MABUTING BALITA | HULYO 15, 2021

Huwebes sa Ika -15 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

EBANGHELYO: MATEO 11:28-30

Sinabi ni Jesus: “Lumapit sa akin, lahat kayong nahihirapan at may pinapasan, at pagiginhawain ko kayo. Kunin ninyo ang aking pamatok at matuto sa akin na mahinahon ako at mababang-loob, at makakatagpo kayo ng ginhawa para sa inyong kaluluwa. Sapagkat mabuti ang aking pamatok at magaan ang aking pasanin.”

PAGNINILAY:

Kapanalig, ikaw ba ay nihihirapan na sa sitwasyon mo ngayon?  Mabigat na ba ang iyong dinadala at dinaranas ng iyong pamilya lalo na sa panahong ito ng pandemya?  Huwag ka nang mag-alala dahil inaanyayahan ka ni Hesus na lumapit sa kanya!  Patuloy tayong tinatawag at inaanyayahan ng Diyos dahil hangad niya na tayo’y mapabuti at maginhawaang lagi.  Nais din ng Diyos na matuto tayo sa Kanyang kababaang-loob at pagka-mahinahon. Kailangan natin ang kababaang loob upang tanggapin na tayo’y nangangailangan ng tulong, at hinahon sa pagharap sa ano mang sitwasyon dahil ito ay bunga ng pananalig.  Hindi ba’t mas gumagaan ang ating bitbit o dinadala kapag mayroon tayong karamay o kasama?  Kaya, kung meron man na mas mahalaga tayong kailangan matutunan mula sa ating Panginoon, ito ay ang pagdadamayan at pagtutulungan.  Isinasalarawan ito ng isang mahalagang yaman ng ating kulturang Pilipino na “bayanihan” na karaniwan nating nakikita sa sama-sama at tulong tulong na pagpapasan ng isang bahay upang madali itong mailipat.  Sa panahon ngayon, ang espiritu ng bayanihan ay makikita natin sa “community pantry” na umusbong sa buong bansa upang makatulong na gumaan ang hirap ng buhay ng ating mga kababayan. Sa ating mundo na talamak ang ‘indibidwalismo’ o kultura ng ‘pagka kanya-kanya,  itinuturo sa atin ng Mabuting Balita na mayroon tayong responsibilidad para sa kapakanan ng mga taong  nasa paligid natin, at mahalin ang Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pagmamahal natin at malasakit  sa ating kapwa.  Sinabi ni San Pablo sa mga taga Galasya: Dalhin ninyo ang mga pasanin ng isa’t isa, at sa gayon ninyo matutupad ang batas ni Kristo.  Bilang mga miyembro ng sambayanang Kristiyano, at pamilya ng Diyos, ang kapakanan ng bawa’t isa ay ating inaalala. Kapanalig, mayroon ka bang kapitbahay o kakilala na mayroong mabigat na pasanin at maaari mong matulungang maiangat ngayon? Ano pa ang hinihintay mo?

- Sr. Mary Anthony Basa, PDDM | Disciples of the Divine Master

ST. JUSTIN MARTYR | PATRON OF THE PHILOSOPHER

Feast Day: JUNE 1

St. Justin was a Christian philosopher and writer of the 2nd Century A.D. He was born near Sichem, Palestine about the year 100. His father, who was a pagan, brought him up in the errors of paganism. Justin spent his youth studying science, history, poems and orations. Having been disappointed with the pride of pagan philosophers who denied God, he tried to look for the true philosophy. And God answered his desire. While walking by the seashore one day, he met an old man who told him to study the Prophets who prophesied about the faith in the true God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. Justin was impressed and started at once to make inquiries about Christianity. He studied it, embraced it and was baptized in 130 at age 30. In order to bring more pagans to the true God, he travelled and preached in Greece, Egypt and finally in Italy. He taught that Christianity is the true philosophy.

Justin authored books defending Christianity. He also wrote about the Logos, Jesus Christ, the Divine Word; the Eucharist and Baptism; explanations of the Gospel, Apocalypse and some books in the Old Testament. Most famous among his writings were the two Apologies where he refuted the pagan beliefs and the lies they invented against the Christian religion. In another book, the Dialogue, he tried to convince the Roman rulers that their persecution of the Christians would profit them nothing. He also expressed his willingness to die for Christ, like the Christians whom he saw being martyred.

One day Justin was preaching in Rome, when Roman soldiers picked him up together with his six students to appear before the Roman Prefect. They were convicted because they were Christians. Before the execution, the Prefect asked Justin: "Do you imagine that by dying you will enter Heaven and be rewarded?" Justin boldly answered: "I do not only imagine it; I know it." Next, they were asked to offer sacrifice to the pagan idols. Since they refused, they were scourged and then decapitated. Thus St. Justin the Martyr sealed his faith and love for Jesus Christ!

May the gates of light be opened to those who do not yet believe in God, so that like St. Justin, they may faithfully follow his will.

In this time of pandemic, am I determined to practice my Catholic belief in the face of criticisms from some religious sects?

ST. GERMAINE COUSIN | PATRON OF THE ABUSE VICTIMS

Feast Day: JUNE 15

Today, we shall present to you a young French girl, born to a poor family in the year 1579 in   Pibrac, France. At birth, she had a deformed right hand and with a sickness called scrofula, tuberculosis outside the lungs which appears as lesion on the neck. Her mother died while she was an infant and her father remarried at once. This second wife treated Germaine with disdain, due to her sickness and defect. But Germaine fortunately grew up just like other children despite her unhappy experiences. When she was old enough to care for herself, her step-mother persuaded her father to let her stay in the stable, fearing contamination of her disease. Her step-brothers and step-sisters were also indifferent towards her. To keep her away from home, she was assigned to take care of the sheep.

In such a situation, Germaine was not rebellious. Instead, she learned to be truly patient and humble. Having learned little catechism from the parish, she had a very strong sense of the presence of God and the assistance of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her loneliness, poverty, hard work, limited nourishment, absence of affection and other sufferings were the sources of spiritual blessings for her. To her deprivations, she added mortifications and other sacrifices. She was faithful in attending the early daily Mass in church and recited the Rosary every day.

At first, the people considered her piety as a show-off. But later when they saw signs of God's favor, they started to look at her with veneration. On several occasions, for example, when the waters of the ford she had to cross was swollen, she was able to cross, without getting wet. When she was away, the wolves never came to attack her sheep. She was given meager provisions of food, but she had always something extra to share with those poorer than her. Once, she had some extra bread to be given to the poor. Her step-mother ran after her and asked her what she was carrying. When she opened her apron, all they saw were beautiful flowers. Then one day, her father realized how cruel he had been to his daughter so he told her to leave the stable and stay inside the house. But Germaine herself respectfully refused the offer. Shortly after, one morning in summer, her father found her dead on her bed of vine-twigs. She was 22 years old.

Due to her holy life, the parish priest and the people decided to bury her inside the church of Pidrac, just in front of the pulpit. Forty years later, in 1644, her grave was opened and her body was found fresh and incorrupt. A rich woman, cured through her intercession, donated a casket of lead. Then her body was placed in a reliquary for people to see. The cause for beatification began. Many were the miracles that attested to her holy life. On May 7, 1854, she was beatified by Pope Pius IX. Thirteen years later, on June 29, 1867, she was canonized by the same pontiff.

"St. Germaine, pray for us that we may be as forgiving as you were and love others with the love of Christ. The Mass was the highlight and source of strength in your life; pray that we may reverence this Sacrament and partake of the Eucharist as often as we can. Pray for us to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Amen."

Can imitate at least one of the virtues of St. Germaine?

ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS  |  PATRON FOR SEMINARIANS, STUDENTS AND THE YOUTH

Feast Day: FEBRUARY 27

Young saints are a great joy to the Church! I am sure everyone will be happy to know about St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. Since his family was well-off, he was a capricious society boy. He was called “the dancer” because he knew ballroom dancing so well, and a “dandy” for he was so particular with his appearance and his clothes. He attended parties and gatherings. Many  young girls vied for his attention and he dated many of them. In personality, he was friendly, kind, generous, but impulsive.

St. Gabriel was born Francesco Possenti on March 1, 1838 in Assisi, Italy. He was baptized at the font where St. Francis of Assisi was earlier baptized. His mother died when he was four, but his father, a talented lawyer, brought up his 13 children as devout Christians. The family was devoted to Our Lady of Sorrows. Francis studied at the school of the Christian Brothers then later with the Jesuits. Francis attended daily Mass and soon the vocation to religious life blossomed in his heart. But he did not pay attention to it.

We believe that God’s ways are not our ways and so it happened to Francis. Francis got seriously ill which brought him to death’s door. He prayed and asked Our Lady’s intercession, promising that if he recovered he would become a religious. He got cured, but he immediately forget his promise. Then, he became ill, a second time, prayed again and renewed his previous promise. But, he postponed the fulfillment of this promise.

In May 1855, a cholera broke out in Spoleto and the picture of Our Lady was carried in procession. Francis was present. As he raised his eyes, to see our Lady’s picture, the eyes of Mary cast a glance at him and he heard a voice saying: “What are you doing in the world. Hasten to become a religious.” Francis was moved and burst into tears. On September 10, 1856, at 18 years old, he entered the Passionists and took the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. After four years as a model religious, he got sick of tuberculosis and died, while embracing the picture of Our Lady of Sorrows. St. Gabriel was canonized in 1920. He is patron saint for seminarians, students and the youth.

“St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, you broke your own will in order to follow God’s holy will, help us to be constant in discerning God’s will and follow it come what may.”

In my present situation, am I doing God’s will or am I following my own?

ST. MARIA GORETTI | PATRON SAINT OF YOUNG GIRLS AND RAPE VICTIMS.

Feast Day: JULY 6

Today, we are bringing you the exciting story of a child saint. Can a child become a saint? oh, yes, children can also possess great love for God, like St. Maria Goretti, who at eleven years old died a martyr of purity. Maria Goretti was born of a very poor family on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy. Her father died when she was nine, so her mother and siblings had to share a home with another poor family. The good Catholic mother taught her children how to love God above all things and to hate sin. The rule that Maria learned by heart was: “Rather death than sin." Maria was a beautiful girl. She had chestnut hair and an innocent smile, which reflected the beauty of her soul. Her mother and two siblings would go to the farm every day, while she remained at home to care for her youngest sister, cook the food and keep the small house in order.

Now, the family with whom they lived had a 19-year old son, named Alessandro, who admired and liked Maria very much. In order to satisfy his desire, he tried to make unchaste advances on her, but she always refused and rebuffed him. One day, while Maria was alone with her little sister, Alessandro came with a dagger. He demanded Maria to give in to his lustful aspiration. But Maria courageously refused and cried out: "No, it's a sin. God does not want it." The alternative for her refusal was death. The dagger soon pierced her body several times and she was taken to the hospital but died the next day. Before dying she prayed for Alessandro and forgave him."... I want him with God in heaven."

Voice: After her death, many people prayed to her and miracles have been wrought through her prayers. The greatest miracle, however, was the conversion of her murderer, who became the principal witness for her beatification. Since he was a minor when he committed the crime, his sentence was reduced to 30 years. He entered the Order of Friars Minor and served as receptionist and gardener.

Maria was 11 years old when she died on July 5, 1902. When she was beatified on April 27, 1947, her mother and siblings were present. On June 25, 1950 Pope Pius XII canonized Maria in the presence of her aged mother, her siblings and Alessandro. St. Maria Goretti is a protector of chastity, patron saint of young girls and rape victims.

Oh, St. Maria Goretti lover of purity, please help today’s teenagers to preserve their virginity amidst the indecency in our world.

St. Maria Goretti readily forgave her murderer. Have I forgiven the persons who have hurt or displeased me?

ST. JOSE SANCHEZ DEL RIO | PATRON OF THE PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS, CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND PEOPLE OF SOHUAYO, MEXICO.

FEAST DAY: FEBRUARY 10

He was born on March 28, 1913. He was only twelve years old when the Cristero War broke out in Mexico. Cristero was the name assumed by the Catholic soldiers. Joselito's brothers were enlisted in the rebel army and he wanted very much to join them. But his parents refused since he was too young, yet he insisted and when he presented himself to the general, he was accepted as a flag bearer and an errand boy.

The Cristero War happened when through a new president, the Mexican government in the Western and Central Mexico started to eliminate the Christians by executing Catholic priests, closing religious convents and schools, seizing property and denying the rights of Catholics. It started in 1926 and ended in 1929. It was through the mediation by U.S. Ambassador Dwight Morrow that a peaceful agreement was made between the Vatican and the Mexican government. This persecution produced other saints.

As flagbearer of an army, Joselito was always in great danger. In one of the encounters, he was captured and was imprisoned. Being a boy, he was offered many alluring promises to make him deny his faith. They also frightened him by showing him the hanging of one Cristero. But he was very strong in his faith. They tortured him and told him to shout "Death to Christ the King." He, instead shouted "Long live Christ the King and Our Lady of Guadalupe." Enraged, the torturers cut the soles of his feet, and made him walk to the cemetery. Arriving, he was stabbed and then shot twice on the head. It was February 10, 1928 and he was 14 years old.

Joselito was canonized on October 16, 2016 by Pope Francis. He is the patron of persecuted Christians, children, adolescents and people of Sohuayo, Mexico.

"Lord, strengthen the faith of our youth, that like St. Jose Sanchez del Rio, they may witness to Christ in their daily life."

Am I afraid to be ridiculed when I perform my Christian practices? Am I willing to go against the non-Christian cultures of our time?

ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA | PATRON SAINT OF SINGLE MOTHERS.

Feast Day: FEBRUARY 26

Our God is compassionate and loving. He forgives sinners and embraces them when they return to Him. Such was the life of St. Margaret of Cortona, our saint for today. She is honored as the patron saint of single mothers, the homeless, orphans, insane, penitents and tramps. Margaret was born of farming parents, in 1247 in Laviano, a little town in Tuscany, Italy. At the age of seven, her mother died and her father remarried. Her stepmother was rather harsh and Margaret grew up reckless and willful. At the age of 17 she met a wealthy young man, and she ran away with him. Soon she found herself living in a castle, not as his wife, for convention would never allow it, as he was of a royal family, but as his mistress. For eleven years, she lived with him and bore him a son.One day, when her lover failed to come home from a journey, and only his favorite dog returned, Margaret was alarmed. The dog led her into the forest to his murdered body. That crime shocked Margaret and she resolved to repent of her sins and live a life of prayer and penance. Margaret returned to his family all the gifts he had given her and left the castle. With her child, she returned to her father's house, but her stepmother did not accept her. She and her son then went to the Franciscan friars at Cortona for asylum, and asked to be admitted as tertiary. She lived a penitent life, fasted, avoided meat, and subsisted on bread and vegetables. She went around with a cord around her neck to show her repentance.In 1277, after three years of probation, Margaret became a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Following the example of Francis of Assisi, she begged for food and sustenance. She advanced rapidly in prayer and made great penances. She established at Cortona, a hospital for the sick, homeless and impoverished. To secure nurses for the hospital, she instituted a congregation of Tertiary Sisters, known as "le poverelle" (Italian for "the little poor ones"). While in prayer, Margaret recounted hearing the words, "What is your wish, poverella?" ("little poor one?"), and she replied, "I neither seek nor wish for anything but You, my Lord Jesus." She also established an order devoted to Our Lady of Mercy and the members bound themselves to support the hospital and to help the needy. All the while, Margaret continued to preach against vice and sin. Through her, many sinners repented and returned to the Sacraments. She also showed extraordinary love for the mysteries of the Eucharist and the Passion of Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus told her about the day and hour of her death. She died peacefully on February 22, 1297, having spent twenty-nine years performing acts of penance. She was canonized on May 16 1728. Her feast day is February 26.

ST. JOAN OF ARC | PATRON FOR SOLDIERS AND ONE OF THE PATRONS OF FRANCE

FEAST DAY: MAY 30

Our saint today is a popular figure in literature, painting, sculpture, drama, movie and other cultural arts. It was during the “One Hundred Years’ War” (1347-1453) between France and England that she appeared in history. The issue of the war was the right succession to the throne of France, which an English relative of the king was also claiming. Our saint became a soldier through divine intervention and fought for the honor of her country. She is none other than the teenager and mystic St. Joan of Arc, also called “The Maid of Orleans.”

Joan of Arc was born in Domremy, France on February 6, 1412. Her parents were good Christians so she grew up to be devout, humble, honest, friendly and simple. She performed the ordinary work of a peasant girl and helped her mother in weaving. Several times, the family was disturbed by the fighting but they tried to accept it as part of their lives.   When she was 13, she began to hear voices and see visions. St. Michael, St. Margaret and St. Catherine of Alexandria appeared urging her to join the fight. These continued till she was 16, so she decided to follow their recommendation. Joan asked to see the king and told him about the voices and visions. The king, who was in a state of despair, as the English were winning the battle, believed Joan of Arc. She was enlisted in the army, dressed as a soldier and was placed at the head of the troops, riding a horse but carrying only a banner. The soldiers attested that she never killed anyone.

During the battle, the soldiers followed her advice and this resulted in the defeat of the English army. The outcome of this defeat was a truce between the two camps and the succession of the future kings of France was legitimized. Meanwhile, the Englishmen regarded Joan as a sorceress and conducted inquiries about her. But they did not find any misgivings on her part. On May 23, 1340, while Joan of Arc was leading the army to a camp, they were ambushed by English soldiers and she was captured. They accused her of heresy and was subjected to a trial. She was condemned to death and burned alive. But the trial was unfair. They violated many rules because the jury that tried Joan were all English clergy, while the rules required a balance from both countries. The war continued 22 years after her death, but the legitimacy to the throne of the French lineage continued.

Twenty-five years later, Joan’s trial was reviewed and she was cleared of the charges against her. The proceedings of the unfair trial were examined and it became a witness for her canonization by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920. She is venerated as a patron for soldiers and one of the patrons of France.

Lord, give us the courage of St. Joan of Arc to stand and fight for justice and impartiality

Do I respect the rights of others, or do I pretend to be more privileged than they?

ST. AGNES OF ROME| PATRON OF PURITY AND OF THE YOUNG GIRLS

Feast Day: JANUARY 21

Today, we have a teen-ager saint, St. Agnes of Rome, who will remind us of the Immaculate virtue of purity. St. Agnes was born in Rome, Italy in the year 291 A.D. At twelve years old, she was very beautiful. Since she belonged to the Roman nobility, many young high-ranking men wanted her for a spouse. But being a Christian, Agnes had consecrated her virginity to God at an early age. She told her suitors that her only spouse is Jesus Christ. Being the time of the bloody persecution of the Christians by Emperor Diocletian, Agnes was accused to the authorities. The Governor ordered her to offer incense to the idols. Soldiers dragged her and forced her hand to take the incense. But according to the testimony of St. Ambrose, “she could by no means be compelled to move her hand, except to make the Sign of the Cross."

When the Governor saw her strong refusal, he told her, “I will send you to the house of the prostitutes." Agnes fearlessly answered, "You may stain your sword with my blood, but will never be able to profane my body consecrated to Christ.” The Governor was so angry that he ordered the guards to lead her at once naked to said house. But the Divine Spouse performed miracles to show how precious to Him is purity. Agnes' hair grew and covered her body. On the way, a lustful youth attempted to molest her but instantly a lightning struck him blind. The youth was carried by his companions to Agnes, who was singing a song of praise to her Protector. Through her prayers, his sight was restored.

Exasperated by his failure, the Governor ordered Agnes to be beheaded. Many spectators wept but felt so inspired to see a young maiden fearless in the face of death. Then and there they realized that purity is very pleasing to God.

Agnes died in 304 and her body was buried near the Nomentan Road, close to Rome. Many miracles happened after her death. After the era of persecution, Emperor Constantine the Great erected a church on the spot where she died. Through the centuries it was destroyed but Pope Honorius repaired it in the 7th century. Many schools and churches today are dedicated to her. St. Agnes is the patron of purity and of young girls.

St. Agnes, you vowed to have Jesus Christ as your only spouse. Please pray that many young men and women will follow your examples of purity and great love for Jesus.

Are the things I read, the programme I watch and listen to conducive to a chaste life?

ST. AGATHA  | PATRONESS OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Feast Day – FEBRUARY 5

Another amazing young saint is St. Agatha, patroness of breast cancer patients. She had a Great love of God and highly valued her purity.She was born from an illustrious Christian family in 231 in Syracuse, Sicily. Agatha grew up to be a beautiful and gracious lady. When the governor of Sicily knew that a wealthy and lovely girl lived in his territory, he sent an envoy to bring her to him. Since it was during the persecution of Christians, Agatha’s refusal was to no avail. She wept and prayed on her journey for she knew the evil intentions of the governor. When she was brought before him his evil desires augmented. But he kept her in a house with an old woman servant to care for her. After one month, the governor asked to see Agatha and this time he started to make sexual advances on her. But Agatha strongly refused, so the governor ordered her to be whipped and put into prison. Seeing her cheerful disposition despite her imprisonment, the governor ordered that her breasts be cut off. Suffering tremendously with her wounds, Agatha prayed and offered her pains to God. Miraculously, she saw St. Peter in a vision and he healed her.

After being notified that Agatha’s breasts were restored, the governor ordered that she be rolled naked over live coals. For the last time, the governor offered her reprieve if she would only give assent to his desire, but she strongly refused him. She was then thrown into a rack of burning coals. When she was at the point of death, she was brought back to the prison while she prayed: “Lord God, You have taken from me the love of the things of this world; You have given me patience in my sufferings, receive now my soul.”

Besides being the patroness of those sick with breast cancer, St. Agatha was chosen as the patroness of Malta. It is also recorded that every time Mt. Etna in Catania, Italy erupted, the veil of St. Agatha was carried in procession around the city and the place was saved from destruction.

St. Agatha, obtain for our youth a great love for God and a fondness for purity. Help us to be calm and patient in all our sufferings and trials.

Am I willing to give up worldly pleasures and comfort; suffer rejection, ridicule and even persecution to preserve my virginity?