A Catholic Prayer Meeting of the LIGHT OF JESUS FAMILY February 17, 2013

AT THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER

E LENTIN POST-VATURE FEA e Crazy Lov7 See page

ONE day, 20-year-old Adam Lanza of Connecticut shot down 20 kids and 8 adultsincluding his own mother.
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.

It was a terrible thing. His action was evil. In another part of the planet, 12 courageous policemen rescued a 6-year-old girl who was kidnapped while she was attending church in Nairobi. That was a noble thing. The policemens action was good. (Just ask the parents of that little girl!) But in both cases, guns were used. (The policemen had them.) So is a gun bad? As difficult as it is for some people to swallow this truth, a gun is neutral.

Is Your Sacred?

8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. First Feast Session, Plenary Hall 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Second Feast Session, Reception Hall 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Third Feast Session, Plenary Hall 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fourth Feast Session, Plenary Hall Have Fun and Be Blessed in the Happiest Place on Earth!

4 FEASTS TODAY!

In the same way, money is neutral too. Money can be used for selfish purposes.

But money can be very holy. (Example: The tithes you give at the Feast is used to bring many closer to Him.) Im going to challenge you to always do good with the money that God has given IN THIS ISSUE you. Because its not yours anyway. Every HAPPY, HEALTHY, HOLY MONEY single centavo you have is all borrowed from Changing Your Relationship With Wealth abovetemporarily.
Talk 1: Happy Talk 2: Healthy Talk 3: Holy Big Day: Grow Your Self, Grow Your Wealth

So use it for His purpose. My friend, get ready for God to cause a powerful release in your financial life. Get ready for financial freedom. Get ready to blow away the financial ceiling thats held you down. Enjoy the Feast today! May your dreams come true,

MONEY TALKS. Migs Ramirez (left) and Audee Villaraza lead worship, before the talk on Healthy Money. More on page 2.

BO SANCHEZ

ELS

LAST WEEK

Jesus said to Simon, Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch. Simon said in reply, Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets. When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. Last weeks Sunday Mass, Fr. Alex Balatbat shared the good news from Luke 5:1-11 teaches us about faith through Peters encounter with Jesus at the Lake of Gennesaret. Like Peter, we experience failures and disappointments. There are times when we cant see the fruit of our hard work. But Fr. Alex said we should keep the faith. He said that when we experience emptiness, Jesus will teach us the way and lead us. Peter told Jesus, Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man. At times, we also feel that what we have is not enough and we undermine our abilities. Fr. Alex said we tend to give up in life when we overlook or fail to acknowledge the beauty and the gift of God in us. We forget our purpose and even His love for us. Fr. Alex, however, emphasized that we are all great in our own different ways. The Gospel is a reminder for us to go deeper in our heart. We have the capacity to cast our nets, catch fish, and bear much fruit. We should make a difference in this world. We should not worry because the Lord first believed in us even before we believe in ourselves. As Jesus said to Peter, Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men. -- Mary Joy O. Acabado Photo by Ramel Robles

Keep the Faith

BRO. BO SANCHEZ started Talk 2: Healthy Money with a revelation : True prosperity is living a life of profound love for every human being. The Bible plainly tells us how to prosper: Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. Prosperity is measured through living the covenant of love. Bro. Bo said that through obeying Gods Word to love one another, we allow blessings to flow into our life as stated in Joshua 1:8: Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Comparing our money problems with our health problems, Bro. Bo presented the true reasons of financial sickness: 1. Financial Toxins/ Toxic Debt. These come from the inability to control debt. People experience financial difficulties due to their inclination to borrow money for unnecessary expenses. Bro. Bo said if there are filthy rich, there are also the filthy poor. These are those who are able to buy luxuries by borrowing money. Their problem is not materialism. They are people with low self worth-- so low that they think they can cover up their weakness with material wealth. 2. Malnutrition. Some people may look financially well because they have

tendered their money in the bank. But in truth, their finances are still in danger. According to Bro. Bo inflation decreases the value of money. So money not well invested will just lose its value. 3. Imbalance. If an unbalanced physical health causes sickness, so does the uneven management of finances. To counter these three causes, Bro. Bo presented Three Rules of the Truly Rich. Rule 1: What You Spend Should Be Less Than What You Earn.

HEALTHY

Rule 2: What You Save Should Grow More Than What You Lose. Bro. Bo gave some tips on where to invest our hard earned money: 1. Paper Assets; 2. Businesses; and 3. Real Estate. He also recommended the Stock Market or Equity Funds. Rule 3: What You Earn Should Be Equal To What You Know. Bro. Bo advised us never take unreasonable risks. Bro. Bo challenged us to strive to be in the giving end. We should be financially healthy to help other people. Prosperity, in truth, is measured through love. -- Candice Manaog Photo by ELS Ate, your friend is just being superstitious. Putting your retirement pay in the bank --at your age-- is good, because you need emergency money for any eventuality. But still invest a part of your current income into the Stock Market--which will give you the fastest growth.

You asked

I am 60 years old. I deposited my retirement pay in my savings account. Then I met an accident and so I spent all that money to pay for the damages. My friend said that instead of putting the money in the bank I should have invested

it in a business or the stock market. Then, she added, God would not have allowed the accident to happen if I made good use of the money He gave me. Is she right, Bo? And was I wrong in just saving my money? -- Ate Alice

Bo answers

Got any question about Bos talks? Send them to Bo through feasteditor@gmail.com.

2 THE FEAST February 17, 2013

REFLECTIONS

Talk 3: Holy Money How To Make Your Money Sacred

TODAY

Isaiah 1:19 If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat. Proverbs 22:4 True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life. Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Personal Reflection and Group Sharing: What blessings have you received since you started giving or tithing? ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ __________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________
THE FEAST February 17, 2013

By AILEEN GRACE ALVAREZ other. He gave me his trust; he A FILTHY, starving man called me brother. My life seeks refuge in a convent. The he claims for God above. Can Bishop offers him food and such things be? shelter. But during the night, Yes, such things can be. the man steals the convents Weve learned from Bro. Bo silver items. Sanchezs talk, Significance, Policemen catch the the third of the Guaranteed man and present him to the series last January, that we Bishop for whatever penalty live a significant life when the Bishop should impose on we help others achieve their the thief. dreams, one step at a time. The Bishop tells the The Bishop didnt police the man did not steal the condemn Valjean. Instead, silver items. The Bishop even he helped him and gave gives the man two more silver him a chance to become a candle holders, and asks the better person. police to release him. We always have the The policemen leave and chance to be a blessing and the Bishop tells the man: You must use this precious silver to make an impact on someones life. But most of all, we have become an honest man. God to work on ourselves first has raised you out of darkness. before we lead others. We I have bought your soul for God.* should find mentors who can The Bishops generosity direct us to the person that we changes the life of Jean want to be. Someone should Valjean, the lead character pull us up, as we pull others up in Les Miserables, a sungas well. Well do it with love, through play, and recently honesty and sincerity and lets a film adaptation shown in celebrate each others success Metro Manila, based on the in finding God through loving novel of the same title by our fellowmen. French poet and playwright As Jean Valjean declares: Victor Hugo. To love another person is to The story, set in early see the face of God. 19th-century France, starts as *Quotes in this article are from the Les Jean Valjean is released on Miserables songs with original French parole, after serving 19 years lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc in prison for having stolen a Natel, with an English-language loaf of bread for his starving libretto by Herbert Kretzmer and music by Claude-Michel Schnberg. sisters child. Hungry and cold, Valjean finds his way to the Bishops convent. Editors Note: Have you Moved by the Bishops reflections on the Feast talks? kindness, Jean Valjean muses: Share! and let the world know Yet why did I allow that man, Gods Words are true! For to touch my soul and teach me details, email feasteditor@gmail. love? He treated me like any com, or call 09399044065.

Stolen Silver

MINISTRIES
IF youve been a regular attendee at the Feast PICC, you must have seen the beautiful stage designs. You must have been thrilled by the skits illustrating the talks of Bro. Bo Sanchez. And probably, you joined some gimmicks at the lobby on most Sundays of last year. The stage designs, the skits, the lobby gimmicks-- all these are just few of the works of the Creative and Events Group or better known as CEG. And if their talents amazed you last year, get ready to say its more fun at the Feast as the group levels up in service in 2013. On January 20 the CEG held its first general assembly for the year to plan for the Groups 2013 activities. Bro. Jhay Jatap, CEG head, along with the other team heads, led the half-day affair attended by over 50 members. The CEG leaders anointed the new members, praying over them, to prepare them for their exciting service this year. CEG is transforming into a ministry that provides creative services to other Feast PICC ministries. The Groups services range from graphic arts, audiovisual presentations, stage designs, lobby gimmicks, event hypes, the works. This year, this group of passionate, artistic young blood will not only carry out its own activities but will be involved as well in the gimmicks and projects of the other ministries. CEG opens the door for recruitment of more members in February! If youre an artist, a director, scriptwriter, stage designer, actor or actress, share your time and talent-- for the Lord. For details, call +639065078233 or email tolovelikejesus@gmail.com.

CREATIVE and EVENTS GROUP 2013

Level Up!
By LORIE SAMBILE

READY for 2013, from top: Members of the Creative and Events Group with Bro. Bo Sanchez; Jhay Jatap, head, prays over members; the happy team shake it!

Flashback!
THE Feast PICC Creative and Events Group was super busy in 2012 with a series of activities. The highlights: CEG formed four divisions: Administration, Operations, Art Worship, and Performing Arts Recruited over 50 members. Helped in organizing major activities such as the Ministry Fair and the Feast PICC Anniversary celebration. Held the CEG General Assembly with Bro George Gabriel as guest speaker. Provided stage designs and props and staged skits to illustrate the various Feast PICC talk series. Organized fun lobby gimmicks. Launched Feastbook. Designed the room for the overflow attendees and helped coordinate the events in the overflow room.

4 THE FEAST February 17, 2013

Dreams!
THE Feast PICC Creative and Events Group is dreaming big dreams for 2013: 1. Level up CEG service to the Lord and to you! 2. Level up spirituality of members. 3. Synergy with other Feast PICC ministries. 4. Post the Feast PICC live at thefeastpicc.com! 5. Make CEG self-sustaining through fund raising activities. Know more about the Feast PICC mInIstrIes! log on to:

Onward to 2013!
THE Feast PICC Creative and Events Group has exciting activities for 2013. Check these out: 1. January First Quarter General Assembly 2. February Recruitment of Members with Special Talents 3. March Outreach: Visit to Anawim Home of Abandoned Elderly 4. April Ministry Team Building 5. May Outreach to a Feast Partner Beneficiary 6. June Stage Acting and Graphic Arts Workshop 7. July Stage/Production Design Training 8. August Outreach to a Feast Partner Beneficiary 9. September Video Editing Workshop 10. October Retreat 11. November Outreach to a Feast Partner Beneficiary 12. Outreach 13. December Christmas Fellowship

Wishes and Wants!

TO be able to make its 2013 Plans a success, the CEG hopes to have the following: 1. Laptop 2. Steel Cabinets and Laterals 3. Tools : Carpentry, Power Tools, Electrical Tools 4. Additional two-way radio 5. Internet (Pocket Wifi) for the Web Development Team

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. --Ephesians 2:10

THE FEAST February 17, 2013

CARING GROUPS

In His Love
By BETHANY DECHAVEZ And, as also promised in John 15:16, God has given Lourdes what she has asked for. Ive received so many blessings, she attests. Calling all who havent signed up for a CG! Lourdes invites you to join a Caring Group. I hope you join a Caring Group so you will feel you are not alone and you will experience the joy of having friends in your journey. I pray that God, in His love, will send forth His Spirit and give you strength to do His will.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you may go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last. And so that whatever you ask for in My Name, the Father will give you. --John 15:16

LOURDES MARASIGAN heard this verse from a speaker in a prayer workshop. Right at the moment, she felt in her heart that God was calling her to become a Caring Group head. Lourdes Marasigan with Alfie de Nava, one of her CGmates. Lourdess CG is composed of three members. They meet every Thursday night, sharing Heading the CG is challenging but ideas and concerns over dinner. They fun, Lourdes says. reflect on Bro. Bo Sanchezs talk and Sometimes, she says, she is anxious discuss how the teachings apply to their members would not come to the meeting. situation in life. But when they do, she is overjoyed. During the CGs getting-to-knowJust as promised in John 15:16, you stage, Lourdes prepared personality Lourdes now sees the fruit of her ministry: tests for the members so they would Ive learned a lot about myself, For details call: learn more about themselves and about she says. Im simply happy I said Yes! Malour Montecillo each other. to the Lord. 09192524428

Thank You,
Lord!

I thank You, Lord, for healing my sister who suffered breast cancer and for providing for all her medical needs. Also for my career advancement and my new laptop. - Shoji Meris Thank You, Lord, my nephew qualified for the UPCAT. Our family is ever eager for him to study in UP. - Trin I am grateful for all the challenges Thank You, Lord, for my husband and blessings that God is letting me experience for this made me strengthen who lovingly squeezes calamansi for my relationship with Him. I am thankful my Vitamin C every morning. for the life He gave me to offer in the - Pamela service of other people. - Yza Thank You, Lord, for my success Thank You, Lord, for the reconciliation in designing gowns of the bride and her of our family with relatives whom we have entourage the first ever wedding where I not talked to for a long time. Thank You, too, applied lessons I learned from my Fashion for the financial blessings. Design course. - Elizabeth - Janelle Ibay Thank You, Lord, for healing me I am thankful for everything. For spiritually and physically, and for my being helping me be successful in my chosen field. able to forgive the people around us. For making my family really close and for - Dennis

keeping them healthy. I am also thankful that the Lord let me meet these amazing people I call friends and Im also thankful that he led me to the Feast where I met lots and lots of people who inspire me and changed my life. And lastly, I am thankful for every air that I breaths. I am thankful for his greatest gift to me: my life. - Daniel Santos I thank You Lord for leading me to the Media Ministry Family. They are my extended family and friends rolled into one. I love them very much. - Candice Thank You, Lord, for our sales and for the online shop. Thank You, too, because my mom has mellowed down. - MB

Thank You, Lord, for the electric guitar and for the support in all aspects of my life. - Wilfredo Manuel Thank You, Lord, for giving me people who inspire me every day. They may be difficult at times, but I am learning from my experiences with them. - Flex Thank You, Lord. My whole family celebrated Christmas together again after 12 years. To God be the glory! - Adel Thank You, Lord, for the recovery of Kuya from his illness and for the unexpected financial blessing. - Cathy Thank You, Lord. I got high scores in my exams that made up for my low scores in the past. Thank You for my very considerate teachers this semester. - Ricka Thank You, Lord, for leading me to the people, things, and occasions that helped in my healing. - Karen Thank You, Lord, for the good health of my Papa and for the blessings that You give us. - Jan Thank You, Lord, for blessing my business, for giving me good customers, and for protecting me in my job. - A. Agustin

6 THE FEAST February 17, 2013

BLESSING BLOGS
POST-VALENTINE STORY

By JANE B. as told to AILEEN GRACE ALVAREZ Illustration by JANELLA IBAY CRAZY. Yeah, thats what I was. I was young. I fell in love. And had a child out of wedlock. Disappointed-- no, the word must be shocked -- my parents nevertheless forgave me. After I gave birth-- to a beautiful baby girl-- my parents sent me to Manila to study in a prestigious college. They bought a condo unit for me. They gave me a laptop, clothes everything I needed. I left my baby to my mom. And there I was, alone in Manila, with a condo unit-- free! And I was all of 21 years old. Kind of old for a freshman, though. So instead of the freshies in my class, I hang around with the older students. Among the third year students, I met this guy--sweet, so charming, so full of life. We fell in love-- madly. And before I knew it, I got pregnant-- again. Yes, call me crazy. I did not know what to do. I was sure my parents, my mom especially, would curse me to death. My boyfriend was as clueless as I was. He belongs to a religious family. There was only one word for what wed done: a scandal. Then, I must confess, one word came to my mind: abortion. But I am Catholic. Abortion is not an option for me. My boyfriend agreed. So we chose to have the baby. But how to tell our parents? Every time I went home during the weekend, I wished my mom wont notice my condition-- my breast, my tummy getting bigger. But she did. One day, she said, Id like to meet your boyfriend. And before I could say another word, she continued, I know. Id noticed it. I was just waiting for you to tell me yourself. I was scared, to say the least. But I had no choice. I told my boyfriend to come and face my parents. I trembled, my boyfriend was tense as I introduced him to my family. I hardly heard the initial conversations, except, in the middle of it all, my moms angry words to my boyfriend: From now on, I am throwing my daughter to you. You can have her. I wont have anything to do with her anymore. Shes such a disobedient child. Such a flirt! My mom took back my condo unit, my laptop, even my clothes. Without my parents support, I had to stop schooling. Suddenly, I had nothing-- just my sorry, wretched self. My boyfriend had no choice but to confess our situation to his parents. And well, I guess they had no choice but to let me stay in their house. Throughout my pregnancy, I thought about the future of my children-my eldest daughter, who I had to leave with my mom, and the baby I was carrying. I knew that since hes not yet done with college himself, my boyfriend could not fend for us. I was like, I have to finish college myself, so I could work, so I could raise my kids by myself. I didnt understand what she meant. I didnt feel excited, thinking any conversation with my mom would not result to anything close to positive for me. Nevertheless, I went back home with my boyfriend and our baby. The moment she saw me, my mom hugged me and cried. I asked her, What is it you wanted to tell me? And she goes, Get all the requirements from your school. Im giving you another chance to finish college. This is your last chance. I couldnt believe my ears! But all I could think of was, yes, God had just answered my prayer. Through my mom, God had just shown me His goodness and mercy! Today, I am back home, living with my mom and Suddenly, I had nothing-- just my my eldest daughter. I am separated sorry, wretched self. from my partner, but we remain My boyfriend had no choice but to friends. He and our daughter are living with his family. confess our situation to his parents. In a couple of weeks, I will be graduating from college. So every night, I prayed, Lord Jesus, I now attend the Feast regularly. Id read forgive me for my mistake again. But You the testimonies in The Feast bulletin, and so know how much I really want to finish Id been inspired to write my story too. college. Let me go back to school-- even not I lived a crazy life, had a crazy love. an exclusive one. Let me find a job. Okay But I hope this story of mine will touch many with me to be a working student. I will bear people. I pray they will find hope and trust everything-- for my kids. Please, God, have in God-- that no matter how difficult their mercy on me! In Jesuss name. Amen situation may be, God can turn every situation I also started praying the Rosary-around in their favor, if only they will follow something I had never done before. His will. My situation seemed hopeless, May the Lord Jesus and our Almighty but I just kept believing God would listen to Father be with you always. my prayer. Until I gave birth to another baby girl. Editors Note: Have you a similar story Still, I didnt hear from my parents. how you have received blessings from God? But one day, I received a text message Share! and let the world know miracles still from my mom: Pumunta ka dito sa bahay. do happen today to give hope especially to I texted back: Why? the lost. For details, email feasteditor@ She replied: This is for your future. gmail.com, or call 09399044065.
THE FEAST February 17, 2013

Crazy Love

ONE MORE MIRACLE

AN article of Bro. Bo Sanchez about giving tithes inspired me to contribute an amount to Kerygma Family, an online group which receives spiritual teachings from Bro. Bo. At the time, I had just started working for a company, thanks to a friend, one of the employees there, who referred me to her boss. During a break in the office, I surfed the Internet for the website of Kerygma Family. I copied its bank account number and then prepared the amount I would give. Then I went straight to a nearby bank to deposit my contribution to Kerygma Familys account. Boy, did I feel good, knowing I had contributed to Gods work. Before my 15-minute break was over, I was back at my desk in the office. Then, I saw this little brown envelop on my desk. I opened it, and lo! there was money in it. I counted the peso bills, and whoa! The total amount was the same amount I deposited in Kerygma Familys bank account. Exactly. Not more than 15 minutes had passed and I already received back the money that I gave. Later, I found out that the money was from my friend who referred me to the company.

ROI in Less Than 15 MINUTES!

By EDNEL CRISOSTOMO Illustration by CANDICE MANAOG

See, our company has a referral bonus system. When an employee refers a person to the company and that person is hired, the employee gets a bonus. Earlier, before my friend referred me to her boss, we made a deal: if I am hired and she receives the bonus, she would give me a portion of the bonus. Who would have thought Id receive my portion right after Id given some amount to Gods work? In business, the ROI-- you know, the return of investment, usually takes a while. But Gods way is different. He promised hed give back to you whatever you give to Him. In my case, what I gave came back to me in less than15 minutes. 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.

ELIE BAEZ KRISTINE MUTUC THEA DOMINGO MARTHINA G. SALOME APPLE CHICO Assistant Artists Assistant Head Associate Editors 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., 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 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.

LOST and FOUND If you lost or found an item, please approach any of the ushers who will guide you to our Lost and Found section.

BO SANCHEZ Founder CYNTHIA U. SANTIAGO Editor-in-chief BELLA ESTRELLA Managing Editor

EDMUNDO SANTIAGO chief Photographer CRIS LEGASPI Assistant chief Photographer CES ARCILLA RAMEL ROBLES JAMES MORRISON Photographers MARY JOY ACABADO CESSNA PAPAS CHAMP SANTOS Reporters JOEL ESTRELLA Chief Artist

MEMbERSHiP: KIM PAMPLONA Head ARLENE BATISLAONG Assistant Head

FiNANcE: JANE IBAY Head CHICHI BARBA Assistant Head

PubLic RELATiONS: RHODA OSALVO Head

8 THE FEAST February 17, 2013