Wednesday, September 30, 2009
LET US PRAY FOR OUR NATION!
People are stranded in Cainta, province of Rizal , eastern Manila .
Residents cross a flooded street with the use of a rope in Quezon City .
A boy is lifted onto the roof of a building to escape the flooding in the Quezon City suburban of Manila . Nearly a month's worth of rain fell in just six hours Saturday, triggering the worst flooding in the Philippine capital in 42 years, which stranded thousands on rooftops in the city and elsewhere.
Commuters wade through waist-deep floodwaters after heavy rains dumped by Tropical Storm Ketsana (locally known as Ondoy) on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Manila , Philippines .
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
BIBLICAL EVIDENCE OF THE 7 SACRAMENTS
7 SacramentsBaptism, Original Sin
* Gen 2:16-17 - the day you eat of that tree, you shall die
* Gen 3:11-19 - God's punishment for eating of the tree
* Rom 5:12-19 - many became sinners through one man's sin
* 1 Cor 15:21-23 - by a man came death; in Adam all die
* Eph 2:1-3 - we all once lived in the passions of our flesh
Infant Baptism
* Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16 - baptism required for entering heaven
* 1 Cor 15:21-22 - in Adam, all die; in Christ all made alive
* Mk 10:14 - let children come; to such belongs the kingdom
* Lk 18:15 - people were bringing even infants to him ...
* Col 2:11-12 - baptism has replaced circumcision
* Jos 24:15 - as for me and my house, we will serve Lord
* Mt 8:5ff - servant healed because of centurion's faith
* Mt 15:21ff - daughter healed because of Canaanite women's faith
* Lk 7:1f - just say the word, and let me servant be healed
* Acts 16:31 - believe in Lord Jesus you and house will be saved
* Acts 16:15 - she was baptized, with all her household
* Acts 16:33 - he and all his family were baptized at once
* 1 Cor 1:16 - I baptized the household of Stephanas
*
Regenerative Baptism
* Jn 3:5, 22 - born of water and Spirit; Apostles begin baptizing
* Tit 3:5 - saved us thru bath and rebirth and renewal by Holy Spirit
* Acts 2:37-38 - repent, be baptized, receive gift of Holy Spirit
* Acts 22:16 - give selves baptized and sins washed away
* 1 Cor 6:11 - you were washed, sanctified, justified
* Rom 6:4 - baptized into death; live in newness of life
* 1 Pet 3:21 - baptism now saves you
* Heb 10:22 - heart sprinkled, bodies washed in pure water
Confirmation
* Acts 19:5-6 - Paul imposed hands on baptized and received the Holy Spirit
* Acts 8:14-17 - laid hands upon them, they received Holy Spirit
* 2 Cor 1:21-22 - put seal on us and given Holy Spirit in our hearts
* Eph 1:13 - you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit
* Heb 6:2 - instruction about baptism and laying of hands
Confession
* Mt 9:2-8 - Son of Man authority to forgive sins
* Jn 20:23 - whose sins you forgive are forgiven, whose sins you retain are retained
* Jn 20:22 - Jesus breathed on them and received the Holy Spirit (see Gen 2:7)
* 2 Cor 5:17-20 - ministry of reconciliation given to us
* James 5:13-15 - prayer of presbyters forgives sin
* Jam 5:16 - confess your sins to one another
* Mt 18:18 - whatever you bind and loose on earth, so it is in heaven
* 1 Jn 5:16 - there is sin that is not deadly
Anointing of the Sick
* Mk 6:12-13 - anointed with oil many sick, cured them
* James 5:14-15 - presbyters pray over sick, anoint, sins forgiven
Holy Orders
* Acts 20:28 - Holy Spirit appointed you overseers, to tend church
* Lk 22:19 - do this in memory of me
* Jn 20:22 - As the Father has sent me, I send you...receive the Holy Spirit
* Acts 6:6 - the apostles prayed and laid hands on them
* Acts 13:3 - they laid hands on them and sent them off
* Acts 14:22 - they appointed presbyters in each church
* 1 Tim 4:14 - gift received thru laying of hands
* 2 Tim 1:6 - gift of God you have thru imposition of hands
* Tit 1:5 - appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you
Matrimony
* Mt 19:5-6 - leave father and mother, join wife and two become one in flesh
* Mk 10:7-12 - what God joined together, no man can separate
* Eph 5:22-32 - union of man and wife image of Christ and Church
* Heb 13:4 - let marriage be honored among all
Communion, Real Presence
* Jn 6:35-71 - Eucharist is promised. Note how when the Jews understand Jesus literally Jesus does not explain, he says the same thing over again. He also does not stop the crowd for misunderstanding him when they leave.
* Mt 26:26ff (Mk 14:22ff, Lk 22:17ff) - Eucharist instituted
* 1 Cor 10:16 - Eucharist is the participation in Christ's body and blood
* 1 Cor 11:23-29 – Paul’s account of the Last Supper with additional information; receiving unworthily, you are guilty of his body and blood
* Ex 12:8, 46 - Paschal lamb had to be eaten
* Jn 1:29 - Jesus is called Lamb of God
* 1 Cor 5:7 - Jesus called paschal lamb who has been sacrificed
* Jn 4:31-34; Mt 16:5-12 - Jesus talking symbolically about food
* 1 Cor 2:14-3:4 - explains what "the flesh" means in Jn 6:63
* Ph 14:4; Is 9:18-20; Is 49:26; Mic 3:3; 2 Sm 23:15-17; Rev 17:6, 16 - to symbolically eat and drink one's body and blood
SOURCE
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
10 GREAT THINGS ABOUT READING THE BIBLE
At last, you can tell the difference between Shakespeare and the King James Bible when it’s quoted to you.
You can talk to Protestants about your faith without feeling like a goofball.
You’ll know whether the lector at Mass just said “Elijah” or “Elisha” by the context alone.
You’ll have the answer to that “Jeopardy!” clue: “Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.” (“What is the Pentateuch?”)
You’ll understand why “Noah’s Ark” is not a bedtime story for children!
You may finally be convinced that Mary Magdalene was never a prostitute.
You’ll know which biblical books were favorites of Jesus (Isaiah and Deuteronomy) and why.
You’ll be able to name more than 10 of the 333 women mentioned in the Bible.
You’ll learn at last why the Bible is not just the story of ancient Israelites or early Christians, but your story too.
You’ll experience for yourself that “God’s word is alive” (Hebrews 4:12) as it takes root in you.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
VATICAN APPROVED CFC INT'L STATUTES
1.0 Nature and Purpose
...
1.3 COUPLES FOR CHRIST throughout the world is one unified work, with unity of vision and mission. It is one family, related through mutual love, respect and unity of heart and mind. It is one army, working tenaciously to establish and spread the Lord’s dominion on earth.
3.0 Membership
...
3.3 Membership may be terminated by the leadership for any of the following reasons:
* Serious unrepented wrongdoing.
* Gross unfaithfulness to the covenant of CFC.
* Public opposition to CFC teachings and culture, as well as official Church teachings.
* Ongoing disruption of good order in the community.
* Any other act that would seriously undermine the life and mission of CFC.
3.31 Such termination of membership is decided and implemented by the Chapter Head. The member terminated has the right to appeal, in which case the decision on his/her termination will be deliberated on and decided by the succeeding higher levels of leadership, and if necessary, all the way up to the CFC International Council.
3.32 Any member may voluntarily leave COUPLES FOR CHRIST at any time and for any reason.
5.0 Organization
5.6 Overseeing and promoting the life and mission of CFC throughout the world is the CFC International Council based in Manila.
5.7 CFC groups in a particular country or area may establish COUPLES FOR CHRIST as a foundation or corporation or formal association, in accordance with local and/or national laws, for purposes of conducting transactions as a juridical entity.
5.71 Such juridical personality however does not supercede the more basic reality that COUPLES FOR CHRIST is part of the body of Christ and is an international Christian community with its own organization, government and patterns of life.
...
7.0 The International CFC Community
7.1 The worldwide CFC family has the same basic mission throughout the world. Our task is to serve the Lord basically in three areas: evangelization, family life renewal, and total Christian liberation.
7.2 The worldwide CFC family is guided by the following principles: unity and uniformity, interdependence, and accountability.
7.21 Unity. COUPLES FOR CHRIST throughout the world is one body, one family, one army. It is to have one vision and one mission. It is one united work of the Holy Spirit. It is to live out one culture, the Christian culture that transcends national, racial and social differences.
7.22 Uniformity. CFC groups throughout the world are to be distinguishable in any part of the world by any member. This is accomplished by uniformity in the most important elements that make a group a part of the worldwide CFC family.
7.221 Concretely, CFC groups are expected to do the following:
* Bear the name “Couples for Christ.” A local translation of this name may also be used.
* Adopt the same logo.
* Adopt the same statements of mission and philosophy.
* Adopt the same covenant of CFC.
* Adopt the same initiations course into CFC, which is the Christian Life Program.
* Adopt the same formation program for the first year of membership.
* Place all members into households that meet weekly for mutual support and formation.
* Adopt similar pastoral and leadership structures, which evolve as the CFC group grows.
* Foster the same charismatic spirituality.
7.222 COUPLES FOR CHRIST does recognize the need for local cultural adaptation in some cases, as long as such does not compromise the essentials of the CFC life, and as long as the same is approved by the CFC International Council.
7.23 Interdependence. The worldwide CFC family is a global network of CFC groups in different countries, all acting within the framework of the overall CFC vision and mission.
7.231 A CFC group within a particular country will decide on its own specific plans and strategies with which to carry out the CFC mission, but always in line with CFC’s global direction and thrusts.
7.232 Being a global partnership, the work and well-being of every CFC group is a matter of concern for all others. All CFC groups should be open to extending support and cooperation to other CFC groups.
7.233 Whenever possible, CFC groups should be open to sharing their resources with other CFC groups. This would include human pastoral resources, finances, teachings, effective programs and strategies, etc.
7.234 The worldwide CFC family should form a network of prayer and intercession.
7.24 Accountability. The different CFC groups throughout the world are accountable to the Lord for their life and service, and as a concrete and practical expression of this, are accountable to the CFC International Council for the conduct of their life and work, while preserving always the rights of the local Ordinary.
7.241 CFC groups in the different countries should take initiative in pursuing the CFC vision and mission, and should work towards being self-sufficient, self-reliant and self-supporting as to the required human, financial and logistical resources.
7.242 CFC Manila functions as the center for the work of COUPLES FOR CHRIST throughout the world. The CFC International Council (Manila) is tasked with overseeing the global work of CFC, strengthening the life and mission of CFC throughout the world, and preserving the unity of the worldwide family.
7.243 The CFC International Council accredits CFC groups as officially part of the international CFC community, and may remove such accreditation for any valid reason or just cause.
7.244 The CFC International Council acts as the ultimate arbiter for any unresolved conflicts or disputes within the international CFC community, while preserving always the dispositions given by the universal legislation of the Church.
So, these are some of the Vatican approved Statutes.
* * * * *
Amended per inputs of the Pontifical for the Laity, March 1, 2005.
These Statutes, is in their original form, are deposited in the Archives of this Dicastery
From the Vatican, 25 April 2005
Signed and Sealed
GUZMAN CARRIQUIRY
Under-Secretary
