Gospel Reading for February 04, 2026 – Mark 6: 1-6
REJECTION
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.
————
If God the Father had chosen a wealthy family for Jesus, perhaps he would not have experienced REJECTION. Instead of rejoicing that their townmate had become far more than a carpenter—one who taught with authority and performed mighty deeds—they focused on his past and used it as a reason to refuse belief in him.
Why do people behave this way? Sometimes, another person’s growth highlights their own lack of progress, leading them to belittle what that person has become in order to feel better about themselves. At other times, a person’s transformation feels threatening. And sometimes, people act this way simply because they are insecure and toxic, clinging to others’ pasts as a weapon to maintain control.
There may be many reasons behind such behavior, but rather than allowing it to affect us, we must recognize that their inability to see our worth is their limitation, not our failure; their loss and not ours. Jesus did not allow REJECTION to dampen his spirit. He moved on and remained focused on his mission. True self-worth must come from how God sees us, not from how others judge us.
Lord Jesus, grant us the wisdom to accept the challenges that come our way as we embrace our mission of faithfully following you.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Wednesday, Fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, 04 February 2026
2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Mark 6:1-6
Photo by author, Sakura trees in Taiwan, February 2019.
God our loving
and merciful Father:
teach us today to have
the courage and most of all
the maturity not only to say sorry
when we have sinned and erred
but most especially to admit and own
our sins and mistakes
like King David
in today's first reading.
When David saw the angel who was striking the people, he said to the Lord: “It is I who have sinned; it is I, the shepherd, who have done wrong. But these are sheep; what have they done? Punish me and my kindred” (2 Samuel 24:17).
Teach us to grow in Jesus,
dear Father because for as long
as we are blinded by our greatness
we measure in our stature
and income,
accomplishments
and accolades,
we shall always be like
King David in the first reading
believing only in our selves,
hiding in so many ways like
census the subtle arrogance
that rules our lives,
forgetting or disregarding
your grace and mercy in our
achievements in life that when
things go wrong,
we blame others
and point fingers at everyone
except our selves.
Let us be true and sincere
dear Jesus today to
find where we put
our security
in our day to day living
so that we may also
find where you,
O God, sad to say,
"fit" into our lives
due to our lack of faith
in you.
Amen.
Mga Kapanalig, ilang oras ang nasasayang ninyo tuwing naiipit kayo sa matinding trapik?
Ayon sa TomTom Traffic Index, umabot sa 143 hours—o katumbas ng halos anim na araw—ang nasayang sa matinding trapik ng mga motorista at commuters sa Metro Manila noong nakaraang taon. Sa Davao City naman, umabot sa 168 hours ang nawala sa mga motorista at commuters dahil sa masikip na trapik noong 2025.
Taun-taon, sinusuri ng TomTom Traffic Index ang traffic congestion o sikip ng trapiko sa kalunsuran sa iba’t ibang lungsod. Sa datos nito, ang Metro Manila ay may average congestion level na 57%, samantalang 66% naman ang sa Davao City. Sinusukat ng congestion level ang dagdag na oras sa biyahe dulot ng trapiko tuwing rush hour kumpara sa haba ng biyahe kapag free-flowing ito o walang trapiko. Halimbawa, kung ang karaniwang biyahe sa Metro Manila kapag walang trapiko ay 30 minuto lang, umaabot ito nang halos 50 minuto sa rush hour. Noong Disyembre, sa kasagsagan ng holiday rush, naitala naman ang pinakama-trapik na araw sa Metro Manila kung saan umabot sa 88%ang congestion level.
Batay naman sa rankings ng TomTom Traffic Index, ang Pilipinas daw ang pinakama-trapik na bansa sa Asya. Sa buong mundo naman, nasa ikalawang puwesto ng traffic rankings ang Pilipinas, kasama ng Malta, na may average congestion level na 45%. Paglilinaw lang, hindi lahat ng bansa ay naisama sa pagsusuri, gaya ng China at Russia. Gayunpaman, malinaw ang mensahe nito: may krisis tayo sa transportasyon.
Noong Disyembre, nagsagawa ng walk inspection sa EDSA ang mga kalihim ng Department of Public Works and Highways (o DPWH) at Department of Transportation (o DOTR). Ayon kay DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, kaawa-awa ang sitwasyon ng mga commuters at pedestrians na tila nakikipagdigma araw-araw sa dami ng mga sagabal sa daan at banta ng disgrasya dulot ng mga sasakyan, kabilang ang mga motorsiklo. Aniya, ang problema sa EDSA ay ang pagiging car-centric nito. Kamakailan naman, nagbisikleta si MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre patungong opisina upang makita ang kalagayan ng mga bike lanes. Kung inyong matatandaan, iniutos ni DOTR Secretary Giovanni Lopez sa mga matataas na opisyal ng ahensya na gumamit ng pampublikong transportasyon isang beses kada linggo upang higit nilang maintindihan ang araw-araw na kalbaryo ng mga commuters.
Aprub sa atin ang mga hakbang na ito mula sa mga opisyales ng gobyerno. Kung tutuusin, common sense ito at dapat regular na ginagawa ng mga lingkod-bayan.Paano sila makakagawa ng patakarang pabor sa ordinaryong mamamayan kung nakaupo sila sa komportable at de-aircon na mga kotse? Sana hindi pakitang-tao lamang ang pagsakay nila sa tren o pagbibisikleta. Magbunga sana ang mga ito ng malalim na pagbabago sa kasalukuyang car-centric na sistema ng transportasyon natin. Wika nga sa Catholic social teaching na Laudato Si’, ang kalidad ng buhay sa kalunsuran ay may malaking kinalaman sa sistema ng transportasyon na kadalasang nagdudulot ng kalbaryo sa mgamananakay.
Mga Kapanalig, gaya ng paalala sa Marcos 10:42-45, “ang sinumang nais maging pinuno ay dapat maging alipin ng lahat” sapagkat sila ay nakaupo sa poder “hindi upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod.” Sa lipunang inuuna ang interes ng mga mayayaman at makapangyarihan, hindi lang pera ang ninanakaw at winawaldas. Pati oras natin ay sinasayang—mahalagang oras na ginugugol sana kasama ang pamilya o sa pagpapahinga. Kaya naman, huwag nating tanggapin na ganito lang talaga ang sistema natin. Huwag tayong magsawang ipanawagan ang pagbibigay-prayoridad sa mga ordinayong mamamayan. Karapatan natin ang maginhawang pagkilos sa ating komunidad, hindi ang magdusa at magtiis sa bulok na sistema ng transportasyon na kinakain ang oras natin.
Gospel Reading for February 03, 2026 – Mark 5: 21-43
NOT BLIND BELIEF
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.
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 him, “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.
————
The synagogue official had great faith in Jesus. He firmly believed that Jesus could restore his daughter to life. Likewise, the woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years believed that merely touching the clothes of Jesus would make her well. She did not even need to ask him for healing.
Such is the kind of faith that all of us Christians are called to have. It is NOT BLIND BELIEF, but a grace that engages both the mind and the heart, and is a prerequisite for salvation—of both body and soul.
Faith is an essential virtue because it is a habitual disposition of the soul that moves us to trust God no matter the circumstances. It must be dynamic, not stagnant. Faith grows stronger when we remember the times God calmed the storms in our lives, saved us from imminent danger, healed us of serious illnesses, and provided for us when we had nothing.
Lord Jesus, help us not allow doubt and distrust to seep into our hearts when our prayers are not answered in the way we desire!
Mga Kapanalig, sa wakas, tinatalakay na ng Kongreso ang Anti-Political Dynasty Bill!
Layunin ng panukalang batas na wakasan ang pamamayagpag ng iilang pamilya sa ating lokal at pambansang pamahalaan. Ang political dynasty ay ang mga magkakamag-anak na sabay-sabay o sunud-sunod na nakaupo sa gobyerno. Pinsan, kapatid, o asawa ni pulitiko X si pulitiko Y. Anak o asawa ni mayor X ang susunod na mayor o congressman. Tingnan niyo na lamang ang apelyido ng mga namamahala sa inyong bayan, lungsod, o probinsya. Kahit sa matataas na posisyon sa gobyerno mula presidente hanggang sa mga senador, may mga magkakamag-anak sa kanila. Iilang angkan o pamilya ang nauupo sa puwesto at nagdedesisyon para sa ating pampublikong buhay.
Marami nang pag-aaral ang nagsasabing pinatitindi ng mga political dynasties ang kahirapan at pinahihina ng mga ito ng demokrasya. Halos apat na dekada na rin—o mula ng maitatag ang 1987 Philippine Constitution–ang paghihintay ng taumbayan para sa batas na magbabawal sa mga political dynasties. Itinatakda ng ating Saligang Batas ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong batas upang masiguro ang patas na akses ng bawat Pilipino sa oportunidad na maging lingkod-bayan. Kaya positibong hakbang ang pag-usad ng talakayan sa Kongreso sa Anti-Political Dynasty Bill.
Pero makalulusot kaya ang panukalang ito sa kamay ng mga taong matatanggalan ng kapangyarihan dahil sa batas na ito? O kung lulusot man, may ngipin kaya ang magiging bagong batas upang mawala na ang mga magkakapamilya sa ating mga balota?
Tingnan natin ang ilang datos, mga Kapanalig. Alam niyo bang 20 sa 24 na senador ay kabilang sa political dynasties? Sa House of Representatives, mula rin sa political dynasties ang walo sa bawat sampung district representatives. May mga kinatawan din ng party-list groups na may kamag-anak na may pwesto sa gobyerno. Hangad ng party-list system na bigyan ang mga naisasantabing sektor ng kinatawan at boses sa pamamahala. Sa kasamaang palad, maging ito ay nagagamit ng iilang pamilya upang magkakuha ng puwesto sa Kongreso at manatili sa kapangyarihan.
Kongreso pa lamang iyan! Pumunta naman tayo sa ating mga probinsya at siyudad. Alam n’yo bang 71 sa 82 na mga probinsya at 113 sa 149 na siyudad ang pinamumunuan ng mga kabilang sa political dynasties? Ganyan ka-literal na isinabuhay ng ating mga pulitiko ang paboritong kasabihan ng mga Pilipino—family first! Pamilya muna.
Taliwas ito sa hangad ng ating pananampalataya pagdating sa pampublikong buhay. Bagamat mabigat ang pagpapahalaga ng Simbahan sa pamilya, hindi dapat nito isinasantabi ang kabutihang panlahat o common good. Sa paalala nga ng Filipos 2:4, “Huwag lang ang sarili ninyong kapakanan ang isipin niyo kundi ang kapakanan din ng iba.”
Sa pagtataguyod na kapakanan ng lahat, mahalaga ang pakikilahok ng bawat mamamayan. Binibigyang-diin sa mga panlipunang turo ng Simbahan: ang pakikilahok ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng bawat mamamayan. Isa ito sa mga haligi ng demokrasya, kung saan ang kapangyarihan ay nagmumula sa taumbayan. Samakatuwid, sinumang humahawak ng posisyon sa pamahalaan ay dapat na kumikilos para sa kabutihan ng lahat.
Malaking hadlang sa pakikilahok ng taumbayan sa pamamahala kung nasa kamay ng iilang pamilya ang kapangyarihang magpasya para sa mga tao. Inilalagay nito sa dulo ang interes ng taumbayan. Tinatanggalan ng mga political dynasties ang mga mamamayan ng pagkakataong mag-ambag para sa kabutihan ng kanilang komunidad at ng ating bayan.
Mga Kapanalig, bantayan natin ang mga talakayan sa Kongreso tungkol sa Anti-Political Dynasty Bill. Siguruhin nating maisasabatas na ito! Bantayan natin ang bersyon ng bill na pipirmahan ng presidente. Kailangan natin ng batas na tunay na wawakasan ang political dynasties at magkakaloob sa bawat mamamayan ng patas na oportunidad na mamahala at maglingkod sa bayan.
Gospel Reading for February 02, 2026 – Luke 2: 22-32
ENTITLED
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
————
Although Mary and Joseph knew that Jesus was the Son of God, they still went to the temple in Jerusalem to present the Child to the Lord, as required by the Mosaic Law for a firstborn son. This visit also fulfilled Mary’s purification forty days after giving birth. Hopefully, this reminds us that even the family of Jesus did not feel entitled to disregard the Mosaic Law.
Simeon’s long wait was finally over. His dream was fulfilled when he saw the Messiah, and even more so when he was granted the privilege of holding the young Messiah in his arms. Having seen the salvation promised by God, he was now ready to rest in eternal peace.
Lord Jesus, may we joyfully await Your second coming!
Minsan, hindi agad natin nakikita ang pagpapala sa gitna ng hirap, luha, at pangungulila. Ngunit sa mga Salita ni Hesus, ipinapaalala sa atin na ang pagdurusa ay hindi wakas kundi paanyaya—paanyayang dalisayin ang puso, palalimin ang pag-ibig, at makita ang Diyos sa mga karanasang tila pinakamabigat. Sa bawat pagtitiis, may binubuong kabutihan; sa bawat sugat, may bagong kahulugan. Sapagkat ang pusong marunong umibig kahit nasasaktan ay pusong tunay na mapalad.
Mga Kapanalig, may pagbabanta ang China sa mga senador at opisyal ng gobyerno na dumedepensa sa West Philippine Sea.
Sa isang statement na inilabas ng Foreign Ministry ng China, sinabi ng gobyerno ng bansang ayaw tantanan ang karagatan ng Pilipinas na pagbabayaran ng mga opisyal natin ang pagpapakalat daw nila ng malisyosong impormasyon tungkol sa China.
Nag-ugat ito sa mga banat ni Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela na propaganda lang ng China ang pag-aalok nito ng tulong sa mga mangingisdang Pilipino sa West Philippine Sea. Una sa lahat, walang presensya dapat ang China sa ating karagatan. Mahirap daw paniwalaan ang intensyon ng China lalo na’t hindi na mabilang ang mga insidente ng pagha-harass ng Chinese Coast Guard, hindi lang sa mga mangingisda kundi pati sa ating mga barkong nagpapatrol sa ating teritoryo.
Ilang araw ang lumipas, mga senador naman ang pinuntirya ng China sa pamamagitan ng deputy spokeperson ng Chinese Embassy sa Pilipinas. Pinaalalahanan niya ang mga senador na may limitasyon ang freedom of speech. Bago raw sila magkomento, intindihin daw muna nila ang diplomasya. Kung hindi raw, magiging katawa-tawa lamang daw sila.
Kinondena ng mga senador ang mga pahayag ng China na tila pinupulis kung paano isakatuparan ng mga opisyal natin ang kanilang tungkulin na isulong ang interes ng Pilipinas. Labinlima sa kanila ang pumirma sa Senate Resolution No. 256. Iginiit nilang ang mga pahayag ng China Foreign Ministry at Chinese Embassy ay salungat sa mga “accepted standards of diplomatic conduct and mutual respect between states.” Siyam na senador ang hindi pumirma. Bakit kaya?
Totoong may kaakibat na responsabilidad ang freedom of speech o ang kalayaang magpahayag ng ating opinyon at saloobin. Hindi nga ito dapat humantong sa pambabastos at pang-aalipusta, bagay na dapat ding bantayan ng ating mga lider sa kanilang sarili tuwing magsasalita sa publiko. Sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa agawan ng teritoryo at soberenya, malaking hamon ang manatiling diplomatiko habang matatag sa pinaninidigan.
Pero mas malaki ang inaasahan natin sa ating mga mambabatas na manindigan para sa interes ng ating bansa. Kapag lantarang ginigipit ng mga dayuhan ang ating mga kababayan sa isang lugar na tayo ang may karapatang mangasiwa, ang mga lider natin ang dapat na unang magtanggol sa kanila. Kapag nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon at propaganda ang mga dayuhan para guluhin ang isipan ng mga mamamayan ng bansang ginigipit nila, ang mga lider natin ang unang dapat umalma. Kapag pinagbabantaan na ang lider nating naninindigan para sa bayan, ang mga kapwa-lider nila ang dapat na tumindig.
Ang nakalulungkot, tikom ang bibig ang ilan sa kanila. Meron pa ngang ipinagtatanggol ang nanggigipit na mga dayuhan. Hindi raw dapat ituring na “kontrabida” ang China. Ang masaklap pa, sila rin ang laging nagsasabing mahal nila ang ating bayan. Bukam-bibig nila ang katapatan sa ating watawat. Ipinangangalandakan nila ang kanilang mga sarili bilang makabayan.
Pero nasaan sila sa harap ng pagbabanta ng mga dayuhan?
Ipinahihiwatig maging sa mga panlipunang turo ng ating Simbahan na ang mga pinunong kumikilos para sa katarungan sa harap ng panggigipit ay kumikilos din para sa tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Peke ang kapayapaang sinasabi ng mga lider na tinatanggap lang ang panggigipit at tahimik sa pang-aabuso ng mga dayuhan. Akma para sa ating mga lider ang paalalang ito sa Isaias 1:17, “Pag-aralan ninyong gumawa ng makatuwiran.” Kabilang dito ang paninindigan para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino.
Mga Kapanalig, makatutulong kung magsasama-sama ang ating mga lider na manawagan ng pagpapanagot sa mga karahasang nangyayari sa West Philippine Sea. Makatutulong din kung nag-aambag sila sa diskusyon tungkol sa isyu sa halip na lituhin pa lalo ang mga Pilipino.
Zeph 2:3; 3:12-13
The reading highlights that during the late seventh century B.C., Zephaniah addressed Judah’s pride and arrogance amid Babylon’s threat. Despite impending punishment, he affirms Yahweh’s fidelity, preserving a remnant—characterized by lowliness and dependence on God—who will be saved. Originally, the remnant meant survivors after disasters or defeats, symbolizing hope for land restoration. The prophetic message emphasizes moral integrity, humility, and reliance on the Lord, contrasting with Judah’s arrogant spirit. The concept of the “poor of God’ evolved from socio-economic to spiritual humility, stressing total dependence on God. Zephaniah’s views combine these themes, urging humility and fidelity for salvation.
1 Cor 1:26-31
St. Paul teaches that salvation is God’s work, focused on the humble and lowly, excluding self-justification. He reminds the Corinthians they are not the smartest or most noble, but God’s chosen because of His love. All is from God; nothing is their own. Their only wisdom is Christ, through whom God has saved and made them holy, removing sin and establishing justice. They should not boast but trust in Christ, their salvation and righteousness.
Mt 5:1 – 12
The gospel reading from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount introduces the beatitudes, which expand on the notion of the poor of God. Matthew’s nine beatitudes differ from Luke’s four (Lk 6:20 – 23), and are unique in the evangelists. Some derive from a shared source linked to Jesus, reflecting early church life, especially in vv10-11. Luke’s categories—poor, hungry, mourners—are socio-economic and emphasize God’s concern, but Matthew adds a spiritual dimension, viewing these as expressions of the anaw-im. The poor become ‘poor in spirit,’ mourners grieve evil’s dominance, and the meek show patience. Luke’s hungry symbolizes those longing for God’s justice, and merciful individuals forgive and love neighbor. Purity of heart signifies sincerity, and peacemakers foster harmony. The final beatitudes, reflecting early church persecution, emphasize God’s favor for the suffering, with rewards linked to God’s reign. Addressed to the disadvantaged, the beatitudes promise a better future, rooted in trust that Yahweh will vindicate them.
The readings today stress humility, dependence, and God’s supremacy-Zephaniah highlights God’s sacred remnant and humble hearts, Matthew’s Beatitudes deepen the understanding of poverty while Paul combines God’s favor with our poverty, showing redemption.. May we all become truly blessed before God and men. Amen.
s1S#122 Poor (In Spirit)
In his gospel, Matthew gathered scattered pieces of Jesus’ teaching and crafted them into a sermon delivered on a mount (ch 5-7); while Luke (6:17-49) reports an abbreviated version in a similar sermon delivered by Jesus on a plain. They both begin with the Beatitudes (cf below s1S#71 2/13/22).
The first beatitude is about the poor.
“ptōchos” ( πτωχος ) is the most common term in the NT for “poor”. While adjective in form it is used mainly as a noun with the sense of being economically destitute, (Mt 11:5, 26:11; Mk 14:5; Lk 4:18, 16:20; John 12:5; Rom 15:26; Gal 2:10; James 2:2). But in Matthew (5:1-12), the word is qualified with “in spirit”. The expression refers to the quality of genuine humility recognizing that one lacks worldly status and honor, which leads to faithful dependence on God. The poverty described is that of the man fully conscious of the poverty of all human resources and knowing his need and desire for God. (According to philologists, the term is based in Hebrew where two words, ‘anawim and ‘aniyim, are virtually synonymous, meaning poor and humble. In short, poverty and humility conjoined). The ultimate example of this is Jesus. By setting aside all his heavenly status to become a man, he perfectly illustrated that spirit of dependence upon God that the condition of poverty was intended to instill in those so affected. He “became poor for our sake” so that we might become rich in spiritual relationship with him, (2 Cor 8:9).
The first beatitude speaks explicitly of the ‘anawim’, but the underlying spirit of authentic poverty is present in all the Matthean beatitudes- to those who mourn, who hunger, who are persecuted, etc. They are considered disadvantaged or deprived of what human beings of any culture suppose and regard as important. But in the eyes of Christ in such circumstances, one can truly realize their need for God and made them rely on him completely. Thus, they are declared blessed, favored, and extolled (by God, the grammatical “theological or divine passive voice”). And as they attempt to cope with the present world they are assured a better lot for they are confident that God will be their ultimate vindicator.
Only God can make us truly blessed. Let us acknowledge our poverty in all things and humbly rely on him in everything. Amen.
Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking
Zep 2:3; 3:12-13 1 Cor 1:26-31 Mt 5:1-12
Noong 1990’s nauso ang mga aklat na nagsasabi sa atin kung papano maging mayaman, maging successful, maging malusog, at iba pa. How to be successful in life, how to learn better, how to be healthy, how to be happy. Ngayong may internet na, marami ring mga ganitong pahayag. Oo, naghahanap tayo ng formula, ng paraan paano, lalo na ngayon, paano maging masaya. Si Jesus din ay mayroong ganitong pahayag, at iyan ang napakinggan natin ngayon sa ating mga pagbasa. Maniwala tayo sa pahayag ni Jesus. Hindi ito resulta ng research ng anumang Universidad o ng sinumang magaling na professor. Ito ay Salita ng Diyos na maaasahan.
Ayon kay Jesus, sino ba ang magiging masaya? Sino ba ang mapalad? Sino ba ang maswerte? Ang mga mahihirap, ang mga nahahapis, ang mga mapagkumbaba, ang mga naghahangad ng katarungan, ang mga mahabagin, ang mga may malinis ang puso, ang mga kumikilos para sa kapayapaan, at ang mga inuusig dahil sa pagsunod sa kalooban ng Diyos. Pinag-aalimura sila at pinagwiwikaan ng lahat ng uri ng kasamaan na kasinungalingan naman. Ano? Mapalad ba ang mga tao sa ganitong kalagayan?
Paano at bakit sila magiging masaya? Hindi dahil sa malulungkot at masasamang karanasan na ito, kundi dahil sa ang mga nasa ganitong kalagayan ay kahahabagan at tutulungan ng Diyos. Itataas sila ng Diyos. Ang mga mahihirap ay makakasama sa kaharian ng Diyos. Aaliwin ng Diyos ang nahahapis. Kung ang Diyos ang aaliw sa atin, ay talagang maaaliw tayo. Ang mga mapagkukumbaba ay tatanggap ng mga pangako ng Diyos na pagpapala. Sila ang madaling sumunod sa mga kautusan ng Diyos kaya sila ang pagpapalain niya.
Ang mga humahanap ng katarungan ay tatanggap nito. Matatamo nila ang katarungan na kanilang hinahanap kasi tutulungan sila ng Diyos. Hindi ba sinabi ni Jesus na ang naghahanap ay makakatagpo? Kahahabagan ng Diyos ang mahabagin kasi kung ano ang ginagawa natin sa iba ay iyan din ang gagawin ng Diyos sa atin. Makikita ang Diyos ng mga may malinis at dalisay na puso. Handa ang puso nila na maranasan ang Diyos. Ang mga gumagawa ng paraan para sa kapayapaan at pakikipagkasundo ay magiging anak ng Diyos. Ang pakikipagkasundo ay kalooban ng Diyos. Hindi kakalimutan ng Diyos ang pinag-uusig alang-alang sa kanya. Gagantimpalaan niya ang nananatiling tapat sa kanya.
Magiging mapalad ang mga taong ito dahil sa pagkilos ng Diyos para sa kanila. Ang kanilang kahinaan ay nag-aattract sa Diyos. Akala natin nakalimutan na tayo ng Diyos kasi inaapi tayo, kasi parang walang nangyayari sa pagsisikap natin pakipagkasunduin ang mga nag-aaway, Kasi hirap tayo sa buhay. Hindi! Nagiging malapit nga ang Diyos sa atin at kikilos siya sa panig natin. Samakatuwid, ang nagpapasaya sa atin ay ang Diyos mismo. Napapalapit ang Diyos sa mga taong mababa ang loob. Naririnig ng Diyos ang hibik ng mga nalulungkot. Kinalulugdan niya ang mga taong nanatiling malinis ang puso dahil sa ang atensiyon nila ay nasa Diyos lamang.
Ito ang formula o paraan para sa kaligayahan na naranasan ng mga kristiyano sa Corinto. Pinaalaala ni Pablo sa kanila na naging kristiyano sila at pinili ng Diyos na makilala nila si Jesus hindi dahil sa sila ay mas banal kaysa iba, hindi dahil sila ay magaling, hindi dahil sa kanilang posisyon sa lipunan. Pinili sila ng Diyos at pinagpala sila ng buhay na walang hanggan dahil sa sila ay mga ordinaryong tao lamang at tinuturing pa nga ng iba na walang-wala. Kaya sinulat ni San Pablo: “Pinili ng Diyos ang sa palagay ng sanlibutan ay kahangalan upang hiyain ang marunong, at mahihina sa turing ng sanlibutan upang hiyain ang malalakas. Pinili niya ang mga itinuturing na hamak, walang halaga at walang kabuluhan sa sanlibutang ito upang pawalang halaga ang mga itinuturing na dakila ng sanlibutan.” Iba talaga ang Diyos kapag siya ang pumili. Iba talaga ang Diyos sa pagbibigay niya ng halaga sa mga tao.
Isang magandang halimbawa dito ay ang pagpili kay David. Pinapunta ng Diyos si Samuel kay Jesse sa Bethlehem kasi isa sa mga anak niya ay pinili ng Diyos na maging hari. Isa-isang pinalapit ni Jesus ang mga anak niya kay Samuel. Nagiliwan ni Samuel ang panganay na anak na lumapit, si Eliab. Magandang lalaki siya, malusog, matangkad, at masigasig. Akala niya ito na ang magiging hari ng Israel. Hindi siya ang pinili ng Diyos kasi hindi nadadala ang Diyos ng panlabas na kagitingan. Ang puso ng tao ang kanyang tinitingnan. Walang napili si Samuel sa pitong mga anak ni Jesse. Ito na ba ang lahat na mga anak niya? “Ay mayroon pang isa,” wika ng tatay. Nandoon siya nagbabantay ng mga tupa. “Maliit pa siya at wala pang pakinabang.” Siya ay si David. Pinatawag siya at siya ang pinili ng Diyos at nilangisan ni Samuel bilang hari ng Israel. Ibang pumili ang Diyos. Iba ang mga pinagpapala ng Diyos.
Hanggang ngayon ganyan ang Diyos. Ang mga dukha, ang mga naiiwanan, ang mga hindi pinapansin ang pinagpapala niya. At tayo ay nagiging masaya dahil sa pagpapala ng Diyos. Kaya nga kinikilala natin ang ating sarili na Simbahan ng mga Dukha at sinisikap natin na tayo ay maging tunay na simbahan ng mga dukha upang tayo ay maging malapit sa Diyos. Paano naman ang hindi mahihirap? Hindi pa sila pinagpapala? Hindi sila pagpapalain ng Diyos kung hiniwalay nila ang kanilang sarili sa mga dukha, kung minamata nila ang mga mahihirap, kung hindi sila kikilos para sa mga inaapi at ipagtanggol sila. Ang nagmamataas ay binibagsak ng Diyos. Hindi sila magiging mapalad; hindi sila makakasama sa pinaghaharian ng Diyos. Sabi ni propeta Sofonias: “Hanapin ninyo ang Poon, kayong mapagkumbaba, kayong gumaganap ng kanyang kautusan; hanapin ninyo ang katwiran at iyon ang iyong gawin.”
Ngayong Linggo ay ang Pro-life Sunday. Pinapaalaala sa atin na ang buhay ng lahat ng tao ay mahalaga, kasama na ang buhay ng mga bata na nasa loob pa ng tiyan ng kanilang nanay, ang buhay ng mga may kapansanan at mga matatanda. Huwag din pagsamantalahan ang buhay ng mga kabataan at mga kababaihan na ipangalakal sila. Ang pangangalakal ng mga tao sa human trafficking ay isang malaking business. Pinagbibili nila ang katawan ng kapwa tao sa sex, sa pag-aalipin sa kanila sa trabaho, o sa pagbebenta ng human organs. Ito ay pagsasamantala sa kapwa. Hindi ito makatuwiran at dapat itong labanan. Ang mga gawaing ito ay laban sa Diyos na nagmamahal sa bawat buhay ng tao.
Gospel Reading for January 31, 2026 – Mark 4: 35-41
TRUE FAITH and TRUST in GOD
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?”
————
For those of us who experience the reality behind the expression “when it rains, it pours,” life can feel overwhelming. But, instead of worrying or believing that we must face our problems alone—as though we are the only ones capable of solving them—TRUE FAITH and TRUST in GOD prompts us to turn to him for help.
God invites us to be quiet and still. In calmness, we can ask the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, helping our minds think clearly and plan wisely, so that solutions become clearer and more attainable. The Holy Spirit also grants us the strength and courage to face our challenges, preventing us from losing hope or falling into despair.
When we have done our very best, we entrust the rest to our loving God.
Lord Jesus, help us calm the storms in our lives and keep our faith alive.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Friday, Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, 30 January 2026
2 Samuel 11:1-4, 5-10, 13-17 <*((((>< + ><))))*> Mark 4:26-34
Photo by author, Museo Valenzuela & the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Valenzuela City, 21 January 2026.
Thank you Lord Jesus
for the Friday break,
the penultimate day of this month
of January 2026;
it was a heavy week
and a very long month
for most of us we thought
would never end.
We are thankful Lord
today because we are still
with you with many of us
struggling in our prayer lives,
persevering in being good
and everything like being king
and understanding and forgiving;
indeed, like your parable today,
everything good begins so small
like the seed scattered in the field
that sprout and grow while the farmer
sleeps and rises night and day
without really knowing how;
but that is how it is also with
sin and evil that always begins
so small, so subtle
like in the experience of
David in the first reading:
he had been complacent
in his life falling into temptations
of lust that led into murder.
Dear Jesus,
remind us always
to never take little things
for granted -
whether small deeds that
lead to holiness or small
sins that may leave us stuck in
a moment we can't get out of
according to Bono of U2:
You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And now you can't get out of it
Don't say that later will be better
Now you're stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it
We pray, Lord Jesus
for those feeling stuck in
a moment or a sin or a vice
or a relationship that they can't
get out of;
give them the courage to quit
and return to you,
even little by little.
Amen.
*I know what you are thinking but this is a good piece from U2's 2000 album "All That You Can't Leave Behind"... it might help you pray better.
Gospel Reading for January 30, 2026 – Mark 4: 26-34
ALL IS GOOD
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.
————
The Kingdom of God is full of goodness; therefore, the harvest will be plentiful. Good deeds always give rise to positivity, enriching not only humankind but also our planet Earth.
Though the Kingdom of God may begin small, once it grows, it will never cease to continue growing. It will continue to bear abundant fruits—fruits of love at their very best.
The realm of Satan is filled with evil and can harvest only evil. Yet it cannot prevail for long, because negativity ultimately destroys both humankind and our planet. This is why, even though some people may choose to surrender themselves—body and soul—to the devil, far more will choose to walk with God because we know that with God, ALL IS GOOD.
Lord Jesus, may we be diligent and faithful workers in your Kingdom.
Gospel Reading for January 29, 2026 – Mark 4: 21-25
SELECTIVE LISTENING
Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear.” He also told them, “Take care what you hear. The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
————
The Gospel today is a continuation of yesterday’s reading about the sower of the Word of God. The Word of God is a light that illuminates the darkness of this world—the darkness of sin. We are called not merely to hear, but to listen attentively, so that the Word does not simply enter one ear and leave through the other.
Some of us listen, but practice SELECTIVE LISTENING, choosing only the parts we like while ignoring the more challenging and important truths. Others listen, yet impose their own interpretations, often misinterpreting the Word of God to suit personal interests or convenience.
In this age of social media, we hear and see countless things online. Some create content without substance; others invent stories, twist the truth into lies, or make lies appear as truth. Because of this, it is essential to discern carefully whether what we hear and see is aligned with the Word of God.
Lord Jesus, through You, may we become bearers of the light that illuminates the world.
Lord My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II
Thursday, Third Week in Ordinary Time, Year II, 29 January 2026
2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 <'[[[[>< + ><]]]]'> Mark 4:21-25
Photo by author, Mt. Arayat, Pampanga, 28 January 2026.
How lovely it must be,
dear Jesus,
if there were few sunrise
each year like in other
places of the world;
maybe everybody would be up
very early for those few mornings
we can witness a sunrise
to see and behold;
as I have told you Lord
last Sunday,
I have always loved sunrise
with its subtle yet intense
appeal of light slowly bursting forth,
light breaking out to brighten
the earth and life in it.
Jesus said to his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light… To the one who has, more will be given; from the ones who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Mark 4:21-22, 25).
Thank you,
dear Jesus for that
reassurance today of God
continually pouring out his grace
on us today as he reveals further to us
his glory and majesty in you,
our light,
the true light of the world
never hidden and finally
brought out to the world;
grant me the grace of courage
to bring out your light in me,
Jesus; enough with too much
hiding of you,
now is the time to reveal you
Jesus in me,
through me;
take away my being too shy
even ashamed and afraid
of letting your light shine in me,
Jesus in this time everybody is
so fascinated with the artificial lights
of the world that dazzle us at first
and slowly blinds us until
we could not see the realities
anymore; like King David
in the first reading,
make us realize that it is in
our weaknesses when you,
O Lord, can shine most
and work most.
Amen.
Photo by author, La Paz, Tarlac CLLEX, 28 January 2026.
