01.06.19 | Sunday | 9:00AM | Cinema 3, Robinsons Place Manila
Break It Down
Grateful 2018 and a Blissful 2019! As we start a brand new year, let me share the Alphabet about life so we aspire to inspire this year.
Happy New Year! I’m excited because I know that this year will bring you 365 new opportunities to be blessed.
ABC Avoid Boring Company..
We are starting the year with a series that will give us the courage to move out of our comfort zone, to be where growth is.
DEF Don’t Entertain Fools.. GHI Go for High Ideas.. JKLM Just Keep a friend like ME.. NOP Never Overlook the Poor.. QRS Quit Reacting to Silly tales.. TUV Tune Urself for your Victory. WXYZ We Xpect You to Zoom ahead in life.
Several years back, I was usually confused with my New Year goals. Would it be better to dream big or dream small? My previous experience seemed to agree that big goals tend to overwhelm me. I could remember writing a big income goal and ended up not attaining it. At another time, I wrote a small amount, just twice my existing income, and I achieved it. But I was slightly sad because the goal was not that big. Now, I know the right mix: Dream big but start small. More accurately, set a big goal for the year then create smaller, achievable goals that will ultimately carry out your purpose. For example, do you want a vibrant, growing married life? Then set weekly dates. Embrace and encourage your spouse each day. As the days go by you will notice that you are moving closer to your big goal. Have a blessed Feast today.
In Christ, JOHN BEN RODRIGUEZ
May you Achieve all your Goals, May you Reach your Aspirations, May all your Dreams come True! And that’s my Prayer for you for this year 2019! Be Blessed, ADRIAN PANGANIBAN
TALK 1: COURAGEOUS OBEDIENCE “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. 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.’ 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. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 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.’ 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?’ 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
TODAY’S READINGS First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalms: 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13 Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12
BLESSING BLOG When My Life Went out of Control, God Took Hold of the Steering Wheel Lex Carretas shares about his reckless youth in the world with drugs and how God takes over to free him from his mess. I started smoking before I entered High School and when I reached my Sophomore year, I started using drugs. At first I was still in control. It was such a great feeling being with my friends exchanging stories while doing pot sessions. Feeling ko napaka-cool namin. We were the bad boys of the campus and we loved it. We were like family. Magkakapatid ang turingan namin and it felt like home for me. I guess at that time, I was seeking the love of God and my family through my friends. I have a wonderful family, don’t get me wrong. Kaso sa bahay medyo lumaki kaming kanya kanya. We were close pero may kanya kanya kaming buhay kaya when it comes to sharing stories and giving advices hindi kami masyadong open sa isa’t isa. Kaya mas naging open ako sa barkada. Before I got into college, I got hooked into drugs and before I knew it I was more than addicted, I found myself pushing drugs. Nagbebenta na ako ng illegal na droga. I fell in a deep hole and couldn’t get out of it. One day, I borrowed my dad’s car, his favorite car. Nagtaka nga ako kasi pinahiram nya sa akin. Knowing my dad, sobrang strict nya. He was the man! Kung ano ang sabihin nya, tiklop na kami. But on that day, he allowed me to use his car. I met up with my friends and enjoyed the night. We were so high on drugs that I didn’t realize I lent my father’s car to a friend. The night went on until I notice that it was already dawn and my dad’s car was nowhere parked outside. I started to worry. Then my worst fear came true. Naaksidente nga ang kaibigan ko. It was kinda funny at first when he came back riding a tricycle holding what seems to be the steering wheel of my dad’s car. He only suffered minor scratches so I thought the car should be fine. But when we went off to check the car, it was no laughing matter. My dad’s car was totally wrecked. I didn’t know what to do. I was so scared that I didn’t go home for weeks. I only talked to my sister. She and my mom were making up stories to my dad saying that I was out-of-town with my friends. At first, my friends accommodated me and let me stay at their houses. But as days went by, they started ignoring me. I was starving, scared and homeless. I had no choice but to go home.
Lex and his beloved wife Ness keep God in the center of their relationship. They are serving the Lord together in the Music Ministry.
So I did. It was eleven in the evening when I called my sister, “Uuwi na ko, ‘te. Hindi ko na kaya.” As I was walking home, I saw a glimpse of my sister running towards me. She had a plate on her hand filled with food. When she finally reached me, she embraced me and gave me my favorite food. Sinamahan nya ko papasok ng bahay. “Okay lang yan. Hindi galit si daddy,” she said while in tears. Then, there he was standing at the front door: My dad. I will never forget the words that he told me that night, “Okay lang na kotse ang masira, anak. Mapapalitan natin yan. Ikaw hindi. Ang mahalaga ligtas ka.” That was the start of my healing. Slowly but surely my addiction went away. I didn’t need to go to a rehabilitation center or undergo counseling. God’s grace healed me. God showed me His love through my family. From that day on, I can say, I am truly home.
The repentant son, Lex, with his forgiving dad and two kids.
Blessed by the Feast? Share your story and inspire our community. Email to a1media.feastbayarea@gmail.com
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2018 The Feast Ermita family celebrates Christmas and Year End with gratefulness and a joyful spirit.
Remember our bold move from PICC to Robinsons Manila on August 5? God is good.
“GOD WILL BE BORN IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR MESS.” TALK: Christmas Feast Bro. JB shared that God allowed Jesus to be born in a manger in the same way that He is willing to dwell in us in the midst of our messy and chaotic life. It doesn’t matter if your home is dirty or crowded and even if you don’t give Him the best room, all He need is for you to open the door and let Him in.
1T Feast Bay Area Thanksgiving Concert
According to Bro. A, there are 4 stages of life. First, we believe in Santa Claus. Our parents made us believe that Santa Claus exists and he sneaks in on Christmas eve to give us gifts. Next, we stop believing in Santa Claus. When we were growing up, we realized that Santa Claus wasn’t real. Then, you become Santa Claus. We become more generous in giving and sharing our blessings to other people especially to the less fortunate ones. Now, you look like Santa Claus. After all the parties and buffets, we look like Santa. Christmas is the time to commemorate the birth of Jesus. It’s not about parties, gimmicks or food on the table. Unfortunately, this is the season when more people get sick. Depression and suicide rates are also higher due to anguish during holidays, especially winter.
A Call to Serve during The Feast Ermita Ministry Fair
Rejoice! It’s the time to reconnect and stay connected with God. Surrender everything to Him. He can handle our mess.
HOMILY Gospel Reading according to Luke 3:10-18 Fr. Angelo Paolo Asprer explained the spirit and joy of Christmas.
Feast Bay Area District Sportsfest. #STRONGER
Why should we be joyful this Christmas? Despite of all trials, sufferings and adversities, there is always hope and a way out of those problems and burdens in your life. For as long as we hold on to God and surrender everything, we will have a grace of new beginning. “More than the wrapped gifts, the most important thing is the arms of the family members wrapped around each other.” This season is not only about God, but also about our dear families, friends and all the people around us, especially those people that we do not know but need our attention and care. We need to expand our horizon and not just focus on material things but on how we can become Jesus to others. “If you want to be happy this Christmas, you have to give and share” Giving does not make us charitable but it makes us free. We give not what is left but what is right and essential. It comes from the heart.
Grace-filled KCON 2018 Grand Feast. #LIMITLESS
ANSWERED PRAYERS Thank you Lord for a happy family - Garing Family
Fo financial blessings this year. For the opportunity to serve at The Feast Ermita, especially during the mass and lighting of Advent candle. For the new friends - Agnes and Francis Pacio
For giving me the strength everyday. For waking me up everyday full of hope. For coming to my life, Lord. It’s almost my anniversary of serving The Feast. For always being with me through ups and own, achievements and happiness. For the lessons this 2018. For preparing me in advance for my abundant blessings - Anonymous
For the safe arrival of my daughter and her family back home in Canada. For the memories they left behind in the Philippines while they were here. For the strength, blessings and love our Father and His Begotten Son - Virginia Ywayan
I was able to finish my term in school. My Ate Grace was able to go out from the hospital. I’m able to provide for my mother and relatives need and still living a blessed life - Earn Descalso
For all the blessings. For making me an instrument of your love. I have been sponsoring a child through World Vision for 3 months now and all this is possible with your Lord - Nahdine Cruz
MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER 2019 Is Your Victory Year I believe in the power of words. You can agree or disagree with my statement above. (It’s up to you.) But whether you agree with me or not, I’m saying it anyway: Today, I declare a season of increase for you. I declare 2019 will be your Victory Year. I declare wisdom. I declare open doors. I declare new paths. I declare Divine appointments. I declare breakthroughs and opportunities. Receive abundance into your life this coming year. Say this aloud with me:“This 2019, I shall be blessed and be a blessing. I shall receive abundance and share this abundance. God’s goodness and favor shall chase after me, every step of the way. In Jesus’ name.”
Have an amazing Feast today and have an amazing 2019!
May your dreams come true,
BO SANCHEZ
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