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

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»