BUKÁS-LOÓB SA DIYÓS OPEN IN SPIRIT TO GOD

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1 April 21, 2017 BUKÁS-LOÓB SA DIYÓS OPEN IN SPIRIT TO GOD THEME The glory of God shines through us when the peace of Christ lives in our hearts. WORD Acts 2:42-47/Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24/ 1 Pt 1:3-9/Jn 20:19-31 ORDER Do not doubt, but believe (John 20:27) As the Father has sent me, so I send you (John 20:21) Believe in him and rejoice (1 Pt 1:8) 2nd Sunday of Easter DIRECTION Give thanks, honor and praise for what the Lord has done so that the peace of Christ will prevail in our community. Devote ourselves to teaching, braking of bread, fellowship, and prayers so that we may be equipped to witness to those we encounter day to day. REFLECTION It is the desire of most believers of our Lord Jesus Christ to see him face to face, to touch him and feel his presence every day. We pride ourselves to have the faith that can move mountains, yet in moments of grief, desolation, death and difficult circumstances we behave just like the disciples of Jesus, and Thomas in particular. We fail to see the trickles of blessings and relief that pour in those moments, the not so obvious miracles that are God s answer to our unspoken prayers and the glimmers of hope that assure us that if we trust him, He will brings us through. In a world that is hostile, unloving and filled with uncertainty, it is but human that...p2 Living Water April 21,

2 (Cont d from P.1)...the spirit of fear takes over our lives, our thoughts, our longings, and our plans, even in our work for the Lord. The fear of loosing our jobs and not being able to provide for our own personal needs and that of our family come between our commitment to be open channels of blessings to others. The fear of persecution dampens our enthusiasm to go forward and our drive to participate in the Lord s work. Feelings of unworthiness and the burden of guilt to know that Christ took our place on the cross to save us from sure death, keeps us from opening the locked door of our hearts to receive the blessing of forgiveness, the lasting peace and the joy that Christ s death and resurrection brings. Feelings of loneliness and the absence of love sometimes cause us to question God s presence and his faithfulness. Surely, there is no cause for rejoicing for those who are unable to go beyond their own Calvary and step out from their entombment. The Acts of the Apostles, the responsorial psalm, Peter and John, exhort us not to be despondent nor be discouraged because we have a good and trustworthy God who loves us so much. We may never see him face to face in this world but we are assured that He is alive! He has not left us as promised. He died and rose from the dead to release us from our spiritual bondage to sin. Our problems may never go away but as we learn to embrace our crosses and be grateful that we share in Christ s suffering, Jesus will make his presence known, be on our side as we walk through it. And as we live and abide in Christ through eyes of faith, as we focus on Him and do what pleases Him, Christ s peace will replace all doubts and fear. Surely this calls for great rejoicing, knowing that Jesus resurrection from the dead assures us of a place in heaven and that our heavenly inheritance awaits us. As a people of the Resurrection, it is not enough to say that we have faith in the Risen Christ. Our faith must be one that moves us and others into action. Unbelievers find it difficult to see their need for a savior. If we, who pride ourselves of being disciples of Christ, are easily discouraged and unable to move forward by tragedies, trials and great difficulties that come our way, how much more those who do not know Christ. The greatest witnesses of the faith are those who are able to resurrect from their negativity of this world. Just like Thomas, they realize their weaknesses, their sinfulness and limitations and live faithfully with their doubts. They rely on the help of the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead to rid them of their doubts and for the Spirit to give life to anything that has died in them unfulfilled hopes and dreams, breakdown of family relationships, painful memories, disappointments and impossible circumstances. They put their hope and trust in Christ even when their circumstances do not change. They continue to give praise and worship to God, show brotherly love by helping others in whatever way they can, and joyfully serve in community. These are the people who reflect the peace of Christ and the glory of the Risen Christ in their lives. They are the people who attract and bring people to Christ. PROMISE Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. References: Life Application Bible (New International Version) BLD TORONTO MID-YEAR RETREAT 2 Living Water - April 21, 2017 Living Water - January 15,

3 Newly Anointed SE#20 Class Shepherds and 5-Point Committed Disciples (L-R) Paul/Arlene Tan, Roger/Merly Perono, SE#20 Class Shepherds; Fr. Jublas Nolasco; 5-Pt Committed Disciples Nigel Delgra, Dolly Valencia, Lisa Vargas, Fe Llanes April 7, 2017 Congratulations! As you continue to walk this path to discipleship, may you keep to heart the prayer of Pope Francis: Lord, here I am, with my sins. Forgive me. Help me to walk. Change my heart. April 2017 Lectors April 21 1st Reading..Nito/Joni Cruz Psalm Tildeng Cortez 2nd Reading.John/Veronica Idachaba April 28 1st Reading Merlo/Ellen Benoya Psalm..Odette Maralit 2nd Reading...Ron/Alma Ferreros Living Water April 21,

4 BLD-Toronto Seven Last Words Art/Precy Ortiz A Call to Journey With Christ Noli/Jeanny Mercado Belen Rueles Trinity Urbe Nestor/Imelda Vilela John/Veronica Idachaba Vel/Rica Meriel 4 Living Water - January 15, Living Water - April 21, 2017

5 S t. John Paul II said that the Passion of the Lord is the sacred Christian mystery that brings to all the faithful the special grace of joy in being united to the cross. Taken in this light, the Seven last Words at BLD-Toronto must be seen as more than an evening of sharing and spiritual healing. It is a response to a call to journey with Christ as joyful pilgrims celebrating the most sacred of all the mysteries of our faith. On March 31, 5 married couples and 2 solo parents gave witness to how they bore the weight of their crosses. But more than that, they celebrated their victory by boldly proclaiming their faith in a God of hope our God whose passion and resurrection continue to challenge us to love, forgive, and be reconciled to each other. In an increasingly fractious and fearful world where we are tempted to retreat and put up barriers around us, the unique stories of our grace-filled sharers have given us the inspiration to constantly build bridges in our relationships, and pursue unity and reconciliation, instead of separation. And it is through their profound witnessing that we, in turn, find the courage to give our own testimonies to the joy of being united to the cross and the promise of the new life it brings. Living Water April 21,

6 B LD-Toronto s recently concluded Seven Last Words is another clear affirmation that beneath the wings of every fervent sharer blows the steady wind of a good coach. For good coaches teach, remind and inspire. They teach us how to uncover our hidden gifts and help us understand that the very purpose of our lives is to share those gifts with others. They remind us that our community lives on L-R: Philip/Clarita Malolos; Pat/Rose Canlas; Olie/Menchu Ealdama; Jun/Eden Mercado; Joey/Susan Linsao. Not in Photo: Tess Malolos The Wind Beneath Our Wings! through an unbroken chain of witnesses who are linked together in harmony and love. And as they take on this unenviable task of mentorship with total humility, they inspire us to look beyond our own human frailties, open the windows of our hearts, and allow our spirits to take flight. To the coaches of BLD-Toronto, our heartfelt Thank You! 6 Living Water - January 15, Living Water - April 21, 2017

7 From the Life in the Spirit Ministry LSS No.35 is scheduled on June 23 June 25, Invited participants are: Graduates of ME #41 Graduates of SPE #16 Graduates of SE #20 Previous graduates of ME, SPE and SE who have not taken the LSS yet Non-encountered Singles, Solo Parents and Couples are also welcome. Orientation is scheduled on April 28 th and May 12 th after the Praise and Worship and May 5 th after the mass at the Mark 10 room. Salubong will be on Friday, May 19, For registration and more information, you may visit the LSS#35 table at the basement hall before and after P&W or contact LSS #35 Coordinators, Ed and Cristy Samson. LIFE - We stand on guard for thee! This year marks the 20 th National March For Life in Ottawa and the 150th anniversary of Canada s confederation. This year's theme is "LIFE - we stand on guard for thee" Pro-lifers will gather on Parliament Hill to demand that our laws once again uphold the right to life which is inherent to every human being, as they once did, even 150 years ago. The March for Life is the largest annual demonstration on Parliament Hill, and a sign that ending abortion is the civil rights movement of our day. As Christians, we should be deeply concerned, for it is our moral obligation to oppose these injustices. Let us make the trip to Ottawa on Thursday, May 11, 2017 and together voice our opposition to these evils. Please join us the 1st pickup will be at SFX, Mississauga at 6:00am. From there, the bus will proceed to OLA Church for the 2nd pickup at around 6:40am. The cost for the round-rip bus fare is $30.00/person. Reserve your spot ASAP by ing: Tito&DoraBacungan titobacungan@gmail.com or Fran&BabyPulumbarit travelchalice@gmail.com or calling YollyUranza ( ) or Carmen Jimenez ( ) of the BLD Mission Ministry Living Water April 21,

8 Christ came into the world as the light of all people. Through the face of the Son, we came to know the splendor of the Father, and through the working of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed more and more into His image, so that His redemptive light may shine on us all. Y God has called 29 young people from BLD Toronto (16), BLD Cincinnati (7) and BLD St. Catharines (6) to be blessed with a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar no. 18 held last March 24-25, 2017 at the St. Martin Secondary School in Mississauga. The spirit-filled weekend was officiated by Rev. Fr. Armand Galay who inspired the participants as he echoed the Lord s message to go forth and proclaim to everyone the Good News of Salvation! Sharing their stories of transformation bearing witnesses to how the Lord Jesus Christ touched their lives were Kariza Reyes, Meagan Membrere & Frances- Bulan. The YLSS youth coordinators, Ginelle Feliciano and John Carlo Genilla, together with the shepherds and co-shepherds were instrumental in paving the way for a very meaningful 12-week journey. We thank the Lord for the amazing workers in His vineyard who tirelessly devoted their time and resources in ensuring the success of the YLSS weekend: the Youth Ministry Praise and working team, the adult members, the BLD ministries and members who extended their untiring support and generous love offerings in making this YLSS weekend a worthy gift and offering to our Lord Jesus Christ who deserves all the glory and praise. By: Ariel & Ethel Ang 8 Living Water - January 15, Living Water - April 21, 2017

9 OUTH LSS#18 A joyful journey into light. Living Water April 21,

10 Easter Joy at YLSS# What does Easter Joy look like? We chanced upon it at YLSS# 18. Amidst the frenetic busyness of the weekend, there was something refreshingly holy that broke through. And what gave it away were the smiles, the hugs, the dancing, and even the clowning around. Because beneath it all was a joy that was palpable and persistent a sacred joy that radiated on the faces 29 young LSS graduates who were filled with hope and promise. It was like seeing lilies in early spring. Or feeling the newness of a life transformed. Here is what Kabura Mwangi, one of the YLSS graduates from St. Catharines, shared with the community: My experience at YLSS#18 showed my highest and lowest points in my life so far. I got to meet so many wonderful people who felt the same love that I feel for Christ. I learned about God s amazing love for us. His love that he holds for us is greater than our sins, our shames and our fears. YLSS helped me to strengthen my love for Christ. The people that I encountered at YLSS helped guide me towards God. I was able to see God in a different perspective. I learned that God sacrificed so much for me so that I may be with him. Even though I felt that I did not deserve forgiveness or his love, I was able to see that God has a plan for me and He has carved my name into his hand. I felt blind before coming to YLSS. I felt that I was alone and that I was fighting a battle without him. During the baptism, all that uncertainty about God left me, as if they were being sucked out of me. I felt weak and helpless; and I was happy. Feeling that way made me realize that God is my Father and a father s duty is to protect and care for his child. YLSS proved to be the beginning of my faith journey; and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of it. 10 Living Water - January 15, Living Water - April 21, 2017

11 18 From John Carlo Genilla: To God be the Glory! The weekend was filled with many joyful moments, and some tearful ones of course. Thank you to Father Armand for his wonderful talks. I hope that whatever the candidates learned, they would take with them through their spiritual journey. As your coordinators, Ginelle and I would like to thank those who gave their support, guidance, donations and most importantly, prayers. Lastly, thank you God for You have made all this possible! Certainly looking forward to future Youth Ministry events. Fun Fact: During the YLSS weekend, the community managed to break the records when it comes to love offerings Thank you for all the support you have poured out! Living Water April 21,

12 A N N O U N C E M E N T S Solo Parents Encounter No. 16 A Weekend Experience of God s Healing Love WHEN: April 28-30, 2017 WHERE: The Valley of the Mother of God (Mono, Orangeville, Ontario) WHO: Single parents, widows, widowers, divorced, separated For registration forms, please see any one of the Solo Tricord: Linda Canaria, Nilda Villa and Cora Montilla, or SPE #15 class shepherds Theo Ly & Sylvia Taton, or any member of SPE #15 class at the registration table in OLA Hall before and after Praise & Worship every Friday. 12 Living Water - January 15, Living Water - April 21, 2017