Reflection for July 13 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Luke 10:25-37

Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" He said in reply, "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." He replied to him, "You have answered correctly; do this and you will live." 

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. 

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." 

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Reflection:

How can we best share the love, compassion, and mercy of Jesus? 

It is when we go out of our way to help someone in need. It is when we choose to forgive those who have wronged us. It is when we take a step of faith to show the world that God is alive and living within us. 

In our Gospel this Sunday, the Samaritan, did the unexpected. He helped a man who had been robbed and left near death. He could have simply walked by, just as the priest and the Levite did, ignoring the man in his suffering. 

But the Samaritan did not walk away. He stopped, cared for the man, and brought him to a place where he could recover and regain his strength. The Samaritan showed mercy, love, and compassion to someone who had been brutally victimized. 

Who is this Samaritan who mirrored the qualities and character of Jesus? We do not know his name. But perhaps it is safe to say that he was a true follower of the Lord—not a follower in name only, but a follower in words and in deeds. 

If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, the story of the Good Samaritan should also be our story. We, too, are called to be merciful, loving, and compassionate—even to those whom we think no longer deserve our mercy, love, and compassion. 

Otherwise, we are no different from the priest and the Levite, who were servants in the temple of God but were servants in name only. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita at Repleksyon para sa Hulyo 13, Ika-15 na Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Lucas 10:25-37

Mabuting Balita: Lucas 10:25-37

Noong panahong iyon, may isang eskribang lumapit kay Hesus upang siya’y subukin. “Guro,” aniya, “ano ang dapat kong gawin upang magkamit ng buhay na walang hanggan?” Sumagot si Hesus, “Ano ang nakasulat sa Kautusan? Ano ang nababasa mo roon?” 

Tumugon siya, “‘Ibigin mo ang Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong puso, nang buong kaluluwa, nang buong lakas, at nang buong pag-iisip’; at ‘Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng iyong sarili.’” “Tama ang sagot mo,” wika ni Hesus. “Gawin mo iyan at mabubuhay ka.” 

Sa hangad ng eskriba na huwag siyang lumabas na kahiya-hiya, tinanong niya uli si Hesus, “Sino naman ang aking kapwa?” Sumagot si Hesus: “May isang taong naglalakbay buhat sa Jerusalem, patungong Jerico. Hinarang siya ng mga tulisan, kinuha pati damit sa katawan, binugbog at halos patay na nang iwan. 

Nagkataong dumaan doon ang isang saserdote at pagkakita sa taong nakahandusay, siya’y lumihis at nagpatuloy ng kanyang lakad. Dumaan din ang isang Levita, ngunit tiningnan lamang niya ito at nagpatuloy ng kanyang lakad. Ngunit may isang Samaritanong naglalakbay na naparaan doon. Nakita niya ang hinarang at siya’y nahabag. Lumapit siya, binusan ng langis at alak ang mga sugat nito at tinalian. 

Saka isinakay ang tao sa kanyang sinasakyang hayop, dinala sa bahay-panuluyan, at inalagaan doon. Kinabukasan, dumukot siya ng dalawang denaryo, ibinigay sa may-ari ng bahay-panuluyan at sinabi, ‘Alagaan mo siya, at kung magkano man ang kakulangan niyan, babayaran ko sa aking pagbabalik.’ 

Sino ngayon sa palagay mo ang nagpakita ng kanyang pakikipagkapwa sa taong hinarang ng mga tulisan?” tanong ni Hesus. “Ang nagpakita ng habag sa kanya,” tugon ng eskriba. Sinabi sa kanya ni Hesus, “Humayo ka’t gayun din ang gawin mo.”

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Repleksyon:

Paano nga ba natin maipapakita ang pag-ibig, habag, at awa ni Jesus? 

Ito ay kapag handa tayong lumapit at tumulong sa nangangailangan. Ito ay kapag pinipili nating magpatawad sa mga taong nakasakit sa atin. Ito ay kapag naglalaan tayo ng oras at lakas upang ipakita sa mundo na ang Diyos ay buhay at nananahan sa ating puso. 

Sa ating Mabuting Balita ngayong Linggo, ang Samaritano, ay gumawa ng hindi inaasahan. Tinulungan niya ang isang lalaki na hinarang, ninakawan, at halos patayin. Maaari sana siyang dumaan na lamang at magkunwaring walang nakita, gaya ng ginawa ng Saserdote at Levita, ngunit hindi niya ito ginawa. 

Sa halip, huminto ang Samaritano, nilapatan ng lunas ang lalaki, at dinala siya sa isang tahanan upang matiyak na siya ay gagaling at manunumbalik ang kanyang lakas. Ipinakita niya ang awa, pagmamahal, at malasakit sa isang taong walang kakayahang gumanti sa kanya. 

Sino ba ang Samaritano na ito na nagpapakita ng ugali at puso ni Jesus? Hindi natin alam ang kanyang pangalan. Ngunit marahil, masasabi nating siya ay isang tunay na tagasunod ni Jesus—hindi lamang sa pangalan kundi sa salita at gawa. 

Kung tinatawag natin ang ating sarili na mga tagasunod ni Jesus, ang kwento ng Mabuting Samaritano ay dapat maging kwento rin ng ating buhay. Tinatawag tayo upang maging maawain, mapagmahal, at mahabagin—kahit sa mga taong sa tingin natin ay hindi na karapat-dapat sa ating awa, pagmamahal, at malasakit. 

Kung hindi, katulad lamang tayo ng Saserdote at Levita na naglilingkod sa templo ng Diyos ngunit paglilingkod sa pangalan lamang. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Reflection for July 12 Saturday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:24-33

Gospel: Matthew 10:24-33

Jesus said to his Apostles: "No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, for the slave that he become like his master. 

If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! "Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. 

Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father." 

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Reflection:

What does the modern world promote today? It promotes the idolatry of the passing things of this world. It entices us in many forms with the idolatry of money, lust, and power. It glorifies greed, hedonism, and arrogance. 

It seems that there is no more room for us to acknowledge, share, and live out the teachings of Jesus. It is heartbreaking to see that the teachings of Jesus often have no place in many of our hearts. What will we do about this? Will we simply stand on the sidelines and become silent witnesses to the moral decay of our society? 

Let us not remain silent. Let us rise and do something to share the teachings of Jesus with love and courage. Let us not fear persecution or hardship, for Jesus is with us every step of the way. May we always remember that we are pilgrims in this world, journeying toward our true home in His heavenly kingdom. 

Let us aspire for a place in heaven by courageously sharing the teachings of Jesus with others. And if we are not comfortable with preaching in words, let us find the courage to preach by the way we live. Let us use social media to spread the light of Jesus, sharing the faith and hope that He has entrusted to us. 

May we never forget that we are mere passersby in this temporary world. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and on the hope of our eternal home in heaven, where true joy, peace, and fulfillment await those who choose to follow Him faithfully. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 12 Sabado sa Ika-14 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:24-33

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:24-33

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Walang alagad na higit kaysa kanyang guro, at walang aliping higit sa kanyang panginoon. Masiyahan ang alagad na matulad sa kanyang guro, at ang alipin na matulad sa kanyang panginoon. Kung ang puno ng sambahayan ay tinawag nilang Beelzebul, lalo na nilang aalimurahin ang kanyang mga kasambahay!"  

"Kaya huwag kayong matakot sa kanila. Walang natatago na di malalantad, o nalilihim na di mabubunyag. Ang sinasabi ko sa inyo sa dilim, ulitin ninyo sa liwanag; at ang ibinulong sa inyo ay inyong ipagsigawan. Huwag ninyong katakutan ang pumapatay ng katawan ngunit hindi nakapapatay ng kaluluwa.  

Sa halip, ang katakutan ninyo'y ang nakapapatay ng kaluluwa at katawan sa impyerno. Hindi ba ipinagbibili ang maya nang dalawa isang pera? Gayunman, Kahit isa sa kanila'y hindi nahuhulog sa lupa kung hindi kalooban ng inyong Ama. Maging ang buhok ninyo'y bilang na lahat. Kaya, huwag kayong matakot; higit kayong mahalaga kaysa libu-libong maya."  

"Ang sinumang kumilala sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay kikilalanin ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit. Ngunit ang magtatwa sa akin sa harapan ng mga tao ay itatatwa ko rin naman sa harapan ng aking Amang nasa langit."

Reflection for Friday July 11 Memorial of Saint Benedict, Abbot: Matthew 10:16-23

Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans.  

When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.  

You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” 

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Reflection:

There was a very corrupt high-ranking government official who experienced a stirring turnabout in his life. From being deeply entrenched in corruption, he turned toward a saintly life, and from then on, he never engaged in any form of wrongdoing. Yet his saintly lifestyle became his cross, for he was maliciously persecuted by his former companions in corruption. 

Does it pay to leave our sinfulness for the sake of Jesus? Does it pay to walk away from friends who lead us only into sin? Yes, it does! Following Jesus may not be easy. We may face persecution, be scorned, or even be harmed. Yet all these sufferings and earthly imbalances are nothing compared to the peace, joy, and eternal life that Jesus brings into our lives. 

The moment we decide to faithfully follow Jesus, we must be ready to face persecution. We should expect to be looked down upon and to receive insulting remarks from those who cannot understand our choice to live for Jesus. Nonetheless, let these trials strengthen our resolve and deepen our faith. 

Almost all of the apostles were severely persecuted because they chose to follow Jesus faithfully. The world persecuted them, but God exalted them and rewarded their faithfulness with eternal glory. 

How about you? Which will you choose: the fleeting, immoral enticements of this world, or the initially difficult but ultimately rewarding path that leads to Jesus and eternal life? 

May we always choose Jesus, no matter the cost, for in Him alone will we find peace, purpose, and salvation. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Biyernes Hulyo 11 Paggunita kay San Benito abad: Mateo 10:16-23

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:16-23

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Ngayon, sinusugo ko kayo na parang mga tupa sa gitna ng mga asong gubat. Maging matalino kayo, gaya ng mga ahas, at matapat, gaya ng mga kalapati. Mag-ingat kayo, sapagkat may mga taong magkakanulo sa inyo sa mga hukuman; at hahagupitin nila kayo sa mga sinagoga.  

Dahil sa akin, ihaharap kayo sa mga gobernador at mga hari, at magpapatotoo kayo sa harapan nila at ng mga Hentil. Kapag nililitis na kayo, huwag kayong mabalisa tungkol sa sasabihin ninyo o kung paano ninyo sasabihin. Pagdating ng oras, ito'y ipagkakaloob sa inyo. Sapagkat hindi kayo ang magsasalita kundi ang Espiritu ng inyong Ama ang magsasalita sa pamamagitan ninyo.  

"Ipagkakanulo ng kanyang kapatid ang kanyang kapatid upang ipapatay; gayon din ang gagawin ng ama sa kanyang anak. Lalabanan ng mga anak ang kanilang mga magulang, at ipapapatay. Kapopootan kayo ng lahat dahil sa akin; ngunit ang manatiling tapat hanggang wakas ang siyang maliligtas. Kapag inuusig nila kayo sa isang bayan, tumakas kayo sa kasunod. Sinasabi ko sa inyo: hindi pa ninyo napupuntahan ang lahat ng bayan ng Israel ay darating na ang Anak ng Tao."

Reflection for July 10 Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:7-15

Gospel: Matthew 10:7-15

Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.  

Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace.  

If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” 

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Reflection:

Have you already shared Jesus using social media?

Lady A is a social media fanatic. She shares almost everything about herself on Facebook, hoping to create an impression that her life is perfect. But deep inside, is it truly the life she lives, or is it just a facade to cover up the emptiness within?

Many of us are like Lady A. We love to share every detail of our day, even the smallest, non-essential moments, on social media—especially on Facebook and Instagram. But have we ever paused to think: Have I shared Jesus today? Have I shared something that will lead others closer to Him, using the very platform I use daily?

In the Gospel, we see Jesus commissioning the apostles to go and share the Good News of our salvation. They faithfully fulfilled their mission, spreading His teachings and the stories of His miracles wherever they went, no matter the cost.

What is striking is that the apostles never shared about themselves. It was always about Jesus, always about His love, His mercy, and His call to repentance and faith.

For a change, why not consider sharing Jesus instead of yourself on social media? A Bible verse, a reflection, or a simple testimony of how Jesus is working in your life can touch someone who is silently scrolling and searching for hope.

When you share Jesus, you plant seeds of faith in the hearts of others. You become a channel of God’s blessing, and in the process, your own faith deepens as you witness the gentle ways God uses your small act of sharing for His glory.

Will you take that step today? Will you share Jesus? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 10 Huwebes sa Ika-14 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:7-15

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:7-15

Noong panahong iyon, sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga apostol, "Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga may sakit at buhayin ang mga patay. Pagalingin ninyo ang mga ketongin at palayasin ang mga demonyo. Yamang tumanggap kayo nang walang bayad, magbigay naman kayo nang walang bayad. 

Huwag kayong magdala ng salapi -- maging ginto, pilak, o tanso -- sa inyong mga lukbutan. Huwag din kayong magdala ng supot sa inyong paglalakbay, ni bihisan, pampalit na panyapak, o tungkod; sapagkat ang manggagawa ay may karapatan sa kanyang ikabubuhay. 

"At saanmang bayan o nayon kayo dumating, humanap kayo ng taong karapat-dapat pakituluyan, at manatili kayo roon habang kayo'y nasa lugar na iyon. Pagpasok ninyo sa bahay, sabihin ninyo, 'Maghari nawa ang kapayapaan sa bahay na ito!' Kung karapat-dapat ang mga tao sa bahay na iyon, panatilihin ninyo sa kanila ang inyong bati. 

Ngunit kung hindi, bawiin ninyo ito. At kung ayaw kayong tanggapin o pakinggan sa isang tahanan o bayan, umalis kayo roon at ipagpag ang alikabok ng inyong mga paa. Sinasabi ko sa inyo na sa Araw ng Paghuhukom ay higit na mabigat ang ipaparusa sa mga tao sa bayang yaon kaysa dinanas ng mga taga-Sodoma at taga-Gomorra."

Reflection for July 9 Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 10:1-7

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. 

The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. 

Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” 

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Reflection:

How can we effectively evangelize? We must always stay connected with Jesus in both our words and deeds. We can never be effective evangelizers of Jesus’ teachings if we only preach them but do not live them. Our actions must echo the Gospel we share. 

Except for Judas, who betrayed Jesus, the other eleven apostles were effective messengers of His teachings for a simple reason: they preached them, they lived them, and they even gave their lives for them out of love for the Lord. 

They were simple people—some were fishermen, and like us, they were sinners too. In the eyes of men, they may not have been worthy to become Jesus’ apostles, but Jesus called them, and He qualified them. His grace transformed them into courageous witnesses of His love. 

Jesus is neither a discriminating nor a condemning God. He is a God of love, mercy, and compassion. And because of His love, He calls each of us to turn our backs on our sinful ways and follow Him. He invites us to help Him advance the Good News of His love and compassion in a world that desperately needs Him. 

You may say that you are not worthy to be called, but who is worthy? None of us, for we are all sinners. Yet what Jesus is asking for is your yes to His call. He will take care of the rest, and through His grace, your life will become a living testimony of His love. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 9 Miyerkules sa Ika-14 Linggo ng Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 10:1-7

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 10:1-7

Noong panahong iyon, tinipon ni Jesus ang labindalawang alagad at binigyan ng kapangyarihang magpapalayas ng masasamang espiritu at magpagaling ng mga may karamdaman. 

Ito ang pangalan ng labindalawang apostol: si Simon na tinatawag na Pedro at si Andres na kanyang kapatid; sina Santiago at Juan na mga anak ni Zebedeo; sina Felipe at Bartolome; si Tomas, at si Mateo na publikano; si Santiago na anak ni Alfeo, at si Tadeo; si Simong Makabayan at si Judas Iscariote, ang nagkanulo kay Jesus.  

Ang labindalawang ito'y sinugo ni Jesus at kanyang pinagbilinan: "Huwag kayong pupunta sa lugar ng mga Hentil, o alinmang bayan ng mga Samaritano. Sa halip ay hanapin ninyo ang mga nawawalang tupa ng sambahayan ng Israel. Humayo kayo at ipangaral ninyo na malapit nang maghari ang Diyos."

Reflection for July 8 Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:32-38

Gospel: Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”  

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

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Reflection: 

Are you quick to hurl accusations without careful thought? 

In today’s Gospel, after Jesus drove out the demon from the man, the Pharisees accused Him of being the prince of demons. A wild accusation with no basis at all, rooted only in their hatred toward Jesus. Why? Because Jesus was becoming popular among the people, and they saw Him as a threat to their authority. 

Perhaps, if we look into our hearts, we will see that we can be like the Pharisees at times. We may throw baseless accusations against others simply because we carry hurts and resentments within us. We may accuse others of wrongdoing simply because we want to get back at someone who has wronged us in the past. 

This tendency to hurl baseless accusations is not limited to church organizations; it also happens among friends, within families, and especially in politics, particularly during elections. But we must ask ourselves: Why throw baseless accusations? Why not choose peace, friendship, and understanding instead? If we truly follow Jesus, we will not seek to destroy the reputation of others but will strive to love and forgive, as Jesus has taught us. 

In the latter part of the Gospel, seeing the great crowd before Him, Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” Indeed, the workers in the Lord’s vineyard remain few even today. Many people still do not know Jesus deeply and personally. We are invited, therefore, to share and live out His teachings so that those who do not know Him may come to know Him through our words, actions, and the way we live our daily lives. 

Would you allow yourself to be God’s instrument today? Would you help advance the teachings of Jesus, beginning by choosing peace over accusation, and love over hatred? 

May we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us so that, instead of tearing others down, we may lift them up and lead them closer to Jesus, our Savior and Lord. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 8 Martes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:32-38

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:32-38

Noong panahong iyon, dinala kay Jesus ang isang piping inaalihan ng demonyo. Pinalayas ni Jesus ang demonyo at nakapagsalita ang pipi. Namangha ang mga tao, at sinabi nila, "Kailanma'y walang nakitang katulad nito sa Israel!" Datapwat sinabi ng mga Pariseo, "Ang prinsipe ng mga demonyo ang nagbigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihang magpalayas ng mga demonyo." 

Nilibot ni Jesus ang mga bayan at nayon at nagturo sa mga sinagoga. Ipinangaral niya ang Mabuting Balita tungkol sa paghahari ng Diyos, at pinagaling ang mga maysakit, anuman ang kanilang karamdaman. Nang makita niya ang napakaraming tao, nahabag siya sa kanila sapagkat sila'y lito at lupaypay, parang mga tupang walang pastol. 

Kaya't sinabi niya sa kanyang mga alagad, "Sagana ang aanihin, ngunit kakaunti ang mag-aani. Idalangin ninyo sa may-ari ng anihin na magpadala siya ng mga manggagawa sa kanyang aanihin."

Reflection for July 7 Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 9:18-26

Gospel: Matthew 9:18-26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.  

A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. 

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.

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Reflection: 

Do you always complement your faith with actions? Our faith in God is measured not just by what we believe but by how we live out that belief each day. 

In the Gospel, we read about a man who was full of faith and went to Jesus, saying, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live” (Matthew 9:18). His faith moved him to seek Jesus, even in his moment of deepest sorrow. 

There was also a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve long years. She came up behind Jesus and touched the tassel on His cloak, saying to herself, “If only I can touch His cloak, I shall be cured” (Matthew 9:21). Her faith led her to reach out to Jesus, trusting in His power to heal her. 

We, too, have our own stories of faith in Jesus. These stories did not happen by accident; they happened for a reason. We supported our faith with actions, and afterward, we entrusted everything to Jesus’ mercy, love, and compassion. 

It is the same mercy, love, and compassion that Jesus gave to the official’s daughter, and the same mercy and compassion He extended to the woman who had been suffering for so long. 

Let us, therefore, continue to have unwavering faith in Jesus. Let us support our faith with our actions—reaching out to Him in prayer, serving others, and trusting in His promises. When we do, God’s mercy, love, and compassion will surely be upon us. 

Do you always support your faith with action? – Marino J. Dasmarinas

Ang Mabuting Balita Hulyo 7 Lunes ng Ika-14 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon: Mateo 9:18-26

Mabuting Balita: Mateo 9:18-26

Noong panahong iyon, samantalang nagsasalita si Jesus, may dumating na isang pinuno ng mga Judio. Lumuhod sa harapan niya at ang sabi, "Kamamatay lang po ng aking anak na babae; ngunit sumama lang kayo sa akin at ipatong ang inyong kamay sa kanya ay mabubuhay siya." Tumindig si Jesus at sumama sa kanya, gayon din ang kanyang mga alagad. 

Sumunod din ang isang babaing may labingdalawang taon nang dinudugo. Lumapit ito sa likuran ni Jesus at hinipo ang laylayan ng kanyang damit. Sapagkat sinabi niya sa sarili, "Mahipo ko lamang ang kanyang damit ay gagaling na ako." Bumaling si Jesus at pagkakita sa kanya'y sinabi, "Anak, lakasan mo ang iyong loob! Pinagaling ka ng iyong pananalig." Noon di'y gumaling ang babae. 

Nang dumating si Jesus sa bahay ng pinuno, nakita niya ang mga manunugtog ng plauta at ang maraming taong nagkakaingay. Sinabi niya, "Magsilabas kayo! Hindi patay ang bata; natutulog lang!" At siya'y pinagtawanan nila. Ngunit nang mapalabas na ang mga tao, pumasok siya, hinawakan sa kamay ang bata at ito'y nagbangon. At ang balita tungkol sa pangyayaring ito ay kumalat sa buong lupaing iyon.