Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 3 Biyernes Santo sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon (Pag-aayuno at Abstinensya): Juan 18:1-19:42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 18:1-19:42

Noong panahong iyon, umalis si Jesus kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pumunta sila sa ibayo ng batis Cedron at pumasok sa isang halamanan doon. Ang lugar na ito'y alam ni Judas na nagkanulo sa kanya, sapagkat madalas magpunta roon si Jesus at ang kanyang mga alagad.  

Pumaroon si Judas, kasama ang ilang bantay sa templo at isang pangkat ng mga kawal na padala ng mga punong saserdote at mga Pariseo. May dala silang mga parol, sulo at sandata. Alam ni Jesus ang lahat ng mangyayari sa kanya, kaya't sila'y sinalubong niya at tinanong, "Sino ang hinahanap ninyo?" "Si Hesus na taga-Nazaret," tugon nila, Sinabi niya, "Ako si Hesus." 

Kaharap nila si Judas na nagkanulo sa kanya. Nang sabihin ni Jesus na siya nga, napaurong sila at nabuwal sa lupa. Muli siyang nagtanong, "Sino nga ang hinahanap ninyo?" "Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret," sagot nila. "sinabi ko na sa inyong ako si Jesus. Kung ako ang hinahanap ninyo, hayaan ninyong umalis ang mga taong ito," wika niya.

Sinabi niya ito upang matupad ang kanyang salita, "Walang napahamak kahit isa sa mga ibinigay mo sa akin, Ama." Binunot ni Simon Pedro ang kanyang tabak at tinaga ang alipin ng pinakapunong saserdote. Natigpas ang kanyang tainga ng aliping yaon na ang pangala'y Malco. Sinabi ni Jesus kay Pedro, "Isalong mo ang iyong tabak! Dapat kong inumin ang saro ng paghihirap na ibinigay sa akin ng Ama." 

Si Jesus ay dinakip at ginapos ng mga bantay na Judio at ng pangkat ng mga kawal sa pamumuno ng kanilang kapitan. Siya'y dinala muna kay Anas na biyenan ni Caifas na pinakapunong saserdote nang panahong yaon. Si Caifas ang nagpayo sa mga Judio na mas mabuti para sa kanila na isang tao lamang ang mamatay alang-alang sa bayan. 

Si Simon Pedro at ang isa pang alagad ay sumunod kay Jesus. Kilala ng pinakapunong saserdote ang alagad na ito, kaya't nakapasok siyang kasama ni Jesus sa patyo ng bahay ng pinakapunong saserdote. Naiwan naman si Pedro sa labas ng pintuan.

Lumabas ang alagad na kilala ng pinakapumong saserdote , kinausap ang dalagang nagbabantay sa pinto, at pinapasok si Pedro. Si Pedro'y tinanong ng dalaga, hindi ba't isa ka sa mga alagad ng taong iyan?" "Hindi," sagot ni Pedro. Maginaw noon, kaya't nagpabaga ng uling ang mga alipin at mga bantay at tumayo sa paligid ng siga upang magpainit. Nakihalo si Pedro at nagpainit din. 

Si Jesus ay tinanong ng pinakapunong saserdote tungkol sa kanyang mga alagad at sa kanyang itinuturo. Sumagot si Jesus, "Hayagan akong nagsasalita sa madla; lagi akong nagtuturo sa mga sinagoga at sa templo ng mga Judio. Wala akong sinabing palihim. Bakit ako ang tinatanong ninyo?

Ang tanungin ninyo'y ang mga nakarinig sa akin; alam nila kung ano ang sinabi ko." Pagkasabi nito, siya'y sinampal ng isa sa mga bantay na naroroon. "Bakit mo sinasagot ng ganyan ang pinakapunong saserdote?" tanong niya. Sinagot siya ni Jesus, "Kung nagsalita ako ng masama, patunayan mo! Ngunit kung mabuti ang sinabi ko, bakit mo ako sinampal?" Si Jesus na nagagapos pa noon ay ipinadala ni Anas kay Caifas, ang pinakapunong saserdote.  

Samantala, naroon pa rin si Simon Pedro at nagpapainit. Siya'y tinanong nila, "Hindi ba't alagad ka rin ng taong iyan?" "Hindi!" sagot ni Pedro. Tinanong naman siya ng isang alipin ng pinakapunong saserdote , kamag-anak ng lalaking tinagpasan niya ng tainga, "Hindi ba ikaw ang nakita kong kasama ni Jesus sa halamanan?" Muling itinatwa ito ni Pedro. Siya namang pagtilaok ng manok. 

Mula sa bahay ni Caifas, si Jesus ay dinala nila sa palasyo ng gobernador. Umaga na noon. Hindi pumasok ang mga Judio sa palasyo ng gobernador, upang sila'y huwag maituring na di karapat-dapat kumain ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa. Kaya't sa labas sila tinanggap ni Pilato at tinanong, "Ano ang sakdal ninyo laban sa taong ito?"

Sumagot sila, "Kung hindi po siya gumawa ng masama, hindi namin siya dadalhin sa inyo." Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, "Dalhin ninyo siya, at hatulan ayon sa inyong kautusan." Sumagot ang mga Judio, "Wala po kaming kapangyarihang humatol ng kamatayan kaninuman." Nangyari ito upang matupad ang sinabi ni Jesus tungkol sa paraan ng kanyang pagkamatay. 

Si Pilato'y pumasok uli sa palasyo at tinawag si Jesus. "Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?" tanong niya. Sumagot si Jesus, "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 inyo rito.

Ano ba ang ginawa mo?" Sumagot si Jesus, "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 Jesus, "Kayo na ang nagsabing ako'y hari. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ako ipinanganak at naparito sa sanlibutan: upang magsalita tungkol sa katotohanan. "Ano ba ang katotohanan?" tanong ni Pilato. 

Pagkasabi nito, muling lumabas si Pilato at sinabi sa mga Judio, "Wala akong makitang kasalanan sa taong ito. Ngunit ayon sa inyong kaugalian, dapat akong magpalaya ng isang bilanggo kung araw ng Paskuwa. Ibig ba ninyong palayain ko ang Hari ng mga Judio?" "Hindi!" sigaw nila. "Huwag siya, kundi si Barrabas!" Si Barrabas ay isang tulisan. 

Kaya't ipinakuha ni Pilato si Jesus at ipinahagupit. Ang mga kawal ay kumuha ng halamang matinik, ginawang korona, at ipinutong kay Jesus. At sinuutan siya ng balabal na purpura. Isa't isa'y lumalapit sa kanya ang wika,"Mabuhay ang Hari ng mga Judio!" At siya'y pinagsasampal.

Lumabas uli si Pilato at sinabi sa kanila, "Ihaharap ko siya sa inyo upang malaman ninyo na wala akong makitang kasalanan niya!" At inilabas si Jesus na may koronang tinik at balabal na purpura. Sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, "Narito ang mga tao!" Pagkakita sa kanya ng mga punong saserdote at ng mga bantay sila'y sumigaw: "Ipako siya sa krus! Ipako sa krus! "

Sinabi ni Pilato, "Kunin ninyo siya, at kayo ang magpako sa, at kayo ang magpako sa kanya. Wala akong makitang kasalanan niya." Sumagot ang mga Judio, "Ayon sa aming kautusa'y nararapat siyang mamatay, sapagkat siya'y nagpapanggap na Anak ng Diyos." 

Lalong natakot si Pilato nang marinig ang mga pananalitang ito. Muli siyang pumasok sa palasyo at tinanong si Jesus, "Tagasaan ka ba?" Subalit hindi tumugon si Jesus. "Ayaw mo bang makipag-usap sa akin?" ani Pilato. "Hindi mo ba alam na maari kitang palayain o ipapako sa krus?" At sumagot si Jesus, "Kaya mo lang magagawa iyan ay sapagkat ipinagkaloob sa iyo ng Diyos ang kapangyarihang iyan, kaya mas mabigat ang kasalanan ng nagdala sa akin dito."

Nang marinig ito ni Pilato, lalo niyang hinangad na palayain si Jesus. Ngunit nagsigawan ang mga tao, "Kapag pinalaya mo ang taong iyan, hindi ka kaibigan ni Cesar! Sinumang nagpapanggap na hari ay kalaban ni Cesar." Pagkarinig ni Pilato sa pangungusap na ito, inilabas niya si Jesus, at siya'y lumuklok sa hukuman sa dakong tinatawag na "Ang Plataporma" Gabata sa wikang Hebreo. 

Araw noon ng Paghahanda sa Paskuwa, at mag-iikalabindalawa na ng tanghali. Sinabi ni Pilato sa mga Judio, "Narito ang inyong hari!" Sumigaw sila, "Patayin siya! Patayin! Ipako sa krus!" Ipapako ko ba sa krus ang inyong hari?" tanong ni Pilato. Sumagot ang punong saserdote, "Wala kaming hari kundi ang Cesar!" Kaya't si Jesus ay ibinigay sa kanila ni Pilato upang ipako sa krus.

Kinuha nga nila si Jesus. At lumabas siya na pasan ang kanyang krus, patungo sa lugar na kung tawagi'y "Dako ng Bungo" Golgota sa wikang Hebreo. Pagdating doon , siya'y ipinako sa krus, kasama ng dalawa pa -- isa sa gawing kanan at isa sa kaliwa. Sumulat si Pilato ng ganitong pangungusap at ipinalagay sa krus: "Si Jesus na taga-Nazaret, ang Hari ng mga Judio."

Nasusulat ito sa mga wikang Hebreo, Latin, at Griego at marami sa mga Judio ang nakabasa nito, sapagkat malapit sa lunsod ang dakong pinagpakuan kay Jesus. Kaya't sinabi ng mga punong saserdote kay Pilato, "Huwag ninyong isulat na Hari ng mga Judio, kundi, 'Sinabi ng taong ito, Ako ang Hari ng mga Judio.' " Sumagot si Pilato, "Ang naisulat ko'y naisulat ko na." 

Nang maipako na ng mga kawal si Jesus, kinuha nila ang kanyang kasuutan at pinaghati-hatian ng apat. Kinuha rin nila ang kanyang tunika; ito'y walang tahi at hinabi ng buo mula sa itaas hanggang sa ibaba. Nag-usap-usap ang mga kawal, "Huwag nating punitin ito; magsapalaran na lamang tayo para malaman kung kanino ito mauuwi."

Nangyari ito upang matupad ang isinasaad ng Kasulatan, "Pinaghati-hatian nila ang aking kasuutan; at ang aking damit ay kanilang pinagsapalaran." Gayon na nga ang ginawa ng mga kawal.  

Nakatayo sa tabi ng krus ni Jesus ang kanyang ina at ang kapatid na babae nitong si Maria, na asawa ni Cleopas. Naroon din si Maria Magdalena. Nang makita ni Jesus ang kanyang ina, at ang minamahal na alagad sa tabi nito, kanyang sinabi, "Ginang, narito ang iyong Anak!" At sinabi sa alagad, "Narito ang iyong Ina!" Mula noon, siya'y pinatira ng alagad na ito sa kanyang bahay.

Pagkatapos nito, alam ni Jesus na naganap na ang lahat ng bagay; at bilang katuparan ng Kasulatan ay sinabi niya, "Nauuhaw ako!" May isang mangkok doon na puno ng maasim na alak. Itinubog nila dito ang isang espongha, ikinabit sa sanga ng isopo at idiniit sa kanyang bibig. Nang masipsip ni Jesus ang alak ay kanyang sinabi, "Naganap na!" Iniyukayok niya ang kanyang ulo at nalagot ang kanyang hininga. 

(Dito luluhod ang tanan at sandaling mananahimik.)

Noo'y araw ng Paghahanda, at ayaw ng mga Judio na manatili sa krus ang mga bangkay sa Araw ng Pamamahinga sapagkat dakila ang Araw ng Pamamahingang ito. Kaya't hiniling nila kay Pilato na ipabali nito ang mga binti ng mga ipinako sa krus, at alisin doon ang mga bangkay.

Naparoon nga ang mga kawal at binali ang mga binti ng dalawang ipinakong kasabay ni Jesus. Ngunit pagdating nila kay Jesus at makitang patay na siya, hindi na nila binali ang kanyang binti. Subalit inulos ng sibat ng isa sa mga kawal ang tagiliran ni Jesus, at biglang dumaloy ang dugo at tubig.

Ang nakakita nito ang nagpatotoo -- tunay ang kanyang patotoo at alam niyang katotohanan ang sinabi niya -- upang kayo'y maniwala. Nangyari ang mga ito upang matupad ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan. "Walang mababali isa man sa kanyang mga buto." At sinabi naman ng ibang bahagi ng Kasulatan, "Pagmamasdan nila ang kanilang inulos." 

Pagkatapos nito, si Jose na taga-Arimatea ay nagsadya kay Pilato upang humingi ng pahintulot na makuha ang bangkay ni Jesus. Si Jose'y isang alagad ni Jesus, ngunit palihim nga lamang dahil sa takot sa mga Judio. At pinahintulutan siya ni Pilato; kaya't kinuha ni Jose ang bangkay ni Jesus.

Sumama sa kanya si Nicodemo, may dalang pabango -- mga 100 libra na pinaghalong mira at aloe. Siya ang nagsadya kay Jesus isang gabi. Kinuha nila ang bangkay ni Jesus, at nilagyan ng pabango , habang binabalot sa kayong lino, ayon sa kaugalian ng mga Judio. Sa pinagpakuan kay Jesus ay may halamanan, at dito'y may isang libingang hindi pa napaglilibingan. Yamang noo'y araw ng Paghahanda ng mga Judio, at dahil malapit naman ang libingang ito, doon nila inilibing si Jesus.

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Repleksyon:

May lakas at tapang ba tayo upang pasanin ang sarili nating krus?

Matapos ang lahat ng hirap, pagtataksil, at pag-uusig, tinupad ni Jesus ang Kanyang misyong pagliligtas. Sa Kanyang mga huling sandali, tila Siya ay walang kapangyarihan—ngunit alam nating Siya ay makapangyarihan sa lahat. Pinili Niyang huwag iligtas ang Kanyang sarili, kahit na nasa Kanyang kamay ang lahat ng kapangyarihan sa mundo. Sa Kanyang katahimikan at lubos na pagpapasakop, nasaksihan natin hindi ang kahinaan, kundi ang sukdulang pag-ibig ng Diyos.

Hindi namatay si Jesus para sa Kanyang sarili; namatay Siya para sa atin. Tinanggap Niya ang lahat—pati na ang kahiyahiyang kamatayan sa krus—upang tayo ay maligtas. Ganito kadakila ang Kanyang pag-ibig para sa atin. Kaya’t ang krus na Kanyang pinasan at kinamatayan ay siya ring naging daan ng ating kaligtasan.

Sa pagninilay natin sa dakilang hiwagang ito ng pag-ibig, inaanyayahan tayong tumingin sa ating mga puso: ano ang handa nating ialay kay Jesus bilang tugon sa Kanyang pagliligtas sa atin? Handa rin ba tayong sumunod sa landas ng pag-ibig na marunong magsakripisyo? Handa ba tayong pasanin ang sarili nating krus alang-alang sa Kanya?

Minsan, nag-aatubili tayo. Nasanay tayo sa ginhawa, sa bilis ng teknolohiya, at sa pag-iwas sa hirap. Kaya’t ang pagdadala ng krus ay tila mabigat at nakakatakot.

Ngunit ang lahat ng ginhawa sa mundong ito ay walang-wala kumpara sa walang hanggang kagalakang naghihintay sa atin sa piling ng Diyos. Ipinapaalala sa atin ni Jesus na ang daan patungo roon ay hindi laging magaan, kundi landas ng pag-ibig—pag-ibig na handang magsakripisyo, magtiis, at magtiwala.

Ang ating krus ay maaaring mag-iba-iba ng anyo. Maaaring ito ay isang taong sumusubok sa ating pasensya at kakayahang magmahal. Maaaring ito ay isang pagsubok, pasanin, o karamdaman na kailangan nating dalhin araw-araw. Maaaring ito ay mga tahimik na sakripisyong walang nakakakita. Anuman ito, ang ating krus ay isang paanyaya—isang banal na pagkakataon upang iugnay ang ating buhay sa pag-ibig ni Kristo.

Hindi tayo nag-iisa sa pagdadala nito. Kasama natin si Jesus. Pinalalakas Niya tayo. Inaanyayahan Niya tayong manalig sa Kanya at hayaang ang Kanyang biyaya ang umalalay sa atin sa bawat pagsubok.

Kaya ngayon, sa harap ng hiwaga ng Krus, taimtim nating tanungin ang ating sarili:

Handa ba tayong yakapin ang ating krus araw-araw, sumunod kay Jesus nang buong katapatan, at magtiwala na sa likod ng ating paghihirap ay ang pangako ng buhay na walang hanggan kasama Niya?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection on the Seven Last words of Jesus

 

1. “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) 

Are you forgiving? 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Forgiveness simply means that we choose to move on and not allow hatred to destroy us. 

Hanging on the cross and near death Jesus spoke these profound words. Who was Jesus alluding  to when He spoke these words? Jesus was alluding to those who persecuted Him which led Him on the cross. They were His critics like the Pharisees, Scribes, High priest and the like. Included also were the Soldiers who brought Him to the mountain of Calvary to crucify Him. 

Here we see that Jesus is full of mercy, love and forgiveness towards those who made life very difficult for Him. Jesus did not bear any hatred towards those who hated and killed Him. 

We have to reflect here on how we forgive those who sinned against us. For example, if a person betrayed our trust or a person hurts us. Have we forgiven them already? We have to forgive no matter how deep the hurt they’ve inflicted upon us. Why? Because if Jesus can forgive who are we not to forgive? 

Forgiveness is a gift that we give not to those who’ve hurt us or betrayed us. Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves for the simple reason that we are only hurting our very selves when we don’t forgive. We have to free ourselves from being imprisoned by hatred caused by our unforgiveness. Therefore, we have to forgive. 

Are you forgiving? 

2.   “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) 

Where is the paradise that Jesus is referring? 

The paradise is with Him, in Him and in His kingdom in heaven. Jesus addressed this statement to one of the criminals hanging on the cross by His side. The criminal said to Jesus: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42).” And right there Jesus said to the criminal: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43).” 

The criminal was enlightened while he was hanging on the cross side by side with Jesus.  This is the reason why he asked the Lord to remember him when He is already in His kingdom. Don’t we all want to have the same enlightenment that he had? Of course, we want it as well. So, we have to humbly ask the Lord for the same enlightenment coursed through our prayers to the Lord. Many of us are so fixated in this fleeting word that we think and feel that this is our paradise. 

But as we see the destructive result of Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine as we see the war between Israel and the USA against Iran we discover that this world is not at all paradise. We seek worldly pleasures (many of these worldly pleasures influence us to sin). We seek temporal wealth and worldly power and influence only to find out that this is not where paradise is located. Why?  For the simple reason that we humans have no satisfaction we will seek these earthly things which we think would satisfy us. Only to realize in the end that it cannot and will not satisfy us. 

So, where is the real paradise that the Lord is talking? This paradise we can only find, feel and experience with Him, in Him and through Him. The true and real paradise that Jesus mentions is already here and now when we make Jesus part and parcel of our daily living.  

Where is your paradise? 

 

3.  “Woman, behold thy son. After that, he said to the disciple: Behold thy mother.” (John 19: 26-27) 

Do you respect and love the Blessed Mother and your own mother?  

When Jesus was on the cross dying, He saw His mother Mary still looking after Him. His mother, who cared, nurtured and watched over Him from the beginning until the end of His life. Dying and all, Jesus saw that nobody would take care of His mother so He asked John, His beloved disciple to take care of her. 

Do we also take care of the Blessed Mother by respecting her as Jesus respected her? Mary is the mother of Jesus therefore it is incumbent for us to give her the respect and love which she richly deserves.  We live our love and respect for the Blessed Mother when we pray the Holy Rosary. When we politely teach others to respect her because she is the mother of Jesus and our mother as well. Mary our mother who will always be there to listen to us when no one would dare listen to us.  Mary our mother who will always be there to pray for us. 

This is also to remind us that we have to respect and love at all times our own respective mothers. We would never exist in this world without our mothers. We would never become who we are today without their guidance and nurturing. Jesus would not have existed in this world without the consent of his mother Mary. As a debt of gratitude to his mother Jesus saw it fit to entrust his mother to his beloved disciple John. 

Do you respect and love the Blessed Mother and your own mother?  What are you doing right now to show your respect and love for the Blessed Mother? Do you invoke her intersession when you pray? Do you defend her when someone is demeaning her role in the life of Jesus?

 

4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) 

Do you sometimes feel forsaken by the Lord? 

On the cross and dying Jesus uttered these words. These are words of surrender, frustration and giving up. After going through all of the persecutions, torture and abandonment Jesus felt forsaken. Who among us would not feel the same way when we’ve been through what Jesus had been through? We would also understandably feel forsaken and abandoned by the Lord.    

But did God abandon Jesus when He was gasping and dying on the cross? Does God abandon and forsake us when we are at the lowest point of our life? Is God absent as we navigate through the dangerous waters of  the challenges and trials in our lives? God did not abandon Jesus, God was with Jesus all the way! God was strengthening Jesus when Jesus was at the lowest and weakest point in His life. And certainly God is also walking with us as we try to survive the trials and challenges in our lives. 

We are humans subject to our own human frailties. It is understandable to feel forsaken by the Lord once in a while. But truth be told, God’s presence in our lives is strongest when we feel forsaken by this world and the people of this world. God will never forsake us, God will never abandon us and God will always be there to strengthen us. Therefore, we always have to cling to Him in good times and most especially in the turbulent episodes of our lives. 

Do you sometimes feel abandoned and forsaken by the Lord?

 

5.“I thirst.” (John 19:28) 

What do we thirst for? 

Was it physical thirst that Jesus was feeling when He said: “I thirst.” In His humanity, yes physical thirst but more than that it was the thirst for those people who were formerly with Him. These are the people who were with Jesus during His healing and speaking ministry. 

Dying on the cross perhaps, Jesus was whimpering while saying, “I thirst.” Why? For the reason that He was also thirsting for His followers and apostles who were with Him during His miraculous healing and powerful speaking ministry. 

It is in the lowest episodes of our lives that we would know who is really for us and not for us. Those who are truly for us would choose to remain no matter the odds against us. Those who are not for us would immediately evaporate from our sights to save their necks. 

When we encounter these words: ‘I thirst.’  Let us imagine that Jesus is addressing these words to us. I thirst for you to be faithful in your marriage covenant. I thirst for you to be honest where you are presently working right now. I Thirst for you to value the sacredness of life over the evils of abortion and extra-judicial killing. I thirst for you to always be humble and simple. 

 I thirst for your presence at Holy Mass everyday or even every Sunday if you cannot make it every day.  I thirst for you to become a good father/mother. I thirst for you to become a good and God loving son/daughter. I thirst for you to be faithful to your priesthood. I thirst for you to be faithful to your religious life. I thirst for you to help those who are hungry.   

Would you respond to Jesus thirst? 

 6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30) 

How do you feel after finishing a worthy undertaking? 

You feel good and triumphant. This second to the last word of Jesus is a word of triumph, at last it’s over at last it’s mission accomplished! 

Jesus finally defeated the voice of Satan who was whispering to Him not to finish His salvific mission. Jesus overcame the many hurdles and temptation for Him not to pursue to the end His mission of salvation. Finally, Jesus redeemed the sinful humanity from the enslavement of sin. 

However, it’s not finished for us yet, we are still in this journey called life. We are still battling the many demons that constantly whispers to our ears to commit sin. So, what are we going to do to be able to say that, “It's finally finished!” 

We have to be faithful to our Lord until our end in this temporal world overtakes us. Then, when it comes, we can finally say, it is finished because we have been faithful to the Lord. We did not give an iota of space for Satan to distract us in our disciples with the Lord. 

Would we be able to successfully say, ‘It is finished’ when the sun sets upon us someday? It is finished because we have defeated the many demons that were constantly tempting us to give up in our disciples for Jesus. 

7. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Luke 23:46)    

Are you afraid to die? 

After all has been said and done it’s now the end- it’s the victorious death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus conquered our sinfulness by dying on the cross. By giving His very life on the cross Jesus showed us the true meaning of sacrifice and love. 

Death is something that many of us fear but why fear death if we live our life with Jesus in this world? Why fear death when this is the final hurdle for us to be with the Lord in heaven? Why fear death when it ends all our sufferings in this world? If we have not done wrong in this world we would not fear death. When we love the Lord over this fleeting and temporal world we would not fear death. 

Many of us fear death for the simple reason that we are so attached to this world. But if we are detached from this world and attached to our Lord, we would not fear death. What are the attachments that we have that makes us fear death?  Are we so attached to our worldly possession/wealth that’s why we fear death? Life is dynamic never static we never know what would happen in the next seconds, minutes, hours and days. 

When we make this world our God we would fear death, when we make our worldly possession our master instead of servant we would fear death. Jesus conquered His fear of death because He has no worldly attachments. From the beginning Jesus detached Himself from this world because it would encumber Him from devoting His life to His mission of salvation.  

Let us slowly but surely detach ourselves from this world. So that when we are at the doorway going to the everlasting life we can say to our Lord: "I'm finally coming home my Lord, into your hands I commend my spirit." -  Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for Holy Thursday April 2 The Mass of the Lord’s Supper: John 13:1-15

Gospel: John 13:1-15

Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, he rose from supper and took off his outer garments.  

He took a towel and tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Master, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later."  

Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well." Jesus said to him, "Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all." For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, "Not all of you are clean."  

So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, "Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me 'teacher' and 'master,' and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do."

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Reflection:

What would we do if we knew that we were about to have the last supper of our lives? Perhaps we would turn inward and think of ourselves. Maybe we would withdraw from others and pray with deep intensity before our God.

Yet Jesus, fully aware that His hour had come, chose a different path. During His Last Supper, He did not seek comfort for Himself. Instead, He knelt down and washed the feet of His apostles—an act so humble, so profound, that it revealed the very heart of God. In that sacred moment, He showed us that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving others with love.

Through this powerful gesture, Jesus imprinted upon the hearts of His apostles—and upon us as well—that if we truly desire to follow Him, we must first embrace humility. We are called to serve, to lower ourselves, and to love without expecting anything in return.

How often do people turn away from our faith because they do not see the humility of Jesus reflected in us? How often do we fail to grow because we hold on to pride, choosing recognition over service, comfort over sacrifice? If we are honest with ourselves, we know that we sometimes struggle to live out the very example that Jesus has given us.

If we desire to become true leaders in our families, communities, and faith, we must learn to serve rather than be served. We must lead not only with words, but with actions that reflect compassion, patience, and self-giving love. Above all, we must follow the path of humility that Jesus Himself walked.

This Holy Thursday, as we reflect on the words of Jesus in the Gospel, “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do” (John 13:15), let us open our hearts more deeply to His call.

And so we ask ourselves: Are we willing to kneel down in humility and serve others as Jesus did—even when it is difficult, unnoticed, or uncomfortable—or are we still holding back, choosing to be served rather than to serve?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Huwebes Santo Abril 2 Misa sa Pagtatakipsilim sa Paghahapunan ng Panginoon: Juan 13:1-15

Mabuting Balita: Juan 13:1-15

Bisperas na ng Paskuwa. Alam ni Hesus na dumating na ang panahon ng kanyang paglisan sa sanlibutang ito upang bumalik sa Ama. Mahal niya ang kanyang mga tagasunod na nasa sanlibutan, at ngayo’y ipakikita niya kung hanggang saan ang kanyang pag-ibig sa kanila.

Naghahapunan si Hesus at ang mga alagad. Naisilid na ng diyablo sa isip ni Judas, anak ni Simon Iscariote, ang pagkakanulo kay Hesus. Alam ni Hesus na ibinigay na sa kanya ng Ama ang buong kapangyarihan; alam din niyang siya’y mula sa Diyos at babalik sa Diyos. Kaya’t nang sila’y naghahapunan, tumindig si Hesus, naghubad ng kanyang panlabas na kasuotan, at nagbigkis ng tuwalya.

Pagkatapos, nagbuhos siya ng tubig sa palanggana, at sinimulang hugasan ang paa ng mga alagad at punasan ng tuwalyang nakabigkis sa kanya. Paglapit niya kay Simon Pedro, tumutol ito. “Panginoon,” sabi niya, “diyata’t kayo pa ang maghuhugas ng aking mga paa?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Hindi mo nauunawan ngayon ang ginagawa ko, ngunit mauunawaan mo rin pagkatapos.” Sinabi sa kanya ni Pedro. “Hinding-hindi ko po pahuhugasan sa inyo ang aking mga paa.”

“Kung hindi kita huhugasan, wala kang kaugnayan sa akin,” tugon ni Hesus. Kaya’t sinabi ni Pedro, “Panginoon, hindi lamang po ang mga paa ko, kundi pati ang aking kamay at ulo!” Ani Hesus, “Maliban sa kanyang mga paa, hindi na kailangang hugasan pa ang naligo na, sapagkat malinis na ang kanyang buong katawan. At malinis na kayo, ngunit hindi lahat.” Sapagkat alam ni Hesus kung sino ang magkakanulo sa kanya, kaya sinabi niyang malinis na sila, ngunit hindi lahat.

Nang mahugasan na ni Hesus ang kanilang mga paa, siya’y nagsuot ng damit at nagbalik sa hapag. “Nauunawaan ba ninyo kung ano ang ginawa ko sa inyo?” tanong niya sa kanila. “Tinatawag ninyo akong Guro at Panginoon, at tama kayo, sapagkat ako nga. Kung akong Panginoon ninyo at Guro ay naghugas ng inyong mga paa, dapat din kayong mahugasan ng paa. Binigyan ko kayo ng halimbawa at ito’y dapat ninyong tularan.”

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Repleksyon:

Ano ang gagawin natin kung alam nating malapit na nating harapin ang huling hapunan ng ating buhay? Marahil ay tutuon tayo sa ating sarili. Maaaring piliin nating lumayo sa iba at taimtim na manalangin sa ating Diyos.

Ngunit si Jesus, na lubos na nakaaalam na dumating na ang Kanyang oras, ay pumili ng ibang landas. Sa Kanyang Huling Hapunan, hindi Niya inuna ang Kanyang sarili. Sa halip, Siya ay lumuhod at hinugasan ang mga paa ng Kanyang mga apostol—isang napakumbaba at napakalalim na gawa na nagpapahayag ng tunay na puso ng Diyos. Sa banal na sandaling iyon, ipinakita Niya sa atin na ang tunay na kadakilaan ay hindi nasusukat sa paglilingkod sa atin, kundi sa ating paglilingkod sa iba nang may pag-ibig.

Sa pamamagitan ng makapangyarihang gawaing ito, inukit ni Jesus sa puso ng Kanyang mga apostol—at sa ating mga puso rin—na kung nais nating tunay na sumunod sa Kanya, kailangan muna nating yakapin ang kababaang-loob. Tayo ay tinatawag upang maglingkod, magpakababa, at magmahal nang walang hinihintay na kapalit.

Ilang beses na bang may mga taong lumalayo sa ating pananampalataya dahil hindi nila nakikita ang kababaang-loob ni Jesus sa atin? Ilang beses na rin ba tayong hindi umuunlad sa pananampalataya dahil pinipili natin ang ating sarili—ang pagkilala, ang kaginhawahan—sa halip na ang sakripisyo at paglilingkod? Kung tapat tayo sa ating sarili, alam nating hindi madali ang isabuhay ang halimbawang iniwan ni Jesus.

Kung nais nating maging tunay na mga pinuno sa ating pamilya, komunidad, at pananampalataya, kailangan nating matutong maglingkod kaysa paglingkuran. Kailangan nating manguna hindi lamang sa salita kundi sa gawa—sa pamamagitan ng malasakit, pagtitiis, at pag-ibig na handang mag-alay ng sarili. Higit sa lahat, kailangan nating tahakin ang landas ng kababaang-loob na tinahak ni Jesus.

Sa Huwebes Santo na ito, habang pinagninilayan natin ang Kanyang mga salitang ito sa Ebanghelyo, “Binigyan ko kayo ng halimbawang dapat ninyong tularan, upang kung ano ang ginawa ko sa inyo, gayon din ang gawin ninyo” (Juan 13:15), buksan natin nang mas malalim ang ating mga puso sa Kanyang paanyaya.

At ngayon, tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: Handa ba tayong lumuhod at maglingkod tulad ni Jesus—kahit mahirap, kahit walang nakakakita, kahit walang kapalit—o mas pinipili pa rin nating tayo ang paglingkuran kaysa maglingkod?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for April 1 Wednesday of Holy Week: Matthew 26:14-25

Gospel: Matthew 26:14-25

One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you? They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.  

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples. The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.  

When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?  

He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”

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Reflection:

Do we open our homes—and our hearts—as a shelter for those in need?

Who was the man who opened his house to Jesus and His apostles? We do not know his name, yet his quiet act of generosity speaks powerfully to us. He did not seek recognition or reward. With a willing and humble heart, he simply offered what he had. His home became a sacred place where the Lord was welcomed and honored.

In contrast, Judas was also there with Jesus and the other apostles, yet his presence was not rooted in love or communion. While he sat among them, his heart was already drifting away. Beneath the surface, he was nurturing a plan of betrayal.

The Gospel reveals Judas’ growing attachment to mammon, to worldly wealth that slowly consumed his heart. Why did he betray his Lord and Master? Because he allowed darkness to enter and take hold within him. What began as temptation became consent, and what was once hidden eventually led to destruction.

This invites us to reflect deeply on our own lives. We may be close to Jesus outwardly—through prayer, service, or religious practice—but what truly dwells within our hearts? Are we, like the unnamed host, quietly offering ourselves in love and generosity? Or are there hidden attachments, temptations, or compromises that we allow to grow?

We must be vigilant. The moment we allow evil even the smallest foothold in our lives, it begins to take root. And if left unchecked, it can lead us farther away from the Lord than we ever intended.

Today, we are called not only to open our homes but to open our hearts fully to Jesus. Let us welcome Him with sincerity, guard our hearts with humility, and choose faithfulness over compromise each day.

As we reflect, let us ask ourselves: Are we truly making room for Jesus in our lives, or are we allowing subtle temptations to quietly take His place in our hearts?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Abril 1 Miyerkules Santo: Mateo 26:14-25

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 26:14-25

Si Judas Iscariote, isa sa Labindalawa, ay nakipagkita sa mga punong saserdote. "Ano po ang ibibigay ninyo sa akin kung tulungan ko kayong madakip si Jesus?" tanong niya. Noon din ay binilangan niya siya ng tatlumpong salaping pilak. Mula noon, humanap na si Judas ng pagkakataon upang maipagkanulo si Jesus. 

Dumating ang unang araw ng Kapistahan ng Tinapay na Walang Lebadura. Lumapit kay Jesus ang mga alagad at nagtanong, "Saan po ninyo ibig na ipaghanda namin kayo ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa?" Sumagot siya, "Pumunta kayo sa lunsod at hanapin ninyo ang taong ito. Sabihin sa kanyang ganito ang ipinasasabi ng Guro: 'Malapit na ang aking oras. Ako at ang mga alagad ko'y sa bahay mo kakain ng Hapunang Pampaskuwa.' " Sinunod ng mga alagad ang utos ni Jesus, at inihanda nila ang Hapunang Pampaskuwa. 

Nang gabing yaon, dumulog sa hapag si Jesus, kasama ang labindalawang alagad. Samantalang sila'y kumakain, nangusap si Jesus, "Sinasabi ko: isa sa inyo ang magkakanulo sa akin." Nanlumo ang mga alagad, at isa't isa'y nagtanong sa kanya, "Ako po ba, Panginoon?" Sumagot siya, "Ang kasabay kong sumawsaw sa mangkok ang siyang magkakanulo sa akin.

Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao, ayon sa nasusulat, ngunit sa aba ng nagkanulo sa kanya! "Mabuti pang hindi na ipinanganak ang taong iyon." Si Judas, na magkakanulo sa kanya, ay nagtanong din, "Guro, ako po ba?" Sumagot si Jesus, "Ikaw na ang nagsabi."

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Repleksyon:

Binubuksan ba natin ang ating mga tahanan—at higit sa lahat, ang ating mga puso—bilang kanlungan para sa mga nangangailangan?

Sino ang taong nagbukas ng kanyang tahanan para kay Jesus at sa Kanyang mga alagad? Hindi natin alam ang kanyang pangalan, ngunit ang kanyang kabutihan ay nagsasalita nang malakas sa ating lahat. Hindi siya naghangad ng kapalit o pagkilala. Sa halip, buong kababaang-loob at bukas-palad niyang inialay ang kanyang tahanan. Dahil dito, ang kanyang tahanan ay naging isang banal na lugar kung saan tinanggap at pinarangalan ang Panginoon.

Sa kabilang banda, naroon din si Judas kasama ni Jesus at ng mga alagad, ngunit ang kanyang presensya ay walang tunay na pakikiisa. Habang siya ay nakaupo kasama nila, ang kanyang puso ay unti-unti nang lumalayo. Sa kaloob-looban niya, siya ay nagbabalak ng pagtataksil.

Ipinapakita sa Ebanghelyo ang unti-unting pagkahumaling ni Judas sa mammon o kayamanang makamundo. Bakit niya ipinagkanulo ang kanyang Panginoon at Guro? Sapagkat pinahintulutan niyang makapasok at maghari ang kadiliman sa kanyang puso. Ang nagsimula bilang tukso ay naging pahintulot, at ang lihim ay nauwi sa kapahamakan.

Inaanyayahan tayo nito na magnilay nang mas malalim. Maaaring malapit tayo kay Jesus sa panlabas—sa panalangin, paglilingkod, o mga gawaing panrelihiyon—ngunit ano nga ba ang tunay na laman ng ating puso? Tayo ba ay tulad ng hindi kilalang taong bukas-palad na nag-aalay ng sarili nang may pag-ibig? O may mga lihim tayong kinakapitan—mga tukso at kompromiso—na unti-unting naglalayo sa atin sa Kanya?

Kailangan tayong maging mapagbantay. Sa sandaling pahintulutan natin ang kasamaan na magkaroon kahit maliit na puwang sa ating buhay, ito ay mag-uugat at lalago. At kung hindi natin ito pipigilan, maaari tayong sirain nito at tuluyang ilayo sa Panginoon.

Ngayon, tinatawag tayo hindi lamang na buksan ang ating mga tahanan kundi higit sa lahat ang ating mga puso para kay Jesus. Tanggapin natin Siya nang buong katapatan at piliin ang katapatan kaysa sa kompromiso at pagtataksil sa bawat araw.

Sa ating pagninilay, tanungin natin ang ating sarili: Tunay ba nating binibigyan ng puwang si Jesus sa ating buhay, o hinahayaan nating ang mga tahimik na tukso ang unti-unting pumalit sa Kanya sa ating puso?— Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 31 Tuesday of Holy Week: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

Reclining at table with his disciples, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to him to find out whom he meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to him, “Master, who is it? 

Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So he dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas son of Simon the Iscariot. After Judas took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly. Now none of those reclining at table realized why he said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night. 

When he had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you.” 

Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.”

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Reflection:

Have we ever experienced what it is like to be betrayed by a trusted friend? Have we ever felt the deep pain of being denied by someone very close to us? Jesus Christ Himself went through these painful moments. He was betrayed by one of His own, Judas Iscariot, and denied by another who had once professed his loyalty, Peter.

As we reflect on this, we can only imagine the sorrow that filled the heart of Jesus. Day by day, His world seemed to grow smaller. Those whom He loved and trusted began to fall away. When betrayal and denial came, His heart must have been wounded deeply, perhaps even bleeding with sorrow. And yet, in the midst of such pain, Jesus chose not to take these personally. He saw beyond the hurt. He trusted that even in suffering, God’s greater purpose would unfold.

Indeed, something good came out of these painful moments. Through Judas’ betrayal, the hidden truth was revealed. Through Peter’s denial, the weakness of even the most devoted follower came to light—that in moments of fear, we can falter. These events remind us not only of human frailty but also of God’s greater plan working quietly even in darkness.

And yet, what is most striking is this: Jesus forgave. He did not allow betrayal or denial to harden His heart. He did not cling to anger or resentment. Instead, He responded with mercy and love.

When we look into our own hearts, we realize that we, too, have denied and betrayed Jesus in many ways—through our sins, our weaknesses, and our moments of unfaithfulness. And still, He does not turn away from us. He does not keep a record of our failures. His heart remains open, always ready to forgive, always ready to welcome us back.

What then is Jesus teaching us today?

He invites us to remain faithful and never betray the trust given to us. But more than that, He calls us to forgive—especially when it is difficult, even when no apology is offered. For when we hold on to anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, it is not the other person who suffers the most—it is us. Forgiveness, though painful, is the path to true freedom of the heart.

As followers of Jesus, we are called not only to receive His mercy but also to reflect it in the way we treat others.

When we are hurt, betrayed, or denied… will we choose to hold on to the pain, or will we choose to love and forgive as Jesus does?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon Marso 31 Martes Santo: Juan 13:21-33, 36-38

Mabuting Balita: Juan 13:21-33, 36-38

Noong panahong iyon, habang nakahilig kasama ng kanyang mga alagad, nagugulumihanang sinabi ni Hesus, “Tandaan ninyo: ako’y ipagkakanulo ng isa sa inyo.” Nagkatinginan ang mga alagad; hindi nila alam kung sino ang kanyang tinutukoy. Ang alagad na minamahal ni Hesus ay nakahilig na kalapit niya. Kinalabit siya ni Simon Pedro at sinabi, “Itanong mo kung sino ang tinutukoy niya.”  

Kaya humilig siya sa dibdib ni Hesus at itinanong: “Panginoon, sino po ba ang tinutukoy ninyo?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ang ipagsawsaw ko ng tinapay, siya na nga.” At nang maisawsaw ang tinapay, ibinigay niya ito kay Judas na anak ni Simon Iscariote. Nang matanggap na ni Judas ang tinapay, si Satanas ay pumasok sa kanya.  

Sinabi ni Hesus, “Gawin mo na ang gagawin mo!” Ngunit isa man sa mga kasalo niya ay walang nakaalam kung bakit niya sinabi ito. Sapagkat si Judas ang nag-iingat ng kanilang salapi, inakala nilang pinabibili siya ni Hesus ng kakailanganin sa pista o kaya’y pinapaglilimos sa mga dukha. Nang makain na ni Judas ang tinapay, siya’y umalis. Gabi na noon. 

Pagkaalis ni Judas ay sinabi ni Hesus, “Ngayo’y mahahayag na ang karangalan ng Anak ng Tao; at mahahayag din ang karangalan ng Diyos sa pamamagitan niya. At kung mahayag na ang karangalan ng Diyos, ang Diyos naman ang maghahayag ng karangalan ng Anak, at gagawin niya ito agad. Mga anak, kaunting panahon na lamang ninyo akong makakasama. Hahanapin ninyo ako; ngunit sinasabi ko sa inyo ngayon ang sinabi ko sa mga Judio, ‘Hindi kayo makapupunta sa paroroonan ko.’” 

“Saan po kayo pupunta, Panginoon?” tanong ni Simon Pedro. Sumagot si Hesus, “Sa paroroonan ko’y hindi ka makasusunod ngayon, ngunit susunod ka pagkatapos.” “Bakit po hindi ako makasusunod sa inyo ngayon?” tanong ni Pedro. “Buhay ko ma’y iaalay ko dahil sa inyo.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Iaalay mo ang iyong buhay dahil sa akin? Tandaan mo: bago tumilaok ang manok, makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.”

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Repleksyon:

Naranasan na ba nating ipagkanulo ng isang pinagkakatiwalaang kaibigan? Naranasan na rin ba nating itanggi ng isang taong malapit sa atin? Si Hesus mismo ay dumaan sa ganitong matinding sakit. Siya ay ipinagkanulo ng isa sa Kanyang mga alagad, si Judas Iscariot, at itinanggi naman ng isa pang nangakong magiging tapat sa Kanya, si Pedro.

Habang pinagninilayan natin ito, maiisip natin kung gaano kasakit ang Kanyang naranasan. Araw-araw, tila unti-unting lumiit ang Kanyang mundo. Ang mga taong minahal at pinagkatiwalaan Niya ay isa-isang nanghina. Nang dumating ang pagtataksil at pagtanggi, marahil ay sugatan na ang Kanyang puso—punong-puno ng dalamhati. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat ng ito, hindi Niya piniling damdamin ito laban sa kanila. Nakita Niya ang higit pa sa sakit. Naniwala Siya na kahit sa gitna ng pagdurusa, may mabuting layunin ang Diyos na unti-unting nahahayag.

Tunay nga, may mabuting bunga ang mga pangyayaring ito. Sa pagtataksil ni Judas, nahayag ang katotohanan. Sa pagtanggi ni Pedro, nakita ang kahinaan ng tao—na kahit ang tapat ay maaaring matakot at magkanulo. Ipinapaalala nito sa atin na tayong lahat ay marupok, ngunit sa kabila nito, kumikilos pa rin ang plano ng Diyos, kahit sa gitna ng kadiliman.

At higit sa lahat, ito ang pinakakahanga-hanga: nagpatawad si Jesus. Hindi Niya hinayaang tumigas ang Kanyang puso dahil sa sakit. Hindi Siya kumapit sa galit o sama ng loob. Sa halip, pinili Niya ang awa at pagmamahal.

Kung titingnan natin ang ating sarili, aaminin natin na tayo man ay paulit-ulit na tumatanggi at nagtataksil kay Jesus—sa pamamagitan ng ating mga kasalanan, kahinaan, at pagkukulang. Ngunit sa kabila nito, hindi Niya tayo tinatalikuran. Hindi Niya binibilang ang ating mga pagkakamali. Bukas pa rin ang Kanyang puso—laging handang magpatawad, laging handang tanggapin tayong muli.

Ano ngayon ang paanyaya sa atin?

Tinatawag tayong maging tapat at huwag ipagkanulo ang tiwalang ibinibigay sa atin. Ngunit higit pa rito, inaanyayahan tayong magpatawad—lalo na kung mahirap, kahit hindi humingi ng tawad ang nakasakit sa atin. Sapagkat kapag kinapitan natin ang galit, poot, at sama ng loob, hindi ang iba ang higit na nasasaktan—kundi tayo rin. Ang pagpapatawad, kahit masakit, ang daan tungo sa tunay na kalayaan ng ating puso.

Bilang mga tagasunod ni Jesus, tinatawag tayong hindi lamang tumanggap ng Kanyang awa, kundi ipakita rin ito sa iba.

 Kapag tayo ay nasaktan, ipinagkanulo, o itinanggi… pipiliin ba nating kumapit sa sakit, o pipiliin nating magmahal at magpatawad tulad ni Jesus?—Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for March 30 Monday of Holy Week: John 12:1-11

Gospel: John 12:1-11

Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. 

Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days' wages and given to the poor?" He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me." 

The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too, because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

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Reflection:

Do we sometimes allow hatred, greed, and envy to quietly take hold of our hearts? And when we do, where do these lead us?

The chief priests allowed these dark desires to rule over them. Blinded by fear and pride, they saw in Jesus a threat to their power and position. Instead of seeking truth, they chose to silence Him. At all costs, they resolved to remove Him—and they succeeded. But in doing so, they surrendered themselves to something far more dangerous: they allowed evil to take root within them.

Hatred, greed, and envy are not merely emotions—they are subtle traps that slowly pull us away from God. When we entertain them, even in small ways, they begin to shape our thoughts, our decisions, and ultimately our actions. We see this in the world around us: leaders who cling to power at any cost, relationships broken by unforgiveness, hearts hardened by jealousy and resentment.

And if we are honest, we may also see traces of these in our own lives.

We know where these led the chief priests—they were driven to destroy the very One who came to save them. In their minds, they believed they had finally rid themselves of Jesus.

But they were mistaken.

Through His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over their hatred and exposed the emptiness of their actions. What they thought would bring them security only led to deeper unrest. What they believed would give them control only revealed their inner bondage.

And the same can happen to us.

When we allow hatred, greed, and envy to take root in our hearts, they do not give us peace—they rob us of it. They distance us from God and from one another. But the Risen Christ offers us another way—a way of love, humility, forgiveness, and freedom.

What are we allowing to grow within us—and are we willing to surrender these to Christ so that His love, not our hidden darkness, may truly reign in our lives? – Marino J. Dasmarinas