Ministry of Proclaimers Lenten Recollection Ministry of Proclaimers Sta. Rosa de Lima Parish City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna

“Ano ang Kuwaresma para sa iyo?” Survey Question “Ano ang Kuwaresma para sa iyo?” - panahon ng penitensya - panahon ng pagsisisi - panahon ng pag-aayuno - mahal na araw

“Kuwaresma: Landas ng Paghahanda Patungo sa Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon.”

Terminology: LENT > old english “lencten” (springtime between winter and summer) > Latin “QUADRAGESIMA” (time period of 40 days) > Spanish: “CUARESMA” > Tagalog: “KUWARESMA”

B. Meaning: ***Lent – period of 40 days before Easter, intended to be a time of extensive preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery.

* period of 40 days: (1) Genesis 7 – Noah (rain for 40 days and 40 nights) (2) Exodus 16 – journey through the Promised Land (3) Matthew 4 – temptation by the devil

* extensive preparation - not only celebrations but challenges * for the celebration of the PASCHAL MYSTERY - this season must lead to the Easter Season - prelude to the Resurrection of Our Lord - Paschal Triduum (Holy Thursday – Easter Sunday)

THREEFOLD PRACTICES FOR A MEANINGFUL LENT C. Contextualization and Application to the Christian Life THREEFOLD PRACTICES FOR A MEANINGFUL LENT

FASTING “Pag-aayuno” (Me and Myself) *fasting (one full meal: Ash Wednesday & Good Friday) > 18 – 60 years old inclusively *abstinence (non-eating of meat) > 14 years old – kayang ‘di kumain ng karne *Sense of Sacrifice (from material to spiritual)

LENT IS more than a time of FASTING. Fasting and Feasting LENT IS more than a time of FASTING. It could be a joyous season of FEASTING. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others. It’s a season to.....

FAST from judging others; FEAST on the Christ indwelling them. FAST from emphasis on differences; FEAST on the unity of all life. FAST from apparent darkness; FEAST on the reality of light.

FAST from thoughts of illness; FEAST on the healing power of God. FAST from words that pollute; FEAST on phrases that purify. FAST from discontent; FEAST on gratitude.

FAST from complaining; FAST from anger; FEAST on patience. FAST from pessimism; FEAST on optimism. FAST from complaining; FEAST on appreciation.

FAST from unrelenting pressures; FEAST on unceasing prayer. FAST from worry; FEAST on divine order. FAST from negatives; FEAST on affirmatives. FAST from unrelenting pressures; FEAST on unceasing prayer.

FEAST on non-resistance. FAST from bitterness; FEAST on forgiveness. FAST from hostility; FEAST on non-resistance. FAST from bitterness; FEAST on forgiveness. FAST from self-concern; FEAST on compassion for others.

FAST from personal anxiety; FEAST on eternal Truth FAST from discouragement; FEAST on Hope. FAST from facts that depress; FEAST on truths that uplift.

FAST from thoughts that weaken; FEAST on promises that inspire. FAST from apathy; FEAST on enthusiasm. FAST from suspicion; FEAST on truth. FAST from thoughts that weaken; FEAST on promises that inspire.

FAST from shadows of sorrow; FEAST on the sunlight of serenity. FAST from problems that overwhelm; FEAST on prayer that sustains.

2. ALMSGIVING “Paglilimos” (Me and Others) * Alay Kapwa * CONCERN and LOVE for others * sharing our Treasure, Talents and Time

Ministry or Job??? Some people have a job in the church. Others invite themselves to a ministry. What’s the difference?

because no one else will, it’s a job. If you are doing it because no one else will, it’s a job. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a ministry. If you quit because somebody criticized you, it’s a job. If you keep on serving, it’s a ministry.

If you monopolize what you are doing, it’s a job If you monopolize what you are doing, it’s a job. If you involve others to learn it, it’s a ministry. If you highly value your expertise and knowledge, it’s a job. If you care for others to develop expertise, it’s a ministry.

If you consider yourself indispensable, it’s a job. If you reach out to others so they will grow, it’s a ministry. If you are afraid of being replaced by a better worker, it’s a job. If you rejoice in discovering a successor, it’s a ministry.

If you’ll do it only as long as it does not interfere with your other activities, it’s a job. If you are committed to staying with it – even if it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry.

If you quit because no one praise or thank you, it’s a job. If you stay with it – even though nobody recognized your effort, it’s a ministry.

If you are too result-oriented, it’s a job; If what you do – no matter how small – is offered as an act of worship and service, it’s a ministry. If you feel sad being deprived of a position, it’s a job; If you are happy to fade away after your time, it’s a ministry.

If you want to escape or avoid it, it’s a job; If it is seen as a challenge and as a gift, it’s a ministry.

It’s hard to get excited about a job. It’s almost impossible not to get excited about a ministry. An average church is filled with people doing jobs. A great and growing church is filled with people involved in ministry.

If God calls you to a ministry, don’t treat it like a job. Where do you fit in? What about us? If God calls you to a ministry, don’t treat it like a job. If you have a job, give it up and find a ministry.

* deeper and broader relationship with God 3. Prayer “Panalangin” (Me and God) * deeper and broader relationship with God * popular piety and traditions

Points for Reflection 1.) Paano nagiging makahulugan sa buhay mo ang panahong ito ng Kuwaresma? 2.) Anu-anong mga ninanais mong isagawa bilang isang kasapi ng Ministry of Proclaimers, upang mas lalong maging makabuluhan ang iyong pagdiriwang ng Kuwaresma at ng Muling Pagkabuhay ng Panginoon?