01.13.19 | Sunday | 9:00AM | Cinema 3, Robinsons Place Manila
True Faith
Sometimes You Have To Trust
While writing this article and watching the news on TV at the same time (call it multitasking), I can’t help but be amazed by the faithful devotees of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila.
Are you familiar with Waze? It is a navigation app that determines the best route to your destination. It even provides real-time road conditions to outsmart traffic jams. Amazing!
According to the news, two days before the said celebration, thousands and thousands of people lined up for the Pahalik or the opportunity to “kiss” the cross or foot of the life-sized image of a dark-skinned, kneeling Jesus Christ carrying the cross. Traslacion, a Spanish term for passage or movement, is an annual procession of the Black Nazarene where a sea of people, seemingly a tidal wave of human bodies, are unmindful of the inconveniences and accidents that may occur along the way.
When I first started using the mobile app a few years back, I remember not following the exact route provided. I usually take a familiar route if I feel that it is pointing to heavy traffic.
Here is an epitome of what true faith is all about. Most devotees bring with them their deep gratitude for what the Black Nazarene has done in their lives -- the blessings, healing, and miracles. Be Blessed, ADRIAN PANGANIBAN
From experience, though, I realized that I end up traveling longer or going through more traffic when I do not follow Waze’s recommendations. Eventually, I learned to trust the app. Given the thousands of users that contribute information, I began to accept that Waze has better knowledge of the best route than me. Now, I just key in my destination on Waze and drive with peace of mind knowing that it selected the best route for me. I believe that life is similar to this. God knows better. He sees the best path and plans for us. We may sometimes get scared because what lies immediately ahead is challenging. But, we must learn to trust Him. This will give us the faith and the will to continue doing what is right.
Have a blessed Feast today.
In Christ, JOHN BEN RODRIGUEZ
TALK 1: COURAGEOUS FAITH Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.” 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” 8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. (Genesis 22:1-8, NIV, emphasis added)
TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Psalms: Psalm 29:1-11 Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38 Gospel: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
BLESSING BLOG I’m a Teenage Mom and God Loves Me As told to Krystel Ramos-Tobias
Kleah Christiene Revilla, 17 years old, narrates her journey as a rebellious youth to a teenage pregnancy that allowed her to experience God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. When Mama and my stepfather separated, a lot of things changed. Mama decided to move to a different place and start our lives anew. It was hard to fit in. During high school, I was bullied. I kept the experience to myself. Out of fear, I’d make excuses for not going to school. When mama found out, she resolved it with my teachers. In October 2014, Mama introduced me to The Feast. It was her birthday gift to me. I discovered the Dance Ministry. Oh, I love dancing! Because of that, she encouraged me to serve in the ministry. Falling In Love In my sophomore year, I was in the honor roll and I participated in different school activities like Scouting. There, I met Mark. He was an alumnus from our school and was a former Scout Master. We clicked and eventually became sweethearts.Things changed when my mom found out about that I had a boyfriend. Distracted, my studies got a bit sidetracked. I’d miss school to be with Mark. The Rebel in Me We started to argue a lot. I found her too strict. I’d hang out with neighbors and would return home early in the morning. Been drinking alcohol and smoking too. At some point, I’d hurt myself with self-inflicted wounds, blaming myself for the broken relationships in the family. In December 2016, I ran away from home because of my pride. We disagreed on many issues. I stayed in my classmate’s house. To support myself, I worked in a catering company. That was tough! I realized it was not easy to earn money for a living. I suddenly thought of Mama and her hardships for our family. She must be worried. It was the evening of December 23, I went home and introduced Mark to my mother. Hindi ko ini-expect na mapapatawad ako ni mama. To my surprise, tinanggap nya ang relationship namin. She just reminded me to be mindful of my studies. I couldn’t thank God enough. Meron akong magulang na mapagmahal at napakahaba ng pasensya. Sobrang thankful ako kay God dahil hindi nya ako pinabayaan. To show my deep gratitude, I continued serving in our prayer community. I’m pregnant. And I’m 16 years old. Mama and Mark convinced me to finish my studies but I did not listen to them. I was in my senior year and felt I couldn’t do it anymore. Dinamayan ako ni mama. Baka kailangan ko lang daw ng pahinga. Months later, hindi ko pinagsisihan ang choice ko na yun. I found out I was pregnant. Biglang natakot ako. Natakot ako sa pwedeng mangyari kapag nalaman ni Mama. Natakot ako kung tatanggapin pa ba ako. Natakot ako kung kakayanin ko pa ba.
KC with her adorable baby boy, Klark.
I didn’t want to tell her. Mark and I were already arguing about my pregnancy. With no one to talk to, I opened up. When mama found out that I was two months pregnant, she got mad at first. Then sad abd worried about my studies. What a painful coincidence because she also got the news that Tatay, her father, passed away. Sobrang lungkot ko. Ang bigat sa pakiramdam. Despite what happened, my whole family accepted me. Mark’s family also accepted our situation. I surrendered everything to God especially my worries and doubts. I continued praying to Him and lifted up those people who judged me. As for me, the baby inside my womb was God’s gift. New Beginnings Mama encouraged me to pursue schooling Alternative Learning System. On the other hand, Mark graduated from Senior High School. After his graduation, he was able to find a job. When I saw my baby for the first time, I wanted to rebuild my life. I wanted to finish my high school so I could enter college. Gusto ko ring makabawi kay mama. I see the world differently now. Ganun pala ang pakiramdam kapag magulang ka na. Every time I leave for school, I think of my baby. Being a teenage mom is not an easy feat. So many sleepless nights. It is exhausting but I will endure it for my baby. At my young age, I’m learning to be a parent. My pregnancy brought me and Mama closer. I had a better relationship with my sister, Jilliane. Also, I’m grateful to my fellow servants in the Dance Ministry for accepting me.
Celebrating new beginnings. KC Revilla, left, with her family during the New Year’s eve.
I thank the Lord for everything I’ve been through. I believe there is a purpose for all my challenges and I accept the consequences of my actions. I realize that God allows problems because He knows that we can endure them. And He will be with us. Our mistakes do not define who we are. After all the struggles, may magandang regalo sayo si Lord.
Blessed by the Feast? Share your story and inspire our community. Email to a1media.feastbayarea@gmail.com
SCENES FROM LAST SUNDAY “YOU ARE THE MIRACLE THAT YOU ARE PRAYING FOR.” RECAP TALK 1: Courageous Obedience There are three Strategies to develop Courage. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” – Deutoronomy 31:6
1. Take the first tiny step right away. A thousand miles start with a single step. Dream big but start small. 2. Focus on Why, Not How. To be brave, focus on the why. If the “why” is big enough, the “how” will take care of itself. We have to look for progress instead of perfection. We cannot be good at something without doing it. Practice an attitude of Ready, Fire, Aim, Fire, Aim, Fire, Aim… and so on. Do not let your fear hinder you from starting on doing something. 3. Believe that you are the miracle that you are praying for. If you want to see a miracle, be a miracle. God has implanted courage in our lives so we can stand still every moment of our lives. Believe that you can do something. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Where God leads, God feeds. Believe that what you are looking for has been provided. What you are looking for is already there!
HOMILY Gospel Reading according to Matthew 2:1-12
“Christmas is the revelation of the Word that Jesus is the Son of God; Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as the light to the nations.” - Fr. Boogey Tacdoro There are three points to reflect on this Feast of the Epiphany.
“If we let fear control us, we will make the wrong decisions. Fear stops us from leaving our comfort zone.” - Bro. JB
1. The Star. This symbolizes the newborn King. Jesus is the light of the nation and we should look up to Him. 2. The darkness of the night. This signifies that the world may be in darkness but we have the assurance of the Light of Jesus. We can always hold on to our Lord as the light of our lives amidst the darkness. 3. The other direction. Let us come home to Jesus. We have to change for the better as we journey this year. When we have truly experienced Christmas, we will become more prayerful this 2019 and we will continue to reveal Jesus as the light of our lives.
“If God asks something from you, are you willing to surrender and offer it to God?” - Bro. Adrian
ANSWERED PRAYERS Michael passed his revalida in San Miguel Brewery, this means that he will be regularized. This year is the best year ever, more healing, miracles and provisions. We give more and share more. - Rejoice and Michael Yoro For coming to my life. For always being here by my side. For all the blessings, opportunities and provisions. For the transfer of my two siblings, Kim and Jelo, to my house and help from my family. Anonymous For a wonderful holiday season. For the material and spiritual blessings. For my acceptance in a National Conference. For my wife and family. - Jerome
For adding another year to my existence. For the gift of life. - CCP For giving us 2019 with full of opportunities. For the continous blessings, connection with Aileen and Canada Immigration. For saving me everyday. - Anonymous For letting me celebrate Christmas, New Year and all the days in between with peace of mind and joyous heart. For all my struggles last 2018. For the gift of family and friends. For giving them good health. - Jewel V. Presente
MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER Unless You Get Out of Your Little, Cozy, Comfy World… LAST WEEK, I asked if God is prompting you to do something for some months now, but you’ve been dillydallying for the longest time… It’s possible that you’re wasting your time, energy, and resources.
Too much navel-gazing. Too much self-absorption. Too much petty arguments.
There’s a whole new world out there that’s waiting for your life and presence and gift. Take that first step! Get out of your little, cozy, comfy world and start serving. But in the second installment of our exciting series, we explore another area that need a lot of courage: Letting go of attachments. I’m so excited to unpack God’s Word for you today. Get ready to be super blessed!
May your dreams come true,
Bo Sanchez
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