The LENTEN RECOLLECTION – an annual event at the Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community – was held at the Heritage Spiritual Formation Center on Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, April 1, 2, and 3, 2026 respectively, centering on the theme, “At The Cross I am Found.” On Good Friday, the community was blessed to have had eloquent and anointed guest speakers: Fr. Gerald Moscardon and Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani. They offered powerful insights on the significance of the Cross. Firstly, by nature, humanity is sinful. Secondly, God’s love forgives even those who are not worthy. Hence, at the Cross, there is MERCY, JUSTICE and REDEMPTION.
The Recollection commenced with praise and worship led by Sis. Dennis Flancia together with the Psalm and Koros Ministries. This opened the minds and hearts and of the audience to be receptive to God’s message. Meanwhile, Sis. Leo Concepcion graciously welcomed everyone and gave a summary of the past two days’ preachings. She proceeded to keep the attendees engaged as she seamlessly facilitated the segments of the morning.
At the Foot of the Cross, there is TRUTH, MERCY AND JUSTICE, and REDEMPTION
The first speaker, Fr. Mosky, was a first-timer to the Lenten Recollection. As such, he delivered a fresh and insightful perspective:
A. Many people today feel lost due to PRIDE, DISTRACTIONS, FEAR, and SIN. Being lost spiritually is not just accidentally making a wrong turn but wandering away from God by choice.
- PRIDE. The Israelites did not know the way to the promised land. But they thought they knew and kept grumbling. Thus, most did not make it. It is the same today. Unless people admit that they are lost, they will be forever lost.
- There are many DISTRACTIONS and obstacles in this world. The Lenten season is an opportunity to focus on the holy days. Fasting and abstinence are meant to discipline oneself and one’s senses. For instance, fasting from social media means prioritizing time on Jesus’ journey and crucifixion to save mankind.
- FEAR makes a person run away from God’s call. In doing so, people create so many paths (business, career, power etc.) instead of listening to and following God’s amazing plan.
- SIN is a conscious decision to be separated from God. It is a decision to say yes to the devil who scatters and divides. Even a personal or secret sin has a communal effect. In families, a misunderstanding between spouses also affects the children. Sin destroys identity as children of God.
B. What is at the foot of the Cross?
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- TRUTH of mankind’s sinfulness. Man must admit to sin or be forever lost.
- MERCY = JUSTICE. God’s justice is also His mercy. Jesus took the suffering upon Himself to pay for the sins of humanity.
- REDEMPTION. Jesus died as a righteous man. The shackles were broken. The devil had no hold on Him.
At the foot of the cross, the sinner finds forgiveness, the broken finds meaning, the grieving finds hope, and the lost finds direction and purpose.
C. The Cross is the only light left. Everywhere else there is darkness and death. Even the faintest light can illuminate the world. Jesus stretches His arms on the cross so He can hold the doors of heaven open for people to return.
Sharer: “God brought me back to Him at the Cross”
Bro. Ryan Regala’s journey started in high school when his father suffered a stroke; this caused financial struggles for their family. Thus, while he was in college, he worked part time to help. Eventually, he became exhausted physically, emotionally, mentally; he slowly lost the joy and meaning in what he was doing. Everything seemed overwhelming. Then his cousin’s tragic murder broke him, leaving him lost, empty and confused. He didn’t realize that he had drifted away from God, until one day his mother invited him to a seminar at the Lord’s Flock. By consistently listening to the Word of God, hope and peace slowly came back to his heart. He felt God’s presence more deeply and his relationship was restored.
However, he admitted that his healing is a continuous journey; it does not mean freedom from suffering. He and his wife, Sis. Marie, have been trying to conceive for seven years; however, two pregnancies last year resulted in miscarriage. Darkness started to overcome him again. This time, he sought help, including professional help. During this season, he encountered God again. Now he holds on to God’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Indeed, God has been faithful, has restored his joy, and blessed him with a supportive wife, family, and community, and even blessing him and his wife financially. He realized that all he needed was to return to the place where Jesus is waiting, at the foot of the Cross.
Be WOWED by the Passion of the Lord
Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani has been a regular speaker of the TLF Lenten Recollection for many years. This year, as the culminating speaker, He reminded the audience that the Church celebrates the Paschal Mystery with JOY, because what Jesus did was so beautiful!
- Jesus did not grasp equality with God; rather, He emptied Himself, took the form of a slave, and humbled Himself.
- Sin entered into the world because humans wanted to be like God, to decide what’s right for themselves: “my body, my decision to have an abortion;” or, “do not tell me whom I should love,” engaging in same-sex relationship.
- In Jesus’ journey and suffering, all of humanity’s sins were manifested:
- Judas’ act of betrayal is visible in the infidelity of a spouse; or of people in government who serve not the public’s interest but their family’s interest; corruption is a betrayal of the people’s trust.
- Peter’s denial of Jesus is also evident in Christians who turn their backs from God not just verbally, but also by being quiet when people go against God. How many remained quiet while the murders were being committed? Sadly, the moral quality of the Philippines has deteriorated just because of one person, and yet many people turned a blind eye!
- Jesus’ suffering and cruel death was the cruelest punishment given by the Romans at that time. In parallel, the greatest tragedy of modern times is that man has lost the sense of sin (Pope Pious 12). Sin will make God cease to exist.
- The Father and the Son showed their love for mankind, all sinners and, therefore, not worthy. God let His Son die for the sins of man. Consequently, by Jesus’ obedience and suffering, He reconciled humanity with God – this is truly worthy of WOW!
- With God’s love, transformation will happen. To be like God is to be loving, not grasping; to be selfless, not selfish; to forgive as God in Christ forgives.
As the LENTEN RECOLLECTION drew to a close, people were encouraged to spend time on reflection and an examination of conscience. A sense of emptiness and being lost cannot be filled by worldly pursuits. Only at the Cross, can the soul find redemption through God’s mercy and boundless grace. The crucifixion leads to Easter – a joyful celebration!
To God be the Glory!
SCRIBES MINISTRY
Written by: Jo Advincula
Edited by: Jane Lico
