12 Living Water - December 12, 2014

PLEASE WEAR YOUR BLD ID EVERY FRIDAY

IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO PLAN FOR THE NEW YEAR!!!

The DCS has reserved Saturday, January 17, 2015, as the Start-of-Year Retreat for our

community.

This is open to all members so spread the word around.

Theme: ASCENT TO THE PURE LOVE OF GOD

Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Venue: OLA Basement Hall

Retreat Master: Fr. Charles Anang, Director of Spiritual Formation & Assistant

Professor of Systematic Theology, St. Augustine Seminary

Before you get too busy with your Christmas shopping, don't forget to reserve your

spot.

No fee. Limited seating. Love offering gratefully accepted.

Drop by the registration table at OLA Basement Hall

E-mail bld_toronto_pastoral_services@googlegroups.com or

Call Annie at (905)568-4198

YOUTH LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR # 16 The Youth Ministry is now accepting registration for the upcoming 2015 YLSS # 16.

All youth, who are turning 14 next year and older, are welcome to attend, including non-BLD

members. It is important that candidates attend any one of the orientations given on January

9, 16, 23 and 30, 2015, all shepherding sessions and the weekend proper. A completed and

signed registration form must be submitted by each candidate when attending the orientation.

For more information and to obtain YLSS 15 registration form, please contact Froilan and

Charito Piamonte at st_casimir@rogers.com.

On behalf of all the youth and adult members of the Youth Ministry, thank you for your con-

tinued support and prayers. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Regular Youth Praise and Worship will resume on Friday, January 9, 2015.

FROM THE INTERCESSORY MINISTRY

Intercessory Ministry Praise and Worship will resume on January 12, 2015.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Living Water - December 12, 2014

December 12, 2014—Third Sunday of Advent

BUKÁS-LOÓB SA DIYÓS • OPEN IN SPIRIT TO GOD

www.bldworld.org www.bldtoronto.com

THEME

Disciples of Jesus prepare with watchfulness

when we testify to the light so that all might

believe in Him.

WORD

Is 61:1-2,10-11; Lk1:46-48,49-50,53-54;

1Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8,19-28

ORDER

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give

thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thes 5: 16-18)

“Do not quench the Spirit; hold fast to what is

good.” (1 Thes 5: 19, 21)

DIRECTION

During this Advent season, let us bring

cheers to each other and to the marginal-

ized, elderly and lonely.

Always have an open heart to recognize

and receive God’s grace especially during

this Christmas season .

REFLECTION

Amidst trials and tribulations, as disciples of

Jesus, we have to prepare with watchfulness,

vigilance and attentiveness, so we are not dis-

tracted by the temporal world, away from the

true meaning of the Advent season.

As we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Ad-

vent being a time of repentance, of witness and

caring for others, let the words of St. Paul in

the 2nd reading resonate in our minds and

hearts, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceas-

ing. In all circumstances give thanks for this

is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1

Thes 5:16-18). Rejoice always. What

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

www.bldworld.org www.bldtoronto.com

2 Living Water - December 12, 2014

does ALWAYS mean? Always means simply ALWAYS, in good times and bad, the joyful and

the sorrowful. Because ALL THINGS will work for the good of those who love and serve Him,

Amen! Let us also engrave in our hearts the words of the prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist

namely, “bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the broken hearted, proclaim liberty to

the captives, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Is 61: 1-2) and “to make straight the

way of the Lord“ (John 1:23). Believe it or not, John the Baptist is the patron saint of spiritual

joy. After all, he leapt for joy in his mother Elizabeth’s womb at hearing the voice of Jesus’

mother.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist was asked: “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those

who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself? (Jn 1:22 ). John never lost focus on who

he was. He answered: “ I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness. Make straight the

way of the Lord as the prophet Isaiah said.” ... “Among you stands one whom you do not

know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal (Jn

1: 23, 26-27). Wow, this is such an extraordinary example of humility. John insisted he was not

the star of the show, only the supporting actor. Not the bridegroom, only the “best man”. This

humble man does not look down on himself sheepishly. Actually, he does not look at himself

at all. He looks away from himself to the Lord, saying “My joy is now complete. He must in-

crease; I must decrease (Jn 3:29-30). John the Baptist knew that his role was to point them in

the right direction to the true Messiah, our Lord Jesus. He did not claim to be the anointed one,

although he could have done so, as he had many followers. So, brothers and sisters, let us em-

ulate John the Baptist’s example by being true to ourselves and being humble and faithful

slaves of God. Through our witnessing, we can also point others in the right direction toward

Jesus. Let us wish each other the best of the season with His peace, love and mercy, joyfully

serving God’s people in need. Merry Christmas to you all!

PROMISE:

“ He has come to help his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy.” (Lk 1:54) NAB

Sources: The Emmaus Series by John Thorn-

hill, Gaudete Sunday by Dr. D’ Ambrosio,

Sunday Connection from Loyola Press.

Living Water - December 12, 2014

Receive the Gift of Joy

Christmas is the most joyful season of the year. It’s a time to thank God for all of his blessings. It is also a time, in the midst of our thankfulness, to look at the prophets and ask, “Why did they rejoice?”—or look to Mary and ask, “Why did this young woman prefer God’s will to her own?” It’s a time to ask the Holy Spir-it to give us new insights and new reasons for us to rejoice as we celebrate Christ-

mas.

The prophets rejoiced in anticipation of a promised Messiah. Mary rejoiced in an-ticipation of the birth of her son. And Jesus wants you and me to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). But he doesn’t just want us to drum up this joy on our own. He wants to give us a spirit of rejoicing—like a Christmas present. And we will receive this gift as we ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and con-vince us to believe that everything that God has promised will be accomplished.

Source: Word among Us/Advent 2008 Issue

BLD Cincinnati becomes a Full Fledged District

BLD Cincinnati’s first DCS Emergence held on December 5, 2014 in Cincinnati, Ohio

BLD Cincinnati, after 15

years as DIP, is now a Full

Fledged District as ap-

proved by BLD Toronto

DCS, endorsed by DSL and

confirmed by Global ECSL,

having exceeded all the

requirements to become

FFD.

10 Living Water - December 12, 2014

The History of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an English Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829,

Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during

that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning:

the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each ele-

ment in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

To fit the number scheme, when you reach number 9, representing the Fruits of the Holy

Ghost, the originator combined 6 to make 3, taking the 6 fruits that were similar: the fruit in

each parenthesis is the that was not named separately. There are actually Twelve Fruits of the

Holy Ghost.

The "True Love" one hears in the song is not a smitten boy or girlfriend but Jesus Christ, be-

cause truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents

Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning

injury to draw away predators.

According to Ann Ball in her book, HANDBOOK OF CATHOLIC SACRAMENTALS:

The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments

The three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew,

Mark, Luke, and John.

The five golden rings represented the first five books of the

Old Testament, which describe man's fall into sin and the

great love of God in sending a Savior.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of

the Holy Spirit-----Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation,

Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-----Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience

[Forbearance], Goodness [Kindness], Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continence [Chastity].

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles'

Creed.

Original Source: Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska Printed with permission from Catholic Tradition.

Living Water - December 12, 2014 3

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE By Fr. Ben Ebcas

BLD Toronto Spiritual Director

It is Jesus Christ’s birthday again? What automatic

thoughts come flooding our minds when Christmas

comes? Gifts, parties, holidays, sales, Christmas trees, lights,

bills, etc.? The material world had in some ways determined for

some of us how we celebrate this wonderful season of the year. It has even celebrated

Black Friday to stir the minds of consumers with out of the world discounts before Ad-

vent and even when Lenten Season is far away.

Let us celebrate Christmas with Open Spirit (Bukas Loob) to allow the King of Kings to

permeate our thoughts and actions and attune ourselves to His message. Message?

“For God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). “Therefore

the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a Virgin will be with child and bear a son, and

she will call His name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus is God’s greatest gift to us. What is

our response? Maybe, we can think and reflect on His very words: “Whatsoever you do

to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

A BLESSED AND MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

4 Living Water - December 12, 2014

MESSAGE FOR ADVENT

G reetings of joy and

peace to all in this

season of Advent.

Indeed, the Lord

has done great things for us and

there is a reason to celebrate for

the Lord is coming into our

hearts. “In the wilderness pre-

pare the way of the Lord, make

straight in the desert a highway

for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). Let

his light shine upon us and wel-

come him with much joy and

celebration. Let us thank him for the many blessings and graces poured out upon us all and

our Community this year. He came into this world in order for us to experience his great

love and forgiveness. "God so loved the world that He sent his only Son, so that those who be-

lieve in Him might not perish, but might have eternal life" (John 3: 16).

Though some of us may be experiencing trials or illness of any kind at the present time, let us

not despair for God will not abandon us nor forsake us in our time of need. Our God is an an-

swering God, and He knows what is best for all of us. “And we know that in all things God

works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his pur-

pose” (Romans 8:28).

May this Christmas season and the coming year make us yearn more for Christ‘s life giving

water and strive for that holiness which He desires for each of us. So let us rejoice and be glad;

pray without ceasing and give thanks in all our circumstances” (1Thes 5:16). Let us give love

and joy to those around us and continue to witness the love of God to others.

And as we approach the New Year 2015, let us look forward with excitement, enthusiasm and

joy in our service for the Lord, all for his greater glory and honour.

A blessed Christmas and a bountiful New Year to all!

In the love and service of the Lord,

DCS & DSL

Living Water - December 12, 2014 9

BLD TORONTO COVENANT COMMUNITY

MEMBERS MOVEMENT

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2015

FORMATION APOSTOLATE

TO INTERCESSORY MINISTRY: 1) EVANGLISTA, Richie 2) EVANGELISTA, Agnes 3) TALATTAD, Sammy 4) TALATTAD, Joy 5) LLANETA, Joan 6) EXAL, Montes 7) LAYON, Aida 8) LY, Theo 9) PABALINAS, RJ 10) PATRICIO, Mark

MISSION APOSTOLATE

TO MISSION MINISTRY: 1) CARLUEN, Mon 2) CARLUEN, Len 3) Del CASTILLO, Gerard 4) Del CASTILLO, Joy 5) FELICIANO, Manny 6) FELICIANO, Geena 7) GAVIA, Jolan 8) GAVIA, Nene 9) L'ABADIE, George 10) L'ABADIE, Patricia 11) CHIN, Dexter 12) CHIN, Ritz 13) VALENCIA, Gil 14) VALENCIA, Dolly 15) MARALIT, Odette 16) TATON, Sylvia 17) UDASCO, Kathryn

MANAGEMENT APOSTOLATE

TO SECRETARIAT: 1) PROLLAMANTE, Allan 2) PROLLAMANTE, Rosella TO SERVICE MINISTRY: 1) CARANDANG, Freddie 2) CARANDANG, Gloria 3) AGUAS, Ian 4) AGUAS, Joy 5) CALIM, Dennis 6) CALIM, Mila 7) CANLAS, Rudy 8) CANLAS, Amy 9) EBEO, Anton 10) EBEO, Edna 11) MARILLA, Joel 12) MARILLA, Josie 13) NAVARRO, Engie 14) NAVARRO, Helen 15) RAYMUNDO, Manny 16) RAYMUNDO, Nilda 17) SADIA, Rudy 18) SADIA, Anna 19) BONDOC, Robin 20) MARTINEZ, Mario 21) LLANES, Fe 22) ZAMORA, Melvin 23) Del CASTILLO, Miguel

PASTORAL APOSTOLATE

TO YOUTH MINISTRY: 1) FERNANDEZ, Ed 2) FERNANDEZ, Lynne 3) PAREDES, Rusty 4) PAREDES, Lisa

8 Living Water - December 12, 2014

Owen Marsh Owen Marsh

PJ Gavia

Yohann Samuel

Justine Meriel

Living Water - December 12, 2014 5

.

Eric and Glenda Alhambra, Carlito and Arceli Almeida, Merlo and Ellen Binoya, Arnold and Fe Castillo,

Ricardo and Agnes Evangelista, John and Veronica Idachaba, Joel and Josephine Marilla, Manuel and

Epigenia Mercado, Velarde and Rica Meriel, Exal Montes, Leonardo and Emily Nery, Arthur and Priscilla

Ortiz, Florencio and Josephine Ortiz, Josie Pabalinas,

RJ Pabalinas, Mark Patricio, Sammy and Joy Talattad, Francis and Rhodelia Tapia,

Emmanuel and Faustina Valencia, Nestor and Imelda Vilela

From Newly Committed Disciples

“I was standing beside the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue before the installation commenced. While the

priest was anointing me and listening to the song ‘Make Me A Servant’, I felt the grace of The Holy

Spirit empower me and I had peace in my heart. I prayed that God will use me, with the intercession of

the Blessed Virgin Mary, to continue to work as a servant in the Intercessory Ministry for my spiritual

growth and transformation. My deepest gratitude to the Service Ministry for teaching me the true

meaning of being a servant of God.” Exal Montes

‘The anointing was a very emotional experience for me especially when the song ‘Make me a servant’

was being sung. I felt some kind of responsibility being placed on my shoulder but at the same time, I

was feeling it was an honour to be given such a responsibility, to be a disciple of Christ.” Precy Ortiz

6 Living Water - December 12, 2014

Dylan Marsh

David Palalon

JJ Gavia

Angela Castillo

Living Water - December 12, 2014 7

Amiel Ang

Noah Membrere

LJay Palalon

Matthew Gleeson

Amiel Ang