02.03.19 | Sunday | 9:00AM | Cinema 3, Robinsons Place Manila
Three Things I’m writing this article just right after we finished climbing Mt. Pulag in Benguet, Mountain Province. It is the highest peak in Luzon and the third highest mountain in the Philippines. This is the third mountain I have climbed, aside from Mt. Sinai in Egypt and a mountain in Medjugorje in Europe. I must say that I am proud that I’ve done it in this lifetime. I have overcome three things from last night's experience: my fear of heights, my fear to be in a place of total darkness, and being left all by myself. As I trekked with some of our co-servants at the Feast, I walked fast because I wanted to arrive at the summit before sunrise. And before I knew it, I was already ahead of the group. I refused to go back and look for them considering the narrow trail and the cliff in total darkness. Instead of being afraid, I simply prayed. I believe that when you remain connected with God, nobody and nothing can harm you. 1 Corinthian 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." And that is the love of God. Be Blessed, ADRIAN PANGANIBAN
Handa Ka na bang Magmahal? "Kapag lumingon ka, akin ka!" Nakakakilig, ‘di ba? Kaya rin naman siguro nakakahumaling ang mga pelikula ay dahil sa mga ganitong eksena. Whenever you watch them, you feel as though love can conquer all. Yung para bang kapag nahanap mo na ang para sa iyo, kumpleto ka na. Kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating ay kayang-kaya na. Pero alam niyo, napatunayan ko na hindi ito makatotohanan sa tunay na buhay. Because I have already entered in a relationship having these wrong expectations. Akala ko na sa partner ko makukuha ang hinahanap kong affirmation at appreciation. And that relationship ended sadly because we were trying to find our worth in each other. We found ourselves getting burned-out trying to fill each other's needs. Don't get me wrong. It is good to appreciate efforts and affirmation from your partner. Nagiging mali lang siya kapag requirement na. Kung sa palagay mo sasaya ka lang o mabubuo ka lang kapag may boyfriend o girlfriend na, nagkakamali ka. Mahirap pumasok sa isang relasyon kung wala kang maibibigay. Because a relationship is really more about giving. You give your time, talent, and even your treasure. It takes a lot of effort and selflessness to nurture a healthy relationship. Kaya kailangan ay punong-puno ka ng pagmamahal para hindi ka mauubusan. That is what we will learn today -- to receive love from God, the kind that only He can give. Have a blessed Feast today. In Christ, JOHN BEN RODRIGUEZ
TALK 1: Disordered Perspective “So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. –Hosea 1:3 “Again the Lord said to me: Go, love a woman who is loved by her spouse but commits adultery; Just as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes. So I acquired her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a lethech of barley. Then I said to her: “You will wait for me for many days; you will not prostitute yourself or belong to any man; I in turn will wait for you.” -Hosea 3:1-3 emphasis provided
TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19 Psalms: Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31--13:13 Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
BLESSING BLOG God Led Me to My Dreams Kimberly Joyce Sulit, Marketing Assistant in an IT company, 25 years old, shares her pursuit for her dreams and how God leads her to new beginnings. “Baka mahirapan ka lang kasi kung sakaling kulangin ka ng pera, baka hindi ka namin masuportahan. Nag-aaral pa rin ang bunso mong kapatid.” Though we were financially challenged at that time, I was hopeful that I could pursue my college education. Those words from my mom crushed my heart. I thought I’d never study again. I first attended The Feast in 2011 when my office mate invited me. It was an unexplainable experience. I was teary-eyed during the entire talk. As a first-time attendee, I was given a Novena to God’s Love where I could write my seven dreams. Though seemingly impossible, I wrote my dream to pursue my desired bachelor’s degree. I remember that day on April 2012. While arranging my things, I found my Novena to God’s Love again. I read through it again and it reminded me of my dream to pursue the course I wanted by 2012. For some reason, I felt a strong nudge to just do it. I felt like it was a go signal from God that I should pursue my education and that He will support me. With some funds, I was able to enroll in a university. Things were not easy. I was a full-time employee in the morning and a student at night. When I’d get home, despite exhausted from work, I had to do my homework and review for exams. Then I needed to wake up early in the morning to go to work. I had the same routine for the years that I was studying. I kept the challenges to myself and to God. My family was going through difficulties as well and I didn’t want to add to their burden. I was working hard to pursue my degree because I wanted to give a better life for my family. During my high school days, I could still remember how we’d mix a little soy sauce or cooking oil in our rice because we couldn’t afford to buy food. I finished my first year in college. It was an arduous responsibility, filled with countless challenges and adjustments. I asked myself, “Ano Kim? Kaya mo pa ba? Three years pa. Saan ka na naman kukuha ng pang-enroll mo?” Then I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer, “Lord, help me. Kayanin ko po sana lahat.” When they released our grades, I was crying because I was a dean’s lister. It meant that I had a 50% discount on my tuition fee. It was an instant answered prayer for me. I was able to enroll for my second year and at that time I was more motivated because I knew so well that God won’t let me down. Although I still experienced a lot of challenges during the next three years of my study, I was confident that He’s there to help me. I was sure that He would guide my every decision. Finally, on April 5, 2016, I graduated with the degree of Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Major in Marketing Management. In the same year, I applied as a Marketing Assistant in an IT company. Luckily, they hired me. I started working on May 3, 2016. All my sacrifices and hard work paid off. It was all worth it. Now, I can somehow provide for the needs of my parents. I can help my family more. On September of that same year, my new colleague invited me to volunteer in the He Cares Foundation, a non-profit Christian organization that helps children in need in various areas in Metro Manila. There I met Bro. Mon Bumatay. In the middle of our conversation, I mentioned that I am a Feaster. I don’t know but it seemed like God revealed His great plan to me. I really wanted to serve at the Feast to give back for all the blessings that God has given me. Fortunately, Bro. Mon is one of the servants at the Feast. He invited me to serve. I said yes, and up until now, I’m serving at The Feast Ermita. More blessings poured in when I started to serve -- I found a new home, met new friends, and belonged to an uplifting spiritual family. Dreaming big and never giving up are the most important things you can do for yourself. Never lose focus on what you aim for in life. Do everything with love because nothing is impossible with God. Pray always because He makes all things possible.
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SCENES FROM LAST SUNDAY “Celebrate Who You Are.” RECAP BIG Day Have you experienced failure? Sometimes it’s tempting to just give up. But have we thought about God’s timing? God’s delays are not God’s denials. He doesn’t want to deny us of anything. In fact, He wants the best for us. Instead of fear of failure, we can view it as a temporary setback because God’s plans will always prevail. His perfect love casts out fear. The Lord wants to set us free from all of our fears, attachments and uncertainties. A heart of courage is a heart filled with the love of God. There are two steps to overcome fear. Step 1. Celebrate your wins. Remember your wins and reverse engineer them. Why did it happen? How can I apply it in other areas of my life? How can I do it again? Step 2. Celebrate your greatest win. In the infamous David and Goliath story, it shows how God’s anointed one can defeat any obstacles, no matter how big. Have we ever thought about the Goliaths in our lives? The giants that keep us awake at night? The giants that hinder us to use our full potential? David’s courage didn’t only come from his past victory, but from God who made it possible. He had God-confidence. God is our greatest win, our only security. Hold on to Him.
HOMILY
By Fr. Christopher Jeffrey Aytona
Gospel Reading according to Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21
In this Feast, we are receiving His mercy. God came for each one of us. We do not deserve His mercy but He forgave all our iniquities. May we forgive others just as we are forgiven. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Hence, we have the power to proclaim God’s mercy and love. Our mission is to share His mercy to the people we meet. And let us remember that charity and mercy begin at home.
ANSWERED PRAYERS For all the blessings you extended to us Lord. For the peace of mind, gift of life and everything - Malou Aletin
For always reminding me to stay strong and not give up inspite of all the struggles that I’m facing Lord - Julie Escote
For everything. For being the lead role in our organization. For the guidance and love. For the overflowing blessings - Karla Patricia Arceo
Improved health, start of new work, grace and strength to keep going - Laurence Panopio
For everything that you do for us, though we are sinners, you still love us and bless us and guide us everyday. Never ending gratitude for all the blessings that will come Lord - anonymous
For answered prayers, salary received, blessings and graces received, good health and safety of my family - JJ Arceo and Family Thank you for your faithfulness, your love, mercy, forgiveness and graces. For all the blessings, I praise you and I worship you Lord Jesus - Butch Naraindas
MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER This Series Rocks! I’m super pumped. Yes, we created this month’s teaching series for the single person in mind, but please, don’t ever think that married people won’t be massively blessed by the teachings. Here’s why: Many of your marriage problems don’t come from the other person but from the inner person. Before you can work on your relationship with another person, you need to work on your relationship with yourself. If your relationship with yourself sucks, your relationship with others will be horrible too. At the start of this series, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, excited to open this gigantic box. Because I’m excited to open this new series for you— singles and marrieds.
God will speak!
May your dreams come true, BO SANCHEZ
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