As per annual tradition, The Lord’s Flock Catholic Charismatic Community conducted a 3-day Lenten Recollection at the Heritage Formation Center on April 5 – 7, 2023, Holy Wednesday to Good Friday, to commemorate the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Sanctuary was filled-up with both members and guests alike who were eager to listen to God’s messages during the Holy Week. Additionally, the Recollection also attracted members from local and international chapters as well as guests/non-members who attended virtually through the Community’s facebook and youtube channels. Bro. Architect Froilan Hong (TLF Co-Founder) summarized the Lenten Recollection’s theme “The Final Hours of the Lord” based on the Book of Luke Chapter 22. Jesus’ passion on the cross commenced during the Passover, when He called His Apostles to His last supper before His suffering started. He established the Holy Communion when He offered His Body and Blood, through bread and wine, to His apostles and conferred a kingdom on them. Thus, the Holy Week offers a unique occasion for the Community to partake of the Word of God as food for the soul: through Jesus’ agony, crucifixion, and His Resurrection, He paid for the sins of mankind earning forgiveness for all sins, and an opportunity for renewal as Easter people.
Holy Wednesday: The Verdict: FORGIVENESS
On the first day, Holy Wednesday, Bro. Raymund Nobleza (Psalm Ministry Steward) led the congregation in prayer, while Bro Ronald Tapia (Pastor Ministry Steward) and the Psalm Ministry gave an inspired praise and worship. Father Bong Guerrero (Diocese of Cubao) emphasized “God’s Verdict or ‘Hatol’: Forgiveness!” Jesus already paid for the sins of mankind, and thus when He forgives, He gives new life. God never gives up on anyone. One only has to ask through the sacrament of confession, and thereby be reconciled with Christ.
Forgiveness was brought to life through the life-changing testimonies of Sis Roselyn Baclig (Equip Ministry) & family, Sis. Judith Almendrala (Pastor Ministry), Bro. Jon and Sis. Lisa Angeles (Psalm Ministry), and Bro. Jake Arizapa (Karville Chapter).
Maundy Thursday: “Ang Tatlong Pagtitig” and “THE FINAL HOURS”
Bro. Dinky Florentino (TLF Council of Advisers) moderated the Thursday’s teachings.
The first teaching “Ang Tatlong Pagtitig” was delivered by His Excellency Bishop Ted Bacani (Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches) who expounded on Hebrew 12, “persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.” There are three ways to gaze on Jesus: The first gaze focuses on His death. In today’s times, all those who continue to relapse into sin crucify Him anew. The second gaze provides the true answer to the question ‘why was He killed?” He offered His life for His sheep as commanded by His Father. Thus, His death is all about God’s love. Finally, the third gaze should be on Jesus’s Resurrection from the dead. Everyone is called upon to share the redeeming power of Jesus, and not to waste His extreme sacrifice.
Bro. Carl Tolentino (Tarlac Chapter) shared his testimony about his long search for a father’s love which eventually led him to TLF Community where he realized that God’s unconditional love was always there for him.
Sis. Techie Rodriguez, LF Elder-Founder and Vision-Holder, delivered the second teaching,
“The Final Hours of the Lord.” There were two scenes in Jesus’ final 18 hours: a) The Upper Room (Luke 22) was where He had His farewell discourse to His Apostles and instituted the Holy Communion; b) The Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26) was the place where He was troubled and sorrowful, but accepted His destiny to save the world (Mt 3). She ended with the good news that Jesus is alive today, asking everyone to accept Him as Lord and Savior.
Good Friday:
“REKINDLE the LOVE for CHRIST by GROWING into the ATTITUDE of CHRIST” and
“EASTER PEOPLE are FILLED with HOPE and JOY”
On the third and last day of the Recollection, moderator, Sis. Dr. Marie Regala started with a recap of the first two days’ teachings, and introduced the two renowned Speakers.
Fr. Anton Pascual (Executive Director of Caritas Manila and President of Radio Veritas) emphatically shared the topic “Rekindle the Love for Christ by Growing into the Attitude of Christ.” He stressed that the death of Jesus Christ was a costly grace to save mankind. Thus, it behooves everyone to grow and embody the attitude of Christ (Gal 2:20, 1Cor 2:16) through His 10 Characteristics.
Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, was a calming voice as He exhorted everyone to be joyful with the great blessing of being alive after the deadly pandemic. Easter People are filled with Hope and Joy! Jesus has been victorious, therefore, there is a need to focus on missions for the Lord.
Conclusion:
The 3-day Lenten Recollection was indeed rich in nourishment for the soul. Sis Techie concluded that God is the God of the impossible. He is a promise keeper. Hence, all who obey Him are assured of an abundant life (Dt 28).
To God be the Glory!
Written by: Sis Jo Advincula (Scribes Ministry)
