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A Catholic Prayer Meeting of the LIGHT OF JESUS FAMILY September 30, 2012
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WE call Heaven Paradise. And when we go to Palawan, or Boracay, or Bohol, we also say, Were in Paradise. But do you know what is Gods Paradise? St. Alphonsus Ligouri answers that question. He says, The heart of man is the paradise of God. Wow. Let me share with you a personal experience One morning, I was singing an old worship song to God. It went this way: Youre the love of my life, youre the joy of my morning, youre the song of my heart, and I will praise your holy name. After singing it, I kept quiet. Thats when I heard God whisper to my IN THIS ISSUE heart, Bo, may I sing you a song? I heard God sing the SAME song to meHe just changed a few words. He sang, Youre the love of my life, youre the joy of my morning, youre the song of my heart, and I will love you all my life Heres what I believe: We sing to God when we go to the Feast. But God sings to you non-stop, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. God is telling you, You dont know how valuable you are to me. You dont know how special you are to me. Youre a person of POWERFUL WORSHIP. Bro. Didoy Lubaton (left) and great worth! So great, I gave up everything on the Cross for you. Bro. JB Rodriguez rock the Feast during Worship, before the talk on Power by Bro. Bo Sanchez You are Gods Paradise. (See pages 2-3). You give God pleasure. Today, youll learn how to worship God. Today, youll learn how to relax in His love. Enjoy! May your dreams come true,
Today, I receive all of Gods love for me. Today, I open myself to the unbounded, limitless, overflowing abundance of Gods universe. Today, I open myself to Gods blessings, healing, and miracles. Today, I open myself to Gods Word So I would become More like Jesus every day. Today, I proclaim that I am Gods beloved, I am Gods servant, I am Gods powerful champion. And because I am blessed, I am blessing the world. In Jesus name. Amen.
BO SANCHEZ PS. Next week, well start our brand new KERYGMA POWER. Sis. Chelle Crisanto announces series titled Rewards. I promise you: Youll love it too. Itll spark a spiritual revolution in bonus gifts for those signing up for Kerygma Conference 2012. Whats in store for you? your soul.
(See pages 4-5). -- Photos by Ramel Robles
ELS
LAST WEEK
BRO. Bo Sanchez talked on Power, the third topic in the series Money, Sex, and Power. Bro. Bo said God has given us power. We have power over people, or call it influence. Bro. Bo presented the meaning of power through a story in Matthew 20:20-26 where the mother of Zebedees sons asks Jesus to allow one son to sit at Jesus right and the other at his left in His kingdom. And Jesus answers, Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Bro. Bo said power is all about loving people. God wants us to use power exclusively for love. Bro. Bo pointed out that there are two sources of stress in our life: 1. When you try to control things that are not under your control. The best way to overcome this stress is to surrender to God things we cannot control. 2. When you do not control that which are under your control. We need to take charge, use our power to take responsibility over the things that are entrusted to us by God. Bro. Bo then presented five sources of Power: 1. Power can come from position. If youre a congressman, or doctor, or manager, or policeman, or parish pastoral council president, even baranggay tanod, youve got power. If youre a father or mother, youve got power over your kids (not control but influence). If youre an uncle or auntie or godparent, youve got power over your nephews or nieces. 2. Power can come from popularity. If youre an actor, or a diva, or a comedian, or a basketball star, or a boxing champion, youve got power. If youre popular, youre a role model, whether you like it or not. 3. Power can come from peso. Remember the golden rule? He who has the gold, makes the rules. If youre rich, even if youre not the official leader, youll have tremendous influence over others. 4. Power can come from physique. If youre taller, or bigger, or stronger, or sexier, or prettier, you have power. 5. Power can come from proficiency. If youre more talented, more intelligent, more gifted, you have power. But,Bro. Bo pointed out, God isnt impressed by all these. He added that instead, God looks at the heart. And He looks for real power there.
The Power in Us
Bro. Bo also shared three things about power today: 1. Power is limited. You cannot abuse power. You have to respect the limits of your power or you destroy others, Bro. Bo said. He warned against abuse of power-- which is most common in family life: A few parents abuse their power over their children. They abuse them emotionally, verbally, and sometimes, physically. He also warned that power can destroy you. He pointed as an example Gollum in the movie, Lord of the Rings. He was once known as Smeagol, a simple man with no power. But he finds the ring which gives him great power, and that power makes him a monster. Power can also make you drunk. Power is like alcohol. It can bring out the worst in you. In Lord of the Rings, the most powerful man turns out to be Frodo. He has an inner strength stemming from his humility, honesty, and selflessness. 2. Power is Temporary. Power has an expiry date, Bro. Bo said. If you use power beyond its expiry date, its like food that has turned into poison. It will kill you. 3. Power should be exclusive. Bro. Bo pointed to the example of Jesus who used His power to serve. And all throughout history, there have been many godly men and women who have used their power to serve, he added. Jesus asks us to do the same. To be able to use our power the right way, Bro. Bo said we must have the heart of a shepherd. He then enumerated the traits of a shepherd: 1. Satisfied. A leader is corrupted by power because he comes from deep insecurity. He doesnt like himself and so will grab power to fill the
inner wound of his heart, Bro. Bo said. So a leader must be content with what he has. He says often, The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want. 2. Selfless. Bro. Bo said humility isnt about thinking lowly about yourself; Humility is simply not thinking of yourself. 3. Sacrificial. Jesus said, I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11). Real leaders sacrifice for others, Bro. Bo said. Bro. Bo particularly spoke to parents and presented to them 3 Phases of Parenting: Phase 1: Controller. Until their kids are10 years old, parents need to be a controller, to guide their children. Phase 2: Coach. When the kids hit their teens, parentsrole now is to encourage, exhort, and edify. Phase 3: Consultant. When the kids move to their 20s and 30s, especially when they get married, parents should just be consultants. Youre there as a presence of love and support to them, but youre no longer there to tell them what to do, Bro. Bo said. Bro. Bo also shared the teaching on leadership by Lao Tzu who said there are four kinds of leaders: 1. The Leader That People Hate 2. The Leader That People Fear 3. The Leader That People Praise 4. The Leader That People Dont Notice This leader is rare, Bro. Bo said. He empowers others because he believes that they can be better than him. He always sees himself as a John the Baptist, preparing the organization for someone greater than him. His attitude: The person coming after me will be greater than I am. As Lao Tzu says, A leader is best when people barely know he exists; When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: We did it ourselves. -- Mary Joy O. Acabado Photo by Ramel Robles
REFLECTIONS
LAST June, I got a call from my buddy John telling me that Mark*, one of our school mates, was confined in a hospital and in need of financial help immediately. I was like, What happened? Tuberculosis, John said. Mark was a year younger than me. We were in the same school organization. But when everyone else finds a job, communication becomes seldom. I just heard things about him through John because they both work in Makati. We raised funds for Mark and then John and I went to visit him in the hospital. As we entered the hospitals Tuberculosis section, we were required to wear a mask. Mixed feelings of paranoia and sympathy crept all over me as I saw
agonizing patients all over the place. Then there was Mark- so frail, hardly moving. Blisters dotted his mouth, he could hardly speak. The moment he saw me, he cried and reached out for my hand. I held his hand-- the only way I could express that I was there for him. John kept mumbling encouraging words to him. We didnt stay long. Marks mother, the only one taking care of him, escorted us to the Lobby and revealed to us Marks real condition. Hes HIV positive, she said. Mark was a homosexual and a call center agent. I never thought hed abuse himself, living a worldly lifestyle. If only Id known earlier, I might have done something to save him. But its too late.
He died last July, his birth month, at the age of 24. He didnt make it to his birthday. I thought a lot about Mark as I listened to Bro. Bo Sanchez preaching about Sex-- that sex could be the best or worst experience we could have. We could make sex clean or dirty. Its our choice. As I write this, the song of American rock band The Fray, titled How To Save a Life, played in my mind: Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend. Somewhere along in the bitterness. And I would have stayed up with you all night. Had I known how to save a life. *Names were changed.
THE FEAST September 30, 2012
MINISTRIES
ITS been a year since Kerygma Conference 2011, but the memories are engraved in the heart of everyone who attended the leading Catholic learning event in the country. Who can tell the true joy and true blessings of the event? Of course, all the people who worked behind the scene, all who committed their time, talents, and treasures just to deliver the vision and mission of the Kerygma Conference. Kerygma Conference offered a stream for those discerning their calling-- whether they are called for Single Blessedness, the road less travelled. Behind the success of the Single Blessedness stream was a dynamic team composed of brilliant, selfless men and women who lovingly embraced the challenge, the hard work, the joy of serving the Lord. I had the honor of leading the team composed of Rowena Mallari, Angel Santos, Kate Yamson, Chris Chua, Joel Sta. Ana, Maynard Francisco, Riza De Guzman, Aezer Cajegas, and Lou Lim, with the great pastoral care of Sis.Vita Monforte and Sis. Beckie Sanchez. They are glorious treasures of Heaven as they gave their all for the glory of God.
SINGLE BLESSEDNESS TREASURES, clockwise from top: members of the dynamic team; Carlo Lorenzo hosting the event; the Production team and members of the Music Ministry, standing from left: Maynard, Ogos, Chris, Angel, Joel; seated from left: Kate, Riza, Rowena, Pearl, and Eline.
Answered Questions
As a young person, I always felt bombarded by situations that constantly make me ask myself: Is this right? Is this wrong? Is By BETHANY ANNE P. DECHAVEZ this normal? Is this tolerable? Sometimes the answers to those questions are obvious. But EEEEE! I wanted to scream. I could not sometimes the answers are blurry as the thin hide my excitement. It was my first time to line between right from wrong becomes more attend the Kerygma Conference. I wanted fuzzy-- as values in our society change from to capture every moment as perfectly as time to time. possible. So I tried to make a mental note of The lessons that I learned from the everything the fashion show, the car exhibit, talks and the wisdom to be able to apply the awesome band that was performing. I wanted to memorize everything and I wished them in my life were some of the best parts of my experience in Kerygma Conference that my mind had a built-in video camera so I could just replay the scene in my head over Youth Stream 2011. But my favorite and most unforgettable part was when I held my and over again. head high and with my arms opened wide, Well, I could watch it again in mind, I surrendered my dreams to God. It was not but not as vividly as I intended it to be. I easy for me to do that because my dreams knew most of the details would be scraped were very important to me. Also, I was off my memory, so I listened with my heart, also hesitant to hand my dreams over keeping there the lessons that the speakers to God because during that year, I were imparting to me. It felt great to learn experienced a lot of trials as a student and re-learn values like humility, optimism, and even though I learned so much from and purity.
those trials, I did not want to walk that path again. But I knew I had to do it, so I took a step into the unknown and opened my heart to God. I had no idea where God would lead me and if I would have to fall again before I reach my dreams. But I knew, then, that wherever God leads me, is where He wants me to be; and where God wants me to be is the perfect place for me to shine His light to others.
PHOTO OP. Kim (2nd from left) in various poses at the Single Blessedness photo booth, with other participants, from left: Rhoda Osalvo, Joy Nacuray, and Dave Apalla.
Q and A
When I finally learned to let go, God orchestrated what to me is His Big Reveal. I am now short of four months away from getting married. I am more happy to be altarbound, not because I was escaping a fear of being alone, but because I am fulfilling His calling. God changed my restlessness to openness. He made me see how wide the channels of happiness are. It does not matter which state of life you live. How you live it is what matters. I learned to appreciate and honor those who have embraced their consecrated life, those who have discovered the richness of the solo state, those who have discerned their life mission and courageously answered its call. Each of the participants of the Kerygma Conference 2011 Single Blessedness stream was pampered by Gods special embrace: from the red carpet entrance, to glamorous hall ambience, to ardent worship and music, to empowering talks, to insightful ministry time activity, down to the fun photo booth sessions and fellowship. Every one of us experienced growth, grace, and glory! This years offer of Single Blessedness stream excites me. God will surely be working miracles again to a lot of persons. He will pacify the restless. He will embrace the single to be fully blessed. He will make each champion arise. Some people may tell you, thats an impossible vow to take. But Someone else is telling you, you are a champion. And because you are a champion, champions change the world.
BLESSING LEARNED L Iwhen I was into drink and smoke my early years in high school. As a teenager, I hardly O went to church. I didnt talk about anyone. I dealt G my problems toalone, downed with with my issues I graduated from S alcohol. Afteroccupied by may high school,
addictions, I didnt go to college for a year. When I finally decided to enter college, I enrolled for a degree as Bachelor of Science in Maritime Transportation. And part of my curriculum was bar hopping. Oh, I quit smoking, but continued drinking. I jumped from one fling to another. I even had a mutual understanding with someone for weeks. We had a movie date and watched The Amnesia Girl. The next day I was surprised to find out through Facebook that her relationship status suddenly became in a relationship-with somebody else. She disappeared just like that. Losing Miss Amnesia Girl, plus my activities as a Student Council officer, and the upcoming exams stressed me out. I called some friends for a drinking session, got my dads motorcycle, and zoomed to four bars in Cavite and Las Pias. After all the fun and my attempts to forget my problems, we decided to go home. I hesitated to wear my helmet then finally, I decided not to. I simply didnt care. I didnt want to think anymore. Drunk and hard-hearted, I drove down the dark highway. Then it happened. I saw images of my family... I felt an exhale of cold breath... and nothing more. I woke up with blood all over me. I touched my face and I could feel ripped off flesh. Broken pieces of glass stuck in my skull. Then, my friend arrived. Later he would tell me that he saw me speeding away. He knew I was in no condition to drive my motorcycle, so he followed me. I saw you slam against the central island, he told me. And as the motorcycle crashed, your body spun to the other lane! He checked my pulse and he said he couldnt feel a beat. Incredibly, though, I was able to stand up and pick up my tattered motorcycle to drive myself to the hospital. No! my friend said. Dont move. Youre injured! You know, the next thing I did? I punched my friend. Must have been adrenaline rush that allowed me to do that. I didnt feel any
SCARFACE
RENEWED, from top: Jose (right) with Bro. Bo Sanchez and friend Mark Macaraeg during Kerygma Conference 2011; 2nd row, from left: with co-servants at Feast Cavite; giving a talk before students of Paco Catholic School; 3rd row, from left: giving another talk at Calaruega, Nasugbu, Batangas; and sharing at Feast Cavite.
pain. You see, only my face was injured. No damage on my body. So, I was able to jump on my motorcycle and drive myself to a hospital. I sustained 42 stitches all over my face. After the surgery, the doctor told me, Its a miracle you survived. I didnt think much about the doctors comment. Life went on after the accident. Until one day, our religion professor told us about the Feast in Cavite.
He said hed exempt us from attending one of our classes, on one condition: that we would attend the Feast in Cavite. Some 20 of my classmates and schoolmates agreed to go. Since it was a lazy Sunday, I joined the group. At first, I found the Feast boring. I was like, This is not my thing. But as the preacher talked on stage, I somehow felt he was directly talking to me. I remember the talk was about forgiveness.
And the preacher goes, Its not an accident that you are here! Now, that hit me big time! I continued to attend the Feast. I was the only one left from the original 20 challenged by our teacher to attend the Feast. Listening to the talks, I got to know myself more and then I realized how great God is. I began to believe that I was really not there by accident. God wanted me to be there. I understood that I had more blessings than problems. Of late, my family and friends have noticed a change in me. They said I now wear a smile and mingle a lot. I recently joined a Caring Group which has helped me take out the trash within me. I now view my problems as challenges. I could now say that Im stronger, wiser-- yes, a better person. I decided to stop drinking. One time, I attended a birthday party of a friend. And the guys goaded me to have a beer. I said, No, thank you. Next thing I knew, they were pouring beer on my head. Did I get mad? Surprisingly, no. Ive changed, all right. Right now, I happily serve as a singer in the Feast Cavite Music Ministry. I look forward to Gods words through the Mass. I could still remember that during my younger years, I never attended any retreat or recollection. But now, to my surprise, I do give talks together with my fellow servants in retreats and recollections, sharing what God has done to my life. I graduated from college and I graduated from my old habits as well. I share to whoever cares to listen my past-- and I tell them they dont need to experience a horrible accident to embrace change. I tell them that they dont need to undergo trials to get the lesson, because it would be great if they can learn lifes lessons from other people-- like me. I show them my scarred face, because this is a symbol of the turning point in my life and also a symbol of Gods love for me. Yes, it sometimes takes a painful situation to change us and tests are repeated until the lesson is learned. God loves us for who we are. His acceptance is enough for us to realize our worth. God wants me to rewrite my story. He wants me to change the meaning that was attached to the negative events that happened in my life. I cant erase the past but I can change its meaning. God will use these experiences for something wonderful because He wants me to be a better person each passing day. Nothing or no one can separate me from my love for God. Not my past, my sins, and my mistakes. I believe that scars will turn into stars that will bless the world.
Oh, Yes!
How did he guess what was on my mind? I must admit, at the time, I needed to make a big decision in my life. I had to take one big step and I needed some help on how to go about it. Then, ladies carrying baskets stood in front, below the stage. I saw people writing
on white envelops. Hmmm, that was what the envelop for. So I wrote on my envelop too-- questions that bothered me, a decision I had to make. One week after, I received a call: a job offer. A job that wont require me to leave my kids and my husband-- but still provide my desired salary! You see, I was torn between accepting an offer to work in the Middle East and earn hefty dinars and staying here, with my family, without income. Those were the questions I wrote on my white envelope. Answered! Now, I am here in the big city once again for my job training and while Im here, I see to it that my Sunday is exclusively for Him...at the Feast. One more week and Im back to my province and I believe that the four Sundays I was at the Feast was worth a new life, a new direction, a new plan, and a changed me.
Got One More Miracle? A mysterious, inexplicable experiencea miracle God has allowed to happen to let you know He loves you? Share! Email your article with your picture to feasteditor@gmail.com.
UPDATE By MIA FRANZ CATAN Feast Hong Kong What: 2nd Year Anniversary Celebration w/guest preacher George Gabriel Where: 5/F Caritas Community Hall, 2 Caine Rd Hong Kong When: October 23, 2012 at 2:30-5:30 p.m. UP Campus Feast What: Games. Kantahan. Inspirational Talk. Kainan. Where: Balay Kalinaw, UP Campus When: Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. Feast New Jersey What: We are working on our desire to have The Feast in Southwest New Jersey. Inform your relatives now! When: We look forward to start The Feast in New Jersey very soon. Where: Woodbury and West Deptford, Southwest New Jersey, USA Call 732-678-6935 or email njfeast@gmail.com
EDMUNDO SANTIAGO Chief Photographer CRIS LEGASPI Assistant Chief Photographer ROSALYN ALBERTO GERALD GONZALES JAMES MORRISON RAMEL ROBLES ALEX UY YCO Photographers JAMES BARDOS CES GONZALES AILEEN GRACE ALVAREZ SHOJI MERIS Reporters JOEL ESTRELLA Chief Artist JANELLA IBAY DON FRONDOSO Assistant Artists MEMBERSHIP: KIM PAMPLONA Head ARLENE BATISLAONG Assistant Head FINANCE: JANE IBAY Head CHICHI BARBA Assistant Head
The FEAST, published by the Light of Jesus Family, is distributed during The Feast by the Manila Bay, a weekly prayer gathering of the Light of Jesus held at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, every Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.,10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The FEAST holds office at The Lighthouse, 60 Chicago St., Quezon City, with telephone numbers 725-9999, and email address feasteditor@gmail.com.