Monday, June 20, 2022

Ang Mabuting Balita Martes Hunyo 21 San Luis Gonzaga, namanata sa Diyos (Paggunita): Mateo 7:6, 12-14


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:6, 12-14
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong ibigay sa aso ang bagay na banal, sapagkat kayo'y babalingan at lalapain nila pagkatapos. Huwag ninyong ihagis sa baboy ang inyong mga perlas sapagkat yuyurakan lamang nila ang mga iyon."  

"Kaya gawin ninyo sa inyong kapwa ang ibig ninyong gawin nila sa inyo. Ito ang kahulugan ng Kautusan ni Moises at ng turo ng mga propeta." "Pumasok kayo sa makipot na pintuan; sapagkat maluwag ang pintuan at malapad ang daang patungo sa kapahamakan, at ito ang dinaraanan ng marami. Ngunit makipot ang pintuan at makitid ang daang patungo sa buhay, at kakaunti lang ang nakasusumpong niyon."

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Reflection June 20, Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 7:1-5


Gospel: Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus said to his disciples: “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?  

How can you say to your brother ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye, while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What can we get by judging others? Nothing except the accumulation of hatred in our hearts which if not corrected could even cause us sickness even death. What if we would not judge or if we are not quick to judge? There would be no hatred within us! As such we are free, we would look younger and sickness will not be our best friend.  

We may not know this but we are quick to judge others for the simple reason that we have a very high regard of ourselves. And this is brought about by our feeling of superiority towards others. But why do we feel superior towards others when we are all created by God as equals?  Where does this superiority feeling emanates? We have this feeling of superiority because God is not a permanent dweller in our hearts.  

There’s a story of a woman who was a regular fixture in their parish church organization. But she was not well liked because she was so judgmental, has a high regard of herself and self-righteous. Are we not sometimes also judgmental, has a high regard of ourselves and self-righteous?  

In our gospel for this Monday we hear Jesus telling us to stop judging. Why? This is for the reason that when we judge we already distance ourselves from the person that we judge. We already create a wall that may permanently separate us from that person. If this is so, how can we convert them? How can can they feel the love of Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 20, Lunes ng Ika-12 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 7:1-5


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 7:1-5
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Huwag ninyong hatulan ang inyong kapwa, upang hindi kayo hatulan ng Diyos. Sapagkat hahatulan kayo ng Diyos ayon sa hatol na inihahatol ninyo sa iba. Ang panukat ninyo sa iba ay siya ring ipanunukat sa inyo. Bakit mo nakikita ang puwing sa mata ng iyong kapatid, ngunit hindi mo pinapansin ang puwing mong gatahilan sa iyong mata?  

Paano mong masasabi sa iyong kapatid, 'Halika't aalisin ko ang puwing mo,' gayong gatahilan ang nasa mata mo? Mapagpaimbabaw! Alisin mo muna ang puwing na gatahilan at sa gayo'y makakikita kang mabuti at maaalis mo ang puwing ng iyong kapatid."

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Reflection for Sunday June 19, Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: Luke 9: 11b-17





Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17
Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, "Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here." He said to them, "Give them some food yourselves." 

They replied, "Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people." Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty." They did so and made them all sit down.

Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

On Christmas day of 2013 in Legnica Poland a Consecrated Host fell to the floor.  It was subsequently picked up and placed in a container with water. Immediately after immersing it in water red stains appeared on the Consecrated Host. 

Then Bishop of Legnica, Bishop Stefan created a group to monitor the host. In February of 2014, a small fragment was placed on a corporal and it underwent testing by various research institutes.

The fragments were found containing the fragmented parts of a muscle. Likely similar to the heart muscle.” Tests also determined the tissue to be of human origin, and found that it bore signs of distress.

During January of 2016, saying that the Host has the manifestation of a Eucharistic miracle. The bishop presented the matter to the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.  April of 2016 the Vatican/Holy See recommended that it should be venerated by the people.

Today is the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the same Body and Blood of Christ in the appearance of the Holy Host that fell to the floor on Christmas day of 2013 in Legnica Poland.

The same Body and Blood of Christ that we partake during Holy Communion at Holy Mass. The same Body and Blood of Christ that the sick and the homebound receive in their home.  When it is brought to them by a priest or by an authorized minister of the church.  

Do we give the Body and Blood of Christ the proper respect and veneration when we partake of it? Do we see to it that we are worthy to receive it by humbly submitting ourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a year?

In the gospel, the crowd of about five thousand were hungry but there was no food to fill their empty stomachs. Except for the five loaves and two fish no other food was available and the disciples knew that it would not be enough to feed the hungry crowd.

However, Jesus asked for the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the crowd. And all of them were able to eat with many more to spare.

The miracle of the feeding of the crowd happened because Jesus desired it. Every time we make ourselves available for Holy Mass and we partake of His Body and Blood during Holy Communion, Jesus desires a miracle for all of us as well. Why? This is for the reason of the infinite love, compassion and mercy of Jesus for all of us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Hunyo 19, Kabanal-banalang Katawan at Dugo ng Panginoon (Dakilang Kapistahan): Lucas 9:11b-17



Mabuting Balita: Lucas 9:11b-17
Noong panahong iyon, nagsalita si Jesus sa mga tao tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos; pinagaling niya ang mga may karamdaman. 

Nang dumidilim na’y nilapitan siya ng labindalawa at sinabi sa kanya, “Paalisin na po ninyo ang mga tao nang makaparoon sila sa mga nayon sa kabukiran sa paligid upang humanap ng makakain at matutuluyan.

Nasa isang ilang na lugar po tayo. Ngunit sinabi nya, “Kayo ang magbibigay sa kanila ng makakain. Sumagot sila, wala po tayo kundi limang tinapay at dalawang isda, kaya  kailagang bumili kami ng pagkain para sa mga taong ito. May limang libong lalaki ang naroon.

Ngunit sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, “Paupuin ninyo sila ng pulu-pulutong na tiglilimampu.” Gayun nga ang ginawa nila pinaupo ang lahat.

Kinuha ni Jesus ang limang tinapay at dalawang isda, tumingala sa langit at nag pasalamat sa Diyos. Pinaghati-hati niya ang mga ito at ibinigay sa kanyang mga alagad upang ipamahagi sa mga tao.

Nakakain ang lahat at nabusog. Tinipon ng mga alagad ang lumabis at nakapuno sila ng labindalawang bakol.  

Reflection June 18, Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:24-34


Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34
(Jesus said to his disciples) “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.  

Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.  

But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

 + + + +  + +

Reflection:

Is it possible not to worry about our life? Very possible if we have a rock solid faith in Jesus for when we have Jesus we already have everything. But many of us still worry about life, we still worry about how we could once again put food on the table for the next day. All of these are normal things that we worry about.  

However, there are many who do not worry about life.  They let life worry about them and not them worrying about life and they miraculously are able to get through and survive.  Where do they get their rock solid confidence?  

They get their confidence and trust on nobody else but Jesus. It’s true indeed that when we choose to be with Jesus we already have everything. We live simply, we have peace of mind and contentment; therefore we are always ready for whatever life may bring us.  

The secret to a complete and fulfilling life in this world is a life with Jesus. A life with Jesus is a well lived life and it is a life that prepares us for heaven the moment our earthly journey in this world is over and done with already. Let us therefore not make a mockery of our life by choosing the sinful enticements of this world over Jesus.    

Surrender your life to Jesus, embrace HIM and open your heart to HIM alone. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 18, Sabado ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:24-34


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:24-34
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: “Walang makapaglilingkod nang sabay sa dalawang panginoon sapagkat kapopootan niya ang isa at iibigin ang ikalawa, paglilingkuran nang tapat ang isa at hahamakin ang ikalawa. Hindi kayo makapaglilingkod nang sabay sa Diyos at sa kayamanan.  

“Kaya’t sinasabi ko sa inyo: huwag kayong mabagabag tungkol sa pagkain at inumin na kailangan ninyo upang mabuhay, o tungkol sa damit na kailangan ng inyong katawan. Hindi ba’t ang buhay ay higit na mahalaga kaysa pagkain, at ang katawan kaysa pananamit? Masdan ninyo ang mga ibon: hindi sila naghahasik ni nag-aani o kaya’y nagtitipon sa bangan. Gayunman, pinakakain sila ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Hindi ba’t higit kayong mahalaga kaysa mga ibon? Sino sa inyo ang makapagpapahaba ng kanyang buhay nang kahit isang oras sa pamamagitan ng kanyang pagkabalisa?  

“At bakit kayo nababagabag tungkol sa pananamit? Isipin ninyo kung paano sumisibol ang mga bulaklak sa parang; hindi sila nagpapagal ni humahabi man. Ngunit ito ang sasabihin ko sa inyo: maging si Solomon ay hindi nakapagsuot ng kasingganda ng isa sa mga bulaklak na ito, bagamat napakariringal ang mga damit niya. Kung ang mga damo sa kabukiran, na buhay ngayon at kinabukasa’y iginagatong sa kalan, ay dinaramtan ng Diyos, kayo pa kaya? Kay liit ng pananalig ninyo sa kanya! Kaya’t huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa inyong kakanin, iinumin, o daramtin.  

Sapagkat ang mga bagay na ito ang kinahuhumalingan ng mga taong wala pang pananalig sa Diyos. Alam ng inyong Amang nasa langit na kailangan ninyo ang lahat ng ito. Ngunit pagsumakitan ninyo nang higit sa lahat ang pagharian kayo ng Diyos at mamuhay nang ayon sa kanyang kalooban, at ipagkakaloob niya ang lahat ng kailangan ninyo. Kaya, huwag ninyong ikababahala ang para sa araw ng bukas; saka na ninyo harapin kapag ito’y dumating. Sapat na sa bawat araw ang kanyang mga suliranin.” 

Reflection June 17, Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:19-23


Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.  

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.”

 + + + +  + + +

Reflection:

A man had a dream that he would die soon, he took this seriously. So, he sold all his properties and gave the proceeds to the poor. When he was asked why he was selling everything he had. He simply said that he wants to travel light and without any excess baggage going to heaven.  

Many of us have this penchant of accumulating material things and wealth. We can’t let go of it much less give it away and this is influenced by our attachment to worldly things. But what good will it do us if we store for ourselves these material things? Nothing! It may even lead us to commit sin or it might make our lives more miserable and complicated.  

It’s useless to accumulate worldly treasures if we would only keep it to ourselves.  For the simple reason that we cannot bring it to our graves and it will also prevent our ascent to heaven someday.  

We must give away whatever wealth that we have while we still have time. If we can’t give it away let us share it because many right now are in need of it. This is brought about by the harsh economic situation right now influenced by Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and by  the Covid-19 pandemic.  

When we give it away or share what we have we are already investing for our real treasure in the kingdom of God someday. – Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 17, Biyernes ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:19-23


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:19-23
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Huwag kayong mag-impok ng kayamanan dito sa lupa; dito’y may naninirang tanga at kalawang, at may nakapapasok na magnanakaw. Sa halip, impukin ninyo ay mga kayamanan sa langit; doo’y walang naninirang tanga at kalawang, at walang nakapapasok na magnanakaw. Sapagkat kung saan naroon ang inyong kayamanan, naroon din naman ang inyong puso.  

“Ang mata ang pinakailaw ng katawan. Kaya’t kung malinaw ang iyong mata, maliliwanagan ang buo mong katawan. Ngunit kung malabo ang iyong mata, madirimlan ang buo mong katawan. Kaya’t kung ang liwanag na nasa iyo ay kadiliman pala, napakadilim niyan!”

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Reflection June 16, Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:7-15


Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.    

“This is how you are to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

What is the secret toward closeness with God? Its prayers that come from the depths of our beings. This is the foundation of our closeness with God. From the fountain of our prayerful life will emanate the God given desire to know more about God. Do we always pray with our hearts and minds on it? Or we only pray when we feel that we need to pray or when we have the time to pray?  

The most effective method of prayer is to pray without any excess baggage in our hearts. What does this mean? We pray without carrying any hatred in our hearts. For example if someone has done us wrong and this person is asking for our forgiveness. What would we do? Would we forgive or not forgive? Of course we have to forgive. For how can God forgive us when we ourselves are not willing to forgive? How can we be open to the many blessings of god ifour hearts are full of unforgiveness? We have to live forgiveness if we want God to hear and forgive us.  

We are mere passersby in this world, sooner or later the curtains of our life in this world will come to a close. How can we go to heaven if we carry the weight of unforgiveness in our hearts? And how can we go to heaven if we carry the weight of hatred in our hearts?  

When Jesus was dying on the cross He said a short yet very meaningful prayer to God. While gasping for breath Jesus prayed this: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) If Jesus can forgive why can’t we forgive?        

Do you have hatred or any form of unforgiveness in your heart right now? Let go of it and if you still cannot let go humbly pray to Jesus and ask Him to heal you.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 16, Huwebes ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:7-15


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:7-15
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sa pananalangin ninyo'y huwag kayong gagamit ng napakaraming salita, gaya ng ginagawa ng mga Hentil. Ang akala nila'y pakikinggan sila ng Diyos dahil sa dami ng kanilang salita. Huwag ninyo silang tutularan. Sapagkat alam na ng inyong Ama ang inyong kinakailangan bago pa ninyo hingin sa kanya.

 

Ganito kayo mananalangin:

'Ama naming nasa langit,

Sambahin nawa ang pangalan mo

Ikaw nawa ang maghari sa amin,

Sundin nawa ang iyong kalooban

Dito sa lupa tulad ng sa langit.

Bigyan mo kami ng pagkaing kailangan namin sa araw na ito;

At patawarin mo kami sa aming mga kasalanan,

Tulad ng aming pagpapatawad sa mga nagkakasala sa amin.

At huwag mo kaming iharap sa mahigpit na pagsubok,

Kundi ilayo mo kami sa Masama!

 

Sapagkat iyo ang kaharian at ang kapangyarihan at ang kapurihan, magpakailanman! Amen'

Sapagkat kung pinatatawad ninyo ang mga nagkakasala sa inyo, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa langit. Ngunit kung hindi ninyo pinatatawad ang mga nagkasala sa inyo, hindi rin kayo patatwarin ng inyong Ama."

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Reflection June 15, Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18


Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you may not appear to others to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”

 + + + +  + + +

Reflection:

In the gospel Jesus gives us three commands: 

1. When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others (Matthew 6:2). 

2.  When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them (Matthew 6:5).  

3. When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting (Matthew 6:16). 

Jesus reminds us to have a self-examination about our life.  How are we living it right now? Do we live our life so that others may notice us? For example, in doing good deeds, why is it that some if not many of us post it on social media? Is it for others to know that we are doing good?  Are we only using God so that we will gain the admiration of our fellowmen? 

Jesus advocates humility and secrecy in doing things for Him. We should not boast of the things that we do for God and for our fellowmen. Otherwise it’s all useless and chasing the wind. Jesus knows everything about us; our motives and the real reason why we do things for Him. He knows if we are only using Him to advance our own self-serving agendas.    

Let us re-direct our motives and from now on let us do things for the Lord in silence and secrecy. Without posting it on facebook and other social media platforms. No one will know except us and the Lord.  – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita Hunyo 15, Miyerkules ng Ika-11 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18


Mabuting Balita: Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18
Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad: "Pag-ingatan ninyo na huwag maging pakitang-tao lamang ang paggawa ninyo ng mabuti. Kapag ganyan ang ginawa ninyo, wala kayong matatamong gantimpala buhat sa inyong Amang nasa langit.  

"Kaya nga, kapag naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipagmakaingay ito, katulad ng ginagawa ng mga mapagpaimbabaw doon sa sinagoga at sa mga lansangan. Ginagawa nila ito upang purihin sila ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kung naglilimos ka, huwag mo nang ipaalam ito kahit sa iyong pinakamatalik na kaibigan upang malihim ang iyong paglilimos. at gagantihin ka ng iyong Amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim."  

"At kapag nananalangin kayo, huwag kayong tutulad sa mga mapagpaimbabaw. Mahilig silang manalangin nang patayo sa mga sinagoga at sa mga panulukang-daan, upang makita ng mga tao. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Ngunit kapag mananalangin ka, pumasok ka sa iyong silid at isara mo ang pinto. Saka manalangin sa iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita, at gagantihin ka ng iyong amang nakakikita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo ng lihim. 

"Kapag nag-aayuno kayo, huwag kayong magmukhang malungkot, tulad ng mga mapagpaimbabaw. Hindi sila nag-aayos upang malaman ng mga tao na sila'y nag-aayuno. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: tinanggap na nila ang kanilang gantimpala. Kapag ikaw ay nag-aayuno, mag-ayos ka ng buhok at maghilamos upang huwag mapansin ng mga tao na nag-aayuno ka. Ang iyong Amang hindi mo nakikita ang siya lamang nakaaalam nito. Siya, na nakakakita ng kabutihang ginagawa mo nang lihim, ang gaganti sa iyo."

Sunday, June 12, 2022

Reflection June 14, Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:43-48


Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.  

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

+ + + + + + + 

Reflection:

What is genuine love?  

It’s a love that doesn’t discriminate a love that embraces everybody including those who are not lovable to our eyes. The beauty of loving even those who do not love us is we show them what true love is all about. True love that emanates from Jesus Himself.  

When we love even those who are not lovable we don’t only give them our unconditional love. We also teach them to give love, never mind if they will not love us in return. What is important is we teach them the language of unconditional love so that they would learn from it and hopefully be converted by it.  

But is unconditional love still relevant today? For many of us today love is a two way street: You love me and I give you love in return if you will not love me I will not give you my love. But if this is our mentality the language of true love will not anymore have life. There would be no more true love and true sacrifice for the person that we love.  

True love or genuine love therefore is to love without any condition/s and to love without expecting love in return. Hard to do, right? But if we truly love Jesus we would be able to freely give love, love which is not bound by the laws of reciprocity. – Marino  J. Dasmarinas