Reflection for July 2011

Order: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Mt 11: 29)

The Word for the Community this month is very timely in that it resonates with the exhortation of our Spiritual Director Archbishop Angel Lagdameo for the Community to be on fire again. This comes at the heels of IDC III held in February 2011, that gave birth to a new Vision for the Community. More»

Order: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28: 19-20)

Reflection:

Our community word for the month of June 2011 is: Christ assures His presence to those He commissions to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus leaves us in a dramatic way after Easter, emphasizing that from now on He will be with us in a new kind of way, not visually but by His spiritual and sacramental presence. He commissions us to prepare the journey to the destination that the Lord is preparing for each of us, united with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

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Reflection for May 2011

“Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (Jn 20:27)

The social revolution has started!

This month of May we meet, full of expectation and with joyful hearts because the Lord is risen. For us, a new era begins; the Risen Christ is King of all the earth. He is eternal, alive forevermore and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, interceding for and on behalf of all peoples on earth. Our Glorious King is supreme and victorious, and His triumph on the cross is our victory over sin and death, our hope of glory and eternal life after death, and God’s very presence in the here and now, as Jesus gives us His Holy Spirit.

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Bukas Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community

Global Districts

EASTER MESSAGE 2011

Resurrection. From death to life. This may be the summary of the five gospel stories that we read on the Five Sundays of Lent.

The First Sunday describes Jesus’ struggle with Satan in the three temptations in the Desert (Mt. 4/1‐11), a struggle to which all of us are exposed. The Temptation of Jesus is a reflection of the opposition between sin and grace, between death and life. We are challenged to identifyourselves with Jesus who is Life.

The Second Sunday gives us a foresight into the future of our life‐struggles. The Transfiguration of Jesus (Mt. 17/1‐9) is the glory of God shining through the body of Jesus, through his flesh, his person. This same body would later be exposed to flogging, crucifixion and death. This is the death that leads to life. Evil or Satan promises (falsely) to bring life, which eventually ends in death.

The Third Sunday brings us to the “theological conversation” between Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well. It was at that moment when the Samaritan Woman accepted the truth about her life – false or evil marriage – and confessed it before Jesus and her neighborhood that she received light and life. On this Third Sunday, we come to the well and are reminded of the Holy Spirit given to us through the water of baptism.

The Fourth Sunday (John 9/1‐41) is another reflection on the opposition between life and death, sin and forgiveness, truth and deception as reflected in the story of the cure of the man born blind. We are put to the position of choosing, like the blind man, whether to walk in darkness and contribute to the sin of the world or to stand with Christ against the power that seeks to destroy life.

The Fifth Sunday is the raising of Lazarus – from death to life (Jo. 11/1‐45). The theological conversation between Martha and Jesus leads to the resurrection of Lazarus. Strange but true: even in death, Lazarus obeys. Lazarus is freed from sin, evil, death, from anything that holds him captive.

These five gospels invite us to resurrect from death to life, from sin to forgiveness, from darkness to light.

+ ANGEL N. LAGDAMEO

Archbishop of Jaro & BLD Spiritual Director

March 23, 2011

“Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness.” (Eph 5:11)

The month of April offers us a special opportunity, through the weekly themes discerned by the Executive Council of Servant Leaders (ECSL), to reflect on God’s Word as we prepare ourselves for the Holy Week. Our theme for the 1st week may sound like a mouthful, “We are children of light when we produce fruit of goodness, righteousness and truth.” It is in fact a statement that we, as members of a Catholic charismatic community, can relate to and certainly live by. More»

Word: Blessings will be upon those who obey the Word of God.

Order: “Be careful to observe all the statutes and decrees that I set before you today.” (DT 11:32)

Reflection:

The readings for the Sundays in March begin with the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time, followed by the First, Second, and Third Sundays of Lent. We continue to reflect upon how we have been faithful (or unfaithful) to our Lord Jesus Christ. Do we truly anchor our lives on Jesus, the Rock of our Salvation in prosperity and in adversity; amidst applause and persecution; just as joyful in peaceful moments as in troubled times? Our unwavering faith in Jesus is reflected in the continuing conversion of our hearts and in our deeds. This in turn ensures our spiritual growth and the blessings we to receive in rising above our earthly struggles.

The Word for the month of March, 2011 is – Blessings will be upon those who obey the Word of God. The Sunday readings invite us to reflect on our faithfulness to Jesus and to His word. We cannot be truly faithful to Him unless we abide in Him and obey His word. His word is our sure guide in following Jesus. It will constantly transform us. By obeying His word, we find strength to fight sin. As we ponder upon His precepts daily and consider the paths He wants us to take, we will never forget His word; for as His word becomes rooted in our hearts, we will not allow the violence of our words and deeds to overcome us. Instead, only goodness, mercy, and love will permeate our being. We will recount all His decrees with our tongues; delight in His statutes, rejoice in doing His will, and treasure His promises. (Ps 119; 9-16; Ps 17:4 NSV) Then blessings will be upon us for we obey His Word. More»

Here is an updated schedule of community activities and events. 

• Fridays, Mar 11, 18 and 25 – Prayer Meetings, Christ our Light Church, 7:30 PM Rosary, 7:45 worship service, 9:15 word sharing.  Please bring your Bibles for word sharing and study.
• Friday, Apr 1 – First Friday Mass and Healing Service, Christ our Light Church, 7:30 PM Rosary, 7:45 PM Mass and Healing Service followed by fellowship at the Parish Hall.
• Friday, Apr 8 – Prayer Meeting, Christ our Light Church, 7:30 PM Rosary, 7:45 worship service, 9:15 word sharing.  Please bring your Bibles for word sharing and study.
• Saturday, Apr 9 – District Leaders’ Conference.
• Friday, Apr 15 – Stations of the Cross.  Christ our Light Church, 7:30 PM
• Good Friday, Apr 22 – No Meeting.  Please attend services at your parish
• Easter Sunday, Apr 24 – Salubungan (Procession for the Meeting of the Risen Lord Jesus and the Blessed Mother on Easter morning), Christ our Light Church, 6:00 AM (!) followed by Mass and Filipino breakfast at the parish hall ($5 per meal). More»