Reflection for Sunday April 10, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord: Luke 22:14 – 23:56

When the hour came, Jesus took his place at table with the apostles. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, for, I tell you, I shall not eat it again until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I tell you that from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”  

Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.  

“And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.” And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed.  

Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom; and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  

“Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.” He said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with you.” But he replied, “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.”  

He said to them, “When I sent you forth without a money bag or a sack or sandals, were you in need of anything?” “No, nothing, “ they replied. He said to them, “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a sack, and one who does not have a sword should sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me, namely, He was counted among the wicked; and indeed what is written about me is coming to fulfillment.” Then they said, “Lord, look, there are two swords here. ”But he replied, “It is enough!” 

Then going out, he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them,“Pray that you may not undergo the test.”After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me;still, not my will but yours be done.” And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned to his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief.He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test.” 

While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!”Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”  

After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, “This man too was with him.” But he denied it saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A short while later someone else saw him and said, “You too are one of them”; but Peter answered, “My friend, I am not.” About an hour later, still another insisted, “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating him. They blindfolded him and questioned him, saying, “Prophesy!  Who is it that struck you?” And they reviled him in saying many other things against him.  

When day came the council of elders of the people met, both chief priests and scribes, and they brought him before their Sanhedrin. They said, “If you are the Christ, tell us, “but he replied to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I question, you will not respond. But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied to them, “You say that I am.” Then they said, “What further need have we for testimony? We have heard it from his own mouth.”  

Then the whole assembly of them arose and brought him before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, “We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar and maintains that he is the Christ, a king.” Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He said to him in reply, “You say so.” Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, “I find this man not guilty.” But they were adamant and said, “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to here.”  

On hearing this Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. Herod was very glad to see Jesus; he had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned him at length, but he gave him no answer. The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. Herod and his soldiers treated him contemptuously and mocked him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them, “You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.”  

But all together they shouted out, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us.” — Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder. — Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, “Crucify him!  Crucify him!” Pilate addressed them a third time, “What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore I shall have him flogged and then release him.” With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished.  

As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him.Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed.  

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided his garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”  

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”  

It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”; and when he had said this he breathed his last.  

Here all kneel and pause for a short time.  

The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events. Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action. 

He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb in which no one had yet been buried. It was the day of preparation, and the sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils.  Then they rested on the sabbath according to the commandment.

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 Reflection:

Denials and betrayals perhaps these two words best describe the fate which sealed the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus would have not been crucified if he was not denied and betrayed by the very people who followed Him, people who benefited from His miracles and people who were praising Him to high heavens as he entered Jerusalem astride on a donkey.  

Why was Jesus betrayed? Jesus was betrayed because there were no more earth-shaking miracles coming from Him. There were no more displayed of powerful healings and eloquence of speech. What they saw was a defeated and powerless man, a man who couldn’t defend Himself. So unlike of the powerful image of Jesus before He entered Jerusalem, thus they left Jesus to fend for himself!  

Such is our human behavior, we side with the powerful and when the powerful is not anymore powerful we hastily abandon ship. To cling to the new power, this is what happened to Jesus, He was abandoned by the very people who were supposed to defend Him.         

Perhaps in His humanity Jesus was expecting to be defended by those who benefited from Him. But His expectation did not become a reality. In His humanity Jesus saw for Himself the pain and agony of betrayal.  

This is the reality of life during the time of Jesus and this is still the reality of life today during this very hour. We love to side with the powerful even if they are already manipulating and using us to advance their own selfish agenda. They use fake news, lies and historical revisionism to put and eventually perpetuate themselves in power.  

If we continue to side with the powerful who are simply using and manipulating us with their endless dispensing of fake news, lies and historical revisionism to perpetuate their deceitful ambitions. We will not find Jesus because Jesus is not with them.  

Jesus is with the powerless, those who are being oppressed and those who have nothing in life except the tattered clothes that they are wearing.   Jesus is with those who fight and advance the welfare of the poor, the marginalized and those whose integrity are beyond question.   

As we begin our journey this Palm Sunday perhaps it’s good to ask ourselves this questions: Have I already encountered this Jesus who is with the poor, this Jesus who fights for the welfare of the poor and marginalized and this Jesus in the person of a politician whose character and intentions  are beyond question? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Abril 10, Linggo ng Palaspas sa Pagpapakasakit ng Panginoon: Lucas 22:14 – 23:56

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 22:14 – 23:56 

Nang dumating na ang oras, dumulog si Hesus sa hapag, kasama ang kanyang mga apostol. At sinabi niya sa kanila, “Malaon ko nang inaasam-asam na makasalo kayo sa Hapunang Pampaskuwang ito bago ako magbata. Sinasabi ko sa inyo, hindi na ako muling kakain nito hanggang sa ito’y maganap sa kaharian ng Diyos.” Hinawakan niya ang isang kalis, at matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos ay ibinigay sa kanila. Sinabi niya, “Kunin ninyo ito, at paghati-hatian. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na mula ngayo’y hindi na ako iinom nitong katas ng ubas hangga’t hindi dumarating ang kaharian ng Diyos.” At dumampot siya ng tinapay at, matapos magpasalamat sa Diyos, kanyang pinaghati-hati at ibinigay sa kanila. Sinabi niya, “Ito ang aking katawan na ibinigay para sa inyo. Gawin ninyo ito bilang pag-aalaala sa akin.” Gayon din naman, dinampot niya ang kalis pagkatapos maghapunan, at sinabi, “Ang kalis na ito ang bagong tipan ng aking dugo na mabubuhos dahil sa inyo.”

“Ngunit kasalo ko rito ang magkakanulo sa akin. Papanaw ang Anak ng Tao ayon sa itinakda ng Diyos; ngunit nakapangingilabot ang sasapitin ng taong magkakanulo sa kanya.” At sila’y nagtanung-tanungan kung sino sa kanila ang gagawa ng gayon. Nagtalu-talo ang mga alagad kung sino sa kanila ang kikilanling pinakadakila. At sinabi sa kanila ni Hesus, “Ang mga hari sa mundong ito’y pinapanginoon ng kanilang nasasakupan, at ang mga maykapangyarihan ay napatatawag na mga tagatangkilik nila. Ngunit hindi gayon sa inyo. Sa halip, ang pinakadakila ang dapat lumagay na siyang pinakabata, at ang namumuno’y tagapaglingkod. Sino ba ang higit na dakila, ang nakadulog sa hapag o ang naglilingkod? Hindi ba ang nakadulog sa hapag? Ngunit ako’y kasama-sama ninyo bilang isang naglilingkod. 

“Kayo ang nanatiling kasama ko sa mga pagsubok sa akin. Kung paanong pinaglalaanan ako ng Ama ng kaharian, gayun din naman, pinaglalaanan ko kayo ng dako sa aking kaharian. Kayo’y kakain at iinom na kasalo ko, at luluklok sa mga trono upang mamahala sa labindalawang angkan ng Israel. 

“Simon, Simon! Makinig ka! Hiniling ni Satanas at ipinahintulot naman sa kanya, na kayong lahat ay subukin. Subalit idinalangin ko na huwag lubusang mawala ang iyong pananampalataya. At kapag nagbalik-loob ka na, patatagin mo ang iyong mga kapatid.” Sumagot si Pedro, “Panginoon, handa po akong mabilanggo at mamatay na kasama ninyo!” “Pedro,” ani Hesus, “tandaan mo: bago tumilaok ang manok sa araw na ito ay makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” 

Pagkatapos, tinanong sila ni Hesus, “Nang suguin ko kayo nang walang dalang lukbutan, supot, o panyapak, kinulang ba kayo ng anuman?” “Hindi po,” tugon nila. Sinabi niya, “Ngunit ngayon, kung kayo’y may lukbutan o supot, dalhin ninyo. Ang walang tabak – ipagbili ang kanyang balabal at bumili ng isa. Sapagkat sinasabi ko sa inyo na dapat matupad sa akin ang sinasabi ng Kasulatan: ‘Ibinilang siya sa mga salarin.’ Sapagkat ang nasusulat tungkol sa akin ay natutupad na!” At sinabi ng mga alagad, “Panginoon, heto po ang dalawang tabak.” “Sapat na iyan!” tugon niya. 

Gaya ng kanyang kinaugalian, umalis si Hesus at nagtungo sa Bundok ng mga Olibo; at sumama ang mga alagad. Pagdating doo’y sinabi niya sa kanila. “Manalangin kayo, nang hindi kayo madaig ng tukso.” Lumayo siya sa kanila nang may isang pukol ng bato, saka lumuhod at nanalangin. “Ama,” wika niya, “kung maaari’y ilayo mo sa akin ang kalis na ito. Gayunma’y huwag ang kalooban ko ang masunod, kundi ang kalooban mo.” Napakita sa kanya ang isang anghel mula sa langit at pinalakas ang loob niya. Tigib ng hapis, siya’y nanalangin nang lalong taimtim; tumulo sa lupa ang kanyang pawis na animo’y malalaking patak ng dugo.

Tumindig siya pagkapanalangin at lumapit sa kanyang mga alagad. Naratnan niyang natutulog ang mga ito dahil sa tindi ng dalamhati. “Bakit kayo natutulog?” tanong niya. “Bumangon kayo at manalangin upang hindi kayo madaig ng tukso.” Nagsasalita pa si Hesus nang dumating ang maraming tao, na pinangungunahan ni Judas, kabilang sa Labindalawa. Nilapitan niya si Hesus upang hagkan. Sinabi nito sa kanya, “Judas, ipagkakanulo mo ba ang Anak ng Tao sa pamamagitan ng isang halik?” Nang makita ng mga alagad na kasama niya kung ano ang mangyayari, sinabi nila, “Panginoon, mananaga na po kami!” At tinaga nga ng isa sa kanila ang alipin ng pinakapunong saserdote at natigpas ang kanang tainga niyon. Ngunit sinabi ni Hesus, “Huwag! Hayaan ninyo sila!” Hinipo niya ang tainga ng alipin at pinagaling.

Pagkatapos, sinabi ni Hesus sa mga punong saserdote at sa mga pinuno ng mga bantay sa templo at sa matatanda ng bayan, na naparoon upang dakpin siya, “Ako ba’y tulisan, at naparito kayong may mga tabak at mga pamalo? Araw-araw, nagtuturo ako sa templo at naroon din kayo; ngunit hindi ninyo ako dinakip. Subalit panahon ninyo ngayon at ang kapangyarihan ng kadiliman ang namamayani.” 

Dinakip nga nila si Hesus at dinala sa bahay ng pinakapunong saserdote. Si Pedro nama’y sumunod sa kanya, ngunit malayo ang agwat. Nang maparikit na ang apoy sa gitna ng patyo, naupo sa paligid ang mga taong naroon; si Pedro nama’y nakiumpok sa kanila. Nakita siya ng isang utusang babae at siya’y pinagmasdang mabuti. “Kasama rin ni Hesus ang taong ito!” sabi niya. Ngunit itinatwa ito ni Pedro. “Aba, hindi!” sagot niya. “Ni hindi ko siya nakikilala!” Pagkaraan ng ilang sandali, napansin siya ng isang lalaki at nagtanong ito, “Isa ka rin sa kanila, ano?” Ngunit sumagot siya, “Nagkakamali kayo, Ginoo!” Pagkalipas ng humigit-kumulang na isang oras ay iginiit naman ng isa, “Kasama nga ni Hesus ang taong ito. Isa rin siyang Galileo.” Ngunit sumagot si Pedro, “Ginoo, hindi ko nalalaman ang sinasabi ninyo!” Nagsasalita pa siya nang tumilaok ang manok. Lumingon ang Panginoon at tinitigan si Pedro. Naalaala nito ang sinabi ng Panginoon, “Bago tumilaok ang manok sa araw na ito ay makaitlo mo akong itatatwa.” Lumabas si Pedro at nanangis nang buong saklap.

Samantala, si Hesus ay nililibak at hinahampas ng mga nagtatanod sa kanya. Siya’y piniringan nila at tinanong, “Sige, hulaan mo nga! Sino ang humampas sa iyo?” At kung anu-ano pang panlalait ang sinabi sa kanya. Kinaumagahan, nagtipon ang matatanda ng bayan, ang mga punong saserdote, at ang mga eskriba – ang Sanedrin – at iniharap si Hesus sa kanilang kapulungan. “Sabihin mo sa amin,” wika nila, “ikaw ba ang Mesiyas?” Sumagot siya, “Sabihin ko man sa inyo, hindi kayo maniniwala, at kung tanungin ko kayo, hindi naman kayo sasagot. Ngunit mula ngayon, ang Anak ng Tao ay uupo sa kanan ng Makapangyarihang Diyos.” “Ibig mong sabihi’y ikaw ang Anak ng Diyos?” tanong ng lahat. “Kayo na rin ang nagsasabing ako nga,” tugon niya. Sinabi nila, “Ano pang patotoo ang kailangan natin? Tayo na ang nakarinig – mula sa sarili niyang bibig!” 

Tumindig ang buong kapulungan at dinala si Hesus kay Pilato. Sinimulan nilang paratangan siya. Anila, “Ang taong ito’y nahuli naming nanunulsol sa aming kababayan na maghimagsik, at nagbabawal ng pagbabayad ng buwis sa Cesar. Pinapaniwala pa niya ang mga tao na siya ang Kristo, isang hari.” At tinanong siya ni Pilato, “Ikaw ba ang Hari ng mga Judio?” “Kayo na ang nagsasabi,” tugon ni Hesus. Sinabi ni Pilato sa mga punong saserdote at sa mga tao, “Wala akong makitang kasalanan sa taong ito.” Ngunit mapilit sila at ang wika, “Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga turo’y inuudyukan niyang maghimagsik ang buong Judea. Nagsimula siya sa Galilea at ngayo’y narito na.”

Nang marinig ito ni Pilato, itinanong niya kung taga-Galilea si Hesus. At nang malamang siya’y mula sa nasasakupan ni Herodes, kanyang ipinadala siya sa taong ito na noon nama’y nasa Jerusalem. Tuwang-tuwa ito nang makita si Hesus. Marami na siyang nabalitaan tungkol dito at matagal na niyang ibig makita. Umaasa siyang gagawa ito ng kababalaghan at ibig niyang makita iyon. Kaya’t tinanong niya nang tinanong si Hesus, ngunit hindi ito sumagot kaunti man. Naroon ang mga punong saserdote at ang mga eskriba na walang tigil ng kapaparatang kay Hesus. Hinamak siya at tinuya ni Herodes, pati ng kanyang mga kawal. Sinuutan siya ng maringal na damit at ipinabalik kay Pilato. At nang araw ding iyon, naging magkaibigan sina Herodes at Pilato na dati’y magkagalit. 

Ipinatawag ni Pilato ang mga punong saserdote, ang mga pinuno ng bayan at ang mga tao, at sinabi sa kanila, “Isinakdal ninyo sa akin ang taong ito sa kasalanang panunulsol sa mga tao. Ngayon, siniyasat ko siya sa harapan ninyo, at napatunayan kong walang katotohanan ang mga paratang ninyo sa kanya. Gayon din si Herodes, kaya si Hesus ay ipinabalik niya sa akin. Hindi siya dapat hatulan ng kamatayan – wala siyang kasalanan. Kaya’t ipahahagupit ko lamang siya saka palalayain.” Tuwing Paskuwa, kinakailangang magpalaya si Pilato ng isang bilanggo para sa kanila. 

Subalit sabay-sabay na sumigaw ang madla, “Patayin ang taong iyan! Palayain si Barrabas!” Nabilanggo si Barrabas dahil sa paghihimagsik na nangyari sa lungsod, at dahil sa pagpatay. Minsan pang nagsalita sa kanila si Pilato, sa pagnanais na mapalaya si Hesus; ngunit sumigaw ang mga tao, “Ipako sa krus! Ipako sa krus!” Ikatlong ulit na sinabi sa kanila ni Pilato, “Bakit, anong ginawa niyang masama? Wala akong makitang dahilan upang siya’y ipapatay, ipahahagupit ko na lamang siya at saka palalayain.” Datapwa’t lalo nilang ipinagsisigawan na dapat ipako si Hesus sa krus; at sa wakas ay nanaig ang kanilang sigaw. Kaya’t ipinasiya ni Pilato na pagbigyan ang kanilang kahilingan. Pinalaya niya ang taong nabilanggo dahil sa paghihimagsik at pagpatay, ayon sa hinihingi nila, at ibinigay sa kanila si Hesus upang gawin ang kanilang kagustuhan.

Nang dala na nila si Hesus upang ipako, nasalubong nila ang isang lalaking galing sa bukid. Ito’y si Simon na taga-Cirene. Pinigil nila ito at ipinapasan sa kanya ang krus, kasunod ni Hesus.

Sinusundan si Hesus ng maraming tao, kabilang ang mga babaing nananaghoy at nananambitan dahil sa kanya. Nilingon sila ni Hesus at sinabi sa kanila, “Mga kababaihan ng Jerusalem, huwag ninyo akong tangisan. Ang tangisan ninyo’y ang inyong sarili at ang inyong mga anak. Tandaan ninyo: darating ang mga araw na sasabihin nila, ‘Mapalad ang mga baog, ang mga sinapupunang hindi nagdalantao, at ang mga dibdib na hindi nagpasuso.’ Sa mga araw na iyo’y sasabihin ng mga tao sa mga bundok, ‘Gumuho kayo sa amin!’ at sa mga burol, ‘Tabunan ninyo kami!’ Sapagkat kung ganito ang ginagawa sa kahoy na sariwa, ano naman kaya ang gagawin sa tuyo?”

May dinala pa silang dalawang salarin upang pataying kasama ni Hesus. Nang dumating sila sa dakong tinatawag na Bungo, ipinako nila sa krus si Hesus. Ipinako rin ang dalawang salarin, isa sa gawing kanan at isa sa gawing kaliwa. Sinabi ni Hesus, “Ama, patawarin mo sila, sapagkat hindi nila nalalaman ang kanilang ginagawa.” At nagsapalaran sila upang malaman kung alin sa kanyang kasuotan ang mapupunta sa isa’t isa. Ang mga tao’y nakatayo roon at nanonood; nililibak naman siya ng mga pinuno ng bayan. Anila, “Iniligtas niya ang iba; iligtas naman niya ngayon ang kanyang sarili, kung siya nga ang Mesiyas, ang hinirang ng Diyos!” Nilibak din siya ng mga kawal, nilapitan at inalok ng maasim na alak. Sinabi nila, “Kung ikaw ang Hari ng mga Judio, iligtas mo ang iyong sarili.” At nakasulat sa ulunan niya sa wikang Griego, Latin at Hebreo, “Ito ang Hari ng mga Judio.” 

Tinuya siya ng isa sa mga salaring nakabitin, at ang sabi, “Hindi ba ikaw ang Mesiyas? Iligtas mo ang iyong sarili, pati na kami!” Ngunit pinagsabihan siya ng kanyang kasama, “Hindi ka ba natatakot sa Diyos? Ikaw ma’y pinarurusahang tulad niya! Matuwid lamang na tayo’y parusahan nang ganito dahil sa ating mga ginawa; ngunit ang taong ito’y walang ginawang masama.” At sinabi niya, “Hesus, alalahanin mo ako kapag naghahari ka na.” Sumagot si Hesus, “Sinasabi ko sa iyo: ngayon di’y isasama kita sa Paraiso.”

Nang mag-iikalabindalawa ng tanghali, nagdilim sa buong lupain hanggang sa ikatlo ng hapon. Nawalan ng liwanag ang araw; at ang tabing ng templo’y napunit sa gitna. Sumigaw nang malakas si Hesus, “Ama, sa kamay mo’y ipinagtatagubilin ko ang aking espiritu!” At pagkasabi nito, nalagot ang kanyang hininga. 

Dito luluhod ang tanan at sandaling mananahimik.

Nang makita ng kapitan ang nangyari, siya’y nagpuri sa Diyos. “Tunay ngang matuwid ang taong ito!” sabi niya. Ang nangyaring ito’y nakita ng lahat ng taong nagkakatipon at nagmamasid; at umuwi silang dinadagukan ang kanilang dibdib. Nakatayo naman sa di-kalayuan ang mga kaibigan ni Hesus, pati ang mga babaing sumunod sa kanya mula sa Galilea, at nakita rin nila ang mga bagay na ito. 

May isang lalaki na ang ngala’y Jose, tubo sa Arimatea, isang bayan ng mga Judio. Mabuti at matuwid ang taong ito at kabilang sa mga naghihintay sa paghahari ng Diyos. Bagamat kagawad siya ng Sanedrin, hindi siya sang-ayon sa kanilang ginawa kay Hesus. Lumapit siya kay Pilato at hiningi ang bangkay ni Hesus. Nang maibaba na ang bangkay, binalot niya ito ng kayong lino at inilagay sa isang libingang inuka sa bato – hindi pa iyon napaglilibingan. Araw noon ng Paghahanda, at magsisimula na ang Araw ng Pamamahinga. 

Sumunod kay Jose ang mga babaing sumama kay Hesus mula sa Galilea, at nakita nila ang pinaglibingan, pati ang pagkakalagay doon ng bangkay ni Hesus. Pagkatapos, umuwi sila at naghanda ng mga pabango at mira.

Reflection for April 9, Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 11:45-56

Gospel: John 11:45-56

Many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what Jesus had done began to believe in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we going to do? This man is performing many signs. If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our land and our nation.” 

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish. He did not say this on his own, but since he was high priest for that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather into one the dispersed children of God.  

So from that day on they planned to kill him. So Jesus no longer walked about in public among the Jews, but he left for the region near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and there he remained with his disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?

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Reflection:

What would be your reaction if someone you know has achieved greatness? Will you envy and eventually decide to bring down this person? Or you will be happy for his/her success and you will even wish him/her more success.  

Because of His many miracles Jesus was already becoming popular to the people especially the poor. And the ruling authorities (Pharisees) were already threatened by Jesus growing popularity. So they did what they have to do to silence Jesus. They hatched an evil plan of killing Jesus with the thought in mind that if Jesus dies so goes also His popularity. But it did not happen that way, for their plan did not go as they want it to be.  

What if the Pharisees did not envy Jesus? What if they simply had a dialogue with Jesus so that they could work hand in hand to help the poor? The Pharisees could have been an agent of positive change in the lives of the poor. But they chose to allow the devil to sow envy and greed in their hearts. Hence, they hatched a despicable plan to kill Jesus.  

Can envy and greed do us any good? No, it will not do us any good, it will only push us to do evil just like what the Pharisees did to Jesus. Let us therefore weed out any feeling of envy and greed in our hearts. Instead of being envious let us be happy with those who succeed. Instead of being greedy, why not become generous? - Marino J. Dasmarinas      

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 9 Sabado sa Ika-5 Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Juan 11:45-56

Mabuting Balita: Juan 11:45-56

45Marami nga sa mga Judio ang nagsiparoon kay Maria at nangakakita ng ginawa ni Jesus, ay nagsisampalataya sa kaniya. 46Datapuwa't ang ilan sa kanila ay nagsiparoon sa mga Fariseo, at sinaysay sa kanila ang mga bagay na ginawa ni Jesus.  

47Ang mga pangulong saserdote nga at ang mga Fariseo ay nangagpulong, at nagsipagsabi, Ano ang ginagawa natin? sapagka't ang taong ito'y gumagawa ng maraming tanda. 48Kung siya'y ating pabayaang gayon, ang lahat ng mga tao ay magsisisampalataya sa kaniya: at magsisiparito ang mga Romano at pagkukunin ang ating kinaroroonan at gayon din naman ang ating bansa.  

49Nguni't ang isa sa kanila na si Caifas, na dakilang saserdote nang taong yaon, ay nagsabi sa kanila, Kayo'y walang nalalamang anoman. 50Ni inyong niwawari na sa inyo'y nararapat na ang isang tao ay mamatay dahil sa bayan, at hindi ang buong bansa ay mapahamak.  

51Ito nga'y sinabi niya na hindi sa kaniyang sarili: kundi palibhasa ay dakilang saserdote nang taong yaon, ay hinulaan niya na si Jesus ay dapat mamatay dahil sa bansa; 52At hindi dahil sa bansa lamang, kundi upang matipon din naman niya sa isa ang mga anak ng Dios na nagsisipangalat.  

53Kaya't mula nang araw na yaon ay pinagsanggunianan nilang ipapatay siya. 54Si Jesus ay hindi na naglalakad ng hayag sa gitna ng mga Judio, kundi naparoon doon sa lupaing malapit sa ilang, sa isang bayan na tinatawag na Efraim; at siya'y nanahanan doong kasama ng mga alagad.  

55Ang paskua nga ng mga Judio ay malapit na: at maraming nagsiahon sa Jerusalem mula sa lupaing yaon bago magpaskua, upang magsipaglinis. 56Pinaghahanap nga nila si Jesus, at pinaguusapan ng isa't isa, samantalang nangakatayo sila sa templo, Anong akala ninyo? Na hindi na kaya siya paririto sa pista?

Reflection for April 8, Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 10:31-42

Gospel: John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, ‘You are gods”‘? If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside, can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?  

If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me; but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” Then they tried again to arrest him; but he escaped from their power.  

He went back across the Jordan to the place where John first baptized, and there he remained. Many came to him and said, “John performed no sign, but everything John said about this man was true.” And many there began to believe in him.

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Reflection:

How deep is your faith in Jesus? 

As we near Holy Week we hear Jesus inviting us all to believe in Him. Why is He inviting us to  believe Him? Because He wants us all to be saved from the evils of this world, this is the primary reason why Jesus wants us to believe. 

We will not lose anything except our sins, worldliness and vices if we would choose to believe and embrace Jesus.  Everything is ours to gain including eternal life if we would decide to finally believe and follow Jesus. 

 Everything in this world is passing and temporary we are in fact not in control with our lives. We can even evaporate from this world anytime and this is reality. Life is so fragile and fleeting.  

 Jesus invites us to believe in Him for this will serve as our security blanket. And our assurance that no matter what happens in our lives we are firmly secured in the loving arms of Jesus.  Ket us not gamble our life in this world by embracing its many evils which are attractively packaged to entice us.  

Let us embrace the love of Jesus which He generously offers to us free of any cost. Thus, we already secure our life here in this world and our future life after this world.  

Would you embrace Jesus?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 8 Biyernes sa Ika-5 Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Juan 10:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 10:31-42

31 Nagsidampot uli ng mga bato ang mga Judio upang batuhin si Jesus. 32 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Maraming mabubuting gawa na mula sa Ama ang ipinakita ko sa inyo; alin sa mga gawang yaon ang ibinabato ninyo sa akin? 33 Sinagot siya ng mga Judio, Hindi dahil sa mabuting gawa ay binabato ka namin, kundi sa pamumusong; at sapagka't ikaw, bagaman ikaw ay tao, ay nagpapakunwari kang Dios. 

34 Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Hindi baga nasusulat sa inyong kautusan, Aking sinabi, Kayo'y mga dios? 35 Kung tinawag niyang mga dios, yaong mga dinatnan ng salita ng Dios (at hindi mangyayaring sirain ang kasulatan), 36 Sinasabi baga ninyo tungkol sa kaniya, na pinabanal ng Ama at sinugo sa sanglibutan, Ikaw ay namumusong; sapagka't sinasabi ko, Ako ang anak ng Dios?   

37 Kung hindi ko ginagawa ang mga gawa ng aking Ama, ay huwag ninyo akong sampalatayanan. 38 Datapuwa't kung ginagawa ko, ang mga yaon kahit hindi kayo magsisampalataya sa akin, ay magsisampalataya kayo sa mga gawa; upang maalaman ninyo at mapagunawa na ang Ama ay nasa akin, at ako'y nasa Ama. 39 Muling pinagsikapan nilang siya'y hulihin: at siya'y tumakas sa kanilang mga kamay.  

40 At siya'y muling naparoon sa dako pa roon ng Jordan sa dako nang una'y pinagbautismuhan ni Juan; at siya'y tumira doon. 41 At marami ang mga nagsiparoon sa kaniya; at kanilang sinabi, Katotohanang si Juan ay hindi gumawa ng tanda: nguni't lahat ng mga bagay na sinalita ni Juan tungkol sa taong ito ay totoo. 42 At marami ang mga nagsisampalataya sa kaniya roon.

Reflection for April 7, Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:51-59

Gospel: John 8:51-59

Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death. Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died?  

Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar.  

But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.  So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham? Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM. So they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.

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Reflection:

How would you feel if a religious leader would tell you this, “If you follow me you will never die.” You will not believe this leader for the simple reason that this is not true. Jesus in the gospel tells us that anyone of us who would keep His word will never see death.    

What is this death that the Lord is speaking about?  Obviously this doesn’t pertain to physical death for we all will die. The death that Jesus is alluding to is the death in the spirit. We are taught by our faith that when we die our mortal remains will decay. And we are also taught that if we have a close and personal relationship with Jesus our spirit will continue to live for it does not die along with our mortal death.  

No one of us has been to the afterlife but this one is true: We will not be afraid to pass through physical death if we are close to Jesus. And if we have a personal relationship with Him for the reason that we know that everlasting life will only come after our mortal death. 

Mortal death is our launching pad to eternal life. But we have to believe first in Jesus and we have to have a personal relationship with Him for us not to experience spiritual death.  The Jews in our gospel were critics of Jesus and as such they do not believe in Jesus much less have a personal relationship with Him. 

Do you strive to have a personal relationship with Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 7 Huwebes sa Ika-5 Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Juan 8:51-59

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:51-59

Noong panahong iyon sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judio 51Katotohanan, katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, Kung ang sinoman ay tutupad ng aking salita, ay hindi siya makakakita magpakailan man ng kamatayan. 52Sinabi ng mga Judio sa kaniya, Ngayo'y nalalaman naming mayroon kang demonio. Namatay si Abraham, at ang mga propeta; at sinasabi mo, Kung ang sinoman ay tutupad ng aking salita, ay hindi niya matitikman magpakailan man ang kamatayan.  

 53 Dakila ka pa baga sa aming amang Abraham, na namatay? at nangamatay ang mga propeta: sino ang ipinalalagay mo sa iyong sarili? 54Sumagot si Jesus, Kung niluluwalhati ko ang aking sarili, ang kaluwalhatian ko ay walang anoman: ang aking Ama'y siyang lumuluwalhati sa akin; na tungkol sa kaniya'y sinasabi ninyo, na siya'y inyong Dios; 55At hindi ninyo siya napagkilala: nguni't nakikilala ko siya; at kung aking sasabihin, na hindi ko siya nakikilala, ay ako'y matutulad sa inyo, na sinungaling: datapuwa't nakikilala ko siya, at tinutupad ko ang kaniyang salita.  

56Nagalak ang inyong amang si Abraham na makita ang aking araw; at nakita niya, at natuwa. 57Sinabi nga sa kaniya ng mga Judio, Wala ka pang limangpung taon, at nakita mo si Abraham? 58Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, Katotohanan, katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, Bago ipinanganak si Abraham, ay ako nga. 59Sila nga'y nagsidampot ng mga bato upang ihagis sa kaniya: datapuwa't nagtago si Jesus, at lumabas sa templo.

Reflection for April 6, Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:31-42

Gospel: John 8:31-42

Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.  

A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if the Son frees you, then you will truly be free. I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my word has no room among you. I tell you what I have seen in the Father’s presence; then do what you have heard from the Father.” 

They answered and said to him, “Our father is Abraham.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works of Abraham. But now you are trying to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God; Abraham did not do this. You are doing the works of your father!” So they said to him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and am here; I did not come on my own, but he sent me.”

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Reflection:

What would happen to us if we decide to faithfully follow Jesus? Jesus will set us free from all forms of worldliness. He will open our minds about the deeper truths of life and our faith. He will make us appreciate that our life in this world is just a bridge that we must pass through for us to go to His kingdom.  

But there’s a condition for us to have this enlightenment. We must always choose to remain in the company of Jesus. We should not believe the many lies of the devil no matter how attractive and tempting his lies are. 

However, why is it that many are still choosing this world over Jesus? They do so for the simple reason that they are more comfortable with the material and sinful offerings of this world. They do so because they’ve not allowed the teachings of Jesus to take root in their hearts.   Until they get sick or they encounter a crucial event in their lives which would now force them to look for God.  

Let us not wait for that crucial moment to come before we choose to become faithful to Jesus. Let us do it now while we are still healthy and in complete control of our health and mental faculties. 

Let us therefore decide to embrace Jesus now and leave behind our sinfulness while we have the luxury of time. Let us not wait for tomorrow for tomorrow may be too late already. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 6 Miyerkules sa Ika-5 Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Juan 8:31-42

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:31-42

Noong panahong iyon 31Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Judiong yaon na nagsisisampalataya sa kaniya, Kung kayo'y magsisipanatili sa aking salita, kung magkagayo'y tunay nga kayong mga alagad ko; 32At inyong makikilala ang katotohanan, at ang katotohana'y magpapalaya sa inyo. 33Sa kaniya'y kanilang isinagot, Kami'y binhi ni Abraham, at kailan ma'y hindi pa naging alipin ninomang tao: paanong sinasabi mo, Kayo'y magiging laya?  

34Sinagot sila ni Jesus, Katotohanan, katotohanang sinasabi ko sa inyo, Ang bawa't nagkakasala ay alipin ng kasalanan. 35At ang alipin ay hindi nananahan sa bahay magpakailan man: ang anak ang nananahan magpakailan man. 36 Kung palayain nga kayo ng Anak, kayo'y magiging tunay na laya. 37Talastas ko na kayo'y binhi ni Abraham; gayon ma'y pinagsisikapan ninyong ako'y patayin, sapagka't ang salita ko'y hindi magkasiya sa inyo. 38Sinasalita ko ang mga bagay na aking nakita sa aking Ama: at ginagawa rin ninyo ang mga bagay na inyong narinig sa inyong Ama. 

39Sila'y nagsisagot at sa kaniya'y sinabi, Si Abraham ang aming ama. Sa kanila'y sinabi ni Jesus, Kung kayo'y mga anak ni Abraham, ay gagawin ninyo ang mga gawa ni Abraham. 40Datapuwa't ngayo'y pinagsisikapan ninyo akong patayin, na taong sa inyo'y nagsaysay ng katotohanan, na aking narinig sa Dios: ito'y hindi ginawa ni Abraham. 41Ginagawa ninyo ang mga gawa ng inyong ama. Sinabi nila sa kaniya, Hindi kami inianak sa pakikiapid; may isang Ama kami, ang Dios. 42Sinabi sa kanila ni Jesus, Kung ang Dios ang inyong ama, ay inyong iibigin ako: sapagka't ako'y nagmula at nanggaling sa Dios; sapagka't hindi ako naparito sa aking sarili, kundi sinugo niya ako.

Reflection for April 5, Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:21-30

Gospel: John 8:21-30

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come.” So the Jews said, “He is not going to kill himself, is he, because he said, ‘Where I am going you cannot come’?” He said to them, “You belong to what is below, I belong to what is above.  

You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins.” So they said to him, “Who are you?” Jesus said to them, “What I told you from the beginning. I have much to say about you in condemnation. But the one who sent me is true, and what I heard from him I tell the world.”  

They did not realize that he was speaking to them of the Father. So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.

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Reflection:

What does sin do to us? It separates us from the infinite love of God, the more we sin the more that we widen the distance between us and God.  Why do we sin? We sin because we succumb to the devil’s temptation. But we are not beyond redemption for the reason that we have someone who is always there for us to save us from the bondage of sin and He’s no other than Jesus.  

The moment we submit ourselves to the sacrament of Reconciliation we allow Jesus to extricate us from the bondage of sin.  We allow Jesus to heal whatever wounds we have caused by our sinfulness. 

As we get closer to the holiest of weeks we are slowly but surely being brought by the church closer to Jesus. For what reason is this? To make us realize about the great love and sacrifice that Jesus did on the cross. Jesus died for us on the cross, He need not die on the cross but He gave His life for His love for us.  

At the end of the day it’s still upon us if we want to permanently separate ourselves from the love of Jesus. Or if we go to Jesus and accept His offer of salvation Jesus is always there waiting for us ever ready to forgive whatever sins that we have committed. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 5 Martes sa Ika-5 Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Juan 8:21-30

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:21-30

21 Sinabi ni Jesus sa mga Pariseo: “Aalis ako at hahanapin ninyo ako, at sa inyong kasalanan kayo mama­matay. Kung saan ako pupunta, hindi kayo makaparoroon.” 22 Kaya sinabi ng mga Judio: “Magpapa­kamatay kaya siya kaya niya sinasabing ‘Kung saan ako pupunta, hindi kayo makaparo­roon’?”   

23 At sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila: “Taga-iba­ba kayo; taga-itaas naman ako. Taga-mun­dong ito kayo. Hindi ako taga-mundong ito. 24 Kaya sinabi ko sa inyo na sa inyong mga kasalanan kayo mama­matay. Sa inyong mga kasa­lanan nga kayo mamamatay kung hindi kayo mani­niwalang Ako Siya. 25 At sinabi nila sa kanya: “Sino ka ba?” sinabi naman sa kanila ni Jesus: “Ba’t pa kaya ako mangungusap sa inyo? 26 Mara­mi akong masasabi at ma­hu­hukuman tungkol sa inyo. Totoo nga ang nagpadala sa akin; at ang narinig ko mula sa kanya – ang mga ito ang sinasabi ko sa mundo.”  

27 Hindi nila naintindihan na ang Ama ang tinutukoy niya. 28 At sinabi ni Jesus: “Kapag itinaas ninyo ang Anak ng Tao, maiintindihan ninyong Ako siya at wala akong ginagawa sa ganang sarili ko kundi ayon sa iniaral sa aking ng Ama – ang mga ito ang aking sinasabi. 29 Kasama ko nga ang nagpadala sa akin at hindi niya ako iniiwang nag-iisa pagkat lagi kong ginagawa ang mga kalugud-lugod sa kanya.” • 30 Habang sinasabi ito ni Jesus, marami ang nanalig sa kanya.  

Reflection for April 4, Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent: John 8:12-20

Gospel: John 8:12-20

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” So the Pharisees said to him, “You testify on your own behalf, so your testimony cannot be verified.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I do testify on my own behalf, my testimony can be verified, because I know where I came from and where I am going. 

But you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by appearances, but I do not judge anyone. And even if I should judge, my judgment is valid, because I am not alone, but it is I and the Father who sent me. Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men can be verified.  

I testify on my behalf and so does the Father who sent me.” So they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” He spoke these words while teaching in the treasury in the temple area. But no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come.

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Reflection:

Who is the light of your world? Is it Jesus or the things of this world?  Many of us make the things of this world our light. We are motivated to succeed in this world that it becomes our primary focus. And Jesus becomes our second priority if at all our second priority. But the problem of making this world the light of our world is our life in this world is not forever and this world will not give us true peace and contentment.  

In the gospel, Jesus boldly proclaims to us that He is the light of the world that illuminates each and everyone of us (John 8:12). Some of us know this some of us don’t because we continue to allow ourselves to be lighted by this world.  

For those who had been enlightened by the light of Jesus. They ensure that this light of Jesus will illuminate others most especially those who don’t know the Lord fully well. And those who continue to allow themselves to be enslaved by the sinful things of this world. 

Let us therefore allow the proclamation of Jesus that He is the light of the world to echo through us by making the Lord the light of our world also. The moment we do so, we would always have a protection and insurance against the tribulations of this world. 

Is Jesus the light of your world? – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Abril 4 Lunes sa Ika-5 Linggo ng Apatnapung Araw na Paghahanda: Juan 8:12-20

Mabuting Balita: Juan 8:12-20

Noong panahong iyon 12  muling nangusap si Jesus sa kanila at nagwika: “Ako siyang liwanag ng mundo. Magkakaroon ng liwanag ng buhay ang sumusunod sa akin at hinding-hindi magpapalakad-lakad sa karimlan.” 13 Kaya sinabi sa kanya ng mga Pari­seo: “Ikaw ang nagpapatunay sa iyong sarili. Hindi totoo ang patunay mo.”  

14 Sumagot si Jesus sa kanila: “Kahit na nagpapatunay ako sa aking sarili, totoo ang patunay ko dahil alam ko kung saan ako galing at kung pasaan ako. Pero hindi n’yo alam kung saan ako galing at kung pasaan ako. 15 Ayon sa laman kayo nag-huhukom; hindi ko hinuhukuman ang sinu­man.  

 16 Kung humukom man ako, totoo ang paghu­hukom ko dahil hindi ako nag-iisa, kundi ako at ang Amang nagpa­dala sa akin. 17 Nasusulat sa Batas ninyo na totoo ang patunay ng dalawang tao. 18 Ako ang nagpapatunay sa aking sarili at nagpapa­tunay naman tungkol sa akin ang Amang nagpadala sa akin.”  

19 Kaya sinabi nila sa kanya: “Na­saan ba ang Ama mo?” Sumagot si Jesus: “Ni ako o ang aking Ama ay hindi n’yo kilala. Kung kilala ninyo ako, kilala rin sana ninyo ang aking Ama.” 20 Sinabi niya ang mga pananalitang ito sa may Kabang-yaman sa pangaral niya sa Templo. At walang dumakip sa kanya dahil hindi pa sumasapit ang kanyang oras.