Benilde - Center for Lasallian Ministry

Ang Presyo Ng Paniniwala

“Dinirinig ng aking mga tupa ang aking tinig; kilala ko sila at sumusunod sila sa akin.” - Juan 10:27

Hindi lahat ng nakarinig ay naniwala.
Hindi lahat ng naniwala ay sumunod.

May mga taong may alam… pero piniling manahimik.
May mga taong may tinig… pero hindi nagsalita.
May mga taong may kapangyarihan… pero hindi ginamit.

Sa araw-araw, alam natin kung ano ang tama.
Tahimik, pero malinaw.

At kung tapat tayo, hindi tayo kulang sa kaalaman.
Minsan, kulang tayo sa paninindigan.

Dahil ang totoo, may presyo ang pagsunod.
May mawawala. May masasaktan. May magugulo.

Mas madaling manahimik. Mas ligtas sumabay. Mas komportable umiwas.

Apan unsaon man kung ang kahilom mao na ang pagtalikod sa tinuod?

Sa puntong ito, hindi na tanong kung narinig natin ang Diyos.
Ang tanong, hanggang saan ang kaya nating panindigan?

Dahil ang pananampalataya ay hindi nasusukat sa dami ng alam.
Nasusukat ito sa tapang na piliin ang tama kahit may kapalit.

Ang tinuohan, bisan unsang pinulongan, tinuohan gihapon (Sebwano).
Ti pammati, uray anya a pagsasao, pammati latta (Ilokano).
So kapamagpaniniwala, maskin anda a basa, isa ra (Maranao).

Hindi lahat pipili nito.

Pero ikaw…
Kung alam mo ang tama,
kung naririnig mo ang Diyos,
kung may kakayahan kang kumilos…

Bakit ka pa rin nananatiling tahimik?

Manalangin tayo…

Panginoon, palakasin Mo ang aming pananampalataya sa gitna ng takot. Turuan Mo kaming hindilamang makinig at sumunod. Sa bawat pagkakataong may kakayahan kaming pumili, piliin nawa naminang katotohanan, kahit may kapalit. Amen.

__________________________________
Pagninilay mula kay John Mark Mampusti
G**o, Benilde Senior High School

Sanggunian:
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2026. Daily Readings for April 28, 2026. Gospel John 10:22–30. https://bible.usccb.org
Vatican. The Holy Bible. John 10:22–30.
Catechism of the Catholic Church. 1997. On faith, conscience, and moral decision-making. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Universalis. 2026. Mass for Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter. https://universalis.com

As we remember Blessed Nicholas Roland, we glimpse the roots of the Lasallian spirit, a life poured out in humble service, forming hearts and guiding souls. May we, like him and Saint John Baptist de La Salle, remain faithful to the mission of touching lives, even in unseen ways.

Benildean Associates as Good Shepherds

Did you know that sheep have poor depth perception?

They cannot clearly see what is directly in front of their noses. However, they have excellent peripheral vision and can even see behind themselves without turning their heads. Sheep are not particularly strong at navigating or protecting themselves. They tend to wander, get lost easily, and are vulnerable to danger. These are some of the reasons why sheep depend heavily on their shepherds.

In today’s gospel from John (10:11–18), Jesus Christ declares, “I am the Good Shepherd,” and draws a sharp contrast between the good shepherd and the hired hand. The hired hand performs duties without deep commitment. When danger comes, the hired hand is often the first to escape, leaving the sheep behind. On the other hand, the good shepherd lives among the sheep, walks with them, and takes responsibility for their safety. This reveals a kind of love that is not transactional but sacrificial. It is not based on convenience, recognition, or reward, but is rooted in relationships.

And during my reflection, I realized that even though we are recognized by Jesus Christ as His flock of sheep, He also calls us to be shepherds like Him. And that is exactly what we are doing in Benilde as members of the community. This calling is not limited to teachers alone but is shared by all associates who contribute to the mission and vision of the College. We are called to perform our role in a way of shepherding, doing our work with love, care, responsibility, and genuine concern for the growth and well-being of others.

In the spirit of the Good Shepherd, we are invited to go beyond task-oriented work and embrace a deeper sense of service. In doing so, we become co-stewards of formation, helping shape not only competent graduates but also compassionate and values-driven individuals who reflect the heart of the Benildean mission.

Animo Benilde!

Let us pray...

Dear Lord, we thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who guides, protects, and loves us without measure. As our Shepherd, help us to recognize Your voice and to trust in Your loving care. As members of the Benildean community, may we embrace our shared calling to be shepherds to one another. Strengthen us, both academic and non-academic associates, to serve with compassion, responsibility, and genuine concern for those entrusted to us. May our work reflect Your love and help form a community rooted in care, integrity, and service. In Jesus' name. Amen.

____________________________
Reflection from Krizia Danica Abad
Office of the Vice President for Finance

References:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042726.cfm
https://www.sheep101.info/senses.html

One Shepherd, One Flock: Called to Walk Together

While I was preparing for my religious vows to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, one of my colleagues asked our director, “Father, why do we always need to be together? Even when we go to the mall or have outings like swimming at the beach, why must we still stay as a group? We already pray and eat together in the community, why extend it even to our recreation?”

Our director simply answered, “It is okay to be alone at times, to have your personal moments. But remember that you are religious. You are called to live in community, to be present, available, and ready for one another.”

This reminded me of today’s gospel from John (10:1-10), where “the shepherd calls his sheep by name and leads them out.” The sheep stay together, because separation can lead them to be lost. The sheep only recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow him. As it is said, “They will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”

However, the call to be in the community, always present and available are not only for religious life. Even in our daily work and ordinary lives as associates, employees and students, we are invited to live in communion. We are all sheep dependent on the one Good Shepherd. It is the Lord who sustains us and gives us life. We are called to live with God.

Remember our goal is not simply personal success, but growth together as a community. We are called to share what we have, to support one another, and to remain humble by recognizing that we are all sheep listening to one voice, the voice of God.

Let us pray...

Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, You never leave us but remain always with us. We thank You for Your constant and faithful presence. Despite our faults and sins, You never abandon us. You are always ready to listen, always near when we call.

In You, we never feel unworthy or excluded, for Your voice continually welcomes us with love. Grant that we may always choose to remain in You, and never forget the love You have so generously shown us. Amen.

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Reflection from Rev. Fr. Victor Clemence Posadas, SSS
Benilde Chaplain

April 25 | Feast of Saint Mark

Saint Mark is usually identified with the Mark of the New Testament and as the author of the oldest and the shortest of the four synoptic Gospels. He is not one of the 12 Apostles and there is no certainty if he knew Jesus personally. He portrays a life what every Christian is called to do, that is, to proclaim the Good News to all people which is the source of salvation. He is the patron saint of notaries, pharmacists, secretaries, lawyers, lion, and Venice.

Saint Mark, pray for us!

Go: The Gospel Is Not Meant to Stay

On the Feast of Saint Mark the Evangelist, we hear a sending-out that still echoes today: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.” (Mark 16:15).

Mark’s gospel moves fast, almost breathless, like a story that refuses to be kept quiet. It is the shortest gospel, but it burns with urgency. No long introductions. No unnecessary details. Just Jesus healing, teaching, calling, saving. As if Mark is telling us: this matters now.

And maybe that is exactly what we need to hear. Because faith today can feel optional, postponed, or kept private. Something we scroll past. Something we will “get to later.” But the gospel does not say wait. It says go.

Go into your timelines.
Go into your classrooms and group chats.
Go into the ordinary, messy, everyday spaces of your life.

To proclaim the Good News is not about being loud, it is about being real. It is choosing kindness when it is easier to ignore. It is standing for truth when it is uncomfortable. It is living with integrity when no one is watching.

Saint Mark reminds us that the gospel is not just a story we read, it is a life we witness. And the Lord promises: “These signs will accompany those who believe…” (Mark 16:17). Perhaps today, the clearest sign is a life that quietly reflects Christ, steady, hopeful, and rooted in love.

So, here’s the real question for us: If your life were the “Gospel” someone reads today… would they encounter Jesus?

Saint Mark did not try to make the message perfect; he made it known. And maybe that is our mission too. Not perfect. Just faithful. Not silent. But sent.

Let us pray…

Dear Jesus, You call us to go and share Your Good News. Give us the courage to live our faith with sincerity, and to witness to Your love in the ordinary moments of our lives. Teach us to be faithful, not perfect. To be bold, yet humble, and to carry Your message wherever we are. May our lives reflect You,so that others may come to know and love You more. Amen.

________________________
Reflection from Xavier Apostol
Head, Student Accompaniment Unit
Center for Lasallian Ministry

Staying When It’s Hard

“Many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” - John 6:66

May mga moments sa faith journey natin na hindi naman biglang nawawala ang paniniwala… pero unti-unti tayong lumalayo.

Hindi dramatic.
Walang malaking away.
Walang malinaw na dahilan.

Napapagod lang.
Nalilito.
O minsan, hindi na natin gets si Lord.

Sa gospel mula kay John, matapos magsalita ni Jesus tungkol sa Bread of Life, maraming disciples ang umatras. Hindi nila matanggap. Hindi nila maintindihan. At sa totoo lang, parang ang hirap tanggapin.

So, they left.

At doon nangyari ang isang napaka-real na moment. Hindi pinigilan ni Jesus ang mga umalis. Hindi niya pinilit. Sa halip, hinarap niya ang natitira at tinanong:

“Do you also want to leave?” (John 6:67)

Grabe ‘no?
Parang tinatanong din tayo ngayon:

Kapag hindi na malinaw…
Kapag hindi na comfortable…
Kapag hindi na swak sa expectations mo…

Will you also walk away?

At sumagot si Peter ng isa sa pinaka-honest at pinaka-beautiful na sagot sa Bible:
“Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

Hindi niya sinabing, “Gets ko lahat.”
Hindi niya sinabing, “Madali lang ito.”
Ang sabi niya: “Wala na kaming ibang pupuntahan.”

Real talk: ganito ang tunay na faith.

Hindi laging malinaw.
Hindi laging magaan.
Pero nananatili.

Sa Easter Season, ipinapaalala sa atin na ang Resurrection ay hindi lang tungkol sa saya at victory. Dumaan muna ito sa confusion, fear, at doubt. Kahit ang mga disciples, naguluhan bago naniwala.

Pero ang kaibahan?
Hindi sila tuluyang umalis.

Sa araw na ito, ginugunita rin natin si Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, isang pari na nanatiling tapat sa kanyang misyon kahit may panganib. Hindi siya umatras kahit alam niyang delikado ang kanyang paninindigan sa faith.

Pinili niyang manatili.

At ito ang paanyaya sa atin ngayon:
“Stay”.

Stay kahit hindi mo gets ang lahat.
Stay kahit may doubts ka.
Stay kahit mahirap.

Kasi minsan, ang pinaka-matapang na faith ay hindi ‘yung walang tanong…
kundi ‘yung nananatili kahit maraming tanong.

Bilang mga Benildeans, tinatawag tayo hindi lang maging believers sa comfortable moments, kundi maging faithful kahit sa confusing seasons: sa classroom, sa work, sa relationships, at sa personal struggles natin.

Hindi kailangan perfect ang faith mo.
Kailangan lang totoo.

At minsan, sapat na ang dasal na:
“Lord, hindi ko maintindihan… pero dito lang ako.”

Kasi ang faith na nananatili,
kahit sugatan, kahit pagod, kahit nalilito…
‘yun ang faith na tunay at buhay.

Tara, pray tayo…

Father God, minsan po nahihirapan kaming intindihin ang Inyong mga plano. May mga pagkakataon na gusto na naming umatras at sumuko. Pero tulad ni Peter, tinuturuan Ninyo kaming manatili. Bigyan Ninyo kami ng lakas na kumapit kahit mahirap, at ng pusong handang magtiwala kahit hindi malinaw ang lahat. Palalimin Ninyo ang aming pananampalataya upang sa kabila ng aming mga tanong at pagdududa, piliin pa rin naming manatili sa Inyo. In Jesus Christ’s Name. Amen.

_____________________________
Reflection from Carlo Jay Evardone
Curriculum Specialist, Center for Faculty Advancement

References
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. (n.d.). Lasallian identity and mission. [https://www.benilde.edu.ph] (https://www.benilde.edu.ph)
De La Salle, J. B. (1994). Meditations by John Baptist de La Salle (A. Berger & R. Loesbrock, Trans.; F. Huether, Ed.). Lasallian Publications. (Original work published 1730).
The Holy Bible (2011). New American Bible Revised Edition. [https://bible.usccb.org] (https://bible.usccb.org)
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026). Liturgical calendar for the dioceses of the United States of America. www.usccb.org

The Bruce Lee Vocation: A Divine Mystery

Everyone knows Archbishop Soc Villegas. As the current Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, he is known as an outspoken prelate with a courageous voice in both the Church and society. He served as the secretary to Cardinal Sin for 18 years, was ordained a bishop at a very young age, and eventually served as the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Yet, his vocation to the priesthood was not sparked by a religious figure, but by a non-believer. He shared: “God does not only call a person from within the Church. God called me as I was watching a movie. He called me while I was reading a secular magazine, it was not even a religious one. The irony is that God called me through a non-believer like Bruce Lee, who was not a Christian. But God uses every means to touch us.”

It is surprising, isn’t it? God used Bruce Lee, someone who did not even believe in Him, to become an instrument of His plan. This is a powerful testament to the Mystery of God. We know He is there, but we can never fully fathom His mind. As the saying goes, if we could understand God completely, He wouldn't truly be God.

We see this same mystery in today’s gospel from John (6:44-51). Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my Flesh for the life of the world.” These words are deep and profound. Just as the crowd struggled to understand how Jesus could give His flesh to eat, our human minds often fail to grasp the depth of God’s thoughts and ways.

Human beings are defined by limitations, but God is infinite and boundless. As Isaiah (55:8-9) reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

If you are waiting for an answer to your fervent prayers, allow Him to surprise you in His mysterious ways. He will definitely act, because He longs to bring out what is good in every situation we face.

Let us pray...

Lord, thank You for always being there for us. May we constantly rely on Your mysterious ways. Unfathomable as they may seem, they clearly show that You are indeed God and we are Your creatures. Amen.

_______________________
Reflection from Ruel Aguirre
Faculty, Theology-Philosophy Area
School of Multidisciplinary Studies

Nourished by the Bread of Life

Every day, we are blessed to wake up in the morning with a roof over our heads and food on our table. We get to make new experiences, bask in the warmth of our loved ones, and continually find our purpose in this beautiful life. Yet, there are times when we face trials and tribulations that make it difficult for us to maintain our strength and faith, and this is where Jesus makes His presence known.

In today’s gospel from John (6:35-40), Jesus declares Himself the “Bread of Life”, and that whoever comes to Him and believes in Him will never hunger nor thirst. However, despite all that Jesus had done, there are many who still do not believe in Him and His holy mission. He affirmed that He was sent down from heaven by the Father to fulfill His will of saving those who are given to Him, and that everyone who believes in Him shall have eternal life and be raised on the last day.

When things are looking down and not going as planned, it is easy to doubt and even forget Jesus’ presence and power. We can remember and look to this gospel to remember that the best is yet to come.

As the Bread of Life, Jesus offers Himself to us as the true source of fulfillment, and as we develop our faith and continue to believe in Him, we grow spiritually closer to Him and understand that this journey of ours leads to beautiful outcomes. Along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, He remains ever-present in our lives, and it is up to us to give Him the belief and love He deserves.

Let us pray...

Dear God, thank You for the gift of today and every day. Please forgive us in times when we lose faith in Your Son, Jesus. Grant us the strength and awareness to truly realize that He remains ever-watchful and loving towards us all, and that true spiritual fulfillment stems from trusting and believing in Him and His mission to the fullest. Help us spread the Word to others as well, so that we may be together as brothers and sisters to enter Your Kingdom. Amen.

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Reflection from Nicolas Tiongson
ID 122, AB Music Production

Last Lenten season, some Benildean Associates entered the retreat carrying what words could not hold, and in the silence, we found not escape but a deeper return.

“Returning to the One” became a rediscovery of the God who gathers our scattered selves and draws us back to one another. In quiet presence, something sacred unfolded: we remembered we are not alone.

Now in the light of Easter, that silence bears new life. The Risen Lord meets us within our stories, gently renewing our hope, our trust, and our capacity to love.

Benilde Lenten Silent Retreat
March 4-7, 2026 | Baguio City

Divine Mercy: The Glory of God Revealed

The Divine Mercy of God is not simply a comforting idea, it is the very heart of who God is. Mercy is how God chooses to meet us: not with condemnation, but with compassion; not with rejection, but with invitation. And nowhere is this more clearly revealed than in the Cross of Jesus Christ.

At the Cross, what the world saw as defeat was, in truth, the greatest revelation of God’s glory. Glory, in the eyes of God, is not power that dominates, but love that sacrifices. When Christ poured out His life, He was not losing.. He was showing us the depths of Divine Mercy. Every drop of His blood speaks not of punishment, but of forgiveness freely given.

Yet this mercy is not confined to one moment in history. It continues to flow into our daily lives: in quiet acts of grace, in second chances, in the patience God shows us despite our failures. Each day, God reveals His mercy in ways we often overlook: in the people who forgive us, in the strength to begin again, in the unseen protection from harm. Mercy is constant, even if sometimes when we are not.

And yet, a question remains: many people are afraid of God, while at the same time turning toward practices that are not of Him. Instead of running to mercy, they run to fear: seeking control, power, or answers in places that lead them away from truth. The Church, in her teachings on Spiritual Warfare and Demonology, reminds us that evil thrives where there is confusion, fear, and distance from God. When we neglect prayer and the sacraments, we become more vulnerable not because God abandons us, but because we step away from His protection.

Divine Mercy is our safeguard. It is not a weakness but it is a strength. To trust in God’s mercy is to stand firmly in His light, where darkness has no power. We do not need to fear God as a tyrant; we are called to revere Him as a loving Father who desires our salvation. The more we draw near to Him, the more clearly we see that His mercy is greater than any sin, any fear, or any darkness.

We are then invited to respond, not only by receiving mercy, but by living it. To live in harmony with Christ is to imitate His compassion: to forgive as we are forgiven, to serve without seeking recognition, and to love especially those who are often forgotten.

As one Benildean family, let us not also forget the marginalized; the poor, the lonely, the wounded, those who long to experience God’s mercy through us. Let us also pray for the Church, especially for Pope Leo XIV, that he may continue to guide God’s people with wisdom, courage, and humility.

Let us pray...

Merciful Jesus, You revealed Your glory through the Cross, and Your love through Your mercy. Teach us to trust in You, especially in moments of fear and uncertainty. Draw us away from all that leads us from Your truth, and keep us close to Your heart.

Make us instruments of Your mercy to the forgotten, the suffering, and the lost. Bless our Holy Father, the Pope, and guide Your Church in unity and peace. May we live each day in harmony with You, faithful,humble, and full of trust. Amen.

___________________________
Reflection from Clarenz Penequito
Faculty, Benilde Senior High School

Forty years is not simply time remembered, it is fidelity lived, day after day, in ways often unseen yet deeply transformative.

On this 40th anniversary of your Reception of the Holy Habit, Br. Michael Valenzuela Fsc, we honor not only a moment in the past, but a lifelong yes that has endured through prayer, presence, and quiet service. What was once received as a sign has become a life fully given.

In a world drawn to what is visible, your vocation reminds us that what truly lasts is formed in faithfulness, the steady offering of oneself to God and to the mission.

We give thanks for who you have become: a Brother whose life witnesses to God’s enduring call and sustaining grace. May that same grace continue to renew you, and may your journey remain a gentle yet powerful invitation for others to trust in the beauty of a life given to God.

Live, Jesus, in our hearts forever!