Professional Documents
Culture Documents
4 See page
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.
WHEN I was a kid, if my mother wanted me to do something, she used the threat of punishment. I guess all mothers use this nifty tool. For example, she wanted me to take a bath every day. And I hated taking a bath. Dont ask me why. My eldest son went through that phase too. So there must be a male gene that hated showers. Her solution? Threats of punishment. I dont take a bath, I dont get to watch TV. Which was the most horrific torture beyond imagination. (No Voltes V! No Charlies Angels! No Hawaii 5-0! Can anyone just kill me?) So to comply, I took a shower daily. But believe me, they were as short as
IN THIS ISSUE
HOLY IS BACK! Bro. Migs Ramirez pushes huge button for the wrap-up of the talk series Bringing Holy Back --in Money, Sex, and Power-- during last Sundays BreakFeast.
FOUR IN ONE! Bro. Audee Villaraza (center) leads worship during the BreakFeast which featured three young preachers, from left: Mike Vinas, JC Libiran, and Jan Silan, helping Bro. Bo Sanchez focus on the key factors in Bringing Holy Back: Purpose, Love and Relationships, Service, and Purpose. More on pages 2-3. --Photos by ELS
BO SANCHEZ
LAST WEEK
his name is closely associated with popular people such as Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, and Michael V. Bro. Mike said he also wants to become famous for Jesus You Are the Blessing his purpose in life: makingabout famous-- to tell the world Him so that people may live a IN last weeks gospel in Mark life fueled by His grace and love. 9:38-43, 45, 47-48, Fr. Alex Balatbat noted that the good news Bro. Mike said this purpose was is revealed: Jesus says, There is what sustained him throughout his approval addiction, middle child no one who performs a mighty crisis, and the various storms in deed in my name who can at his life. From that purpose, he the same time speak ill of me. found strength. For whoever is not against us Bro. Mike presented as is for us. Anyone who gives you an example the story of British a cup of water to drink because politician and philanthropist you belong to Christ, amen, I William Wilberforce who led say to you, will surely not the movement to abolish the lose his reward. slave trade in Britain. He faced a Fr. Alex said a man may have lots of money but he remains poor, if the way he accumulates his wealth makes people suffer poverty. In James 5:1-3, Jesus warns, Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you... Fr. Alex said blessings that are not shared become a curse. He said it is not enough that we are not doing anything wrong. We should also do what is right. As Jesus said: Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he Love and Relationships. were thrown into the sea. Bro. JC Libiran emphasized that We cry to God for our relationship is most important in nation, for the alleviation of fulfilling our purpose in life. He poverty in this country, Fr. Alex pointed out. And Gods response said life is like the popular game to our plea is this: Yung hinihingi Plants vs. Zombies, except that mo, kay tagal ko nang tinugunan. the conflicting forces we face are our Plans vs. Zombies. The May sagot na sa panalangin mo ngayon. Ang sagot ay... IKAW. zombies are the elements that prevent us from implementing What youve been asking for our country the Lord has long our plans. Bro. JC said one of the given to you. He has already major zombies in his life was given an answer to your prayer. his difficult relationship with a His answer: YOU. -- Mary Joy Acabado brother. But after years of rivalry, Photo by James Morrison he decided to win the heart of
series of rejections and criticism but Wilberforce succeeded in abolishing not only the slave trade but slavery itself in most of the British Empire. Wilberforce died just three days after hearing that the passage of the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 Act through Parliament was assured. Bro. Mike said our Purpose should be aligned with Gods purpose for us, because as Proverbs 19:21 puts it, Many are the plans in a persons heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails. Discover that purpose and plant it in your heart for you will bless a lot more people beyond what you can imagine when that purpose if fulfilled. As St. Irenaeus said, the glory of God is man fully alive.
of Feast Salcedo, Makati, said we should serve God because He deserves to be served. Bro. Jan said he was an altar server in his parish church. But he really didnt have the right reason for serving the Lord. From his parish, he attended prayer meetings just to see his crush. Then one day, in a prayer meeting, the speaker asked who among the attendees think they are sinners. All the attendees raised their hands, so I raised my hand, too, Bro. Jan laughed. But what the speaker said next penetrated deep into his heart: You are qualified in heaven. The speaker turned out to be Bro. Bo Sanchez. Since then, Bro. Jan has dedicated a life of service to God for the right reason: I serve not because of what I can get from the Lord but because of what He has already given me. He said he didnt have talents --like singing-- that most of his contemporary young preachers have. But he did what he could do: carry his sib by loving him without condition. The result: they have become so close that JC is now a godfather of his brothers child.
equipment and set them on stage before the prayer meeting, and return them to the van, and play drums. Later, leaders discovered he is a natural preacher with an irrepressible sense of humor-- as we all witnessed last Sunday. Bro. JC said we may get tired loving our fellowmen, but God never gets tired loving us. If we look up to Jesus, we will find love back.
Commitment. Bro. Bo
Sanchez explained the meaning of commitment through the story of Jesus and Peter in Matthew 14: 22-32. After speaking before a large crowd, Jesus instructs His disciples to get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake, while He goes up a hill to pray. Later He sees the boat tossed about by waves far out in the lake. So Jesus
goes to the boat, walking on the water. The disciples think He is a ghost, so Peter says, Lord, if its you, tell me to come to you on the water. Come, Jesus says. And Peter steps out of the boat and walks on the water towards Jesus. Bro. Bo pointed out that we can say we are committed to serve God if we are ready to
step out of our boat and onto the water (above). We ask why our dreams do not come true or why there is no progress in our life. Bro. Bo said that is because we are still in the boat or one foot is still on the boat. Seeing Jesus, Peter steps out of the boat. But then he notices the strong wind and he begins to doubt that Jesus could save him. So Peter starts to sink into the water.
Jesus grabs him and tells him, What little faith you have. Why did you doubt? Bro. Bo said commitment is not about feelings but doing what you have to do. Do not be overwhelmed by feelings of doubts and fears. Instead, decide to be committed to God. Step out of your boat. --Regiele Anne Cruz Photos by Blaise Gomez
TODAY
Talk 1: Effective Rewards Whether You Like It Or Not, You Reap What You Sow
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Revelation 22:11 let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy. Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 2 Timothy 2:3-7 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairshe wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victors crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. Genesis 15:1 Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.
Personal Reflection and Group Discussion: Can you think of past experiences on how rewards motivated you to do the right thing?
_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________
THE FEAST October 7, 2012
REFLECTIONS
By YZA MENDOZA IN 2005, a childhood friend became my first boyfriend. I was only 15 years old, so young, that I didnt imagine that relationship would help me turn into a person that I never expected. We were both in our senior year in high school and about to enter college when we became boyfriend-girlfriend. After a while he formally introduced me to his family. I never had the chance to introduce him to my parents. After graduation, we decided to enroll in different universities where we could pursue our chosen career and learn not to be too much dependent on each other. But instead of learning to be independent from him, I started to cling to him more. I demanded he spend more time with me. I asked that we always be together to the point that I almost forgot other important relationships in my life. We were young, immature, I must say, so we had lots of LQs-- you know, lovers quarrels. Until we gradually drifted apart from each other. Still, I promised myself I would never give up on my boyfriend. On the fourth year of our relationship, I found out that he was seeing another girl.
Illustration by RALPH ALLEN SEMILLA betrayed my trust, and who asked for my chastity. In my darkest moment, I knew God would light up the path I chose to take. I knew I was not alone. I knew God was with me. Two years after the breakup, we saw each other again. He called and invited me for dinner. He said he was leaving for Singapore for a new job, and he wanted to say good-bye to me. For old times sake, I agreed to have dinner with him-- but I brought along one of my friends to be my chaperone. As we were having dinner, I felt like telling him: If only you waited for the right time when I am ready to give in to what you wanted, it could have been us But I shunned away the thought. And I am grateful I did. I am grateful I was able to fight the temptation to reconcile with him. Especially after I heard the talk of Bro. Bo Sanchez on Holy Sex. Its true. Sex is simply a desire, not a need. Now, more than ever, it has become very clear to me I do not need to please a boyfriend to prove my love for him. I do not need him, period. Today, Ive never felt so victorious. Desires are just footnotes. My worth is the entire story.
I BORROWED the title of this piece from the song that goes: I remember the boy, but I dont remember the feeling anymore. The song came to mind when my Caring Group and I shared reflections on Bro. Bo Sanchezs talk about Holy Sex. I shared about this boy I fell madly in love with when I was 16 years old. He was my first love. I remember when I gave him my precious Yes in a park, and then the next day we instantly became one of the most popular couples in school. I always felt on Cloud 9 every time I was with him. History and Literature were my favorite subjects back then. But they changed into Lunch Break and Dismissal time because those were the times I was with him. Soon, we were talking about a wedding, designing our dream house, deciding how many children we would have and their names, even how we would celebrate our wedding anniversaries. After our high school graduation, we studied in the same university. We became so close, I went with him to his family home, not ever
me, so I broke up with him. That was nine years ago. Yes, I remember the boy, but I dont remember By SITTI AIZA AJIHIL the feeling anymore. I remain single, still attracted to some guys. But I havent had a serious relationship. I have busied myself with work, attending the Feast, and serving in the Feast Media Ministry. I listened intently when Bro. Bo talked last September about Holy Sex. He is right when he said that the Media has tricked us, projecting sex as a need, instead of simply a desire we dont have to give in. One time, my ex sent me a message through Facebook. He told me he was already engaged to be married. Never thought I was handsome enough to find a fianc, eh? he said in jest. Well, congratulations! Maybe she had a head injury which seriously damaged her brain, I teased him back. We didnt mention the past. I can honestly say that I am happy for him now. And I am overjoyed for me. I am glad I triumphed over the temptations of my youth. I am grateful that Ive changed my views about THE first time I attended the Feast was on sex, that I am August 5, 2012. now totally A friend, Aldrin Golondrina, invited me. He said the leader, Bro. Bo Sanchez, was going to start a new talk series titled Younique. I didnt know what to expect from the Feast or from Bro. Bo. But I accepted Aldrins invitation. Then, as I listened to the talk of Bro. Bo, I realized how unique every person is. I listened amazed as Bro. Bo said God made each one of us special-- we have no duplicate. And when he said that God made us-- me-- for a purpose, a tear fell down my cheeks. That day, I really felt Gods presence. I realized I had many insecurities, I didnt feel confident facing people. You see, I am the silent type, and so people thought I am mataray-- arrogant, snobbish-- and masungit-- gruff, harsh. I felt misunderstood. I felt people misinterpreted the way I talked or related with them. Bro. Bo presented various types of By MARTHINA G. SALOME Illustration by RALPH ALLEN SEMILLA personalities and right there and then, I began to identify what kind of a person I thinking anything wrong about it. convinced that I should really am. I began to be grateful for what I Then, one time, we found ourselves give up my virginity alone in the house. He started getting only to the man I truly love-- after am, for my blessings-- such as good health, intimate But wham images of my our wedding. a family who supports me, friends who are parents and siblings flashed before me like Bro. Bo said rather than succumbing there for me especially in times when I felt a slow mo movie. to the sins of the flesh, you should focus sad and lonely, and, best of all, God who No, I snapped at him. on your dreams-- whether youre single or knows me, and guides me, and showers me I asked him to bring me home married, or you have a calling for single with blessings. already. And to my relief, he did. blessedness or a religious vocation. When I write this reflection to share my Two months after, I found out he was I was 16, I came up with an entire 20-year wonderful experience at the Feast. And dating another girl. plan for my life with my first love. But I promise to myself that I will attend the Did I drive him away to someone now that Im 24, Im making my longFeast every Sunday and invite more people elses arms because I didnt give him what term plan of serving God and pursuing to attend our gathering that they too may he desired? The thought nagged me. But I the dreams that He has planted be inspired, and receive the great blessings simply couldnt tolerate a guy two-timing in my heart. of the Feast.
MINISTRIES
HEAVY rain didnt stop the downpour of blessings at the Lighthouse: A Ray of Hope Concert for the benefit of He Cares Foundation held at the PICC Plenary Hall, Sept 22, 2012. For them to have a meaningful life, they should know that there are people journeying with them, says Fr. Eric Santos referring to the street children of He Cares Foundation. Bro. Joe Dean Sola, founder of He Cares, shared how the foundation began. He started with only P20 which he used to buy bread and soft drinks for two street kids. Then from two, the number of kids he rescued and helped increased and eventually, he established He Cares Foundation. He presented Joemelyn Balino, a He Cares graduate. She shared how the foundation helped her overcome a tragedy she suffered, and eventually helped fulfil her dream to have a good education and a better life. Directed by Bro. George Gabriel and hosted by Bro. Carlo Lorenzo and Bro. JC Libiran, Lighthouse raised funds for the He Cares Drop-in Center in Pasay City and the Anawim Home for Abandoned Elderly, which are both partner beneficiaries of the Feast. Here is the night of music and hope in pictures...
ALL FOR LOVE, from top: Bro. Bo Sanchez and Joe Dean Sola; Novo Concertante Manila and St. Scholasticas College West grove Glee Club; Kerygma 5, He Cares graduate sharing her blessings, and singing He Cares theme song; hosts JC Libiran and Carlo Lorenzo; Fr. Eric Santos; and the Prayboys.
The Feast salutes Shepherds Voice Radio and Television Foundation and the Shepherds Voice Publications Inc. for their victory in the 34th Catholic Mass Media Awards held at the Star Theater, CCP Complex, last September 25, 2012. Founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez, Shepherds Voice Publications Inc. has published the widest read Catholic magazines in the country---Kerygma magazine, Fish for the youth, and Mustard for children, plus devotionals such as Companion, Didache, Sabbath, Gabay, and a host of best-selling books, and teaching tapes and CDs. Also founded by Bro. Bo, Shepherds Voice Radio and Television Foundation (SVRTV) is an all-media organization that produces world-class inspirational and spiritually-enriching programs, while also providing support to the work of evangelization and poverty alleviation. Weve been winning awards for years not just in the CMMA but also from other award giving bodies like the Anak TV and MTRCB TV Awards, shares Sis. Chelle Crisanto, administrator of SVRTV. She adds, Were still in focus for the upcoming Kerygma Conference but we will definitely have another Holy Week Special next year. Sis. Chelles message to all the viewers and readers: Just continue to watch and support Shepherds Voice.
Congratulations!
BEST TV SPECIAL: The Week That Changed the World A Kerygma TV Holy Week Special BEST RELIGIOUS PROGRAM: Kerygma TV. Receiving trophies, from left: Paolo Galia, Randy Borromeo, Chelle Crisanto, and Erika Mendoza.
LOVING STARS, from top: Gab Valenciano, Cookie Chua, Ramos-Nebrija Guitar Duo, Rachel Gonzales and her sand and light painting. -- With reporting by Aileen Grace Alvarez and Kristine Mutuc Photos by Ces Arcilla, Wendell Alinea, Dave Apalla, Blaise Gomez, and Jejette Nocum
BEST FAMILY-ORIENTED MAGAZINE: Kerygma Magazine BEST YOUTH MAGAZINE: Fish. Receiving plaque, from left: Jill Ramiscal, Angie Espuerta, Tess Atienza, and Rissa Singson Kawpeng.
But hey, I found out God listens even to my jokes. One day, a Feast was established in Cinema 10 of Festival Mall named Feast Alabang! So now I am serving as Caring Group head for Happy Singles in Southmall every Thursday night. I also serve for a group of entrepreneurs in Feast PICC every Wednesday. I am also serving as writer for the Feast PICC and Feast Alabang Media Ministries. I also help out in the Feast social network sites. Whatever Ive given to God, He has returned to me more than double. Ive been able to strengthen my online travel business, since Ive been able to connect with former clients and friends who recommend clients to me.
What the Scriptures say have been so true for me. My favorites: Matthew 17:20: If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 15:28 Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.
JUST HAVING FUN. Violet (extreme right) with her Caring Group. 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 Ho Chi Minh City What: Are you near Ho Chi Minh City? Visit one of the happiest places on Earth Where: Mai Khoi Church Conference Room, 44 Tu Xuong St., D3 When: Every Sunday, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Connect: Go to http://lightvietnam.com Feast Malolos What: Ma-bless sa Talk ni Kabayan Bro. John Guevarra Cruz Where: Feliza Jazz Grand Pavilion-Sumapang Matanda, Malolos Bulacan When: Every Friday 5:00-6:00 p.m. - Holy Mass 6:00-8:00 p.m. Prayer meeting Feast Cabanatuan What: TGIH: Thank God Its Huwebes! Where: Aracelis Restaurant, Del Pilar Street, Cabanatuan City When: Every Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. Feast Ortigas What: Miracles Now Showing! Where: Cinema 3 Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Ave, Ext., Pasig City When: Sundays, 10 a.m.-12 nn / Mondays, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
EDMUNDO SANTIAGO Chief Photographer CRIS LEGASPI Assistant Chief Photographer BLAISE CEDRICK GOMEZ RAMEL ROBLES Photographers MARY JOY ACABADO REGIELE ANNE CRUZ 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.