Reflection for February 1, Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? 

What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” 

And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

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Reflection:

Have you experienced the feeling of envy? 

Envy and lack of faith are negative emotions that deprives us of peace of mind it also deprives us of unfathomable blessings from God. For example, if we envy our neighbor because they have a higher status in life. We would normally try very hard to also match their lifestyle even at the expense of our own financial difficulties.  

When Jesus went back to His native place He was met with scorn by His town mates because they envied Him. They were surprised of the miracles that He does, so; they questioned His miracles and they even belittled him. 

They did this to Jesus because they know Him well as someone who was ordinary like them. They grew up with him they only focused on this aspect of Jesus’ life: His being human like them. They purposely closed their eyes on His God given abilities. Even if they were aware of it they refused to acknowledge the many miracles of Jesus. 

What happened to them? Because of their doubt and unbelief Jesus was not able to perform mighty deeds for them. This will happen to us also once we start to doubt on our faith in Jesus. Doubting Jesus or doubting ourselves if we can accomplish an endeavor will never do us any good. Therefore, instead of doubting the power of Jesus, why not believe and have faith? Instead of doubting if we can accomplish this or that goal, why not work hard and leave everything to the mercy and power of God?  

Our faith and belief in Jesus will always be rewarded with something beautiful it may not come on the time that we want it. However, if we would be patient, if we will be willing to wait and never give up to work for it there will be abundant reward that awaits us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Pebrero 1, Miyerkules ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 6:1-6

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 6:1-6

Noong panahong iyon, si Jesus at nagtungo sa sariling bayan, kasama ang kanyang mga alagad. Pagdating ng Araw ng Pamamahinga, nagturo siya sa sinagoga, nagtaka ang maraming nakarinig sa kanya at nagtanong, "Saan niya nakuha ang lahat ng iyan? Anong karunungan itong ipinagkaloob sa kanya? Paano siya nakagagawa ng mga kababalaghan? 

Hindi ba ito ang karpinterong anak ni Maria, at kapatid nina Santiago,Jose, Judas, at Simon? Dito nakatira ang kanyang mga kapatid na babae, hindi ba?" At siya'y ayaw nilang kilanlin. Kaya't sinabi ni Jesus sa kanila, "Ang propeta'y iginagalang ng lahat, liban lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan, mga kamag-anak, at mga kasambahay." 

Hindi siya nakagawa ng anumang kababalaghan doon, maliban sa pagpapatong ng kanyang kamay sa ilang maysakit upang pagalingin ang mga ito. Nagtaka siya sapagkat hindi sila sumampalataya. At nilibot ni Jesus ang mga nayon sa paligid upang magturo.

Reflection for Tuesday January 31, Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest: Mark 5:21-43

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live. He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.  

There was a woman afflicted with hemorrhages for twelve years. She had suffered greatly at the hands of many doctors and had spent all that she had. Yet she was not helped but only grew worse. She had heard about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak. She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.  

Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to Jesus, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” 

 While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer? Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. 

So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

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Reflection:

Do you sometimes feel like your near giving up on your faith in Jesus? 

If faith is all that we have, we must hold on to it and never ever let go of it for it will save us. It will cure us if not physically it will certainly cure us spiritually and it will give us hope. 

In the gospel we have two stories of faith: Jairus whose daughter had died; he went to Jesus with faith. He begged Jesus to go to his house and cure his dying daughter.  There is also the hemorrhaging woman she went up to Jesus and with great faith she touched the end of His clothes. 

Both Jairus and the sick woman got what they wanted from Jesus because they both had faith. Indeed, faith is the secret formula in having what we want from Jesus.      

But how can we have faith when some if not many of us don’t have a regular prayer life? How can we have faith when we treat Jesus like a medicine that we only get in touch with when we are in dire need of him? How can we have faith when we seldom attend Holy Mass? How can we have faith when we rarely read the bible? How can we have faith when we are so taken by social media the things of this world? 

Therefore, detachment from this world and attachment to Jesus is the key for us to have faith. Would we be willing to slowly detach ourselves from this world and begin as well to attach ourselves to Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Martes Enero 31, San Juan Bosco, pari (Paggunita): Marcos 5:21-43

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:21-43

Noong panahong iyon, muling tumawid si Hesus sa ibayo ng Lawa ng Galilea, nakasakay sa bangka. Nasa baybay pa siya ng lawa ay pinagkalipumpunan na siya ng maraming tao. Dumating ang isang lalaking nagngangalang Jairo, isang tagapamahala ng sinagoga. Pagkakita kay Hesus, siya’y nagpatirapa sa kanyang paanan, at ang samo: “Agaw-buhay po ang anak kong dalagita. Kung maaari, sumama kayo sa akin at ipatong ninyo sa kanya ang inyong kamay upang siya’y gumaling at mabuhay!” Sumama naman si Hesus. At sinundan siya ng napakaraming taong nagsisiksikan, anupa’t halos maipit na siya. 

May isang babae roon na labindalawang taon nang dinudugo, at lubhang nahihirapan. Marami nang manggagamot ang tumingin sa kanya, at naubos na sa kapapagamot ang kanyang ari-arian, ngunit hindi siya napabuti kahit kaunti bagkus ay lalong lumubha. Narinig niya ang sinasabi ng mga tao tungkol kay Hesus, kaya’t nakipagsiksikan siya hanggang sa makalapit sa likuran ni Hesus. At hinipo niya ang damit nito. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, “Mahipo ko lang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako.” 

Biglang tumigil ang kanyang pagdudugo at naramdaman niyang magaling na siya. Naramdaman naman ni Hesus na may kapangyarihang lumabas sa kanya, kaya’t bumaling siya sa mga tao at nagtanong, “Sino ang humipo sa akin?” Sumagot ang kanyang mga alagad, “Nakikita po ninyong nagsisiksikan ang napakaraming tao, bakit itinatanong ninyo kung sino ang humipo sa inyo?” Subalit patuloy na luminga-linga si Hesus, hinahanap ang humipo sa kanya. Palibhasa’y alam ng babae ang nangyari, siya’y nanginginig sa takot na lumapit kay Hesus, nagpatirapa, at ipinagtapat ang buong katotohanan.  

Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Anak pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig sa akin. Umuwi ka na’t ipanatag mo ang iyong kalooban. Lubusan ka nang magaling sa iyong karamdaman.” Samantalang nagsasalita pa si Hesus, may ilang dumating mula sa bahay ni Jairo. “Patay na po ang anak ninyo,” sabi nila. “Bakit pa ninyo aabalahin ang Guro?” Hindi pinansin ni Hesus ang kanilang sinabi, sa halip ay sinabi sa tagapamahala, “Huwag kang mabagabag, manalig ka.”  

At wala siyang isinama kundi si Pedro at ang magkapatid na Santiago at Juan. Nang dumating sila sa bahay ng tagapamahala, nakita ni Hesus na gulung-gulo ang mga tao; may mga nananangis pa at nananaghoy. Pagpasok niya ay kanyang sinabi, “Bakit kayo nagkakagulo at nananangis? Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lamang!” 

Ngunit pinagtawanan siya ng mga tao. Pinalabas niya ang lahat, maliban sa ama’t ina ng bata at sa tatlong alagad, at sila’y pumasok sa kinaroroonan ng bata. Hinawakan niya ito sa kamay at sinabi, “Talita kumi,” na ang ibig sabihi’y “Ineng, sinasabi ko sa iyo, magbangon ka!” Pagdaka’y bumangon ang bata at lumakad. Siya’y labindalawang taon na. At namangha ang lahat. Mahigpit na ipinagbilin ni Hesus na huwag ipaalam ito kaninuman; at iniutos niyang bigyan ng pagkain ang bata.

Reflection for January 30, Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 5:1-20

Gospel: Mark 5:1-20

Jesus and his disciples came to the other side of the sea, to the territory of the Gerasenes. When he got out of the boat, at once a man from the tombs who had an unclean spirit met him. The man had been dwelling among the tombs, and no one could restrain him any longer, even with a chain.  

In fact, he had frequently been bound with shackles and chains, but the chains had been pulled apart by him and the shackles smashed, and no one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the hillsides he was always crying out and bruising himself with stones.  

Catching sight of Jesus from a distance, he ran up and prostrated himself before him, crying out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me!” (He had been saying to him, “Unclean spirit, come out of the man!”) He asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion is my name. There are many of us.” And he pleaded earnestly with him not to drive them away from that territory.  

Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside. And they pleaded with him, “Send us into the swine. Let us enter them.” And he let them, and the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine. The herd of about two thousand rushed down a steep bank into the sea, where they were drowned. 

The swineherds ran away and reported the incident in the town and throughout the countryside. And people came out to see what had happened. As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. 

Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But Jesus would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

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Reflection:

Have you been possessed by the devil? 

This gospel episode of Jesus encounter with the man possessed by the evil spirit could happen to anyone of us. And the liberation from the possession of the evil spirit that Jesus did to this man could also happen to us. The conversion of this freed man who later became Jesus follower could also happen to us too! 

But why are there possessions by an evil spirit? This happens because we distance ourselves from Jesus. Or we don’t distance ourselves from Jesus but we don’t live His teachings. By doing so we give room for the devil to operate and take control of ourselves. 

For example, yes we pray and go to Holy Mass. But how come that when temptations come along we are not able to resist it? This occurs for the simple reason that we don’t let Jesus come into our hearts and take control of it. 

We are often times followers in name only. Therefore, we open ourselves to the possession of the many evils of our times. What are these? Lust, betrayal of the sacred marriage covenant, addiction to pornography, allowing ourselves to be possessed by our high-tech gadgets and the like.   

We therefore have to be faithful to our discipleship with Jesus. And we have to ask Jesus to protect us from whatever evils that lurks around us. And after that we now have to do our part because at the end of the day it's still in our hands, God has given us the freewill to decide. Would we allow ourselves to be tempted by the devil or we go and walk with Jesus? - Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Enero 30, Lunes ng Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 5:1-20

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 5:1-20

Noong panahong iyon, dumating sina Hesus at ang mga alagad sa ibayo ng lawa, sa lupain ng mga Geraseno. Pagkababa ni Hesus sa bangka, siya’y sinalubong ng isang lalaking galing sa libingan. Ang lalaking ito’y inaalihan ng masamang espiritu at sa libingan naninirahan. Hindi siya maigapos nang matagal, kahit tanikala ang gagamitin. Malimit siyang ipangaw at gapusin ng tanikala, ngunit pinaglalagut-lagot niya ito at pinagbabali-bali ang pangaw. Talagang walang makasupil sa kanya. Araw-gabi’y nagsisisigaw siya sa libingan at sa kaburulan, at sinusugatan ng bato ang kanyang sarili. 

Malayo pa’y natanawan na niya si Hesus. Siya’y patakbong lumapit at nagpatirapa sa harapan niya, at sumigaw nang malakas, “Hesus, Anak ng Kataas-taasang Diyos, ano ang pakialam mo sa akin? Huwag mo akong pahirapan, alang-alang sa Diyos!” Sinabi niya ito, sapagkat iniutos sa kanya ni Hesus, “Masamang espiritu, lumabas ka sa taong ito!” Tinanong siya ni Hesus, “Ano ang pangalan mo?” “Pulutong, sapagkat marami kami,” tugon niya. At mahigpit nilang ipinakiusap kay Hesus na huwag silang palayasin sa lupaing iyon. 

Doon naman sa libis ng bundok ay may malaking kawan ng mga baboy na nanginginain. Nagmakaawa kay Hesus ang masasamang espiritu na ang wika, “Papasukin mo na lang kami sa mga baboy.” At sila’y pinahintulutan niya. Lumabas sa tao ang masasamang espiritu at pumasok nga sa mga baboy. Ang kawan, na may dalawanlibo, ay sumibad ng takbo tungo sa pampang ng lawa, nahulog sa tubig at nalunod.  

Nagtatakbo ang mga tagapag-alaga ng kawan at ipinamalita ito sa bayan at sa mga nayon; kaya’t pumaroon ang mga tao upang tingnan kung ano nga ang nangyari. Paglapit nila kay Hesus ay nakita nila ang lalaking inalihan ng mga demonyo. Nakaupo ito, may damit at matino na ang isip. At sila’y natakot. Isinalaysay sa kanila ng mga nakakita ang nangyari sa inalihan ng mga demonyo at ang sinapit ng mga baboy. Kaya’t ipinamanhik nila kay Hesus na umalis sa kanilang lupain. 

Nang sumasakay na si Hesus sa bangka, nakiusap ang inalihan ng mga demonyo na isama siya, ngunit hindi pumayag si Hesus. Sa halip ay sinabi niya, “Umuwi ka at sabihin mo sa iyong mga kasambahay ang lahat ng ginawa sa iyo ng Panginoon, at kung paanong nahabag siya sa iyo.” Umalis ang taong iyon at ipinamalita sa Decapolis ang ginawa sa kanya ni Hesus. At nanggilalas ang lahat ng nakarinig niyon.

Reflection for Sunday January 29, fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: 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 are the beatitudes all about? The beatitudes are guidelines for living that Jesus gave to His disciples. The beatitudes deal also with humility and total dependence upon God.      

We are being invited to take a closer look at our life, do we live it with humility and dependence on the Lord? Those who are humble are always close to God and they humbly submit everything to the will of God. Those who depend on God put first God above anything else, they trust in God and not in themselves for the realization of their endeavors.

We have to discard our selfish and self-centered ways because it will only lead us to the land of misery and desolation.  We instead have to humbly embrace the beatitudes of Jesus because this is the way to our salvation. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para sa Linggo Enero 29, Ikaapat na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 5:1-12a

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 5:1-12a

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

“Mapalad ang mga aba na wala nang inaasahan kundi ang Diyos, sapagkat makakasama sila sa kanyang kaharian.”

“Mapalad ang mga nahahapis sapagkat aaliwin sila ng Diyos.”

“Mapalad ang mga mapagkumbaba, 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 ikapagkakasundo, 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 Saturday January 28, Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church: Mark 4:35-41

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up.  

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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Reflection:

Are we easily rattled when we pass through stormy episodes in our life? Or we remain calm amidst the storms because we know that Jesus is always there for us.   

The disciples were in a boat together with Jesus when their boat suddenly encountered a violent storm. They were terrified for they thought that the boat might not be able to withstand the storm.  Why were they terrified when Jesus was with them? Perhaps they were overtaken by fear. 

For as long as we exist in this world, we would continue to encounter also our own share of storms and worrisome moments in our life. But let us not fear it, let us keep calm in the midst of our life storms. Let us learn to always trust the Lord for He knows what is best for us. The Lord will not let us down, the Lord will always be there for us to save us.   

We simply have to constantly be connected with the Lord for the reason that He will take care of everything. Jesus will calm us in the midst of our distressful storms. Jesus will make a way when there seems to be no way.   

 All He asks from us is to have faith and this we can have if we ask Him to give us the gift of faith. Because faith is a gift that Jesus gives to those who sincerely ask for it. 

Prayer:

O Lord in the midst of the many storms in our life we beseech you to give us the gift of faith. So that we would be able to withstand whatever worrisome situation that we may encounter. Forgive our feeble faith, forgive us for not trusting you and for not always recognizing that you’re always with us. Amen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita para Sabado Enero 28, Santo Tomas de Aquino, pari at pantas ng Simbahan: Marcos 4:35-41

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:35-41

Noong araw na iyon, habang nagtatakip-silim na, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, "Tumawid tayo sa ibayo." Kaya't iniwan nila ang mga tao, at sumakay sa bangkang kinalululanan ni Jesus upang itawid siya. May kasabay pa silang ibang mga bangka. Dumating ang malakas na unos. Hinampas ng malalaking alon ang bangka, anupa't halos mapuno ito ng tubig.  

Si Jesus nama'y nakahilig sa unan sa may hulihan ng bangka at natutulog. Ginising siya ng mga alagad, "Guro," anila, "di ba ninyo alintana? Lulubog na tayo!" Bumangon si Jesus at iniutos sa hangin, "Tigil!" At sinabi sa dagat, "Tumahimik ka!" Tumigil ang hangin at tumahimik ang dagat.  

Pagkatapos, sinabi niya sa mga alagad, "Bakit kayo natatakot? Wala pa ba kayong pananampalataya?" Sinidlan sila ng matinding takot at panggigilalas, at nagsabi sa isa't isa, "Sino nga kaya ito, at sinusunod maging ng hangin at ng dagat?"

Reflection for January 27, Friday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time: Mark 4:26-34

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: "This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come."  

He said, "To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

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Reflection:

Do you know that God has scattered the seeds of faith in your heart? 

Our knowledge of God always starts with a little idea in our minds. For example, when we were young we know that there’s a God but as to who is this God and what is the role of this God in our life we don’t know it yet. As we mature we nurture this idea by thinking  about God. By going to Holy Mass, by reading the scriptures and by researching about our faith on the internet. 

By doing all these things the little idea that God has given us would now grow bigger until God becomes the stronghold of our life. God now becomes our safe refuge that we always look for during our time of distress.  

However, not all nurture their idea about God and not all seek refuge in God. Many of us seek refuge in our vices and with our friends. Only to discover later that the refuge that they provide are short lived and passing. The only refuge that is forever is God all other refuges that others seek during their time of distress are all tied with the passing of time.  

What is our part in this scheme of scattering of seeds by God? Our part is to help this seeds grow in the hearts of our fellowmen. This we can best do by sharing what we know about God, by living the teachings of God. And by encouraging others to read the scriptures and to attend Holy Mass. -  Marino J. Dasmarinas    

Ang Mabuting Balita sa Enero 27, Biyernes ng Ikatlong Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Marcos 4:26-34

Mabuting Balita: Marcos 4:26-34

Noong panahong iyon, Sinabi ni Jesus, "Ang paghahari ng Diyos ay maitutulad sa isang naghahasik ng binhi sa kanyang bukid. Pagkatapos niyon, magpapatuloy siya sa kanyang pang araw-araw na gawain, tutubo at lalago ang binhi nang hindi niya nalalaman kung paano. Ang lupa'y siyang nagpapasibol at nagpapabunga ng mga pananim: usbong muna, saka uhay na pagkatapos ay mahihitik sa mga butil. Pagkahinog ng mga butil, agad itong ipagagapas sapagkat dapat ng anihin."  

"Sa ano natin ihahambing ang paghahari ng Diyos?" sabi pa ni Jesus. "Anong talinghaga ang gagamitin natin upang ilarawan ito? Tulad ito ng butil ng mustasa na siyang pinakamaliit sa lahat ng binhi. Kapag natanim at lumago, ito'y nagiging pinakamalaki sa lahat ng puno ng gulay; nagkakasanga ito nang malalabay, anupat ang mga ibon ay nakapamumugad sa mga sanga nito."  

Ang Salita'y ipinangaral ni Jesus sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maraming talinghaga tulad nito, ayon sa makakaya ng kanilang pang-unawa. Hindi siya nangaral sa kanila nang hindi gumagamit ng talinghaga; ngunit ipinaliwanag niya nang sarilinan sa kanyang mga alagad ang lahat ng bagay.

Reflection for Thursday January 26, Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops: Luke 10:1-9

Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.  

Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment.  

Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

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Reflection:

Are you doing something to share the teachings of Jesus? 

Like the seventy two which Jesus sent ahead of Him. We too are laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, what is the implication of this to our life? We are also called to share and live the teachings of Jesus. 

Jesus told the disciples: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.” This is very true until to this very day. The harvest indeed is plentiful but the laborers are so few. Therefore in our own little way let us also be laborers like the seventy two. Let us spread and live the teachings of Jesus, let us not be afraid for God will be with us.  

Many of us invest so much of our time in laboring for this world alone that we forget to labor in the vineyard of the Lord. But where would our labors for this world bring us? Only here in this world but if we labor for the Lord we go to the Lord’s kingdom after the end of our journey in this world. – Marino J. Dasmarinas 

Ang Mabuting Balita para Huwebes Enero 26, San Timoteo at San Tito, mga Obispo (Paggunita): Lucas 10:1-9

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:1-9

Noong panahong iyon, ang Panginoon ay humirang pa ng pitumpu’t dalawa. Pinauna niya sila nang dala-dalawa sa bawat bayan at pook na patutunguhan niya. Sinabi niya sa kanila, “Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mga manggagawa. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang bukirin.  

Humayo kayo! Sinusugo ko kayong parang mga kordero sa gitna ng mga asong-gubat. Huwag kayong magdala ng lukbutan, supot, o panyapak. Huwag na kayong titigil sa daan upang makipagbatian kaninuman. Pagpasok ninyo sa alinmang bahay, sabihin muna ninyo, ‘Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!’ Kung maibigin sa kapayapaan ang nakatira roon, sasakanila ang kapayapaan; ngunit kung hindi, hindi sila magkakamit nito.  

Manatili kayo sa bahay na inyong tinutuluyan; kanin ninyo at inumin ang anumang idulot sa inyo – sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatang tumanggap ng kanyang upa. Huwag kayong magpapalipat-lipat ng bahay. Kapag tinanggap kayo sa alinmang bayan, kanin ninyo ang anumang ihain sa inyo; pagalingin ninyo ang mga maysakit doon at sabihin sa bayan, ‘Nalalapit na ang paghahari ng diyos sa inyo.’