During his recovery, he carefully discerned the implications of that accident on his life and said to himself, “I need to change my lifestyle; otherwise, I will die.” That car accident became his moment of transfiguration. Hence, he became responsible, shunned his undesirable friends, and served as a catechist in their parish church. 

Have you already had your own moment of transfiguration? 

In the transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, the three disciples—Peter, James, and John—saw firsthand how Jesus was transfigured. From a mortal like them, Jesus’ face changed in appearance, and His clothing became dazzling white (Luke 9:29). 

What was happening before the three apostles went up the mountain to witness Jesus’ transfiguration? They had been with the Lord, carrying out their mission. They had witnessed many miracles performed by Jesus. Yet, Jesus also told them that He would soon suffer and be put to death by His persecutors (Luke 9:22). 

Upon hearing this, the three likely felt disheartened. They could not believe that such suffering awaited their Lord and Master. It was in this context that Jesus brought them to Mount Tabor—to reveal His true identity to them and to show them what awaited them if they remained faithful to their mission until the end. 

By witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration, the three apostles were also transformed—though in a different way. Their encounter with Jesus in His glorified state uplifted their spirits, renewed their strength, and motivated them to continue their sacred mission of evangelization. 

At what stage are you in your life right now? Are you facing your own share of challenges? Don’t give up. Remember, this is just temporary. In the end, there is a prize that awaits you—the eternal joy of being with Jesus in heaven. 

Let the transfiguration of Jesus energize you, strengthen you, and give you hope. May His powerful transfiguration inspire you to move forward in faith, no matter what difficulties you may encounter. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Marso 16 Ikalawang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Lucas 9:28b-36

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:28b-36

Noong panahong iyon: Umakyat si Hesus sa bundok upang manalangin. Isinama niya sina Pedro, Juan at Santiago. Samantalang siya’y nananalangin, nagbago ang anyo ng kanyang mukha, nagningning ang kanyang kasuutan na naging puting-puti. Di kaginsaginsa’y lumitaw ang dalawang lalaki – sina Moises at Elias na napakitang may kaning-ningan – at nakipag-usap sa kanya.  

Pinag-usapan nila ang nalalapit na pagpanaw ni Hesus na magaganap sa Jerusalem. Tulog na tulog si Pedro at ang kanyang mga kasama, ngunit sila’y biglang nagising at nakita nila si Hesus na nagniningning at ang dalawang lalaking nakatayo sa tabi niya. Nang papaalis na sa tabi ni Hesus ang mga lalaki, sinabi ni Pedro, “Guro, mabuti pa’y dumito na tayo. Gagawa po kami ng tatlong kubol: isa sa inyo, isa kay Moises, at isa kay Elias.”  

Ang totoo’y hindi niya nalalaman ang kanyang sinasabi. Nagsasalita pa siya nang matakpan sila ng isang ulap, at sila’y natakot. At may isang tinig mula sa alapaap na nagsabi, “Ito ang aking Anak, ang aking Hinirang. Siya ang inyong pakinggan.” Nang tumigil ang tinig, nakita nilang nag-iisa na si Hesus. At hindi muna sinabi ng mga alagad kaninuman ang kanilang nakita. 

Reflection for March 15 Saturday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 5:43-48

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 

For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

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Reflection:

The story is told of a wife who was betrayed by her husband for a younger woman. After years of separation, the wife learned that her husband was now sick. Because of her unconditional love for him, she went to him and brought him to the hospital to heal. 

In our Gospel today, Jesus gives us a teaching about unconditional love—a love that extends to everyone, including those who have hurt us or continue to hurt us. This is very hard to do, but this is who Jesus is. He gives us teachings that seem difficult to follow based on human standards. However, if we are truly devoted to Him, we will obey and follow. 

What happens when we follow the teachings of Jesus? Take, for example, His teaching in today’s Gospel about loving and praying for our enemies and persecutors. We free ourselves from undeserved hatred and release ourselves from self-created psychological and emotional imprisonment, which does not bring us any good anyway. 

Let us observe ourselves when we carry hatred in our hearts. We may feel like we are about to explode, which is very bad for our health, especially for our blood pressure. On the other hand, when we do not carry hatred in our hearts, we feel light, and we invite the blessings of Jesus into our lives. 

Will you follow this teaching of Jesus? — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 15 Sabado sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Matthew 5:43-48

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:43-48

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Narinig na ninyong sinabi, ‘Ibigin mo ang iyong kaibigan at kapootan mo ang iyong kaaway.’ Ngunit ito naman sabi ko: ibigin ninyo ang mga umuusig sa inyo, upang kayo’y maging tunay na anak ng inyong Amang nasa langit. 

Sapagkat pinasisikat niya ang araw sa masasama at sa mabubuti, at pinapapatak niya ang ulan sa mga banal at sa mga makasalanan.  Kung ang mga umiibig sa inyo ang siya lamang ninyo iibigin, ano pang gantimpala ang inyong hihintayin? Hindi ba’t ginagawa rin ito ng mga publikano?

At kung ang binabati lamang ninyo’y ang inyong mga kapatid, ano ang nagawa ninyong higit kaysa iba? Ginagawa rin iyon ng mga Hentil! Kaya, dapat kayong maging ganap, gaya ng inyong Amang nasa Langit.” 

Reflection for March 14 Friday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 5:20-26

Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.   

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.   

Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.” 

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Reflection: 

What is the cure for anger? It’s humility. 

Nobody is perfect. Once in a while, we get angry, but do we have the humility to make amends after we have injured someone with our arrogance? Only a gentle and humble person would have the courage to say, “I’m sorry,” or to apologize. 

But saying “I’m sorry” is not easy. Only a humble person would summon enough courage to say these magic words that have healed so many disputes and arguments. In our Gospel for today, Jesus gives us a teaching about anger. 

Jesus tells us that we must be reconciled with those with whom we have differences and feelings of enmity. But why do we get angry in the first place? We get angry because we lack humility. We get angry because we have a superiority complex against our fellowmen. 

It is only humility that can deescalate and eventually eliminate our anger. Let us, therefore, pray for the grace of humility. Let us ask God the Holy Spirit to give it to us. The best test of humility is our willingness to apologize and admit our mistakes to those whom we have hurt. — Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 14 Biyernes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 5:20-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:20-26

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sinasabi ko sa inyo: kung ang pagsunod ninyo sa kalooban ng Diyos ay tulad lamang ng pagsunod ng mga eskriba at mga Pariseo, hindi kayo makapapasok sa kaharian ng Diyos.”  

“Narinig ninyo na noong una’y inutos sa mga tao, ‘Huwag kang papatay; ang sinumang makamatay ay mananagot sa hukuman.’ Ngunit ngayo’y sinasabi ko sa inyo: ang mapoot sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa hukuman; ang humamak sa kanyang kapatid ay mananagot sa Sanedrin, at sinumang magsabi sa kanyang kapatid ‘ulol ka!’ ay mapapasaapoy ng impiyerno. 

Kaya’t kung naghahandog ka sa Diyos, at maalaala mo na may sama ng loob sa iyo ang kapatid mo, iwan mo muna ang iyong handog sa harap ng dambana at makipagkasundo ka sa kanya. Saka ka magbalik at maghandog sa Diyos. “Kung may magsakdal laban sa iyo sa hukuman, makipag-ayos ka sa kanya habang may panahon, bago ka niya iharap sa hukom.

At kung hindi’y ibibigay ka niya sa hukom, na magbibigay naman sa iyo ng tanod, at ikaw ay mabibilanggo. Sinasabi ko sa iyo: hindi ka makalalabas doon hangga’t hindi mo nababayaran ang kahuli-hulihang kusing.”

Reflection for Thursday March 12 Thursday of the First Week in Lent: Matthew 7:7-12

Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. 

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

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Reflection:

What do you do when your child asks for something from you? You try your very best to give what he or she is asking for. Why? Because you love your child and don’t want to disappoint him or her. 

What if your parents ask something from you? For the same reason, you will also try your very best to give what they are asking for. 

The love of Jesus is far greater than the love of a parent for a child or a child’s love for his or her parents. What does this mean? If we are willing to do everything to grant the requests of our loved ones, Jesus will surely grant whatever we sincerely ask of Him. 

Our sincerity matters when we ask something from Jesus. For example, when Jesus said to His disciples, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7), He was emphasizing the importance of sincerity. 

This is also what Jesus expects from us when we pray to Him. The purity of our desire is a major factor in Jesus granting us what we ask of Him. If Jesus sees that there is no purity or sincerity in our prayers, or if our prayers are centered on serving our selfish interests, then we can be assured that nothing will come of them. 

In hindsight, this is also an invitation for us to reflect on our prayers to Jesus. If He has not yet granted some of our prayers, perhaps we need to reassess our objectives. Perhaps we need to be more sincere and selfless in our prayers. 

Are you always sincere and selfless when you pray to the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Marso 13 Huwebes sa Unang Linggo ng Kuwaresma: Mateo 7:7-12

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:7-12

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Humingi kayo, at kayo’y bibigyan; humanap kayo, at kayo’y makasusumpong; kumatok kayo, at ang pinto’y bubuksan para sa inyo. Sapagkat tumatanggap ang bawat humihingi, nakasusumpong ang bawat humahanap, at binubuksan ang pinto sa bawat kumakatok.  

Bibigyan ba ninyo ng bato ang inyong anak kung humihingi ng tinapay? Bibigyan ba ninyo siya ng ahas kung humihingi ng isda? Kung kayo na masasama, ay marunong magbigay ng mabubuting bagay sa inyong mga anak, gaano pa kaya ang inyong Amang nasa langit? Ibibigay niya ang mabubuting bagay sa mga humihingi sa kanya!  

“Kaya gawin ninyo sa inyong kapwa ang ibig ninyong gawin nila sa inyo. Ito ang kahulugan ng Kautusan ni Moises at ng turo ng mga propeta.”