Reflection for Tuesday November 1 Solemnity of All Saints: Matthew 5:1-12a

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12a

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you

and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,

for your reward will be great in heaven.”

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Reflection:

What is the objective of your life? Is it limited only for the enjoyment of the things of this world? There is a more meaningful life that lies beneath this superficial life. However, you wouldn’t be able to discover the essence of life unless you learn to detach yourself from this world and begin to embrace the teachings of Jesus. 

What does it mean to be poor in spirit and why is it a blessing to be poor in spirit? As the literal poor relies on the generosity of his fellowmen so that he could sustain himself. To be poor in spirit means that we always rely on Jesus in everything most especially for our spiritual nourishment. 

This means that we rely on the goodness of Jesus. We continuously rely and hunger for God to fill our empty lives so that He could enrich us spirituality. 

Today is all Saints Day, we solemnly remember the Saints they who generously gave their very lives for the mission of Jesus. The saints are not actually spotless when it comes to sin. Just like us they also had their own battle with sin and they triumphed over it because of the help of Jesus. 

The saints became saints for the simple reason that they recognized their spiritual poverty. They discerned that life is empty and meaningless without the guidance of Jesus. We too could become saints in our own little way. If only we would acknowledge our own poverty of spirit. And if only we would invite Jesus to come into our lives and fill our empty and barren lives. - Marino J. Dasmarinas     

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Nobyembre 1 Lahat ng mga Banal (Dakilang Kapistahan): Mateo 5:1-12a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12a

Noong panahong iyon, nang makita ni Jesus ang napakakapal na tao, umahon siya sa bundok. Pagkaupo niya'y lumapit ang kanyang mga alagad, at sila'y tinuruan ng ganito:

"Mapalad ang mga aba na walang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian."

"Mapalad ang mga nahahapis, sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos."

"Mapalad ang mga mapagpakumbaba, sapagkat tatamuhin nila ang ipinangako ng Diyos."

"Mapalad ang mga nagmimithing makatupad sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat ipagkakaloob sa kanila ang kanilang minimithi."

"Mapalad ang mga mahabagin, sapagkat kahahabagan sila ng Diyos."

"Mapalad ang mga may malinis na puso, sapagkat makikita nila ang Diyos."

"Mapalad ang mga gumagawa ng daan sa ipagkakasundo, sapagkat sila'y ituturing ng Diyos na mga anak niya."

"Mapalad ang mga pinag-uusig dahil sa kanilang pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian."

"Mapalad kayo kapag dahil sa aki'y inaalimura kayo ng mga tao, pinag-uusig at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na pawang kasinungalingan. Magdiwang kayo at magalak, sapagkat malaki ang inyong gantimpala sa Langit."

Reflection for October 31 Monday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:12-14

Gospel: Luke 14:12-14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they  may invite you back and you have repayment.  

Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.

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Reflection:

Have you tried giving to those who cannot give you back?  

There is always this feeling of unexplainable happiness when you give to those who cannot give you back. For example, when you give to a poor relative, a poor friend or an unknown poor just passing by you. There’s always that feeling of unfathomable happiness. 

From where does this feeling of happiness comes from? It comes from God who gives back on behalf of those who cannot repay your kindness. Such how good God is, He always sees to it that the good that you do is given back to you. And when God gives back He gives back generously. 

But many of us prefer to give to those who are capable of giving us back. Perhaps that’s human nature but what if we try giving to those who cannot repay our generosity? The moment we do it then we see how good God really is. 

The gospel for today invites us to reflect on the motives of our giving. Do we give because we expect something in return? Or we give because we find unfathomable joy in giving especially to those who cannot reciprocate our generosity.  

Every act of goodness that we do most especially to those who cannot give us back is generously rewarded by God in manifold way. – Marino J. Dasmarinas  

Ang Mabuting Balita para Oktubre 31 Lunes sa Ika-31 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 14:12-14

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:12-14

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa pinuno ng mga Pariseo na nag-anyaya sa kanya: “Kapag naghahanda ka, huwag ang mga kaibigan mo, mga kapatid, mga kamag-anak o mayayamang kapitbahay ang aanyayahan mo, sapagkat aanyayahan ka rin nila, at sa gayo’y nagantihan ka na.  

Kaya kung ikaw ay maghahanda ng isang malaking salu-salo, ang mga pulubi, mga pingkaw, mga pilay, at mga bulag ang anyayahan mo. Hindi sila makagaganti sa iyo at sa gayo’y magiging mapalad ka. Gagantihin ka ng Diyos na muling pagkabuhay ng mga banal.”

Reflection for Sunday October 30, 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 19:1-10

Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. 

When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” 

But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who ambitioned to become wealthy because he thought that if he becomes wealthy he would eventually be happy and fulfilled. He did everything to achieve his ambition including dirtying his hands with dishonest wealth. He eventually became wealthy but he was still not happy neither fulfilled. Until he found Jesus and from thereupon he found peace and fulfillment. 

Is Zacchaeus an ambitious man? 

Yes, Zacchaeus is an ambitious man, he ambitioned to become wealthy no matter what it takes. And with the help of his job as a tax collector his ambition eventually became a reality. He did not mind dirtying his hands with corrupted money just to become rich.  

Considering that he was wealthy and almost had every worldly things that he could ask for, what moved Zacchaeus to seek Jesus? Perhaps, after enjoying all the trappings of dirty wealth and influence. Zacchaeus was still empty deep inside him, he was still yearning for that something that would fill his inner longing for peace and fulfillment.  

Many of us are like Zacchaeus, we chase wealth and power. We don’t even mind if we would commit corruption just to achieve what we want.  This is for the reason that we think that we would become happy and satisfied once we are already wealthy. 

 But the more that we become wealthy and powerful the more that we are not able to sleep soundly at night. The more that we would not have peace of mind and this is principally caused by our greed for wealth and power. 

On the external Zacchaeus is a picture of wealth and power. But deep inside he is crumbling primarily brought by his lack of peace of mind. Until he heard about Jesus and from thereon he promised himself to look for Him no matter what it takes. 

And when he heard that Jesus would be passing by his place, he chased him with all of his might. He did not mind if he would wade through a sea of humanity and he did not mind either if he would climb a sycamore tree to get Jesus’ attention. Why? Because he knew that it is only Jesus who can give him peace of mind and fulfillment. 

How about you who gives you peace and fulfillment? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Oktubre 30, Ika - 31 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon : Lucas 19:1-10

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 19:1-10

Noong panahong iyon, pumasok si Jesus sa Jerico, at naglakad sa kabayanan. Doo'y may isang mayamang puno ng mga publikano na nagngangalang Zaqueo, at pinagsikapan niyang makita si Jesus upang makilala niya kung sino ito. Ngunit siya ay napakapandak, at dahil sa dami ng tao, hindi niya makita si Jesus. 

Kaya't patakbo siyang nagpauna at umakyat sa isang puno ng sikomoro upang makita si Jesus na magdaraan doon. Pagdating ni Jesus sa dakong iyon, siya'y tumingala at sinabi sa kanya, "Zaqueo, bumaba ka agad, sapagkat kailangan kong tumuloy sa bahay mo." Nagmamadali siyang bumaba, at tuwang-tuwang tinanggap si Jesus. 

Lahat ng nakakita nito ay nagbulung-bulungan. "Nakikituloy siya sa isang makasalanan," wika nila. Tumayo si Zaqueo at sinabi, "Panginoon, ibibigay ko po sa mga dukha ang kalahati ng aking ari-arian. At kung ako'y may nadayang sinuman, apat na ibayo ang isasauli ko sa kanya." At sinabi sa kanya ni Jesus, "Ang kaligtasa'y dumating ngayon sa sambahayang ito; lipi rin ni Abraham ang taong ito. Sapagkat naparito ang Anak ng Tao upang hanapin at iligtas ang naligaw."

Reflection for October 29 Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 14:1, 7-11

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.  

He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place.   

Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.  

Then he said to the host who invited him, "When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

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Reflection:

What can humility do to your life? Among many other things humility can give you peace and contentment. With humility you can also have many friends and you would get their silent admiration.  

Many of us are afraid to imbibe and live humility because we are afraid that we would be dominated. But humility doesn’t work that way, humility is not to be afraid to be dominated. And humility is not to think less of ourselves but to think of ourselves as somebody who is not superior than anyone else no matter how educated and learned we are.  

For example, if the situation calls for us to say yes and follow lawful orders by all means we have to say yes and follow. Thus, we have to do the task that is given to us with utmost competence.  We give it our all until we are able to achieve what is expected of us and then we simply fade away from the limelight.   There is always a reward that accompanies humility and that is honor and exaltation not from our fellow human beings but from God.  

In the gospel Jesus tells us about the parable of the wedding banquet. The Lord tells us that when we get invited we have to seat first at the lowest place no matter who we are and let the host have a free hand to bring us to the place which we deserve.    

Why is the Lord very particular about humility? The reason behind is it’s only through our humility that the Lord could pour out His unfathomable blessings upon us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Oktubre 29 Sabado sa Ika-30 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 14:1, 7-11

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 14:1, 7-11

Isang Araw ng Pamamahinga, si Hesus ay inanyayahang kumain sa bahay ng isang pinuno ng mga Pariseo; at binabantayan nilang mabuti ang kanyang mga kilos.  

Napansin ni Hesus na ang pinipili ng mga inanyayahan ay ang mga upuang nakalaan sa mga piling panauhin. Kaya’t sinabi niya ang talinghagang ito: “Kapag inanyayahan ka ninuman sa isang kasalan, huwag mong pipiliin ang tanging upuan. Baka may inanyayahang lalong tanyag kaysa iyo.  

At lalapit ang nag-anyaya sa inyong dalawa at sasabihin sa iyo, ‘Maaari bang ibigay ninyo ang upuang iyan sa taong ito?’ Sa gayo’y mapapahiya ka at doon malalagay sa pinakaabang upuan. Ang mabuti, kapag naanyayahan ka, doon ka maupo sa pinakaabang upuan, sapagkat paglapit ng nag-anyaya sa iyo ay kanyang sasabihin, ‘Kaibigan, dini ka sa kabisera.’ Sa gayun, nabigyan ka ng malaking karangalan sa harapan ng mga panauhin. 

Sapagkat ang nagpapakataas ay ibababa, at ang nagpapakababa ay itataas.”

Reflection for Friday October 28 Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles: Luke 6:12-16

Gospel: Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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Reflection:

Would you be willing to respond to Jesus’ call to spread the good news? You may say, I have not studied about the catholic faith thus I have nothing to share so, I will not respond. 

The twelve apostles were ordinary men called by Jesus for an extraordinary mission. Majority or them lived ordinary lives and have not studied yet they responded to Jesus’ call. There was a common denominator that bonded them together and that was the desire to respond to Jesus’ call. 

If you respond to Jesus’ call your life would be more meaningful for the simple reason that you will not exist for yourself anymore. You will now be touching lives; you will become salt and light in the lives of others. You certainly will not become rich for the simple reason that Jesus did not call you to be rich, what is riches anyway when it can fly away from our hands anytime? Jesus is calling you so that you could bear fruit and touch more lives.  

Should you respond just like the twelve apostles? Of course you should, never worry of the material things for God will provide for you. Respond and abandon yourself to Jesus and see the unfolding of events that will marvelously show the infinite goodness and guidance of God. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Biyernes Oktubre 28 San Simon at San Judas Tadeo mga apostol (Kapistahan): Lucas 6:12-16

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 6:12-16

Noong mga araw na iyon, umahon si Jesus sa isang burol at magdamag doong nanalangin. Kinaumagahan, tinawag niya ang kanyang mga alagad, at pumili siya ng Labindalawa sa kanila, na tinawag niyang mga apostol: Si Simon na pinangalanan niyang Pedro, at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago, Juan, Felipe, Bartolome, Mateo, Tomas, at Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, si Simon, ang Makabayan; si Judas na anak ni Santiago, at si Judas Iscariote na naging taksil. 

Bumaba si Jesus, kasama sila, at tumayo sa isang patag na lugar. Naroon ang marami sa kanyang mga alagad. At ang napakaraming tao buhat sa Judea at Jerusalem, at sa mga bayan sa baybaying-dagat ng Tiro at Sidon. Pumaroon sila upang makinig sa kanya at mapagaling sa kanilang karamdaman. Pinagaling rin niya ang mga pinahihirapan ng masamang espiritu. At sinikap ng lahat ng tao na mahipo siya sapagkat may taglay siyang kapangyarihang makapagpagaling ng lahat.

Reflection for October 27 Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:31-35

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’  

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. 

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Reflection: 

What if Jesus allowed fear to grow in His heart? There would be no salvation for all of humanity, but Jesus faced His fears and accomplished His mission by dying on the cross.  

What can we learn from this courageous act of Jesus? We also must learn to face our fears, many of us are not able to evangelize because of fear. Fear that no one will listen to us, fear that we might be rebuked and we have many more unfounded fears. We fear for the simple reason that we allow it to live in our hearts. But once we do not give haven for fear, we now become successful missioners for Christ Jesus.   

The key to become successful missioners for Christ is to defeat fear with faith. But human as we are we often succumb to fear most especially if we are in the line of fire. If we have this mindset what will happen now to the propagation of the faith that was started by Jesus?   

If Jesus, the apostles and the saints allowed fear to conquer them we have no Christian faith to hold and speak of right now. We would be pagans and faithless wanderers in this world, but we have our faith and we owe this to the courage of Christ Jesus and His followers.  

Let us therefore emulate Christ, let us not fear the obstacles before us. For obstacles are meant to be conquered by the strength of our faith in Jesus. Face your fears and creatively live your Baptismal mission to evangelize.  

Be courageous and never worry for the simple reason that as you do your mission for the faith Jesus will always be with you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Oktubre 27 Huwebes sa Ika-30 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:31-35

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:31-35

Dumating noon ang ilang Pariseo. Sinabi nila kay Hesus, “Umalis ka rito, sapagkat ibig kang ipapatay ni Herodes.” At sumagot siya, “Sabihin ninyo sa alamid na iyon na nagpapalayas ako ngayon ng mga demonyo at nagpapagaling, bukas ay gayun din; sa ikatlong araw, tatapusin ko ang aking gawain. 

Ngunit dapat akong magpatuloy sa aking lakad ngayon, bukas at sa makalawa; sapagkat hindi dapat mamatay sa labas ng Jerusalem ang isang propeta! “Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Pinapatay mo ang mga propeta at binabato ang mga sinugo ko sa iyo! Makailan kong sinikap na kupkupin ang iyong mga mamamayan, gaya ng paglukob ng isang inahin sa kanyang mga sisiw, ngunit ayaw mo. 

Kaya’t lubos kang pababayaan. Sinasabi ko sa iyo, hindi mo na ako makikita hanggang sa dumating ang oras na sasabihin mo, ‘Pagpalain nawa ang dumarating sa pangalan ng Panginoon!’”

Reflection for October 26 Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 13:22-30

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. 

After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from. And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' 

And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out. And people will come from the east and the west and from the north and the south and will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who died, minutes before his last breath he said to his family: I will go to heaven to be with the Lord because I know Jesus. After he died he was not allowed entry to the heavenly gates. Since, he knew the Lord he asked: “Why am I barred from entering heaven I know Jesus?” The angel said to him, “Yes you know the Lord but you did not do something for him during your lifetime.”  

How are you living your life today? Do you live it in pursuit of the many pleasures of this world? There are many stories of destroyed lives for the simple reason that they immersed their lives in this world. Not knowing that they were actually being brought little by little by the devil to his kingdom. 

The door to hell is wide, it’s full of worldly pleasures, for example, try going to a night club or a bar in the dead of night. What would you find there? People who loves worldly pleasures, people who would readily commit sin if the opportunity presents itself most especially when they are already intoxicated.  

Jesus in our gospel talks about the narrow door; this is the door that leads to Himself. Why is it narrow? Because to follow the Lord is not a bed of roses we have to sacrifice to follow the Lord. Knowing the Lord and following Him are two different things. It’s very easy to say I know the Lord but to follow Him is difficult in the sense that we have to go through purification and sacrifice. However, after our purification and sacrifice we will be in heaven this is the reward that awaits us someday. 

We need to reflect and ponder at some point in our lives and ask ourselves this question, is my life all about knowing the Lord and not following Him? - Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Oktubre 26 Miyerkules sa Ika-30 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 13:22-30

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 13:22-30

Noong panahong iyon, nagpatuloy si Hesus sa kanyang paglalakbay. Siya’y nagtuturo sa bawat bayan at nayon na kanyang dinaraanan patungong Jerusalem. May isang nagtanong sa kanya, “Ginoo, kakaunti po ba ang maliligtas?” Sinabi niya, “Pagsikapan ninyong pumasok sa makipot na pintuan. 

Sinasabi ko sa inyo, marami ang magpipilit na pumasok ngunit hindi makapapasok. “Kapag ang pinto’y isinara na ng puno ng sambahayan, magtitiis kayong nakatayo sa labas, at katok nang katok. Sasabihin ninyo, ‘Panginoon, papasukin po ninyo kami.’ Sasagutin niya kayo, ‘Hindi ko alam kung tagasaan kayo!’ At sasabihin ninyo, ‘Kumain po kami at uminom na kasalo ninyo, at nagturo pa kayo sa mga lansangan namin.’ Sasabihin naman ng Panginoon, ‘Hindi ko alam kung tagasaan kayo! 

 Lumayo kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na nagsisigawa ng masama!’ Tatangis kayo at magngangalit ang inyong ngipin kapag nakita ninyong nasa kaharian ng Diyos sina Abraham, Isaac at Jacob, at ang lahat ng propeta, at kayo nama’y ipinagtabuyan sa labas! At darating ang mga tao buhat sa silangan at kanluran, sa hilaga at timog, at dudulog sa hapag sa kaharian ng Diyos. Tunay ngang may nahuhuling mauuna, at may nauunang mahuhuli.”