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8 Living Water - December 13, 2013
Toronto Teaching Schedule
For a complete and up-to-date Teaching Schedule, visit: www.bldtoronto.com
SAVE THE DATE
The Pastoral Services Ministry has reserved Saturday, the 18th of January, 2014 as
the
“Start of the Year Retreat”.
It is open to all members. Please mark your calendars and spread the word.
YOUTH
MINISTRY KORNER
The Youth Ministry is now accepting registration for the upcoming 2014 YLSS # 15. All youth who
are turning 14 next year and older are welcome to attend, including non-BLD members. For more
information and to obtain YLSS 15 registration form, please contact Froilan and Charito Piamonte
at [email protected]. It is important that candidates attend any one of the orientation sessions
given on January 10, 17, or 24, 2014 and all shepherding sessions and the weekend proper. They
may bring their completed and signed registration form when they attend the orientation. Wel-
come and Salubong will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014.
Regular Youth Praise and Worship will resume on Friday, January 10, 2014.
From all of us in the Youth Ministry, thank you everyone for your continued support and prayers
for the youth members of our community. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
YOUTH LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR # 15
Our first assembly in 2014 is the First Friday/Family Mass on January 3, 2014.
Merry Christmas to all!
Living Water - December 13, 2013
December 13, 2013—Third Sunday of Advent
BUKÁS-LOÓB SA DIYÓS • OPEN IN SPIRIT TO GOD Toronto District
www.bldworld.org www.bldtoronto.com
THEME
We bring Jesus to birth in our life when we
proclaim the Good News to the poor.
WORD
Is 35:1-6,10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt11:2-11
ORDER
“Be strong, do not fear.” (Is 35:4)
“Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the
Lord is near.” (Jas 5:8)
REFLECTION
We hear and see people around the world
suffering from the devastating effects of calam-
ities and wars through modern communica-
tions media. We witness right in our own liv-
ing rooms the grim sight of men, women, chil-
dren, young and old, picking themselves up
from the destructions of earthquakes and ty-
phoon. We have seen agonies of victims from
violence and rebellion in the Middle East. We
have seen the hopelessness of people stricken
by sickness, famine and hunger in Africa. Not
so long ago, in Bohol, Philippines, towns were
shaken by terrible earthquakes. And lately, our
very own country folks in Tacloban were al-
most wiped out by a record breaking super
typhoon. Let us not look far to see our brothers
and sisters who are also suffering: the unem-
ployed, the lonely and the marginalized, and
those who are handicapped by debilitating
illnesses.
Christmas season is here, a season of rejoic-
O Come Divine Messiah
2 Living Water - December 13, 2013
ing and hope. But how can these victims re-
joice in their present condition? During the
time of Jesus, there were also people who
could not find reasons to be joyful. The blind,
the lame, the lepers, the deaf, the slaves and
the poor were suffering just like the victims of
the recent catastrophe. Jesus brought joy to
those people as they heard him and cured the
infirmities of their bodies. The fulfillment of
the prophecies of the Prophet Isaiah gave
them hope. Isaiah pictured the deliverance of
Israel as a result of the coming of the Messiah.
Isaiah describes this deliverance, he says, “the
desert shall rejoice and blossom, like the cro-
cus it shall blossom abundantly” (Is 35:1-2).
“For the waters shall break forth in the wil-
derness, and the streams in the desert” (Is
35:6). He exhorted, “those who are of fearful
heart, be strong, do not fear”! He goes on to
say, “Here is your God. He will come and
save you” (Is 35:4).
As Christians and as disciples of Jesus Christ,
our duty is to bring the joyful message of
hope and salvation to those who are suffer-
ing, to the poor and marginalized, to the lone-
ly and abandoned, to the victims of calamities
and wars. We represent Christ in this modern
age and we ought to bring this hope of deliv-
erance to the suffering people.
Our community theme for this week is, “We
bring Jesus to birth in our life when we pro-
claim the Good News to the poor.” This is
how we can make a difference in this season
of advent. This is how we should celebrate
the coming of Baby Jesus; the hope of life, the
hope of salvation and the hope of eternal hap-
piness in God’s kingdom.
The apostle James in our second reading tells
us to bring this exhortation to those who are
suffering and hoping for the coming of Jesus
with his promise of salvation, as he says, “be
patient, until the coming of the Lord”(Jas 5:7).
But how can we tell this to a suffering person
who is in the verge of despair? How can we
tell him to be patient and wait? We cannot
simply tell the people in dire need to be hap-
py and wait, but more than that we must do
something to improve their present condition,
and if possible, to prevent any circumstance
that will deprive them of happiness. Thus, we
must put into action our faith and charity.
The season of Christmas is a time for reaching
out. It is a time to share our blessings… a time to
express in words and deeds that we do truly
care. We must not limit ourselves to reach out to
the materially poor only but also to those who
are experiencing spiritual poverty. Let us reach
out to our families and relatives who have drift-
ed away from us, and most especially from God.
Let us reach out to our country men and women
by giving generously our financial and material
support, our resources, our time and talent so
that help will reach them. Above all, we must
pray fervently, unceasingly and expectantly for
the deliverance of all who are seeking salvation
in Jesus, so that “they will bloom with abundant
flowers, and rejoice with joyful songs” (Is 35:2).
DIRECTIONS
Share the joy of Christmas to those who are
less fortunate.
As we wait for the coming of the Lord, let us
be patient and avoid grumbling against one
another so that you may not be judged.
Living Water - December 13, 2013 7
card. "To you I give My life, lived perfectly, as an
example so that you might see the pattern and live
worthy to return and live with Me again. Merry
Christmas from the Messiah."
"This one," he said, holding up a pure, white pre-
sent, "is for you." He held out the gift to a worn-
looking woman, who in earlier years must have
been a real beauty. She read the card out loud and
allowed her tears to slip without shame down her
painted face. "My gift to you is repentance. This
Christmas I wish you to know for certain that
though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white
as snow. Signed, your Advocate with the Father."
"That isn't all. No, here is a big, red package." he
looked around the group and brought a ragged,
unkempt, little child forward. "This package would
be for you if He were here. The card would say,
'On this Christmas and always, My gift to you is
love. From your brother, Jesus.'"
"One final gift," said my seat mate. "The greatest
of all the gifts of God--Eternal life!"
He held our minds and our hearts. We were a hun-
gry audience. Though our shopping had left us
drained, now we were being filled by his words.
"How we receive these gifts, these precious gifts
from the Babe of Bethlehem, is the telling point.
Are we exchangers?" he asked. "Is there really
anything else we would rather have? It is what
we do with a gift long after we have opened it
that shows our true appreciation." And with
those words, he stood up and was gone.
That was fifteen years ago, only a wink in time. But
not even an eternity could erase the sermon, or the
man.
We hear so often the phrase "Jesus died for me"
that sometimes we forget the purpose of salvation
isn't just to be glad our souls are safe for eternity;
it's to follow Jesus’ example--give ourselves to oth-
ers. What if this year, you prayed for God to send
you a giving experience - to be a blessing in the life
of another soul--or many souls--whom He loves?
God is more than able to answer and would delight
at your willingness.
Lord Jesus, You gave yourself for me when I
needed it. Is there someone I know who needs
the present and the presence of Jesus in their
home this Christmas? I want more than ever
to give your love to those who need it. Is there
a stranger? Please show me who. Help me to
do this in Your Name. Amen.
(Related by H. David Burton at a BYU fireside)
Message from the Treasury Ministry
The tax season is fast approaching. The Treasury Ministry has started to collate information of
members for their tax receipts. Please ensure that your full name, current address and envelope
number are written legibly on the love offering envelope to insure that we capture the full amount
of your 2013 donations. Illegible name or envelope # or the lack of it will forward your donation to
the unknown basket and it will be difficult or impossible to track it down. Your cooperation is
much, much appreciated. Thank you.
PLEASE WEAR YOUR BLD ID EVERY FRIDAY
6 Living Water - December 13, 2013
The Parable of the Shopper
I still remember that day as if it were yesterday, and yet fifteen years have gone by. Nevertheless, when
Christmas rolls around, I remember that day on the bus.
My feet were tired, my hands cold, my arms exhausted from the weight of the packages, and it was beginning
to snow. The bus was late. I was tired. I had been Christmas shopping all day long. When the bus finally
arrived, it was packed with holiday shoppers in the same exhausted mood. I sank into the only vacant place,
near the back, beside a handsome gentleman. He politely helped me with my packages and even held some of
them himself.
"My goodness," he said, "did you leave any merchandise still in the stores for the rest of us?"
"I don't think so," I moaned. "Worst of all, I still haven't made all of my purchases."
The woman in the seat behind us joined in my grief and added, "No, the worst thing is that the day after
Christmas we will be carrying this same armload back to the store to exchange it."
Her comment brought a general chuckle from all those within earshot, including my seat mate. As the laugh-
ter subsided, he began in a quiet, melodious voice, deepened with experience, to teach me a lesson that I have
never forgotten:
"Hear now the parable of the shopper," he said, speaking gently and indicating my packages. "A woman
went forth to shop, and as she shopped, she carefully planned. Each of her children's desires were considered.
The hard-earned money was divided, and the many purchases were made with the pure joy and delight that is
known only to the giver. Then the gifts were wrapped and placed lovingly under the tree. In eager anticipa-
tion, she scanned each face as the gifts were opened.
"What a lovely sweater,' said the eldest daughter, 'but I think I would prefer blue. I suppose I can exchange
it?” Her son said, "Thank you for the cassette player, Mother. It's just what I wanted”. And then aside,
secretly to his sister, he continued, “I told her I wanted the one with the automatic reverse and an extra
speaker. I never get what I want!” The youngest child spoke out with the spoiled honesty of her age, “I hate
rag dolls! I wanted a china doll. I won't play with it!' And the doll, still in the box, was kicked under the
couch."
One gift still lay under the tree. The woman pointed it out to her husband. 'Your gift is still there.” He stat-
ed, "I'll open it when I have the time. I want to put together this bike first”.
"How sad it is," continued the gentleman in his soft, beautiful voice. "When gifts are not received in the
same spirit they are given. To reject a thoughtful gift is to reject the loving sentiment of the giver himself.
And yet, are we not all sometimes guilty of rejecting?"
He was talking not only to me, but to all of those on the bus. They had all gathered around. The bus was
parked.
He took a present from my stack. "This one," he said, holding it up and pretending to open the card, "could
be to you." He pointed to a rough-looking, teenage boy in a worn denim jacket and pretended to read the gift
Living Water - December 13, 2013 3
GOD’S PROMISE
"They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.” (Is 35:2)
Message for Advent 2013
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, let us sing praises to the Lord as we once again celebrate the birth of
our Lord Jesus Christ into this world. “God so loved the world that he sent his only Son so that
those who believe in him might not perish, but will have eternal life” (John 3:16). At this busy time
of the year, let us pause and reflect on what Advent brings - hope for those stricken by sickness,
calamities or disasters, peace in this troubled world and joy to those who will welcome the Lord in
their hearts.
Let us celebrate Christmas by opening our hearts to welcome Him, our Savior. Let the meaning of
Christmas deepen in us – not allowing the sparkle, the glitter and merriment of a festive environ-
ment to distract us from the true reason for the season, but believing that Jesus is the greatest gift
that we have received from the Father. In becoming flesh and dwelling among us, he becomes “our
unconditional love” for one another.
What better way to prepare the way of the Lord, than to reconcile and have peace with those who
have offended us. “Blessed are the peacemakers as they will be called children of God” (Matthew
5:9). Advent also invites us to prepare our hearts for His coming by asking forgiveness from those
we have offended. In this time of advent, let the words of St. Paul in Ephesians 4:2-3 remind us,
"With perfect humility, meekness and patience bearing with one another, let us make every effort
to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force".
What greater gift can we offer to the Lord than the gift of ourselves that as the New Year 2014 ush-
ers in, we re-affirm our commitment in our service for the Lord. United together of one mind and
heart, let us remain committed to our community work and gladly support the various programs
of BLD. Let us give the gift that we freely received (Matthew10:8). We have received His love at no
cost to us, and so shall we also give our love at no cost to others.
We wish everyone a blessed Christmas. May the Lord overflow us all with His love, joy and peace;
and may His abundant blessings and graces be upon us all in the coming New Year.
In Christ Alone,
DCS & DSL
4 Living Water - December 13, 2013
CHRISTMAS...and what I like most
about it
Vincent & Louise
“I like Christmas
because it is Jesus’
birthday and
….presents!!!”
Eli
Amiel
PJ
Latrell
Justine
JJ
“To celebrate the birth
of Jesus with family and
give thanks to what God
gave us. Also, I like to
be able to share to the
less fortunate in the
Philippines”.
What I like most about
Christmas is when we
as a family can bond
with each other and
celebrate our Lord Je-
sus' birthday.”
“What I love most
about Christmas is
getting presents and
Jesus was born!”
“Your talent is God's gift to you, what you do with it, is your gift back to God.” (Geena)
“I wish my sister will be
home from University
(Waterloo) and spending
time with the
whole family. I Am being
thankful celebrating Jesus
birthday.”
“I like gifts... we celebrate
Jesus birthday.” (Vincent)
“… the reaction I get
from people when they
receive a gift. (Louise)
“Celebrating love
with family and
friends.”
Living Water - December 13, 2013 5
Intercessory Ministry Christmas Party Dec. 9, 2013
The BLD Advent Celebration will be held tomorrow
Saturday, December 10, 2011
at the North Thornhill Community Centre,
300 Pleasant Ridge Ave, Thornhill, ON L4J 9J5 (North of Hwy 7 and West of Bathurst St.)
The fun starts at 6:30 PM.
