REFLECTION FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2018

Christ is the Light of the world when He declared that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. As we start the New Year, our community word tells us: Jesus Christ is the Light who leads us to the Truth. God gave us His Son, our Emmanuel and Savior, to manifest His immense love for us. During the month of January, salvation starts unfolding as Jesus reveals Himself to us, declaring God’s kingdom to all men of goodwill in Isaiah: “Rise up….the glory of the Lord shines up-on you,” (Is 60:1). The theme for the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord is - We are led to the truth when we look to Jesus as our Redeemer. The magi of the east may have found a frail baby in a manger. But, led by the star of Bethlehem, they knew that this was the prom-ised Messiah whose light will shine over the darkness of the earth. Jesus continues to reveal Himself to us and His light is our light of faith that brings us closer to

God. The glory of God is in us and we are blessed beyond what we deserved in this promise: “… you shall be radiant at what you see… the wealth of nations shall be brought to you,” (Is 60:5). We are led to the truth when we make Christ known to others. This is our theme for the 2

nd Sun-

day in Ordinary Time. As Christian disciples, we are called to share the Good News as our way of spread-ing the Gospel of redemption. In the letter of Paul to the Corinthians, we are reminded of God’s promise: “Whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him,” (1Cor 6:17). Thru constant prayer and deepening faith, we can grow in our relationship with the Lord and become one with Him. His thoughts be-come our thoughts and His ways become our ways. Our being becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit and we carry the fullness of Jesus Christ that will enable us to bring forth His truth and grace to others.

COMMUNITY WORD for JANUARY

Jesus Christ is the Light who leads us to the Truth.

ORDER

“Rise up… the glory of the Lord shines upon you.” (Is 60:1)

PROPHECIES

My light guides you as you journey on earth.

DIRECTION

1. Read God’s word daily that you may see the truth in all things. 2. Visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and offer yourself as a gift, ready to do His will.

BUKÁS - LOÓB SA DIYÓS Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community

January 3, 2018 • Manila District • Volume XX Issue No. 1

THEME: Feast of the Holy Family (Cycle B, Year 2)

God’s presence keeps us respectful and obedient to our fathers and mothers.

PROMISE:

“Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to

his mother.” (Sir 3:6)

The theme for the Feast of Sto. Niño, a feast celebrat-ed in the Philippines, is - We are led to the truth when we accept the kingdom of God with a pure heart. We repeatedly hear of this beautiful passage from the gospel of Mark: “Let the children come to me…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” (Mk 10:14b). Sto. Nino feast day reminds us that Jesus came into the world as a helpless child. The message of the Gospel exhorts us to be childlike in our relationship with God – trusting, totally dependent and with purity of heart. We may likely forget and do other-wise, but God knows that it is a challenge for us to fol-low His ways. Yet, if we are obedient to His will “God may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation re-sulting in knowledge of Him,” (Eph 1:17). For the 3

rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (International

Readings), the theme is - We are led to the truth when we respond to God’s call to be followers of Christ.God’s horizon is incomparably wider and more far-reaching than ours. Just as Jesus called Peter, An-drew, James and John to follow Him, He is also telling us to widen our horizon and embrace God’s vision for our lives. We need to continuously repent and die to our limited vision and lifestyles - “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gos-pel,” (Mk 1:15). We are reminded to be totally de-pendent in the Lord for everything. Obedience to Him brings us in the righteous path because “…the Lord shows sinners the way… and teaches the humble his way,”(Ps 26:8b-9). Finally, our theme for the 4

th Sunday in Ordinary Time

is: We are led to the truth when we speak God’s word with authority. For Christians, Jesus is the ul-timate authority, not only by the authority of His teach-ings and works, but more so by the authority of His life, death and resurrection as God’s Son who redeemed the world. Many witnessed how He healed the man in Capernaum by the authority given Him when com-manded the devil, “Be silent, and come out of him!” (Mk 1:25). There is no power greater than the power of God’s spoken word. When we believe that His word is our highest authority, God gives us this promise, “I will raise up for them a prophet… and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him,” (Dt 18:18). Prayer Father God, thank You for manifesting Your presence in Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Light who shines upon the darkness of our world. We have experienced His Light in our lives and we have been empowered and inspired to go out and share His Light to others. Con-tinue to sustain us so that the Light of Jesus may re-main forever in our hearts and in the hearts of many, guiding us through our dark moments and finally lead-ing us to Your glory in eternity. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Therefore He is able to save complete-ly those who came to God through him, because he always lives to inter-cede for them.” (Hb 7:25)

For Priesthood… Oliver Taray, Arnel Galicia, Manjo Padilla, King Guiyab, Albert Palay, Jerome S. Piedad, John Paulo A. Cirujano, Job Villaviray, Raymart Glen Barcobero, Christoffer Denzel Aquino, Joseph Francia, Edgar Joseph Miranda, Miguel Jerico M. Rodriguez, Jerelle Benedict and Mendoza Yap.

God’s Healing Hands be upon you… Bobby San Juan, Bobby Fernandez, Ruben Crisostomo, Juanito Largo, Nato Roque, Renie Guevarra, Marcia Quezada, Pilar Afuang, Thomas Chan, Raul Fernando, Zurayda Fernandez, Liza Gamboa, Paco Beltran, Rey Mallari, Edilberto Ento, Ricky Gomez, Teresa Gemeniano, Rodolfo Gemeniano, Roberto Gemeniano, Celia Setia, Ernie Delos Santos, Bryan Baniquid, Anicia Nanali, Linda Escoto, Candie Santos, Anna Victorcer, Nestor Villacorta, Bernard Rivera, Letecia De Asis Noble, Cynthia Pastor, Carolina Banaag Infante, Jopay Odoño, Beltran Letada, Gemma Ibasco, Cesar Cordovez, Joefel Caban, Richard Arellano, Romeo Gacad, Remedios Ochoa Ignacio, Ildefonso Mirabueno Sr., Fr. Joseph Thoai Le, Efren Ferreras, Espie De Guzman, Jhong Miranda, Dick & Gig Villabona, Fr. Joey Espano, Genoveva Espano, Pete Maat, Pao Maat, Aeisha Amoyan and Nicholas Mararac.

May their soul rest in peace… Catalino Advincula, Augusto Borromeo, Paulino Francisco, Gallardo “Mccoy” Lopez and all the poor souls in purgatory.

Pope’s Intention for January 2018 Religious Minorities in Asia. That Christians, and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practice their faith in full freedom.

Schedule of Greeters for Corporate Worship

Assigned Greeters Date

Management & Treasury Jan. 3, 2018

Services Ministry Jan. 10, 2018

Singles Ministry Jan. 17, 2018

Solo Parents Ministry Jan. 24, 2018

Evangelization Core Group Jan. 31, 2018

Eucharistic Celebration

Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo

EVANGELIZATION

ALC, Manila Basic Formation Seminars for NEW EMHC & LECOM Schedules: Part I EMHC BASIC SEMINAR DATE: 20 January 2018 (Saturday) TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM VENUE: Arzobispado de Manila Chapel, Intramu-ros, Manila

LECTORS & COMMENTATORS BASIC SEMINAR DATE: 27 January 2018 (Saturday) TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM VENUE: Arzobispado de Manila Chapel, Intramu-ros, Manila

Part II DOCTRINAL FORMATION EMHC and LECTORS & COMMENTATORS DATE: 03 March 2018 (Saturday) TIME: 8:00AM - 5:00PM VENUE: Lay Formation Chapel, San Carlos Semi-nary, Guadalupe, EDSA, Makati REGISTRATION FEE - Php 250.00

Note/Requirements: 1. Accomplish ALC forms with your respective Min-

istry Head’s approval and recommendation. 2. Attached (1) 2x2 photo. 3. Submit forms and fee to Jimmie, Maris Carrillo,

Liturgy Coordinators on or before 10 January, 2018.

4. Participants are required to attend both Part I & II seminars.

5. No show for paid participant for basic seminar will be deemed forfeited.

6. ID will be given on the day of basic formation.

PASTORAL

Silent Retreat is scheduled Jan. 27-28 at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches, Q.C. For reservation and further details please call or text any of the Em-maus Group members or contact Jo Tamayo at 09189997777.

MANAGEMENT

10th

Fr. Pascual Adorable Golf Tournament is on March 5, 2018 at the Ayala Greenfield Golf and Lei-sure Club in Calamba City, Laguna. Let us support this fundraising project for the first quarter of 2018.

MISSION

Mission Outreach: All are invited, including non BLD members, to join Manila District missions:

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He sent me to proclaim liberty to the cap-tives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed free." (Lk 4:18)

Jan. 10 CW SDSA Corporate Worship

Jan. 17 CW SDSA Corporate Worship

Jan. 24 CW SDSA CW/Healing Night

Jan. 31 CW SDSA Corporate Worship

HOUSE OF WORSHIP FUND

As of December 31, 2017 7,547,073.19

TITHES & LOVE OFFERING

Date EC/CW Secretariat TOTAL

Dec. 6 62,300.00 62,300.00

Dec. 10 34,770.00 12,000.00 46,770.00

TOTAL 97,070.00 12,000.00 109,070.00

Please make all check donations payable to: BLD MANILA

SCHEDULE OUTREACH

Jan. 14 (Sunday) 2:00PM–5:00PM

GK Villa Paraiso

Jan. 14 (Sunday) 2:00PM–5:00PM

Target Range, Parañaque

Jan. 14 (Sunday) 1:00PM–5:00PM

Tunasan, Muntinlupa

Jan. 21 (Sunday) 1:30PM–4:30PM

GK Euro Maralit

Jan. 21 (Sunday) 2:00PM–5:00PM

Risen Christ Parish, Smokey Mountain

Jan. 27 (Saturday) 2:00PM–5:00PM

Naujan, Mindoro – San Ni-colas de Tolentino Parish (Pls. get in touch with Eran & Dorlie Carandan)

Jan. 28 (Sunday) 1:30PM–4:30PM

Bagumbayan, Lower Bicu-tan

Bukas Loob sa Diyos Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community 1372-A Capt. Apolinario St. cor. Gen. Malvar, St., Bangkal, Makati City

Telefax: 478-9782 * email:bld@bldmanila.org * website: www.bldmanila.org

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide

January 7, 2018 - Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Cycle B, Year II)

Reflection: On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, we celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to the world and His unconditional love for all. It is a celebration of light through the bright guiding star observed by the wise men of the East. As they followed the star of Bethlehem, they were amazed to discover the Light of the world, Jesus Christ.

It was a simple encounter, yet deeply meaningful, that profoundly touched the hearts of the three magi. The magi were non-Jews and the first gentiles to whom Jesus chose to reveal Himself. As wise and learned pagans, but men of goodwill, they searched for the Messiah who they knew about in their scholarly and astrological studies. Thus, when the long awaited star appeared, their strong determination and belief led them to begin an arduous journey to look for the Divine Savior. They found Him, a newborn King in a manger, to poor parents. In spite of such poverty, the magi gave homage and gifts befitting a royalty: gold - a gift to honor a king; frankincense - perfume for a priest; and myrrh - as anointing oil, pre-figuring Christ’s death.

As Christians, we too have our own guiding star and light – our faith. Faith is the guide in our life-long journey to the Father. We imitate the magi in our faith journey and follow their example in diligently searching for Jesus, to be close to Him as we seek His guidance and blessings. The star that shines in our life can change us powerfully when we begin to see more clearly the truth about ourselves, our relationship with God, others and community.

As we begin the New Year, let us be attentive to our star of faith that leads us to the Light of Christ. Our life is all about finding Jesus who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And as we have found Him in our life, we may also bring others to Him that they too may embrace Jesus as their Lord and Savior, as our theme for this week states: We are led to the truth when we look to Jesus as our Redeemer.

The Light of Christ continues to shine in our midst when we celebrate the Holy Eucharist. A life lived in the Eucharist brings unspeakable joy to one’s being amidst trials and tribulations. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist and we receive His light that keeps us going through the many challenges that we encounter. We radiate the light of Jesus to others and by our love and concern, lead them to embrace Him as we pass His light to them. As God gave us a mission to reveal Christ to others, we know that He will not abandon us because we will always feel His light shining in our hearts when we experience hope and joy.

With Christ in us, our joy is new every day. God is with us and He wants everyone to be saved. Thus He will always call us from our old life of sin to a new life with Him. We journey through the various stages of our life, growing and bearing the losses that increase with time and age. There are days of celebration and sadness, of grace and sin, of realization, consolation and tribulation. But having found the Lord in our search for truth and light, we must believe that He will never abandon us and completely trust that God will always be faithful.

The glory of God is risen among us and we are blessed beyond what we deserve. Jesus, our Redeemer is here. Let us receive Him with great joy and be expectant of His promise in Isaiah: “…you shall be radiant at what you see …the wealth of nations shall be brought to you,”(Is 60:5).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the star of hope and faith that lead us to Your Holy Word, teaching us to know, love, and serve You more each day and continually nourishing as we go through with our daily journey.

Almighty Father, as we look back to 2017, we are amazed that You are our God who remained manifested in our lives with such joy and power that enabled us to prevail the past year despite all odds and tribulations.Thank you for the love, mercy and graciousness accorded to us far beyond what we have expected and deserved. You are indeed a marvelous living God. We look at 2018 with excitement and expectant faith, and we pray that all our hopes and plans, both personal and communitarian, be in accord to Your holy will, all for Your greater honor and glory. Amen.

Reflection Questions: 1. At what moment in my life did I discover and start to feel

God’s presence as I lived my life at home, work, in school and community?

2. Share the fullness of joy and hope that you have been experiencing since you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

THEMES AND PROMISES FOR JANUARY

Week#1 (Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord) Theme: We are led to the truth when we look to Jesus as

our Redeemer. Promise: “… you shall be radiant at what you see… the

wealth of nations shall be brought to you.”(Is 60:5)

Week#2 (2

nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Theme: We are led to the truth when we make Christ known to others.

Promise: “Whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one Spirit with him.” (1Cor 6:17)

Week#3 (Feast of Sto. Niño) Theme: We are led to the truth when we accept the

kingdom of God with a pure heart. Promise: “God may give you a spirit of wisdom and

revelation resulting in knowledge of Him.” (Eph 1:17)

Week#3 (3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Int’l) Theme: We are led to the truth when we respond to God’s

call to be followers of Christ. Promise: “…the Lord shows sinners the way… and

teaches the humble his way.” (Ps 26:8b-9) Week#4 (4

th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Theme: We are led to the truth when we speak God’s word with authority.

Promise: “I will raise up for them a prophet… and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him.” (Dt 18:18)