i YAHWEH ang

Official monthly publication of the Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community– San Pablo District
December 2008

Solo Parents (SP) Program launched with

SP Encounter Weekend #1

T
he first ever-Solo Parents
Encounter (SPE) Weekend of
the BLD San Pablo District
was launched last 7-9
November 2008 at the
TREES inside the UPLB College of
Forestry and Natural Resources. Inasmuch
as this was the first for the District, the
community, led by the District Council of
Stewards (DCS), members of the District
Leaders Conference (DLC), and volunteers
from the South Sector sponsored the SPE
retreat.

The holding of the retreat was made

possible with the invaluable assistance and
direction of the weekend’s pastoral team
from the Solo Parents Ministry of the BLD
Manila District led by LIZA
PANTILLANO, IPE DIMAN, BETCHIT SISON and
AURORA YABUT. The spiritual team of Fr. THOR
VILLACARLOS, District spiritual director, Fr. MARDI
MALIGAT, and Rev. FREDERICK OBCEMIA, a deacon
recently assigned to STCJP, gave the talks.
The SPE class #1, dubbed the Orchid class, has sixteen
members. ALICE ARAGONES, herself a widow and a
graduate of SPE (Manila District) retreat, has been tapped to
shepherd the Orchid class. The class is composed of single
mothers, mothers separated from their spouses, widows, a
widower, and spouses of overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
They are: JOANA LINGAO, ROSS ATIENZA, GAYE
AGAGAD, CEL AGAPITO, JUSTINO CINCO, SUSAN
FERNANDEZ, JOANNE OPLE, IRES PASTRANA,
RICHELE OLINO, JOSEPHINE SEGUERRA, ARLENE
GONZALES, GENNI PAGKALIWAGAN, BUENA
PARALA, MARIE JANE EUSEBIO, APOLONIA
TALATALA, and ANGELINA EPINO. The Pastoral Team
with the DCS and care circle facilitators discerned the class
coordinators as follows: APOLONIA TALATALA, SU SAN
FERNANDEZ, JOANNE OPLE and BUENA PARALA.
The District has also organized the Solo Parents Ministry
for the South sector to attend to the pastoral needs of the
Orchid class and to guide them through their formation that
includes the sponsorship of the second SPE sometime in
November 2009. The DCS has tapped BEN and ALICE
CAPIRAL to serve as couple coordinators of the ministry. The
couple organized and hosted the first reunion of the Orchid
class held at Cahbriba, where 14 of the 16 members were able
to attend.
As can be gleaned from the sharing and profile of the
participants during the reunion, the phenomena of solo parents
has been on the rise, abetted by the increasing number of
OFWs, and where an increasing number of families are being
raised by solo parents and young single mothers. The District,
in organizing the Solo Parents Encounters and Ministry,
addresses this emerging segment of our community that needs
support -- to empower and spiritually equip them to overcome
the challenges they face as they raise their families single-
handedly and move on with their lives. (Vini Cadiz)

Also inside…
Awaken the Miracle in Me: The 2008 Kerygma Conference Experience…2; Kwentong Sayawan...3; The
Message of Christmas…3; From the Editors...4; What’s in store for BLD-SPD in 2009...4; Mission of Love:
Dine, Dance, Reach Out...5; Twelve Days of Christmas...6; A Message for SPE Class No. 1...6; Love
Unlimited…7; Tol, Sandali Lang…7; Word, Order, Theme and Promises for the Month of December...8;
Calendar of Activities…8.
 Awaken the Miracle in Me:
The 2008 Kerygma Conference Experience
I
praise and thank God for allowing me to take
part in one of the Philippines largest and
biggest Catholic learning and healing events
of the year – the Kerygma Conference 2008.
With the theme, “Awaken the Miracle in
You”, the conference was held at the Philsports Arena in
Pasig City (formerly Ultra) last Nov. 29 to 30, 2008. The
two-day conference truly inspired and awakened the
miracle in me as I listened to the series of talks of power-
packed speakers. I felt like an empty vessel being filled up
with blessings and miracles that God has in store for me
on that one spirit-filled weekend.
The conference kicked off with praise and worship led
by Carl Fontanilla, an executive in a coal mining company
and the presiding elder of the Light of Jesus, the prayer
community founded by Bo Sanchez. This was followed by
a concelebrated Mass with the Bishop of Pasig, Francisco
C. San Diego, D.D., as the Main Celebrant. Bishop San
Diego was assisted by Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL, an
Australian cleric who also serves as the parish priest of St.
Benedict in Don Antonio Heights, Quezon City and the
spiritual director of the Light of Jesus Community and Fr.
Bill Halbing, parish priest of St. Andrews Parish in
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A., and assistant head shepherd
of the Alliance of Filipino Catholic Charismatic Prayer
Community (AFCCPC).
Right after a short break the series of talks began.
There were six renowned speakers during the first day,
namely: Bo Sanchez (Don’t Be afraid to Ask and Sow in
Time of Famine), Fr. Bill Harbing (Prophesy Your Future
and Proclaim Who You Are), Arun Gogna (Bless Your
Loved Ones), Alvin Barcelon (Champion Your Trials)
and Obet Cabrillas (Take out the Trash). Bo
Sanchez is a much sought-after preacher
and best –selling author of more
than 15 inspirational books.
He was a
recipient of the
Serviam
Award at the
2007 Catholic
Mass Media Awards and was
named as one of The Outstanding
Young Men of 2006. Arun Gogna is a
Sandigan December 2008
by Aris Buenavidez, Single's Ministry
funny and insightful preacher, works
full-time in his ministry. He
recently gave a teaching on
praise and
worship at
STCJP.
Alvin
Barcelon is
a
folksinger- turned-
preacher and has a monthly
show on NBN-4 titled “Nakita Ko”
and two (2) radio programs on Radio
Veritas. Obet Cabrillas, a popular speaker in youth
gatherings is also a government employee, a powerful
preacher and current spiritual director of Youth Mission for
Parishes and Churches (YMPACT).
The afternoon session started with a worship led by
Adrian Panganiban, a former teen idol in Philippines
show business, now serves the Lord by preaching, singing
and producing concerts. He continues to inspire people to
serve God and have faith in the miracles that He has in
store for everyone.
The first day of the conference was capped with a
Special Prayer Session led by Jon Escoto, mission
director for FAMILIA (a nationwide parish movement for
the evangelization of families) and a corporate training
consultant.
Just like any other charismatic gathering, which begins
and ends with a prayer, the second day of the conference
opened with a worship led by Fr. Joseph Skelton, an
American missionary based in Bohol. Truly his spirit-filled
worship awakened the fire in people’s heart with his
powerful singing voice.
The conference culminated in the celebration Holy
Eucharist as it was also the for First Sunday of
Advent. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Steve
Tynan, and the homily was given by Fr. Bill Habling.
One of the highlights of the conference was the healing
session led by Bro. Bob Canton, a native of Cebu who
migrated to the United States. He is the national
coordinator of the Alliance of Filipino Catholic Charismatic
Prayer Communities (AFCCPC) and the representative of
(Continued on page 6...AWAKEN)
Page 2
KWENTONG SAYAWAN
Baby Let’s Dance!!! November 15, 2008. Grabe
kapatid, ang saya! Ang sarap din pala na sumayaw kahit na
medyo kumakalog na ang ilan sa mga turnilyo ng nagkaka-
edad nating katawan. Para bang bumalik sa aking ala-ala ang
mga panahon ng “Disco”, yun bang panahon ni John Travolta
at “Saturday Night Fever”. Pagpasok mo palang sa Grand
Ballroom ng Mernel’s Place na nasa ikatlong palapag ay
sasalubungin ka na ng mga tugtuging disco, jazz, modern cha-
cha, at iba pang ballroom music na hihila sa iyo para sumayaw.
Mga dancing lights, strobe lights at kung anu-ano pang mga
kumukutitap na ilaw ang nagpapaikot-ikot sa buong dance
floor. Kaya siguro ang ilan sa mga bisita natin ng gabing iyon
ay ‘di na nakatiis na sumabak agad ng sayaw kahit na ang iba
ay nagsisimula pa lamang na kumain. Alas-8:30 pa lamang ay The members of the Mission Apostolate Parish Services led by
nakita ko na si Msgr. Castillo ng Pila, Laguna na bumirit na Danny/Lala Atienza are all smiles as they have their picture
ng cha-cha. Ang galing niya, talagang may-K ika nga ni Korina taken along the grand staircase of Mer-Nel’s Place during the
Sanchez. Hindi naman nagpahuli si Tita Edith Orillo ng successful Baby Let’s Dance Fundraising Event held on
magsimula na ang group dance na LA Walk, sa pangunguna ng November 15, 2008.
mga inimbitahan natin na mga “Dance Instructors”.
Haay naku, siguro nabawasan si Tita Edith ng mga 12lbs
sa gabing ‘yun (pero ‘di nagsayaw si Tito Nonon). Marami din fun, laughing, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Kaya
ang dumalo na hindi natin kasama sa BLD at maging sila ay siguro ang Panginoong Hesus, noong nandito pa siya sa ating
enjoy na enjoy sa pagsasayaw at sa masarap na pagkain na mundo, eh mahilig ding mag-attend ng mga party. Masaya
inihanda nila Tito Nelson at Tita Merle Balicao ng Mernel’s. pala… Sayang, Kapatid wala ka dun ng gabi ng Baby Let’s
Ito ay isang patunay lamang na ang mga naglilingkod sa Dance! ‘Wag kang mag-alala, may kasunod pa! Tiyak yun!
Panginoon ay maari din palang mag-aliw sa pamamagitan ng (Danny Atienza)
ganitong mga gawain. Sabi nga ni Ric Warren sa kanyang libro P.S. A similar fundraising event was held last November
na Purpose Driven Life, anything that is pleasing to God is 23, 2008 at the Mater Ecclesiae School in San Pedro,
Worshipping God”. The Good Lord must have been very Laguna organized by the BLD-North Sector (see photos
pleased that evening, seeing His children dancing, having on page 5)-eds.

The Message of Christmas

A
father and his small son were walking down
the streets of a city in a time of war. The child
noticed a small flag with a star on it in windows
of certain homes and asked his father what it
meant.

“Son,” explained the father, “this means that a father had

a son who gave his life for his country.” Impressed, the
little fellow noticed home after home where one or more
stars hung on a flag in the window. Finally the sun began
to set and twilight soon turned into dusk. The evening
star began to shine with a brilliant radiance. Noticing the
star, the little boy exclaimed, “Oh look, Daddy. There is a
star in God’s window. He must have given a son too.”
righteousness? The greatest gift you can give the 'Holy
And that is the message of Christmas. God loved and One' this Christmas is yourself, dedicated to serving Him
God gave us His only Son that we might be brought back in 'holiness' and righteousness... all the days of your life.
into fellowship with the Father.
May this Christmas find us ever ready to provide Jesus a
This first chapter of Luke's Gospel, which gives us the warm and welcoming manger in our hearts.
surrounding circumstances of our Savior's birth, is satu-
rated in holiness, a fitting preparation for the miraculous A blessed Christmas to all!
incarnation of the Son of God, the Holy One of Israel!
Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as you personal
Savior? If you have, are you serving Him in 'holiness' and From your District Council of Stewards
Sandigan December 2008 Page 3
 still goes from heart to heart asking
From the Editors… if He can enter. Perhaps this
Christmas will be the perfect time
“We don’t have room for you”. These were for us to once again look into our
probably the words spoken by the innkeeper to Mary hearts and see if there is still room
and Joseph when they were in desperate need for a for Christ. For some of us who will
place where Mary could give birth. So when Jesus welcome Him...for those of us who
was born, His mother wrapped Him in swaddling will open the door of his/her heart
clothes and laid Him in a manger. and invite Him to stay...and for those
Today, 2000 years later, there are still millions of of us who will strive to make room for Him in our
people who have no room for Jesus. Although they hearts...there is that promise that we will find love,
actively participate in the festivities and merry- joy, peace, encouragement and hope. Then and
making of the season, the “NO VACANCY” sign only then shall we be able to fully grasp the true
hangs at the door of their hearts. They have meaning of Christmas.
completely forgotten that Christ was born one May Christ find a room in our hearts not only this
Christmas morning because of God’s immeasurable Yuletide season but throughout the coming year.
love for mankind. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
But then despite the countless rejections, Jesus Nel and Kim Bantayan

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE BLD-SPD IN 2009?

During the BLD-SPD Planning Workshop held in October 2008 at the Dynamic Bank, Bgy. Pansol, Calamba,
Laguna, attended by the District Council of Stewards and District Leaders Conference, the following activities have
been mapped out and dates for these activities have been set. However, the venues for some of these activities will
be announced later. We are all exhorted to calendar these activities and to support them in whatever way we can.
For now, we are providing you with the schedule of activities for the first quarter of 2009. We have also included the
discipling sessions for the benefit of our Aspirants and Disciplers. The year 2009 will surely be another hectic year in
the service of our Lord.

BLD-SPD CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES 2009 (JAN.-APRIL)

MONTH WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4
8 January (Thursday): 17-18 Jan. (Sat.-Sun): Inner 25 Jan. (Sunday): CMP
JAN. Joint Eucharistic Healing and Transformation 2 Part 2 (Service
Celebration, STCJP, Track)-BLD North
Los Baños, Laguna 18 Jan. (Sunday):CMP 2 Part Sector
4 Jan. (Sunday): 1 (Service Track)-BLD
Disciplers- North Sector 31 Jan. (Saturday):
Community 1 Discipler’s Fellowship
with CSL and DCS

31 Jan.-1Feb.: Youth
Encounter, Mulanay,
Quezon
7 Feb. (Saturday): 8 Feb. (Sunday): 15 Feb. (Sunday): Encounter 27-28 Feb. & March 1:
FEB. Discipling Session 1 Encounter with Jesus with Jesus (North) MEW # 39 (North),
(South) Sponsoring Class-ME #
21 Feb. (Saturday): 34
14 Feb. (Saturday): Discipling Session 3
Discipling Session 2
7-8 March (Sat. & Discipling Session 4 Christian Witnessing March 28: Discipling
MARCH Sunday): Youth LSS/ Session 5
Encounter (Pila) 20-22 March: ME 40 Pila,
Bay & Calauan
4-5 April (Saturday- HOLY WEEK April 18 (Saturday): 24-26 Apr.: MEW # 42
APRIL Sunday): BBS Part 1 Discipling Session 6 (North)
and Part 2
18-19 April (Sat.-Sunday):
BBS Part 1 and Part 2, Apad,
Quezon

18 Apr. (Saturday):
Discipling Session
(Community 3 with ITL)

Sandigan December 2008 Page 4

 MISSION OF LOVE: DINE, DANCE,
REACH OUT

L ast Sunday, November 23, 2008, the "Mission of Love" fund raising program for the Mission Homestead of
the BLD-San Pablo District North Sector was held at the Mater Ecclesiae School in San Pedro, Laguna. The
activity started with the doxology followed by an audio visual presentation of the Mission Homestead
activities. A music band was hired and provided great songs and music to the delight of everyone who attended the
event. While having dinner, the band was joined by our very own Luan Florido and Obong Porsovigan. They made
great music together, and then it was dancing until curtain call. The night was marked by unity and camaraderie (see
above photos). To God be the Glory! (Mike/Azel Pulgar)

Sandigan December 2008 Page 5


12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS?
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.
Have you ever wondered about THE TWELVE DAYS OF
CHRISTMAS? What in the world do leaping lords, french
hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who
won't come out of the pear tree have to
do with Christmas?
Today, I found out.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics
in England were not permitted to practice
their faith openly. Someone during that
era wrote this carol as a catechism song
for young Catholics. It has two levels of
meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning
known only to members of their church. Each element in
the carol has a code word for a Catholic reality, which the
children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew,
TOL...continued from page 7
mag-alay ng kanyang buhay para sa ikatutubos ng
marami.” (Marcos 10: 45). Si Hesus mismo ang nagsabi
nito at alam nating natupad. Hindi lang iyon. Kapansin-
pansing ang pagbali ng (kanyang) likod ay naging literal.
Mahal tayo ng Diyos kaya may pasko. At ang
pag-ako Niya sa sala natin ang nakapaloob sa
pagmamahal na ito. Naglingkod Siya sa atin. Binali ang
kanyang likod. At sa isang paraan ng pagsasalita ay
masasabing hanggang ngayon ay naglilingkod pa rin Siya
sa atin sa pagbibigay ng mga biyaya araw-araw. Siya
lamang ang gumagawa nito para sa atin. Siya ang Diyos,
ang haring mapaglingkod. Kaya naman, bilang kanyang
mga taga-sunod, ang dapat ay mabuhay tayo sa
paglilingkod sapagkat kailangang matulad ang alagad sa
kanyang guro at ang alipin sa kanyang panginoon
(Mateo 10:25). Kailangang paglingkuran natin ang mga
pinakahamak sapagkat anuman ang gawin natin para sa
kanila ay sa Panginoon natin ginawa (Mateo 25: 40).
‘Tol, ngayong pasko, madama nawa ng
pinakahamak sa ating mga kapatid ang mapagmahal na
haplos ng Diyos sa pamamgitan ng ating tunay na
pagllilingkod, ng ating tapat na paghahandog ng sarili
sa kanila.
Isang mapagpalang pasko po sa lahat!
OUR APOLOGIES
In the November issue of Sandigan, Tito Ben and Tita Alice Capiral
were inadvertently named as the Incoming Class Shepherds of the
Solo Parent Encounter Class No. 1. Tito Ben and Tita Alice Capiral
were recently appointed as the Couple Coordinator of the newly
formed ministry—the Solo Parent Ministry of the BLD-San Pablo
District. We also missed the name of Tita Alice Aragones who
unselfishly accepted her new role as the class shepherd of SPE Class
No.1. To these three stalwarts of the BLD Community, we express
our sincerest apologies– eds.
Sandigan December 2008
Mark, Luke, and John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or law, the five
books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts
of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,
Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and
Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight
beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of
the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience,
Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,
Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful
disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve
points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
I now know how that strange song became a Christmas
Carol…
(Source: http://www.appleseeds.org/12_days-christmas.htm)
AWAKEN...continued from page 2
the U.S. and the Caribbean to the International Catholic
Charismatic Renewal Service (ICCRS) in Vatican.
Everyone who attended the conference got the
chance to be prayed-over by Bro. Canton assisted by Fr.
Bill. Miracles did happen as the blind see and the lame
walk and many others claimed miraculous healing. Bro.
George Gabriel, one of the core leaders of Singles
Ministry of the SERVIAM Catholic Charismatic
Community, led the worship.
Listening to each and every talk caused the tears to
well in my eyes. Perhaps these were tears of joy that
came with the realization that I am so much blessed and
loved by God. The Conference really awakened the
miracle in me. I was deeply touched, moved and
inspired by the various talks given by the speakers. It
has given me a renewed sense of commitment and I
can’t help myself from crying-out loud, prompting me to
raise my hands to worship Him and saying thank you for
everything. Indeed, what an awesome God we have.
Thank you Lord for everything. !!!
A MESSAGE FOR SOLO PARENT
ENCOUNTER (SPE) CLASS NO. 1-
BLD SA PABLO DISTRICT “ORCHID”:
ENCOUNTER WITH GOD’S LOVE
God is love. He created you and made you out of love.
Without God, life has no purpose, no meaning. “You were in
my care even before you were born” (Isaiah 44:22). To love
and be loved is one of the deepest needs of men and women.
It is the medicine for sickness of the world. Psychologists say
that for a person to experience wellness and wholeness, there
should be at least someone who cares, someone who loves. In
its absence, life is not worth living. The power of God’s love
is one of the most refreshing and consoling feelings one can
ever imagine. In your brokenness and weaknesses, God loves
you unconditionally. Now that you were called to be members
of SPE Class No. 1- “Orchid”, the BLD Covenant Community
are happy to share our love to you all. Thank you for
answering the call! (Tita Belle Villaflor)
Page 6
 Love Unlimited By TJ Monserrat
Forgiveness on Christmas
And my topic for this month's article is all about
forgiveness.
Why is that? It's the Christmas season… and as the
song goes "'tis the season to be jolly… tralalalala…
lalalala…" Why think of forgiveness? What can be the
possible connection between forgiveness and Christmas?
I could have picked any theme: Love, Couples,
Giving… all the happy fuzzy warm good stuff… so why
forgiveness?
Just a "backgrounder": I was attending the first advent
mass for this season, when I thought of this. I was teasing
someone (as for my safety, I will not tell you for now who
this person is) because I saw that person's "better half"
also at the church. Now, they are not in good terms, so to
speak, and that person was a bit "annoyed" at me
because I told that person that I saw "that person's better
half" (whew… better not give the gender also…).
Then it hit me… Everywhere I went… Forums, Plurk,
Multiply, Friendster, Blogs and their comments… there is a
lot of hate going on… Now, I know that writing some of
your rants are, as they say, therapeutic. But a lot of
flaming and bashing and hating… In the government,
media and showbiz… a lot of pointing fingers, issues and
revenge… In the classrooms, office and fastfood chains…
a lot of gossiping, back-stabbing and clan/frat/soro/acad-
org fighting…
There is a lot of bad stuff going on… and so little on
forgiveness… So I guess before everything else… I will
put the limelight on forgiveness in this season of giving, of
happiness, of sharing.
We ask ourselves… have we loved others by forgiving
them of their shortcomings and their actions that hurt us?
Have we ask love from others by asking forgiveness from
our shortcomings and our actions that hurt them?
Yep… I think this month… before the coming of the
Lord, the first Christmas (the second is Easter), we should
learn to forgive… and ask for forgiveness. Who knows,
maybe that burden in your heart… that feeling of
emptiness might be changed and filled with more love
than you can ever imagine.
What better way to get and give gifts… right?
PS: If you have any suggestions on how to help me
improve my articles, please do email me at
tjmonsi@yahoo.com. Or better yet, visit my site at http://
www.tjsthoughts.com and comment. All of my love articles
will be on my other site, http://www.mushylovebug.com
where me and my other co-authors talk and share more
about love.
PS2: This month, December, is my dad's birth month.
Be sure to greet him "a happy birthday" greeting.
Your worst foe lies within yourself
We choose our destiny... Destiny doesn't choose us...
In every negative end of a battery... there's a positive side in
it...-TJ-
Toni-Jan Keith Monserrat
Video Editor, Preacher-apprentice, Love Therapist, Counselor
Instructor 1, ICS-UPLB
email: tjmonsi@yahoo.com
website: http://tjmonsi.multiply.com
blog: http://sperolumina.blogspot.com
Sandigan December 2008
Tol, Sandali lang…
By Wency Alimagno
‘TOL, ilang tulog na lamang, pasko na naman. At
talaga namang kakaiba ang pagdiriwang na ito upang
hindi natin mapansin; makahulugan, masaya at sa at-
ing bansa, napakahaba. Marahil, isa pa sa dahilan kung
bakit nagiging kakaiba ito ay sapagkat ang pagdiri-
wang, kahit dito sa atin, ay sa panahon ng taglamig.
Dahil dito, kapag lumalamig ay naaalaala natin ang
pasko at parang hinahanap-hanap natin, higit sa la-
hat, ang init ng pagtitinginan ng magkakamag-anak,
magkakaibigan at kahit pa nga ng mga payak na mag-
kakakilala lamang. Marahil ay hindi ko kayang ipali-
wanag nang lubos na lubos subalit para sa akin ito ay
pagpapaalaala ng higit na mainit na pagmamahal ng
Diyos sa atin (Juan 3: 16).
SANDALI LANG. Tila natapos na ang ating pag-
uusap. Tapos na nga ba? Hindi pa ‘tol. Ipagpatuloy mo
lang ang pagbabasa.
Pansinin natin ang salitang ‘paglilingkod’. Sa
Tagalog-English Dictionary ni Leo James English, C.
Ss. R., ang kahulugan ng salitang paglilingkod ay
service. Sa Grolier International Dictionary naman,
nakatala ang salitang service bilang the occupation or
duties of a servant. Kapag isinalin po natin sa
tagalog, gawain ng isang alila. Alam natin na walang
ibang gawain ang alila kung hindi ang paglingkuran ang
kanyang panginoon. Sa pinaikling salita, ang gawain ng
alila ay paglilingkod.
Iba’t-iba ang salita ng tao subalit kahit na ganito,
ang bawat salita ay sumasailalim sa kalakaran ng
pagbabago. Sa loob ng daang taon, marami na ang
ipinagbago ang iba’t-ibang salita. Halimbawa: Dito sa
atin, ang kastilang como esta ay nabago at naging
kumusta sa tagalog. Hindi nabago ang kahulugan
subalit nabago hindi lamang ang anyo kung hindi
maging ang paraan ng pagbigkas.
Hindi magaan ang gawain ng isang alila. Ang turing
dito ay makabaling-likod. Kung makabaling-likod ang
gawain ng alila, hindi malayo na dito (sa makabaling-
likod) nagmula ang salitang lingkod—makabaling-likod
na nang magtagal ay naging lingkod. Hindi katakataka
kung ganun na ang totoong paglilingkod ay tunay na
‘makabaling-likod’.
“Sapagkat ang Anak ng Tao ay naparito hindi
upang paglingkuran kundi upang maglingkod at upang
(Continued on page 6...TOL)
Page 7
 WORD for December 2008
As disciples of Christ, we prepare for the
revelation of our Lord.
ORDER
“Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the
time will come.” (Mk 13:33)
THEMES AND PROMISES
st
Week#1 (1 Sunday of Advent) [Faithfulness]
Theme: We prepare for the revelation of our Lord
when we do our ministry work well.
Promise: “He will keep you firm to the end,
irreproachable on the day of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” (1 Cor 3;8)
CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
1 Dec., Monday, Basic Bible Seminar Part 2, BLD South
Sector, 8 am-5 pm, STCJP, UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna
4 Dec., Thursday, 7:30 pm, Eucharistic Celebration,
STCJP. Sponsor: Calamba Prayer Group.
6 Dec., Saturday, 8:00 pm, Eucharistic Celebration, BLD Theme: We prepare for the revelation of our Lord
North, Holy Family Parish, Sampaguita Village, San
Pedro, Laguna.
5-7 Dec., Friday-Sunday, BLD Youth Encounter, Local
Government Academy Training Center, College, Laguna.
Registration Fee: P600/participant.
9 Dec., Tuesday, Joint District Leaders Conference,
Dynamic Bank, Bgy. Pansol, Calamba, Laguna
11 Dec., Thursday, Fellowship Night (Potluck Style) right us as we worship and serve Him in His vineyard.
after the Corporate Worship, STCJP, Los Baños, Laguna
14 Dec., Sunday, 1:00-4:30 pm, Advent Recollection,
STCJP. Recollection Master: Fr. Jose Thor R. Villacarlos
14 Dec., Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, FE Class No. 10
Class Reunion, Visperas’ Residence, Umali Subdivision,
Los Baños, Laguna.
20 Dec., Saturday, BLD North-Sector Christmas Party.
27 Dec., Saturday, North Sector Youth Ministry
Outreach Chosen Children & Bahay ni San Jose,
Tagaytay City
8 January, Thursday, Joint Eucharistic Celebration, 7:30
pm, STCJP. Sponsors: District Leaders Conference,
BLD North and South-San Pablo District.
Sandigan
Week#2 (2nd Sunday of Advent) [Fruitfulness]
Theme: We prepare for the revelation of our Lord
when we bring the message of repentance to God’s
people.
Promise: “Near indeed is his salvation to those
who fear him.” (Ps 85:10)
Week #3 (3rd Sunday of Advent) [Witnessing]
Theme: We prepare for the revelation of our Lord
when we testify that Jesus is our salvation.
Promise: “He has come to the help of his servant
Israel for he has remembered his promise of
mercy.” (Lk 1:54)
Week #4 (4th Sunday of Advent) [Obedience]
Theme: We prepare for the revelation of our Lord
when we humbly accept the will of the Father.
Promise: “My kindness is established forever; in
heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.” (Ps
89:3)
Week #5 (Feast of the Holy Family) [Love]
when we are a community of love.
Promise: “You shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.” (Ps 128:22)
DISTRICT DIRECTIONS FOR DECEMBER 2008
Be watchful. Be alert!
1. Be mindful of the Word of God and what He is telling
2. Be mindful of our thoughts, speech and actions, that
Christ might be revealed in the way we live.
3.Be mindful of each other in Community, and be
instruments of peace, reconciliation and understanding.
4. Be mindful of, and faithful to, our responsibilities in our
ministries and apostolate.
Sandigan is published by the BLD Covenant Community San
Pablo District. Contributions from any BLD member are welcome.
Please submit your contributions by the third Wednesday of the
month to the Secretariat c/o Eva Catelo, E-mail address:
bldlbsec@laguna.net and Telefax No: (049) 536 2600. You may
also send your comments and suggestions for the improvement
of our monthly newsletter to the Word Ministry
c/o Nel & Kim Bantayan
Phone: 536-2679. E-mail address: kimbantayan@yahoo.com
or ncbantayan@gmail.com
December 2008 Page 8